Are Local Liberal Democrats Suffering From Schizophrenia?

It was not all that long ago that Cllr. Ray Sellars, Liberal Democrat (Nettleham & Saxilby Division) was taking credit for saving Linelands from closure. 'Threat to home lifted by people who really care' read the headline in a Lib Dem leaflet.

"Thanks go not just to the Lib Dem Group but also to the many dedicated people who protested loudly at the threatened closure of an excellent care facility with dedicated staff and volunteers."

No one can dispute that those who work at Linelands are some very dedicated individuals, but suggesting that the Lib Dems can take credit was ridiculous. Even as the leaflet landed on doormats in Nettleham, the Council had been clear that the reprieve was only temporary until suitable alternative provision was available.

The leaflet continued:

"Liberal Democrats are concerned, not only about Government cut-backs, but also charges on our national debt...giving us a bleak financial outlook." 

This would presumably be the same Government that has five Liberal Democrats within the Cabinet, including the Chief Secretary to the Treasury?  The article by Cllr. Sellars concludes:

"...remember that Lib Dem common sense brough vital balance to the spending review: Personal tax allowance is up by £1,000 while banks must pay a new levy."

So the Liberal Democrats are in government after all.

 'West Lindsey Focus' delivered
prior to the 2010 General Election

Let us not forget that it was of course Cllr. Reg Shore, Liberal Democrat (Stow Ward), the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on West Lindsey District Council, who surprised many, shortly before local elections last year, with comments made to the Lincolnshire Echo. Cllr. Shore was quoted as saying:

"I don't agree with Nick. I never have and that's based on the issue of student fees."

The disclosure that Cllr. Shore does not and has not ever supported Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat Leader is somewhat at odds with the facts. Cllr. Shore having appeared in election literature IN 2010 with Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for the Gainsborough Constituency, Cllr. Pat O'Conner, and the Deputy Prime Minister. 

But the local Liberal Democrats are in such trouble that on their website (here) they are pleased to declare that their 'Best Headline of 2011' was 'Liberals in Poll Shock' from the Gainsborough Standard in the 12th May 2011 edition following the local elections. Taking some comfort in the fact they lost three seats on West Lindsey District Council but took twelve seats on Gainsborough Town Council, meaning they could form an administration. Considering that people often dislike the increasing professionalisation of politics, this is not something to be proud of. It seems unlikely that anyone would think that loosing three seats on the district council (two in Gainsborough) and gaining the town council was really a success in the light that the Liberal Democrats were the only people to organise - squeezing out more independent candidates. It would be like David Cameron declaring at the next General Election. 'I'm glad I've lost 20 MPs, but I can take solice that we now have six councillors on Hull City Council.'

Perhaps the local Conservatives take pleasure in the fact that there best headline of 2011 was: Government Minister Eric Pickles in Visit to West Lindsey from the Lincolnshire Echo. A real coup that a Secretary of State would visit an otherwise perfectly safe Conservative seat.

Edward Leigh MP Welcomes Eric Pickles' Visit

Mrs. Suzanne Scott, Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP,
Edward Leigh MP and Cllr. Burt Keimach.

Edward Leigh, who represents the Gainsborough Constituency, welcomed the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to the Gainsborough Constituency on Thursday, 13th October 2011 together with fellow Conservatives, Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach and Cllr. William Parry, the authority’s Chairman.

The Secretary of State visited the Hemswell Cliff Primary School to open the community’s new ‘Room of Requirement’ – named with the Harry Potter books in mind. Head teacher Mrs. Suzanne Scott said:

Eric Pickles MP is shown Marshall's Yard
in Gainsborugh flanked by Cllr. Keimach
(Left) and Edward Leigh MP (Right)

“It's a great honour to welcome the secretary of state to our school.

“We are looking forward to using this facility along with our community.”

After opening the facility, The Secretary of State, Edward Leigh, Councillors, council officers and other stakeholders were briefed on the need to regenerate dilapidated former RAF bases into thriving communities. Mr Pickles said:

“I will rattle the MoD's cage on this as this is a place we should celebrate.”

Eric Pickles Brings Westminster Magic to West Lindsey

As exclusively revealed on here at the start of July the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Her Majesty's Principle Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, visited West Lindsey, Lincolnshire yesterday.

Arriving at Retford Station Mr. Pickles was greeted by Leader of West Lindsey District Council, Cllr. Burt Keimach, Conservative (Market Rasen Ward) and Chairman of West Lindsey Distirct Council, Cllr. William Parry, Conservative (Scotter Ward).

Eric Pickles and Liam Smith, lock wands at the opening of the
Room of Requirement at Hemswell Cliff Primary School
(c) John Jenkins/Lincolnshire Echo

Mr. Pickles was speeded away to Hemswell Cliff Primary School yesterday to open a new £10,000 community facility, their 'Room of Requirement'. Named after a secret room within Hogwarts Castle, the library will be open to residents inside and outside of school hours. The Secretary of state even engaged in a wand duel with one pupil to celebrate the opening of a Harry Potter-inspired library.

Mr Pickles praised villagers for their 'heart' in trying to improve the community. Mr Pickles. told pupils:

"If I had known this was being named after Harry Potter I would have wanted a wand.

"I am not from the Ministry of Magic but times are hard."

Speaking of Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero. Mr Pickles said:

"He said for complete contentment that what you need is a garden and a library. Today he would have said what you need is a garden and a Room of Requirement."

The ninety-one pupils from the school sang two songs which Mr. Pickles praised. Head teacher Mrs. Suzanne Scott said:

"It's a great honour to welcome the secretary of state to our school.

"We are looking forward to using this facility along with our community."

After touring the school, Mr Pickles was briefed on West Lindsey District Council's plans to revitalise ex-RAF bases at Hemswell Cliff, Brookenby and Newtoft, plus RAF Scampton by Cllr. Paul Howitt-Cowan, Conservative (Hemswell Ward), who said the aim was to create more community spaces.

Having seen some of the dilapidated buildings, Mr Pickles said:

"I will rattle the MoD's cage on this as this is a place we should celebrate. What you do have should be a joyous occasion. It shouldn't be like visiting the Bronx. In fact, the Bronx is better."

Mr Pickles later visited Gainsborough to hear about the work of West Lindsey District Council and the way an 'entrepurnurial council' is being delivered.

In the evening Mr. Pickles was guest of honour at a Gala Dinner held at the Gainsborough Golf Glub, Belt Road, Thonock.

EXCLUSIVE: Eric Pickles Set To Visit County



Above:  During the 2010 General Election campaign in
Lincoln's Castle Square Eric Pickles with Karl McCartney

This blog can exclusively reveal the the Rt. Hon. Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, will be visiting Lincolnshire in the coming months.
Whilst details of the visit are understood to still be being finalised it is expected that Mr. Pickles will be in the here this autumn and will tour a number of projects in the county before being the guest of honor at a Gala Dinner in the evening.

Benedict Brogan, of the Daily Mail, says of the popular grass-roots politician:

"If you ever start to worry that Dave's Conservatives are all soft-cheeked trendy toffs, take a moment to admire the girth, the stout cloth, dammit, even the tie-clip of this briny, plain-speaking, subtle, human politician."

Conservatives Cleared Over 'Inappropriate Behaviour' Allegations

Two members of West Lindsey District Council who faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour have been cleared following the investigation undertaken by Standards for England.

Standards for England have revealed that Mr. Adam Duguid, formerly Leader of the Council, and Cllr. Malcolm Parish, Conservative (Welton Ward) did not breach the code of conduct when they met a suspended council officer last year.

The two men were accused of bringing West Lindsey District Council into disrepute after they were present at a meeting with a suspended council worker in September 2009. However, Standards for England has concluded neither man discussed a disciplinary hearing that was ongoing at the time.

Cllr. Parish was said to have acted out of 'genuine concern for the officer's wellbeing' whilst Mr. Duguid's behaviour was described as 'not likely to compromise the impartiality' of the council's investigation.

Mr. Duguid, who lost his Market Rasen seat at the local elections in May, told the Echo:

"I think they did a very fair investigation. There were plenty of opportunities to raise points. My only criticism was it took rather a long time to be sorted."

Bernard Theobald addresses
the council lst year.

Meanwhile an announcement made by Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, means that local residents may never know the outcome of a report by the Audit Commission - which is pending publication in to matters related to governance at the authority - after the body was announced that it is to be scraped with the loss of 2,000 civil service posts as part of government cuts. Doubtlessly Mr. Bernard Theobald, Mr. Duguid's predecessor as Leader of the Council, who also lost his seat in recent elections, is probably delighted at that news.

GE2010: Lincoln: Party Chairman Will Today Campaign in Lincoln

Eric Pickles, The Conservative Party Chairman is expected to be holding a rally in Castle Square, Lincoln mid morning with a team of local activists supporting Karl McCartney, the Conservative front-runner, for the Lincoln Constituency general election contest.

Electoral Commission May Prosecute Returning Officers Who Fail To Conduct Night Time Counts

A week ago, Eric Pickles MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party, called for the Electoral Commission to give Returning Officers an 'unambiguous steer' that General Election counts must take place on the Thursday night.

Yesterday, the Electoral Commission published a draft of its guidance, which will not be definitive until the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill becomes law, however currently it is by all accounts quite encouraging.

The guidance instructs Returning Officers who were thinking of counting on the Friday morning that they

"will now need actively to re-consider what steps it is reasonable to take in order to be able to commence counting the votes before 2am"

and reminds them that

"if they do not take reasonable steps, a court may find them to be in breach of their official duty under Section 63 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended)."

The draft guidance goes through some of the factors which Returning Officers will need to bear in mind when making their decision - venue availability, staffing, geography - and reminds them that anyone who does decide on a Friday count will by law have to be able to 'provide an audit trail demonstrating their decision making process'.

You can read the draft guidance in its entirety here.

Mr. Pickles responded to the publication of the draft guidance by reiterating his call for Returning Officers to do as Parliament has bid and prepare for a General Election Night count:

"Parliament has made a clear change to the law, creating a presumption in favour of overnight counts in the forthcoming general election. With the exception of the most geographically remote parts of the United Kingdom, town hall Returning Officers should now be actively planning to count their Parliamentary election on election night. Those who announced Friday counts should be making the necessary arrangements to revert back to Thursday evening counts. If unelected Returning Officers intend to defy the will of Parliament, they should come clean and say so now. There is still time for the Bill to be amended to make it more robust so that Parliament’s democratically expressed wishes can be duly implemented."

Acknowledgement: ConservativeHome | CentreRight | 17/03/2010

GE2010: General Election Summary Day #3

The so-called SnowStorm Plot which found Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, faced a backbench revolt looks likely to melt away. Only the usual suspects have really backed the call of Patricia Hewitt MP and Geoff Hoon MP (two people rumoured to have wanted the High Representative of the European Union job that Gordon Brown MP gave to Baroness Ashton last year) for a secret ballot of Labour's MPs. The Labour Party now looks more divided after today. A massive gift so early in the Long Campaign for the Conservatives.

Gordon Brown won another PMQs. Brown seemed to just edge in front of Cameron at Prime Minister's Questions today. He was able to exploit the Conservative leader's unfortunate miscommunication of the party's policy on a married tax allowance on Monday although any feelings of triumph Gordon Brown felt no doubt ebbed away quickly following the SnowStorm Plot which developed throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

A good day for Eric Pickles. CCHQ was quick with a statement from the Conservtive Party Chairman and his media performances were perfectly pitched throughout the afternoon. Watch him here.

A bad day for the BBC's Nick Robinson who initially told viewers that there was no plot shortly before Simon Cavalier-Jones (Lincolnshire CF VIce Chairman) posted on The Conservative Blog and learnt there was one. He also dissed bloggers for suggesting that there was a plot. Guido Fawkes enjoyed some YouTube revenge.

The Spectator remains on the attack against Conservative Party Leader, David Cameron MP. Spectator Editor, Mr. Fraser Nelson, has adopted an aggressive tone towards Mr. Cameron since the start of 2010. The Conservative Party will not like the front cover of this week's Spectator. The edition includes an article by David 'Jeremiah' Selbourne that attacks every aspect of the Cameron agenda.

To conclude there is a new YouGov poll in the Sun this morning which have the Conservatives on 40%(no chance), Labour on 31%( up 1 point), Liberal Democrats on 17%(no change), so virtually no change from the previous YouGov poll between Christmas and New Year.

Conservative Conference Video - Day 1 Highlights

Conservative Conference Day 1 Summary

It was a really busy day today.

7:30am It all started with a Breakfast hosted by Google promoting the tools available from Goolgle to support people who are involved in e-campaigning.

9:00am I then went and toured the Conference Centre and looked around the some 135 stalls that make up the exhibitors section of the Conference Centre. I attended some policy sessions and caught up with lots of friends across the country.

5:30pm I attended the East & West Midlands Reception where Party Chairman Eric Pickles spoke followed by a reception hosted by The Chief Minister, Peter Caruana QC MP on behalf of the government of Gibraltar.

7:30pm Mad dash from the Gibraltar Reception to the reception hosted by the leader of the Conservaive Group from the European Parliament and then half an hour later I attende the Chairman's Reception sponsored by Bloomberg.

...and now off to the Conference Hotel's bar for a long night of networking.

Eric Pickles: The Conservative Party is the home of Liberal Democracy

Speaking today, Eric Pickles, Chairman of the Conservative Party called on Liberal Democrats to consider supporting the Conservatives. He said:

“I am here today to give a simple message to Liberal Democrat voters - come on home to the Conservative Party.

“Whether you are a Liberal Democrat who, in the past, voted Conservative or someone who has never dreamed of voting Conservative before, there is a welcome waiting for you in our party.

“Liberal democracy has always formed an important part of the Conservative family. From the Factory Acts to 42 days detention, the Conservative Party will always be the home of progressive liberal democracy in British politics.

“It is time for people to come home to the Conservative Party.

“I believe, as many others do, that the Labour Party has failed our country.

“I believe there is growing consensus about the kind of change our country needs - a consensus that unites Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

“Our country is having a tough old time at the moment. We're faced with not just a mountain of debt, but a Mount Everest of debt. We are facing enormous social problems, failing public services, and a terrible loss of faith in our political system.

“That is why the next election is the most important in a generation.

“We are a country that needs leadership - strong leadership that will bring fresh ideas, and hope to people's lives. It's been evident this week that the Labour Government is preoccupied with its short-term survival - rather than taking the long-term decisions that the country needs. We meet today, just a few short months away, from an opportunity to begin the task of rebuilding our broken economy and mending our broken society.

“So if you are a Liberal Democrat voter, you have a very clear choice.

“You could vote Liberal Democrat again - and vote for a party whose leader admitted yesterday that he is chasing the Labour Party's votes and shifting further away from the liberal centre-ground.

“That's one option. Or, you could do something radical - something progressive. You could vote for real change.

“You could vote for a party that shares so many of your values. A party that can form a new government, a fresh government, a strong government.

“If you want a government that will put power in the hands of people, if you want a government that will scrap ID cards, the surveillance state and guard our freedoms, and if you want a government that will bring prudence and honesty back to the Treasury, then there is a party for you - it is the Conservative Party.

“My message today is simple: the Conservative Party is the only party that can bring the change that Britain needs. I believe in my bones that an election of a Cameron government will strike a great blow for the values of liberal democracy.

“I know, if you are a Liberal Democrat voter, this might be uncharted territory for you. You might be really torn over what to do when you get into that polling booth - I understand that.

“But I am asking you to vote Conservative, not necessarily to be a Conservative. I'm asking for you to put your trust in David Cameron and our party to deliver on those things that we all want to see.

“Those things form a common ground that unites us - a progressive consensus if you like - on which we can stand together and bring change.

“We have already shown that when our shared values and common goals are at stake, we'll work with people of any political allegiance to do the right thing.

“When we saw injustice over the Gurkhas not being allowed to settle in Britain, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats worked together to do the right thing. When the Government came out with illiberal, authoritarian measures like 42 day detention and ID cards, we opposed them every step of the way. When there was an opportunity to decentralise and pass power downwards, we worked with all parties to develop the Sustainable Communities Act.

“And on the environment, never before in Britain has there been a leader as determined as David Cameron to put climate change right at the top of everyone's political agenda. So when the Government pushed for the third runway at Heathrow, we pushed against it together. And when the Government gave way to our pressure for a Climate Change Bill, we worked to strengthen it yet further.

“But whilst we have worked with liberal-minded folk in the past, and we've shown the Conservative Party is the home of liberal democracy we need your support to take the next logical step. We need your support if we are going to fix our broken society, decentralise power even more, and provide effective aid for those in need.

“Together, we can bring change to those trapped in poverty.

“After over a decade of failed social policy, can there really be any doubt that in recent years it has been ideas from the centre-right, especially with the work done by the Centre for Social Justice under the direction of Iain Duncan Smith, they have set the agenda on tackling poverty and increasing a sense of social responsibility.

“Together, we can take more power from the political elite, and give it back to men and women on the street. We are committed to giving people more opportunity and power over their lives and moving to a new post-bureaucratic age of devolution from Whitehall to local communities.

“And - last but by no means least - together, we can help those in poverty around the world.

“On Wednesday, David was asked by a journalist how he could justify his commitment to spending more money on international development at a time of recession.

“What did he say?

“He did not take the easy way out.

“He said yes, times are tough and as a country we've got to get through a horrible deficit.

“He said, "We are a generous, outward looking country that wants to see people in the poorest parts of the world have a better life".

“But this commitment to people around the world isn't just shown by our words, it's also shown by our actions too. Over the last few years hundreds of Conservative MPs, candidates and activists have spent their own money and their own spare time using their skills to help people in Rwanda.

“And, although this is the biggest social action project we have done, it is by no means the only one.

“Did you know that up and down the country there are now over 150 Conservative-led social action projects? These projects have become an important part of what we do and who we are as a party.

“I was in Blackpool recently and I saw for myself how much good our party conference social action project had done - and is still doing.

“Social action empowers our citizens to join in the kind of society we want to see. It links to our deep belief that by acting together - not waiting for the state to act on our behalf - we can tackle the challenges that we all face.

“Friends, that's the kind of politics we need right now. And it's the kind of politics that is attracting people to join the Conservative Party.

“As Chairman, I am proud that so many people are recognising that the Conservative Party is a home for the values they hold dear.

“Recent elections make it very clear that all kinds of people in all corners of our great country are pausing, thinking about their options, and deciding to vote Conservative. But it's not just Liberal Democrat voters who are choosing the Conservatives - many of their activists are too.

“Under David's leadership we've seen a steady stream of Liberal Democrats from all levels of the party deciding that the Conservative Party is the best vehicle. In fact, one of the very first things David did when he became leader was give a speech urging our Liberal Democrat friends to join us.

“I am glad to say that many of them have responded to that call. At least fifty councillors have joined us since David became leader. Added to that are nine former parliamentary candidates, and Saj Karim in the European Parliament.

“And I am delighted to announce today that Councillor James Keeley, until recently he was the Liberal Democrat candidate up in Skipton & Ripon and has decided to join the Conservative Party.

“As James has said and I quote: "We have to wake, wise up, and work together in order to make things better for us all. I've come to the conclusion that the only way forward is David Cameron and the Conservative Party."

“James that is absolutely right and I am delighted to welcome you and your talent to the Conservative family. James and many of our other new friends have come down to be with us today - so do talk to them afterwards.

“I know, joining or even voting, for a party for the first time, can seem like a big decision, of course it can. But if you do speak to our new chums - why don't you ask them if they've ever regretted joining us?

“I bet you they'll say NO, because I'm confident that they'll be proud to say that they belong to a party that will bring real change to our country.

“So friends, let me leave you with this thought. If you are a Liberal Democrat voter, ask yourself one important question.

“Which party in government will deliver on those liberal ideas that are so important to you? If like me, you believe that rather than being an agent for change in Britain, the Liberal Democrat party has sadly become a road block to progress, I would ask you to join our new alliance.

“I'm not asking you to become a card carrying member of the Conservative Party overnight. Instead, I urge you to vote for something exciting and progressive. To help form a progressive alliance built upon our shared values of: personal freedom, a commitment to the environment, and a desire to protect the most vulnerable at home and in the rest of our world.

“So join the people in the room today and thousands across the country who have chosen to help the Conservative Party protect our civil liberties and our hard won freedoms. And, by voting Conservative, be part of putting liberal democracy back to the very centre of government in Britain.”