Tim Farron has claimed that the Liberal Democrats can replace Labour as the main opposition force because Jeremy Corbyn's party is locked in a "death spiral".
[IMG: Andrew Turner] Andrew Turner (Photo: BBC) There's been a bit of controversy recently surrounding what Tim Farron thinks, or perhaps does not think, of homosexuality. But if a sense of perspective was needed today it has been provided by a Conservative MP apparently intent on demonstrating that there remain in the Commons some truly intolerant voices on LGBT issues. In a remarkable story, Andrew Turner - who has been the MP for the Isle of Wight since 2001 - has decided to stand down after making what have been widely interpreted as "bigoted" comments. At lunchtime today Mr Turner ...
How many railway stations did Loughborough have? There is the one on the Midland main line and the one on the now preserved Great Central, of course, but there used to be a third one, Loughborough Derby Road. This was the terminus of the Charnwood Forest Railway, which ran as far as Coalville to tap the Leicestershire coalfield. After an attempt to draw trippers to its forest locations, it closed to passengers on 13 April 1931 and to goods services on 12 December 1963. Railway Maniac has a good page on its Loughborough terminus. I was in the town last ...
This is a Question To Which The Answer Might Be Yes, surprisingly, though I've not seen *any* mention of this anywhere, so can't guarantee another explanation... I've long resented the fact that Audible, the Amazon subsidiary, has a near-monopoly on ... Continue reading →
Researchers of the respected independent think-tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, have shown that the employment rate has flattened and real earnings growth stalled. Commenting, Lib Dem Shadow Chancellor Susan Kramer said:"This stall in average earnings is yet another sign that this Government is failing ordinary workers. Despite a huge increase in the take up of higher education, this has not translated into any gains for take home wages."This data shows that people are poorer under the Tories and have not seen wages come back to the pre-recession level, while prices and bills seem to spiral upwards. It is scandalous ...
2016 was such a strange year when the unexpected happened. There was Brexit and Trump but there was nothing so strange as certain of us actually getting to like Ed Balls. So, today, on Ed Balls Day, here is something to amuse or shock you. (Delete as applicable). You will never be able to unsee it, though. Tim Farron, who caused yesterday's social media sensation, "smell my spaniel" marked the occasion: Happy Ed Balls day pic.twitter.com/zLn8bOsjG7 — Tim Farron (@timfarron) April 28, 2017 * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Former Fife Councillor and Depute Council Leader Elizabeth Riches has been selected to fight North East Fife. The interesting fact that I didn't know about her from her biography is that she lived in the Arctic Circle for 2 years. She has been a biology teacher, ran her own horticulture business and was a Councillor at Region and District level for 27 years. She visited a dairy farm with Willie this morning but, a little disappointingly, there were no animal shenanigans to brighten up our Friday. However, they did make a video to celebrate Elizabeth's selection: Elizabeth Riches said I ...
What's this to do with? Now that we are in the new financial year, no doubt the Tories at the Town Hall will again be looking to make savings and efficiencies a.k.a cuts to services? So here's one suggestion, is it time for the the Council to stop sending out post to councillors, instead arguing [...]
Embed from Getty Images I have blogged several times about David Mackintosh the embattled Conservative MP for Northampton South. The reasons his position has been under threat are given in this post, though I should emphasise that Mr Mackintosh has consistently denied any wrongdoing. And recently his constituency party has turned against him. Last night came the news that Mackintosh has decided to stand down and so will not be fighting the seat on 8 June. So well done to Northampton South Conservatives for forcing his hand. Then today we heard that Andrew Turner, the Conservative MP for the Isle ...
Nick Tyrone argues that the reappearance of Zac Goldsmith will make it easier for the Liberal Democrats to hold Richmond. "English thinkers and statesmen turned their backs on the task of elaborating and constructing a viable and vibrant national identity. For if the right people do not do it, the wrong ones will. They seem, in fact, to be very much at it now." Krishan Kumar examines English identity through English literature. Maya Kosoff on a plan to turn Twitter into a user-owned cooperative. "What do Catholic school girls and Joseph Stalin have in common? They've worn a uniform to ...
So, here's the Prime Minister not even knowing the name of the town she's just done one of her speeches to the (carefully vetted and filtered to ensure no dangerous opinions are let in the room) public: When your minders take you to an empty factory for a photo shoot but forget to tell you where it is...#GE2017 pic.twitter.com/qjacApA6Xh — David Cameroon (@davecameroon) April 28, 2017 Will 'this particular time' become the Miliband's bacon sandwich of this election campaign? Don't be silly, 'man looks a bit weird in one of the dozens of photos we've taken of him eating' is ...
Western Counties Liberal Democrats have appointed Daisy Benson as their Director of Member and Supporter Mobilisation. Given her record at enthusing the Newbies, they certainly could not have chosen anyone better for this role. Gavin Grant, Chairman of Western Counties region commented: I shared the disappointment of many that the timing of this General Election denied Daisy Benson the chance to win back Yeovil. But I am delighted to announce that within the time available to her, Daisy will use her skills in this key strategic role in our West Country Campaign team. Since the snap General Election was called ...
As I write this I am filled with pride as the party of rational thinking, the party of evidence based policy not knee-jerk reactions reaps the rewards of our stance on Brexit. Our membership is soaring, our poll ratings are creeping up and our results in by-elections both council and parliamentary are truly a sight to behold. However just beholding the wonders of our achievements since the General Election in 2015 isn't enough. We have a General Election on the horizon! While some may have the "Brenda "reaction of "not another one" we cannot be complacent. We must win as ...
For the start of my recent holiday (see previous post) I dug out my copy of the London A-Z to find out how to get from the hotel* I had booked to the theatre** I wanted to attend. The cover price of the guide was 3/6d, so I've clearly had it a while, and probably not used it much, because out of it dropped the agenda for them meeting of the Liberal Party Council on 21st February, 1970. Oh happy days. On the back of the agenda I'd written the notes I'd made on the themes for our campaign in ...
Anyone who isn't part of the Church of Jeremy will conclude that the Labour general election campaign has got off to a bad start. The day the election was called by May, I did up a Labour election bingo card. Every single event I predicted then has already taken place, and parliament hasn't even been dissolved yet: Corbyn getting into problems on a question of national defence, Thornberry saying something derisive about Englishness, Keir Starmer giving a speech on Brexit that contains at least one gaping logical paradox. I could go on and on, but I'll stop. But I think ...
"Be afraid, be very afraid". Hardly an inspiring rallying call in progressive politics, but scaremongering is a strategy that often wins elections, and we cannot ignore that. The Labour party used that very slogan in the 2001 general election, depicting William Hague on a campaign billboard resplendent with a Margaret Thatcher hairdo, It worked and Hague's Conservatives took a humiliating beating at the ballot box. Fast forward to 2017 and the party that wins the battle of hopes and fears is still likely to come out on top. Fear of the liberal elite, used so effectively by Trump in last ...
Thursday: Theresa Mayhem says that she needs to win a General Election to be a "strong leader". Well, if she's not strong enough to cope with a Parliament that will only back her 522 to 13, then she's really pretty WEAK indeed. She wants you to believe that she thinks the polls are wrong and that Hard Labour have a chance of winning. Which is about as credible as a promise written on the side of a bus. This election ISN'T about picking who's the Prime Monster. It's about picking a PARLIAMENT that is able to HOLD HER TO ACCOUNT. ...
The old saying about opera is, "It's not over until the Fat Lady sings'. In this case it's Tony Blair doing the singing! As Tony Blair said yesterday the election really is over. There is no realistic chance of Labour ... Continue reading →
Since today is Sir Pterry's 69th birthday, it seemed as good a day as any to remind you that Leeds Waterstone's (not as pretty as Bradford, but bigger and with more events) is starting a Terry Pratchett Reading Group. The first meeting is on Tuesday next week, and the first book to discuss will be The Carpet People. You have to sign up in advance to join in; I already have. Maybe see a couple of you there? [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Readers of this blog site will know that I have been keeping a close eye on the industrial dispute between the RMT union and Merseyrail/Merseytravel which has been caused by Merseytravel's decision to confirm an order for new trains that are intended to be run without train guards. One issue which I have not covered so far is who pays for the strikes. What I mean is who pays financial compensation to Merseyrail (the private sector train operating company) because they are unable to run a full train service on strike days? Here's an explanation from the RMT union. My ...
Embed from Getty Images A party press release yesterday said: The Liberal Democrats have committed to ending the scandal of rough sleeping in Britain, as the Homelessness Reduction Bill enters into force today. Following a campaign visit to the Hundred Houses Society, a charitable housing association in Cambridge, Tim Farron announced a series of measures the party would put in place to help end rough sleeping. These include introducing a Housing First provider in each local authority, to put long-term homeless people straight into independent homes rather than emergency shelters. Other policies include increasing funding for local councils for homelessness ...
The council is currently undertaking works in Beddington Gardens to make a safer place to cross near to the junction with Shotfield. There are a number of older people living in special residential accommodation in this area and some of them told Steve, Muhammad and me that they found it daunting trying to cross Beddington [...]
Jeremy Corbyn declines open goalThe Grim Biology of Being PoorPoverty does not just cock up your life, you pass on its effects to your children. Sweet Dreams Cthulhu is a weirdly adorable, Lovecraftian kids storyMy daughter has a cuddly Cthulhu. She's had it since she was tiny. Chuck Norris Action JeansChuck Norris, shamelessly nicking the idea from James Bond Action Slacks, and missing the point entirely (clearly the point is "I have rhyming trousers!") Four more prisons for gay men have been found in ChechnyaI wonder if it's important enough for Corbs or May to comment on yet? Instagram PhotoBrother ...
A local resident has raised instances of possible vandalism occurring along Sandgate Esplanade. A number of vehicles have had their wing mirrors, on the pavement side, damaged. This has been reported to the police. If this is something which has happened to you, or happens to you, please contact the police on 101. Published and promoted by Tim Prater, 98a Sandgate High Street, Folkestone, CT20 3BYPrinted (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
[IMG: Military Road street sign] Kent Highways have advised that it will be necessary to close Military Road, Sandgate from 8 May 2017 for up to 3 days. The road will be closed between the junctions of Sandgate High Street and North Road. The alternative route is via Sandgate High Street, Sandgate Hill, Sandgate Road, Earls Avenue, Shorncliffe Road, Risborough Lane and Military Road. It is planned that the road will be closed between 07:00 hrs and 19:00 hrs. This is to enable urgent highway maintenance to be carried out by Kent County Council. Published and promoted by Tim Prater, ...
The Conservative Government has called a General Election for 8 June 2017 after its leader Ms May repeatedly said she would not do so. We have responded with the truncated General Election process to ensure a full slate of candidates are in place by June 2017. This has seen candidates up and down the country engaged with internal applications and shortlisting processes in a bid to become the PPC candidates for this election. As if by magic, we may well see our biggest ever selection of visible ethnic minority candidates making it to PPC status - fulfilling a personal pledge ...
I am often ridiculed by the Labour Party for my concern about rubbish and fly tipping. It is, however, important to note that research performed by the university of Groningen has proven that the presence of litter, graffiti and fly tipping has wider effects. They did research by testing whether or not people committed crimes when an area was tidy and graffiti free against when it was very
Yesterday's Auditor General Report on the Circuit of Wales project in Ebbw Vale underlined what a quagmire the Welsh Government has got itself caught in. As the Western Mail reports, there are some serious questions that need answering about the use of public money in this project and whether we are getting value for the investment the Welsh Government has undertaken. The report questions why the Welsh Government allowed money to be used for projects that weren't in line with the aims of the grant: In particular it questioned why: £300,000 of public funds had been used to acquire a ...
I've been racking my brains about getting Theresa May to debate the other party leaders. With recent polls causing undisguised glee amongst Conservative MP's and right-wing commentators, the perceived wisdom is that she really has nothing to gain from debating Tim, Nicola or even Jeremy and no pressure from a press led by the likes of The Daily Mail and Express to force her to do so. We need to change this. The TV debates provide an opportunity for the PM to explain herself. If she is so sure of her approach to Brexit and the economy why won't she ...
An email from Andrew Wiseman, chair of Federal Conference Committee, announced that registration was open for Autumn Conference in Bournemouth. The Dorset town is my favourite conference venue. Maybe I'm just biased because the weather was so gorgeous the last time we were there, and the Goat and Tricycle pub is one of the nicest and has fantastic beer, but I'd strongly recommend coming. Let's hope that we have many more MPs to welcome, too. The exceptionally good news is that the Early Bird Discount rate would normally run out before the election, but it has been extended until 23rd ...
From Dundee City Council (having long campaigned for resurfacing of Riverside Approach, I am pleased that this is now going ahead) : Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of facilitating carriageway resurfacing works. The Order is expected to be in force for two weeks from 2nd May 2017. Its maximum duration in terms of the Act is eighteen months. The effect of the Order is to prohibit temporarily all vehicular traffic in Riverside Approach from the south side of its junction with Roseangle/Magdalen Yard Road ...
Brexit puts security cooperation at risk Looking at detail rather than rhetoric (tags: ukpolitics eu brexit denmark ) United dragging report: 'Our review shows that many things went wrong that day' No shit! (tags: unitedairlines ) Three Things to Know About the 2017 IMF / World Bank Spring Meetings My colleague @thomaseymond on the global economic challenges. (tags: economy )
I am going to have to get used to being on the other side of the camera. As a photographer, I am normally the person taking photos. Twice this week, I've had to give my camera to someone else as I needed to be in the picture myself. On Sunday photos were taken next to the Millennium Bridge. Tonight it was at the end of the Gateshead Local Party Executive. Fortunately I just happened to have a
Remember back in 2003, when Vince Cable was saying that at some point the economy would collapse because of the amount of consumer credit? Well, he was right then and he's now saying that we could be up for another Brexit fuelled crash. The former Business Secretary, who hopes to win back his former seat of Twickenham, says that a combination of declining consumer confidence, job losses and inflation has the potential to outstrip the economic storm of the previous decade. That, if you remember, was the direst economic crash since the Depression in the 30s. Vince said: For Britain, ...
