Read Chapter 19: — THE COUNCIL SEAT

A parish councillor resigned after moving away.

Within twenty-four hours, three people asked Martin to stand.

He refused each time.

"I build things. I don't do politics."

Rebecca laughed. "You spent twenty years persuading banks, planners, contractors, neighbours and buyers to accept your version of reality. What exactly do you think politics is?"

Martin still refused.

Then a proposal appeared to merge Willowbrook's remaining community services with a larger neighbouring parish. On paper it was efficient. In practice it would move meetings, transport support and youth activities seven miles away.

Arthur said, "First the school went. Then the shop. Then the bus. If the village office goes too, we become a postcode."

Martin stood.

His campaign was embarrassingly simple.

He promised no miracles. He published Sunward's community contributions, declared his business interests, and said the village should invest in work, housing, transport and care together rather than treating each problem separately.

He also admitted his bankruptcy history at the first public meeting before anyone could use it against him.

"I have made expensive mistakes," he said. "If you need a man who has never failed, do not vote for me. If you want someone who now reads the small print, I am available."

He won by eighteen votes.

Daniel congratulated him with the sympathy normally reserved for funerals.

"You've found a job that pays less than baskets and gets you shouted at more."

"Public service."

"Masochism."

Both were true.