When choosing.. decide what kind of society you want to live in; decide what you think should be the economic and social priorities, i.e. what your personal manifesto is. Decide which issues are most important for you. Read the political parties' manifestos along with balanced reporting. Note your misgivings. If possible question the candidates and on the basis of the above make a reasoned choice.

In my opinion, if I were voting in local elections, my choice would be based on investment in social care services and support for the third sector rather than what expenses the incumbent MP has claimed.