Sunday, October 29, 2006
North West Conference
Very busy weekend, yesterday we attended the Liberal Democrats North West Conference at the Jans Centre in Blackburn, excellent venue and good to meet so many fellow Lib Dems from across the North West. As Chair of Campaigns for the N W it was my responsibility to arrange for the fringe training events - which were all well attended and successful - a big thank you to all the training providers for there efforts.
Today we had to catch up on Focus deliveries and printing. I have just got back from delivering around Kings Road area in Sedgley and it was great to see so many people using the play area at Sedgley Park Primary School which Ann has recently managed to get refurbished.
Today we had to catch up on Focus deliveries and printing. I have just got back from delivering around Kings Road area in Sedgley and it was great to see so many people using the play area at Sedgley Park Primary School which Ann has recently managed to get refurbished.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Channel M
I had a very interesting tour of Channel M on Friday afternnon, the tour included being sat in the studio while they broadcast (live) the 5pm News. It was very satisfying being in the studio when they did a piece on our victory in Gorton South! - I would have liked to stay for the 9pm news when George Osbourne was due to be interviewed to explain why the tories came 5th!
I wonder how he spun that one!
I wonder how he spun that one!
Sorry Sorry Sorry
I have been extremely remiss not keeping this blog up to date - my only excuse is that I have been rushed off my feet since I came back from the Lib Dem Conference in Brighton!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Back from Brighton
"WE ARE THE PARTY OF SUBSTANCE, NOT SPIN"
Well what a fantastic week! The media got none of the 'drama' they were expecting and we got everything we could wish for. I have to say this was by far the best and most up-beat conference I have been to.
The supposed close call on the tax debate, and a fantastic debate it was too, turned out not to be close at all and the policy was approved unamended by a packed hall of party members - and yes I did support the motion in full and rejected the amendment.
Charles Kennedy's 'come back' speach wasn't a challenge to Sir Mings authority and in fact Charles pledged his support for Ming at the start of the speach. He was on great form though and it would be good to have him back on the front bench when he is ready, but not as party leader. There are some very talented people coming up the ranks and having heard Julia Goldsworthy MP , Nick Clegg MP and Chris Huhne MP speak this week we can be assured of great things to come.
The most embarassing moment for me was when I was called up to the stage to sing at the 'Glee Club' on Wednesday night, thankfully I was joined by other North West Councillors, MP's, and party activists to sing 'Jerusalem' - thankfully they drowned me out as I am completely tone deaf!
Well what a fantastic week! The media got none of the 'drama' they were expecting and we got everything we could wish for. I have to say this was by far the best and most up-beat conference I have been to.
The supposed close call on the tax debate, and a fantastic debate it was too, turned out not to be close at all and the policy was approved unamended by a packed hall of party members - and yes I did support the motion in full and rejected the amendment.
Charles Kennedy's 'come back' speach wasn't a challenge to Sir Mings authority and in fact Charles pledged his support for Ming at the start of the speach. He was on great form though and it would be good to have him back on the front bench when he is ready, but not as party leader. There are some very talented people coming up the ranks and having heard Julia Goldsworthy MP , Nick Clegg MP and Chris Huhne MP speak this week we can be assured of great things to come.
The most embarassing moment for me was when I was called up to the stage to sing at the 'Glee Club' on Wednesday night, thankfully I was joined by other North West Councillors, MP's, and party activists to sing 'Jerusalem' - thankfully they drowned me out as I am completely tone deaf!
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Off to Brighton
I should be packing now instead of typing - but depending on the queues to use the computers at the Lib Dem Conference in Brighton, this could be my last blog for a few days - I have just watched Ming Campbell's interview with Andrew Marr and it was one of his best performances for a while and earlier this morning Julia Goldsworthy MP gave an excellent interview as well. This is one of the few weeks of the year we actually guarantee getting some media coverage.
So decisions decisions decisions! Do we support the Green Tax Switch proposals as they stand or vote for the amendment proposed by Evan Harris MP to keep the 50% tax on earnings over £150,000 per annum? I will listen to the debate carefully and decide on Tuesday.
This is the great thing about Lib Dem's we all get 1 vote, whether you are the Party Leader a backbench MP, a Councillor or a delegate. Not so in the other two main party's.
Oh well I had better pack and head for Brighton!
So decisions decisions decisions! Do we support the Green Tax Switch proposals as they stand or vote for the amendment proposed by Evan Harris MP to keep the 50% tax on earnings over £150,000 per annum? I will listen to the debate carefully and decide on Tuesday.
This is the great thing about Lib Dem's we all get 1 vote, whether you are the Party Leader a backbench MP, a Councillor or a delegate. Not so in the other two main party's.
Oh well I had better pack and head for Brighton!
What will Charles Kennedy say in his speach on Tuesday?
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Climate Change
Friday evening I met up with Ann and our friend Gill at the Corner House in Manchester to see one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. An Inconvenient Truth is basically a gripping lecture by ex Vice President of the USA, Al Gore. I can't recommend it highly enough, you must go and see it - it makes you realise how important it is that we do something about climate change now before it is too late, and it nearly is too late!
Sign up to the Liberal Democrats Green Tax Switch proposals
Sign up to the Liberal Democrats Green Tax Switch proposals
High's and Lows!
Well it's official my good friend Cllr Vic D'Albert has been selected to contest the next General Election for Bury South - This caused quite a stir in the labour group as apparently they were convinced another fellow Councillor was the candidate! Which explains the unwarrented attacks leveled at him at the Council meeting on Wednesday.
Thursday was difficult - my father and I took my eldest son to Plymouth University, we set off at 5am! as he had to check in between 9:30 and 11:00am - we arrived in good time and unloaded the car and got him settled into his halls of residence, then we got the phone call - my godfather, my fathers friend for over 60 years had died that morning - we set off back home from Plymouth, not the easiest of journeys with long reflective silences. Although I didn't see a great deal of him, I always knew that if ever I had a problem or needed help he would be there. His name and contact details have always been in the back of my Passport as the person to contact in case an emergency - I can't think of anyone to replace him.
Thursday was difficult - my father and I took my eldest son to Plymouth University, we set off at 5am! as he had to check in between 9:30 and 11:00am - we arrived in good time and unloaded the car and got him settled into his halls of residence, then we got the phone call - my godfather, my fathers friend for over 60 years had died that morning - we set off back home from Plymouth, not the easiest of journeys with long reflective silences. Although I didn't see a great deal of him, I always knew that if ever I had a problem or needed help he would be there. His name and contact details have always been in the back of my Passport as the person to contact in case an emergency - I can't think of anyone to replace him.
