Last updated 15:54, Wednesday, 02 April 2008

STRONG rumours reached our newsdesk this week that the government might be gearing up for a General Election next spring. Gordon Brown must certainly be watching closely to see if the economic feel good factor continues to decline as we head into 2009.

But if the politicians do opt for a 2009 vote there could be a very messy clash at the polling booths. For the county council and European elections are already timetabled for next spring.

Are we heading for the sort of voter chaos that hit the recent Scottish poll when electors were given their pencils and had to vote from dozens of candidates in two different elections?