A New Contender Enters the Ring...

I think politics in the City had some good news today.  Former Labour Councillor, Alan Graves, threw his hat into the ring to become the next MP in Derby South. Although we’re now political opponents, I take my hat off to the guy.  It takes some courage to walk away from friends and colleagues who are getting it so wrong and then to put your hand up and offer an alternative vision. For that reason, I’ll...

Margaret Beckett To Give Evidence to Iraq Inquiry...

This from today’s DET: CITY MP Margaret Beckett will give evidence to the Chilcot Inquiry today about her time as a member of the cabinet during the Iraq War. The MP for Derby South served as Foreign Secretary under Tony Blair for a year from 2006, but was also a cabinet member for five years during the build-up to the invasion and the war’s early stages. So far in the inquiry, witnesses have raised questions...

Haiti – How You Can Help...

Somethings are beyond politics so let me just provide the information below and ask you all to do what you can. Jack The Disasters Emergency Committee, made up of 13 of Britain’s leading NGOs, has launched an appeal with the support of major UK broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Al-Jazeera. The money raised will support the efforts of the DEC’s members to carry out their vital emergency aid work in...

Labour Leader left Embarrassed by Labour Bloggers...

The leader of Derby’s Labour group was left embarrassed after an article highlighting all the things his party had done for Derby got a frosty reception from readers of the leftwing blog “Labour List”.   The article that listed more public-sector jobs and a ban on foxhunting as key outcomes of Labour’s influence on our City was seen by many as unwise.  One wrote in response, “Shame really...

Well Done Derby City Council...

I often criticise the City Council on this website but I think it only right to point out when I think they deserve a bit of praise.  This article in today’s Derby Evening Telegraph shows that they do understand the problem with housing in our City and they are doing something about it.  A long way to go yet but a decent start.  On behalf of all those looking for a roof over their heads – thank you.     £3m...

What a Bunch of Clowns!...

Click Here for one of the most ridiculous stories you’ve ever read about the Labour and Lib Dem politicians on Derby City Council. A bunch of Labour half-wits wanted a bit of cheap publicity.  To get it they charged into the council building with a signed petition on CCTV and a flock of journalists and cameras.  No one would take their petition so they knocked on the door of the council Chamber which was hosting...

Derby Station Re-furb...

Great news that EMDA, Network Rail and the Council have finally got together to sort out our much neglected train station.  (Click here for DET article.) I think gateways say more about City’s than their centres, and our gateway is a mess.  However, it won’t be enough to simply do-up the station and create a walkway up to the Westfield centre.  We’ve also got to get on top of the anti-social behaviour...

The Sorry Saga of Our Hippodrome...

This recent story in the DET says all that needs to be said about the sorry saga of the Hippodrome.  On the left you’ll see a picture of me being briefed about its sad recent history by local conservative council candidate – Ashley Waterhouse. In my view Mr Anthony should sell it to Derby City Council for £1 and accept that he’s made a horrible mistake and handled the whole thing very badly. I wait...

And she still hasn’t learnt ……....

Below is an excerpt from Today’s Derby Evening Telegraph.  I can’t believe this is still going on and I can’t believe that Mrs Beckett has yet to learn anything about the importance of transparency. No doubt she thinks it’s none of our business how she spends our money!! POLITICAL opponents have piled the pressure on Derby MP Margaret Beckett to reveal if she has been asked to repay any expenses...

The Times Predicts Beckett to Lose in Derby South...

Interesting article in the Times today that predicts that Margaret Beckett will lose in Derby South. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6851739.ece