Sunday, February 26, 2006
Don't forgert to vote!!
Sunday 26th February 2006 - Just three days to go in the Liberal Democrat Leadership election. Ballot papers for the election must arrive with the Electoral Reform Society by 12 noon on Wednesday 1 March 2006. So, today is probably the last day to post your vote.
Let's hope members use it wisely and I hope Ming is our new Leader next Thursday!!
Meanwhile back on the ground here in Knowsley we have a by-election on Thursday for a vacant seat on Whiston Town Council's Delph Ward, we have a very good candidate in Mike Lappin and we are confident we can win there as well!!
Let's hope members use it wisely and I hope Ming is our new Leader next Thursday!!
Meanwhile back on the ground here in Knowsley we have a by-election on Thursday for a vacant seat on Whiston Town Council's Delph Ward, we have a very good candidate in Mike Lappin and we are confident we can win there as well!!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
New Forum date
Wednesday 22nd February 2006 - An additional Halewood Area Forum has been arranged for next week to discuss the development of our new approach to neighbourhood management and neighbourhood service delivery.
This is an opportunity for local people to shape the way the Council tackles their problems and issues, no doubt there will be some good debate!!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Busy week almost over!
Friday 17th February 2006 - Apologies to regular readers for the lack of updates recently, it has been a very busy week.
It all started with a trip to the Police Authority on Monday to discuss the police budget and precept for next year, the final decision to be taken by the Authority on Thursday.
On Tuesday we had a very lively Area Forum in Halewood with lots of concerns and complaints about the lack of progress with the regeneration of Ravencourt, it is something I intend to raise at the next Council meeting.
Wednesday's Cabinet meeting went smoothly with the Cabinet recommending a 4% increase in Council Tax for next year, to be confirmed by full Council on March 1st.
I also collected my latest leaflet from the printers Wednesday and will start delivering it this weekend around Halewood North ward while preparing for the meeting next Monday of the three Lib Dem leadership candidates in Manchester.
It all started with a trip to the Police Authority on Monday to discuss the police budget and precept for next year, the final decision to be taken by the Authority on Thursday.
On Tuesday we had a very lively Area Forum in Halewood with lots of concerns and complaints about the lack of progress with the regeneration of Ravencourt, it is something I intend to raise at the next Council meeting.
Wednesday's Cabinet meeting went smoothly with the Cabinet recommending a 4% increase in Council Tax for next year, to be confirmed by full Council on March 1st.
I also collected my latest leaflet from the printers Wednesday and will start delivering it this weekend around Halewood North ward while preparing for the meeting next Monday of the three Lib Dem leadership candidates in Manchester.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Police merger plans
Sunday 12th February 2006 - As some regular readers of my diary will know, I write a regular column on local topical issues for another site www.knowsleyonline.com.
Pay a visit and you can read my views this coming week on the proposed merger of Merseyside Police with Cheshire Police.
Pay a visit and you can read my views this coming week on the proposed merger of Merseyside Police with Cheshire Police.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Our Willie Won It!!
Friday 10th February 2006 - In his victory speech Mr Rennie said: “Tonight the voters of Dunfermline and West Fife have sent a powerful message to Downing Street that will rock the foundations of both No 10 and No 11.
“Labour has taken the people for granted up and down the country for too long. It is time Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both got the message — too much spin and not enough delivery. The Lib Dems are now the major challenger to Labour in their heartland.”
Need I say more?!!!!!
“Labour has taken the people for granted up and down the country for too long. It is time Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both got the message — too much spin and not enough delivery. The Lib Dems are now the major challenger to Labour in their heartland.”
Need I say more?!!!!!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Campaigning experience needed??
Thursday 9th February 2006 - The Leadership campaign has generated a lot of material for Lib Dem blog sites and some very interesting entries and debates on the merits of all three candidates.
Reading one this morning that was criticising one of the contender's efforts it struck me there may well be a good reason for some of the criticism I have read about the campaigning efforts of all three.
Under the rules for the election Party staff are not allowed to pro-actively become involved in the contest and none of our paid campaign officers are allowed to work for any of the candidates.
So the next time I hear someone criticising the excellent efforts of our Campaigns deparment I will remind them of how bad things could be................................!!
Finally good luck to Willie and our team in Dunfermline today, I'm sure many of our campaigns team will have been seconded to Scotland in recent weeks and have done a great job!!
Reading one this morning that was criticising one of the contender's efforts it struck me there may well be a good reason for some of the criticism I have read about the campaigning efforts of all three.
Under the rules for the election Party staff are not allowed to pro-actively become involved in the contest and none of our paid campaign officers are allowed to work for any of the candidates.
So the next time I hear someone criticising the excellent efforts of our Campaigns deparment I will remind them of how bad things could be................................!!
Finally good luck to Willie and our team in Dunfermline today, I'm sure many of our campaigns team will have been seconded to Scotland in recent weeks and have done a great job!!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Ming visits Liverpool!
Friday 3rd February 2006 - Sir Menzies Campbell MP called into Liverpool to meet members today during a whirlwind visit to the North West region.
It was a good opportunity for some local media interviews as well while also providing an opportunity to update Ming on how well the canvassing was going on Merseyside.
Dinner with Simon Hughes MP again this evening, the second time in a week, hope he doesn't press me to hard on who I am voting for!!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Canvassing going well!!
Thursday 2nd February 2006 - Have been canvassing members and colleagues this week to get them to support Ming's campaign in the leadership election and am getting some very positive feedback.
There is a lot of support and sympathy for Simon among colleagues as well but many feel Ming is the best choice and a lot of people saying are they do not know enough about Chris Huhne.
Many are waiting until the hustings event at Manchester Town Hall on Feb 20th before they make their minds up though.
Interesting times!!
There is a lot of support and sympathy for Simon among colleagues as well but many feel Ming is the best choice and a lot of people saying are they do not know enough about Chris Huhne.
Many are waiting until the hustings event at Manchester Town Hall on Feb 20th before they make their minds up though.
Interesting times!!
