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Saturday, 27 February 2010
6 Pledges to the British People
1. Act NOW on debt to get economy moving 2. Get Britain working by boosting enterprise 3. Make Britain the most family friendly country in Europe 4. Back the NHS 5. Raise standards in schools 6. Change politics
So glad to be fighting on these messages - which are those I hear day in day out form constituents. Let me know your ideas and views. Cheers from sunny Brighton!
I hear rumblings that the election might be announced this weekend. Whatever, I think my team and I are ready for it. I've got some great support and am looking forward to seeing a few old friends this weekend in Brighton at our Spring Forum.
Locally we are still hearing strange things about Sparkhill Baths and PFI...watch this space. I am also aware that policing of certain parts of the constituency is perhaps not as intense as it might be - it's amazing how the boundary areas can be neglected - note to self - make sure we come and canvass you!
If you have not checked out myconservatives.com yet then please do so - you can get more directly involved in the Hall Green Campaign - Vote Barker for Change 2010!
It’s always been clear that Brown was not in charge of a happy bunch – 3 coup attempts since he became PM might give a clue. Briefing and counter briefing, Mandelson spinning such a web that he got caught in it himself – maybe the PM is not a bully – but surely he should have looked into allegations of what was going on in his office? His failure to do so surely does not smell right.
I am celebrating the de-mystification and de-politicisation of the planning process today! Going open source and removing a lot of bureaucracy is good news for any of us who work in the sector – but also for everyone who wants to put up a porch or fence!
It’s obvious they have run out of steam as a government and with ideas like the above – it’s about time for a fresh approach to save Britain.
So the crisis continues. How have this load of incompetents managed to have the first January (when we all pay our taxes at the last minute) in the red ever? I know it reflects the tax take in the previous year – but it is still ridiculous to have to borrow £4.3bn in one month. So now we are on target for worse public finances than Greece. Will our credit rating be downgraded? My how Prudence has failed – no return to boom and bust – just bust and bust. Apparently voting Conservative will lead to permanent recession –duh? Can Brown really think that as the man in charge of the money for so long, who got us into this mess, any of us really believes that? Was I hearing right or are tandoors exploding in the Balti Triangle? Did I dream it or am I likely to be splattered with tasty morsels on my next trip to Sparkbrook? I’m sure it was just Chris Evans and another unbelievable stunt – perhaps someone could reassure me? Oh and by the way - come to Solihull for an Action Day with Maggie Throup tomorrow.
Did you hear David Cameron on Woman’s Hour? I was lucky enough to be in the car listening. I had a smile on my face throughout (similar to the one left). I thought he came over really well and also as being really real!
I don’t want to discriminate against anyone– but at the moment the tax and benefitsystem actually discriminates against marriage and couples staying together! If you make the choice to get married and maybe have a family, thus contributing to the next generation in our country, then some support or recognition of this seems the right thing to do. If you are single I recognise the howls at this as you take up theslack for maternity leave and school holidays– but at least financially this is neutral (if nothing else). I guess that the real test of leadership is taking a stand on issues and taking the flak as it comes.
Go for it David– this country needs brave leadership– we’re behind you!
I know it's Chinese New Year when my son gets Chinese snacks at nursery every day! Lucky him! I am still tryingto keep the NYR I made although finding the time to think about what I am up to is not easy. The campaign is really taking off and exciting. It's the Year for Change - let's do it!
I really do love my laptop - not sure it loves me. Apparently I upset it by ripping it unceremoniously from its docking station. Do you remember the old days of parking hard drives? Oh dear, I do - well that's what I did. The webmaster fixed it so now I can blog again!
Today I had a dispiriting email from a constituent who is a devoted conservative, but is being bombarded by lib dem leaflets. Hard to explain that they will do anything to win here and that we are doing our best to do the same. It just may not look like the same campaign!
I am off to another pool meeting tonight as well as kicking off two campaigns - Save our Small Shops and Save the British pub. Both vital parts of our local communities. I am determined that we keep as many services close to local people - it's the only way to keep communities together. Email me your ideas at askme@jobarker.co.uk and if you have an issue with a local service closing - LET ME KNOW!
I see that the lib dems are now basing their whole political perception in Hall Green on information from Ladbrokes! Me, I prefer canvassing and finding out exactly what the voters are saying. Seems to me a slightly more accurate way of doing things and after all the whole of politics is about people - not numbers. If we haven't met yet then please do come and see me. I am in the Old Post Office Building - the Exchange on Alcester Road - most days - just phone first to check I am in - 07748 968712. Enjoy the Spring sun this weekend!
So glad to see that Salma is supporting the Conservatives– she’s nicked our policies, dressed them in Respect clothes and then urged people to“Vote for Change”! So go for it– VOTE CONSERVATIVE– even Salma agrees!
Local councillors in Springfield (including Gerry - the lib dem PPC) were at a public meeting last night to discuss the baths. They have been closed for 18 months and the best estimate of opening must be more than a year away - if the collective finger is pulled out. On top of the budget problems the local libs are overseeing it was clear last night that the sums don't add up. PFI might be needed - much to all our horror. This pool will be pitted against Moseley Road baths for the £15m money - which is allegedly ring fenced. The cabinet member for leisure gave to opposing answers on that. The whole thing is a mess.
I had a meeting earlier in the day with Indestructible Paints - also in Sparkhill. They told me about the latest bureaucracy affecting them and what we need to do about it. I told them that the only answer was to have an active local Conservative MP who understands SME's (as I run one) who will campaign vigorously for those who provide the jobs on which our community depends.
So my conclusion from yesterday? Yep, you've guessed it - VOTE BARKER ON MAY 6TH!!!
The Jenkins report commissioned by Tony Blair when he was PM said that the alternative vote system Brown and Mandelson are now suggesting is even less representative than the first past the post system!What are they up to?We have stuck by first past the post as the most representative system – even when a.v. would have helped us (some of us remember campaigning in those years….)
I have heard it said that labour’s avowed intent is to make sure we never achieve power again – and they seem to be trying anything they can to “fix” the system.Now is the time for us to get out there and enthuse people about what we stand for.If there was a hung Parliament a.v. is surely the price the libs would extract for their support?
Clare Short
I probably shouldn’t but I am going to anyway – wasn’t Clare Short magnificent yesterday?I have a lot of time for any politician – of whatever hue – who stands up for what they truly believe in.Great fun to see her putting the boot in to the bully boys in Cabinet with her.Bu where I really agree with her is that never again should cabinet become so banal, without real debate.I know that sofa government will be over with David Cameron – and about time to for the good of our country.I expect to have to work hard, think hard and make difficult judgments as an MP – isn’t that the least you can expect?
I went to a meeting of "Save our Swimming" before Christmas, and have another meeting with them this week. I am really concerned that locally we have 2 pool closures (Moseley Baths repairs have over-run). But the most serious threat to local people's well being is the closure of Sparkhill Baths, with no clear plan in place for what next. The local lib councillor is talking PFI (and we all know how expensive that will be in the long run). Mind you, I am told that he is not coming to the meeting because the SOS Group "press released" about another meeting he attended. What a shame we will not be able to hear his point of view! We need all the help we can get to be fit - closing pools doesn't really help does it?
