The Swire photo on Twitter:
Now, Owl may be wrong, but isn’t this cropped from this – that chair and that view sure look similar:
Original photo source: Sidmouth Herald
http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/east-devon-mp-signs-fairer-funding-letter-to-pm-1-4989277
“The Conservatives are buying up Google ads to stop people reading about the controversy around its “dementia tax”.
The party has come under huge pressure over its new care plan, which will see older people have to pay for the services they use. The controversial policy has been called a dementia tax, since it means people who need care as they get older will have to pay far more than they did before.
Now the party appears to be attempting to limit that controversy by stopping people reading about it. It is spending probably thousands of pounds to keep people from reading about the widespread opposition to the party – and encourage them to click on its own website instead.”
Ads are being placed at the top of Google searches for “dementia tax” to direct people onto a special page on the Tory website.
Underneath the ad shows an array of stories about the dementia tax, all of them negative. The three top stories at the time of publication was a piece in The Guardian reporting that Theresa May is “under pressure” over the plan, a Financial Times report on the fact that senior Tories were “kept in the dark” over the dementia tax and an article in The Independent on Liberal Democrat claims that nine out of 10 homes would be sold to fund care costs under the policy.
The Google ads are unusual in taking on the terms defined by Labour, which first referred to the policy as a dementia tax. The Tories have mostly referred to the policy as its “social care plans” – which is the way it is defined when people click through on the ads.
The ads presumably reflect growing concern that the dementia tax is losing the Tories votes. The page attempts to stem those concerns, arguing that the policy is required because the country is getting older and claims that the policy emerged because the Tories “have chosen to act, in the national interest”.
It has been blamed in part for the shrinking lead that the Tories have over Labour. That has been cut into single figures since the Conservative manifesto and the dementia tax were announced.
And the policy has even been criticised by Conservative candidates, who say that it is playing badly during campaigns. Senior Tories were not even told about the policy before it was announced, according to the Financial Times.”
Hustings are booked in so far at:
Friday 26 May – Cranbrook (details to be confirmed)
Tuesday 30 May, 7.30pm – Exmouth – Holy Trinity Church
Swire says he will do his own hustings alone, though how you can “hust” on your own is a bit of a puzzle! We like to see ALL our candidates answering the same questions at the same time at hustings. Alas, this will not happen in East Devon. Claire Wright and other candidates would rather it did.
Neil Parish (Con) IS attending hustings in his Tiverton and Honiton constituency.
Heck, Swire can’t even vote for himself in East Devon as he doesn’t live in the constituency, preferring to syay well away on the other side of the M5!
“The ability of Commonwealth citizens to vote in our elections means that changes to the membership of the Commonwealth have a knock-on impact on who can vote. (It also means that Mozambique and Rwandan citizens can vote here – surely the obscurest group with the franchise given that neither country was part of the British empire but they were admitted to the Commonwealth for political reasons.)
The latest change, following the news about The Gambia, is that Maldivians have now lost the vote. Their country left the Commonwealth last year under pressure over human rights, and the relevant legislative change has just come in.”
http://www.markpack.org.uk/149913/maldives-electoral-registration/
Now
He says he prefers door-knocking. Please do inform Owl if he knocks at YOUR door.
http://www.exmouthjournal.co.uk/news/hustings-row-as-east-devon-election-campaign-begins-1-5023424
People might think he is afraid to meet the most popular councillor in Devon (Claire Wright, Independent Parliamentary candidate) on her home turf. Especially as she has a strong track record of standing AGAINST health and education cuts and FOR environmental protection.
Swire? Says he wants ” good health care” but has endorsed CCG changes, did not fight bed cuts in East Devon, only his own corner, is part of the government that is cutting Devon education funding and says we don’t need to worry about environmental protection as it is safe in Tory hands. AND he says being an MP isn’t a job, so he and George Osborne should have as many jobs as they like (he declares two, bringing in £5,000 per month).
He spends much of his time in the Middle East, frequently asks questions in Parliament about places like the Maldives, Egypt and Venezuela and lives in mid-Devon when he ventures south of London.
No wonder he won’t debate!
Claire Wright says:
“I am really disappointed that Hugo Swire is refusing to attend hustings during the general election period. MPs are supposed to be accountable to constituents and this is a golden opportunity for him to talk about how he plans to represent people if he is re-elected. It reflects very badly on him that he is refusing to attend.
“I was looking forward to having a robust debate with him and I can only assume that he is refusing to attend because he is worried about being challenged by me – I have been regularly holding him to account for the past three years via my blog and through the media!”
“Claire Wright, Independent Parliamentary candidate for Devon East has been endorsed by the chief tactical voting site Tactical2017 as the only candidate who can defeat the Conservatives. Ms Wright is the only Independent candidate in the country to be endorsed so far by the site.
This follows odds of 9/2 from William Hill who confirmed that they see Ms Wright as the official opposition in East Devon and the only credible alternative to the Conservatives.
Commenting on her listing Claire Wright says:
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be endorsed by Tactical2017. The momentum behind my campaign now is incredible. My boards and posters are appearing all over the constituency and my team continue to be deluged with offers of help, as my manifesto is hand delivered across East Devon by my army of helpers.”
“People’s generosity and faith in me is astonishing. Crowdfunding has reached around £7500 in just 10 days with 100 separate donations. This is half the amount we fundraised in a whole year during the 2015 General Election campaign.
“Thank you so much to everyone who is working so hard to elect me as East Devon’s MP. You are doing a sterling job!”
The tactical voting endorsement comes as Claire Wright launches her manifesto in Sidmouth tomorrow (Thursday) evening with clear statements on her policy ideas from health, education, small businesses, young people and the environment as well as Brexit.
Introducing the manifesto Ms Wright says: “On health I will fight to protect community hospitals and other local health services from cuts and work cross-party to achieve more NHS funding to keep pace with demand. I will press for more funding for social care, which is still significantly lower than it was in 2010. I will also strongly oppose plans that disadvantage our NHS, such as the creation of NHS Property Services which seeks to sell off hospitals and health centres.
“In education I will support local schools and parents and work cross-party at a local and national level to gain a realistic and fair level of funding for East Devon’s education system. I will listen to headteachers views on local education provision and represent these views in parliament.
“For small business I will work to reverse the recent increase in business rates, listen to small businesses and their requirements and work to achieve a better deal and be a champion for independent traders, especially those working in tourism.
“For younger people I will work towards giving 16 year olds the right to vote; help young people to have a voice in improving their communities and work for improvements to underfunded mental health services, counselling and pastoral support in schools.
“On the environment, I accept that we need some development, especially for younger people and those of us on low incomes and I will work to amend the permissive National Planning Policy Framework so it is less about growth at any price and more about balanced communities.
“In East Devon nature, as elsewhere in the country
, is in serious trouble due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
“I will listen and act upon local people’s views on protection of the countryside and nature and urge government ministers to do all they can to comply with vital climate change targets.
“I am asking the people of East Devon to listen carefully to what I am saying and use their vote to elect a hardworking and effective MP to represent them in parliament.”
Event Diary
Thursday 18th May, Claire’s Manifesto launch at Sidmouth Community College, Primley Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9LG, from 7.30-8.30 in the main hall.
Sunday 21st May, Q&A with Claire at the Grapevine Brewhouse, 2 Victoria Road, Exmouth, EX8 1 DL, 7pm.”
Claire Wright, the only credible alternative to Hugo Swire has not only made this pledge she has actively campaigned as Devon County Councillor to scrap it and start again with a clean sheet and full public and health service input.
Hugo Swire, who voted for the Health and Social Care Act 2012 that inevitably leads to cuts and privatisation has not. He still channels Jeremy Hunt and witters on about the “elastic” £10 billion for the NHS.
“CITY WEEK 25TH AND 26TH MAY
“Relevant for: Brokers, Carriers, Vendors
FROM: 25TH MAY 2017 / 00:00
TO: 26TH MAY 2017 / 00:00
VENUE: GUILDHALL LONDON
CONTACT: BARRY LE PAGE
DESCRIPTION:
Now in its seventh year, City Week is the premier gathering of the international financial services community. It brings together policy makers and senior industry representatives from around the globe to consider together the future of financial markets and London, in particular. It consists of two days of cutting-edge conferences, seminars and networking opportunities, with other satellite events being held earlier during the week.
Last year’s event, CW2016, was widely regarded as having been very successful. Some 700 participants from over 55 countries attended over the course of the two days, and more than 80% of them rated the event either excellent or very good. A short video on last year’s event is available to view on our YouTube channel …”
https://www.londonmarketgroup.co.uk/event/city-week
Swire will attend in his capacity as Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment (one of the extra jobs he does which earns him £2000 per month)
Press release:
“A closely fought election contest is underway in East Devon where the Conservative candidate is being hard pressed by an Independent County Councillor who could cause an upset.
The latest betting odds from William Hill show Claire at 9/2, placing her as the main opposition candidate to beat the Conservatives who have held the seat since it was created in 1997 being hard pressed by an Independent County Councillor who could cause an upset.
The latest betting odds from William Hill show Claire at 9/2, placing her as the main opposition candidate to beat the Conservatives who have held the seat since it was created in 1997.
A spokesman for William Hill said:
“We see Claire Wright as the official opposition in that constituency. It’s a head to head contest between her and the Conservatives and the odds reflect that.”
The Devon East constituency includes the towns of Exmouth, Sidmouth and parts of Exeter. Now County Councillor Claire Wright is fighting hard to become its first independent MP. In the 2015 General Election Mrs Wright came second, with a 24 per cent share, outperforming Labour, the Liberal Democrats and UKIP.
Mrs Wright says she was motivated to stand because of strong local feeling that the government is ignoring people’s concerns. Mrs Wright says:
“People are telling me that they are angry and frustrated with the current government’s policies. East Devon residents are looking for someone different, someone who will work solely for them without being tied to a political party.
“As a direct result of this government’s policies local NHS provision is under threat, education budgets face massive shortfalls, local businesses will suffer hikes in business rates, local council services have diminished under massive government cuts – and national debt has actually increased.
“As well as this there are real fears of a damaging hard Brexit if the Conservative government is re-elected with a substantial majority, as is predicted.
“In 2015, although a long-standing and hard-working local councillor, I was a parliamentary newcomer. Now I have a track record that shows how local people are prepared to back me. I am the only candidate who can win this seat from the Conservatives.
“I am calling on everyone in this constituency from the youngest to the oldest voter to join in a campaign based on progressive values to return me as their MP.
“As an Independent MP I would be free from the party whip and I would campaign on the issues that local people tell me are important to them. I would be free to speak and free to act. I can campaign on the issues that local people tell me are important to them.
“If every resident who would like to see change in East Devon votes for me, history can be made in East Devon.”
“Claire to stand for East Devon seat
Since the snap election was announced I have been inspired by hundreds of emails and calls urging me to stand and offering help. Following my decisive win in the county council elections, I have decided to say YES to my army of supporters by once again challenging the sitting Conservative MP.
In the 2015 parliamentary election I came second, with a 24 per cent share of the vote – more than Labour and the Lib Dems combined.
People are telling me that they are angry and frustrated with the current government’s policies. East Devon residents are looking for someone different, someone who will work solely for them, without being tied to a political party.
As a direct result of this government’s policies local NHS provision is under threat, education budgets face massive shortfalls, local businesses will suffer hikes in business rates, local council services have diminished under massive government cuts – and national debt has actually increased.
As well as this there are real fears of a damaging hard Brexit if the Conservative government is re-elected with a substantial majority, as is predicted.
In 2015, although a long-standing and hard-working local councillor, I was a parliamentary newcomer.
Now I have a track record that shows how local people are prepared to back me. I am the only candidate who can win this seat from the Conservative MP.
I am calling on everyone in this constituency from the youngest to the oldest voter to join in a campaign based on progressive values and to return me as their MP.
As an Independent MP I would be free from the party whip and I would campaign on the issues that local people tell me are important to them. I would be free to speak and free to act.
If every resident who would like to see change in East Devon votes for me, history can be made in East Devon.”
“Theresa May has signalled an end to cronyism in the honours system by becoming the first prime minister not to publish a dissolution honours list in more than 60 years.
MPs who have chosen not to stand for re-election in June have been told not to expect an award, The Telegraph can disclose.
Mrs May wants a clean break from the tradition of prime ministers using honours lists to reward close aides and advisers.
Her predecessor, David Cameron, was accused of degrading the honours system last year when he showered awards on party donors and Downing Street staff including his wife Samantha’s stylist and two of his former drivers. …”
You would be correct in thinking Palestine is not a Sidmouth suburb nor is it an East Devon village.
And do remember he accompanies British arms manufacturers in their visits around the Middle East.
That’s when he’s not asking questions in Parliament on resuming flights to Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh diving resort, democracy in balmy Mauritius and far away Venezuela and – just as important – motor cycle noise.
Swire: selling the world to East Devon!
Not quite in his mate George Osborne’s league but getting there …
see:
https://www.hugoswire.org.uk/news/blog-greed-george-osborne
for the more gory details of this story.
If so, Tories or UKIP will undoubtedly satisfy you.
However, if you are equally (or more) concerned about the underfunding of the NHS, school, adult social care and child services, non-existent affordable housing, then that will not be the party for you.
Think carefully. Brexit will go ahead however you vote, underfunding of local services (and the constant financing of vanity projects) will continue if you vote Conservative and they form a majority government.
What to do if you value local services and an MP who will (a) be here and (b) fight these cuts is: in a safe or marginal seat which a Conservative might win – vote for whoever is most likely to come second, except UKIP, whose local policies veer between the very vague and the crazy – in Somerset a UKIP county candidate believes all problems in the NHS are caused by having too many women doctors and he has not been contradicted or thrown out by their national party.
In East Devon this is certainly local Independent Claire Wright ( presuming she stands again); in Honiton and Tiverton it is, perhaps surprisingly, Labour, though much depends on who else stands there in June.
You really do have one chance this year to make local issues count.
We are in the difficult situation in that neither of our MPs – Swire and Parish – have homes in the constituencies they represent. Swire has his second home in Mid-Devon and Parish has his farm in Somerset.
We must assume that Swire’s main home is in London, as he travels widely for his extra jobs and his wife works for him at the Houses of Parliament where he pays her a salary of £35,000 (Parish also employs his wife to work for him there as a “junior secretary” on around £20,000).
Can an MP truly understand the needs of his or her constituency if he or she does not live there?
Should living in the constituency be a requirement of the job (though Swire says it isn’t a job, making it sound in his case as more of a hobby)?
Should the home in the constituency be automatically assessed for their expenses as their main home? This would mean that MPs would be more likely to rent in London – which would not only give them a better appreciation of the cost of living in the city but might also make it more likely that they would spend more time in their constituencies.
Should they have to put in minimum hours IN their constituencies? NOT having half a dozen quick photo opportunities on Fridays when Parliament doesn’t sit and they get away early for their weekend breaks.
Should they have to attend a minimum number of surgeries per month/year to qualify for their salaries and jobs?
Should they have zero-hours contracts? No work for the constituency, no MPs pay?
Of course, if we had a truly local MP such as Claire Wright – born, raised and living in the constituency, steeped in the day to day concerns such as local hospitals, education and social care and with a daughter at school here – it wouldn’t be such a problem.
“Swire, Sir Hugo (East Devon)
1. Employment and earnings
From 9 November 2016, Adviser to KIS France, a manufacturer of photo booths and mini labs. Address: 7 Rue Jean Pierre Timbaud, 38130 Echirolles, France. I expect to be paid £3,000 every month until further notice. Hours: 8 hrs per month. I consulted ACoBA about this appointment. (Registered 16 November 2016)
From 15 November 2016, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council. Address: Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX. I expect to be paid £2,000 every month until further notice. Hours: 10 hrs per month. I consulted ACoBA about this appointment. (Registered 16 November 2016)
4. Visits outside the UK
Name of donor: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bahrain Address of donor: P.O. Box 547, Government Road, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Estimate of the probable value (or amount of any donation): Flights, accommodation, food and transport with a total value of £3,550 Destination of visit: Bahrain
Dates of visit: 8-12 December 2016
Purpose of visit: Attendance at the IISS Manama Dialogue
(Registered 23 December 2016)
Name of donor: (1) Professor Magdy Ishak; (2) Egyptian Ministry of Foreign
Affairs
Address of donor: (1) private; (2) Nile Corniche, Boulaq, Cairo Governate, Egypt
Estimate of the probable value (or amount of any donation): (1) Flights to a value of £1,386; (2) accommodation, food and transport to a value of £596
Destination of visit: Egypt
Dates of visit: 16-20 March 2017
Purpose of visit: Parliamentary fact finding.
(Registered 03 April 2017)”
page 406
“George Osborne is close to earning £1m for making speeches since being sacked as chancellor. His latest entry on the MPs’ register of interests shows he is set to be paid more than £150,000 for talks delivered last month.
He had already declared expected earnings of £786,450 for a series of speeches since losing his cabinet job when Theresa May took office.
The latest update shows he is set to receive a payment of £51,842 for a speech to the New York University in Abu Dhabi on 4 March. A further £51,754 is expected from the Hungarian central bank for two speeches, on 1 and 2 March, while £51,540 is expected from asset management firm Insight Investment for a speech on 17 March. These sums take his earnings from speeches up to £941,586.
As well as the speech income, Osborne is set to earn £650,000 a year working as an adviser to the US asset management fund, the BlackRock Investment Institute.
The register shows Osborne expects to be paid £162,500 a quarter for 12 days working as an “adviser on the global economy” and £120,000 this year to be a Kissinger fellow at the McCain Institute in Washington DC.
Osborne is yet to take up his most eye-catching appointment, as editor of the London Evening Standard, so details of his earnings from the role have not been entered in the register.
Despite his other interests, he has vowed to continue as MP for Tatton – a job which pays £74,000.”
Swire much admires his pal having so many irons in the fire. Here are a few comments on George’s jobs from his recent blog post:
“The reality is that in all George’s Osborne’s positions he is being employed as a figure head rather than the man that gets his hands dirty. …
Sometimes we just can’t win! I remember the days when George Osborne (who had never had a job outside politics) was accused of being a member of the political class, a ‘professional politician’ who had no understanding of the real world because he only operated in the Westminster bubble. Ironically now he is a mere backbencher he is being criticized for going out to work! …
If an MP uses his time efficiently he has plenty of room for other interests. I, for example, have some paid outside interests but I’m also Chairman of the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC) and Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC); both these posts keep my interest in foreign affairs active and enable me to ask informed questions to the executive on foreign matters. …
I fear much of the uproar surrounding Mr Osborne’s new jobs tells us more about salary envy than anything else, and that is not a good basis for an argument. …”
East Devon Watch 