Category Archives: Accountability

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27 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon economy, Inequality, Rural communications, Rural communities

“Rural communities being ignored and underrated, say peers”

“Rural communities have been “ignored” and had “inappropriate” policies forced upon them, a report says.

A group of peers said a new agenda for the countryside was needed similar to the government’s industrial strategy.

Priorities included improving mobile and broadband connections, replacing lost bank and bus services and tackling social isolation, the House of Lords Rural Economy Committee said.

The government said it was committed to “rural proofing” policies.
Ministers plan to spend £3.5bn on supporting economic development in the countryside by the end of 2020 through the Rural Development Programme.
The cross-party committee of peers said policies suitable for urban and suburban areas had too often been foisted upon the countryside.

As well as improving communications, it is calling for action to address the supply and cost of housing and a lack of training for people working in rural industries.

“Successive governments have underrated the contribution rural economies can make to the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing,” it said.

“They have applied policies which are often inappropriate for rural England. This must change. With rural England at a point of major transition, a different approach is needed.”

Lord Foster, the Lib Dem peer and former MP who chairs the committee, said the “clear inequalities” between urban and rural areas could not be allowed to continue.

He called for a policy blueprint of equal ambition to the government’s industrial strategy to realise the potential of struggling and under-performing areas. …

… Only 41% of rural premises received a mobile data link of 2Mbps or higher, it found, compared with 83% in urban areas. …”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48065625

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Electoral/Returning Officer, EDDC, Ian Thomas, Voting

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EDDC lays down the law on Ian Thomas defection

“… Mark Williams, East Devon District Council’s chief executive, said: “This is a personal decision taken by councillor Thomas. From a returning officer perspective the election for the Trinity ward will continue.

“Cllr Thomas has been validly nominated to stand in the Trinity Ward and the ballot papers will show that he is standing as a Conservative candidate as this was the basis on which he was nominated. The change in circumstances does not countermand the election process and it will go ahead on May 2.

“From a chief executive perspective, cllr Thomas is the Leader of the Council and remains as such until the circumstances set out in Article 6.03 of the Council’s Constitution occur. These are that either cllr Thomas resigns as leader; is suspended from being a councillor; is no longer a councillor; is removed by resolution of the council; or another leader is elected at the Annual Council Meeting on the May 22.”

https://honiton.nub.news/n/east-devon-council-leader-resigns-party-days-before-election

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Ian Thomas, Independent Councillors

Thomas makes no mention of his political defection on his political website

Bit disingenuous, no?  No updated post since 5 April 2019 …

Proud to be Independent? Seems not.

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, EDDC, Independent Councillors, Voting

“Millions Of Voters Forced To Choose Between Just Two Parties In Local Elections”

Fortunately, many (real) Independents standing in East Devon.

“Millions of voters will be forced to choose between just two political parties in next week’s local elections despite plummeting support for the Conservatives and Labour, new analysis shows.

More than 2.6m potential voters in 816 council seats across England will face a choice between just two candidates despite nearly half (40%) of the public supporting parties that are not the “big two”, up from 20% in December, according to YouGov polls.

Nearly half of the two-way contests – 56% – will see the Tories and Labour battle it out without any challenge, while a further 20% are Tory-Liberal Democrat battles. …”

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/millions-forced-to-choose-between-just-two-parties-in-local-elections_uk_5cc2f784e4b0817069682138

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Honiton/ Gittisham, Independent Councillors, Voting

Meet your Independent candidate in Honiton tomorrow

Tony McCollum 100% Independent candidate for EDDC will be holding his surgery at the back room of Lace makers cafe tomorrow 10am to 2pm for anyone who would like to speak to him with any of their concerns regarding local issues.

This is because due to bad weather coming in tomorrow the market wont be available to him. Tony is hoping to see you tomorrow as he promised he wanted to give residents the chance to chat with him

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Ian Thomas, Independent Councillors, Voting

THAT question, part 2 …

Comment from retiring Independent councillor Roger Giles on the fact that Councillor Ian Thomas resigned from the Conservative Party on 17 April 2019 but neither he nor the local Conservative Party made this known to the public until yesterday:

“There was, of course, a meeting of the Conservative-run East Devon District Council on 24 April.

The meeting was chaired by Ian Thomas, although he was apparently no longer a member of the Conservative Party.

Nothing was said at the meeting about his changed situation.

I imagine many people at the meeting were unaware of the very strange situation.

I imagine the meeting might have taken a different course had it been generally known.”

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26 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, EDDC, Ian Thomas, Independent Councillors, Voting

Questions about “THAT” resignation … the missing 12 days

“Cllr Thomas said: “With a heavy heart, I confirm my resignation from the Conservative Party on April 17, 2019.”

https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/ian-thomas-resigns-from-conservative-group-1-6017272

Owl is puzzled.

Why did Councillor Thomas wait until yesterday (a week later) to make this information public?

Was Councillor Thomas aware before 5 April 2019 that he was so disaffected by his party that he might feel the need to resign from it?

If so, why did he not resign before 5 April?

If not, what new information did Councillor Thomas receive between 5 April (when nomination papers had to be officially in for local elections) and 17 April 2019 when he resigned?

What national policies of his former party did Councillor Thomas disagree with that caused him to believe he could not continue in it at local level – what issues was it influencing locally that he disagreed with?

Councillor Thomas is now “Independent” so free from party whipping and completely free to discuss his views on this important topic so that voters in his ward understand what he will do differently in future – and why.

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, Ian Thomas, Independent Councillors, Voting

Independents and “Independents ” – Owl’s view

Well, first of all, what a turn up for the books! Esteemed Leader steps down one week before local elections and, with it being too late to change ballot papers, will be described as “Conservative ” while calling himself “Independent”!

One (Well, Owl) has to wonder – why now? If he blames Tory NATIONAL policy for his decision – what is so different about this week compared to last week, or last month or last year? Nothing – it’s been an omnishambles for what seems like forever!

First, let’s tackle him becoming “Independent”.

Owl has already had a LOT to say about Tories opportunistically becoming “Independent” when the going gets tough, it looks like they might lose to REAL Independents but they want to remain comfy councillors. In reality, if on the very unlikely off-chance they win, they then go on to vote EVERY time with Tories. (And, in the case of “Independent” Geoff Pook, even get a Cabinet position or plum Chairmanship. Beer does like to think it is a bit different, but not TOO different!

No, many of these so-called “Independents” are nothing but panicking Tories either (a) wanting to distance themselves from a bloodbath (b) wanting to distance themselves from the former party in case they are not in the majority and EDDC’s books get opened to the former opposition or (c) Both.

Of course, Councillor Thomas may be telling it as he sees it. But surely, in that case, if you are disaffected with your party at national level, but you are deep-down a Conservative, the right and proper thing to do is to stay in it and effect change from the bottom up.

It hardly seems a ‘Damascene Conversion’ at this point. It seems more like someone seeing a ship sinking and seeing no alternative way of getting off it.

Just remember – REAL Independents have:

A TRACK RECORD OF REAL INDEPENDENCE

STANDING ON A PLATFORM OF DEMOCRACY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN COUNCIL BUSINESS

EMBEDDED IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AS INDEPENDENTS AND BEING KNOWN FOR FIGHTING THEIR COMMUNITY’S CORNER

POLICIES THAT ARE DIFFERENT – REALLY DIFFERENT – TO THE MAINSTREAM PARTIES BECAUSE THEY ARE DIFFERENT!

FIGHTING CONSTANTLY ON LOCAL ISSUES – COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, NHS, OVER-DEVELOPMENT, REAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING, EDUCATION, ANTI-ASSET STRIPPING, PRESERVATION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES, NOT PUTTING BUSINESS PARKS IN THE WRONG PLACES, OR ROADS IN WRONG PLACES (WITH THE WRONG DEVELOPERS), FINANCIAL PROBITY …. PEOPLE BEFORE POLITICS

AND – ASKING THE AWKWARD QUESTIONS AND NOT BEING FOBBED OFF BY NON-ANSWERS

No, Councillor Thomas is an “Independent” not an INDEPENDENT!

Finally, Owl leaves you with its recent musings:

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2019/04/21/beware-far-right-candidates-posing-as-independents-in-local-elections-or-even-as-tories/

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2019/04/18/some-tories-dont-appear-to-know-where-they-live/

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2019/03/24/local-tories-panic-at-last-minute-and-ask-what-you-think-too-little-too-late/

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2019/04/08/tory-council-candidates-list-their-party-as-local-conservatives-in-an-attempt-to-separate-themselves-from-theresa-mays-leadership/

https://eastdevonwatch.org/2019/03/30/councillors-discovering-a-new-sense-of-purpose-just-before-elections/

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, Independent Councillors, Voting

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EDDC Leader deserts sinking ship one week before elections to become “Independent”!

For Owl’s reaction, see the post coming shortly above this one!

“Shock as leader of East Devon District Council quits the Conservative Party
Cllr Ian Thomas, who represents the Trinity ward, became leader of the council last May

The leader of East Devon District Council has quit the Conservative Party.

Cllr Ian Thomas, who represents the Trinity ward, became leader of the council last May. But just days before the whole of the council is up for election, Cllr Thomas has confirmed he is no longer a member of the Conservative Party.

He has resigned as leader of the East Devon District Council Conservative Group, but he remains as the leader of the council, until either the Annual Meeting on May 22, if he is re-elected to the council, and not elected as the leader. If not re-elected on May 2, Cllr Thomas has said he will step down on May 3.

In his resignation statement sent exclusively to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Cllr Thomas blamed the performance of the Party nationally for his departure and emphasised it had nothing to do with local issues.

He also added that if re-elected, he will sit as an Independent and work as hard as he can to ensure delivers the services Axmouth, Combpyne-Rousdon and Uplyme residents want and value, in a caring, open and transparent environment.

Cllr Thomas said: “With a heavy heart, I confirm my resignation from the Conservative Party on April 17, 2019.

“My decision was in no way related to the excellent case being presented by East Devon District Council Conservatives in the pre-election period. Theirs is an outstanding presentation based on the performance delivered by a capable and experienced Conservative led team.

“It rather reflects deep disappointment in the performance of the Party elsewhere.

“I have resigned the leadership of the East Devon District Council Conservative Group but, remain Leader of the Council until the Annual Meeting on May 22, if re-elected; otherwise I will step down on May 3.

“I am arranging that all 2,192 electors in my home Trinity Ward receive a personal letter, hand delivered by my team and me. This confirms that should I be honoured by re-election, I will sit as an Independent Councillor not aligned to any political party or group, with this simple aim. To ensure that East Devon District Council delivers the services Axmouth, Combpyne-Rousdon and Uplyme residents want and value, in a caring, open and transparent environment.”

Cllr Thomas was first elected to the council in 2009 and has represented the Trinity ward ever since. He became leader of the council last May after Cllr Paul Diviani stepped down following seven years in the role.

Also standing In the Trinity ward in the elections is Labour candidate Sarah Birnie. Although Cllr Thomas has resigned from the Conservative Party and will sit as an Independent if elected, he will be listed as a Conservative on ballot papers as they have already been printed and sent out to those who have requested a postal vote.

At present, the Conservatives have control of the council, with 32 seats, following Cllr Thomas’s resignation from the Group. The Independent Group are the official opposition, with 14 councillors, while the Liberal Democrats hold seven seats with five further Independents, including Cllr Thomas, making up the 58 councillors.

Due to ward boundary changes, there will be 60 councillors elected on May 2, although three councillors have already been elected.

Mike Howe, as the only candidate in the Clyst Valley ward, and Steve Gazzard and Brenda Taylor as the only two candidates in the Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh ward, will be elected unopposed on May 2.”

https://www.devonlive.com/news/shock-leader-east-devon-district-2798046

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Sleaze

“Boris Johnson paid £123,000 for delivering three-hour speech in Delhi, register reveals – live news”

“Wow! Latest register of MPs’ interests shows Boris Johnson earned – *opens calculator* – £161,149 (and 74p) for just TWO speeches last month, one in London and one in Delhi.”

Nice work if you can get it … second speech in the UK paid somewhat less!

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2019/apr/25/brexit-latest-news-developments-theresa-may-told-tory-mps-expect-her-to-resign-before-end-of-year-as-possible-new-brexit-vote-planned-for-next-week-live-news

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Voting

Tory candidates suspended for ‘liking’ racist and inflammatory posts

” … Two Conservative local election candidates and a woman honoured with an MBE are among 40 new self-professed Tory members who have shared or endorsed racist and inflammatory Facebook posts including Islamophobic material, the Guardian has learned.

The torrent of racist posts include references to Muslims as “bin bag wearing individuals”, calls for the “cult” of Islam to be banned and the Qur’an being branded an “evil book”.

One female Tory supporter even called for a boycott of Muslim-owned shops and endorsed another comment labelling the religion’s followers “sub-human” and “cockroaches”.

Both of the council candidates – one of them claimed “Islamophobia was not surprising” in a rant about Muslims and said he would celebrate the death of the anti-Brexit campaigner Gina Miller – have now been suspended.

It comes as the Conservative party faces mounting pressure over its handling of Islamophobia. The Conservative peer Sayeeda Warsi has said Theresa May is “burying her head in the sand” over the issue and has led calls for a party inquiry.

Mohammed Amin, chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum, is also calling for party chiefs to hold an inquiry into Islamophobia. He told the Guardian: “The serious question the Conservative party has to ask itself is: what is it about the image that it is projecting that causes people with these views to think they belong in the Conservative party? …

… The posts have been unearthed by the anonymous Twitter account @matesjacob, who has been exposing racism online among Tories. Online posts have indicated all of the members have joined the Conservatives. Among the tranche of material are posts shared or endorsed by two Conservative candidates in next month’s elections. …”

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/apr/25/tory-candidates-suspended-over-racist-and-inflammatory-posts

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Sleaze, Tax avoidance

“Tories resisting efforts to allow scrutiny of secretive trusts, says Labour”

“The UK government has been accused of thwarting Europe-wide efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism by resisting measures to open secretive trusts to public scrutiny.

Under Europe’s fifth anti-money laundering directive, which comes into force next year, member states are supposed to give those with a “legitimate interest” a right to know what assets are owned by trusts and who the beneficiaries are. The Treasury is currently consulting on how it will implement the directive.

Labour says the government’s proposals, published this month, are “extremely restrictive” and will block enquiries by those who should have access to the data, such as journalists, campaigners and the victims of fraud.

Shadow Treasury minister Anneliese Dodds wrote to Philip Hammond on Thursday to urge a rethink. “Investigative journalists have done great work uncovering corruption,” she told the chancellor. “The UK government should not be blocking them from accessing important information.”

In the UK, vast tracts of land and property are controlled and passed from one generation to another using thousands of family trusts. They are used by the biggest landowning families, such as the Duke of Westminster, and by a number of current and former ministers to hold family fortunes. Investigations like the Laundromat series and the Panama Papers have revealed how such vehicles are also used to move and disguise fortunes derived from crime and the proceeds of political corruption.

Trusts are a favoured money-laundering tool because of the secrecy that surrounds them. There is currently no public register listing the names, beneficiaries or holdings of any UK trusts, but the new EU directive is designed to change this.

The tax office currently keeps a register of all trusts that pay UK tax. The new directive means that register will be expanded to cover all trusts, whether they pay tax or not. It will include those with UK resident beneficiaries, settlors or trustees, and foreign trusts that own property in the UK or have business dealings here.

The information will be accessible to law enforcement, to professionals with a duty to make money-laundering checks, such as lawyers, accountants and estate agents, but also, for the first time, to members of the public with a good reason for accessing the information.

However, the government’s consultation paper makes it clear that the Treasury is minded to take a cautious approach to information sharing. Those wanting access will need to already have evidence from another source linking the trust or its beneficiary to money-laundering or terrorism, and that evidence will have to be shared with the government.

Even then, the government reserves the right to refuse to share data if it impedes ongoing law enforcement investigations. Unlike freedom of information requests, the government intends to charge for access to the data. Its consultation paper suggests the charges could be significant, stating: “The government expects to apply fees proportionate to the costs involved in checking and compiling the information.” …”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/apr/25/tories-resisting-efforts-to-allow-scrutiny-of-secretive-trusts-says-labour

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Austerity cuts, Infrastructure

“£1.25m of taxpayers’ money spent guarding an EMPTY prison”

“TAXPAYERS have footed a whopping £1.25million bill on the running of a prison which has no prisoners.

HM Prison Reading was closed in 2013 and the huge complex has stood empty ever since.

And in the six years since the site was shut, the Ministry of Justice still hasn’t managed to find a new purpose for it, racking up costs to the public purse.

The upkeep on the giant jail has cost Brits an eye-watering average of £24,000 a month since it closed its doors in November 2013.

SECURITY COSTS

Between April 2017 and March 2018 alone, a staggering £303,727 was spent on “security” for the empty cells.

And another £177,236 has been splurged on gas and electricity to keep the complex lit and warm since its closure, despite the lack of inmates.

The figures come after a report found the UK has the highest prison population in western Europe with some 90,000 citizens behind bars.

The vast Grade II listed building was opened in 1844 and has housed several famous inmates over the years, including Oscar Wilde and current heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Decommissioning work and upkeep is necessary to make sure the site is suitable to be sold.

“Parts of the former prison are listed and need to be protected, so preparing for sale is complex. These costs include ongoing security and maintenance.

“Money raised from the sale of the building will be reinvested into the prison system.”

It is not clear when the prison will be sold on but Richard Carling from the Prison Estate Transformation Programme said it was hoped that an announcement would be made later this year.

PRISON CRISIS

A recent report from the justice select committee slammed the “enduring crisis” with the UK prison system’s failure to cope with prisoner numbers.

It said: “Whilst progress made on the Prison Estates Transformation Programme is welcome, the new-for-old strategy is not working as intended.

“Sites for new prisons have proven difficult to obtain, older and decrepit prisons have been forced to remain open owing to population pressures and receipts from the sale of existing sites do not cover the cost of building new prisons.”

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8934914/millions-spent-guarding-empty-prison-reading/

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25 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Planning System

6 days to local elections – today’s picture

This:

Credit: Standing up for Milton Keynes

reminded Owl of this article about ex-EDDC ex-councillor Graham Brown (the video included in the clip is well worth watching!).

The article made the front page of the Daily Telegraph with the headline:

” ‘If I can’t get planning nobody will’ says [EDDC] Devon councillor and planning consultant.”

and includes the priceless recorded comment:

“I don’t come cheap,” the planning consultant added, stating that he was normally paid £80 an hour or between £1000 and £20,000 for a project.
His fees would vary “depending on the viability of the scheme, if we get it, like if I turned a greenfield into a housing estate and I’m earning a developer two or three million, then I ain’t doing it for peanuts… Especially if I’m the difference between winning it and losing it.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9920971/If-I-cant-get-planning-nobody-will-says-Devon-councillor-and-planning-consultant.html

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24 Apr 2019

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Accountability

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To a recent correspondent …

Owl has received a communication which is not being published. However, Owl gives the correspondent the following information:

Owl is NOT Cassandra.
Owl has no Twitter account, although the blog posts DO get an automatic Facebook and Twitter link, nothing else.
The phrase “I know where you live” feels just a tiny bit threatening.

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24 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Conflict of interest

Another Devon Tory MP with his snout in the trough

This man appears to have army experience but no business experience – what exactly does he do for £350 per hour?

“… A company that marketed a failed bond scheme that lost savers £236m has been funding an MP’s private salary.

Johnny Mercer receives £85,000 from Crucial Academy, a company ultimately funded by Surge Financial Limited.

Surge Financial Limited took 25% commission for marketing bonds by London Capital and Finance (LCF), which is now in administration.

Mr Mercer – who is facing calls from investors to quit as an MP – said he had done nothing wrong.

The Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View is a non-executive director of Crucial Academy, which trains military veterans and aims to find them employment.

Mr Mercer, himself a former Army officer, is contracted to work 20 hours per month, a rate of more than £350 per hour.

The basic annual salary for an MP is £79,468, and they also receive expenses to cover the costs of running an office.

According to Mr Mercer’s register of members’ interests, his only other regular income is the £85,000 per year from Crucial Academy. …”

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-47884273

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24 Apr 2019

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Accountability, Claire Wright, Democracy, Hugo Swire, Neil Parish, Voting

“Why I’ve joined a new group of MPs trying to fix Britain’s futile adversarial politics”

Could you see Swire or Parish doing this for the sake of our district and our country? No. Could you see Claire Wright doing this? Yes.

“… A few weeks ago I was asked if I would be interested in joining the More United Network. One call with its leadership team and I was sold. The idea is simple really, a new platform for MPs who are willing, where possible, to work cross-party in the national interest, regardless of which party is in power.

I know it’s a cliche, but becoming a dad completely changed how I viewed the world. My outlook was different, less selfish and short termist. I began thinking more about the sort of country I wanted my kids to grow up in. And I could either be the guy who sits round the dinner table or down the pub putting the world to rights, or I could get out there and fight for the things I believe in. So that’s what I did, and two years later I was elected to parliament.

Most MPs enter politics for reasons like this, having been inspired by something or someone in their lives to make a positive difference. And going to work surrounded by a group of people with an immense breadth and depth of knowledge and experience means there’s always something to learn, and areas where common cause can be found.

What many people don’t know is that some of the best work in parliament happens in the All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), where MPs with a shared interest join forces to push for change. Sadly, this sort of positive cross-party cooperation doesn’t often make the headlines.

On the whole, MPs tend to agree on the destination we want to arrive at. We all want to make sure our NHS is at its best, that we’re giving our kids the best start in life and an excellent education so they can fulfil their potential, that people can achieve the dream of home ownership, that our high streets thrive, our environment is protected, and that we have the right transport and digital infrastructure in place.

What is true is that we don’t always agree on the path to get there. That is no bad thing either, we need a battle of ideas, and no side has a monopoly on good ones.

This is what the More United MP Network hopes to achieve; bringing people together in a space that allows consensual politics to flourish so we can find solutions. Seeking out differences and grievances just for the sake of it doesn’t help anyone.

Outside the Westminster circus, real life and real issues are affecting my constituents. Too many feel the deck is stacked against them. It is that pervasive sense of unfairness that threatens social cohesion, and has seen people lurching to populists on the left and right in search of scapegoats and easy answers.

It’s the job of serious MPs to tell it straight – that there is no silver bullet or magical solution to all the issues facing us as a nation. That whilst of course at times our political differences will be too big to bridge, where we can work together to make your lives better, we should.

And when it comes to those of us in the More United Network, we will.”

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-mps-more-united-network-parliament-commons-a8883656.html

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24 Apr 2019

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Accountability, East Devon Tories, Voting

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Mrs Russell (Tory candidate Seaton) responds again

PLEASE NOTE THIS WILL BE THE LAST RESPONSE TO MS RUSSELL BEFORE THE ELECTION AS SHE HAS ALREADY HAD ENOUGH COLUMN INCHES TO PROPOUND HER VIEWS

Mrs Russell responds again – however some points in her response have never been brought up by Owl, only by commentators on her original response. Much is repeated. And once again she confuses East Devon Watch with East Devon Alliance – two totally different entities (though EDW DOES have a predisposition to the aims of EDA and independents it is NOT a mouthpiece of that group). Owl reports what it wants and takes no direction from any party or person. Should another party or group take control of EDDC rest assured it will be scrutinised as closely as the current ruling party.

Her comments on the closure of the local community hospitals is particularly interesting.

“Thanks for your comments – despite what is continually misreported – I do live locally – my only owned property is in Seaton which I have just finished doing up. My daughter is at school in Axminster where I am a local school governor, another daughter works in Colyford, one about to go to university (admittedly up north) and I still have children (grown up ) who live in Sussex. If you are aware of the electoral system you will know that County elections do not run concurrently with Town and District – I am therefore mid term as a County Councillor and you are correct I have no intention of abandoning the electorate who voted me in midway through a term – that would demonstrate that I was more a fair weather councillor than a committed one – what’s more I have made no secret of that with the electorate on the doorstep. I am not hundreds of miles away – it is precisely 170 miles to my division – most certainly a long journey. But from my division it is 100 mile round trip to County Hall in West Sussex anyway- so I am used to driving lots and lots of miles. My attendance is the high and meetings clash on occasion when you are busy but rest assured if elected I will ensure I fulfil both my local and strategic role at EDDC.

With regards ‘no understanding of local issues’ – firstly I have not received any biased briefings from the local Tory party. I am an experienced Councillor and I can see the issues you face – the challenges of local economic development and the impact in one part of the town (upper end of Queen St particularly which is roughly 5 minutes from my home) as an example – we are facing them too in the south east and the same problems if not already here are headed this way. I know the focal point of the entire EDA campaign is the hospital -yet surprisingly the conversations I have had on the doorstep with voters have not included any mention of the hospital by them. Secondly, it is disingenuous to say that EDDC refused to obtain the hospital as a community asset – when actually a hospital does not meet legislative criteria i.e. for the social wellbeing of the community. The ACV law relates to buildings such as village pubs and shops – not hospitals. Finally if the NHS do not want to sell it, how can the District Council ever hope to acquire it?

Re a Linked in Profile? I do not use Linked in – only Twitter and Facebook. But my life has been in Construction but I am not known for being a greedy person – being the only councillor who did not take her entitlement to the small allowance for East Grinstead Town Council and a regular donator to community initiative funding applications via the Crowdfunding mechanism we have in West Sussex (similar to the one in Devon) and other charities may give some indicator to the contrary here.7

Re my ‘singling out’ of the EDA – in actual fact the EDA have gone to great lengths to try to smeer and dish up dirt on me not to mention the reference on this blog to myself being the ‘Hermione Grainger of local politics with far right links’. One EDA member has gone to the extreme lengths of contacting my local parish council and the County Council – to ensure that I am compliant in attendance and claims of expenses which of course has been clarified. With regards the East Devon Watch as it appears to solely promote positively the EDA candidates and is negative towards others, you will have to forgive me if I tend to think there is a strong connection there.

To suggest I have far right links because a logo has appeared on the ‘likes’ of my Facebook page is a joke. If you could find I had real links to the far right (i.e. membership to a far right organisation) that would be a different matter – but of course you won’t. The simple fact is – like a lot of people in Seaton and in the country – I voted to leave the EU and that’s all there is to it, but for the record I am also of Cornish and Irish descent, grew up in London, lived in Sussex and now live in the West Country.

In terms of my commitment as a Councillor – if one were to really get into the fabric of where I am still currently representing, they would see the results I get for the community – including most recently saving an elderly day care centre from closure – hailed as the deal of the century by many as not only did it save the day care from closure, it enabled other community groups to remain in situ, found a new home for the local Age UK and freed up a delapidated old building for the District Council to turn into social housing.

In terms of challenging me to do the things mentioned in the final paragraph – most of it I have already answered. I have had discussions on the doorstep with residents who quite understand my need to fulfil my final commitments for the remainder of the term in West Sussex – as I would do in East Devon if the situation was reversed. Councillors should not ‘distance’ themselves from a commitment just because their lives have changed. If I was not intending to cut links with West Sussex I would have re-stood as a Parish Cllr in Sussex – but as you will note I did not. I have already stated publicly that if I get elected I will work hard to deliver the towns ambitions and needs so there is little else I can add to this discussion. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and if elected the town will not be disappointed.

Always happy to meet in person to discuss concerns and views irrespective of the outcome next week.”