“New” Labour “Old” predispositions 7 April, 2008

Another day, another old Labour attack from a new Labour minister. Under Gordon Brown formerly “New” Labour ministers, not just back bench MP’s are rediscovering their red routes. From singing The Red Flag in the lobby’s to attacking faith schools to deflect from their own failings.

New Labour farming Minister Lord Rooker said “Halal and kosher meat should not be slipped in to food chain, says minister”. I am not sure he himself understands the constitutional implications of what he says, especially in the light of the debate Rowan Williams started last year.

Had it been any other minister I would have simply objected, but considering what he ministry is responsible for, I feel it calls into question his eligibility for such a job. The wheels have come off New Labour some time ago; it looks like they are losing the cart now.  

Faith based Education 4 April, 2008

I have for some time been observing the governments attacks on Faith and independent schools asking for “Voluntary” contributions, and having unsuccessfully waited for the substance for time, to me it is both good old Labour coming out against successful faith and independent schools, but more importantly covering up for the scandal of a record number of children not getting their preferred school places.

Just consider two things, over the last four years the government has forced Councils across the country to close small schools and schools for the disabled, many of them the best schools we had. Leading to a massive squeeze on places children, not getting into their local school or their preferred placed and in rural areas children travelling miles to study.

Furthermore the governments knows and knew what these payments where about, front and backbench Labour MP’s have reminded the government they are for security the police won’t provide and the element of religious education.

Anyone that knows me knows that I have an altogether controversial view of faith schools but at least I am open about it. Let’s start valuing success and faith more and play politics with our children less.

Post office closures 3 April, 2008

Today I had a meeting with Mrs. Amy Patel the post mistress on Littleton Road, described to me the distress the threat of closure to her Post office is causing her and the community. Last year over 600 of us signed a petition to keep the Post Office open yet all we get is sheer silence from our Labour Councillors, Shame on them. To add to the conspiracy the “review” it’s due to report a week AFTER the elections, and we well remember what happened to last year’s “review” into the decision to close Hope Hospital Maternity unit.

So when your Labour activist calls on you, do tackle them on why they are silent of the important issue of today that people are talking about, and I further urge you to hit them where it hurts and vote Conservative on the 1^st May, it’s the only language Labour understand.

Lewis blows his lid 30 March, 2008

I have observed for some time the opportunism or Ivan Lewis MP, anyone that knows him, recent family problems notwithstanding will know that he has never failed to grab an opportunity, dedicated his life to his own career advancement and has fancied himself as a high flyer.

In fact his positively resents that his predecessor as loosing Labour candidate in Bury South 1992 now MP for Salford is a high flyer in the cabinet and his 27 hours days are not rewarded.

So now he mouths off to a newspaper about how out of touch this government is, what is all the more remarkable is, its about the first time I agree with him.

What I do observe is, that the constituency he represents is very much middle England and Labour are finally loosing its grip there, keenly assisted by the Conservative Uber campaigner and candidate Michelle Wiseman. Ivan is truly rattled, what is certain is that this is the long end to his ministerial career, watch out for him in the next reshuffle.

Conner’s Humour 25 March, 2008

Today my Labour opponent had a advert in the Jewish Advertiser which was remarkably ironic bordering on the desperate. The only part that irritated me is that Labour have a definite tactic of once again playing divide and rule with the Orthodox Jewish community, not only does it not wash, but it is very damaging for cross communal relations, and ironically achieves nothing for anyone as it is too transparent.

What tickles me is he calls himself “straight talking” and claims to “say it how it is” yet fails to even comment on the bigest issues such as his parties driving tax or his voting in full Council last week to deny us a vote on it, nor does he mention the maternity services in Hope that he is now closing after pledging to keep it open prior to last years local elections.

Or the post office that is under threat, nor Park Lane police station that closed last year or the local communal hall that is closing its doors this week etc. what tops it all is that he claims the Council has “a rolling program or road repairs” I know he lives miles away in Swinton but I defy him to find a ANY roads in Kersal or Broughton Park that are not in need of repair. If he would only care to walk down here (take my advice don’t drive as it will soon cost you a fiver) or read the numerous reposes to my latest survey in which the only common denominator was that everyone complained about the state of their road/s.

No honestly what really gets me is he says in attacking me “no raising false hope” that coming from the party that said “things can only get better” how rich!

The truth is I almost feel guilty for the warm reception people give me on their doorstep, the amount of tea’s I have been offered and the strength of their feelings, I am not foolhardy to believe if I win it was down to me or my party even, only it will be owing to Labour ludicrous policies, but what I will do is take my responsibilities extremely seriously and look to represent all Kersal residents equally.

Waiting times 5 March, 2008

This week official NHS figures confirmed anecdotally what I and others have been saying for some time, that whilst waiting time in absolute terms have come down, typical waiting time are now 49 days compared to 41 days in 1997-8, and doctors are no longer allowed in many non “target” illnesses to use their clinical judgement.

Considering this is something the Labour Government have shouted about so much I am very surprised that the media have not talked about it more. Personally I feel it’s not collusion on the media’s part, its just the story is not very sexy enough.

Today I had to go for an emergency ultrasound (no idea of the gender yet ill keep you posted), I say emergency I booked it 5 weeks ago, my doctor wanted it the same day. I remember years ago it being done the same day or within a few days at least.

So much for “Things can only get better”, he must have been referring to the spin getting better.

Facebook Group 4 March, 2008

To coincide with the delivery of the Kersal Conservative Survey (yes I look forward to having yours back too!) I have launched a Facebook group called Kersal Conservatives 08.It is designed to help us make those 34 votes the Conservatives need to win for Kersal. I envisage the group will expire shortly after the May 1^st election, so we can all say we where there!

Congratulations 29 February, 2008

Thank you to all those that attended the consultation yesterday to decide how to spend the one off £100,000 on our highways. I am please to say that the projects on New Hall Road and Legh Street came a comfortable first.Sadly there was great merit with all the other projects that still need to be done. Whilst this is one off extra money what is really needed is more highways spending BETTER spend.

It goes to show that sharp elbows do work, and I am very proud and pleased to be playing my part on behalf of the Conservatives in reminding Labour that the people of Kersal also have needs and look forward to continuing the fight onwards for a better Kersal and Broughton Park.

A special thank you for all those that reminded people to go and vote including MH and its directors.

Shneur

Highways 27 February, 2008

From 4-6pm today the 28th Feb at the Lower Kersal Activities centre there is a meeting to decide how the merger money allocated from highways funding is to be spent.

As we who live locally know our roads are the worst in the county, so please do come along and add your voice and show them we do care.

Its an issue I have campaigned a lot on as it is constantly brought up when speaking to neighbours and friends locally. I look forward to seeing you there.

Shneur

Hurrah! 26 February, 2008

 

Credit where credit is due the Prime Minister has finally found the guts to confirm that there will be no super casino in my back yard of East Manchester.

 

Regardless of his motivation as a constructive opponent I have to applaud what is a tough but undoubtedly correct decision. Casino’s of all shapes and sizes leave a mass of personal and communal destruction wherever they are to be found.

 

Sadly however his announcement leaves us with little to cheer about, as what his has not answered is, what will replace the investment that was due to come with the casino and, how will he restore peoples and the business community confidence in this area.

 

What Northern Rock showed us is Labour has still to learn that confidence especially in business is not created or generated by a cheque. The price for the Northern Rock crisis will be paid by the British economy for years to come, by the reduction of inward investment to the financial and service sector which I remind myself now accounts for some 25% of our GDP.

 

There are whole sectors that have already pulled the plug on their proposed investment. From commentarial and residential property investors to restaurant owners and such like. Not that’s its them I feel sorry for, they will find pastures new, its us the people of Manchester that will be left without the houses and jobs and will be pay the ultimate price for another new Labour disaster.

 

Manchester more than any other city learned by the successful commonwealth games of 2002 what the economic value of the copulas good will is. From the volunteering to the investment that came with it, because business likes nothing more than success, which in turn breeds further success.

 

There are brand new houses in Blackley that are already boarded up simply because economic regeneration has meant to New Labour just money. when will they learn if regeneration is to succeed it has to be organic not artificial. it’s the 1950’s repeating itself all over again.

 

So come on Hazel what is your solution for the people of your own constituency and beyond that your Labour Government has left high and dry. The conservatives have Salford Quays and the tram to show for their time in office what has Labour ever done for Salford and Manchester?