Jonathan over at Liberal England has already wished us a merry christmas with one of my favourite christmas songs - Solstice Bells by Jethro Tull - whose folksy sound is somehow appropriate at this time of year.
For anyone else still up waiting for children to settle down so that they can perform their Santa duties, here's another of my favourites:
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Will the real David Cameron please step forward
'Dave' seems a might confused.
Writing in The Daily Mail on December 8th he said:
"Work gives life shape. It gives people esteem and responsibility. It powers our economy. So we’re going to end the something-for-nothing culture. If you don’t take a reasonable offer of a job, you will lose benefits. No ifs, no buts."
But speaking earlier he said that it was 'not right' for the government to expect the mothers of pre-school children to be forced into work.
That sounds like quite a big 'but' to me.
Of course the more important point is that forcing single mothers of pre-school or primary school aged children into work by threatening to take their benefits away will do little to 'heal our broken society'.
Treating people with a bit of dignity might be a good start though.
Writing in The Daily Mail on December 8th he said:
"Work gives life shape. It gives people esteem and responsibility. It powers our economy. So we’re going to end the something-for-nothing culture. If you don’t take a reasonable offer of a job, you will lose benefits. No ifs, no buts."
But speaking earlier he said that it was 'not right' for the government to expect the mothers of pre-school children to be forced into work.
That sounds like quite a big 'but' to me.
Of course the more important point is that forcing single mothers of pre-school or primary school aged children into work by threatening to take their benefits away will do little to 'heal our broken society'.
Treating people with a bit of dignity might be a good start though.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Neil Trafford's Memorial Service
A series of videos of the Memorial Service which was held in Manchester on Friday is now up on You Tube here.
It is very moving and a wonderful tribute to Neil.
It is very moving and a wonderful tribute to Neil.
And these people think they can run the country?
For most of the 20 years I've been involved in politics I have never been able to work out how the party that has generally been the worse at managing its own budget seemed to believe itself best able to manage the economy.
Now it seems that despite having been doing better in the polls for many years, they have still managed to make a balls up of their own finances.
Conservative Home has the full story.
I particularly enjoyed this comment:
"The Board of the Conservative Party needs to start acting like a Board, not like (as former Australian Labor leader Mark Latham once said) a conga line of suckholes."
Hat tip: Lib Dem Voice
Now it seems that despite having been doing better in the polls for many years, they have still managed to make a balls up of their own finances.
Conservative Home has the full story.
I particularly enjoyed this comment:
"The Board of the Conservative Party needs to start acting like a Board, not like (as former Australian Labor leader Mark Latham once said) a conga line of suckholes."
Hat tip: Lib Dem Voice
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Sod politics, here' some rock n roll ...
The last fortnight for me has been dominated by the sad loss of a friend and colleague.
Politics by doom and gloom of various kinds.
But I spent Friday wondering if I was in the mood to go and see The Wildhearts who were playing at the Oxford Academy (or The Zodiac, as I like to think of it).
Well I did go, anf boy I'm glad I did.
The reformed A, with new addition John Mitchell on bass, were as superb as ever.
And the mighty Wildhearts were sensational.
They played a set chock full of their best live songs from across their career, starting with the more recent hit Vanilla Radio and ending with their classic mid nineties chart botherer, I Wanna Go Where The People Go.
The place was a sweatbox by the end of the gig and I felt a heck of a lot better for the experience.
If you like lively, loud rock you will love the Wildhearts.
There's still time to catch them at Wolverhampton tomorrow and in London on Wednesday.
In the meatime, here's one to liven up your Sunday evening:
Politics by doom and gloom of various kinds.
But I spent Friday wondering if I was in the mood to go and see The Wildhearts who were playing at the Oxford Academy (or The Zodiac, as I like to think of it).
Well I did go, anf boy I'm glad I did.
The reformed A, with new addition John Mitchell on bass, were as superb as ever.
And the mighty Wildhearts were sensational.
They played a set chock full of their best live songs from across their career, starting with the more recent hit Vanilla Radio and ending with their classic mid nineties chart botherer, I Wanna Go Where The People Go.
The place was a sweatbox by the end of the gig and I felt a heck of a lot better for the experience.
If you like lively, loud rock you will love the Wildhearts.
There's still time to catch them at Wolverhampton tomorrow and in London on Wednesday.
In the meatime, here's one to liven up your Sunday evening:
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Saying Good-bye to Neil Trafford
It is now eight days since I was told that Neil Trafford had died, and to be honest, I'm still struggling with the news.
I have made a few comments in other places but have found it quite difficult to write a full post.
I think I first met Neil in about 1994 when he was getting involved in the Lib Dem Youth & Students, who I then worked for. I have known him ever since as he worked in his various roles in the party and particularly these last few years as he worked as North West Campaigns Officer.
I can't really add much to what has already been said about Neil except to add my name to the long list of people who are proud to have counted him as a friend.
Neil's funeral was held yesterday in Swindon at Swindon Evangelical Church where Neil was and his family are members.
It was a bright sunny afternoon, just as it should be for Neil, and the Church was full.
Neil's parents, Mark and Lynne, spoke very movingly about Neil. They clearly loved him very much and were very proud of him. His father said that they had received many letters and phone calls and had seen the various comments posted about Neil online.
They spoke with great dignity, courage and compassion.
Hannah Trafford read from John 14.
Neil's close friend Emily also spoke about Neil, what a great friend he was, how much fun he was and how much he cared for everyone.
Neil's Pastor, Paul Williams, spoke about Neil and his memories of Neil's lobbying for a more democratic and inclusive church!
The hymns were some of Neil's favourites, Lord Be my Vision, My Jesus My Saviour, Great is the Lord and The Lords My Shepherd.
The service finished with a recording of 'Run' sung by Hannah Trafford, which beautifully sung and very moving.
The service was followed by a reception at a local hotel.
A lot of Neil's family and friends were there, along with many of us from the party. Several of the party's MPs were present, along with party staff, local members from the Swindon area and lots from Manchester.
I never find funerals easy, but it was good to see so many people that Neil had touched during his far too short but incredibly positive life.
If anyone would like to make a donation in Neil's memory please do so to the TEAR Fund - www.tearfund.org - a charity that Neil supported himself.
Good-bye Neil, and thanks for being you.
I have made a few comments in other places but have found it quite difficult to write a full post.
I think I first met Neil in about 1994 when he was getting involved in the Lib Dem Youth & Students, who I then worked for. I have known him ever since as he worked in his various roles in the party and particularly these last few years as he worked as North West Campaigns Officer.
I can't really add much to what has already been said about Neil except to add my name to the long list of people who are proud to have counted him as a friend.
Neil's funeral was held yesterday in Swindon at Swindon Evangelical Church where Neil was and his family are members.
It was a bright sunny afternoon, just as it should be for Neil, and the Church was full.
Neil's parents, Mark and Lynne, spoke very movingly about Neil. They clearly loved him very much and were very proud of him. His father said that they had received many letters and phone calls and had seen the various comments posted about Neil online.
They spoke with great dignity, courage and compassion.
Hannah Trafford read from John 14.
Neil's close friend Emily also spoke about Neil, what a great friend he was, how much fun he was and how much he cared for everyone.
Neil's Pastor, Paul Williams, spoke about Neil and his memories of Neil's lobbying for a more democratic and inclusive church!
The hymns were some of Neil's favourites, Lord Be my Vision, My Jesus My Saviour, Great is the Lord and The Lords My Shepherd.
The service finished with a recording of 'Run' sung by Hannah Trafford, which beautifully sung and very moving.
The service was followed by a reception at a local hotel.
A lot of Neil's family and friends were there, along with many of us from the party. Several of the party's MPs were present, along with party staff, local members from the Swindon area and lots from Manchester.
I never find funerals easy, but it was good to see so many people that Neil had touched during his far too short but incredibly positive life.
If anyone would like to make a donation in Neil's memory please do so to the TEAR Fund - www.tearfund.org - a charity that Neil supported himself.
Good-bye Neil, and thanks for being you.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Doctor Who 45th Anniversary – Why Was 1977 Brilliant?
Alex - hope it's not too serious and you get well soon.
I was looking forward to your take on 1977 so I hope you don't mind if I put my two-penneth in;-)
1977 was a simply fantastic year of Who.
To this then eight/nine year old boy it was compulsive viewing and much playground talk each week would be about the previous Saturday's episode and the one coming up.
Having said goodbye to Sarah Jane Smith at the end of 1976 and seen off the Master, January 1977 saw the arrival of the lovely Leela. This scantily clad 'savage' was something of a contrast with previous well turned out companions but made for a great double-act with Tom Baker's Doctor.
The show was in good hands with Producer Philip Hinchcliffe and Script Editor Robert Holmes taking the series in a more gothic direction. Storylines and scripts were strong - it doesn't get much better than Robots of Death, Talons of Weng Chiang and Horror of Fang Rock one after the other. I can still remember the drama of every one of these stories. It was during this period that Mary Whitehouse's criticism of the show was at its most strident - clear evidence that the show was doing well!
The scripts did not lose their humour, however, and Leela, in particular, had some great one liners.
My favourite, in The Face of Evil (I think):
The Doctor : "Would you like a Jelly Baby?"
Leela : "It's true then. They say the Evil One eats babies."
What to watch:
I'd recommend getting the DVD of The Talons of Weng Chiang. A strong story and script, and if, like me, you've got kids who love the new series, they'll love this one too. (And it's cheap on Amazon at the moment too).
I was looking forward to your take on 1977 so I hope you don't mind if I put my two-penneth in;-)
1977 was a simply fantastic year of Who.
To this then eight/nine year old boy it was compulsive viewing and much playground talk each week would be about the previous Saturday's episode and the one coming up.
Having said goodbye to Sarah Jane Smith at the end of 1976 and seen off the Master, January 1977 saw the arrival of the lovely Leela. This scantily clad 'savage' was something of a contrast with previous well turned out companions but made for a great double-act with Tom Baker's Doctor.
The show was in good hands with Producer Philip Hinchcliffe and Script Editor Robert Holmes taking the series in a more gothic direction. Storylines and scripts were strong - it doesn't get much better than Robots of Death, Talons of Weng Chiang and Horror of Fang Rock one after the other. I can still remember the drama of every one of these stories. It was during this period that Mary Whitehouse's criticism of the show was at its most strident - clear evidence that the show was doing well!
The scripts did not lose their humour, however, and Leela, in particular, had some great one liners.
My favourite, in The Face of Evil (I think):
The Doctor : "Would you like a Jelly Baby?"
Leela : "It's true then. They say the Evil One eats babies."
What to watch:
I'd recommend getting the DVD of The Talons of Weng Chiang. A strong story and script, and if, like me, you've got kids who love the new series, they'll love this one too. (And it's cheap on Amazon at the moment too).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Olbermeister does it again
I was delighted to read that Keith Olbermann's contract with MSNBC has been renewed for another cycle.
MSNBC in general, and Keith Olbermann specifically, have had a real impact during the last few years in rebalancing US news following an unhappy period when FOX dominated the airwaves.
Keith's best moments have been his Special Comments - hard-hitting straight to camera statements on issues of the day. On several occaisions he has taken Bush to pieces, and this time he has nailed those who support the ban on gay marriage in California and other states.
It's very emotional, very strong and very clear, and answers anyone who doesn't beleive there are real liberals in the US:
MSNBC in general, and Keith Olbermann specifically, have had a real impact during the last few years in rebalancing US news following an unhappy period when FOX dominated the airwaves.
Keith's best moments have been his Special Comments - hard-hitting straight to camera statements on issues of the day. On several occaisions he has taken Bush to pieces, and this time he has nailed those who support the ban on gay marriage in California and other states.
It's very emotional, very strong and very clear, and answers anyone who doesn't beleive there are real liberals in the US:
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
History is made
Well he's done it!
Possibly the most historic US Presidential result of all time, and he'll take office almost exactly 100 years after the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
This could radically change the perception of race across the US and of the US across the globe.
Let's hope so.
In the meantime, another beer, in celebration ;-)
Possibly the most historic US Presidential result of all time, and he'll take office almost exactly 100 years after the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People.
This could radically change the perception of race across the US and of the US across the globe.
Let's hope so.
In the meantime, another beer, in celebration ;-)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
How long would you wait in line to vote?
It seems pretty bizarre to me that the wealthiest country in the world doesn't seem able to organise itself to run an election properly - but such is the enthusiam generated by the campaign this time that it doesn't seem to be stopping folk from voting.
The Obama campaign have done a terrific job of making his supporters want to get out and vote for him, as the polling of early voters shows.
Such is the enthusiasm that 1,000 students in Pennsilvania were queuing up at 7am this morning ready to vote!
CNN's Jack Cafferty asked viewers how long they would stand in line to vote and I found the responses quite inspiring.
Amongst my favorites were:
Michelle from New Hampshire:
I am prepared and willing to wait all day. I have cleared my calendar to make sure I can spend the whole day. And the time I don’t spend waiting or voting, I will spend poll watching and holding signs. This is far too important not to make a personal sacrifice to make sure my vote counts. And, as an Army wife, one day of work loss is meaningless compared to the days my husband has and will spend on deployment. To all within the sound of your voice: Get out and vote!
LaShunda from Mobile, Alabama:
I am seven months pregnant and standing for long periods of time hurts my back tremendously, but in spite of my pain I plan on standing in line as long as it takes to exercise my right to vote, especially when those before me endured even greater hardships to have this right.
Joe St Louis, MO:
I have been waiting 8 years to vote…….
And this comment from a Candian reflects my own view:
Marie, Ontario:
Well Jack I’ve been voting here in Canada for over 40 years and can’t remember more than a half dozen people being in front of me in a line to vote.
This makes me wonder how a country that can send a man to the moon can’t organize and run elections without having so much turmoil and such lengthy delays at the polls.
Anyway to answer your question if I was an American I would wait all day and half the night to cast my vote for Obama as I feel it is just that important.
The Obama campaign have done a terrific job of making his supporters want to get out and vote for him, as the polling of early voters shows.
Such is the enthusiasm that 1,000 students in Pennsilvania were queuing up at 7am this morning ready to vote!
CNN's Jack Cafferty asked viewers how long they would stand in line to vote and I found the responses quite inspiring.
Amongst my favorites were:
Michelle from New Hampshire:
I am prepared and willing to wait all day. I have cleared my calendar to make sure I can spend the whole day. And the time I don’t spend waiting or voting, I will spend poll watching and holding signs. This is far too important not to make a personal sacrifice to make sure my vote counts. And, as an Army wife, one day of work loss is meaningless compared to the days my husband has and will spend on deployment. To all within the sound of your voice: Get out and vote!
LaShunda from Mobile, Alabama:
I am seven months pregnant and standing for long periods of time hurts my back tremendously, but in spite of my pain I plan on standing in line as long as it takes to exercise my right to vote, especially when those before me endured even greater hardships to have this right.
Joe St Louis, MO:
I have been waiting 8 years to vote…….
And this comment from a Candian reflects my own view:
Marie, Ontario:
Well Jack I’ve been voting here in Canada for over 40 years and can’t remember more than a half dozen people being in front of me in a line to vote.
This makes me wonder how a country that can send a man to the moon can’t organize and run elections without having so much turmoil and such lengthy delays at the polls.
Anyway to answer your question if I was an American I would wait all day and half the night to cast my vote for Obama as I feel it is just that important.
Well it rained, and it hailed, and it was freezing and windy but ...
Well we're now back from Cornwall after a largely cold, wet and windy week.
We were staying just on the edge of Bodmin Moor but because of the weather didn't get the chance for any proper walks there.
But despite the weather we had a great time.
Amongst other things we visited the lovely Tintagel and its castle, the Arthurian Centre near Camelford, Bodmin, the Eden Project, Padstow, the famous Jamaica Inn, Landhydrock House, Flambards Experience (the wettest and clodest visit to a theme park ever but with a fantastic end of season fireworks display), Healey's Cyder Farm, Futureworld, Lizard Point and Westward Ho!.
We also happened upon a very friendly Post Office in a lovely village called St Brewards which also has an internet cafe and hosts several other village activities - do visit it if you're in the area - they do a lovely mocha. (There is a lively campaign to 'save the Post Office' even though it isn't currently on the threatened list).
Everywhere we went we got an exceptionally friendly welcome and all the places we visisted were well geared up for children.
We rounded the week off with a fancy dress halloween party at Michaelstow Manor Holiday Park where we were staying.
We now have a list of just as many other places to visit that we couldn't get to this time and are planning to head back as soon as we can.
We were staying just on the edge of Bodmin Moor but because of the weather didn't get the chance for any proper walks there.
But despite the weather we had a great time.
Amongst other things we visited the lovely Tintagel and its castle, the Arthurian Centre near Camelford, Bodmin, the Eden Project, Padstow, the famous Jamaica Inn, Landhydrock House, Flambards Experience (the wettest and clodest visit to a theme park ever but with a fantastic end of season fireworks display), Healey's Cyder Farm, Futureworld, Lizard Point and Westward Ho!.
We also happened upon a very friendly Post Office in a lovely village called St Brewards which also has an internet cafe and hosts several other village activities - do visit it if you're in the area - they do a lovely mocha. (There is a lively campaign to 'save the Post Office' even though it isn't currently on the threatened list).
Everywhere we went we got an exceptionally friendly welcome and all the places we visisted were well geared up for children.
We rounded the week off with a fancy dress halloween party at Michaelstow Manor Holiday Park where we were staying.
We now have a list of just as many other places to visit that we couldn't get to this time and are planning to head back as soon as we can.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A new suite arrives & Heading for Cornwall for half term
Well, just one year, three months and a week after being flooded our new suite has arrived.
This was the last big thing we were waiting for to get our house back in order.
There is only a bit of 'snagging' left to sort out now.
Anyway to celebrate we're off to Cornwall at the weekend for half term.
We are staying near Bodmin (which I think must be in my former colleague Dan Rogerson's constituency?) and we're hoping that the weather won't be too bad.
Anyone got any ideas for good family things to do - our youngsters are 10 and 6.
(Yes - we already know about the Eden Project!)
This was the last big thing we were waiting for to get our house back in order.
There is only a bit of 'snagging' left to sort out now.
Anyway to celebrate we're off to Cornwall at the weekend for half term.
We are staying near Bodmin (which I think must be in my former colleague Dan Rogerson's constituency?) and we're hoping that the weather won't be too bad.
Anyone got any ideas for good family things to do - our youngsters are 10 and 6.
(Yes - we already know about the Eden Project!)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
$150 million in September
Exciting news for the ground-breaking Obama campaign that they have raised more than $150 million during September.
Even more impressively they received donations from more than 632,000 new donors and nowhave more than 3.1 million donors altogether who have given an average of $86.
This is very impressive on several fronts:
It once again demonstrates that Obama is creating genuine mass enthusiasm across the US.
It shows that it is possible to outraise the GOP's big donors and special interests by getting a large number of small donations.
And finally it means that Obama is going to be able to continue to out advertise and out organise McCain from now on in.
Are there lessons here for the Lib Dems? Yes - although we shouldn't pretend that it will be easy or that everything that works in the US will work here.
But it does reinforce what we already knew (and what a few of our seats alreay do) - money is out there if you can identify the right people to ask, put a convincing case that their donation will make a difference and demonstarte that you are spending money effectively.
One of the Local Parties I work for has a regular income (ie from Standing Orders) of nearly £3K per month now - enough to cover all the regular costs. 100% of anything else we raise from events, appeals etc. pays for extra campaigning.
All it has taken to achieve that - and there is still a lot of untapped potential - is to ask the right people in the right way and to build up over time.
Even more impressively they received donations from more than 632,000 new donors and nowhave more than 3.1 million donors altogether who have given an average of $86.
This is very impressive on several fronts:
It once again demonstrates that Obama is creating genuine mass enthusiasm across the US.
It shows that it is possible to outraise the GOP's big donors and special interests by getting a large number of small donations.
And finally it means that Obama is going to be able to continue to out advertise and out organise McCain from now on in.
Are there lessons here for the Lib Dems? Yes - although we shouldn't pretend that it will be easy or that everything that works in the US will work here.
But it does reinforce what we already knew (and what a few of our seats alreay do) - money is out there if you can identify the right people to ask, put a convincing case that their donation will make a difference and demonstarte that you are spending money effectively.
One of the Local Parties I work for has a regular income (ie from Standing Orders) of nearly £3K per month now - enough to cover all the regular costs. 100% of anything else we raise from events, appeals etc. pays for extra campaigning.
All it has taken to achieve that - and there is still a lot of untapped potential - is to ask the right people in the right way and to build up over time.
Obama really is a fantastic speaker (and a personal link)
Surfing various American websites I realised that an Obama rally was about to be shown live which I am now watching.
He is speaking to a massive crowd in Kansas City, Missouri, and, after a relaxed start about the local sports teams, he is now in full flow on health care and the economy.
He has just been talking about health and his mother. I hadn't picked up that she had died of Ovarian Cancer at the age of 53, a year before my own Mum died of the same illness at the same age.
I am struck by the conviction with which Obama speaks, and the ease with which he mixes his personal story, real life examples, policy, philosophy and political rhetoric.
He has just built to a crescendo and finished and crowd has gone wild - rock start style.
He really is a fantastic speaker and is clearly attracting massive crowds, even in places the Democrats wouldn't have dreamt of winning just a year ago.
He is speaking to a massive crowd in Kansas City, Missouri, and, after a relaxed start about the local sports teams, he is now in full flow on health care and the economy.
He has just been talking about health and his mother. I hadn't picked up that she had died of Ovarian Cancer at the age of 53, a year before my own Mum died of the same illness at the same age.
I am struck by the conviction with which Obama speaks, and the ease with which he mixes his personal story, real life examples, policy, philosophy and political rhetoric.
He has just built to a crescendo and finished and crowd has gone wild - rock start style.
He really is a fantastic speaker and is clearly attracting massive crowds, even in places the Democrats wouldn't have dreamt of winning just a year ago.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thank You South Central
I spent today at South Central Conference in the excellent Town Council run Oakwood Centre in the middle of Woodley.
The Conference was buzzing and was the usual mix of debates, speeches, training, fringe and exhibition.
As ever it was full of familiar faces as well as some new ones.
The turnout was high - presumably because Nick Clegg was going to speak at the end of the afternoon. When he spoke many of us had to watch his speech on the screen in the cafe as the auditorium was full.
I was there to do two briefing sessions on plans for the European Campaign as well as to do ten minutes promoting Nick Clegg's Million Door Challenge in the main hall.
I was somewhat taken aback when, having done my presentation I was asked to 'hang on a minute' and was presented with a very amusing 'Focus on Fawcett' (featuring a set of those embarrasing photos that usually turn up on your wedding day) and a rather nifty HMV voucher along with some kind words from Regional Chair Steve Sollit about my work for the Region for the past ten years.
I was a little stunned and gabbled out a few words of thanks which I hope made some sense to the audience.
It has been a great ten years working in the region (which used to be Hampshire and Chilterns) and working with so many activists, many of whom I now consider friends, and it was with some sadness that I decided to drop back to a more local and less stressful role.
But I am very appreciative for the gifts, and for all the kind words I received from so many people today.
Thank you.
The Conference was buzzing and was the usual mix of debates, speeches, training, fringe and exhibition.
As ever it was full of familiar faces as well as some new ones.
The turnout was high - presumably because Nick Clegg was going to speak at the end of the afternoon. When he spoke many of us had to watch his speech on the screen in the cafe as the auditorium was full.
I was there to do two briefing sessions on plans for the European Campaign as well as to do ten minutes promoting Nick Clegg's Million Door Challenge in the main hall.
I was somewhat taken aback when, having done my presentation I was asked to 'hang on a minute' and was presented with a very amusing 'Focus on Fawcett' (featuring a set of those embarrasing photos that usually turn up on your wedding day) and a rather nifty HMV voucher along with some kind words from Regional Chair Steve Sollit about my work for the Region for the past ten years.
I was a little stunned and gabbled out a few words of thanks which I hope made some sense to the audience.
It has been a great ten years working in the region (which used to be Hampshire and Chilterns) and working with so many activists, many of whom I now consider friends, and it was with some sadness that I decided to drop back to a more local and less stressful role.
But I am very appreciative for the gifts, and for all the kind words I received from so many people today.
Thank you.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Watford voters tell the Tories what they think of them
Voters in Watford's Tudor ward have today made it very clear what they think of Watford Conseravtives' 'it was nothing to do with us guv' stance on the Ian Oakley affair.
Excellent Lib Dem candidate Darren Walford held the seat with 50% of the votes cast while the Tory share plummeted by more than 12%.
The icing on the cake was that the BNP trailed in fifth place.
Given that the Lib Dems hold the vast majority of seats on the council, along with the Mayoralty, an increase in their share of the vote in a by-election held in difficult circumstances is a terrific result for the party.
And despite the fact that the by-election took place just days after former Tory candidate Ian Oakley was sentenced for his nasty and anti-democratic campaign of intimidation, the local Tories were still cuaght out telling outright lies on their leaflets and had to issue an apology and retraction yesterday.
At least it is clear that a good chunk of their (former) voters have some sense of decency even if the local Tory Party continues to refuse to apologise or look into what happened.
Excellent Lib Dem candidate Darren Walford held the seat with 50% of the votes cast while the Tory share plummeted by more than 12%.
The icing on the cake was that the BNP trailed in fifth place.
Given that the Lib Dems hold the vast majority of seats on the council, along with the Mayoralty, an increase in their share of the vote in a by-election held in difficult circumstances is a terrific result for the party.
And despite the fact that the by-election took place just days after former Tory candidate Ian Oakley was sentenced for his nasty and anti-democratic campaign of intimidation, the local Tories were still cuaght out telling outright lies on their leaflets and had to issue an apology and retraction yesterday.
At least it is clear that a good chunk of their (former) voters have some sense of decency even if the local Tory Party continues to refuse to apologise or look into what happened.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Is the credit crunch over?
Good News!
Just received a very reassuring email from the Halifax which tells me 'Your Halifax Credit Card is always there when you need it'.
So that's okay then, panic over.
Just received a very reassuring email from the Halifax which tells me 'Your Halifax Credit Card is always there when you need it'.
So that's okay then, panic over.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Cameron = hypocrite, Watford Tories = shameful
As Sara reports, more evidence that David Cameron is a hypocrite.
Several of my good friends in Watford, and many others besides, have been subjected to a nasty campaign of hate and intimidation for the past three and a half years.
Their crime?
Showing their support for or standing for the Lib Dems.
This campaign was not just a bit of argy-bargy, it was serious, planned and sustained criminal damage, defamation and intimidation.
It was a deliberate attempt on the part of a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate to win election by means of intimidation and hate rather than by democratic means.
The court has rightly passed a serious sentence.
You might think, in the circumstances, that David Cameron might want to find out how this had come about and what the Tory Party could do to stop it happening again?
But no, not a peep from the man.
You might think that the local Tories might release some statement of apology, or tell us how Oakley got away with it for so long?
But no, not a single word of regret or explanation.
Watford Lib Dems have not only put up with the intimidation, but carried on working hard for the local community through it all.
They are an example to us.
You can help them though.
They are fighting a key local by-election this Thursday.
Please contact their office on 01923 238552 or the local party Chairman, Stephen Giles-Medhurst on 01923 893661 if you can help in any way.
Let's prove that democratic campaigning is the way to win, not criminal damage and intimidation, and send a clear message to cameron & co that their hypocrisy has been noted.
Several of my good friends in Watford, and many others besides, have been subjected to a nasty campaign of hate and intimidation for the past three and a half years.
Their crime?
Showing their support for or standing for the Lib Dems.
This campaign was not just a bit of argy-bargy, it was serious, planned and sustained criminal damage, defamation and intimidation.
It was a deliberate attempt on the part of a Conservative Parliamentary Candidate to win election by means of intimidation and hate rather than by democratic means.
The court has rightly passed a serious sentence.
You might think, in the circumstances, that David Cameron might want to find out how this had come about and what the Tory Party could do to stop it happening again?
But no, not a peep from the man.
You might think that the local Tories might release some statement of apology, or tell us how Oakley got away with it for so long?
But no, not a single word of regret or explanation.
Watford Lib Dems have not only put up with the intimidation, but carried on working hard for the local community through it all.
They are an example to us.
You can help them though.
They are fighting a key local by-election this Thursday.
Please contact their office on 01923 238552 or the local party Chairman, Stephen Giles-Medhurst on 01923 893661 if you can help in any way.
Let's prove that democratic campaigning is the way to win, not criminal damage and intimidation, and send a clear message to cameron & co that their hypocrisy has been noted.
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