I decided to run as an Independent in the Shrub End by election because I was unhappy that the estate I grew up on was about to become a political battle ground, used for political point scoring - I feared my neighbours would be lost in the shuffle.

I’m interested in politics and follow many Colchester accounts on Twitter.

I’d like to tell you it’s all friendly interactions and open debate on all manner of subjects relating to Colchester, but that's so far removed from the truth it’s laughable.

A simple example; Will Quince offers tours of Parliament in his own time for his constituents. When he advertises the fact online without fail, he is insulted and the politest reply on the last tweet called him a glorified tour guide.

These tours are open to all, but without fail seem to cause outrage to his political counterparts.

If you act outraged by everything, nothing is outrageous and people learn not to take you seriously.

When a debate is to be had, it's hard to engage sensibly with those so willing to resort to hurling insults and abuse.

My point is absolutism in politics stifles debate and fuels division. Something all sides can be guilty of.

Colchester Twitter is littered with idle or suspended accounts of councillors and commentators who flew to close to the sun. They've been hounded away or embarrassed themselves with comments they made in the heat of the moment.

The idea of this circus descending on Shrub End led me to look into how easy it is to get on the ballot.

IT'S SO EASY.

A form with ten signatures and a trip to Rowan House was all it took. That's it.

You can speak directly to the people involved in running our town. No one cared what I had to say until I added my name to the ballot and overnight I had a platform and a chance to shake the hands of those I disagree with and have a real conversation.

They couldn’t run or hit the block button. A Twitter troll come to life!

I have so much respect for all the main party candidates having been through the process I now know how much pressure was put on them.

I met some great people, I had fun, I got to see how the system works and I did my best to keep Shrub End central to the conversation.

Mike Clark, independent candidate for Shrub End
Devon Road, Colchester