A lot will depend on how the Councillors address the burning issue of this year, the economic downturn. Having said that, the Cons have a lot to answer for regarding the way they have dealt with the King Alfred project for one. It is too early to really determine what the deciding factors are going to be. Most voters tend to have short term memories when it comes to local elections.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin
Some current councillors might take the 2011 opportunity to bale out and declare - in memory of Patrick McGoohan - "I an not a number - I am free man!"
Mrs Poppadum says that there is consternation in the Town Hall at Cllr Anne Meadows' proposal that she run a Moulescoomb mafia by putting up her husband as a candidate in 2011 - and one of her children. The Labour high command is worried by this.
Several people on the Argus site are under the impression that the Councillors are already campaigning for the 2011 Election.
And somebody has pointed out that the Argus has re-routed the Ouse (the Argus editor defends this by trying to claim that the paper was following the river's 15th-century route!).
This article highlights the changing nature of poliitcs. Parties cannot rely on particular voters in particular areas. Micro societies are forming (even Greggs supporters?).
As the campaigning for this begins in a couple of months, how will Labour and the Conservatives also cope with a General Election when there is such a fall in members willing to campaign?