It’s amazing how 3 years on the road to an election has ended in me catching up on a lot of sleep!
I’ve spoken to others, like me, who did not win their seats – and all of us, however busy with other things (work, kids, life…) are wondering what to do with ourselves. well, politically I have done my election expenses – so I am legal! I have also continued with the Hall Green Job Club. i think it is vital that we don’t walk away from projects which we ahve set up – it just looks cynical. I really think that I can help – with contacts, advice and support – even if it is just a confidence boost to others. The aim is that by next year it will run itself and my job will be done. I am also spending time with the many contacts I have made – and drinking plenty of coffee in Hussein’s cafe on Stratford Road!
The coalition seems to be going down well – maybe grown up politics has broken out – it seems to make the electorate feel they have had more of a part to play – just as DC suggested when he asked us all to join the government of Britain.
Off on family hols – they were looking forward to drinks on the HC terrace – instead it will be on the terrace of our holiday rental!

posted by Jo (permanent link)

So I always said I would come 1st or 4th in Hall Green. Sadly it was 4th. In general the campaign was very clean – until the end when a few dirty tricks appear to have happened – you know who you are!
People have asked me whether I enjoyed it. The resounding answer is yes – and yes I want to stand again.
The reception on the doorstep was fantastic – I am only sorry I did not meet more of you. But to the Conservative voters – let me say a big thank you. You were not romanced or persuaded with spin – but you stuck with the party and our values. I am grateful beyond words for your loyalty.

What happened in the last few days tells us all a lot about our country. Those of us who seek to serve will always try to put country first. David Cameron deserves all our support for taking the steps into coalition. Our country needed a stable government and we must all hope that we can sort out the mess labour has left us in.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

Fact: the Conservatives came 2nd in 2005 in 3 of the 4 constituencies of which Hall Green is made up.
Fact: the Liberals did not come 2nd in ANY of the 4 constituencies.
Fact: we CAN win in Hall Green.
Fact: our canvass returns show the election as too close to call – every Conservative vote will push Gordon Brown further out of Downing Street – if we win here we will be in government.
Fact: never has an election been so important in this generation – as former Labour voters tell us daily on the doorstep.
Fact: I will represent you effectively in Parliament and here – but I am a national politician, part of a national party, with influence.

A Conservative vote is the only vote for change – be part of the government of this country. Remember it was in OUR constituency that the ideas underpinning the “Big Society” were formed (in Balsall Heath). So let’s work together for a better Conservative future.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

Please have a look at this film if you are thinking about whether to vote Conservative – but are not yet sure!

posted by Jo (permanent link)

We have worked amazingly hard in the last few days across Hall Green. Had a lovely meeting with various different groups of our Moslem communities. Great to see blue posters popping up all over the place. I think if anything this campaign proves what a wide coalition of people believe in basic Conservative principles. My faith in the British people is immense – I know you will deliver your verdict and not be manipulated by anything!

Tomorrow the Leader’s Debate series finishes in Birmingham. It will end the speculation – decision time looms – and the decision must be absolute – a Conservative victory. I will have 3 other events tomorrow – 2 hustings and a meeting with the Birmingham NUT.

If you want me to call on you – meet your group – phone you or otherwise interact then please contact me. I will have office hours tomorrow at the Exchange at 10.30am until lunchtime – so do come and see me.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

Saturday morning, 11am, Moseley village, farmer’s market – I part the crowds from my soapbox.
In the interests of transparency and democracy – I spoke about the NHS and invited questions. This caused silence to break out!! Happily people began to ask stuff – mostly about what voting for me would do for them. That’s what politics is – what can we do together? Bring on the Big Society – people are desparate for change.

So if you are voting in Hall Green and you want to make sure we win – then how about helping out?

Vote Jo Barker for Change in Hall Green – and Conservatives to change Britain for the better.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

I’ve spent a lot of this campaign drinking tea and coffee with all sorts of different people – never thought it would be this effective! Some of the more tuned in realise that there is a massive shift from the left leaning libs and labour. People want the kind of change I represent – ordinary, working Mum, who runs a business and turns up on your doorstep in jeans. My BBC WM interview described us as wearing pin-stripe suits – and there I was in a campaign T-shirt. Politics is most certainly about what you do – so watch out for May 6 – Here we come!

posted by Jo (permanent link)

Some of the social action in our constituency is so important in this election that the Conservative leader, David Cameron and his wife visited yesterday. They came to the fantastic Jericho Community Project on Edward Road. I am so keen to see small businesses in our area – such as those set up as a result of Jericho – take part in the Big Society. Let me explain how: David Cameron yesterday made it plain that those of us who run smaller businesses in areas such as construction will no longer find it impossible to bid for tenders. Now that, for those reading this who tear their hair out about competing with the big boys, is real change.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

Conservative pledges to the British people:
We will:
• let people choose their politicians;
• give people the power to sack their MP;
• make ministers accountable for their decisions;
• end the quango state;
• give voters the right to sack their government;
• cut the cost of politics; and,
• guarantee a referendum before giving up power to Europe.

I pledge to hold a monthly, open public meeting, continue to work at the Moseley Exchange so I am easy to find, hold weekly surgeries, live in Hall Green once elected, claim expenses necessary to be your MP – and no more. If you think I have got it wrong come and tell me – if I get it right it is nice to hear too!
It’s time for a radical change in this country. We need our values and our principles back. Let’s remember how to work and live together as a commmunity. Let’s stop the blame culture. Let’s take back our own responsibility. Only conclusion – Vote Barker for Change May 6 2010.

posted by Jo (permanent link)

I have given an interview on Smoothe Radio this morning about the lib/lab spat locally. All I can say is that the leaflet put out by Labour was despicable and that it is not the way we should do politics. This election is the most vital in a generation – we need change not more of the same. We need the change that only the Conservatives are offering. A new politics – not lies, deception and smears.
So go out on May 6 in Hall Green and show them what you think of gutter politics – and Vote for a Change – Jo Barker – the only candidate standing who is not already paid out of the public purse.

posted by Jo (permanent link)