I wasn't really surprised by Mr Cameron's sexist and arrogant performance today. Sadly, this lack of integrity and values seems deep-rooted in the Conservative Party.
Over the last year, the Tory-led County Council has embarked on a quest to become a commissioner of services, rather than a provider of services. Fire Stations, Libraries, residential homes, home care, the youth service, all reduced or closed and communities left reeling. I'm not particularly surprised by all this. If people vote Tory, then they shouldn't be surprised when services disappear. It's what they do, what they believe in.
Imagine my confusion yesterday, when a leaflet popped through the door from the Conservatives, stating that they DON'T believe in cuts to front-line services. Clearly they've forgotten about all those they've made already. It would be funny, if it wasn't so misleading to voters. I think it is irresponsible to mislead voters in this way, and once again shows a lack of integrity within the Conservative Party.
There is only one party who can provide front-line defence against the cuts. Vote Labour on 5th May.
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Saturday 23 April 2011
So what is this election for?
I was asked this question on the doorstep last week. I was about to launch into my response when I stopped for a moment. To say that I am the candidate for the town and district council answers the question but perhaps doesn't really give the full picture. What is the purpose of a district councillor? This blog post gives far more detail than I gave the Warwick resident as I'd interrupted her lunch, but I thought it was worth blogging about.
The primary role is that of representation of the people living within a particular ward, no matter what party the councillor represents. So, whether your vote is Labour, Conservative or Independent, the candidate who gets the most votes will be your elected representative. Your representative is the person responsible for participating in any decision-making relating to District Council business through Council meetings, membership of committees (such as planning) and local voluntary bodies.
Additionally, councillors will take on casework relating to any issues or problems raised by people living within their ward. If elected, your Labour candidates will hold regular and accessible surgeries so that problems can be discussed face-to-face. We'll also be at the other end of the phone, email or letter. It doesn't matter how you contact us, we will do our best to resolve the issue for you. Between us, we have years of experience of dealing with local government bureaucracy and know how to get things done.
I've blogged previously about our manifesto and what we promise to do if we are elected and gain control of the District Council. Outlining the vision and strategy for the Council is an important aspect of the work of the Councillor, which is why it is important to vote for the party that not only is passionate about making Warwick District a fair and thriving place, it is also deeply committed to public services.
There are other duties, too. Councillors are required to scrutinise the work of the council. This provides a check on the activities of the Executive (sometimes called the Cabinet) through the power to call-in decisions. Councillors also monitor and review policy formulation and implementation by council staff, including the development of policy and quality. Councillors are also required to play a regulatory role by participating in things like Licensing Committees.
All of these roles and responsibilities have a direct impact on the quality of life in Warwick District. We all use council services: refuse and recycling, street lighting, car parking, schools, trading standards, social services - these are all council services. They aren't all provided by the District Council, of course, but if you have a problem with one of these services you'll probably turn to your local councillor for assistance. Councillors exist for the Town, District and County, but we'll know how the issue needs to be addressed.
Make sure you play your part in protecting our quality of life, and making Warwick District a fair and thriving place. Use your vote on May 5th, and vote Labour. We promise to carry out the role of the councillor in a responsible and effective way, and will work hard to represent the interests of Warwick West residents. Not only are we a hard-working bunch, we are deeply committed to Warwick.
The primary role is that of representation of the people living within a particular ward, no matter what party the councillor represents. So, whether your vote is Labour, Conservative or Independent, the candidate who gets the most votes will be your elected representative. Your representative is the person responsible for participating in any decision-making relating to District Council business through Council meetings, membership of committees (such as planning) and local voluntary bodies.
Additionally, councillors will take on casework relating to any issues or problems raised by people living within their ward. If elected, your Labour candidates will hold regular and accessible surgeries so that problems can be discussed face-to-face. We'll also be at the other end of the phone, email or letter. It doesn't matter how you contact us, we will do our best to resolve the issue for you. Between us, we have years of experience of dealing with local government bureaucracy and know how to get things done.
I've blogged previously about our manifesto and what we promise to do if we are elected and gain control of the District Council. Outlining the vision and strategy for the Council is an important aspect of the work of the Councillor, which is why it is important to vote for the party that not only is passionate about making Warwick District a fair and thriving place, it is also deeply committed to public services.
There are other duties, too. Councillors are required to scrutinise the work of the council. This provides a check on the activities of the Executive (sometimes called the Cabinet) through the power to call-in decisions. Councillors also monitor and review policy formulation and implementation by council staff, including the development of policy and quality. Councillors are also required to play a regulatory role by participating in things like Licensing Committees.
All of these roles and responsibilities have a direct impact on the quality of life in Warwick District. We all use council services: refuse and recycling, street lighting, car parking, schools, trading standards, social services - these are all council services. They aren't all provided by the District Council, of course, but if you have a problem with one of these services you'll probably turn to your local councillor for assistance. Councillors exist for the Town, District and County, but we'll know how the issue needs to be addressed.
Make sure you play your part in protecting our quality of life, and making Warwick District a fair and thriving place. Use your vote on May 5th, and vote Labour. We promise to carry out the role of the councillor in a responsible and effective way, and will work hard to represent the interests of Warwick West residents. Not only are we a hard-working bunch, we are deeply committed to Warwick.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
Youth Service Consultation
The Conservative-led Warwickshire County Council is currently undertaking consultation regarding the proposed closure of Coten End Youth Centre, which is located within Warwick. Bizarrely, the only public consultation was scheduled to take place at a youth club in Kenilworth. Close enough, one might say, for those people with access to cars, but probably not for the young people currently using the centre. Given that we are leading up to the exam period, holding an evening consultation for young people who are probably (hopefully?!) revising for their exams is bad planning, but it is the holidays after all.
John Holland, one of three Labour candidates for Warwick West, raised this at the Forbes Network Meeting and demanded that proper consultation take place within Warwick, so that everyone wishing to attend may do so.
Consultation regarding the closure will now take place at Coten End Youth and Community Centre on Tuesday, 3rd May 2011 at 6.30pm. One of the Labour Team will be in attendance.
John Holland, one of three Labour candidates for Warwick West, raised this at the Forbes Network Meeting and demanded that proper consultation take place within Warwick, so that everyone wishing to attend may do so.
Consultation regarding the closure will now take place at Coten End Youth and Community Centre on Tuesday, 3rd May 2011 at 6.30pm. One of the Labour Team will be in attendance.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Fire
Sadly, a fire has damaged a building near Friar Street. Hearing about fires like this brings sharp focus to the decision made by the Tory-led County Council to close Warwick's fire station. When I tell people from outside the area that soon Warwick will no longer have a station, they find incredible that a prominent Market town would be without. Those that have experienced gridlock on the road between Leamington and Warwick are doubly so.
Monday 18 April 2011
Just for fun
You've got to love the iPhone. I'm using a handy app to track the distance travelled while out leafleting and canvassing. Today, I logged the grand total of 3.36 miles out campaigning. I wonder how far I'll walk between now and the election?
Sunday 17 April 2011
A change in the air
I've been reflecting on yesterday's canvassing. Apart from return to the beautifully sunny weather, I've noticed that residents within Warwick West have become more inclined to stay on the doorstep and chat with us. Maybe it is the weather, but I think it is down to the increasing media coverage of the election and the cuts really starting to hurt. We've gained a very useful insight into the local issues concerning Warwick residents, and this will form the basis of our action plan for change if elected. More on than later!
Our first batch of leaflets went out yesterday and just a few hours later one was spotted in the window of a house in the centre of Warwick. Now that is efficient! We are very grateful to those people who show their support in this way, it is genuinely appreciated.
Our first batch of leaflets went out yesterday and just a few hours later one was spotted in the window of a house in the centre of Warwick. Now that is efficient! We are very grateful to those people who show their support in this way, it is genuinely appreciated.
Thursday 14 April 2011
Why stand?
I attended the launch of the Labour Group Manifesto at Leamington Town Hall on Monday. The manifesto itself was the result of several group away days and it outlines what we promise to do as a group if elected.
Speaking at the event was John Barrott, Leader of the Labour Group at Warwick District Council, and James Plaskitt, the former MP for Warwick and Leamington. I was asked to speak as someone new to fighting an election, and so the night before I jotted down the main reasons that led me to stand.
Ultimately, I have the coalition government to thank for that. I, like many people I speak to, feel a sense of disgust that a government without strong mandate is ripping holes in our communities. I see this election as an opportunity for all of us who are suffering as a result of these cuts to send a strong message to Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg.
We didn't vote for women and children to face a disproportionate burden of the cuts by the Tories. As a mother of two young boys, I have noticed already the impact of the squeeze on our school budget, and people like me all over Britain will be worried about the impact of cuts to tax credits and child benefit against the rising cost of living. We didn't vote for that.
In Warwick we stand to lose our fire station, together with a 25% cut to Warwickshire Police. Even our bus services are threatened. We didn't vote for that, and we didn't vote for the closure of libraries, youth services and residential homes for the elderly. Our children, our families, our community, will all suffer when these vital services are slashed.
Only this week I heard on the news that more and more nurses are considering strike action over the cuts and poor morale, and there is fierce opposition to the scale of the NHS reform proposed by the Tories. We didn't vote for that either.
Now, I stand at the schoolgate with the other parents, chat to my friends, to other businesses and find that suddenly nearly everyone has found politics. I know I'm not alone in finding a desire to fight back against the destruction of our services and our communities. Since May last year, over 50,000 new people have joined the Labour Party, fired by a desire to do something against these cuts. With these elections in Warwick District, we have an opportunity to send a strong message to the Tories. If you feel powerless and vulnerable by the scale of the cuts, take this opportunity to vote for the party who will be your voice in these tough times.
I'm standing because I care about Warwick and Warwick District. I care about the services delivered by the local authority, be it County, District or Town Council. I care about the people who work in challenging public sector roles who are worried for their jobs. I worked for a local authority for over 10 years and worked with many people facing redundancy. Almost all of them spoke passionately about the impact job losses would have on the community; without homecarers, social workers, school crossing controls, who would deliver those services? The need for them doesn't disappear when the service is withdrawn.
I care about Warwick because I live here, run a business here, and want my family to grow in a community that is fair to all and where everyone thrives. That is why I am proud to be part of the Labour Party and why I chose to stand for election now.
Speaking at the event was John Barrott, Leader of the Labour Group at Warwick District Council, and James Plaskitt, the former MP for Warwick and Leamington. I was asked to speak as someone new to fighting an election, and so the night before I jotted down the main reasons that led me to stand.
Ultimately, I have the coalition government to thank for that. I, like many people I speak to, feel a sense of disgust that a government without strong mandate is ripping holes in our communities. I see this election as an opportunity for all of us who are suffering as a result of these cuts to send a strong message to Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg.
We didn't vote for women and children to face a disproportionate burden of the cuts by the Tories. As a mother of two young boys, I have noticed already the impact of the squeeze on our school budget, and people like me all over Britain will be worried about the impact of cuts to tax credits and child benefit against the rising cost of living. We didn't vote for that.
In Warwick we stand to lose our fire station, together with a 25% cut to Warwickshire Police. Even our bus services are threatened. We didn't vote for that, and we didn't vote for the closure of libraries, youth services and residential homes for the elderly. Our children, our families, our community, will all suffer when these vital services are slashed.
Only this week I heard on the news that more and more nurses are considering strike action over the cuts and poor morale, and there is fierce opposition to the scale of the NHS reform proposed by the Tories. We didn't vote for that either.
Now, I stand at the schoolgate with the other parents, chat to my friends, to other businesses and find that suddenly nearly everyone has found politics. I know I'm not alone in finding a desire to fight back against the destruction of our services and our communities. Since May last year, over 50,000 new people have joined the Labour Party, fired by a desire to do something against these cuts. With these elections in Warwick District, we have an opportunity to send a strong message to the Tories. If you feel powerless and vulnerable by the scale of the cuts, take this opportunity to vote for the party who will be your voice in these tough times.
I'm standing because I care about Warwick and Warwick District. I care about the services delivered by the local authority, be it County, District or Town Council. I care about the people who work in challenging public sector roles who are worried for their jobs. I worked for a local authority for over 10 years and worked with many people facing redundancy. Almost all of them spoke passionately about the impact job losses would have on the community; without homecarers, social workers, school crossing controls, who would deliver those services? The need for them doesn't disappear when the service is withdrawn.
I care about Warwick because I live here, run a business here, and want my family to grow in a community that is fair to all and where everyone thrives. That is why I am proud to be part of the Labour Party and why I chose to stand for election now.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Welcome
Welcome to the blog of the Warwick West Labour Team. Together, we are standing for election to Warwick District Council. We promise Warwick residents:
Homes that will meet local needs
Job opportunities for all our community
Supporting vibrant community and voluntary action
Keeping our district green and clean
The promises above were agreed by the group of Labour candidates and current councillors standing for the District Council. The promises are contained within our manifesto, which outlines what we promise to do for the residents of Warwick District if we gain control in May 2011.
So who are we? Rebecca Clarke is a HR professional who now runs a local business. She is a governor of Newburgh School and a mother of two pre-school aged boys. John Holland works in IT training and is a Director of Warwick Folk Festival. He was previously Chair of Warwickshire Association for the Blind and received an award for his work as a school governor. Catherine Stephens is a child protection lawyer who works with children and families in Warwick. Catherine works primarily within legal aid.
We are currently knocking on doors around Warwick West, chatting to residents about local issues. We are covering around 3 miles a night on foot, so look out for our red rosettes in your street.
We will use this blog to update you on our policies, campaign and local issues. If we are elected then we will publicise our regular surgeries here too.
Homes that will meet local needs
Job opportunities for all our community
Supporting vibrant community and voluntary action
Keeping our district green and clean
The promises above were agreed by the group of Labour candidates and current councillors standing for the District Council. The promises are contained within our manifesto, which outlines what we promise to do for the residents of Warwick District if we gain control in May 2011.
So who are we? Rebecca Clarke is a HR professional who now runs a local business. She is a governor of Newburgh School and a mother of two pre-school aged boys. John Holland works in IT training and is a Director of Warwick Folk Festival. He was previously Chair of Warwickshire Association for the Blind and received an award for his work as a school governor. Catherine Stephens is a child protection lawyer who works with children and families in Warwick. Catherine works primarily within legal aid.
We are currently knocking on doors around Warwick West, chatting to residents about local issues. We are covering around 3 miles a night on foot, so look out for our red rosettes in your street.
We will use this blog to update you on our policies, campaign and local issues. If we are elected then we will publicise our regular surgeries here too.
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