Day 3532: FINALLY, Some Recognition!Thursday: My fluffy diary has, it would seem, been voted 31st Worst Political Blog in Great Britain, and, as far as I can tell, that makes me WORST LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BLOGGER! It's a moment to be truly proud! To be RANKED more REVOLTING than such media movers as Mr Benedict "Tell-lie-o-graph" Brogan (48) and Mr Nick "Mate-of-Dave" Robinson (57); JUDGED more JAUNDICED than such Conservatory contrarians as Mr Daniel Hangman (63) and Mr John Deadwood (73); DEEMED more DREADFUL than such egregious egoists as Mr Chris Paul (93) and Mr Hopi Sen (99)... it's more than a fluffy toy deserves! ... (more) |
Cameron's judgement and CoulsonIf the broadcast media start reporting what is being reported worldwide, that there are serious questions to be answered by Cameron's top political aide, former News of the World Editor Andy Coulson, it would place David Cameron in something of a predicament. As can be seen from the depth this story is being written about in the USA, this is no story without substance, yet the BBC, ITV and Sky seem scared to touch it. This does beg the question as to why this is being ignored by our broadcast media. The BBC may be rather scared of the response ... (more) |
Up to Number 5 in the Total Politics blog rollThis year's Total Politics Blog Lists are being published on a day by day basis at the moment and today saw the publication of the Top 30 councillors blogs. Last year I came in at number 29. This year I've risen to number 5! There's a new badge on the right of this post to reflect the new ranking. All I can say is wa-hey (and thanks very much to everyone who voted for me). Congratulations also to Porthleven Councillor Andy Wallis who has made it in at number 28. (more) |
210 bus route diversion: it's because the roads are too dangerousThe mystery over the long running diversion on the 210 bus route - with the stops on Beaumount Rise closed for several weeks - has been solved. It turns out that the awful road surface along Beaumont Rise is now so bad that Transport for London decided it was no longer safe for the 210's double-deckers to use the road. [IMG: Danger sign. Photo credit: johnharveytolson on Flickr] Islington Council is responsible for the road surface but has not yet repaired it. That should finally happen in the next few weeks, which will be welcome news and not just for ... (more) |
Is Labour thick or misleading?Or both? Today I was horrified to read in the Granuaid (http://tinyurl.com/376gqfd) that the coalition government were being condemned from Dennis McShane, former Labour Europe minister, for "opting out" of a EU wide directive on sex trafficking. Except for when you read the article properly, you will see the UK governments position is much more intelligent. The home office is quoted as saying "The government will review the UK's position once the directive has been agreed, and will continue to work constructively with European partners on matters of mutual interest. By not opting in now but reviewing our position when ... (more) |
Summer at lastThe Tennant Navigation last week. (more) |
Knowsley block Conference Costs QuestionOfficials at Knowsley Council have blocked a question I submitted today to be asked at next week's council meeting regarding the costs of the Council attending next months Labour Party conference in Manchester. The full costs of Knowsley attending the conference - £32,950 - was recently revealed in a Freedom of Information request and my question sought to clarify how the Leader of the Council could justify spending this money in the current economic climate. While I had asked a question at the June meeting about Knowsley's plans for the party conferences the full extent of the costs for next ... (more) |
Nick Clegg writes about his visit to Afghanistan and PakistanIn an email sent this afternoon, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has written about his trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Earlier this week this week I went to Afghanistan and Pakistan to see for myself the problems and challenges that those countries face. The coalition government is committed to playing our part to helping ensure that the region has a peaceful and prosperous future. It was my second visit to our armed forces in Afghanistan, where I saw again the bravery and professionalism of our troops. Whilst the situation in the country is still difficult, I believe that we are ... (more) |
Vettel's antics all but cost him another world titleOn Lap 16 of the Belgian Grand Prix my limited respect for Red Bull hot shot Sebastian Vettel took a further slide as a rookie's error took my favourite driver Jenson Button out of the race, and after Sebastian also failed to score points after he got going again, practically ruined both their chances of winning the World Championship. But we've been here before. Back in Turkey, he crashed into Mark Webber in a move I didn't even think he should have attempted (see previous blog), and going even further back he caused an avoidable collision in the 2009 season ... (more) |
Marked register goes missing in WolverhamptonMore problems with the general election administration have come to light in Wolverhampton South West, with the news that one of the marked registers has gone missing. An investigation is already taking place into a mismatch between the number of ballot papers counted and the number issued, with more having been recorded as counted than were officially issued. The latest news has been reported by the Wolverhampton Express & Star: A register containing the names and addresses of hundreds of Wolverhampton voters has gone missing... It contains names and addresses of up to 500 voters along with a mark to ... (more) |