Faces change but Doris’ vote is always the same

WHEN the postal vote dropped through the letter box of Doris Manning’s Hartburn home, in Stockton, she did not think twice as to who would get her vote.

“Conservatives,” she said confidently. “It always has been and always will be.”

Without hesitation, the cross was marked firmly against the name of James Wharton, the Conservative candidate for Stockton South.

She did not need to watch television debates, check the latest online polls or read up on the manifestos to make her decision.

“The Labour people have made such a mess of this country, we have got to get the Conservatives back into power,” she said.

“I’ve always voted for the Conservatives, and have done this time. I think David Cameron will keep the promises he has made.

“I can’t get out to the polling station these days, but it is important that I still cast my vote.”

Keen artist Mrs Manning, who has had her work exhibited in London and Paris, has voted at every General Election since 1929, as this was the first time women under 30 were given the right.

She moved to Teesside from London with her late husband John, a chemist for ICI, in 1931.

During her time in London she visited the House of Commons and also met former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin.

Mrs Manning believes her family’s Conservative background – her mother was a member of the party – is the reason for her political allegiance.

“My mother and father both voted for the Conservatives and so I did too,” she said.

“My daughter who lives across the road keeps telling me she will vote Labour. I don’t know whether she is being serious, but I don’t mind. It is her choice and that is what matters.”

Mrs Manning does not expect everyone to vote for the Conservatives. She would just like to see people vote.

“It is very important that people vote,” she said. “It annoys me when young people don’t because it is so easy to have your say.

“We have been given the right to vote and we should."