I want your vote - again!

Decision time!

2011-05-05T16:06:00.002+01:00

....in all sorts of ways!

Today's the day that the public make their decision about continuing to support the old "First Past the Post" voting system which has ensured that the majority of the population have never voted for the people who are elected to represent them!

Today's the day that the public decide which party they want in power locally to run the business of North Norfolk District Council - a business which has been run very effectively for the past few years by my party - the Liberal Democrats.

Today's the day that - in those Parishes lucky enough to have people who will volunteer to stand for election - Parish members can choose who they want to control local decision making, using directly accessible grants - true democracy in the best sense of the word.

other, more personal, decisions must wait until I see the result of the election. That is due at around 4.30am tomorrow - such devotion to civic duty must count for something!!

Watch this space followers and friends - as soon as I know - you will too!!

Off on a final campaign circuit - a bientot!!

Jacky

Very few days left!

2011-05-02T11:57:00.002+01:00

I have had some wonderful conversations with people in Wensum ward. I think that politicians underestimated the voter's understanding of the difference between local and national politics. There is an increasing wish to take real action on the ground - through Parish Councils and other, less formal routes. If local democracy is to take off and David Camerons "Big Society" is to work - as it once did before Margaret Thatcher said there was "no such thing as society" and set about destroying it - then involvement has to feel relevant and valued.
Too many people see little point as "the authorities" have disempowered them by increasing red tape and by the nanny state dictating their lives.
If I am elected on Thursday I will do everything in my power to encourage the Wensum villages to take control of their Parish Councils and other societies. The arrangement of Royal Wedding parties showed that they can do brilliantly when they see a purpose - let's put that energy into local decision making!

Wonderful Spring - let's go for real change!!!

2011-04-22T11:51:00.003+01:00

What a great time to be out of doors talking to people - the very best way of finding out what people really want from people like me - a politician, that "dirty word". The system has changed in that the election expenses shame has been dealt with, but it needs further change in order to really clean up politics in this country.

Along with the election for the District Council elections runs the referendum on a new voting system for the UK "Alternative votes" or AV. Along with the rest of my party, I am championing this change in the way we elect our representatives. There is a lot of nonsense suddenly being spoken by both of the large parties who are terrified of AV - now, why would that be? Could it be that they would not be able to count on Safe Seats for themselves, would not be able to count on being elected even though the majority of the people who live in their constituency, division or ward voted against them? Both major parties have Leaders who were elected using the AV system - ask yourself why they want to deny you the opportunity to use it as individual voters.

The vote we all have should count for more than this. We should know that, if our MP or local councillor do not live up to their manifesto promises, we can vote them out. We can achieve political balance and stop the Punch and Judy politics we've suffered for decades - once and for all. Whoever you vote for next month - and of course I hope it's myself, vote for AV in the referendum!

Here I come Wensum!

2011-04-18T09:13:00.002+01:00

I feel really keen to visit as many of the villages as I can today - the sun is shining and the birds are cheering me on - even my chickens seem quite jolly this morning. Isn't it odd what the weather does to our spirits? When the sun's shining people talk to complete strangers - it is very British talking about the weather isn't it but....that's what we are!!

Early Days

2011-04-17T16:26:00.003+01:00

Well - here I am on the campaign trail again - feels easier each time I do it but there's always that "waiting in the wings, heart in mouth" feeling before banging on the first door. We are a select few who are campaigning in the Fakenham area of Broadland. We aim to back each other up and I spent some time in Fakenham South on Thursday afternoon supporting the local Councillors there.We are very short of volunteers to deliver leaflets or help to canvass opinion and if anyone would like an excuse to walk in Wensum's lovely villages just let me know - I need your help!! The villages which comprise the Wensum ward are: Great Ryburgh, Little Ryburgh, Stibbard, Kettlestone, Gunthorpe, Little Snoring and Thursford.

The Boundary Commission thoroughly confused people here as, to North Norfolk folk, "Broadland" seems like the Eastern side of Norfolk.

I know the patch well of course as, with the exception of Thursford, I was their County Councillor.

Norman Lamb MP was good enough to come out with me in Great Ryburgh on Thursday evening and was greeted with open arms by people who haven't seen their Conservative MP since the change happened!! Great concern was expressed to us about a planning application which had, inexplicably, succeeded and is certain to be appealed against by local residents whose quality of life will be disrupted by massive earthworks and 24 hour lighting in the middle of what is now wonderful countryside. Will watch this with interest and, regardless of whatever happens on May 5th, will do what I can to express my personal opposition to it! When I campaigned for a Parliamentary seat, using tthis medium to communicate was very helpful - I hope it is equally successful in my campaign for Wensum - let me know what you think

The luxury of choice!

2011-03-17T15:08:00.002Z

After long and careful consideration - I have decided to ask the people of Wensum ward to vote a Liberal Democrat, i.e. myself, back on to the North Norfolk District Council. I did not stand in the previous District Council election for very good reason - I was by then a County Councillor and also Chairman of the Housing Association specially created to take over NNDC's housing stock - much of it in poor repair and in dire need of renovation. There just were not enough hours in the day to do all three jobs properly!
My career had been in the money, bricks and mortar side of social housing and this experience was invaluable in setting up the association, now known as Victory Housing, and in shepherding it through the early years.
I enjoyed my experience on the Planning side of things and I think the Council's preservation of North Norfolk's unique landscape and buildings has been exemplary. The District remains a clean place to live with spotless beaches and well maintained attractions for visitors. The Council has made a decision to hold Council tax at 2010/11 levels - quite an achievement, especially with no reduction in services.
It is also a special place to visit in no small measure due to the District's contribution to the Arts.
My first years in the District were spent in the adjoining ward and I know the area very well - indeed I was its County Councillor for four years!
Watch this space for further details of my plans for action on behalf of constituents - and contact me, either through this page or on Twitter or Facebook

Spring threatens to arrive and I feel a great surge of optimism!!

Exciting times

2011-02-23T11:12:00.002Z

Well - I'm back! For those who have wondered what I have been doing, I have been getting my energy (and bank balance!) back in order by working hard at my life outside of politics.
I work part-time for a privately owned college in London which has brought me into contact with International students and their difficulties with the UK Border Agency. Genuine students are really suffering as knee jerk reaction at Westminster makes their life difficult. This country has had a proud tradition of offering first class education to young people from all over the world. This shouldn't be an immigration issue and, here, I agree with Richard Bacon's recent speech on the subject.
I'm also involved in assist with appeals against the Home Office by people who have been refused refugee status - a real eye opener, in that there is little consistency in decisions!
As you can see, the politician in me won't lie down as I get outraged by unfairness and injustice whenever and wherever I find it.
I have watched the upheaval in the Middle East with a mixture of excitement and horror. The Dictators who feel the hot breath of reform in their countries have reacted in very different ways - Mubarak running away with his personal fortune which, strangely, exceeds the grant aid his poor starving countrymen have received during his time in power - Gaddafi bombing and shooting his own people who are PEACEFULLY asking for democratic rights which we all should take for granted.
Can civilised countries like ours really sit on the sidelines? A hard call to make as when we do intervene - in Afghanistan for example - the local population continues to suffer and families in the UK lose fathers, brothers and sons.

Just what I feared but maybe.........

2010-05-08T12:43:00.002+01:00

Well, I tried really hard and came second! I had great support and help from Bob, my agent and Kerri my press officer - no-one could have asked for more.Our party activists did sterling work at HQ - including two ladies in their 90's!! Thanks to all concerned.

What now? Well it's ironical that we have a situation in which, in spite of losing seats, the Liberal Democrats can help this country to get what it deserves - a fair voting system which reflects the votes of the whole population. The price for our support MUST be a referendum so that PR can't be swept under the carpet as it has been before.
I still want to represent Norfolk people and hope to do so in the not too distant future!

Watch this space!

If you're a Tory voter, this is why you should lend me your vote

2010-05-05T14:00:00.001+01:00

Take a look:

http://jackofkent.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-this-ex-tory-boy-is-voting-libera
l.html

This letter sums it all up!

2010-05-05T13:56:00.001+01:00

I was delighted to recieve this letter the other day:

Dear Jacky,

Yes, you're right: you are the only party capable of beating the Tories in South Norfolk, and we need to clear out the present incumbents so that fresh attitudes can be nurtured. Your letter was well-worded and sensible without any ridiculous promises and the attendant hysteria, and my wife and I shall certainly "lend" you our vote this time.

If the parliament is hung this time - as the whole nation seems to hope - then you must get proportional representation in place BEFORE the next election, which may come very soon.

We really do need a change to the way we are governed. Politicians are public servants - in the same way that teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers,........are public servants: there's pride in that, not shame, but no one in parliament seems to realise it. Even intelligent journalists still talk about "who will be the next boss". We really do need a change of attitude so that we move to what we should be - a parliamentary democracy, not a presidential democracy where a few people make key decisions.

I have voted Labour all my life (except when I have voted strategically) but the Blair/Brown governments have destroyed socialism in this country for the next 10 - 15 years, and this is the moment for a decisive change to the way we elect our politicians.

All the Best, and I hope you get in and make a difference: if so, you'll have my vote for good,

Terry Cant

Thank you Terry. I hope others will read this and feel the same way!

Election address delivery problems

2010-05-05T13:40:00.002+01:00

Please accept my apologies that many of you have still not received my key election communication, the Election Address. My election addresses should have been delivered around the 20th April and when they did not appear we made enquiries and discovered that the printing firm had not kept to the Royal Mail's guidelines and as a result the Royal Mail refused to deliver them.

It took a few days of constant wrangling with the printer to get them to accept the blame for this mistake and rectify the problem at their own cost - which they have thankfully now done, but very very late which means that many parts of the district have still not received anything from me just a day before the election.

Please be assured that this was a situation completely outside my control and it was certainly not my intention to make you feel as if I had neglected to communicate with you. Throughout my campaign I have made every effort to meet people and talk to them - through my 'Ask Howe Roadshow' visiting towns and villages across the district, taking part in six election debates (two of them on the radio) and through the Focus and Chronicle newsletters delivered by my supporters.

This is the best opportunity the Lib Dems have had in a long time to change South Norfolk for the better and the failure of the election address delivery has been a huge blow to me.

I hope that the election address reaches you before tomorrow and hope that I can still count on your vote.

I enjoyed my first hustings this week!

2010-04-30T23:06:00.002+01:00

As a new candidate, hustings are a new experience for me and over the last week I've taken part in four of them to debate the key issues of this election with the other candidates in the district and give you the opportunity to get to know me better.

I'm not one for nervousness anyway and actually I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The debates took place at Hempnall, Framingham Earl High School and the Langley School Loddon and I also took part in a live radio debate at South Norfolk Youth Alliance Radio.

I was delighted to see how many people came to the hustings and I hope that the excellent turnout was in part due to the massive surge in popularity of the Lib Dems that has really got people interested in this election and given us all the hope of real change.

Questions asked included voting reform and cleaner politics, policies vs personality, immigration, religion, the environment and each party's proposed spending cuts.

You can see the Lib Dems stance on all these issues in our manifesto which can be found at www.libdems.org.uk or post a comment to me here and I will be happy to discuss with you.

Thank you to all those who turned out to take part in the hustings. It's not long now until 6 May and I hope I can count on your vote!

I'm backing the pub

2010-04-21T00:05:00.003+01:00

In an area like South Norfolk village facilities are vital for those who do not have a car, for everyday essentials and easy access to goods and services which help communities to thrive. That's why "I'm backing the pub" campaign by the British Beer and Pub Association. See video for details.

Radio Norfolk's election debate

2010-04-20T14:27:00.001+01:00

I was delighted to be invited to take part in this morning's election debate on Radio Norfolk. Please let me know what you thought by voting below. Thank you.

Who won the debate?
Who won the BBC Radio Norfolk election debate Tues 20 April 2010

Liberal Democrat candidate Jacky Howe
Conservative candidate Chloe Smith
Labour candidate Peter Smith
Green candidate Adrian Ramsey

view results

Debate!!

2010-04-16T10:16:00.002+01:00

Last night, I took time out of my campaign to sit down and watch the three way debate between Nick Clegg and .....now, remind me!

An outright win for Nick - I didn't need to see the various polls, it was obvious that - given a fair electoral system, this man is a Prime Minister and Vince Cable is a Chancellor.

Come on people - this is your chance - to vote Liberal Democrat IS NOT A WASTED VOTE - you will make a real difference this time. Help me spring a big surprise on the Tories in South Norfolk and, who knows, the needs of vulnerable people in South Norfolk might get the attention they deserve!

My personal contract with the voters of South Norfolk

2010-04-15T15:47:00.000+01:00

I want to be the voice for change and fairness and fight for the issues facing those who live and work here.

I feel the country has been let down by Labour and that South Norfolk in particular would suffer under the Tories who are out of touch with the ordinary person on the street. Their policies are all about looking after their wealthy supporters. Their stranglehold on South Norfolk must be ended.

The following is my personal contract with the people of South Norfolk and, whether you vote for me or not, please hold me to it if I am elected as your Member of Parliament.

I will put local people first.

I will be there to help, listen to your concerns and stand up for our community. I will be a strong voice for South Norfolk.

I will continue to campaign for better care for the elderly, disabled and vulnerable.

I will fight against education budget cuts to ensure every child gets a fair start in life.

I want more of South Norfolk’s empty homes brought into use to cut down the massive waiting list for housing.

I will fight to protect our precious countryside – there are many sources of renewable energy that can be harnessed as an alternative to wind farms.

I will stand alongside the county’s fire fighters in protesting against service cuts.

I will fight for better infrastructure, in particular road and rail, as I believe this is essential to our future economic prosperity and I want to see better job opportunities and our market towns thriving again.

I will be honest, open and available to talk to.

I will not make promises I cannot keep.

I will publish every expense I claim.

Our manifesto

2010-04-14T13:02:00.001+01:00

Follow this link to see the Lib Dem's manifesto in detail. I'll be publishing my own pledges for the people of South Norfolk shortly so watch this space...

http://www.libdems.org.uk/our_manifesto.aspx

Next stop Long Stratton

2010-04-08T14:36:00.002+01:00

My 'Ask Howe' Roadshow will be in Long Stratton this Saturday (10 April) from 9.30am until 1pm. I would really love to meet you and listen to your views so if you spot me, please stop for a chat! We're hoping to set up near The Swan on the main road - look for the green gazebo!

My response to the budget on YouTube

2010-03-29T20:43:00.003+01:00

The Government's budget was a case of too little too late for the thousands of people who have been suffering under Labour's broken promises for the past decade. Vince Cable remains the only politician who predicted the mess we're in now and has created a safe, sensible, affordable plan to put us back on track.

You can view my response to the budget here:

Please support your local market towns

2010-03-29T20:38:00.003+01:00

On Saturday I launched my 'Shop Local' campaign in the thriving market town of Harleston to encourage people to make local towns their first port of call for everyday goods and services.

My campaign is supported by Robin Twigge, Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses in South Norfolk, who met me there to discuss ideas to help the district's small businesses thrive.

Harleston is a fantastic market town with lots of independent shops, innovative businesses and new businesses investing here. I'd like other towns and large villages in the district to be able to follow in Harleston's footsteps by encouraging residents to buy local and use the great services that are right on their doorstep.

Some towns in South Norfolk are seeing a decline in trade with empty shop fronts appearing along the High Street. We mustn't let our local centres die but need to offer support now to ensure they are vibrant places that people want to visit.

The Liberal Democrats' key pledges to maintain vibrant local high streets are:

Ensuring a long term future for the Post Office by developing new services such as a PostBank

Direct help for businesses by reforming business rates, reducing employment taxes as soon as possible and cutting red tape

Providing fair access to credit by getting the banks to lend again and creating a more diverse financial infrastructure

Creating a fairer marketplace by ensuring sustainable retail development and taking a more localised approach to competition

Help me support and protect our local goods and services by shopping locally whenever you can.

Norwich's Unitary Status is a mistake - press release

2010-02-22T21:59:00.001Z

South Norfolk parliamentary candidate, Jacky Howe, has blasted the decision to make Norwich a Unitary Authority as ‘leaving the people of South Norfolk with no say in their city’s affairs’.

Jacky, who is hoping to be elected as MP for South Norfolk in the next General Election, fears that people in South Norfolk, many of whom have close connections with the county’s capital through work and leisure activities, will be prevented from having any say in its future.

Jacky comments, “The news of this decision is breathtaking in its arrogance and cynicism. While I do support the idea of Unitary Authorities for counties, my opinion on the decision for Norwich is if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This decision has cut off the county’s epicenter and has wasted huge amounts of public money.”

Jacky was the County Council Member for Melton Constable in May 2008 when she formed part of a cross-party group to lobby the Minister Phil Woolas MP against the proposals for Norwich at Westminster.

She comments, “In discussions at County Hall, most of the group wanted to keep the status quo. The alternative is to make the whole county a Unitary Authority, thereby sensibly getting rid of a tier of local government, making it easier for people to understand who is accountable for the provision of their services.”

She continues, “I would love to know how other people in South Norfolk feel about this decision.”

Full of enthusiasm!

2010-01-02T10:26:00.002Z

There's something about the start of a new year isn't there? I don't mean the inevitable resolutions, which come from eating and drinking too much usually, or the more general "will be nicer" one's which come from the guilt enduced by cards from people you have forgotten - I mean a sense of opportunities to come - this year more then ever!

As a Parliamentary Candidate, I am now receiving e-mails asking about my specific views on an enormous range of issues. People want to know what makes me different from other candidates in this constituency and, if elected, how I would vote. It's interesting, as a person with experience of campaigning at Westminster on a limited range of issues - green energy and electoral reform mainly - how different styles of campaigning affect one's response. There is the bullying approach - blitzing with hundreds of identical e-mails - the personal story/issue which brings tears to the eyes - the commercial approach.....the list goes on!

Although there are some matters on which I am very clear - my party's policies for example, there are some answers which require mature reflection and political debate. The UK's debating style of Government, while not flawless, does at least allow for all views to be heard (eventually!) and I look forward to hearing those views before making my mind up about how to best represent the view of South Norfolk's inhabitants, should I be elected.

Over the next weeks I will be discussing, through this medium and on doorsteps, the burning issues for the constituency and really look forward to hearing what people have to say!

Times are hard for a lot of us but, all the same..

A Very Happy 2010 to everyone - whatever your political colour!!!

Jacky

What a waste

2009-12-20T23:52:00.002Z

A curious time of year, Christmas, a sense of suspended animation and anticipation all wrapped up in one.
This year, sensible people held their breath in anticipation as world leaders met to discuss the issues surrounding climate change and I can't be alone in my feeling of acute disappointment about the chance that they missed. Such a wasted opportunity! I feel a sense of embarrassment for all those of us who call ourselves politicians and who can't put our differences to one side in the interests of what is literally an Earth shattering cause. Whatever the individual deals done, the fact that they are not legally enforceable agreements weakens them immeasureably. As the head of my family now, I could weep for my children and grandchildren!!
There is some light at the end of the tunnel however - on Tuesday I met a senior politician - not a Liberal Democrat but respected by us - who will continue the fight to reduce the UK's carbon footprint and waste of resources - so long as there are good public servants - whatever their political colour - there is hope for the future!

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish my readers a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year - after the year we've just endured, we all deserve it!

Jacky

......She's In (apologies to the EDP)

2009-11-18T13:37:00.002Z

How strange - the Tory candidate for South West Norfolk easily withstood all that opposition from local party members and was formally adopted as PPC (again!)- and with an enormous majority!! I wonder why? After all that very public opprobrium and sabre rattling, all the 'outing' of the sins of her past and resentment that she wasn't local - she walked it!! She walked it, not in glamorous gold lame but in Tory uniform of Alice band and a dowdy blue frock!! Not so much 'spin' as homespun!!!

Am I a bit of a cynic (moi?)or do I detect slick Dave's heavy hand here? Of course it's a total coincidence that the senior members of the local party were called into Tory HQ just before the re-convened hustings isn't it? Well - isn't it????

No wonder I get an insane desire to giggle when they try to be taken seriously over the whole mess!

Value for Money?

2009-11-10T14:04:00.002Z

I would like to know your opinions about the Local Government Review. For those of you who haven't really taken this on board - Central Government have been consulting for months on the abolition of District and County Councils and merging their responsibilities in either one single Unitary authority, or various different layouts - essentially with "Greater Norwich" as one unitary body at the centre but with several different ideas for another unitary body to cover the rest of the County.

If one of these plans succeeds, there will be far fewer Councillors. At the moment, each District has its' Councillors and the County has a different set of Councillors - except that sometimes, and in the case of the new County Council quite often, the same people wear two different hats - hence the expression "twin-hatters". Under the proposed arrangements, this double status would disappear - as would the financial advantage of being a twin hatter - instead of two lots of Member's allowances there would only be one.

I must hold my hands up at this point and admit to being a twin hatter myself for a brief period. However, when I realised the sheer impossibility of doing both jobs properly, I didn't stand for re-election at District level.

Contrast that with the actions of the Conservative members of Norfolk County Council who, although already Members of District authorities, stood as County Councillors and who have now flatly refused to allow discussion in public of Members' allowances in a public Scrutiny meeting.

There is no doubt that there are cost savings to be made in unitary authorities. The public would find it easier to understand where to go with matters if there was one council which dealt with everything. Duplication of effort would be avoided and the expensive senior management structures would be simplified.

Tell me what you think? Shouldn't this issue be properly aired in a public forum? Voters in Norfolk pay for their elected representatives - if you feel the need for a different approach, let me know!

A new lease of life

2009-11-09T15:48:00.004Z

The start of a working week and, for as long as I can remember, I'm pain-free!! The sticks have been abandoned and the clips came out this morning so - I'm "up and at 'em" again. Before I move back to the business of campaigning, I will take time to reflect on my luck. I have good health and strength - not to say determination. I am surviving my recent "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" and managing to retain a sense of humour which will always carry me through. I have good support from family and close friends and - crucially - I know how to ask for the help I need.I worry for people who don't, people who can't and for people who feel they shouldn't even try.
As my readers will know - part of my work is with International students in London. Many of these brave young people arrive at the college I'm involved with, straight from the airport, loaded with suitcases and with a boundless enthusiasm and optimism which brings tears to my eyes. When you talk to them about their lives at home you can understand why they want to train here and why so many of them intend to take our old skills and traditions back home when they finish their studies.
We are often too keen as a nation to put ourselves down and we should stop it! Britain IS Great and deserves celebration. We are a key player on the world stage and punch above our weight in Europe. Our current difficulties - political and monetary - are huge but nothing we haven't dealt with before. We just need a change in approach. During the Thatcher years, serious damage was done to British society. Our old patterns of care and support for each other in our communities was sneered at by "Loadsamoney" characters and we haven't really recovered. Tony Blair did nothing to turn around the decline in society - a whole generation of adults have grown up with a "devil take the hindmost" attitude with the obvious fallout on the most vulnerable of our people.
David Cameron's attempts to "spin" the image of his party are so superficial as to be laughable. Scratch the surface of the "Caring Sharing Conservatives" and what do you find? A party which preserves the priviledges of the wealthy, pays lip-service to equal opportunities but pillories only the female protagonist in an affair, encourages the bonus culture in banks and will repeal the Act which bans hunting with dogs.
"Plus ca change, plus c'est le meme chose!" I believe Dave - you can fool some of the people some of the time but some of us have had enough and will let you know! Even the diehards of your own party can't be bothered to pretend that your carefully manufactured image resembles reality.
It's Time for a Change in politics my friends - don't let the Tories assumed right to inherit go unchallenged - I don't intend to roll over and nor should you!!

Time to say "Enough is enough"?

2009-11-05T15:41:00.005Z

A quick trawl through the EDP today reveals the following proposals:

a fare hike from £334 to £501 for all students (post-16) from September 2010
the most needy students will have to cope with a rise from £167 to £334 per year (double!)
an about face by David Cameronon his "cast-iron" pledge to hold a referendum on the Lisbon treaty
a farce around the selection of South West Norfolk's Tory PPC
on the very day my letter expressing concern about day care is published - £40m of spending cuts proposed, by the Tory County Council, in the budget for Adult Social Services, in day care, bathing services and enabling grants for voluntary agencies which provide the very "choice" which people are supposed to have these days. Add to those, cuts in private care home contracts and half a million to be "negotiated" out of care packages for the most vulnerable people of society
Savage cuts in Children's Services budgets
and....last but not least...the refusal of Tory County Councillors to have a public debate about member's allowances in a Scrutiny Committee at County Hall . Have they learned nothing from the MP's expenses debacle? Do they think that the public doesn't know that at least half of them have a pecuniary interest in retaining their "twin hatter" status by opposing unitary status for Norfolk/Norwich?

When I say "enough is enough" I mean that people want to see real change from the current red/blue, blue/red pattern. Choosing an MP isn't about going along with the patterns of the past - what do you say?

A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!!

2009-11-02T11:31:00.002Z

As you may be able to tell, I'm going stir crazy as I can't drive at the moment! The pleasure of living off the beaten track is being tarnished slightly - isn't it odd how much one misses something when you know you can't have it? Even the bus doesn't stop anywhere within the kind of distance I can manage on sticks. Enough whinging Jacky - at least your condition is temporary!!
This has set me thinking about public transport within Norfolk. At one time, people who didn't/couldn't drive used the bus to go shopping or visiting family and friends. As our villages have dwindled away due to the gentrification of cottages for holiday purposes we have lost shops, pubs and schools. Due to the de-regulation of buses, loss making bus routes have been removed from schedules and the downward spiral is hard to turn back.
In some villages, enterprising Parish Councils have organised their own facilities such as shops or small buses but, as younger people move to the cities, this becomes hard to sustain. It really is a vicious circle, however you look at it - village houses are priced beyond local reach, shops close, pubs close, buses vanish - where will it end? I am lucky enough to live in one of the largest villages in Norfolk but it is becoming unique!!
Enough gloom - it's a beautiful day out there and I'm going to stand in my garden - using one of my dogs as a crutch if he'll put up with it, and thank the Lord for things I have got, plan to improve on what I haven't and recognise what I must do without for the time being!

Fascinating!

2009-11-01T14:04:00.004Z

I've just been taken out for Sunday lunch by an old friend who knows exactly how independent I am and how far from my dotage. I'm glad of the help as, for the shortest time possible (believe me!) I am using sticks to keep the pressure off my knee and it's always nice to be taken out to lunch BUT.....

I now fully understand the title of a radio programme aimed at disabled or older people:
"Does he take sugar?"

Even in a town where I am well known as something of an independent "so and so", I have been treated as simple minded, invisible or otherwise incapable of managing myself - and that includes the behaviour of my old friend!

Do we really do this? When people show signs of weakness, do we unconsciously attempt to kill them with kindness or worse - with thinly veiled contempt? I think, as a people, Brits are kind and considerate but how long a step is it from that - to asking an older person, in public, if they have performed their bodily functions normally?

Something to reflect on as I champ at the bit here, unable to drive for the moment and trying to arrange a family funeral!!

A sharpening of focus on health and social care.

2009-10-31T16:07:00.002Z

One minute I'm recovering from an operation and writing about the needs of "older people" and the next minute, I've become the head of the oldest generation in my family, with the loss of my much loved mother.
Readers of this blog will understand that, in this time of sadness and reflection, personal issues will dominate my time. However, the human condition should always be at the forefront of any politician's thinking and I will return to my campaign and to this virtual diary - sadder but wiser - as soon as I can.
Thank you to those colleagues who have already sent their condolences to my family and myself.

Well the flesh was willing....

2009-10-29T16:12:00.003Z

but the technology let me down! My laptop took exception to the smell of disinfectant and flatly refused to work in hospital. It's now receiving TLC in the hands of Dr Steve - my friendly computer man. I'm home again and feeling better than I expect the laptop does!!

While in hospital and bereft of technology, I read every newspaper that I could get my hands on - particularly the EDP - and was horrified to read of the closure plans for day centres. Apparently, closing well used day centres is all part of offering "choice" to older people throughout Norfolk. I protested against the privatisation of home care services while I was a County Councillor and now I find that day care is going the same way!! I'm sure that readers will remember the nightmare stories of elderly people sitting in their own excrement in bed, waiting for home "care" to arrive - of 24 hour gaps in the administration of medication or hot meals - often the only meal that person would have for the day! I am now registering my serious concern that providing individual budgets is all very well but if the infrastructure available for "choice" is piecemeal and of variable quality, all the money in the world will not improve the lives of vulnerable people.

I would like somebody to tell me what the choices are for older people and, for that matter, very disabled people, for whom consistency and high standards can mean the difference between a life worth living and one of pain and confusion.

The Conservative control of South Norfolk - whether it be District, County or Parliamentary levels - is failing the most vulnerable people of our society and it can't go on!

By the Way

2009-10-25T09:32:00.000Z

My next post will be from my hospital bed - you can't keep a good Liberal Democrat down! Watch this space for my views on health and social care issues!

The Beginning of the End

2009-10-25T08:47:00.000Z

Summertime is officially over and I for one was glad of an extra hour in bed this morning, while wondering at the same time if it was worth the effort of altering every clock, phone and piece of IT in the house!
It's always a time of reflection for me - the start of the winter months. I am doing a lot of driving around beautiful South Norfolk at the moment - talking to people. We are surrounded by the wonderful colours of Autumn but for many people Winter is already here. If you are unemployed, getting older or struggling to raise a family, the costs of cold weather are truly terrifying. If you are running a retail business, you are probably pinning your hopes on the pre-Christmas rush - will it happen, when people's priorities are more to do with keeping warm and/or eating at all?
How has this happened to Great Britain? We are not a Third World country - indeed China and India are developing at a stunning rate. The much vaunted "recovery" may well be happening in the Stock Market, or the Banks of the City (Tory heartlands both) but it certainly hasn't arrived in our market towns and villages!
Time for an election Gordon - don't hang on to the bitter end. Talk to the people of South Norfolk as I do - their bitterness is growing by the day!

Let's talk about the "E-------" word!!

2009-10-14T14:54:00.000+01:00

Yes, I do mean expenses - MP's expenses that is. In my working life, if someone is recruited to undertake a full scrutiny and to report back, their brief is carefully prepared so that all areas of concern are dealt with. Nick Clegg is right to point out that the main issue - "flipping" of homes to bamboozle the tax man - has not been dealt with. If the review has not been thorough then it must continue - the centre of Government must not be as difficult to clean up as the Augean stables of old.
Senior Tory backbencher, Douglas Carswell MP this week declared that those who believe that climate change is happening are part of a "lunatic consensus" - how green are the Tories really? Watch this space!

Appealing?

2009-10-04T21:20:00.000+01:00

I'm sending out my first letter asking for your help shortly - be warned! What I'm asking for is not the usual sort of support requested - although money is always useful of course - what I really want is for people who want to see a different sort of politics in South Norfolk to come out with me, or telephone people for me so that I can find out what REALLY matters to people in the constituency. You don't have to be a committee member, or even experienced as an activist - you need to want to be part of a winning team and I can't win without you!!!

I intend to make campaigning with me fun - at the same time as hard work - look at my profile on here to find my contact details and give me a call - I'll be looking forward to it.

A new policy!

2009-10-01T13:01:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you but I think this is really interesting - and long overdue! Add credit card companies to it or increase their regulation and people will really notice that we a serious alternative to "red blue, red blue"!

http://www.libdems.org.uk/news_detail.aspx?title=Liberal_Democrats_back_radical_plans_to_give_power_back_to_consumers_&pPK=a71d2347-6c23-47f8-a6d7-9f0967e824b0

Fascinating!!

2009-10-01T11:24:00.000+01:00

Is it me? Was the Labour conference disturbing? I think we all knew already that the Labour party would be approaching the next election as the underdog (we are now 2nd in the polls after all!) but to use "underdog"as a conference buzzword seems bizarre. The British people are generally kind and will support an underdog in some contests but, at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, will they support a cringeing, whining creature begging for affection and offering its' belly for a scratch? I think not!

I do think however that Lord Mandelson's much vaunted phrase "If I can come back...we can come back" was a freudian slip - don't you? Surely the phrase he was thinking of was "If I can come back, anyone can" - bearing in mind his reputation, an insult to the electorate at the same time as insulting his own party!! Something of an "own goal" My Lord!

Another great speech attached as promised - this time from David Howarth MP - showing how our civil liberties are being undermined daily. We have the right to peaceful protest but , under Labour, we are "kettled" i.e. herded into contained areas

http://feeds.libdems.org.uk/~r/libdemnews/~3/MJdllzehyb4/news_detail.aspx

Wasn't it great to hear that our MPs were in the midst of the G20 protest?

The reasons I vote LibDem

2009-09-26T13:07:00.000+01:00

I can think of no better way to demonstrate my preference for the LibDems than to offer you a few speeches from what was a very rewarding conference:

Nick Clegg MP

http://www.libdems.org.uk/news_detail.aspx?title=Speech%3a_Nick_Clegg_delivers_his_speech_to_Autumn_Conference&pPK=8751593d-e92b-47fa-b6d3-61cd48e7d55d

Vince Cable MP

http://www.libdems.org.uk/news_detail.aspx?title=Speech%3a_Vince_Cable%e2%80%

Chris Huhne MP

http://www.libdems.org.uk/news_detail.aspx?title=Speech:_Chris_Huhne_delivers_Autumn_Conference_speech&pPK=c2f75c18-5a46-4580-b55f-8be6448396f3

More speeches over the weekend!

It would be a crying shame if wonderful politicians such as these were not given their opportunity - at the next election - to turn around the state of the nation. Not for nothing was the rallying cry at the conference:

"TIME FOR A FRESH START"

Time for a fresh start in South Norfolk too - but then, I would say that, wouldn't I?

National Conference

2009-09-25T14:32:00.000+01:00

Well - that was quite an experience!! For a person with a deal of healthy cynicism, I have come back from the conference in Bournemouth full of enthusiasm and determination to fight for the right to represent South Norfolk in Parliament after the next election. I think we've all watched orchestrated "standing ovations" at political conferences in the past - but these were the genuine article. We have such a great group of MPs - both in our Shadow Cabinet and on the backbench. They really do offer an exciting alternative to the red-blue, red-blue pattern we have been used to for so long.In the next few days I will go into detail - so watch this space!
By the way - not so enthusiastic about caravan dwelling but don't intend to go into ANY detail about why!!!

Election coming up !

2009-09-12T20:09:00.000+01:00

Is it me, or is this Government insulting people's intelligence? As the cold wind of reality begins to blow around their sensitive areas they are proferring other parties' policies thinly disguised as their own - such as - this weekend - a referendum on electoral reform!! Surely to propose it to be on the very date of the next election is cynical in the extreme? Surely to notice suddenly that their promise to eliminate child poverty by 2010 is unlikely to come to fruition? Gordon Brown is covering himself in ineptitude and we are the only party to have been pointing this out with any accuracy. Time for a change - but not the obvious two party one I suggest - my party has taken an honest and credible stance and I believe the public know it!

Change in the air!

2009-09-03T09:09:00.000+01:00

Well - Autumn arrived with a bang, right on cue and suddenly the caravan doesn't seem such a good idea! However, I've started so I'll finish and I shall hope the high winds today have dropped by then!!

I've been thinking a lot about the responsibility of offering to stand for election as an MP. Because I work at Westminster I have met and talked to a lot of MPs, of all political persuasions and, with some exceptions, they are hard working and commited people with a vast range of talents. There is great sadness that the cynical behaviour of a few has damaged the entire edifice. I have experience in a number of sectors which, in my view, equip me to be a good representative for South Norfolk people, but I am also driven by a wish to turn the reputation of politicians around - ambitious though that may be. We are a great democracy in the UK - we only have to look at other parts of the world whose people are suffering from dictatorship or civil wars to know that the alternatives to democratic government are unthinkable. I'd like to do my bit to improve MP's image and hope I get the opportunity

Spent the day with international students again yesterday and found myself quite moved by their bravery and optimism. Most of them are under 20 and have travelled alone half way round the world, drawn by our great capital city and civilisation, to study and qualify. They will take that experience back to their own countries but in the mean time - they are having FUN and making friends - great to see and worth the effort of leaving rural Norfolk to work with them!

A small hiatus.....

2009-08-31T19:04:00.000+01:00

...well it's hard to make research on-line interesting to read by other people, so I haven't bored you all with it. A lot of political work is unseen - but that isn't a euphemism for covert! If I am to stand up and argue for my constituents, I have to be very sure of my facts! I am going to Bournemouth for our conference - taking my caravan which will become my "battle bus" next Spring - and will be stocked up for late night chats on each conference evening. I already have our policy documents from LibDem HQ and am looking forward to debating the detailed proposals.

If any reader would like to suggest matters to raise, either formally in debates, over the supper table or in the inevitable bar - do let me know!!

Preparation for Bournemouth

2009-08-24T22:08:00.000+01:00

On Saturday morning I joined other Norfolk LibDem colleagues to discuss the policy proposals due to be debated at the Bournemouth Conference. Broad agreement but we wouldn't be LibDems if there weren't divided opinions on some key issues! I look forward to the formal debates.

On a more prosaic note - I'm yet to decide where I'm staying in Bournemouth - if all else fails, there's always the caravan!!

Westminster

2009-08-20T16:09:00.000+01:00

I've been doing so much "virtual" stuff on the laptop today that I'll be delighted to travel to London tomorrow - train strikes or not - and meet and talk to real people. I'm meeting a colleague who does extensive translation work for the EU- from her mountain top home near Granada - aren't computers both a boon and a curse? We truly are in danger of becoming hermits!

It's also a working day for me so I will be talking to lots of international students about their study plans in the UK.

I'm also going to Westminster to meet a charity who wish to press the Government to tighten up the control on emissions from supermarket refrigeration. I have worked hard on Climate Change and its' causes for more than a year and can't believe that although domestic freezers have been cleaned up, those used by some major supermarkets have not!

I've pre-booked my train ticket so - fingers crossed!

Next Steps

2009-08-19T12:40:00.000+01:00

Well, a busy time is planned now - I want to get myself out and about - meeting as many people in the constituency as I can so, if you have a meeting or an event coming up or you have ideas that you would like to discuss with me - let me know. It doesn't have to be a Liberal Democrat specific matter - I want to hear at first hand the things that South Norfolk people find important - no matter how they have voted in the past. If you send me a message I'll get right back to you

Firming up ideas

2009-08-18T11:15:00.000+01:00

It's pretty clear to me that I have to take up the cudgels on behalf of people who are suffering from the decision to privatise home care services. I'm absolutely behind our policies on choice for the consumer - as long as the choice is real and offers all the services even the most demanding and vulnerable people require. I now have details of quiet suffering behind closed doors which is unacceptable in today's society. I will be asking pointed questions of the Conservative administration at County Hall!

End of my day off!

2009-08-15T20:29:00.000+01:00

Well, for once I'm managing to both cook and eat a meal at a normal time, without any new e-mails, phone calls or texts! I suppose I should be worried but, hey, it's Saturday and I've been seeing old friends and catching up - wonderful!

It has been fun to build this blog from scratch and, although a professional would have done something slick, it's a family affair as my daughter took my pictures for me. It needs more work though.

Tomorrow begins a new week and lots of contacts to make with South Norfolk people who are full of ideas for campaigns that matter to them.

2009-08-15T09:53:00.000+01:00

2009-08-14T14:34:00.000+01:00

Lots of good stuff.....

2009-08-14T12:42:00.000+01:00

....to report! I'm collecting together the views of people about things that concern them in South Norfolk. I want to pick two really important matters to campaign for and to involve as many local people in those campaigns - come on folks - I'm willing to do a lot of shouting on your behalf!!!

I went to a great garden party in Swardeston which raised money for our campaigns. Wonderful strawberry tea and a tramp around the Common to walk off the calories! Liberal Democrats seem able to raise money and have lots of fun at the same time! A rare skill - any ideas for something you might do - doesn't matter how wacky as long as it's legal

See you tomorrow

So - off we go!!

2009-08-13T23:07:00.000+01:00

We have until May - not too bad if you say it quickly! I really believe I can do it and these pages will be my record of whether I'm right or not. All I have to do, Dear Reader, is to carry you along with me - let the fun begin!!