This is probably the most important general election in my lifetime and I have to admit for the first time ever I feel politically homeless.

As the campaigning circus for the next general election gathers momentum, and the leaflets float through the letterbox like confetti with lists of promises as long as the proverbial Hokey Cokey, we could be forgiven for thinking that the last three years were just a bad dream.

The NHS and immigration were the things that most concerned us as voters settled in for the 2015 general election and thoughts about what to do the EU were just another of many Conservative rants which we all hoped would be locked in a bottom draw somewhere as we got on with our lives.

Now, a referendum and one more general election in 2017 later thanks to Parliament’s incompetence and indecision, the UK’s departure from the EU is a huge issue.

Politicians within both main parties are split.

Some want to leave the EU, some would prefer another referendum and others want to cancel Brexit altogether.

However one would like to think this election is not all about Brexit but it probably will be as the huge cost to the country in leaving will have a direct bearing on how much is in the kitty for all those political “hand outs” we are being enticed with.

Nobody seems to have correlated the clear relationship between the two.

Manifestos are spinning off the printing press with irrational, undeliverable promises of spend, spend, spend, improve and grow everything from the economy to defence and policing.

The NHS and social care are likely to be a key battleground with both main parties (Labour and Conservative) vowing to spend billions to improve the long-term future of the NHS.

The old school has returned with promises to Nationalise everything from our mobile phones to Strictly Come dancing - it’s (like Strictly) quite breathtaking!

One (political) way or the other, it doesn't take a crystal ball to predict a large rise in Government spending, after the election, whichever party wins – assuming they keep their promises.

BLUE OR RED!

Conservatives – they’ve had their chance and deserve oblivion for the appalling mess they’ve got us into during their tenure.

As for the lies and deceit, well that’s another story.

Labour – technically they are my only choice if I want to kick the Conservatives out but my trust in their leader and his ability is non-existent.

Many wealthy he seems to despise have come from humble beginnings and now contribute significantly to our economy and our employment.

Not an aspirational party for those who want to improve their lot in life as many do.

Lib/Dems - I have sympathies with some of their policies, but do I trust them with my vote?

But they, with the SNP, could hold the balance of power, at the cost of breaking up the union.

Or would that just create another indecisive parliament like the one we’ve just had!?

I repeat, I am politically homeless.

Eileen Grout

Cirencester