Lord Shipley's Valedictory speech in fullAs noted last Thursday, Lord Shipley gave his valedictory speech in the House of Lords Local Government debate. Here is his speech in full: My Lords, I thank colleagues from across the House for the privilege of working with them over the last 16 years in this Chamber on Bills, on Select Committees and on the general work of this House. Having reached the age of 80, I have decided that the time has come to have a retirement. I thank all the staff of the House for their advice, efficiency and constant good humour. I thank my own Whips' ... (more) |
How slowness at the Treasury cost taxpayers millionsThe latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord's Eye View, is out and you can also read it in full below. But if you'd like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords, which this time takes a look at how HM Treasury have been costing us money by moving slowly to agree a simple increase in fees for vehicle manufacturers. Did someone share this with you? If so, sign up here to get ... (more) |
Bournemouth conference dates announced for 2027The dates for our Autumn conference at Bournemouth have been announced as follows: Provisional auditorium timings: Saturday 18 September: 09.00-18.00 (Rally 18.30-19.30) Sunday 19 September: 09.00-18.00 Monday 20 September: 09.00-18.00 Tuesday 21 September: 09.00-15.30 (Leader's speech: 14.20-15.30) The latest conference news is here. (more) |
Conservative councillor Paul Dick joins the Lib DemsNewbury Today brings the news of Paul Dick joining the Lib Dems: A West Berkshire Conservative councillor has defected to the Liberal Democrats. Paul Dick OBE - the ward member for Chieveley and Cold Ash and former long-standing headteacher of Kennet School in Thatcham ... [said]: "I have come to admire the dedication and positivity in the Liberal Democrat administration and am keen to join their forward-thinking team. Sign up to get the latest news and analysis (more) |
Ianto's shrine to be savedRather bizarrely, I have written a number of posts about Torchwood in the past and specifically Ianto's shrine in Cardiff Bay. The latest post was on 8th March, when I reported that the shrine is set to be taken down after nearly two decades. The shrine, which stood at Cardiff Bay, pays tribute to the beloved Torchwood character Ianto Jones, whose untimely death left fans so bereft they created a lasting tribute to him in the location where the series was filmed. Now, Nation Cymru reports that the attraction has been saved - for the time being at least. The ... (more) |
WalkaboutRecently, Cllr Marilynn Ord (one of my ward colleagues) and I accompanied a Gateshead housing officer on a walkabout in Sunniside and Byermoor toidentify issues on the council owned estates. Marilynn and I also had lists of issues we wanted to raise. We will be reporting back to residents as and when these issues are resolved or progress on them is made.(photos taken in Byermoor Park) (more) |
Talbot Street and Church Street, EllesmereOn the way to The Mere at Ellesmere - I've got out of sequence already - I came across some interesting buildings in Talbot Street and Church Street. The church, the Grade I listed St Mary's, was locked, but here are some photographs I took on that walk. (more) |
How The Zombies recorded Time of the SeasonThe Guardian has done one of its 'How we made...' features on The Zombies' 1968 single Time of the Season. It wasn't a hit in the UK, but reached number 3 in the US over a year after it was released. By then the band had split so they weren't able to cash in on this success. Here the band's singer, Colin Blunstone, recalls the recording of the song: Rod always has an overview of his songs in his head - he can hear the drum track, what the bass should be playing and what the lead vocal should be ... (more) |
Photos from Whickham North and Swalwell action dayOn Saturday we had another action day in Gateshead, this time in Whickham North and Swalwell ward. Here are some of my photos. Providing lunch is always a good way to booost the number of helpers. (more) |
Mathew on Monday: Prime Minister, it's time to restore our freedom to move across EuropeThere are few things that better demonstrate the damage Brexit has done to our country than the loss of our freedom to live, work, study and build a life across Europe. It was a freedom we took for granted. A freedom that opened doors, broadened horizons and brought people together. A freedom that represented something profoundly liberal: the right of individuals to make choices about their own lives. And it was taken away. Now, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham continues his discussions with European leaders about rebuilding Britain's relationship with the European Union, I have a simple message: restore freedom ... (more) |