I'm voting YES!
David Cameron today launched his Tory beliefs document, Built to Last, and with it a series of websites asking people to comment on various policy areas. This is what I have just posted on the public services site:
I am a state school teacher and a former Conservative PPC. We need to recognise that working conditions for teachers is as (or more) important than pay & conditions. School buildings, stress of inspections, behaviour management, classroom resources and time allowances all need to be addressed. Give us the tools and we'll do the job. Accept that the government was right on the Workload agreement but wrong on TLR - and work on ways to bring teaching & learning to the fore without shunning the pastoral duties of the teacher. The Conservatives are a growing force in educational thinking, let's be bold in our policies next time!
I think Dave is somewhere on the right ball park here, the document is well thought out and broad in tone. BBC's Nick Robinson doesn't miss out on the significance of some of what is said (MPH in a Tory document?!?) though I am sure that the cynical press will have a field day.<
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Worse than being canvassed in not being canvassed at all...
With great apologies to one blog reader from Sheffield who e-mail to protest that the only thing worse than being canvassed is not being canvassed...
Hi there. Read your article via Iain Dale's blog. Forgive my sarcasm; I
have a very good friend who stood as the Lib Dem candidate in East
Oxford and I've already harangued him at length with much the same
points*...
> Canvassing is one of Britain’s great political traditions. We live in
a country where a near stranger comes onto your land and asks you about
your civic right to vote in a secret ballot and then leaves to record
that information on a database. *
Or they don't, as the case may be.
*> In many countries, such as France and the USA, canvassing simply
isn’t done.*
In many parts of the UK it doesn't appear to be done either. Sheffield
Hillsborough, for example.
*> However, these days there seems to have been a culture shift. During
much of the previous 50 years not voting was frowned upon and even if
you didn’t vote you didn’t admit to it. Nowadays people wear the “non
voter” label like some kind of badge of honour. It’s almost as if some
of them say, “you can’t hold me responsible for the state of the nation
because I don’t vote.” *
I vote. I'd quite like the chance to discuss candidates' policies on the
doorstep. They just don't seem particularly bothered about bringing
themselves to me.
*> Rather like the curious argument that “I’m too old to vote” (no word
of a lie, people do say that) this is a bit of a cop-out. If people like
that gentleman had voted (plus 13 more), I’d have been their Councillor
for two years and I think things would have been different.
*
Rather like the curious argument that 'this constituency's going to be
won by Labour, so we won't bother even trying to win any votes there.'*
> Also there are the people who say they don’t vote but just lie. After
elections the parties are given what is called a “marked register” which
lists who did and didn’t vote. It doesn’t tell us how you voted, just if
you did or not. During the day 23 people told us that they never vote
but had done so only last May. We know that they almost certainly wanted
to hide the fact that they weren’t voting Conservatives (in fact the
common view is that people like that vote LibDem but are utterly ashamed
to admit it) but why feel the need to lie? Canvassers don’t attack and
if you tell the truth then we don’t come back.*
If, indeed, anyone ever came round in the first place.
*> If you say, “I might vote for you” when you don’t mean it, then we
will come back! *
Promise?... :)
*> In total, we met (no word of a lie) 136 people who said they weren’t
going to vote. That is more than the total number of pledges for Labour,
LibDems and Greens added together. It seems all politicians have more
work to do.
*
Yup. So knock on more doors!
*> During our Friday and Saturday canvassing sessions we came across a
variety of issues. Youth provision needs improvement and people want
real street policing to be re-introduced. Council tax is too high but,
sorry LibDems, there was no appetite to replace it with the
higher-charging Local Income Tax. Roads and speeding came up and also
the development at Three Score was a big concern.
*
Good stuff. At least people are telling you what they think.*
*
*> We got 2 new members, one new poster site and a collection of very
angry dogs.
*
:) I hated delivering to houses with dogs when I was helping to
distribute our Village Appraisal.
*> We saw one naked woman, one naked male UEA student, two babysitters,
three builders, three people unable to speak English, one person who
didn’t know what the Conservative Party is...*
..possibly because he'd never met anybody from it....
*
> two people clearly still drunk from the night before, two of my
ex-students, one Chairman of the Bowthorpe Labour Party, one Labour
Councillor, two domestic incidents, one police van, two cleaners from
the UEA and (amazingly) three people who claimed to work for the British
Nuclear Authority – all in different houses. All we need to do now is to
get them to vote.
*
Good luck!
With great apologies to one blog reader from Sheffield who e-mail to protest that the only thing worse than being canvassed is not being canvassed...
Hi there. Read your article via Iain Dale's blog. Forgive my sarcasm; I
have a very good friend who stood as the Lib Dem candidate in East
Oxford and I've already harangued him at length with much the same
points*...
> Canvassing is one of Britain’s great political traditions. We live in
a country where a near stranger comes onto your land and asks you about
your civic right to vote in a secret ballot and then leaves to record
that information on a database. *
Or they don't, as the case may be.
*> In many countries, such as France and the USA, canvassing simply
isn’t done.*
In many parts of the UK it doesn't appear to be done either. Sheffield
Hillsborough, for example.
*> However, these days there seems to have been a culture shift. During
much of the previous 50 years not voting was frowned upon and even if
you didn’t vote you didn’t admit to it. Nowadays people wear the “non
voter” label like some kind of badge of honour. It’s almost as if some
of them say, “you can’t hold me responsible for the state of the nation
because I don’t vote.” *
I vote. I'd quite like the chance to discuss candidates' policies on the
doorstep. They just don't seem particularly bothered about bringing
themselves to me.
*> Rather like the curious argument that “I’m too old to vote” (no word
of a lie, people do say that) this is a bit of a cop-out. If people like
that gentleman had voted (plus 13 more), I’d have been their Councillor
for two years and I think things would have been different.
*
Rather like the curious argument that 'this constituency's going to be
won by Labour, so we won't bother even trying to win any votes there.'*
> Also there are the people who say they don’t vote but just lie. After
elections the parties are given what is called a “marked register” which
lists who did and didn’t vote. It doesn’t tell us how you voted, just if
you did or not. During the day 23 people told us that they never vote
but had done so only last May. We know that they almost certainly wanted
to hide the fact that they weren’t voting Conservatives (in fact the
common view is that people like that vote LibDem but are utterly ashamed
to admit it) but why feel the need to lie? Canvassers don’t attack and
if you tell the truth then we don’t come back.*
If, indeed, anyone ever came round in the first place.
*> If you say, “I might vote for you” when you don’t mean it, then we
will come back! *
Promise?... :)
*> In total, we met (no word of a lie) 136 people who said they weren’t
going to vote. That is more than the total number of pledges for Labour,
LibDems and Greens added together. It seems all politicians have more
work to do.
*
Yup. So knock on more doors!
*> During our Friday and Saturday canvassing sessions we came across a
variety of issues. Youth provision needs improvement and people want
real street policing to be re-introduced. Council tax is too high but,
sorry LibDems, there was no appetite to replace it with the
higher-charging Local Income Tax. Roads and speeding came up and also
the development at Three Score was a big concern.
*
Good stuff. At least people are telling you what they think.*
*
*> We got 2 new members, one new poster site and a collection of very
angry dogs.
*
:) I hated delivering to houses with dogs when I was helping to
distribute our Village Appraisal.
*> We saw one naked woman, one naked male UEA student, two babysitters,
three builders, three people unable to speak English, one person who
didn’t know what the Conservative Party is...*
..possibly because he'd never met anybody from it....
*
> two people clearly still drunk from the night before, two of my
ex-students, one Chairman of the Bowthorpe Labour Party, one Labour
Councillor, two domestic incidents, one police van, two cleaners from
the UEA and (amazingly) three people who claimed to work for the British
Nuclear Authority – all in different houses. All we need to do now is to
get them to vote.
*
Good luck!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Tales from the Canvass Trail
Canvassing is one of Britain’s great political traditions. We live in a country where a near stranger comes onto your land and asks you about your civic right to vote in a secret ballot and then leaves to record that information on a database. In many countries, such as France and the USA, canvassing simply isn’t done. I think it is a great way of bringing the feet of politicians back down to earth. This month we’ve delivered a leaflet across the whole of Bowthorpe and Earlham and sent out roughly 5000 questionnaires. But nothing prepares you for the direct views of the population.
There are three groups of people who are, though, making life tough. The first are those people who simply won’t open their doors. I think that’s running at about 5% at the moment. They are in, the windows are open, the TV is blaring out and they ignore you.
Then there’s the next group, I think touching 10% who don’t care why you are there but want to be rid of you. One look at somebody they don’t recognise and it’s “no thank you,” then slam! Is that a “no thank you” to politics, the Conservative Party, me personally or simply anybody in the world you don’t yet know?
Lastly there are the group who tell you they simply won’t vote. Now I’ve never accepted the argument about not voting. The parties aren’t the same and yes your vote will make a difference (Labour majority in Bowthorpe and Earlham is 14 votes). However, these days there seems to have been a culture shift. During much of the previous 50 years not voting was frowned upon and even if you didn’t vote you didn’t admit to it. Nowadays people wear the “non voter” label like some kind of badge of honour. It’s almost as if some of them say, “you can’t hold me responsible for the state of the nation because I don’t vote.” Actually, it is those people I DO hold responsible for the state of the nation. As we went down the streets in West Earlham, two gents were washing a car. They enquired what we were doing (well, half a dozen people clutching clipboards and discussing what Thatcher would say about the state of the pavements in Earlham). When I explained who we were, they both said they never vote. Then one ventured the idea that no time or money was ever spent in Earlham whilst places such as Lakenham, Mile Cross and Marlpit get all the investment (never mind if this is true, it is what he thought). When I explained that if he felt like that he needed to change the people in charge – Labour have won the area since the 1960s – he said, “oh, no, voting’s not for me”. Rather like the curious argument that “I’m too old to vote” (no word of a lie, people do say that) this is a bit of a cop-out. If people like that gentleman had voted (plus 13 more), I’d have been their Councillor for two years and I think things would have been different. Also there are the people who say they don’t vote but just lie. After elections the parties are given what is called a “marked register” which lists who did and didn’t vote. It doesn’t tell us how you voted, just if you did or not. During the day 23 people told us that they never vote but had done so only last May. We know that they almost certainly wanted to hide the fact that they weren’t voting Conservatives (in fact the common view is that people like that vote LibDem but are utterly ashamed to admit it) but why feel the need to lie? Canvassers don’t attack and if you tell the truth then we don’t come back. If you say, “I might vote for you” when you don’t mean it, then we will come back! In total, we met (no word of a lie) 136 people who said they weren’t going to vote. That is more than the total number of pledges for Labour, LibDems and Greens added together. It seems all politicians have more work to do.
During our Friday and Saturday canvassing sessions we came across a variety of issues. Youth provision needs improvement and people want real street policing to be re-introduced. Council tax is too high but, sorry LibDems, there was no appetite to replace it with the higher-charging Local Income Tax. Roads and speeding came up and also the development at Three Score was a big concern.
We got 2 new members, one new poster site and a collection of very angry dogs.
We saw one naked woman, one naked male UEA student, two babysitters, three builders, three people unable to speak English, one person who didn’t know what the Conservative Party is, two people clearly still drunk from the night before, two of my ex-students, one Chairman of the Bowthorpe Labour Party, one Labour Councillor, two domestic incidents, one police van, two cleaners from the UEA and (amazingly) three people who claimed to work for the British Nuclear Authority – all in different houses.
All we need to do now is to get them to vote.
Canvassing is one of Britain’s great political traditions. We live in a country where a near stranger comes onto your land and asks you about your civic right to vote in a secret ballot and then leaves to record that information on a database. In many countries, such as France and the USA, canvassing simply isn’t done. I think it is a great way of bringing the feet of politicians back down to earth. This month we’ve delivered a leaflet across the whole of Bowthorpe and Earlham and sent out roughly 5000 questionnaires. But nothing prepares you for the direct views of the population.
There are three groups of people who are, though, making life tough. The first are those people who simply won’t open their doors. I think that’s running at about 5% at the moment. They are in, the windows are open, the TV is blaring out and they ignore you.
Then there’s the next group, I think touching 10% who don’t care why you are there but want to be rid of you. One look at somebody they don’t recognise and it’s “no thank you,” then slam! Is that a “no thank you” to politics, the Conservative Party, me personally or simply anybody in the world you don’t yet know?
Lastly there are the group who tell you they simply won’t vote. Now I’ve never accepted the argument about not voting. The parties aren’t the same and yes your vote will make a difference (Labour majority in Bowthorpe and Earlham is 14 votes). However, these days there seems to have been a culture shift. During much of the previous 50 years not voting was frowned upon and even if you didn’t vote you didn’t admit to it. Nowadays people wear the “non voter” label like some kind of badge of honour. It’s almost as if some of them say, “you can’t hold me responsible for the state of the nation because I don’t vote.” Actually, it is those people I DO hold responsible for the state of the nation. As we went down the streets in West Earlham, two gents were washing a car. They enquired what we were doing (well, half a dozen people clutching clipboards and discussing what Thatcher would say about the state of the pavements in Earlham). When I explained who we were, they both said they never vote. Then one ventured the idea that no time or money was ever spent in Earlham whilst places such as Lakenham, Mile Cross and Marlpit get all the investment (never mind if this is true, it is what he thought). When I explained that if he felt like that he needed to change the people in charge – Labour have won the area since the 1960s – he said, “oh, no, voting’s not for me”. Rather like the curious argument that “I’m too old to vote” (no word of a lie, people do say that) this is a bit of a cop-out. If people like that gentleman had voted (plus 13 more), I’d have been their Councillor for two years and I think things would have been different. Also there are the people who say they don’t vote but just lie. After elections the parties are given what is called a “marked register” which lists who did and didn’t vote. It doesn’t tell us how you voted, just if you did or not. During the day 23 people told us that they never vote but had done so only last May. We know that they almost certainly wanted to hide the fact that they weren’t voting Conservatives (in fact the common view is that people like that vote LibDem but are utterly ashamed to admit it) but why feel the need to lie? Canvassers don’t attack and if you tell the truth then we don’t come back. If you say, “I might vote for you” when you don’t mean it, then we will come back! In total, we met (no word of a lie) 136 people who said they weren’t going to vote. That is more than the total number of pledges for Labour, LibDems and Greens added together. It seems all politicians have more work to do.
During our Friday and Saturday canvassing sessions we came across a variety of issues. Youth provision needs improvement and people want real street policing to be re-introduced. Council tax is too high but, sorry LibDems, there was no appetite to replace it with the higher-charging Local Income Tax. Roads and speeding came up and also the development at Three Score was a big concern.
We got 2 new members, one new poster site and a collection of very angry dogs.
We saw one naked woman, one naked male UEA student, two babysitters, three builders, three people unable to speak English, one person who didn’t know what the Conservative Party is, two people clearly still drunk from the night before, two of my ex-students, one Chairman of the Bowthorpe Labour Party, one Labour Councillor, two domestic incidents, one police van, two cleaners from the UEA and (amazingly) three people who claimed to work for the British Nuclear Authority – all in different houses.
All we need to do now is to get them to vote.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
A LibDem mystery
Apparently the ballot paper for the LibDem Leadership lists the candidates names (as would, I suppose, any ballot paper) with one curious exception.
There is a surprise last minute candidature from CAMPBELL, Menzies.
Is he by some chance related to "elderly toff" (Labour MPs words, not mine) Sir Ming Campbell? Or is Sir Ming embarrassed by his knighthood fearing it might put off a large section of the left-wing of his own party?
Apparently the ballot paper for the LibDem Leadership lists the candidates names (as would, I suppose, any ballot paper) with one curious exception.
There is a surprise last minute candidature from CAMPBELL, Menzies.
Is he by some chance related to "elderly toff" (Labour MPs words, not mine) Sir Ming Campbell? Or is Sir Ming embarrassed by his knighthood fearing it might put off a large section of the left-wing of his own party?
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Following on from a LibDem defection in Suffolk to Cameron's Conservatives, news from Iain Dale's Diary is that Loughborough's LibDem candidate has switched to Labour now.
Why is it that LibDems struggle to keep hold of their defeated candidates? Or is it that those candidates, once defeated, choose to make a new political home where they can win?
Why is it that LibDems struggle to keep hold of their defeated candidates? Or is it that those candidates, once defeated, choose to make a new political home where they can win?
So the government did in fact get its ID card proposals through the Commons and with a half-decent majority too. This size victory was quite well known - if the government were really in trouble I think they'd have had good ol' Tone back from SA by hook or by crook (probably, given this government, the latter). He wouldn't want to see another piece of cornerstone legislation lost by a vote and miss voting himself! The BBC Reports 20 Labour rebels, and I fear the normal mix of lefty Bob Marshall-Andrews, former Cabinet supremo turned looney Clare Short and Hayes & Harlington's very own John McDonnell.
Today the big vote is on the smoking ban.
Today the big vote is on the smoking ban.
Monday, February 13, 2006
It’s been quite a week for poor ol’ Tony, currently stranded in South Africa. Tonight the government won a key vote on ID Cards, maybe because of the last minute appeal by co-Prime Minister and Chancellor Gordon Brown for rebels to shut up and get in line. One rather irate Westminster insider has been going around spouting off to anybody who’ll listen that Brown is about to accept a job switch to DPM, but I’m not sure I believe that. You might have though that following the slaughtering at Dunfermline that Brown would keep his head down, but apparently not! I suppose I’d better add congratulations to LibDems for that one, a good result for everybody who is anti-government. Can the Tories win any by-election? Probably, but the LibDems are now so good at it that they could started a distant eighth place with few votes than you need signatures on a nomination paper and still find a bar chart that proves that only they can win here! And they’d probably go on to do it! Over on pb.com one LibDem candidate in a by-election where the Tories score 70% to Labour’s 30% and no LibDem candidate asks how he can create a bar chart to spin that one! Answers in the comments section.
The LibDem leadership contest rumbles on, livened up only by random attacks on each other. Chris says it’s between Sir Ming and himself, Simon says it’s between Sir Ming and himself. Both Huhne and Hughes magic up YouGov polls to prove their point. One ex-colleague from Hillingdon Borough in West London tells me that Hughes “two horse race” predictions are worthless in the capital after he predicted that the last Mayoral election was between Red Ken and himself – before slumping to a pathetic third behind Tory “Shagger” Norris.
Locally we had our first major campaigning session out in West Earlham last Saturday. This has always been tough Tory-territory but the good result last time (we lost out by only 14 votes) is encouraging more and more Tories to get postal votes and pledge to vote this year. What is interesting is the number of people willing to listen to Cameron’s message – far more than last year. Labour are still ahead in the polling district but well down on where they were last year. We then spent the weekend in London seeing my new Nephew! Hurrah!
The LibDem leadership contest rumbles on, livened up only by random attacks on each other. Chris says it’s between Sir Ming and himself, Simon says it’s between Sir Ming and himself. Both Huhne and Hughes magic up YouGov polls to prove their point. One ex-colleague from Hillingdon Borough in West London tells me that Hughes “two horse race” predictions are worthless in the capital after he predicted that the last Mayoral election was between Red Ken and himself – before slumping to a pathetic third behind Tory “Shagger” Norris.
Locally we had our first major campaigning session out in West Earlham last Saturday. This has always been tough Tory-territory but the good result last time (we lost out by only 14 votes) is encouraging more and more Tories to get postal votes and pledge to vote this year. What is interesting is the number of people willing to listen to Cameron’s message – far more than last year. Labour are still ahead in the polling district but well down on where they were last year. We then spent the weekend in London seeing my new Nephew! Hurrah!
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Saturday, January 28, 2006
A week in politics
Simon Hughes and his bedroom activities aside, politics is returning to normal for those of us who can see beyond the LibDem Leadership contest.
First David Cameron takes a poll lead according to ICM, and then YouGov show him 1% behind Labour. Either way this is pretty good news for the Tory Leader as he seems to have shifted the party out of the 29-33% box and into the 38-39% one. Ideally to have a realistic majority at the next election we need to on 42% and 10% ahead of Labour so Cameron’s going in the right direction. What is interesting about the YouGov poll is that Labour have surged at the expense of the LibDems, who are just about fighting off minor parties with 13% of the vote.
Secondly campaigning is up and going from the Dunfermline & Fife by-election in Scotland. The row about job losses spilled over into the Commons this week too. The LibDems were second to Labour in this seat, with the SNP a close third and the Tories a rather distant third. What makes it more symbolic is that LibDem wannabe Sir Ming Campbell is one parliamentary neighbour and so is Chancellor Gordon Brown. The LibDems are trying to keep their shape despite a leaked letter showing them desperate just to keep second, let along win! Needless to say I’m back Tory candidate Dr Carrie. Nice!
Thirdly Peter Mandelson had made a scathing attack on Cameron by accusing him of being a carbon copy Tony Blair. Er, does that mean that even the Prince of Darkness will come out for Dave? Well, if it’s good enough for Sir Bob Geldof!
Also Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt demands health MOTs for everyone, Ann Widdecombe rejects a slot on strictly come dancing and Britain commits more troops to Afghanistan.
Simon Hughes and his bedroom activities aside, politics is returning to normal for those of us who can see beyond the LibDem Leadership contest.
First David Cameron takes a poll lead according to ICM, and then YouGov show him 1% behind Labour. Either way this is pretty good news for the Tory Leader as he seems to have shifted the party out of the 29-33% box and into the 38-39% one. Ideally to have a realistic majority at the next election we need to on 42% and 10% ahead of Labour so Cameron’s going in the right direction. What is interesting about the YouGov poll is that Labour have surged at the expense of the LibDems, who are just about fighting off minor parties with 13% of the vote.
Secondly campaigning is up and going from the Dunfermline & Fife by-election in Scotland. The row about job losses spilled over into the Commons this week too. The LibDems were second to Labour in this seat, with the SNP a close third and the Tories a rather distant third. What makes it more symbolic is that LibDem wannabe Sir Ming Campbell is one parliamentary neighbour and so is Chancellor Gordon Brown. The LibDems are trying to keep their shape despite a leaked letter showing them desperate just to keep second, let along win! Needless to say I’m back Tory candidate Dr Carrie. Nice!
Thirdly Peter Mandelson had made a scathing attack on Cameron by accusing him of being a carbon copy Tony Blair. Er, does that mean that even the Prince of Darkness will come out for Dave? Well, if it’s good enough for Sir Bob Geldof!
Also Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt demands health MOTs for everyone, Ann Widdecombe rejects a slot on strictly come dancing and Britain commits more troops to Afghanistan.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
LibDem response
As I have said on a comment here, I don't believe that voters really make political judgements on individuals like Mr Kennedy, Lord McNally or Mr Oaten. However they do help (like the Tories in the 90s) to form a general opinion of a party. The LibDems always saw themselves as above party politics and I fear that is no longer true. However, quite rightly, both the Sunday papers and the politics programmes today granted Mr Oaten his wish to sort out his issues in private. That is except the News of the World of course who go way over the top. Both Sir Ming and Chris Huhne have been exceptionally gracious in their response - I have heard nothing yet from Simon Hughes. The on-line community is always the worst on these occassions and I urge readers to get their news from Iain Dale rather than the vast number of annonymous nay-sayers who inhabit the world wide web.
As I have said on a comment here, I don't believe that voters really make political judgements on individuals like Mr Kennedy, Lord McNally or Mr Oaten. However they do help (like the Tories in the 90s) to form a general opinion of a party. The LibDems always saw themselves as above party politics and I fear that is no longer true. However, quite rightly, both the Sunday papers and the politics programmes today granted Mr Oaten his wish to sort out his issues in private. That is except the News of the World of course who go way over the top. Both Sir Ming and Chris Huhne have been exceptionally gracious in their response - I have heard nothing yet from Simon Hughes. The on-line community is always the worst on these occassions and I urge readers to get their news from Iain Dale rather than the vast number of annonymous nay-sayers who inhabit the world wide web.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Another political day
A bizarre day all round really.
Firstly I receive a consumer questionnaire about the treatment I received whilst in an ambulance and A&E (following a nasty foot and tree-root related accident). The NHS is not a profit company and whilst I appreciate that they appreciate my views why should taxpayers (yes, Ms Hewitt, taxpayers) money be spent on this? To prove government targets perchance? Why isn’t the cost of the lovely glossy letter, survey and reply-paid envelope going into actual front line care?
Then Mark Oaten quits as LibDem Home Affairs Spokesman for “personal errors” without saying what they are. Hmmm…
UPDATE: Sky News reports it has something to do with a rent boy.
UPDATED UPDATE: Mark Oaten has confirmed he has had affairs with a 23-year-old rent boy in 2004 and 2005, which included 3 in a bed sex. Source: Sky News Website
A bizarre day all round really.
Firstly I receive a consumer questionnaire about the treatment I received whilst in an ambulance and A&E (following a nasty foot and tree-root related accident). The NHS is not a profit company and whilst I appreciate that they appreciate my views why should taxpayers (yes, Ms Hewitt, taxpayers) money be spent on this? To prove government targets perchance? Why isn’t the cost of the lovely glossy letter, survey and reply-paid envelope going into actual front line care?
Then Mark Oaten quits as LibDem Home Affairs Spokesman for “personal errors” without saying what they are. Hmmm…
UPDATE: Sky News reports it has something to do with a rent boy.
UPDATED UPDATE: Mark Oaten has confirmed he has had affairs with a 23-year-old rent boy in 2004 and 2005, which included 3 in a bed sex. Source: Sky News Website
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Sad News
It is my sad duty to report that my favourite LibDem MP, Birmingham City Councillor and one-time media "love rat" John Hemming has pulled out of the race to be LibDem Leader. It was almost worth the £6 joining fee to vote for him.
Politics Exam
The poor soulds who make up my politics class suffered their exam last Wednesday (my birthday, as it happens). They came out full of cheer but I thought the exam was either too narrow or too broad. For example, they were asked in what ways Blairism has its roots in Thatcherism (err, can that fit in one essay?!?) and also to assess the disadvantages of the Additional Member System.
It is my sad duty to report that my favourite LibDem MP, Birmingham City Councillor and one-time media "love rat" John Hemming has pulled out of the race to be LibDem Leader. It was almost worth the £6 joining fee to vote for him.
Politics Exam
The poor soulds who make up my politics class suffered their exam last Wednesday (my birthday, as it happens). They came out full of cheer but I thought the exam was either too narrow or too broad. For example, they were asked in what ways Blairism has its roots in Thatcherism (err, can that fit in one essay?!?) and also to assess the disadvantages of the Additional Member System.
LibDem Leadership udate
So the LibDem Leadership contest rolls on with little to no media coverage at all. The only people concerned are the bloggers and the LibDem enthusiast (a dwindling bunch). Without a major punch up it is likely to be off the radar until the announcement. And judging by the contest and the Sky News debate that isn’t likely to happen any time soon. So Ming is going to scrap his gas guzzling car, Hughes isn’t gay, Oaten doesn’t like taxing as much as he used to when in Kennedy’s team and people finally know what Chris Huhne is. Hardly the stuff of legend.
Still, all candidates have now launched leadership websites:
Simon Hughes
Mark Oaten
Chris Huhne
Sir Ming Campbell
No site sets my world on fire but at least they are trying. The LibDems tend to be so much better about internet campaigning than any other party – they’ve even launched their Dunfermline & Fife by-election campaign on the web – so it is good to see the trend continue.
I’ve always said that the LibDems need to make a tough choice between their Liberal and SDP roots and yet they seem to be on the verge of choosing the only candidate (Ming) who continues to believe that they can fight the next election still not defining themselves. Hello? David Cameron has stolen not so much the march as the entire calendar on LibDem issues such as the environment, climate change and world poverty and yet Ming really believes that simply by being Ming that he can continue to control that political ground. Hardly, I’m afraid, Ming. LibDem friends of mine who are leaning towards Ming I have warned. He’ll be a short-term choice to put off that tough decision. I can see why Hughes appeals to the sandal brigade, why Oaten appeals to young people and why the almost unknown Huhne appeals with that Cameron factor.
One Norwich LibDem Councillor told me he’d be voting for Ming because it was the vote that required least though and offended least people. Says it all really.
So the LibDem Leadership contest rolls on with little to no media coverage at all. The only people concerned are the bloggers and the LibDem enthusiast (a dwindling bunch). Without a major punch up it is likely to be off the radar until the announcement. And judging by the contest and the Sky News debate that isn’t likely to happen any time soon. So Ming is going to scrap his gas guzzling car, Hughes isn’t gay, Oaten doesn’t like taxing as much as he used to when in Kennedy’s team and people finally know what Chris Huhne is. Hardly the stuff of legend.
Still, all candidates have now launched leadership websites:
Simon Hughes
Mark Oaten
Chris Huhne
Sir Ming Campbell
No site sets my world on fire but at least they are trying. The LibDems tend to be so much better about internet campaigning than any other party – they’ve even launched their Dunfermline & Fife by-election campaign on the web – so it is good to see the trend continue.
I’ve always said that the LibDems need to make a tough choice between their Liberal and SDP roots and yet they seem to be on the verge of choosing the only candidate (Ming) who continues to believe that they can fight the next election still not defining themselves. Hello? David Cameron has stolen not so much the march as the entire calendar on LibDem issues such as the environment, climate change and world poverty and yet Ming really believes that simply by being Ming that he can continue to control that political ground. Hardly, I’m afraid, Ming. LibDem friends of mine who are leaning towards Ming I have warned. He’ll be a short-term choice to put off that tough decision. I can see why Hughes appeals to the sandal brigade, why Oaten appeals to young people and why the almost unknown Huhne appeals with that Cameron factor.
One Norwich LibDem Councillor told me he’d be voting for Ming because it was the vote that required least though and offended least people. Says it all really.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Organising Labour's first Shadow Cabinet
News reaches my shell like of a probably government re-shuffle tomorrow. Charlie Clarke’s number two – the wonderful Hazel Blears - is likely to become the Cabinet Office Minister, filling a vacancy left open since December. Personally I believe if a government job isn’t done for 4 weeks and nobody notices it should be abolished. Hmmm, like Deputy Prime Minister then? The recent embarrassment over the Hewitt school’s employment of a rather shady character has led to question marks over Ms Kelly’s future too. I have the personal interest of living a few doors away from the Hewitt School, but feel that Blair likes him cabinet wimmin so much she’ll hold on. Despite being useless. The greatest untapped source of female talent within the Labour Party, since the departure of Peterborough’s Helen Clark, is that of Caroline Flint. Ding dong, a minister in knee-high leather boots? Roar! Seriously though, a talent for David Miliband’s first shadow cabinet me thinks.
News reaches my shell like of a probably government re-shuffle tomorrow. Charlie Clarke’s number two – the wonderful Hazel Blears - is likely to become the Cabinet Office Minister, filling a vacancy left open since December. Personally I believe if a government job isn’t done for 4 weeks and nobody notices it should be abolished. Hmmm, like Deputy Prime Minister then? The recent embarrassment over the Hewitt school’s employment of a rather shady character has led to question marks over Ms Kelly’s future too. I have the personal interest of living a few doors away from the Hewitt School, but feel that Blair likes him cabinet wimmin so much she’ll hold on. Despite being useless. The greatest untapped source of female talent within the Labour Party, since the departure of Peterborough’s Helen Clark, is that of Caroline Flint. Ding dong, a minister in knee-high leather boots? Roar! Seriously though, a talent for David Miliband’s first shadow cabinet me thinks.
Little's choice: It's Hemming for Leader (as long as Opik doesn't stand)
The Tories could teach the LibDems a few things about how to run a leadership campaign. With the Tories, more or less every MP declares themselves a candidate before dropping out when they realise then either any of their colleagues or even their own spouse supports them. Who remembers the idea that Alan Duncan, David Willetts or Sir Malcolm Rifkind should run??? With the LibDems you have a lot of very honest “I’ll stand if he/she doesn’t” or “If nobody else does then I will”. Ming does sound like the only one who wants it at the moment – except of course Birmingham’s LibDem MP John Hemming, who is now touting for support. For what it’s worth from a would-be Tory candidate I fully support Hemmings campaign to be the LibDem Leader. You can sign up on this unofficial blog!
The Tories could teach the LibDems a few things about how to run a leadership campaign. With the Tories, more or less every MP declares themselves a candidate before dropping out when they realise then either any of their colleagues or even their own spouse supports them. Who remembers the idea that Alan Duncan, David Willetts or Sir Malcolm Rifkind should run??? With the LibDems you have a lot of very honest “I’ll stand if he/she doesn’t” or “If nobody else does then I will”. Ming does sound like the only one who wants it at the moment – except of course Birmingham’s LibDem MP John Hemming, who is now touting for support. For what it’s worth from a would-be Tory candidate I fully support Hemmings campaign to be the LibDem Leader. You can sign up on this unofficial blog!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Blog off!
On much more of an important note I am most fed up with posts to this blog coming from various Americans promoting their own blogs! You know the sort, they read something like:
”Hi, I was searching for a blog about the length of a sheep’s bladder, when I stumbled across your blog. It’s so well written – and so funny! I have my own blog, it’s about the history of fire stations in nineteenth century Walsall.”
Does anybody have any idea how to stop this as the five seconds it takes me to delete each one is five seconds I could be dedicated to removing this discredited New Labour government, crushing the LibDems and promoting the wonderfulness of Dave Cameron and his glorious team of super-Tories.
On much more of an important note I am most fed up with posts to this blog coming from various Americans promoting their own blogs! You know the sort, they read something like:
”Hi, I was searching for a blog about the length of a sheep’s bladder, when I stumbled across your blog. It’s so well written – and so funny! I have my own blog, it’s about the history of fire stations in nineteenth century Walsall.”
Does anybody have any idea how to stop this as the five seconds it takes me to delete each one is five seconds I could be dedicated to removing this discredited New Labour government, crushing the LibDems and promoting the wonderfulness of Dave Cameron and his glorious team of super-Tories.
Kennedy quits as LibDem Leader
So farewell then, Charles Kennedy.
I am probably not the best person in the world to judge this because I have never liked Kennedy and feel that the manner in which he conducted his own bodged resignation says a lot. I have never understood why people called him funny or personable. In fact, on occasions, I found no hint of personality at all. You have to credit him his success – 62 seats in 2005 was pretty good, although not what all LibDems thought they would get. I wondered if, when Simon Hughes broke ranks and said he was disappointed by the 05 poll campaign result, that was the start of the end.
The Mail on Sunday goes for Sir Ming quite viciously today and various candidates, including the wonderfully ludicrous John Hemming, gear up their leadership campaign. The (one) good thing about the LibDem campaign is that when you vote-swap, any candidate can stand without the risk of taking supporters from other candidates. For example, people said that Sir Malcolm Rifkind would harm Ken Clarke’s (ill-fated) chances. If Oaten stood he wouldn’t harm another candidate because his supporters have a #2 vote.
Other political news is quite sad. Tony Banks, former Labour MP and a parliamentary hero of mine, is nearing death. Also Rachel Squire, Labour MP for Dunfirmline and West Fife has died. And would you believe it, according to the BBC the LibDems have started telephone canvassing already!
So farewell then, Charles Kennedy.
I am probably not the best person in the world to judge this because I have never liked Kennedy and feel that the manner in which he conducted his own bodged resignation says a lot. I have never understood why people called him funny or personable. In fact, on occasions, I found no hint of personality at all. You have to credit him his success – 62 seats in 2005 was pretty good, although not what all LibDems thought they would get. I wondered if, when Simon Hughes broke ranks and said he was disappointed by the 05 poll campaign result, that was the start of the end.
The Mail on Sunday goes for Sir Ming quite viciously today and various candidates, including the wonderfully ludicrous John Hemming, gear up their leadership campaign. The (one) good thing about the LibDem campaign is that when you vote-swap, any candidate can stand without the risk of taking supporters from other candidates. For example, people said that Sir Malcolm Rifkind would harm Ken Clarke’s (ill-fated) chances. If Oaten stood he wouldn’t harm another candidate because his supporters have a #2 vote.
Other political news is quite sad. Tony Banks, former Labour MP and a parliamentary hero of mine, is nearing death. Also Rachel Squire, Labour MP for Dunfirmline and West Fife has died. And would you believe it, according to the BBC the LibDems have started telephone canvassing already!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
First thoughs on Kennedy, Opik, Oaten and the LibDem farce
Is Lembit Opik now officially the stupidest man in politics? His performance on the ITV news at 6.30 must suggest he is.
Charles Kennedy has been caught out by an ITV investigation into his drinking problem. That is awful and as somebody who has seen the problems of alcohol abuse close up I sympathise with him. But this rubber statement (he was bounced into it) and the inevitability of the leadership contest is the surest sign that he is politically dead, no matter what the result.
Lembit, of course, leaps to him aid suggesting this was the kind of masterful, brave leadership that demonstrates why CK is best for the job. Hmmm. Maybe not. Kennedy must be feeling gutted that he was forced into this and must be holding his breath about the leadership vote. Unlike the Tories – who got a yes or no in IDS before other challengers emerged – Kennedy has the buffer of waiting for an MP to stand up to the plate. Oaten has chickened out (quelle surprise), so will Campbell, Hughes or A.N.Other have more guts? Don’t believe it, the LibDems are the most gutless of all political parties.
Iain Dale believes that Kennedy remaining leader best serves the Tories. I am unsure, as I can see Hughes driving thousands of people our way.
So let’s recap…
Kennedy had a drink problem (so what?) but lied about it. Just under half his senior team wants him out plus thousands more in an online petition. Now’s the time to be tying yourself to his coat straps, Lembit.
If CK had any political antennae, he’d resign and allow a full field of candidates, instead of forcing the weak willed Oaten and Opik to back him. This is not a Cameron moment for the LibDems and it never will be.
Is Lembit Opik now officially the stupidest man in politics? His performance on the ITV news at 6.30 must suggest he is.
Charles Kennedy has been caught out by an ITV investigation into his drinking problem. That is awful and as somebody who has seen the problems of alcohol abuse close up I sympathise with him. But this rubber statement (he was bounced into it) and the inevitability of the leadership contest is the surest sign that he is politically dead, no matter what the result.
Lembit, of course, leaps to him aid suggesting this was the kind of masterful, brave leadership that demonstrates why CK is best for the job. Hmmm. Maybe not. Kennedy must be feeling gutted that he was forced into this and must be holding his breath about the leadership vote. Unlike the Tories – who got a yes or no in IDS before other challengers emerged – Kennedy has the buffer of waiting for an MP to stand up to the plate. Oaten has chickened out (quelle surprise), so will Campbell, Hughes or A.N.Other have more guts? Don’t believe it, the LibDems are the most gutless of all political parties.
Iain Dale believes that Kennedy remaining leader best serves the Tories. I am unsure, as I can see Hughes driving thousands of people our way.
So let’s recap…
Kennedy had a drink problem (so what?) but lied about it. Just under half his senior team wants him out plus thousands more in an online petition. Now’s the time to be tying yourself to his coat straps, Lembit.
If CK had any political antennae, he’d resign and allow a full field of candidates, instead of forcing the weak willed Oaten and Opik to back him. This is not a Cameron moment for the LibDems and it never will be.
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