tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63366422012-02-02T09:20:01.189ZA half intelligent ramble...Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.comBlogger6521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-62790415519307470972012-01-27T19:33:00.001Z2012-01-27T19:34:58.199Z

With the fuss surrounding the timing of Scottish Independence Referendum, it makes me wonder whether the party has missed the mood of the public once again. Either that or our leaders were very short sighted in the first place.When devolution was proposed, one obvious question was not answered. What to do with England?As a proud Englishman I feel outraged that Welsh and Scottish MPs can enforce

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-5784152827036407552011-05-08T15:06:00.003+01:002011-05-08T15:09:10.501+01:00

I noticed that the Yes to Fairer votes campaign have already packed up and gone home. They have taken down their website already.I must admit I was very disappointed with how the campaign was run, especially as there wasn't a free post.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-69205557095016951712011-03-04T16:55:00.000Z2011-03-04T16:55:00.236Z

Counting is now over and the referendum in Wales has been won and about time too. Now Welsh politicians can be held to account. If they have promised to do something, they can no longer blame Westminster for holding up the delivery of the project.Now as a proud Englishman I feel the previous Labour government and current coalition governement are discriminating against me. On key areas of policy,

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-65376013743270277522011-02-17T12:07:00.004Z2011-02-17T12:09:17.911Z

This is just the sort of action I was calling for in my blog post last week. Well done British athletics!

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-24469110610712157082011-02-12T13:50:00.001Z2011-02-12T14:02:57.338Z

As an athletic supporter I warmly welcome the decision by the Olympic Park Legacy Company to back West Ham's bid to take over the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.I for one think 2012, along with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, will be a great year for Britain and I am looking forward to spending everyday supporting the Olympics and Para Olympics during my summer holiday.When we won the bid

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-17633266415892223132010-12-21T15:14:00.005Z2010-12-21T15:53:01.367Z

So it looks like the coalition is finishing the year just as it started in May, with a Liberal Democrat resignation. Vince, for whatever reason (stupidity, tiredness or planned) has not only voiced his concern over the direction the coalition is taking, but also over inflating his own self worth.History tells you that no-one is indispensable and Vince Cable's latest opinions are not so much a

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-87299700586427612532010-12-08T14:29:00.003Z2010-12-08T14:40:04.342Z

It seems that another concession is being made to try and buy MPs' votes on tuition fees tomorrow. In fact the coalition's original proposals seem to be in such tatters that we have to be careful where to walk in case we trip over them!With this further concession, which only has an impact if salaries do not rise in line of inflation, then surely it is time to prospone Thursday's vote and spend

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-83483521414365707632010-12-08T12:25:00.000Z2010-12-08T12:02:15.135Z

One of the few arguments that Lib Dems members, who are accepting the rise in tuition fees, are making is that this decision is acceptable because we are a (minor) player in a coalition government and not all our policies can be made into law; it's about give and take. Well looking back at the coalition agreement it does not mention anything about increase in tuition fees.The agreement states:We

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-32738558447897240642010-12-06T07:55:00.001Z2010-12-06T07:55:00.287Z

In September I wrote a blog entry about competiton. A new bus service started between Loughton and Waltham Abbey, running a few minutes before the established one and charging less.My main concern was that competition made lead to the regulated service being withdrawn and then prices will rise whilst the quality of service would be fall. I have since found out that the service I use, run by

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-60797423700224270572010-12-05T12:35:00.002Z2010-12-05T12:46:59.492Z

The saga over tuition fees continues. First there is the backlash after the coalition announced it was going to raise the current cap. Then there has been will he, won't he episodes over whether Vince Cable will vote for the shift in policy, abstain or vote against. Now a new day brings a new announcement that the poorest in society will only leave with two-thirds of the level of debt than

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-58280988097891958682010-12-02T18:20:00.002Z2010-12-02T18:21:47.770Z

Following on from his wishy, washy letter I received last week, (although I should at least give him the credit for replying as the other MPs haven't) Simon Wright, Lib Dem MP for Norwich South, has now come out against the planned rise in tuition fees and will not vote against it next week.This is great news for everyone who has put pressure on the MP to do the right thing and honour the pledge

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-46820169423657411332010-11-30T20:55:00.000Z2010-11-30T20:55:00.395Z

Watching proceedings from the House of Commons this evening, I find myself cheering on the Members of Parliament from the Labour benches. They certainly are giving Vince Cable a hard time on tuition fees as Vince tries to defend the undefendable.As one Labour MP pointed out, the Liberal Democrats fought the election with a clear plan to abolish tuition fees. Yes, the Lib Dems did not win an

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-30559479642235879702010-11-30T20:37:00.002Z2010-11-30T20:44:49.240Z

In my experience there seems to be 3 ways to get a post on one's blog read the most. The first do extremely well in an election. The second to threaten to leave the party. And finally, criticise the leadership.Well last week I managed to again appear in Lib Dem Voice's Golden Dozen, the forth time in as many weeks. This time I was concerned that the voice of the ordinary members of the Lib

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-80353628479011541082010-11-28T14:55:00.000Z2010-11-28T14:55:00.414Z

We are hearing it again and again that the Liberal Democrats are losing supporters all across the country and we are receiving low opinion polls month upon month. So could AV be the reason for this?I am a broad supporter of the coalition. I believe it was necessary to have a stable government at a time when the economic situation in the country was gloomy, to the say the least. I know that

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-41454332006693566562010-11-27T22:25:00.000Z2010-11-27T11:18:44.572Z

Last Sunday I achieved something that I always anted to do. I ran! Since June I have been trying to lose weight by regular visits to the gym and eating more sensibly. Then about 2 months ago a teacher at work had signed up to run 5k in aid of the RNLI. So I decided to sign up to work towards a goal. I then persuaded some of the Explorers at the Scout Group I belong to to join me.So last Sunday, I

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-24591330906024826192010-11-27T11:25:00.001Z2010-11-28T14:18:44.065Z

Earlier in the week I received a reply to the letter and petition I sent to Lib Dem MP Simon Wright. A copy can be seen in the photographs.It is probably what one would expect. Very woolly. Very uncommitted. Very much doing what the party leadership want.In one paragraph Simon still believes in free higher education, but dismissed it in another because we can't have all our own way in the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-30975652638937436062010-11-21T09:37:00.002Z2010-11-21T09:43:17.017Z

Hidden right at the bottom of the this article, published by The Independent, was a throw away comment that Lorely Burt, Chair of our Parliamentary Party and MP for Solihull, will vote against the rise in tuition fees.Lorely was one MP who my petition, Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees, was sent to, because more than 183 people had signed it. 183 being a significant number because if this number

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-74455858887433880742010-11-21T09:27:00.000Z2010-11-21T09:28:22.133Z

The Liberal Democrats have always prided itself on being the most democratic political party. Prided itself allowing its members to make decisions on all aspects of policy (and some time this has led to the media having a field day when reporting on our conferences), which in turn creates a volt of ideas that the leadership choose from to form basis of the party's manifesto at election. But it

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-28663714040579764192010-11-18T07:55:00.000Z2010-11-18T07:55:00.320Z

As I wrote previously, the momentum is continuing with many more people signing the petition, Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees. Within a week over 100 more people have signed it (over 270 signatories in total) and I have now sent a letter to Annette Brooke MP.Annette Brooke signed the NUS pledge and the press release can be found on her website here. After signing the pledge Annette said 'it is

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-85941843691416706282010-11-15T00:09:00.003Z2010-11-15T00:13:25.492Z

I met my friend, Andrew Dangerfield who I have known since I was 6, on Friday night. He was celebrating. His article on the amount of strip clubs in the capital was the most read on the BBC website. Take a look. He is the clever one out of my friends!

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-66092308360735446562010-11-14T08:55:00.000Z2010-11-14T08:55:00.139Z

It is the weekend and that must mean one thing, light news day so a perfect opportunity for the press to do what it does best, Liberal Democrat bashing!With Clegg's admission last week that he regrets signing the tuition fees pledge, Sky is reporting that the Liberal Democrat leadership had plans not to honour the pledge when discussing a coalition and entering government.Although, I am angry

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-3715023769344269372010-11-13T21:08:00.003Z2010-11-13T21:12:23.059Z

The momentum is still there for my petition, against any rise in tuition fees. It has now reached a new milestone so it will now be sent to the forth Lib Dem MPs. By now you will probably have worked out the next most vulnerable MP is Annette Brooke and I will post the letter on here next week, once the Annette has had an opportunity to receive the it.Many of members who have signed the petition

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-80332158686150372522010-11-11T07:25:00.000Z2010-11-11T07:25:00.614Z

Within hours of my petition, Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees, receiving enough support to send a letter to Lorely Burt MP, it received enough support (over 183 signitories) to send to newly-elected Lib Dem MP, David Ward.David represents a city that the ONS Report on Regional Trends in June 2009 showed suffers from the greatest deprivation in the country. An increase in tuition fees will price our

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-28760036551598205222010-11-10T07:25:00.000Z2010-11-10T07:25:00.769Z

Last week my petiton, Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees, reached 176 signatories. As you will see in the following letter, if this was indicative of Lib Dem voters in Solihull, then Lorely Burt would not be re-elected at the next General Election.Lorely Burt had previously said she would wait until an announcement is made before deciding how to vote. I hope now, Lorely will reconsider her stance

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-44265769220753949022010-11-06T09:19:00.003Z2010-11-06T09:29:22.701Z

With a by-election on the cards in Oldham East and Saddleworth and with Elwyn Watkins mostly likely the Lib Dem candidates, after all he brought us so close to winning the seat, it begs the questions what will he campaign on with regards to tuition fees.I take it, and I apologise as I have not had time to look this up, Elwyn signed the NUS pledge against raising tuition fees. But now with the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-89784403416122397892010-11-05T07:25:00.000Z2010-11-05T07:25:00.737Z

My petiton against any rise in tuition fees has reached a new milestone so it will now be sent to another one of our MPs. I will post the letter next week, once the MP has had an opportunity to receive the it.With the announcement that the government is going to increase the fees to £9,000, we have not got much time to change the mind of our parliamentary party, so please encourage all your

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-38601234388453871292010-11-02T23:30:00.003Z2010-11-02T23:35:55.558Z

Whist there are shouts of joy from Liberal Democrats who long for electoral reform, the passing of the bill that will see a referendum for AV and a reduction in the number of MPs looks almost certain to be overshadowed as quickly as the bill was passed.The BBC are reporting that students could face yearly tuition bills of up to £,9000. When Lib Dems are talking about fair size constituencies so

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-81209761079696446572010-10-30T14:25:00.000+01:002010-10-30T14:25:00.662+01:00

Today's speech by Labour's Harriet Harman shows that the Labour Party are still bitter over May's General Election results. They obviously thought they had a right to govern and in a hung parliament we should and must have work only with them.They have soon forgotten that if we worked with the Labour Party there would be a continuous unstable government. There was on not enough Labour/ Lib Dem

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-27652764131209416632010-10-29T08:55:00.000+01:002010-10-29T08:55:00.581+01:00

Having time for Simon Wright MP to have received the letter, I can now publish the letter in full regarding the petition I set up 'Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees'.Dear Mr Wright,I am writing to you enclosing a petition signed by 156 Liberal Democrat members and voters against raising the cap on tuition fees.We are angry that the party’s leadership has so warmly welcomed the Browne Report into

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-88067406010795231352010-10-26T10:25:00.000+01:002010-10-26T10:25:01.006+01:00

So the BBC are reporting that the economy grew faster than expected in the last quarter. This is contrast to the reports on all the morning news shows that the economy growth was so small we were all heading into a double-dip recession.This is not the first time that we were led to believe one thing, for the opposite to happen. More recently we had months and months of news articles saying 25%

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-34299967405115429222010-10-26T09:50:00.000+01:002010-10-26T09:50:11.326+01:00

The pupil premium makes me proud to be a Liberal Democrat. It looks at prevention. Putting extra money into the schools taking children from the poorest backgrounds so that the schools, deciding on their own, can ensure that everyone gets a fair start from life. After all, a good start and decent education helps lift these children from poverty.So cheers from Lib Dems all round when the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-45990221576635260392010-10-24T10:59:00.001+01:002010-10-24T10:59:04.115+01:00

So earlier in the week the Minister responsible for Higher Education announced he was against the idea of unlimited tuition fees following the publication of the Browne Report. Whilst Mark Pack and some other sees this as a positive move of Lib Dem influence on the final bill, the biggest influence would be all of our parliamentary party standing by their election pledge not to raise tuition fees

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-62506596493861076402010-10-24T10:37:00.002+01:002010-10-24T10:37:33.163+01:00

As I continue my ecliptic journey in politics, I am now moving from my recent left wing views on funding higher education to supporting Iain Duncan Smith. His recent comments on how people looked for work has yet again been ambushed by the Labour Party and the left-wing press.Throughout the day, we were led to believe in news report after news report that Iain Duncan Smith had made an passionate

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-75680347289769564242010-10-22T06:22:00.001+01:002010-10-22T06:22:16.558+01:00

I don't think I have given enough credit to the government, especially the Lib Dems, for their announcement that direct education funding to schools will increase and credit for introducing the pupil premium.I know that their some scepticism, especially from the email I received from my union earlier in the week, that the pupil premium will not necessarily lead to extra funding, but this is a

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-47100476552999363102010-10-21T07:23:00.000+01:002010-10-21T07:23:51.023+01:00

It seems that last week I was 'Top of the Blogs'. My post on whether I should leave the party following the Browne Review and Nick and Vince's reaction to it, was the most read via Lib Dem Blogs. Those having read that and my subsequent posts know I have decided to stay on and fight the protests and since launched a petition you can sign by clicking here.Stephen Tall, in his commentary, says

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-14469286757183493992010-10-20T21:22:00.000+01:002010-10-20T21:22:04.550+01:00

My petition, Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees, has hit an important milestone. Therefore, I have forwarded it to the first Lib Dem MP. I will post more details and the letter accompanying the petition later in the week, once the MP has had an opportunity to receive the letter. In the meantime please visit the petition and add your name to it.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-81027151714146361992010-10-20T20:14:00.000+01:002010-10-20T20:14:47.206+01:00

I have just received and completed my ballot paper for the party's Presidential Elections and I am backing Susan Kramer 100%.We need someone out of the Westminster bubbleNow, more than any other time, we need someone who is not in the Westminster bubble who will listen to us 'ordinary' members and who we will be confident in knowing they will represent our views on the Federal Executive. We need

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-69633236820291685272010-10-19T16:09:00.000+01:002010-10-20T20:15:16.332+01:00

Last night in my role as the Chairman of the 41st Epping Forest Scout Group I led the Annual General Meeting. The 41st was a group I joined as Cub Scout Leader on moving to Loughton over 10 years ago. After I left that role, I remained a supporter and more recently was asked to be their Chairman.The group is the largest in Loughton with over 100 members and are very active making sure the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-85248450988491925982010-10-17T13:12:00.003+01:002010-10-17T13:17:43.487+01:00

The message is getting around about the petition I set up earlier in the week, ‘Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees’. Support is coming from across the country, from up in Scotland to Plymouth in the South of England, from Belfast to Cambridge in the East. There is a lot of angry Liberal Democrats out there who signing the petition and then forwarding the address to their friends. 50% of signers are

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-76106847969782940732010-10-15T19:14:00.003+01:002010-10-15T19:19:24.780+01:00

The amount of people signing my petition 'Lib Dems Against Tuition Fees' has almost doubled today and it appears those who have signed it have forward the address on to their friends and other party members.I have now included a news feed on the left hand side of my blog of the comments people are leaving. I will give a round up of the comments over the weekend. But in the meantime sign the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-27026812442509507102010-10-14T18:40:00.006+01:002010-10-14T19:07:09.328+01:00

I have just read Nick Clegg's email to Lib Dem members and voters trying to explain the reason why we 'must' now accept Lord Browne's recommendation, including the removal of the cap on tuition fees.Nick says: "The overriding principle for Liberal Democrats is that any system of higher education funding is fair. It should increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds; it should

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-61063178749596408462010-10-13T18:08:00.004+01:002010-10-13T19:44:37.436+01:00

Every hour more and more people have signed the petition to persuade our Liberal Democrat ministers to abandon plans to raise tuition fees. And the support is coming from across the country (see map below). Many people have left comments criticising our Vince Cable and Nick Clegg for selling out the party and it''s principles. You can sign the petition by clicking here. Please forward it to your

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-23649171448218066372010-10-13T07:19:00.003+01:002010-10-13T07:22:31.156+01:00

There are a lot of Liberal Democrat members and voters angry with Vince Cable's decision to embrace Lord Browne's Review leading the way to higher Tuition Fees.I decide yesterday I wouldn't leave the party as there is so much I agree with, but I work to stop this policy. Therefore, I have set up a petition and urge any Lib Dem member, blogger, voter out there to sign it and pass on to their

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-74870749776443224302010-10-12T18:52:00.002+01:002010-10-12T19:08:13.562+01:00

So our worse nightmare has happened. Vince Cable has sold out the party's principles of fairness and has agreed to implement Lord Browne's recommendation for financing universities. And what do our MPs do? Sit back and remain silence.I believe that Education should be free at the point of delivery. As described in an episode of The West Wing, education is the golden bullet. It provides the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-88394866625662110242010-10-12T07:07:00.002+01:002010-10-12T07:18:45.897+01:00

It is widely believed that the coalition government is winning the argument on the need for making cuts and dealing with the growing deficit. After all we are wasting millions of pounds on interest payments that could be invested in public services. So why isn't the Government applying these same standards to our young people?Why is acceptable for the young generation who want to get a better

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-25437019864686991702010-10-10T08:46:00.004+01:002010-10-10T09:00:17.309+01:00

No sooner had I posted my response on line yesterday morning (remember I did post the actual letter a week ago), did I return home last night to have received another letter from Charles Kennedy. You can view the letter by enlarging the image.Now I don't know why Charles is wasting so much time over this. After all I have no influence over party members at all and my badly written blog is not

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-72103055703399932242010-10-08T17:52:00.003+01:002010-10-08T17:59:09.961+01:00

Dear Mr Kennedy,Thank you for your letter dated 26th August 2010 and my apologies for the delay in replying. I am grateful that you took the time to reply to my criticisms voiced on my blog.Although I am now secure in the knowledge that you will always be a Liberal Democrat, I feel you have not answered my main point of my article, why did it take you so long to dismiss the rumours and allow the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-15004357936835369192010-10-03T10:40:00.002+01:002010-10-03T10:44:13.757+01:00

Following the letter I received from Charles Kennedy regarding my criticism of the delay in his dismissal of his defection to the Labour Party, I have now had a chance to reply to him.Charles's office in Westminster should receive the letter Tuesday, Wednesday by the latest and I will post the letter next weekend/ early next week on here.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-63154293319478068442010-10-03T10:04:00.002+01:002010-10-03T10:13:18.857+01:00

I know for many members in the Lib Dems the five years that this coalition will be in power will be at times an emotional rollercoaster. I am certainly feeling it. First disappointment at the reduction of MPs we got elected, then a feeling it was right to talk to the Conservatives first. Then on the day David Cameron took power a belief we had given up everything just to win power. The day

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-85534246696103879672010-09-19T09:28:00.003+01:002010-09-19T09:44:40.643+01:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have been wondering if competition is necessarily good for the consumer, especially when it comes to transport.A new bus route has opened up between Debden and Harlow, via Waltham Abbey. Almost all of the journey between Debden and Waltham Abbey is the same. Great more choice for customers. Well not really. Although the new route offers cheaper fares, there is

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-57909195536941064282010-09-18T09:11:00.004+01:002010-09-18T09:24:43.035+01:00

The debate over whether allowing graduates with a third to teach is raging on. The BBC this week reported that researchers have found that banning teachers with third class degrees would cause a really bad teacher shortage.I have always tried to keep an open mind on this subject (some might say as a typical Lib Dem I am sitting on the fence), but really there should only be one measurement- are

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-59007618367439787592010-09-13T20:34:00.003+01:002010-09-13T20:44:56.952+01:00

I have as of yet refrained from joining the discussion on introducing a graduate tax. There is a large part of me that instantly likes the ideas. There are two parts that really embrace my ideals. The first is that it would mean tuition fees would be abolish and once again we would return to a system that is truly fair, one where education free for all. Where it doesn't matter where you come

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-70324136986099630412010-09-13T20:17:00.002+01:002010-09-13T20:28:46.957+01:00

I can't believe it, it has been over 3 years since my one and only placing in the weekly 'Top of the Blogs' rating on Lib Dem Voice, only to notice that I appear not once, but twice this week.The first is thanks to Charles Kennedy, who wrote to me following me criticising his slowness of coming forward to dismiss the claims by the press that he is about to defect to the Labour Party. I am still

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-56694702753379769642010-09-08T20:38:00.003+01:002010-09-08T20:44:27.126+01:00

During the world cup Wayne Rooney blasted English fans for booing the team after their dreadful performance against Algeria. He said 'That's loyal supporters'. But it seems our over-paid footballers are two-faced.Wayne is reported to have cheated on his wife. I am surprised that the press haven't plastered their front pages with headlines asking Wayne where is loyalty is?

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-4632507561956235852010-09-08T20:25:00.002+01:002010-09-08T20:35:14.662+01:00

I reported in May on the disastrous polling day for the Lib Dems in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.Well today there was a glimmer of hope for things to come when it was announced that there was in fact a counting error when the High Court announced that in fact the Lib Dems did win a seat in the High Street Ward, instead of Labour taking all three. The local guardian has a report here.Of

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-38118268832181640492010-09-08T19:46:00.004+01:002010-09-08T20:12:39.695+01:00

Returning home from school yesterday, I had received a letter with the post mark stamped 'House of Commons'. You name it, it went through my mind.I had been invited to the Commons, I had secretly been elected to fill a post or could it have been that long-awaited knighthood. Opening it, I noticed it was from Charles Kennedy. Disappointment set in as I thought it was another appeal letter for

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-73666787995200323242010-08-23T21:00:00.002+01:002010-08-23T21:12:27.458+01:00

So Charles Kennedy is a 'true' Liberal Democrat and will be one until he is buried six foot under. Hurray some us may cheer... oh god other may utter under their breath, but me I simply ask 'what is Charles up to?'If he feels strongly so strongly that he is in the right party, why did he take so long to dismiss the rumours and allow the Liberal Democrats to suffer another cycle or two of bad

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-40904845913419704352010-08-21T15:23:00.002+01:002010-08-21T15:33:09.847+01:00

So the press is continuing to bash the Liberal Democrats, ably abetted by the Labour Party. Coalition is about compromise. It is about two or more parties coming together, thrashing out a programme of government based on their manifestos. In an ideal world it would be formed of two parties with similar values, but after the General Election it became clear that the a coalition with any other

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-56335484746503964842010-06-06T11:13:00.003+01:002010-06-06T11:33:19.885+01:00

The Education Secretary has announced that he is planning to abolish the General Teaching Council (GTC). This is one body that does nothing to support the thousands of teachers across the country.Nich Starling writes about some of the reasons why it should be abolished, but I want to add one other. Paying for the GTC.Paying for the GTC could have come straight out of an episode of Yes Minister.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-37003675440824112312010-05-30T10:13:00.003+01:002010-05-30T10:34:29.003+01:00

On Thursday 20 May the London Borough of Waltham Forest held its Annual General Meeting. Like so many councils across the country, this annual meeting is mainly civic where it elects the mayor (or chairman of council or speaker) for the following year.Last year Dad was appointed Deputy Mayor of Waltham Forest and as he did not win re-election last year, this was Dad's final council meeting, his

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-86625417563513040452010-05-29T19:47:00.003+01:002010-05-29T20:15:45.635+01:00

So David Laws has resigned. As you can read in my previous blog entry, I was calling for this. And it appears that David, in his statement, cited two of my three reasons why he is leaving; that his task in government should be focused in the difficulty times the country is facing and secondly he has done something wrong and therefore needs to face up to this responsibility.This was the right

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-85038070403674728122010-05-29T15:26:00.003+01:002010-05-29T16:02:54.873+01:00

I know that I will probably stand alone here, but having most of the day to reflect on the news that David Laws has repaid nearly £40,000 in expenses he used to pay rent to his partner, I feel that David Laws should tender his resignation as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. There are three reasons why I think this:Focused GovernmentAs this particular time (worse recession since the second world

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-62317518424358414792010-05-20T07:07:00.004+01:002010-05-20T07:15:06.653+01:00

All major news outlets are telling us that later today we will be hearing more detail arrangements about the coalition deal. But rather than concentrating on the programme of government that will be set out for the next five years. they are already trying to scrutinise what 'compromises' will be made.We all know that there will be compromise and there will be policies that are all dear to our

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-33592423818812069592010-05-17T21:13:00.002+01:002010-05-17T21:19:35.126+01:00

So the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury has let a 'joke' note for his Lib Dem replacement, telling him the country 'has no money'. Then after receiving wide-spreed condemnation, he informs us that it was joke.It may have been funny if the country was going through a prosperous era, but being told during the worst recession since the second world war and when we are told to expect 'savage'

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-14683056239164434142010-05-17T20:18:00.003+01:002010-05-17T20:30:47.333+01:00

According to the BBC, our leading universities wants the government to increase tuition fees, possibly to £9,000 a-year. If there is anymore reason than having Liberal Democrats embedded in the Department of Education and our government, it must be that.Tuition fees are unfair. It cripples our young with huge amount of debt and helps creates a culture where personal debt is accepted. It deters

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-83150050791058570782010-05-17T19:39:00.005+01:002010-05-17T20:08:14.331+01:00

There is a lot of talk around the blogsphere about a sudden increase in Lib Dem peers. Without throwing too much caution to the wind, I think Nick Clegg needs to think carefully before appointing any life peers.Firstly, we have fought for a long time to abolish this undemocratic second chamber. Nick needs to ensure he has enough votes to go all the way before committing himself to putting a large

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-49081402814862033032010-05-16T19:57:00.003+01:002010-05-16T20:06:07.665+01:00

So after our Parliamentary Party and our Federal Executive agreed to a coalition government with the Conservative Party, our conference representative have given their backing to Nick Clegg.We all know it is not ideal, with so many differences between the two parties, but coalition never is. Coalition is about give and take and personally I don't think there was any other choice. Two reasons

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-33594251489529210432010-05-15T12:26:00.003+01:002010-05-15T12:43:55.585+01:00

Browsing some websites this morning I can across this announcement from the returning officer of the London Borough of Waltham Forest.It appears that someone from the National Office of Statistics has looked at the election results and seen some error in the results for the High Street ward. When the returning officer looked at the results it could be that the Labour block vote was written down

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-66553188917123608222010-05-14T21:12:00.004+01:002010-05-16T00:10:58.699+01:00

This evening I have written to the Liberal Democrat Education Minister, Sarah Teather, urging her to help abolish End of Key Stage Two tests for eleven year olds for once and for all. I urge all other teachers and Liberal Democrat activists to do the same. A copy of the letter is below:Dear Ms Teather,I would like to start by congratulating you on your appointment as Education Minister in the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-24068992028071356142010-05-13T22:48:00.003+01:002010-05-13T22:51:36.204+01:00

Following my blog yesterday referring to Nick Clegg and David Cameron as the Eric and Ernie of the political world, The Sun newspaper has picked up on this idea.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-37078874609847300332010-05-12T22:14:00.005+01:002010-05-15T12:45:18.309+01:00

Just before the election campaign started, I was asked by the Mayor of Waltham Forest to be quiz master for the third time. So last night nearly 50 people gathered at the social club at Walthamstow Town Hall to answer questions.The two-time previous winners made up from staff from Members' Services were down on numbers, but just failed by one point to take the title for a third time. The first

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-45160475416218008962010-05-12T17:51:00.002+01:002010-05-12T17:59:11.201+01:00

Thank goodness for the red button. Returning from work this evening, I was able to catch up on press conference that Nick and David gave early. Two things sprang to mind.The first the fact that David Cameron referred on more than one occasion of the 'Lib Dem- Conservative government', putting the Liberal Democrats at the heart of the Government. The second was more of an image that was created

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-27293054075213364342010-05-12T16:30:00.001+01:002010-05-12T16:33:19.668+01:00

Although never made to follow the Liberal Democrats, I was influenced by my father who has been campaigning hard for the Liberals then the Liberal Democrats for the past 40 odd years, through their highs and lows (and there have been lots of those). Today when Nick Clegg entered 10 Downing Street I was extremely proud that the leader of our party and our MPs now have huge influence over

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-33588838921341109142010-05-08T14:52:00.002+01:002010-05-08T14:59:27.082+01:00

There is a lot of discussion around whether the Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrats should work with the Conservatives or Labour to form the next Government. My opinion is clear.Nearly a quarter of voters chose the Liberal Democrats. They voted for us because they share our values. Therefore, we need to work with which ever party, whether Labour of Conservatives, who will accept our key policies

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-24139860216319032592010-05-08T14:07:00.003+01:002010-05-08T14:27:33.593+01:00

Yesterday afternoon I spent the time with Dad at the count for the Waltham Forest Council. To say it was a disater would be a understatemennt. In Walthamstow and Chingford the Liberal Democrats went from 12 councillors to none, with only 5 councillors re-elected in Leyton.My heart goes out to all the defeated councillors, many who I know work hard all year round for the residents. I just hope

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-49848489945018442362010-05-07T03:55:00.002+01:002010-05-07T03:58:18.282+01:00

Rather a mix bag of results across the country. Here in Epping Forest local campaigner Ann Haigh has moved the Liberal Democrats into second place with a swing from the Conservatives. The full results are:Conservative 25,148Ann Haigh (Liberal Democrat) 10,017Labour 6,641British National Party 1,982UK Independence Party 1,852Green 659English Democrats 285

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-82933426573269664982010-05-06T23:09:00.003+01:002010-05-06T23:20:57.782+01:00

After getting up early to deliver a last minute leaflet, spending the day at school and then being a Meany and sending people out to knock up our supporters, I am now at home under my duvet, watching the BBC (there is only one election service worth watching).One thing that seems to be have happened is more people have gone out to vote. The debates have electrified this election. As I have

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-58665399501458559022010-05-05T18:07:00.002+01:002010-05-05T18:18:06.553+01:00

You only have to look at the news to see that all the main parties are concentrating on visiting and speaking with voters in their marginal seats, some being visited more than one. Unfortunately this is what is so unfair with our electoral system that 'safe' seats don't see much activity.So how surprised was I to receive an email informing me that the Shadow Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-43281179125842973642010-05-03T18:08:00.003+01:002010-05-03T18:22:23.469+01:00

I have been out delivering most of the day in Buckhurst Hill. With only a few days left, there are still many undecided voters we need to convince to vote Liberal Democrat.I bumped into the Conservative candidate for Buckhurst Hill West. She was out on her own delivering something or other and to be honest (and I know you expect me to be bias) she did look very down heartened. Even when I smiled

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-23903751410943305522010-05-03T17:55:00.002+01:002010-05-03T18:08:19.870+01:00

So the final weekend is here. This election seems to have been going on for ages. Probably since Gordon fudged his first real chance back in 2007 when we got 'the election we never had'.Luckily, although some may argue that a bank holiday is good after the election so that they have an extra day to unwind after the hectic campaign, we have had a bank holiday before polling day. This means I am

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-32344494487870473282010-05-01T10:01:00.002+01:002010-05-01T10:17:35.574+01:00

I think one of the good things about the Prime Minister's debates is it has brought the attention away from the politicians who have abused the expenses system (many who are standing down) and engaged voters once again in politics.This time last year, knocking on doors was a difficult experience. 'You're all the same' was the common response, especially as our local MP was involved in it all.Now

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-36406857990607762642010-04-30T19:49:00.003+01:002010-04-30T20:07:57.532+01:00

Sorry I haven't blogged for a couple of days, but I have been busy with the Ann Haigh's and the Liberal Democrat campaign in Epping Forest. With the Liberal Democrats still riding high in the polls and with the last week of the campaign to ensure we secure more votes to elect more councillors and MPs, it is all hands on.I spent Wednesday writing, editing and printing 4000 letters that a team of

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-60272721033122275842010-04-26T22:03:00.003+01:002010-04-26T22:10:50.017+01:00

So now the second election leaflet is now almost delivered. It focuses on action on taxes, remember the Conservatives on the district council decided to put the council tax up. It also focuses on action by the Lib Dem team. Action that is all year round, not just at election time.BHE2ndleaflet BHW2ndleaflet

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-54090982991071634582010-04-25T21:48:00.003+01:002010-04-25T21:50:40.624+01:00

Love them or loathe them, the debates seem to be having an effect. Out on the doorstep with Dad this evening more than one resident referred to them. If anything, the debates are putting trust back into politics. Voters are listening to what the three main parties are offering and using this to help them decide how they will vote. They are re-engaging with the process.And surely that is what

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-1298209296630811562010-04-24T14:07:00.002+01:002010-04-24T14:10:46.142+01:00

I received my postal vote this afternoon and as the song goes, I have signed, sealed and delivered it.It would come as no surprise to you I have voted Liberal Democrat for my local candidate in the district election and Liberal Democrat for our next MP. As Nick Clegg said 'exactly what it says on the tin', vote Lib Dem, get Lib Dem.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-64054965453740365962010-04-24T12:15:00.003+01:002010-04-24T14:28:47.010+01:00

Send my regards to Nick. That was the response from one of the local residents when I was out delivering our next leaflet in Buckhurst Hill this morning. Nick's excellent performances in the leaders' debates seem to be inspiring people to listen to what the Liberal Democrats are saying.After delivering, a quick breakfast then home to work on some more literature. I may even work on the literature

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-4071208195364620462010-04-22T21:06:00.003+01:002010-04-22T21:13:48.156+01:00

With voting starting in two days, a made rush this week to ensure that we successfully get our message across. There appears to be an increase in the amount of Postal Voters. This could be a sign that this election may actually buck the trend and see an increase in the turnout. Let's hope so. We should all play our part in the democracy so many people died to protect.Here in Epping Forest the

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-75855336320410456792010-04-20T23:24:00.004+01:002010-04-20T23:33:02.274+01:00

Wow the Liberal Democrats are still riding high in the polls. Tonight's polls include 3 polls putting the Lib Dems over 30%, two of these put us in the lead. This is truly amazing almost a week after the first leaders' debate with many people out there expecting the Liberal Democrats' poll ratings to nose dive. If anything, these polls are buoying activists, making them work harder to achieve

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-7403608938759941832010-04-20T02:07:00.002+01:002010-04-20T02:11:23.050+01:00

Back to school today so it means that campaigning time is much less, but with the election approaching fast it means more work to do. So I am doing more in less time (same story for most Lib Dems at the moment).So after work, I started printing the next leaflet and then after a quick nap, I finished art working the back of the leaflet (the front was already done) and drafting some more letters

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-61554699618664167892010-04-19T20:48:00.002+01:002010-04-19T20:59:05.921+01:00

A couple of days ago I blogged about the fact that David Cameron was refusing to take questions from Jeremy Paxman. I argued at the time that an empty chair should be placed where David would have sat and Paxman would have 30 minutes to fire questions he would have asked Cameron.Well it now seems that after Nick Clegg answered Paxman's questions and Gordon Brown has agreed to be interviewed,

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-56966685772063618062010-04-19T00:38:00.003+01:002010-04-19T00:44:19.430+01:00

Last week all we heard from the leaders of the Labour Party and the Conservative Party was 'I agree with Nick'. I am sure there is someone who actually counted the times of times that phrase was uttered.Now Gordon and David have decided that they don't need to agree with Nick. That more scrutiny needs to take place of Liberal Democrat policy. So this leaves me thinking:Did David and Gordon

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-7667259254875938932010-04-19T00:29:00.003+01:002010-04-19T00:38:13.837+01:00

Out again this morning to deliver letters to voters in Buckhurst Hill. It was great delivering in the sunshine and a lot of area covered. In fact, I heard this evening that once again we have almost delivered the whole of Buckhurst Hill in a weekend.Last week I sent an email to key activists saying that unlike the Conservatives and Labour parties who have the national papers day in day out

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-7805106760840685952010-04-17T17:57:00.004+01:002010-04-17T18:03:12.522+01:00

A couple more polls have been published showing support for the Liberal Democrats rising. One putting Lib Dems ahead of the Labour party, whilst the other 2 points behind Labour. CON 31%(-4), LAB 27%(-2), LDEM 29%(+8). CON 34%(-3), LAB 29%(-2), LDEM 27%(+7)This is more reasons to celebrate. But with under two weeks still to go, we must not be complacent and should word extra hard too ensure we

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-84162182988803633922010-04-17T11:26:00.004+01:002010-04-17T11:32:05.327+01:00

I had the evening off from campaigning last night. My niece and nephew were down so I held a BBQ,the first this year. Friends and family all came round. No break for Dad though, he left us to go out canvassing in his ward and returned after dark with a smile on his face.He knocked on one door and a man came to answer. Seeing Dad, he ran back indoors (I can assure you it wasn't the way my dad

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-23067366573359347732010-04-16T12:19:00.002+01:002010-04-16T12:23:49.017+01:00

Andrew Neil on the Politics Show has just got a latest poll (of voting intentions) from ITV/ComRes. Figures as follows:Lab 24% Con 36 Lib Dem 35 (Up 14%)This is remarkable. Of course with 3 weeks until election day itself there is still a lot of campaigning to do. But with Nick setting the pace, we are in for real change on 6 May.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-74791035956361296952010-04-15T22:35:00.002+01:002010-04-15T22:42:23.333+01:00

So the first debate is over and according to the YouGov poll, Clegg won it by a landslide. As soon as the debate was over, I sent a text message to my friends asking them who they thought won. Now I am not saying this is an exact science (they know who I support and may not want to upset me), but here are a selection of their views:Clegg was strongest to me. Brown showed some humour but didn't

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-62666699810768061292010-04-15T18:34:00.003+01:002010-04-15T18:43:17.245+01:00

I was off to Chelmsford again today to help Stephen Robinson become the next MP for the constituency. Stephen and his team are defiantly shaping the campaign.The local paper are holding a rather unusual hustings. They have invited all the candidates to stand on a soap box in the town centre asking questions from passing crowds.Stephen immediately took up the offer as did the Labour candidate.

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-66068485681206250682010-04-14T14:46:00.003+01:002010-04-14T14:52:28.885+01:00

So it looks like David Cameron is bottling out of the Panorama programme next Monday. I think rather than scrambling for a new programme, producers of the programme should still run it with an empty chair and 30 minutes of Paxman asking the questions he would pose if David Cameron would have been there.The Tories may well offer excuses, but with the closest election in years you would think they

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-30984174084996784532010-04-13T20:52:00.007+01:002010-04-13T21:07:37.181+01:00

No campaigning today (ssshhh don't tell anyone) because I accompanied Dad to Brent. The Mayor of Brent was holding an event in aid of his charity, a tour of Wembley Stadium.Now being a Liverpool supporter in the 1980s I had on many occasions visited the old Wembley Stadium to watch Liverpool play, mostly in the Charity Shield game at the beginning of the session. Until today, I had not been

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6336642.post-23379024018137156142010-04-13T18:10:00.003+01:002010-04-13T18:23:10.490+01:00

So the Conservatives have launched their manifesto in an old clapped-out power station which has no power. To follow Nick Clegg's lead, it just sums up what the Conservative Party is really like.One policy that the Conservative Party has announced is a freeze in the Council Tax next year. Although this policy has been touted about for some time, it seems that the local Conservatives in Epping

Neilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05084609181707686205noreply@blogger.com1