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I'm a councillor in the London Borough of Wandsworth; this blog mainly covers that, sometimes general politics and policy and occasionally anything else that takes my fancy.
Tag Archives: Politics
Wandsworth Challenge
I am excited to see the Wandsworth Challenge finally launch a public face this week. I know that some might be sceptical, even cynical, about it; but I’m not one of them. I’m excited in large part because it marks a new way of working for the council. Wandsworth has been remarkably successful at running
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Posted in Wandsworth
Also tagged big society, ideas, transparency, Wandsworth Challenge
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A slight change in service…
It’s not even a year since I started this blog, and I have to say that I’m incredibly pleased I did. If I have any regret it is that I didn’t start it sooner. The response has been far better than I ever anticipated, I’ve had some truly interesting conversations as a result and I
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If expenses are the problem, is Esther Rantzen the solution?
I am trying to come to terms with Esther Rantzen’s decision to stand in Luton South at the next election as an anti-sleaze candidate (even though the wrong-doing MP has already announced her resignation). Now many will see this as something of a joke since, despite being an intelligent and capable woman with many fine
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Posted in Politics
Also tagged David Van Day, Esther Rantzen, Luton South, Mid Bedfordshire, Nadine Dorries, That's Life
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What do you want? Go on, tell me…
This blog is coming up to its half-birthday. Well, sort of – there are all sorts of dates I can use, for example the blog went live on 17 December, a great time when everyone is thinking about Christmas and no-one gives a stuff about a mere councillor blog. However, before it went live I
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Why do the best politicians give up?
One of the books in me is The Aborted Politician, a look at those people who created an embryonic political career and contested a parliamentary seat and then – for whatever reason – did not pursue politics any further. Luckily for the book-buying public no publisher would touch me. My Comprehensive school education barely got
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Posted in Politics
Also tagged Conservative, ConservativeHome, Labour, Melton Mowbray, MP, selection
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Obama’s inauguration
It is not a terribly fashionable thing for anyone who is British to admit, but I am, and always have been, a great fan of America. And today, I believe, shows all that is great about the country. I’m not particularly speaking about Barack Obama, but instead about the inaugural process. That is not to
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Posted in Politics
Also tagged America, Barack Obama, elections, inauguration, President
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In Memorium: Wandsworth Borough News
If not a total surprise, I was saddened to hear that Wandsworth’s local paper is no more. Even more so that it passed with no-one noticing, the issue published just before Christmas, it was announced, was the last. It has now been merged with the Wandsworth Guardian meaning, effectively, it is no more. As I
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The Home Secretary’s wrong about politicising the police force
I missed the news yesterday that the government has u-turned on having directly elected members on police authorities. I cannot deny that I think this particular u-turn is good news – just the other day I highlighted the petition on the Number 10 website against it. But I’m also a bit shocked by Jacqui Smith’s
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City Hall – Livingstone = £400
Isn’t it odd to hear the Labour and Green Party GLA members belittling Boris Johnson’s council freeze because it will only save 11p a week on council tax? These are the same people who presumably believe that 2.5% off VAT will save the world. What they fail to realise is that we finally have a
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Do politicians make you feel safer?
I’m guessing the answer is no. What about police on the street? Most people would answer yes to that. Unfortunately the government feels that another tier of elected officials is the solution, and are suggesting that each area elects a crime and policing representative – around 400 of them nationwide. In London this job would
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