Another brick in the wall
Congratulations to Sir Ming Campbell for his impressive majority in the LibDem Leadership election. I wondered how foolish Simon Hughes feels after another public declaration of “I’m on the verge of winning” (a la the London Mayoralty) only to be crushed. Anyway, now all eyes turn to the Campbell leadership.
The man most pleased is, of course, David Cameron because the LibDems have chosen somebody that nobody under 55 could vote for. Sir Ming is a well-respected authority on foreign affairs but lacks the dynamism to be a forceful political leader. Pleasingly my colleagues all seem to agree, and the LibDem voters amongst them seem most angry with this choice. I always said that voting Sir Ming simply puts off the Orange Book Liberal versus SDP choice that the party must make for another few years and so it does.
Cue the bookies lengthening the odds on a LibDem victory at the next election and, more surprisingly, the decision of senior frontbencher Norman Baker to quit. Mr Baker has been the Environment Spokesman (and a jolly effective one too) for many years and claims he wants to spend more time being a constituency MP. Huh? Norman’s majority in his Sussex seat is one of the biggest in the country! Anyway, there is some speculation around Westminster that he has jumped before he was pushed as apparently Mr Huhne has his eyes on the Environment portfolio.
Compare the media hype, the opinion poll jump and the unity that surrounded Dave Cameron’s victory to that of Sir Ming’s.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
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.<
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 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.
Monday, January 02, 2006
LibDem Coconuts
Today I finally had to succumb to the dreaded sales, although Riverside wasn’t too bad. This afternoon I spent brainstorming ideas for school, but mostly watching season 6 of the West Wing. Gripping! Although the thought of it without Leo is scary. Why have they only taken 6 seasons to do 8 years?
Also spent much time preparing stuff for my AS Politics group – their exam is on Wednesday 11th January. So stop reading this and start revising!
I was mugged by an old friend and LibDem activists today who spent much time bleating on about how my blog is giving away too much information! The question I posed is: where will the LibDems actually win in May? He said just one ward is considered safe. A coconut for the correct guess.
Today I finally had to succumb to the dreaded sales, although Riverside wasn’t too bad. This afternoon I spent brainstorming ideas for school, but mostly watching season 6 of the West Wing. Gripping! Although the thought of it without Leo is scary. Why have they only taken 6 seasons to do 8 years?
Also spent much time preparing stuff for my AS Politics group – their exam is on Wednesday 11th January. So stop reading this and start revising!
I was mugged by an old friend and LibDem activists today who spent much time bleating on about how my blog is giving away too much information! The question I posed is: where will the LibDems actually win in May? He said just one ward is considered safe. A coconut for the correct guess.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
In the interests of political balance – and so that every entry isn’t about another wonderful Cameron strategy or the crushing failure of Charles Kennedy’s so-called leadership – I have been trying to search out a government initiative or action to report on. I searched for much time and, apart from Blair’s holiday trip and Hain’s intellectual deficit on the NI Peace Process, there is nothing happening. So, once again, Cameron wisely fills the political vacuum.
For those of you still unsure about the tactical supremacy currently sweeping CCHQ, look at today’s issues. Tory Leader blasts Brown in a nasty personal attack – and then quotes Ghandi in his New Year message and declares himself for consensus. Tory Leader calls on Blair to get on with it and quit – and then makes six new policy statements, including poverty, climate change and the environment (the other 3 are the NHS, police reform and the economy for those who care). So whilst the Conservatives bite with one hand they reach out in a New Year gesture of peace with the other. Brilliant – modernisers happy, traditionalists happy.
Now take a look at the press today. Obviously I read all the Tory press, but it is worth noting. David Cameron has written a two-page spread for the Mail on Sunday declaring that he is moving on from Thatcherism. He has done an interview with the Sunday Times about new shifts in policy. He has a leader and front page story in the Sunday Torygraph about his leadership. Plus CCHQ have taken out a full page advert in the Sunday Torygraph today also. Our Dave clearly believes people have a lot of intelligence – the ad was meant to be a recruitment drive but only included a web address for people to sign up. No telephone number or coupon? That’s how much we trust people!
Whatever the rights and wrongs (and I personally I believe it is right) Cameron is making the political agenda. The fact that we have annoyed people like Peter Hichens is great news. Useless Tories? Just check the next opinion poll…
p.s. Have found some government news – apparently Prescott, a helicopter and a long lens camera. Doesn’t bear thinking about.
For those of you still unsure about the tactical supremacy currently sweeping CCHQ, look at today’s issues. Tory Leader blasts Brown in a nasty personal attack – and then quotes Ghandi in his New Year message and declares himself for consensus. Tory Leader calls on Blair to get on with it and quit – and then makes six new policy statements, including poverty, climate change and the environment (the other 3 are the NHS, police reform and the economy for those who care). So whilst the Conservatives bite with one hand they reach out in a New Year gesture of peace with the other. Brilliant – modernisers happy, traditionalists happy.
Now take a look at the press today. Obviously I read all the Tory press, but it is worth noting. David Cameron has written a two-page spread for the Mail on Sunday declaring that he is moving on from Thatcherism. He has done an interview with the Sunday Times about new shifts in policy. He has a leader and front page story in the Sunday Torygraph about his leadership. Plus CCHQ have taken out a full page advert in the Sunday Torygraph today also. Our Dave clearly believes people have a lot of intelligence – the ad was meant to be a recruitment drive but only included a web address for people to sign up. No telephone number or coupon? That’s how much we trust people!
Whatever the rights and wrongs (and I personally I believe it is right) Cameron is making the political agenda. The fact that we have annoyed people like Peter Hichens is great news. Useless Tories? Just check the next opinion poll…
p.s. Have found some government news – apparently Prescott, a helicopter and a long lens camera. Doesn’t bear thinking about.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Just as good ol’ Dave Cameron starts to hog the all-important mid festive season headlines, knackered old Charlie Kennedy decides to hurl himself at the press super-star destroyer and battle to save his so-called leadership. Apparently some rather annoyed LibDem candidate has launched a web petition to sack Kennedy and rather a lot of LibDem members have signed it – thousands upon thousands. Then it is revealed that 400 or so of which are elected councillors. Oh dear. However, instead of ignoring the rantings of a LibDem malcontent, Mr Kennedy decided to make himself the BBC’s number 2 story by attacking his own party. Curious still is his defence. Kennedy says that the petition of his own members in no more worthy than an attack by, say, Labour or the Tories. Yet the attack comes from within his own party. Also a LibDem unnamed frontbencher says he better be gone by New Year or there’ll be a vote of no confidence.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
David Cameron’s decision to ask Sir Bob Geldof to be an advisor to the Conservative Party on the issue of global poverty was an interesting one. It has certainly upset Mr Blair, who has always treated the world of celebrity as his fiefdom, and is a very clever piece of media positioning. However I do fear a major elephant traps wait in the long term.
Sir Bob told the BBC News 24 today that he would speak his mind and, of necessary, oppose the policy that the Tories come out with if he doesn’t agree with it – i.e. if it isn’t his policy. I fear Sir Bob will accept nothing less than his point of view. We may have the tide behind us now, but what if Sir Bob is leading the charge against the new Tory poverty policy in a few years’ time? I wonder what he had to say about Michael Howard’s globalisation policy, launched just a matter of months ago. With most Tories talking about free trade rather than fair trade…
Sir Bob told the BBC News 24 today that he would speak his mind and, of necessary, oppose the policy that the Tories come out with if he doesn’t agree with it – i.e. if it isn’t his policy. I fear Sir Bob will accept nothing less than his point of view. We may have the tide behind us now, but what if Sir Bob is leading the charge against the new Tory poverty policy in a few years’ time? I wonder what he had to say about Michael Howard’s globalisation policy, launched just a matter of months ago. With most Tories talking about free trade rather than fair trade…
Saturday, December 24, 2005
My simple Christmas offering this year is to ask what chance I have in the Queens Speech Sweepstake. My 6 random choices, which have to appear Bingo style for me to win, are (in order of sanity...)
1. A reference to Camilla
2. A reference to natural disasters around the world
3. Queen comes out against the Iraq War
4. Queen declares herself for David Cameron
5. Queen wears something stylish
6. Queen wears something from Debenhams
I don't think I'm going to win. In fact, 2 points would be good.
Merry Christmas!
1. A reference to Camilla
2. A reference to natural disasters around the world
3. Queen comes out against the Iraq War
4. Queen declares herself for David Cameron
5. Queen wears something stylish
6. Queen wears something from Debenhams
I don't think I'm going to win. In fact, 2 points would be good.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Firstly the big voting news and the present Mrs Little and I are very happy with the X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing results. When you reach a certain age and your babysitters are away in London, Saturday night television is all that keep you going.
Sunday was spent mainly at a party in Dereham, but I did get a chance to read Matthew D’Ancona’s excellent piece in the Sunday Torygraph today. Now either he has read my blog or he is indeed a very astute gentleman. The trust of his argument was that the Tories and LibDems are moving politically and personally closer together, maybe in preparation for a post-election coalition. Conservative Chairman Francis Maude and LibDem Treasury Spokesman Vince Cable have both been saying nice things about the other side. Plus who’d want to be the LibDem Leader who helped prop up a Brown-led Labour government after a poor poll showing? Anyway, since the Tory and LibDem leadership are getting on and Cameron is banging on about all sorts of libertarian and environmentalist ideas the notion of a Con/Lib government isn’t all that barking.
So, as predicted, the downfall of Kennedy – when, not if, it comes – will see the LibDems potentially choosing a future coalition partner. Now, obviously I believe that Cameron will be storming to a massive 341 seat majority, with Labour forced into sixth place behind Respect. However, if by some shock the inbuilt problem with First-Past-The-Post prevent this, you could see the Conservatives as the largest party dealing with Laws or Oaten. But perhaps not Hughes or Campbell. Anyway, the Sunday Torygraph seems convinced it’ll be Campbell so ho-hum.
On the Tory front, my little spies tell me that the diary of newly promoted Shadow Education Minister Boris Johnson is filling up with various jaunts around the nation visiting union bars and telling CF branches full of wonderful young blonde Tory-girls about the wonderfulness of Dave Cameron. Damn tough job, but somebody has to do it!
Sunday was spent mainly at a party in Dereham, but I did get a chance to read Matthew D’Ancona’s excellent piece in the Sunday Torygraph today. Now either he has read my blog or he is indeed a very astute gentleman. The trust of his argument was that the Tories and LibDems are moving politically and personally closer together, maybe in preparation for a post-election coalition. Conservative Chairman Francis Maude and LibDem Treasury Spokesman Vince Cable have both been saying nice things about the other side. Plus who’d want to be the LibDem Leader who helped prop up a Brown-led Labour government after a poor poll showing? Anyway, since the Tory and LibDem leadership are getting on and Cameron is banging on about all sorts of libertarian and environmentalist ideas the notion of a Con/Lib government isn’t all that barking.
So, as predicted, the downfall of Kennedy – when, not if, it comes – will see the LibDems potentially choosing a future coalition partner. Now, obviously I believe that Cameron will be storming to a massive 341 seat majority, with Labour forced into sixth place behind Respect. However, if by some shock the inbuilt problem with First-Past-The-Post prevent this, you could see the Conservatives as the largest party dealing with Laws or Oaten. But perhaps not Hughes or Campbell. Anyway, the Sunday Torygraph seems convinced it’ll be Campbell so ho-hum.
On the Tory front, my little spies tell me that the diary of newly promoted Shadow Education Minister Boris Johnson is filling up with various jaunts around the nation visiting union bars and telling CF branches full of wonderful young blonde Tory-girls about the wonderfulness of Dave Cameron. Damn tough job, but somebody has to do it!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
It has been an eventful end of the week. On Wednesday I was told that I have been put back onto the Conservative Parliamentary Candidates List and can start applying for seats as and when they come up! Good news! Hurrah! I thought the interview went well and it must have. We have been asked to join mobile campaigning units, which I am glad to do.
It seems like Kennedy has survived in tact, although The Sun tried their best as always. Campbell’s pledge of loyalty was fairly week willed, and Oaten’s Telegraph interview said more about where he wants to go than where he is now. David Cameron heaped the pressure on Kennedy this week. Despite his almost failed jibe at PMQs (a pretty good joke about decapitation strategies but flopped due to timing) he then went back on the attack by calling upon LibDems to defect to the Conservatives. I liked the timing and the speech content but I do wonder what Cameron’s speech expected the outcome to be. I just can’t see any LibDem MP defecting, we may get a handful of Councillors and activists but the key group is voters. We’ve seen our association membership jump by 13% since the day Cameron was elected – a mixture of new members and those who lapsed some years ago. We are particularly doing well in LibDem strongholds in Eaton and Town Close – so the results in May will be interesting!
Website of the day: www.libdems4cameron.com
It seems like Kennedy has survived in tact, although The Sun tried their best as always. Campbell’s pledge of loyalty was fairly week willed, and Oaten’s Telegraph interview said more about where he wants to go than where he is now. David Cameron heaped the pressure on Kennedy this week. Despite his almost failed jibe at PMQs (a pretty good joke about decapitation strategies but flopped due to timing) he then went back on the attack by calling upon LibDems to defect to the Conservatives. I liked the timing and the speech content but I do wonder what Cameron’s speech expected the outcome to be. I just can’t see any LibDem MP defecting, we may get a handful of Councillors and activists but the key group is voters. We’ve seen our association membership jump by 13% since the day Cameron was elected – a mixture of new members and those who lapsed some years ago. We are particularly doing well in LibDem strongholds in Eaton and Town Close – so the results in May will be interesting!
Website of the day: www.libdems4cameron.com
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
I shan’t pretend I’m in the least bit bothered about the woes that the LibDems have found themselves in during the past 24 hours but two things do spring forth of note worthiness.
Firstly are the similarities to the IDS Tory debacle. I found myself musing this morning about who exactly is spreading the rumours about Kennedy, particularly to Neill of the BBC. Today Party bigwigs Matthew Taylor and Paul Holmes have strongly come out in Kennedy’s defence, as have senior LibDem frontbencher Lembit Opik. So just who is spreading the rumours? Well, with the Tories I naively thought that the media had got their wires crossed and a few private mumblings of a few obscure Tory MPs made it onto the front-page, but of course it wasn’t. The finger of suspicion has pointed at the swivel-eyed loon of the LibDems Party President Simon Hughes and also the statesmanlike Foreign Affairs Spokesman (not, not Shadow Cabinet as they like to claim) Sir Menzies Campbell. So will they use this chance to come out and back their man? Because Charlie can’t take many more PMQs like that.
My other thought is about where this leaves the LibDems as a party. I’m not joining in the Tory gleeful rubbing of hands over this because I think it could be a worrying sign. Not of a Kennedy departure, but that the LibDems have come to maturity as a political party. All the best parties are big-tents who bring in people of various political viewpoints who can agree an end product but not necessarily the same means to will it to happen. The Tory Party contains Bill Cash and Ken Clarke. Labour has Dennis Skinner and Peter Mandelson. Enough said. Whilst the LibDems sat on the sidelines being irrelevant – which to a degree they did rather well under Ashdown – then nobody bothered mentioning that they all fundamentally disagree over absolutely everything. Now there’s a wiff of something in the air – not power, don’t be silly, but a chance of a seat in a coalition government. After years of Tory-bashing the rather dapper Vince Cable has started mending bridges by saying he could work with the Conservatives – just in case Cameron has the largest number of seats in 2009. If not, they could always throw their lot in with Labour – under Brown or another Blairite Leader. With the next poll result in serious doubt the LibDems are players. If Cameron crashes and burns or if he takes a commanding lead then the LibDems may well slink away to the fringes again. If not, this argument is important because they are fighting for the soul of the party and maybe even the soul of the next government. If Laws and the Orange Book Liberals win it raises the prospect of a Con-Lib coalition working effectively. If Hughes or Davey win then a coalition is only likely with Labour. Either way the LibDems need this leadership crisis badly, because an attempt to go into coalition under Kennedy (or in my view under Campbell) would be a disaster. It may never happen, but this crisis is in many ways good for the party and a clear sign that they may well help form the next period of British politics.
Firstly are the similarities to the IDS Tory debacle. I found myself musing this morning about who exactly is spreading the rumours about Kennedy, particularly to Neill of the BBC. Today Party bigwigs Matthew Taylor and Paul Holmes have strongly come out in Kennedy’s defence, as have senior LibDem frontbencher Lembit Opik. So just who is spreading the rumours? Well, with the Tories I naively thought that the media had got their wires crossed and a few private mumblings of a few obscure Tory MPs made it onto the front-page, but of course it wasn’t. The finger of suspicion has pointed at the swivel-eyed loon of the LibDems Party President Simon Hughes and also the statesmanlike Foreign Affairs Spokesman (not, not Shadow Cabinet as they like to claim) Sir Menzies Campbell. So will they use this chance to come out and back their man? Because Charlie can’t take many more PMQs like that.
My other thought is about where this leaves the LibDems as a party. I’m not joining in the Tory gleeful rubbing of hands over this because I think it could be a worrying sign. Not of a Kennedy departure, but that the LibDems have come to maturity as a political party. All the best parties are big-tents who bring in people of various political viewpoints who can agree an end product but not necessarily the same means to will it to happen. The Tory Party contains Bill Cash and Ken Clarke. Labour has Dennis Skinner and Peter Mandelson. Enough said. Whilst the LibDems sat on the sidelines being irrelevant – which to a degree they did rather well under Ashdown – then nobody bothered mentioning that they all fundamentally disagree over absolutely everything. Now there’s a wiff of something in the air – not power, don’t be silly, but a chance of a seat in a coalition government. After years of Tory-bashing the rather dapper Vince Cable has started mending bridges by saying he could work with the Conservatives – just in case Cameron has the largest number of seats in 2009. If not, they could always throw their lot in with Labour – under Brown or another Blairite Leader. With the next poll result in serious doubt the LibDems are players. If Cameron crashes and burns or if he takes a commanding lead then the LibDems may well slink away to the fringes again. If not, this argument is important because they are fighting for the soul of the party and maybe even the soul of the next government. If Laws and the Orange Book Liberals win it raises the prospect of a Con-Lib coalition working effectively. If Hughes or Davey win then a coalition is only likely with Labour. Either way the LibDems need this leadership crisis badly, because an attempt to go into coalition under Kennedy (or in my view under Campbell) would be a disaster. It may never happen, but this crisis is in many ways good for the party and a clear sign that they may well help form the next period of British politics.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Had a very successful Christmas event on Saturday in Eaton ward. Very well attended and raised rather a lot for the campaign fund - or in this case sending letters out to prospective new members. Plenty of mince pies and punch too!
School today was a tad dull, though I did manage to complete marking my Mock GCSE Exams and potentially ruin the Yuletide of my 'A' Level class by setting them a whopping great essay. Ho ho ho! Though my New Year is ruined by marking...
Tomorrow is our Year 8 Celebration Assembly - the theme is Oscars. Given the amount of work that my wonderful PA did today, it bought to mind a gleeful Sir Humphry declaring that all the work of any organisation is admin. Seeing her at work, one wag mused: "If the teachers all disappeared, we'd get cover. If the admin staff disappeared, the school would collapse." Quite.
School today was a tad dull, though I did manage to complete marking my Mock GCSE Exams and potentially ruin the Yuletide of my 'A' Level class by setting them a whopping great essay. Ho ho ho! Though my New Year is ruined by marking...
Tomorrow is our Year 8 Celebration Assembly - the theme is Oscars. Given the amount of work that my wonderful PA did today, it bought to mind a gleeful Sir Humphry declaring that all the work of any organisation is admin. Seeing her at work, one wag mused: "If the teachers all disappeared, we'd get cover. If the admin staff disappeared, the school would collapse." Quite.
I was quite surprised today to be flicking around the LibDem website (fear not, I shall punish myself harshly later tonight) to see that they have a button on their homepage dedicated to their position on Iraq. It got me thinking about to what degree they really now have become a series of protest issues strung together into a political party. It’s like the anti-war movement meets the anti-fees students union. They made a big deal out of Blair’s war at the last election and there is some feeling within both the local and national LibDems that they will continue to do so in the future to continue their advance against Labour in the urban constituencies. I cannot really see this working. Firstly because they are fighting (maybe) Brown in (maybe) 2009 and Gordon very cleverly sidestepped blame for the war in a way that Hoon, Straw and Clarke never did. Secondly the issue will have passed, with 90% of troops being out by the time of the next poll. So why concentrate on it then? Well the LibDems seem to be struggling for a purpose at the moment. Poor Charlie Kennedy even had his resignation plans blow by old Brillo on “This Week” and had to deny his own resignation plans. Yet the whole buzz around the LibDem camp now is on positioning to be his successor. When, and if, the LibDems do that they still have to overcome the Cameron issue. The Times runs a good article today suggesting that Cameron is the heir to liberal Toryism. Maybe, and certainly not a head banging euro sceptic (copyright, Mr K Clarke). I think we are re-entering two party politics. I can’t see the LibDems falling to 11 seats, as has been mooted over on politicalbetting.com, but I can see them falling back slightly. The LibDems will struggle to define themselves – as a party to the left of Labour under a Hughes leadership or a party fighting for the liberal ground led by Laws? Or maybe a party fighting for survival under Campbell? I know it isn’t popular to knock old Ming, but I see him as a caretaker man for the job, in both leadership and ideological terms. A great guy and good media performer but he won’t advance the argument within the party. And then, without Iraq, what does the member for North East Fife have to offer? Anyway locally LibDems continue to spin themselves in circles. One leading light told me this week that they were struggling to hold onto people because of the Cameron effect. We’ve had 17 people join since Cameron became leader, and I’ll happily run a book on the first sitting or former LibDem Councillor to switch to us. Apparently a similar book is being run on the first parliamentary defection to the Tories.
Cameron today announced his plans to broaden the base of Tory candidates, a story much missed by the BBC all day. I am very weary of this big idea. I agree I want to see more female, Asian, disabled, gay and public sector Tory candidates (though not necessarily the same person, you understand). But most importantly I want to see the best Tory candidates. I am very unsure about plans to create the so-called ‘A’ Lists of candidates. Will they guarantee that no woman on this list is worse than a man who wasn’t on the list? Why are we not compiling the best 140 Tory candidates, full stop? I want women etc. to get on the list by merit alone. I am also concerned about this headhunting proposal. Why are we dragging people into a career that requires a huge amount of passion when they didn’t volunteer for it? I stomp the streets almost daily for the party and I do expect a little reward for my work – like perhaps being considered ahead of somebody who isn’t even a member. I do despair at the throngs of pin-stripped suited lawyers queuing up to be a candidate but is this really our only answer? As the member for Maidstone said recently, she would never have made it only an ‘A’ List yet she remains one of the most formidable forces in the party. Come on, Mr Cameron, is this really the only way?
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Welcome to my new look blog! I've changed the design to fit in with our new look association website and also because it looks rather nice. I've also added the comments facility so please let us know what you think! Around (well exactly) 12 people e-mailed during the general election campaign asking me to have comments. I didn't then because of the amount of abuse that other candidates, from all parties, suffered. However under the new leadership of consensual Cameron I'm sure we can all have a reasonable debate!
If you want me to link to your site, just e-mail me using antony at norwichconservatives dot com
If you want me to link to your site, just e-mail me using antony at norwichconservatives dot com
Due to popular demand (well, my ‘A’ Level class) I have decided that it would only be right and proper to follow the example of Iain Dale and return to blogging. Now that politics is back on an even keel!
The Leadership. I have never been a huge Cameron fan, and it is quite well known that I backed Ken Clarke in the first round of the leadership. When he was voted out – the best news possible for DC – then I didn’t know what to do. I felt Cameron was very young, a bit policy light and may not stand up to the onslaught that Blair’s brigade would no doubt unleash. However, despite liking DD’s background and policies I felt that there was somebody not quite right. I read all the websites, documents and went to see DD when he visited Norwich (work stopped me from seeing DC). With the membership in Norwich South clearly swinging behind Cameron it wasn’t until the last possible moment that I voted, and did so for Cameron. In the end he was saying what I’ve said for years about fighting for the centre ground of politics. He seemed to know what needs doing to sort out the party. Within seconds of victory the website changed too! So Tuesday wasn’t a bad day, but I didn't hold my breath!
Then came PMQs. I thought Cameron did brilliantly – not because he humiliated Blair (although the “You were the future once” line was excellent) but because he out-thought the Prime Minister and was strategically the better man. His rant at government chief whip Hilary Armstrong was fantastic, and shut the Labour MPs up at the beginning so he got away with his first PMQs almost heckle-free. But then not to use the 6th question and rob Blair of his final big blast against the new Tory Leader was inspired. Poor Tony. He’ll never know when Cameron will use his sixth question now! Does he therefore use his best lines on question 5 and give Cameron the chance to come back or does he leave it out altogether? Similarly the decision to lead on education and climate change is symbolic of his change in policy attitude. Backing Blair on education isn’t just fun to annoy the Labour left, it is also practical politics. Blair is offering us an essentially conservative piece of law – why would we vote against it? By supporting Blair you marginalize the Labour left and help him to introduce the kind of legislation that we would have done. Where Blair is wrong, we’ll vote against him when where he just might be right… Anyway, PMQs laid my fears to rest. The papers and the media went over-the-top for Cameron – ITV’s Bradby in particular. I’m not in favour of building Cameron up too much, lest he falls as quickly as he rose, but the plaudits are always good to receive.
Then came the reshuffle. I was on the whole happy with it, particularly the return of William Hague as Shadow Foreign Secretary and keeping David Davis at Shadow Home Affairs. I am a bit miffed that we didn’t appoint a Deputy Leader, choosing instead to have a so-called “senior member of the shadow cabinet.” Hmmm. Anyway, it means that when Tony is off swanning around the world and can’t get back to the commons, it’ll be Prescott versus Hague! What a sight to behold. I will hold my judgement about Willetts at education, although the poor soul now has Boris Johnson and John Hayes in his team! I am glad that Maude kept the Chairmanship, Lansley kept Health and Mitchell kept International Development. I am pleased by May’s promotion back into a real job and am over the moon that Gillan and Villiers have been promoted, not because they are women but because they are very, very good at their jobs. Caroline Spelman, whom I admire, is also promoted to Shadow ODPM. I am surprised that Damien Green was left wanting and a bit frustrated at the childish antics of Sir Malcolm Rifkind. I have nothing against Phillip Hammond but I felt Rifkind at DWP put out a powerful message about the Tory view on pension reforms. Giving Osbourne time to grow as Shadow Chancellor was clever and I am also pleased that Patrick McLaughlin is now Chief Whip (although clearly John Randall would have been my choice!). I struggle to remember when Peter Ainsworth was our Shadow Environment before (apparently 3 years ago) but I do know that he is anti-nuclear. So is Cameron building up to dump nuclear or are we on for our first resignation due to policy differences? That leaves Fox at Defence, a bit of a shame given his result I suppose but he does have excellent relations with the US. Overall then, a good reshuffle.
Then came the speeches on the environment and the visit to the East London school of Leadership. Nice touch but a bit obvious going to a Labour stronghold like that. Why not visit Jarrow next time? I know the first visit as Leader sends a message but I feel there are enough inner-city marginal seats to choose from. Does anybody feel we’ll win that seat next time?
Then came this morning’s poll – 2% ahead according to ICM, never a friend of the Conservatives. Setting aside the fuel crisis in September 2000 this is the first time that the Tories have led in an ICM poll since 1993. We are ahead in YouGov too but they did show us bouncing around in the lead a few years back too. Anyway I am pleased that we have broken out of our 30-33 box but the champagne isn’t quite on ice yet.
On a personal level Emily is now 9 months old and into everything – the whole house is levitating 3 foot in the air to prevent her from grabbing things. She is on the move and pulling herself up on all the furniture! School is going fine, I have started teaching ‘A’ Level politics this year too, so god help them – first exam is on 11th January (my birthday).
Anyway must go, the papers need examining and a large pile of GCSE Mock Exams need my attention!
The Leadership. I have never been a huge Cameron fan, and it is quite well known that I backed Ken Clarke in the first round of the leadership. When he was voted out – the best news possible for DC – then I didn’t know what to do. I felt Cameron was very young, a bit policy light and may not stand up to the onslaught that Blair’s brigade would no doubt unleash. However, despite liking DD’s background and policies I felt that there was somebody not quite right. I read all the websites, documents and went to see DD when he visited Norwich (work stopped me from seeing DC). With the membership in Norwich South clearly swinging behind Cameron it wasn’t until the last possible moment that I voted, and did so for Cameron. In the end he was saying what I’ve said for years about fighting for the centre ground of politics. He seemed to know what needs doing to sort out the party. Within seconds of victory the website changed too! So Tuesday wasn’t a bad day, but I didn't hold my breath!
Then came PMQs. I thought Cameron did brilliantly – not because he humiliated Blair (although the “You were the future once” line was excellent) but because he out-thought the Prime Minister and was strategically the better man. His rant at government chief whip Hilary Armstrong was fantastic, and shut the Labour MPs up at the beginning so he got away with his first PMQs almost heckle-free. But then not to use the 6th question and rob Blair of his final big blast against the new Tory Leader was inspired. Poor Tony. He’ll never know when Cameron will use his sixth question now! Does he therefore use his best lines on question 5 and give Cameron the chance to come back or does he leave it out altogether? Similarly the decision to lead on education and climate change is symbolic of his change in policy attitude. Backing Blair on education isn’t just fun to annoy the Labour left, it is also practical politics. Blair is offering us an essentially conservative piece of law – why would we vote against it? By supporting Blair you marginalize the Labour left and help him to introduce the kind of legislation that we would have done. Where Blair is wrong, we’ll vote against him when where he just might be right… Anyway, PMQs laid my fears to rest. The papers and the media went over-the-top for Cameron – ITV’s Bradby in particular. I’m not in favour of building Cameron up too much, lest he falls as quickly as he rose, but the plaudits are always good to receive.
Then came the reshuffle. I was on the whole happy with it, particularly the return of William Hague as Shadow Foreign Secretary and keeping David Davis at Shadow Home Affairs. I am a bit miffed that we didn’t appoint a Deputy Leader, choosing instead to have a so-called “senior member of the shadow cabinet.” Hmmm. Anyway, it means that when Tony is off swanning around the world and can’t get back to the commons, it’ll be Prescott versus Hague! What a sight to behold. I will hold my judgement about Willetts at education, although the poor soul now has Boris Johnson and John Hayes in his team! I am glad that Maude kept the Chairmanship, Lansley kept Health and Mitchell kept International Development. I am pleased by May’s promotion back into a real job and am over the moon that Gillan and Villiers have been promoted, not because they are women but because they are very, very good at their jobs. Caroline Spelman, whom I admire, is also promoted to Shadow ODPM. I am surprised that Damien Green was left wanting and a bit frustrated at the childish antics of Sir Malcolm Rifkind. I have nothing against Phillip Hammond but I felt Rifkind at DWP put out a powerful message about the Tory view on pension reforms. Giving Osbourne time to grow as Shadow Chancellor was clever and I am also pleased that Patrick McLaughlin is now Chief Whip (although clearly John Randall would have been my choice!). I struggle to remember when Peter Ainsworth was our Shadow Environment before (apparently 3 years ago) but I do know that he is anti-nuclear. So is Cameron building up to dump nuclear or are we on for our first resignation due to policy differences? That leaves Fox at Defence, a bit of a shame given his result I suppose but he does have excellent relations with the US. Overall then, a good reshuffle.
Then came the speeches on the environment and the visit to the East London school of Leadership. Nice touch but a bit obvious going to a Labour stronghold like that. Why not visit Jarrow next time? I know the first visit as Leader sends a message but I feel there are enough inner-city marginal seats to choose from. Does anybody feel we’ll win that seat next time?
Then came this morning’s poll – 2% ahead according to ICM, never a friend of the Conservatives. Setting aside the fuel crisis in September 2000 this is the first time that the Tories have led in an ICM poll since 1993. We are ahead in YouGov too but they did show us bouncing around in the lead a few years back too. Anyway I am pleased that we have broken out of our 30-33 box but the champagne isn’t quite on ice yet.
On a personal level Emily is now 9 months old and into everything – the whole house is levitating 3 foot in the air to prevent her from grabbing things. She is on the move and pulling herself up on all the furniture! School is going fine, I have started teaching ‘A’ Level politics this year too, so god help them – first exam is on 11th January (my birthday).
Anyway must go, the papers need examining and a large pile of GCSE Mock Exams need my attention!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Politics returns to normal after the summer hols:
The Norwich Conservatives have highlighted a blunder by City Hall that means every house in the City has been asked to register for an election that occurred months ago.
The letter – headed “Important Information” in bold red type – is enclosed with the voter registration form and tells people that if they register “you will then be eligible to vote at the City Council elections in May 05.”
Conservative spokesman Antony Little said the mistake was careless. “Not only has this election passed but the vote in 2005 was for the County Council,” he said. “It is clear that they meant to say “May 06” but such a simple blunder suggests that careful checks are not being made at City Hall.”
“Or maybe it is our political leadership at City Hall that doesn’t know what year it is.”
“This mistake makes City Hall look foolish to every voter in Norwich. At a time when public confidence in the Norwich LibDems is at an all-time low this will have done nothing to boost voter turnout.”
The Norwich Conservatives have highlighted a blunder by City Hall that means every house in the City has been asked to register for an election that occurred months ago.
The letter – headed “Important Information” in bold red type – is enclosed with the voter registration form and tells people that if they register “you will then be eligible to vote at the City Council elections in May 05.”
Conservative spokesman Antony Little said the mistake was careless. “Not only has this election passed but the vote in 2005 was for the County Council,” he said. “It is clear that they meant to say “May 06” but such a simple blunder suggests that careful checks are not being made at City Hall.”
“Or maybe it is our political leadership at City Hall that doesn’t know what year it is.”
“This mistake makes City Hall look foolish to every voter in Norwich. At a time when public confidence in the Norwich LibDems is at an all-time low this will have done nothing to boost voter turnout.”
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Well, I think I've just about recovered from that! I'll be back to blogging soon, so in the meantime check out the new website from the Norwich Conservatives.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Well, a dry a tear from my eye as the campaign comes to a conclusion. We finished off with a flying visit from Michael Howard – and boy was he in fighting form! – and then we took teams out to West Earlham, University, Nelson and Wensum. I wanted to finish the campaign where we had started it, the areas that need a Conservative government to start acting on the things that matter. Today I have been inundated with messages of support and good wishes – all university friends, family and colleagues. A few may even vote for me!
It’s been a fantastic campaign all in all and I have been so well supported and met so many people, all of whom want Norwich to be the best place it can be. To my regulars, especially the other politico’s who read this blog, is thank you and good luck.
Oh, and I should say: Vote Little!
It’s been a fantastic campaign all in all and I have been so well supported and met so many people, all of whom want Norwich to be the best place it can be. To my regulars, especially the other politico’s who read this blog, is thank you and good luck.
Oh, and I should say: Vote Little!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Today has been a frantic last minute dash to get everything done and I think we managed it. Tellers are in place, leaflets printed and people ready to go. The last day of real-time campaigning always feels slightly odd, and tonight’s leafleting and canvassing session felt a bit strange, knowing next time we’re doing it to get out the vote. Still, across the constituency today, in Eaton, Town Close, Nelson, Cringleford and University, people were coming across to us. In an election where tonight we got two new members from people on the streets, anything could happen.
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
Today has been a frantic last minute dash to get everything done and I think we managed it. Tellers are in place, leaflets printed and people ready to go. The last day of real-time campaigning always feels slightly odd, and tonight’s leafleting and canvassing session felt a bit strange, knowing next time we’re doing it to get out the vote. Still, across the constituency today, in Eaton, Town Close, Nelson, Cringleford and University, people were coming across to us. In an election where tonight we got two new members from people on the streets, anything could happen.
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
Today has been a frantic last minute dash to get everything done and I think we managed it. Tellers are in place, leaflets printed and people ready to go. The last day of real-time campaigning always feels slightly odd, and tonight’s leafleting and canvassing session felt a bit strange, knowing next time we’re doing it to get out the vote. Still, across the constituency today, in Eaton, Town Close, Nelson, Cringleford and University, people were coming across to us. In an election where tonight we got two new members from people on the streets, anything could happen.
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
People often ask me for my prediction – unlike the LibDems I don’t make predictions. Today I spoke to a gentleman outraged by the LibDem tactics. He said that whilst the opposition claim a two-horse race, in reality the voters decide who wins. “It could be the ruddy Revolutionary Workers for all they [the LibDems] know, people could vote for anybody,” he said.
Also today I have had a real variety of issues on the phones – from the lack of quality broadcasting on the BBC to immigration and from banning fireworks to my views on abortion. At least this election, I have to say unlike 2001, is a getting people interested. I also had excellent feedback on my column in today’s Evening News.
Tomorrow is our first GOTV day, so look out for big Blue teams on the streets!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Back home from one of my now regular day-trips to Bowthorpe and what a day its been – we’ve covered the whole area with our newspaper and had to stop for chats along the way. Bowthorpe is becoming a really interesting place where the current Tory agenda – school discipline, value for money tax, controlled immigration, more police and cleaner hospitals – is really going down well. Had one chap declare very loudly out of a top window that he was never voting for “liar” Blair again, and would support me to get rid of him! Fine chap!
Yesterday (was that Sunday?!? It all blurs) was spent in New Costessey and Saturday before that in Eaton, Cringleford and Town Close. We’ve met so many people in this election, so many more than in the recent past. I’m getting recognised a lot at the moment – the lady serving in Tesco’s is voting for me, as is a Mum on the schoolgate on Friday.
Doing quite a bit of media work at the moment, particularly for the Radio. Good slots of Radio Norfolk talking about manufacturing decline in Norwich and for Broadland on crime.
The national campaign is getting me down at the moment. I think Howard is spot on to move back to the big 5 (see above) at this juncture, and Kennedy is looking like a complete opportunist by sticking to Iraq. Blair is just looking tired at the moment. I think most people are, in general, getting just a little bored of the national stuff.
Locally too we are dragging it out a bit. This week one lady complained that 5 pieces of Tory literature fell through her door. Well, the LibDems have made this seat a literature battle and has lost methinks! Last week was also the debates – I felt that churches together event went down very well and Clarke, whom I am reluctantly gaining respect for, did rather badly over Iraq. On Friday we went to the UEA where the other three parties bussed in their crowds. Bit more challenging, but with eight candidates causing the whole event to drag out, it was a bit long. Adrian Ramsay is a very passionate speaker, but doesn’t seem to be able to take the passion about the environment and apply it to other topics. My LibDem opponent is very robotic – he only seems to have three standard answers to any questions, don’t invade Iraq, scrap tuition fees or tactical voting. Bless. He even tried those on topics that had nothing to do with them! Charles Clarke is, of course, highly competent and very on top of his brief. Pity he won’t be around much longer. Mr Barnard and the UKIP candidate deserve praise for getting cannabis and Europe into every answer, the WRP candidate wasn’t half as revolutionary as I’d have liked and the EDP lady should really have been a Tory! Several people in the crowd said they’d switched their vote to me because of my debate performance. One even said she would vote for me because of my honesty!
I’m going to have a last-week burst of LibDem negativity watch – I have so many e-mails to choose from! But today I’m going to mention a phone call from a lady in Nelson Ward, who has pulled apart the LibDem Bar Charts apart and a letter from a gentleman in Thorpe Hamlet that includes a letter from Charles Kennedy that is full of anti-Tory and anti-Labour stuff. Interestingly enough, I noticed that the LibDem response to today’s Tory timetable was to call it negative. Hang on, if stating policies is negative then what counts as positive? Oh, anything a LibDem says…
Tomorrow we’re back in Bowthorpe for canvassing in the morning and then launching our get-out-the-vote leaflet in the afternoon.
Yesterday (was that Sunday?!? It all blurs) was spent in New Costessey and Saturday before that in Eaton, Cringleford and Town Close. We’ve met so many people in this election, so many more than in the recent past. I’m getting recognised a lot at the moment – the lady serving in Tesco’s is voting for me, as is a Mum on the schoolgate on Friday.
Doing quite a bit of media work at the moment, particularly for the Radio. Good slots of Radio Norfolk talking about manufacturing decline in Norwich and for Broadland on crime.
The national campaign is getting me down at the moment. I think Howard is spot on to move back to the big 5 (see above) at this juncture, and Kennedy is looking like a complete opportunist by sticking to Iraq. Blair is just looking tired at the moment. I think most people are, in general, getting just a little bored of the national stuff.
Locally too we are dragging it out a bit. This week one lady complained that 5 pieces of Tory literature fell through her door. Well, the LibDems have made this seat a literature battle and has lost methinks! Last week was also the debates – I felt that churches together event went down very well and Clarke, whom I am reluctantly gaining respect for, did rather badly over Iraq. On Friday we went to the UEA where the other three parties bussed in their crowds. Bit more challenging, but with eight candidates causing the whole event to drag out, it was a bit long. Adrian Ramsay is a very passionate speaker, but doesn’t seem to be able to take the passion about the environment and apply it to other topics. My LibDem opponent is very robotic – he only seems to have three standard answers to any questions, don’t invade Iraq, scrap tuition fees or tactical voting. Bless. He even tried those on topics that had nothing to do with them! Charles Clarke is, of course, highly competent and very on top of his brief. Pity he won’t be around much longer. Mr Barnard and the UKIP candidate deserve praise for getting cannabis and Europe into every answer, the WRP candidate wasn’t half as revolutionary as I’d have liked and the EDP lady should really have been a Tory! Several people in the crowd said they’d switched their vote to me because of my debate performance. One even said she would vote for me because of my honesty!
I’m going to have a last-week burst of LibDem negativity watch – I have so many e-mails to choose from! But today I’m going to mention a phone call from a lady in Nelson Ward, who has pulled apart the LibDem Bar Charts apart and a letter from a gentleman in Thorpe Hamlet that includes a letter from Charles Kennedy that is full of anti-Tory and anti-Labour stuff. Interestingly enough, I noticed that the LibDem response to today’s Tory timetable was to call it negative. Hang on, if stating policies is negative then what counts as positive? Oh, anything a LibDem says…
Tomorrow we’re back in Bowthorpe for canvassing in the morning and then launching our get-out-the-vote leaflet in the afternoon.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
A little something to muse on...
Our vote on Thursday is about who will make Britain, and Norwich, better; about who will provide more police, cleaner hospitals, lower tax and discipline in schools. It’s also about who will be our next local MP.
If you vote Conservative, you’ll have a government that will treat senior citizens with respect, put more police on the beat, put Matron back in charge to clean up hospitals, allow Headteachers to tackle disruptive pupils and believes in value-for-money.
If you vote for me, you’ll have a local MP. I live in the City Centre, am married with a young family and teach at Notre Dame High School. I believe an area is best represented by somebody who is part of the community.
If you vote for me, you’ll have an active MP. I have been campaigning on issues that matter to people - against mobile phone masts, putting more police on the beat, freeing up our City roads, cleaning up St. Stephen’s underpass and for better recycling in Norwich. I have also worked with the community campaign to save Ellacombe Care Home.
If you vote for me, you’ll have an in-touch MP. I always keep in contact through my website, regular leaflets and on-line diary.
On the doorstep, people tell me that they are fed up with Charles Clarke and don’t believe that the LibDem candidate, who lives in Suffolk, can win. Please, use your vote to make the difference. I believe I can be the MP that Norwich South deserves.
Our vote on Thursday is about who will make Britain, and Norwich, better; about who will provide more police, cleaner hospitals, lower tax and discipline in schools. It’s also about who will be our next local MP.
If you vote Conservative, you’ll have a government that will treat senior citizens with respect, put more police on the beat, put Matron back in charge to clean up hospitals, allow Headteachers to tackle disruptive pupils and believes in value-for-money.
If you vote for me, you’ll have a local MP. I live in the City Centre, am married with a young family and teach at Notre Dame High School. I believe an area is best represented by somebody who is part of the community.
If you vote for me, you’ll have an active MP. I have been campaigning on issues that matter to people - against mobile phone masts, putting more police on the beat, freeing up our City roads, cleaning up St. Stephen’s underpass and for better recycling in Norwich. I have also worked with the community campaign to save Ellacombe Care Home.
If you vote for me, you’ll have an in-touch MP. I always keep in contact through my website, regular leaflets and on-line diary.
On the doorstep, people tell me that they are fed up with Charles Clarke and don’t believe that the LibDem candidate, who lives in Suffolk, can win. Please, use your vote to make the difference. I believe I can be the MP that Norwich South deserves.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Well I’ve failed to make my pledge to blog each day (hey, but unlike Blair, at least I can admit a failing!). Thankfully it isn’t a resigning issue!
At least I have a good excuse – in the last week we have shifted an incredible amount of literature as postal votes start to go out. Last week I had Shadow Minister for Young People Charles Hendry and former Education Secretary Gillian Shepherd both swoop in to support my campaign. Saturday was amazing – so many helper we ran out (yes, ran out!) of leaflets. Our campaign is becoming very targeted and, luckily we now have a round of newspapers to deliver! It is crazy now, just a week or so before the poll. I am still amazed at the number of people getting involved – either through asking questions or wanting to help. Posters are up around the place, the Newmarket Road looks very blue but so too are the back streets. Who could imagine a campaign where Tuckswood and West Earlham – not traditional Tory heartlands – would have “Vote Conservative” posters up? Don’t believe a word the opinion polls say, this one’s gonna be close!
Today I am shackled to the whiteboard at work, followed by an evening on the doorsteps. Tomorrow we have a senior shadow cabinet member coming, a senior board member on Thursday and two debates at the end of the week!
At least I have a good excuse – in the last week we have shifted an incredible amount of literature as postal votes start to go out. Last week I had Shadow Minister for Young People Charles Hendry and former Education Secretary Gillian Shepherd both swoop in to support my campaign. Saturday was amazing – so many helper we ran out (yes, ran out!) of leaflets. Our campaign is becoming very targeted and, luckily we now have a round of newspapers to deliver! It is crazy now, just a week or so before the poll. I am still amazed at the number of people getting involved – either through asking questions or wanting to help. Posters are up around the place, the Newmarket Road looks very blue but so too are the back streets. Who could imagine a campaign where Tuckswood and West Earlham – not traditional Tory heartlands – would have “Vote Conservative” posters up? Don’t believe a word the opinion polls say, this one’s gonna be close!
Today I am shackled to the whiteboard at work, followed by an evening on the doorsteps. Tomorrow we have a senior shadow cabinet member coming, a senior board member on Thursday and two debates at the end of the week!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Last night was another good night – we had a campaign launch in Thorpe Hamlet under the watchful eye of our candidate and association chairman Trevor Ivory. We descended mob handed upon the area and got a really good response. One young lady, who recently had a child had this to say to me:
”I have always voted LibDem because you don’t have to put any thought into it. Since I’ve been off with my baby I’ve watched most of the election coverage live. I saw the LibDem manifesto launch and it scared me. We’re both now voting Conservative.”
There’s been quite a massive shift in Thorpe Hamlet, a few LibDem switchers to Labour and a few to us. Rather more disgruntled Labour voters saying they won’t vote at all and a good chunk of Labour voters switching directly to the Conservatives. Issues raised on the doorstep included Kyoto, fox hunting and immigration.
Can’t believe the polls at the moment – I know I’m a Tory candidate but the feeling on the ground is much better. Poor Kennedy (for whom, as fellow first time fathers I have some limited sympathy) got a real roasting on Newsnight last night. Poor chap, so apparently a nurse married to a fireman is worse off under the LibDems. Nice to know.
Later today I am off to the UEA to meet Shadow Minister Charles Hendry coming to launch our latest poster and university funding policies. Then, after a meeting at school, we are canvassing in Bowthorpe. The new “Vote Little” posters are springing up at the moment, not least on my garden gate!
”I have always voted LibDem because you don’t have to put any thought into it. Since I’ve been off with my baby I’ve watched most of the election coverage live. I saw the LibDem manifesto launch and it scared me. We’re both now voting Conservative.”
There’s been quite a massive shift in Thorpe Hamlet, a few LibDem switchers to Labour and a few to us. Rather more disgruntled Labour voters saying they won’t vote at all and a good chunk of Labour voters switching directly to the Conservatives. Issues raised on the doorstep included Kyoto, fox hunting and immigration.
Can’t believe the polls at the moment – I know I’m a Tory candidate but the feeling on the ground is much better. Poor Kennedy (for whom, as fellow first time fathers I have some limited sympathy) got a real roasting on Newsnight last night. Poor chap, so apparently a nurse married to a fireman is worse off under the LibDems. Nice to know.
Later today I am off to the UEA to meet Shadow Minister Charles Hendry coming to launch our latest poster and university funding policies. Then, after a meeting at school, we are canvassing in Bowthorpe. The new “Vote Little” posters are springing up at the moment, not least on my garden gate!
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Saturday is catch-up time for school work, political work and home work! The last few days have been a blur.
On Thursday I felt like a bit of a political fraud, jumping from political event to political event. That morning I was at school, but out by 2 to meet Shadow International Development Secretary Alan Duncan for a walk-a-bout in Norwich City Centre. There were some rather long dwindling shots of me on BBCs Look East and there has been divided thoughts between those who think I look young and energetic and those who thought I looked a bit simple! We were lucky to stay rain free for Alan but I wasn’t quire so lucky when I went to Hellesdon Hospital to lodge a massive petition with the NHS mental Health Trust against the closure of Ellacombe Care Home in Thorpe Hamlet. We had to stand in the rain after health care bosses failed to show to accept the petition – I can’t believe they think so little of the campaign that nobody in the whole trust could meet us. The Evening News ran an excellent front-page version of the story the day after. From Hellesdon it was over to my team canvassing in Mancroft Ward, and the delight when one voter offered me a campaign donation on the doorstep! I then had to shoot off to the Methodist Church on Chapelfield to attend, along with Charles Clarke, the Make Poverty History (MPH) campaign rally for Norwich. A great evening and a big surprise to find a cohort of my sixth formers involved! Day over, tired but happy.
Friday was less exciting; school all day (a whole four periods!) then out with my team in Town Close Ward, along the Ipswich Road. What was interesting is the fact that very few people are (politically) moving in this area. If the LibDems think they can plough Tory votes in this area, they are very much mistaken. The only real change we detected were the number of non-voters in 2001 moving back to the Tories.
Today was an all-day campaigning session in Eaton Village and we welcomed our Area Chairman to the doorsteps. A fantastic response from around the village, new members and new poster sites too! It was a good day but soured by the first person to be totally and unacceptably rude towards me – I have to say, a LibDem voter. I am fairly thick skinned (teacher and Tory politician!) but there is a line to be drawn between political analysis and just abuse. There was quite a strong Labour vote here, but we were far and away in the majority.
I haven’t been able to see the party election broadcasts this week so far, but Trevor has passed me a DVD of our cinema advert to watch to fill the gap! Labour are slinging a lot of mud at the moment about negative campaigning – have they not been looking at their own campaign?!?
On Thursday I felt like a bit of a political fraud, jumping from political event to political event. That morning I was at school, but out by 2 to meet Shadow International Development Secretary Alan Duncan for a walk-a-bout in Norwich City Centre. There were some rather long dwindling shots of me on BBCs Look East and there has been divided thoughts between those who think I look young and energetic and those who thought I looked a bit simple! We were lucky to stay rain free for Alan but I wasn’t quire so lucky when I went to Hellesdon Hospital to lodge a massive petition with the NHS mental Health Trust against the closure of Ellacombe Care Home in Thorpe Hamlet. We had to stand in the rain after health care bosses failed to show to accept the petition – I can’t believe they think so little of the campaign that nobody in the whole trust could meet us. The Evening News ran an excellent front-page version of the story the day after. From Hellesdon it was over to my team canvassing in Mancroft Ward, and the delight when one voter offered me a campaign donation on the doorstep! I then had to shoot off to the Methodist Church on Chapelfield to attend, along with Charles Clarke, the Make Poverty History (MPH) campaign rally for Norwich. A great evening and a big surprise to find a cohort of my sixth formers involved! Day over, tired but happy.
Friday was less exciting; school all day (a whole four periods!) then out with my team in Town Close Ward, along the Ipswich Road. What was interesting is the fact that very few people are (politically) moving in this area. If the LibDems think they can plough Tory votes in this area, they are very much mistaken. The only real change we detected were the number of non-voters in 2001 moving back to the Tories.
Today was an all-day campaigning session in Eaton Village and we welcomed our Area Chairman to the doorsteps. A fantastic response from around the village, new members and new poster sites too! It was a good day but soured by the first person to be totally and unacceptably rude towards me – I have to say, a LibDem voter. I am fairly thick skinned (teacher and Tory politician!) but there is a line to be drawn between political analysis and just abuse. There was quite a strong Labour vote here, but we were far and away in the majority.
I haven’t been able to see the party election broadcasts this week so far, but Trevor has passed me a DVD of our cinema advert to watch to fill the gap! Labour are slinging a lot of mud at the moment about negative campaigning – have they not been looking at their own campaign?!?
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
We’ve had the best day’s campaigning for a long time today. School went well, there seems to be as much interest in the general election as there is in the Head Student election! I even managed a sneaky pop home to check on Emily today – she’s not been sleeping during the day at the moment (although is sleeping at night!) and we’re doing the whole new-parent-paranoia at the moment. I had a phone call this afternoon from a lady furious because apparently a LibDem canvassed her and told her that the Tories lost their deposit at the last election! I laughed – she then looked it up on the BBC website and was outraged at that lie.
I will make a rare entry here praising the EDP for their constituency profile of Norwich South today – at last quite rightly pointing out that the Tories are second and that the LibDem is making his third attempt to not come third!
Spent the afternoon preparing for tomorrow’s visits – we have Alan Duncan coming early afternoon and then I’m off with Rita Stevens to present the Ellacombe petition in the late afternoon.
We soon hit the streets of Lakenham and what a canvass! I knew the area was going to be good for us but to get three new members, a deliverer and a helper on polling day in one session is going great guns. Loads of support, one chap switching to us from Labour over immigration, another lady moving LibDem to Conservative because she’s impressed with Howard’s stand over school discipline. Very little mention of today’s Labour manifesto launch. You’ve made a big impression then, Tony!
I will make a rare entry here praising the EDP for their constituency profile of Norwich South today – at last quite rightly pointing out that the Tories are second and that the LibDem is making his third attempt to not come third!
Spent the afternoon preparing for tomorrow’s visits – we have Alan Duncan coming early afternoon and then I’m off with Rita Stevens to present the Ellacombe petition in the late afternoon.
We soon hit the streets of Lakenham and what a canvass! I knew the area was going to be good for us but to get three new members, a deliverer and a helper on polling day in one session is going great guns. Loads of support, one chap switching to us from Labour over immigration, another lady moving LibDem to Conservative because she’s impressed with Howard’s stand over school discipline. Very little mention of today’s Labour manifesto launch. You’ve made a big impression then, Tony!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Today has felt like a real school day – teaching nearly all day and then year 10 parents evening tonight. It hasn’t left much in the way of campaigning time, although we received requests for posters for a couple more people and took receipt of our next newsletter. We hit the trail again tomorrow with a campaign session in Mancroft and then Lakenham in the evening!
I have just heard that Joan Donald, the President of the Uxbridge Conservatives, passed away yesterday. Joan was a remarkable woman in all senses and was my political mentor in the early years. She had a wicked sense of humour and such a passion for life, travelling extensively and more often than not putting her friends and family first. She was utterly dedicated to the Conservative cause and put the party way before her own needs, never seeking office but always being the first out with bundles of leaflets or canvass cards. When I marched into the Uxbridge Tory office in January 1995 to join up, Joan was the first person I met. She whipped my subscription money off me and within half an hour I was a member of the Ickenham Committee, such was her drive and commitment. We really got on well – Joan took a deep interest in my personal as well as political life. Always corresponding, the last time I really spoke at length to Joan was at my wedding – she was so proud. I remember the thrill in her voice when I said that I’d been selected as a PPC. She really believed that I could be a good MP. It didn’t matter what you did or how you acted, Joan always had time for you. She also had time for Talking Books, the Wrens and her countless friends around the country.
Joan fought for her country and fought for her party. She drank, smoked, laughed and danced her way through life. She lived to a grand old age and enjoyed every moment of it. We’ll all miss her enormously.
Joan fought for her country and fought for her party. She drank, smoked, laughed and danced her way through life. She lived to a grand old age and enjoyed every moment of it. We’ll all miss her enormously.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Today was the day that reality hit home – and there weren’t even any children in school! The whole (working) day was spent on GCSE coursework moderation and cleaning out my desk in preparation for the new term. Many people, including my colleagues, expressed surprise that I didn’t have more time off – but they don’t realise that with my number of exam classes more than just the voters of Norwich South rely on me!
This evening has to have been my favourite canvassing session for a long time – we were doing roads off Bluebell Road and also Earlham Road. We found lots of staunch Tories cheered to have visits. I know I shouldn’t be pleased, but there are also a lot of LibDem to Labour switchers, and as this is Roy Blower County he should be proud of what he has achieved. People certainly hold him in higher regard than the LibDem Councillors (though, of course, our very own Tom Holland would do a better job even than Blower!) I got the chance to have a few really good in depth discussion with people tonight – focusing in on tax and education. You know you make a difference when one non-voter and one ex-LibDem come away pledging their support. My favourite comment of the night: “My family and I haven’t had a political thought between us since 1983 – so obviously we’re voting LibDem.”
Whilst we were busy putting up posters today (got more sights whilst out canvassing!) the national campaign got into full swing with the publication of our manifesto. It is good to see all of our policy work being bought together in a very slim document – small manifesto, small government perhaps.
Why vote Conservative – cleaner hospitals, school discipline, lower tax, more police, controlled immigration. It’s getting clearer by the day.
This evening has to have been my favourite canvassing session for a long time – we were doing roads off Bluebell Road and also Earlham Road. We found lots of staunch Tories cheered to have visits. I know I shouldn’t be pleased, but there are also a lot of LibDem to Labour switchers, and as this is Roy Blower County he should be proud of what he has achieved. People certainly hold him in higher regard than the LibDem Councillors (though, of course, our very own Tom Holland would do a better job even than Blower!) I got the chance to have a few really good in depth discussion with people tonight – focusing in on tax and education. You know you make a difference when one non-voter and one ex-LibDem come away pledging their support. My favourite comment of the night: “My family and I haven’t had a political thought between us since 1983 – so obviously we’re voting LibDem.”
Whilst we were busy putting up posters today (got more sights whilst out canvassing!) the national campaign got into full swing with the publication of our manifesto. It is good to see all of our policy work being bought together in a very slim document – small manifesto, small government perhaps.
Why vote Conservative – cleaner hospitals, school discipline, lower tax, more police, controlled immigration. It’s getting clearer by the day.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
LibDem Negativity Watch – Part II
Well, I have to say that this entry comes by popular demand. It has received 5 e-mail nominations, not all from budding Tories either. I am going to handover now to “SJ”, who starts his/her e-mail by saying that she is voting Green after years of being LibDem, turned off by their negative campaigning. In her own words…
“The newspaper put out by the LibDems contains more than just negative words about the Tories. As a Green voter you get used, now, to regular negative comment from the LibDems. Take, for example, the story “Greens demand economic disaster for Norwich” in the same newspaper. I didn’t even get to read the story for the mist of fury rose before I got to that point. The Greens have never demanded an economic disaster; they simply have a point of view. At no point has Adrian Ramsay, or any other Green Councillor, lept to their feet in the council chamber and shouted “I want an economic disaster – now”. You don’t see greens lining the streets shouting, “What do we want? Economic disaster! When do we want it? Now!” You are right to point out the negative tactics of the LibDems, but don’t for a minute believe they are all aimed at the Tories.”
Well, I have to say that this entry comes by popular demand. It has received 5 e-mail nominations, not all from budding Tories either. I am going to handover now to “SJ”, who starts his/her e-mail by saying that she is voting Green after years of being LibDem, turned off by their negative campaigning. In her own words…
“The newspaper put out by the LibDems contains more than just negative words about the Tories. As a Green voter you get used, now, to regular negative comment from the LibDems. Take, for example, the story “Greens demand economic disaster for Norwich” in the same newspaper. I didn’t even get to read the story for the mist of fury rose before I got to that point. The Greens have never demanded an economic disaster; they simply have a point of view. At no point has Adrian Ramsay, or any other Green Councillor, lept to their feet in the council chamber and shouted “I want an economic disaster – now”. You don’t see greens lining the streets shouting, “What do we want? Economic disaster! When do we want it? Now!” You are right to point out the negative tactics of the LibDems, but don’t for a minute believe they are all aimed at the Tories.”
The first weekend of campaigning has been an interesting one, although I do fear that interest in politics fell to an all-time low. Friday morning I feel honoured to have been able to watch the funeral of Pope John Paul II – truly we must be grateful to live in a world of instant communications. That afternoon I spent most of the time going through correspondence, writing letters and the like whilst my team made a start on the poster campaign.
Saturday was a big day, spending the morning in New Costessey going door to door and the afternoon we split up to cover both Chapel Break and Clover Hill in Bowthorpe. The reception was excellent – one chap even leaning out of his window to shout support as we went down the street. I met one young lady who took time out of gardening to share her feeling of let down by Labour – eight years, she said, and we’re going backwards. Another vote there! Sunday meant a lie-in (!) and some time with Emily following leafleting in Bowthorpe and Eaton – although leafleting in the sunshine is more like canvassing given the number of people you meet! A great reception, even those non-Tories were happy to see the candidate out and about. Only one very rude person – an out-and-out LibDem at that. Still, outweighed by getting a new leafleter and poster site. This evening, family dinner and Bremner!
Saturday was a big day, spending the morning in New Costessey going door to door and the afternoon we split up to cover both Chapel Break and Clover Hill in Bowthorpe. The reception was excellent – one chap even leaning out of his window to shout support as we went down the street. I met one young lady who took time out of gardening to share her feeling of let down by Labour – eight years, she said, and we’re going backwards. Another vote there! Sunday meant a lie-in (!) and some time with Emily following leafleting in Bowthorpe and Eaton – although leafleting in the sunshine is more like canvassing given the number of people you meet! A great reception, even those non-Tories were happy to see the candidate out and about. Only one very rude person – an out-and-out LibDem at that. Still, outweighed by getting a new leafleter and poster site. This evening, family dinner and Bremner!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Due to a problem yesterday with either blogger.com or my computer, this post is a few hours late…
Another day out campaigning – going from one end of the City to the other! This morning was mainly spent in the campaign office, signing off election material, replying to the e-mails and letters I get and overseeing the last big mailing of the pre-campaign (yes, despite the hype parliament hasn’t yet dissolved for the election!).
Over lunchtime I got to spend some precious time with baby Emily whilst Louise hit the shops. She was awake the whole time and getting really alert. Even our very own Cllr Collishaw fell for her!
This afternoon began with a five-hour (yes, count ‘em!) delivery and canvass session in the St. Giles area of the City Centre. Ever since the boundary changed people assumed that Mancroft became unwinable for the Tories – not a bit of it judging by today’s reception!
Then, after another hour or so dealing with correspondence, it was out again to New Costessey. Despite the rain, my team and I managed to hurl ourselves around. Main questions on the doorstep were about crime and immigration. Good day all around.
Being a candidate I must admit taking less time to look at the national campaign. The BBC Website and Newsnight are as about as far as I get at the moment, although I do find Michael Crick to be very bias! Today’s posters from Labour were interesting. One gentleman told me on the doorstep that if asked who should run the country, he’d answer Michael Howard without hesitation!
As for the LibDems, another day, another barrage of spending commitments. I wonder if it is the knowledge that they’ll never win or just economic incompetence that keeps their spirits up? Nobody can doubt their motives but we all realise that to fulfil their plans you’d have to raise tax even beyond the 40 hikes that they want! A good day for Michael Howard and, after yesterday’s PMQs stormer, a great press too.
Another day out campaigning – going from one end of the City to the other! This morning was mainly spent in the campaign office, signing off election material, replying to the e-mails and letters I get and overseeing the last big mailing of the pre-campaign (yes, despite the hype parliament hasn’t yet dissolved for the election!).
Over lunchtime I got to spend some precious time with baby Emily whilst Louise hit the shops. She was awake the whole time and getting really alert. Even our very own Cllr Collishaw fell for her!
This afternoon began with a five-hour (yes, count ‘em!) delivery and canvass session in the St. Giles area of the City Centre. Ever since the boundary changed people assumed that Mancroft became unwinable for the Tories – not a bit of it judging by today’s reception!
Then, after another hour or so dealing with correspondence, it was out again to New Costessey. Despite the rain, my team and I managed to hurl ourselves around. Main questions on the doorstep were about crime and immigration. Good day all around.
Being a candidate I must admit taking less time to look at the national campaign. The BBC Website and Newsnight are as about as far as I get at the moment, although I do find Michael Crick to be very bias! Today’s posters from Labour were interesting. One gentleman told me on the doorstep that if asked who should run the country, he’d answer Michael Howard without hesitation!
As for the LibDems, another day, another barrage of spending commitments. I wonder if it is the knowledge that they’ll never win or just economic incompetence that keeps their spirits up? Nobody can doubt their motives but we all realise that to fulfil their plans you’d have to raise tax even beyond the 40 hikes that they want! A good day for Michael Howard and, after yesterday’s PMQs stormer, a great press too.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Another day out campaigning – going from one end of the City to the other! This morning was mainly spent in the campaign office, signing off election material, replying to the e-mails and letters I get and overseeing the last big mailing of the pre-campaign (yes, despite the hype parliament hasn’t yet dissolved for the election!).
Over lunchtime I got to spend some precious time with baby Emily whilst Louise hit the shops. She was awake the whole time and getting really alert. Even our very own Cllr Collishaw fell for her!
This afternoon began with a five-hour (yes, count ‘em!) delivery and canvass session in the St. Giles area of the City Centre. Ever since the boundary changed people assumed that Mancroft became unwinable for the Tories – not a bit of it judging by today’s reception!
Then, after another hour or so dealing with correspondence, it was out again to New Costessey. Despite the rain, my team and I managed to hurl ourselves around. Main questions on the doorstep were about crime and immigration. Good day all around.
Being a candidate I must admit taking less time to look at the national campaign. The BBC Website and Newsnight are as about as far as I get at the moment, although I do find Michael Crick to be very self-important and just a little hard to stand. Today’s posters from Labour were interesting. One gentleman told me on the doorstep that if asked who should run the country, he’d answer Michael Hoard without hesitation!
As for the LibDems, another day, another barrage of spending commitments. I wonder if it is the knowledge that they’ll never win or just economic incompetence that keeps their spirits up? Nobody can doubt their motives but we all realise that to fulfil their plans you’d have to raise tax even beyond the 40 hikes that they want! A good day for Michael Howard and, after yesterday’s PMQs stormer, a great press too.
Over lunchtime I got to spend some precious time with baby Emily whilst Louise hit the shops. She was awake the whole time and getting really alert. Even our very own Cllr Collishaw fell for her!
This afternoon began with a five-hour (yes, count ‘em!) delivery and canvass session in the St. Giles area of the City Centre. Ever since the boundary changed people assumed that Mancroft became unwinable for the Tories – not a bit of it judging by today’s reception!
Then, after another hour or so dealing with correspondence, it was out again to New Costessey. Despite the rain, my team and I managed to hurl ourselves around. Main questions on the doorstep were about crime and immigration. Good day all around.
Being a candidate I must admit taking less time to look at the national campaign. The BBC Website and Newsnight are as about as far as I get at the moment, although I do find Michael Crick to be very self-important and just a little hard to stand. Today’s posters from Labour were interesting. One gentleman told me on the doorstep that if asked who should run the country, he’d answer Michael Hoard without hesitation!
As for the LibDems, another day, another barrage of spending commitments. I wonder if it is the knowledge that they’ll never win or just economic incompetence that keeps their spirits up? Nobody can doubt their motives but we all realise that to fulfil their plans you’d have to raise tax even beyond the 40 hikes that they want! A good day for Michael Howard and, after yesterday’s PMQs stormer, a great press too.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Some kind of medal, or a prize at the least, should go to Graham for e-mailing me the first entry in my LibDem Negativity Watch feature.
A rather gripping story from the under whelming “Norwich Mail” – a LibDem propaganda sheet masquerading as a free newspaper. Apparently, they claim, “New Tory policies will wreck our NHS”. The story goes on to say that “New Tory health policies unveiled by Michael Howard would effectively end the NHS”. The story goes on to bash the Tories without a single mention of a LibDem health policy (do they have any?!?). Untrue, negative and designed to scare … LibDem electioneering off to a great start, then!
A rather gripping story from the under whelming “Norwich Mail” – a LibDem propaganda sheet masquerading as a free newspaper. Apparently, they claim, “New Tory policies will wreck our NHS”. The story goes on to say that “New Tory health policies unveiled by Michael Howard would effectively end the NHS”. The story goes on to bash the Tories without a single mention of a LibDem health policy (do they have any?!?). Untrue, negative and designed to scare … LibDem electioneering off to a great start, then!
Are those blisters on my feet so soon?
Well, day two has been as proactive as day one for sure! This morning I spent a few hours in my Campaign Office answering e-mails and letters from local people about policies – issues such as climate change, the Child Support Agency, discipline in schools and pensions were covered. We have also this morning sent out our second campaign e-mail – hoping to do a couple per week during the lead up to polling day.
From there I joined a team out and about in Nelson Ward and enjoyed a couple of hours meeting people in and around Earlham Road. Pleased to get new poster sites and interesting that the LibDem vote really is crumbling – some shifting to us and some going Green. There are a lot of Green posters in Nelson – quite scary.
After lunch it was out again to Town Close Ward going in and around the Unthank Road. I met an old colleague from my former school (who pleasingly is switching from LibDem to me!) and found my way around the system of flats again. Leafleting Winchester Tower bought back memories of when I was helping Geoff Williams in the old St. Stephen’s Ward in 2000 – ah, the good old days!
Several nappies and a brief flick through the Evening News (great article on yesterday’s launch, and interesting to note that even they say the election is between the Tories and Labour) it was then over to New Costessey. The team from South Norfolk are trying really hard to wrench the county seat back and it was great to see them at work!
Robert Sturdy, local MEP, is joining us later in the week too. Now, to bed… earlier than last night but still not great (and now Emily’s crying!)
Well, day two has been as proactive as day one for sure! This morning I spent a few hours in my Campaign Office answering e-mails and letters from local people about policies – issues such as climate change, the Child Support Agency, discipline in schools and pensions were covered. We have also this morning sent out our second campaign e-mail – hoping to do a couple per week during the lead up to polling day.
From there I joined a team out and about in Nelson Ward and enjoyed a couple of hours meeting people in and around Earlham Road. Pleased to get new poster sites and interesting that the LibDem vote really is crumbling – some shifting to us and some going Green. There are a lot of Green posters in Nelson – quite scary.
After lunch it was out again to Town Close Ward going in and around the Unthank Road. I met an old colleague from my former school (who pleasingly is switching from LibDem to me!) and found my way around the system of flats again. Leafleting Winchester Tower bought back memories of when I was helping Geoff Williams in the old St. Stephen’s Ward in 2000 – ah, the good old days!
Several nappies and a brief flick through the Evening News (great article on yesterday’s launch, and interesting to note that even they say the election is between the Tories and Labour) it was then over to New Costessey. The team from South Norfolk are trying really hard to wrench the county seat back and it was great to see them at work!
Robert Sturdy, local MEP, is joining us later in the week too. Now, to bed… earlier than last night but still not great (and now Emily’s crying!)
I notice that the LibDems are bleating on about only being positive in this campaign (yet, as anybody who is involved in politics knows they are the dirtiest fighters in town) and so I know they won't mind me starting a new "LibDem Negativity Watch" feature on this blog, highlighting every negative comment from local Norfolk LibDems. If they are as positive as they claim to be, there shouldn't be too many entries!
Well, we’re off!
This weekend has been a really busy one with last minute peacetime canvassing – I was in Lower Hellesdon (part of Wensum Ward) on Saturday afternoon and met a group of residents to talk about the junction of Hellesden Mill Lane and Hellesden Road that is causing real problems. Earlier that morning I had a rather pleasant time around the City in the sunshine! We canvassed around the St. Giles area of the City and I met a UKIP convert to the Conservatives. There really is a sea change of opinion, especially towards the LibDems. The more people talk of their policies such as not jailing burglars, raising taxes or joining the Euro, the more support they seem to lose. Funny that!
Sunday we went to an NCT (National Childbirth Trust) lunch at Pizza Express at the forum – real baby overload! I feel sorry for the other diners actually – but all the babes were really well behaved and a minimum of crying! After that it was out delivering my “Being Local Matters” leaflet to Thorpe Hamlet.
Monday was a surprising day, a lot of mixed emotions about the Pope’s death and a time for reflection really.
Then, of course, the worst kept secret in Westminster was today’s announcement of a 5th May poll. This morning we were in Norwich for the launch of our Eastern Region Campaign, led by Transport Spokesman Tim Yeo – himself a Suffolk MP. It was a great event and did a few media interviews. From there it was off to start the delivery of my first leaflet! We had literally dozens of people across Norwich out delivering today – covering I am pleased to say areas in every single ward in the City.
I wanted to start to campaign on the doorsteps, which is exactly what I did, canvassing two large areas of Nelson and then University Ward. People were really shocked to see me so early on in the campaign – ah, I said, the advantage of living in the City! One lady couldn’t believe her eyes having just watched the announcement on the lunchtime news only to find me on the doorstep moments later!
Leafleting next - I was out first in Town Close, with our county candidate John Wyatt, then off to Nelson Ward to almost die of a heart attack leafleting a surprisingly hilly area (who said Norfolk was flat?!?). This evening we were joined by ACD Kate Fuller too, who leaflets faster than anybody I have ever seen! The woman is like Linford Christie!
This evening I managed to watch Hustle, send out 500 e-mails to voters announcing my candidature and update our Norwich South website to the Antony Little Campaign Website.
The people I met on the streets today were all really friendly – the running score was five positive comments, two thumbs-up-from-passing motorists and a “go on my son” shouted from a passing truck versus one rude comment shouted down a street. Not doing badly!
This weekend has been a really busy one with last minute peacetime canvassing – I was in Lower Hellesdon (part of Wensum Ward) on Saturday afternoon and met a group of residents to talk about the junction of Hellesden Mill Lane and Hellesden Road that is causing real problems. Earlier that morning I had a rather pleasant time around the City in the sunshine! We canvassed around the St. Giles area of the City and I met a UKIP convert to the Conservatives. There really is a sea change of opinion, especially towards the LibDems. The more people talk of their policies such as not jailing burglars, raising taxes or joining the Euro, the more support they seem to lose. Funny that!
Sunday we went to an NCT (National Childbirth Trust) lunch at Pizza Express at the forum – real baby overload! I feel sorry for the other diners actually – but all the babes were really well behaved and a minimum of crying! After that it was out delivering my “Being Local Matters” leaflet to Thorpe Hamlet.
Monday was a surprising day, a lot of mixed emotions about the Pope’s death and a time for reflection really.
Then, of course, the worst kept secret in Westminster was today’s announcement of a 5th May poll. This morning we were in Norwich for the launch of our Eastern Region Campaign, led by Transport Spokesman Tim Yeo – himself a Suffolk MP. It was a great event and did a few media interviews. From there it was off to start the delivery of my first leaflet! We had literally dozens of people across Norwich out delivering today – covering I am pleased to say areas in every single ward in the City.
I wanted to start to campaign on the doorsteps, which is exactly what I did, canvassing two large areas of Nelson and then University Ward. People were really shocked to see me so early on in the campaign – ah, I said, the advantage of living in the City! One lady couldn’t believe her eyes having just watched the announcement on the lunchtime news only to find me on the doorstep moments later!
Leafleting next - I was out first in Town Close, with our county candidate John Wyatt, then off to Nelson Ward to almost die of a heart attack leafleting a surprisingly hilly area (who said Norfolk was flat?!?). This evening we were joined by ACD Kate Fuller too, who leaflets faster than anybody I have ever seen! The woman is like Linford Christie!
This evening I managed to watch Hustle, send out 500 e-mails to voters announcing my candidature and update our Norwich South website to the Antony Little Campaign Website.
The people I met on the streets today were all really friendly – the running score was five positive comments, two thumbs-up-from-passing motorists and a “go on my son” shouted from a passing truck versus one rude comment shouted down a street. Not doing badly!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Since the Easter holiday I don’t think my feet have touched the ground. Easter itself was packed full of relatives all cooing over Emily and a wonderful meal at the out-laws in Taverham. Today I had a meeting with an EDP Reporter who is covering Norwich South at Prospect House, in Norwich. Really positive meeting all-in-all. Tonight I am working on our strategy to be first out of the blocks come the big announcement!
A lot of people, generally party members, hacks and a few journo types have asked me to comment on Howard Flight. Why, I replied, when we got the latest rather massive wodge of telephone canvassing results from the last week and not one single voter contacted (out of over a thousand) mentioned him?
p.s. Reason not to vote LibDem No. 341: Not sending women to prison because of the impact on families. And, of course, sending men to jail doesn’t at all impact on families!
A lot of people, generally party members, hacks and a few journo types have asked me to comment on Howard Flight. Why, I replied, when we got the latest rather massive wodge of telephone canvassing results from the last week and not one single voter contacted (out of over a thousand) mentioned him?
p.s. Reason not to vote LibDem No. 341: Not sending women to prison because of the impact on families. And, of course, sending men to jail doesn’t at all impact on families!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Senior Conservatives have hailed the launch of a new UEA Conservatives website as proof that the party is fighting back amongst young voters. Conservative parliamentary candidate Antony Little said: "This website is a vital tool in communication our message with students."
"The website includes profiles of the UEA Tories and of their policies and campaigns. It'll also be used to hold the other parties to account as well as selling Conservative policies."
"Labour broke their word of fees, students should believe them."
"LibDems want to charge students their new local income tax. Students shouldn't trust them."
"Only the Conservatives are fighting hard for students - by cutting out fees, investing more in universities and putting police back on the beat."
You can visit the new site by clicking here.
"The website includes profiles of the UEA Tories and of their policies and campaigns. It'll also be used to hold the other parties to account as well as selling Conservative policies."
"Labour broke their word of fees, students should believe them."
"LibDems want to charge students their new local income tax. Students shouldn't trust them."
"Only the Conservatives are fighting hard for students - by cutting out fees, investing more in universities and putting police back on the beat."
You can visit the new site by clicking here.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Survey Results (In full, where figures exceed 5%):
24,000 surveys distributed in February 2005 in: Cringleford, Eaton, Bowthorpe, Thorpe Hamlet, Lower Hellesden, Norwich City, Town Close, Golden Triangle, New Costessey, Lakenham, Earlham, Colney, UEA
Most important local issue:
Refuse collection 30%, Rising crime 25%, Council tax 19%, Traffic 8%, Education 8%
Is Norwich better or worse than it was in 1997?
Better 13%, No different 39%, Worse 48%
How do you feel in your neighbourhood
More safe 5%, No different 45%, Less safe 50%
Are your councils value for money?
Yes 16%, Unsure 24%, No 61%
Do you think your MP (Clarke) does:
A good job 8%, An adequate job 31%, A bad job 27%
Most important national issue
Crime 20%, Immigration 17%, Health 13%, Pensions 13%, Tax 9%, Europe 6%, Education 7%, Environment 7%
What should we do about:
Crime - More police 49%, Tougher Sentences 46%
Schools - Discipline 69%, Cut paperwork 26%
NHS - Cleaner hospitals 48%, More nurses 41%
Immigration - Annual limits 63%, ID Cards 22%
Tax - Cut inheritance tax 56%, Cut Stamp Duty 12%
24,000 surveys distributed in February 2005 in: Cringleford, Eaton, Bowthorpe, Thorpe Hamlet, Lower Hellesden, Norwich City, Town Close, Golden Triangle, New Costessey, Lakenham, Earlham, Colney, UEA
Most important local issue:
Refuse collection 30%, Rising crime 25%, Council tax 19%, Traffic 8%, Education 8%
Is Norwich better or worse than it was in 1997?
Better 13%, No different 39%, Worse 48%
How do you feel in your neighbourhood
More safe 5%, No different 45%, Less safe 50%
Are your councils value for money?
Yes 16%, Unsure 24%, No 61%
Do you think your MP (Clarke) does:
A good job 8%, An adequate job 31%, A bad job 27%
Most important national issue
Crime 20%, Immigration 17%, Health 13%, Pensions 13%, Tax 9%, Europe 6%, Education 7%, Environment 7%
What should we do about:
Crime - More police 49%, Tougher Sentences 46%
Schools - Discipline 69%, Cut paperwork 26%
NHS - Cleaner hospitals 48%, More nurses 41%
Immigration - Annual limits 63%, ID Cards 22%
Tax - Cut inheritance tax 56%, Cut Stamp Duty 12%
It has been an interesting weekend in which we managed to juggle babies, politics and a big dose of oh-my-god-I’m-back-to-work-tomorrow. Emily isn’t sleeping too badly – regular feeds and if we go to bed late enough and rise early, she only wakes once a night. Ah. Just getting used to the idea of being a Dad – must buy a cardigan or something!
Saturday was rare as I didn’t go out canvassing – instead I juggled writing my election material and caring for Emily. Louise caught up on a week’s sleep in an afternoon! Instead we had teams out in Cringleford and (judging by the results) had a rather good time.
In a later post I am exclusively putting the results of our surveys onto this site. We had a massive response to these surveys and the outcomes should make all politicians think.
Today, however, we are just back from an association fundraiser – afternoon tea at the home of former Lord Mayor of Norwich, George Richards. A wonderful event and glad to see so many County Council Candidates there! The food was, unsurprisingly excellent, and well done to the enterprising lady raffling it off at the end! It often surprises me that such events raise such a lot of money – it should make the likes of Lord Sainsbury and the entire trade union movement think about who is properly involved in politics. Gave a speech entitled, “How to Beat Blair”. Quite pleased with it actually!
Saturday was rare as I didn’t go out canvassing – instead I juggled writing my election material and caring for Emily. Louise caught up on a week’s sleep in an afternoon! Instead we had teams out in Cringleford and (judging by the results) had a rather good time.
In a later post I am exclusively putting the results of our surveys onto this site. We had a massive response to these surveys and the outcomes should make all politicians think.
Today, however, we are just back from an association fundraiser – afternoon tea at the home of former Lord Mayor of Norwich, George Richards. A wonderful event and glad to see so many County Council Candidates there! The food was, unsurprisingly excellent, and well done to the enterprising lady raffling it off at the end! It often surprises me that such events raise such a lot of money – it should make the likes of Lord Sainsbury and the entire trade union movement think about who is properly involved in politics. Gave a speech entitled, “How to Beat Blair”. Quite pleased with it actually!
Thursday, March 10, 2005
It is not often that I say a newspaper has things spot on, but tonight's Evening News did us all proud. I have also uploaded a not-very-good photo on our campaign website. Plus got the shock on my life when Ann Widdecombe phoned tonight to say "congratulations"! Ann is, as my sixth formers will testify, is a bit of a hero of mine. The Tories certain know how to welcome in a new life!
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Well, we’re home – mother and baby doing fine (in fact, both are asleep now). Tonight is potentially another night without sleep. Louise started having contractions at 1pm on Sunday and Emily was born 10.09am on Tuesday! That’s a long time with no sleep! Emily has been sick on me twice now and looked rather smug about it both times. We must talk about the whole vomiting thing. Hmmm, should also have that “fatherly” conversation about boys too! So pleased that they’re home – still well up inside when I think at her, let alone when we cuddle!
I would love to comment intelligently about the political news of the week, but having not even read a newspaper this week I couldn’t possibly, although friends do say that Mr Blair is having more trouble with the Lords ... fancy the “unelected” Lords standing up for liberty and justice! I do hope all those anti House of Lords types will write lots of letters to the Guardian proclaiming it the theatre of liberty!
I would love to comment intelligently about the political news of the week, but having not even read a newspaper this week I couldn’t possibly, although friends do say that Mr Blair is having more trouble with the Lords ... fancy the “unelected” Lords standing up for liberty and justice! I do hope all those anti House of Lords types will write lots of letters to the Guardian proclaiming it the theatre of liberty!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
This has just come out from our Media Department at my Campaign HQ and is the proudest entry on my blog:
Antony Little, the Conservative’s local candidate for Norwich South at the next general election, has become a father for the first time. Baby Emily Rose was born 12 days late at the Norwich & Norfolk after a labour lasting around 45 hours. Weighing in at 7lb 7ozs, Emily has so far been the perfect baby despite the struggle to be born!
Antony, 26 and a High School Teacher at Notre Dame School, and his wife Louise, 25, are “thrilled” at the new arrival. Both mother and baby are doing fine, and have been transferred to the Blakeney ward.
Antony said: “We made Norwich our home all those year’s ago because we wanted to bring up our children here. Little Emily is just so perfect in every respect and we’ve both totally fallen in love with her.”
“After such a long labour, holding and cuddling Emily is a real blessing. Babies really do change your life forever and Emily is now the centre of our lives.”
The couple – who live in Trafford Road, in the City Centre – are planning to take a year’s leave between them to care for Emily.
Antony Little, the Conservative’s local candidate for Norwich South at the next general election, has become a father for the first time. Baby Emily Rose was born 12 days late at the Norwich & Norfolk after a labour lasting around 45 hours. Weighing in at 7lb 7ozs, Emily has so far been the perfect baby despite the struggle to be born!
Antony, 26 and a High School Teacher at Notre Dame School, and his wife Louise, 25, are “thrilled” at the new arrival. Both mother and baby are doing fine, and have been transferred to the Blakeney ward.
Antony said: “We made Norwich our home all those year’s ago because we wanted to bring up our children here. Little Emily is just so perfect in every respect and we’ve both totally fallen in love with her.”
“After such a long labour, holding and cuddling Emily is a real blessing. Babies really do change your life forever and Emily is now the centre of our lives.”
The couple – who live in Trafford Road, in the City Centre – are planning to take a year’s leave between them to care for Emily.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
In a campaign that has been full of amazing moments, today had to be the most amazing. On a day where the snow ruined any chance of political activity (or, in Louise’s case, any activity at all!), the Norwich South Conservatives carried on.
Despite the weather, one team of UEA activists still went out leafleting in Eaton – madness. We also had teams of people telephone canvassing in Cringleford, University Ward, Bowthorpe, Town Close and Nelson. I’ve just got the figures through about the number of contacts we made today!
If the weather can’t stop us, I really don’t fear Charlie “House Arrest” Clarke!
Despite the weather, one team of UEA activists still went out leafleting in Eaton – madness. We also had teams of people telephone canvassing in Cringleford, University Ward, Bowthorpe, Town Close and Nelson. I’ve just got the figures through about the number of contacts we made today!
If the weather can’t stop us, I really don’t fear Charlie “House Arrest” Clarke!
Last night was the AGM of the Norwich South Conservatives and saw a new officer team elected, under the continued leadership of Trevor Ivory. In a well-attended meeting at the URC, Ipswich Road, we elected two new Deputy Chairmen and I made what was probably the most important speech so far. It was important to get the party faithful geared up the fight ahead – it certainly worked given the number of offers of help we received and extra donations to campaign funds. We also learnt today that we are three quarters of the way to achieving our Fighting Fund target (the money we need to spend on the campaign). I am feeling really confident at the moment, as you can tell! Still, we need to keep grounded for the fight ahead…
Last night was the AGM of the Norwich South Conservatives and saw a new officer team elected, under the continued leadership of Trevor Ivory. In a well-attended meeting at the URC, Ipswich Road, we elected two new Deputy Chairmen and I made what was probably the most important speech so far. It was important to get the party faithful geared up the fight ahead – it certainly worked given the number of offers of help we received and extra donations to campaign funds. We also learnt today that we are three quarters of the way to achieving our Fighting Fund target (the money we need to spend on the campaign). I am feeling really confident at the moment, as you can tell! Still, we need to keep grounded for the fight ahead…
Further to my declaration of weaknesses in the spelling department, a further tropical fruit to the person who can understand this:
Not a spelling mistake rather a solecism, in that you put in parentheses
(which should contain a subordinate clause) "(and most embarrassing spellin'
mistake)", this would be A.O.K however the rest of the sentence cannot stand
by itself and therefore renders it gramatically incorrect. Unless this of
course was a more subtle form of "spellin' mistake"?
Not from me, of course, but confirmation if it means anything or not would be appreciated!
Not a spelling mistake rather a solecism, in that you put in parentheses
(which should contain a subordinate clause) "(and most embarrassing spellin'
mistake)", this would be A.O.K however the rest of the sentence cannot stand
by itself and therefore renders it gramatically incorrect. Unless this of
course was a more subtle form of "spellin' mistake"?
Not from me, of course, but confirmation if it means anything or not would be appreciated!
Thursday, March 03, 2005
In our recent City survey, the number one local issue that people complained about was rubbish collection. I have visited lots of street and blocks of flats where the problem is getting beyond a joke. People's lives are being made so much worse, and by the sound of things the LibDems are doing nothing about this.
Take a look at this site, because unless we work out a better way for councils and individuals to take responsibility for our environment, there may be serious consequences. Jim and the residents of Globe Place deserve better, quite frankly.
Take a look at this site, because unless we work out a better way for councils and individuals to take responsibility for our environment, there may be serious consequences. Jim and the residents of Globe Place deserve better, quite frankly.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Even the Daily Telegraph agrees with me today (not a first, but an infrequent delight):
So if local taxation were raised entirely through income - adding an average 3p to the basic rate as the Lib Dems suggest - it would hit younger, working, voters who frequently have huge mortgages and are struggling to bring up families, while desperately trying to accumulate some capital of their own.
So if local taxation were raised entirely through income - adding an average 3p to the basic rate as the Lib Dems suggest - it would hit younger, working, voters who frequently have huge mortgages and are struggling to bring up families, while desperately trying to accumulate some capital of their own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)