With local elections taking place tomorrow – May 4 – election promises from candidates for Brightlingsea Town and Tendring District councils will by now have landed on your doormat and been read with interest or consigned to the recycling bin.

But with artificial intelligence – AI – much in the news, we wondered: what would a computer-generated candidate’s manifesto look like?

So we asked ChatGPT to write an election manifesto for a Brightlingsea councillor. Here’s what it said:

“I am excited to present my election manifesto as a candidate for Brightlingsea council. As a long-time resident of this wonderful town, I understand the challenges that we face and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to working towards a brighter future for our community.

Here are some of the key areas that I would focus on as a Brightlingsea councillor:

Improving Local Services: Our town depends on many essential services, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. As a councillor, I would work to ensure that these services are adequately funded and remain accessible to everyone. I would also work towards improving the quality of these services to meet the needs of our community.

Promoting Community Engagement: Our community is what makes Brightlingsea special. As a councillor, I would encourage more engagement with our residents, including more community events, meetings, and forums. I would work towards creating a stronger sense of community and promoting the involvement of our residents in local decision-making.

Supporting Local Businesses: Our local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. As a councillor, I would work to support them by promoting them through various channels, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive, and ensuring that they receive adequate support from the council.

Addressing Environmental Issues: Climate change is a significant challenge facing our town and the world at large. As a councillor, I would work towards reducing our carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and protecting our environment. I would encourage the use of renewable energy, promote energy-efficient buildings, and work towards reducing waste.

Enhancing Local Infrastructure: Our town’s infrastructure is essential to our well-being. As a councillor, I would work towards improving our roads, public transportation, and other essential services to make them more accessible and efficient. I would also work towards enhancing the facilities available for our local community, including parks, playgrounds, and community centres.

I strongly believe that these five areas are crucial for the growth and prosperity of our town. As your Brightlingsea councillor, I would work tirelessly towards achieving these goals. I promise to be your voice and represent you to the best of my abilities.

I ask for your vote in the upcoming election. Together, we can make Brightlingsea a better place to live, work, and thrive.”

Better or worse than the real candidates’ pledges? That’s for you to decide – but if nothing else, we reckon ChatGPT has learned how to speak politician…

Polling Stations

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm. There are three in Brightlingsea, at the Colne School, the United Church in Chapel Road and the Community Centre. Your polling card will tell you which one to go to.

Don’t forget that for the first time you’ll need photo ID to vote. Don’t let that put you off!

Candidates for Brightlingsea Town Council (S=sitting councillor):

• David Alan Atkinson – Independent
• Mick Barry – Independent (S)
• John Anthony Carr – Conservative Party Candidate (S)
• Jayne Beverley Chapman – Independent (S)
• Mat Court – Independent (S)
• Sim Hawkins – Independent (S)
• Jean Margaret Howard – Independent
• Mick Judson – Independent (S)
• Beverley Ann Lillian Maltby (S)
• Ric Morgan – Conservative Party Candidate (S)
• Chris Paveley – Independent
• Ben Smith – Independent (S)
• Graham David Steady – Independent (S)
• Sue Walsh – Independent

Candidates for Tendring District Council:

• Mick Barry – Independent (S)
• Jenna Susan Barton – Labour Party
• John Anthony Carr – Conservative Party Candidate
• Jayne Beverley Chapman – Independent (S)
• Mat Court – Independent
• Nigel Graham Dyson – Conservative Party Candidate
• Ben Harvey – Green Party
• James Robert David Jefferies – Liberal Democrats
• Bobby McWilliams – Conservative Party Candidate
• Stuart David Morgan – Liberal Democrats
• Harry Prosser – Labour Party
• Margaret Saunders – Labour Party
• Graham David Steady – Independent (S)