Monthly Archives: December 2010

I spent 3 days of Christmas in bed feeling sorry for myself with a tummy bug. As I wandered in and out of sleep I was determined not to stop the 24/7/365 service that councils expect from us so I … Continue reading →

A few days ago one of my constituents, Yvonne, e-mailed me about the Christmas card we sent out and how we relate a Christmas festival to a wider message in a multi cultural society. That made me think a bit … Continue reading →

I’ve been watching “A Christmas Carol” a lot this year – I have 8 different versions on DVD! I always like the bit where Mrs Cratchit reluctantly drinks a toast to Mr Scrooge, the founder of the feast. “It would … Continue reading →

I was over in the House of Commons yesterday and bumped into three Labour MPs I have known for many years. Two of them were former Ministers –although not in the Cabinet – and all 3 have been around a … Continue reading →

 I have held a meeting this afternoon (20th December) with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Rt Hon Nick Clegg, on behalf of all Liberal Democrat Councillors. There was a significant agreement between us on: The short term problems being … Continue reading →

I though local government type people might be interested in my latest letter to Grant Shapps. From the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Local Government     Grant Shapps, Minister, DCLG, Eland House, Blessenden Place, London SW1 19th December … Continue reading →

If you listened to PMQs yesterday you will have heard repeated references to pantomimes. My thoughts have been in a similar direction regarding Messrs Pickles and Shapps. I tried to thank of a way of encapsulating my thoughts for them … Continue reading →

“I warmly welcome most of the Bill as described in the decentralisation and localism guidance issued today by Rt Hon Nick Clegg. The six essential actions are ones that in many cases Lib Dems have fought for over many years. … Continue reading →

I found last week’s discussion about tuition fees absolutely sterile. There was no discussion at all about the number of graduates that the country needs and in what subjects. There was no discussion about whether it was best to put … Continue reading →

So according to the Guardian the reaction to the Student Fees issue is the defining one for British politics. According to Richard Grayson Ed Milliband is a decent left wing chap and we should be considering working with him. Total … Continue reading →