A weekend of two halves.

3pm today saw a Walsh sat comfortably set to see the England Team perform acts of derringdo against the Germans in Bloemfontein. Sadly the rest was history.

However the rest of the weekend was absolutely grand. Some gentle exercise and a little leafleting on Saturday morning got the weekend of to a great start. An alfresco chinese takeaway and then on to Clarke Hall to see a group from the Yew Tree Theatre from St Marys Chequerfield, Pontefract performing Much Ado About Nothing as part of the Yew Tree Shakespeare Festival.

Then on Saturday Evening off to a concert at St Giles Church in Pontefract by the Houghton Main Male Voice Choir and to hear a talented performance by Guest Soloist Rebecca Atkins Wolfe.

We then went back to Clarke Hall early this afternoon to see a series of extracts from the Bard, brilliant stuff by talented young actors. Then a mad dash back to see a group of talented footballers slicing and dicing the England team. Not going to mention that goal but the other five were good ones.

Secretary of State confirmed NO to Wind Farm on Went Edge

In January 2007 Banks Renewables started a process that has resulted in two planning applications any number of public meetings two rejections by the Planning Committee two appeals, one upheld and now the main appeal to erect 5 435' Industrial Wind Turbines on the eastern most bit of green lung which the Secretary of State has ruled does not create sufficient special reasons to allow it to go forward.

For a sizeable part of the local population people are breathing easier as a result.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has more information here.

Prime Ministers Question Time

This is the first PMQ's session in this parliament.

The Conservatives are back in Government

An update from David Cameron on The Blue Blog here

The text of the Coalition Agreement

You may have already tracked this down but if you wish to see a copy look below.

Open publication - Free publishing - More government

Saturday Morning 6 am

Woke up with a start. First thoughts "where are we today?" Then sat back and relaxed and thought about the last three days.

Local elections are one of the points in time where people make a decision to play their part in helping make our democracy work, this year with the added drama of a General Election the people of Pontefract voted in one of the highest turnouts for a local election in WMDC’s 36 year history and at just after 10am on Friday the result for Pontefract South was confirmed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the public who on May the 6th voted at the ballot box, or by post, in the district council elections. I would also like to give a personal thank you to the election personnel manning the polling stations for a 16 hour shift who worked so hard and the counting agents who laboured through the night to make the local election work.

Finally a special thanks to those across the ward who supported our campaign and helped get our key messages across to the electors, in the months and weeks leading up to the election.

I look forward, having been re-elected, to working with my other Conservative colleagues, Philip, Mark and Phil to continue the fight to get more of a say, defend the interests and to work to improve the quality of life for the people in our part of the world.

The other piece of outstanding business has been played out over the last five days and we now know that a coalition has been forged between us Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats.

I sincerely hope that those involved work to give their best efforts to making a success of government. We need to see things coming back under control and there will be clearly significant challenges ahead.

Normal local service will be resumed shortly but I will also be posting up more information as I find it about our new government.

Geoff

Thank you!

Having undergone three recounts and achieved a majority of 205, I would just like to say thank you to the people of Pontefract South who voted in yesterday's local elections. In going out to vote or mailing a postal vote you allowed the democratic process to work.

Pontefract South
Name Party Votes %
WALSH, Geoff The Conservative Party Candidate 2,978 39.1
KERSHAW, Jack The Labour Party Candidate 2,773 36.4
RUSH, Chris Liberal Democrats 1,333 17.5
HADDLETON, Matt Independent 275 3.6
FRANKLAND, Neil Green Party 221 2.9

Majority 205 2.7
Spoiled Votes 32
% turnout 63
Total Votes 7,612

I would like to congratulate Elizabeth Hick who becomes our newly elected member for Horbury and South Ossett.

I would also like to welcome Ian Bunney to the Council for Ossett.

Finally a thank you to those members of the public who encouraged and supported me and the many who helped with my campaign over recent weeks. You know who you are and I aim to catch up with you over the next few days.

Geoff

Over to you then

Open publication - Free publishing - More wmdc

Open publication - Free publishing - More wakefield

So here we are the night before the General Election and pretty much every door has been knocked on or had one of a series of leaflets pushed through it. I guess all the candidates have put out their manifestos and told people what they stand for. Today started with another session in the Market Place in Pontefract and additional information for those as wants it.

On from there some quite specific drops of information to people who have expressed a special interest and the same process has been played out around the country.

In the area covered by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council and the four parliamentary constituencies candidates will be preparing for a last push. In our case as Conservatives we wish to see a way forward that will put this country back on its feet. In NPC we want to see a Conservative MP for the first time. We want to see a Conservative District Council for the first time in 36 years (did I tell you that we came within 27 votes of shifting the Labour Council in 2008).

So I just want to take the opportunity to remind my readers of the Conservative choices for the local elections that start at 7am in the morning:

Don Marshall in Ackworth, Mellissa Wan in Airedale and Ferry Fryston, David Rudge in Altofts and Whitwood, Eamonn Mullins in Castleford & Glasshoughton, Ian Sanders in Crofton, Ryhill and Walton, Mike Ledgard in Featherstone, Philip Davies in Hemsworth, Elizabeth Hick in Horbury & South Ossett (Stick with me folks we have 21 candidates) Jon Wadey in Knottingley, Jean Molloy in Normanton, Ian Bunney in Ossett, Carl Milner in Pontefract North, Geoff Walsh (that would be me then) in Pontefract South, Chris I'Anson in South Elmsall and South Kirby, Richard Wakefield in Stanley & Outwood, Anthony Bracewell in Wakefield East, Gareth Hunt in Wakefield North, June Drysdale in Wakefield Rural, Nadeem Ahmed in Wakefield South, John Stone in Wakefield West and Betty Lisles in Wrenthorpe and Outwood West.

All of whom have grafted like gooduns to give people a real Conservative option.

For the Parliamentary Elections: Alex Story for Wakefield, Dr Ann Myatt for Hemsworth, Antony Calvert for Morley and Outwood and Nick Pickles for Normanton, Pontefract & Castleford.

Open publication - Free publishing - More geoff walsh

I guess that it is over to you from there. For those who have already voted by post thank you, for those who will be voting tomorrow thank you.



In 2008 thanks to you we saw a significant shift, here is hoping we see the big change that many in the district are crying out for.

I guess at some point on Friday morning I will be updating you all with what happened. For those of you who have followed my blog since 2007 thanks and stick with it.

I will.

Geoff

A Contract between the Conservative Party and you

David Cameron's broadcast today.

What do you think? Its your chance on Thursday, give us a chance to work to put the country back on its feet and hold us to account if we do not deliver.

I've never voted Tory before... Hector's story

Have a look and listen to Hector's reasons for being a first time Tory voter.



For those that are thinking about voting on Thursday here are ten good reasons, please click on the image.

A new welfare contract

Nick pickles has details of our approach to welfare and getting people back to work.

"It’s one of the biggest issues facing Britain, and something I know people across the constituency are concerned about. How will a Conservative government tackle the benefits culture Labour have burdened us with?"

Have a look at the document, click the image below.

13 Years of Labour

To quote William Hague.  "It feels like a long time since Labour came into power - I first challenged Tony Blair at the despatch box thirteen years ago - but we must never forget their record of failure. New Labour: this is your life..."





And now times are changing in this part of West Yorkshire.

The Morley & Outwood constituency is a classic example of how times are changing.

Ed Balls back in 2007 was given a potentially safe seat with an estimated majority of 9000 votes now his new seat is in jeopardy and Antony Calvert a former council colleague of mine looks to be set to give Ed his very own Portillo moment on the 6th of May. Have a look at this news clip from Channel 4



Good luck on the 6th Antony!

If a similar swing took place in Normanton Pontefract & Castleford we could see Yvette Cooper the Minister of Work and Pensions experiencing jobcentreplus from the other side of the table. We will know what people have decided by Friday morning.

Vote for Nick Pickles on Thursday and help make change happen here.

Delivering the Conservative Party Contract in Pontefract

This morning in the Market Place in Pontefract a group of us including Nick Pickles our Parliamentary Candidate for Normanton Pontefract & Castleford, myself, Cllr Simon Wilson the NPC Conservative Agent, Jon Wadey our Council Candidate for Ferrybridge & Knottingley and Mark Crowther our Conservative Group Leader on WMDC, delivered copies of the Conservative Party Contract a document that David Cameron wants the electorate to see to be aware of our intentions and to allow people to hold us to account if we receive the mandate to form a Government on the 6th.

To see it click on the link which will take you to your own copy.

The Conservative Party | Policy | Contract

We also provided copies of our NHS document in light of the PGI situation and where appropriate provided copies of our local manifesto document about our plans for WMDC if we receive a mandate in the local elections.



Many people were very supportive and pleased to get their copies, on a personal note, I met a number of people who I have had dealings with over the last four years and got a lot of positive encouragement and pledges for Thursday.

What happens in one minute of Labour?

Compare and Contrast

Over recent days I have walked up many driveways and stood on doorsteps across the ward. People have been very welcoming and encouraging. It looks as though the other candidates have put out some information and now members of the public are starting to compare and contrast what us candidates have been putting forward.

People were very welcoming in 2006 when I was first elected by voters of Pontefract South, they seem to be even more engaged with what is going on now.

Perhaps it it the combination of a General Election that will impact on the whole country and a chance to see this Labour controlled district council under new management for the first time in 36 years.

Anyhow between now and the 6th I will continue to be out and about, ready to answer questions or to pick up on concerns. So if you see someone walking along a pavement near you with a Conservative rosette, its probably me, please give me a wave or honk if you are driving.

I just voted for you!

Postal votes have now been mailed to those people who prefer to vote by post. Previous experience says that people who receive a postal ballot are likely to respond quite speedily and this leads to the nice situation on the doorstep when people actually start a conversation with "I have just voted for you!"

I must admit after 14 days of pounding the streets across the district, that is music to my ears. Thank You!

For those with postal votes who may wish to ask further questions before voting, please send me an email, drop me a line or call 733975 and I will do all I can to answer as soon as I can.

For the many people across Pontefract South, who take the opportunity to vote in the local elections on May 6th, I hope to get to meet as many of you as I can between know and then. But if I don't get to walk up your path please give me a call, send me a note, or an email if there are questions that you wish to ask and again I will try to address them promptly.

Information on our policies and manifesto for Education and the Public Sector.

Out and about today I was asked about our national policy approach to public sector workers and the valuable contribution that they make to society.

As promised here is a link to our public sector manifesto which I hope is helpful (You know who you are)



Education
There were further questions about our attitude and approach to Education, there is more detail available in our Main Manifesto with the Education section commencing on page 50 of the document below.




More information as it becomes available electronically.

BREAKING NEWS

"We will create a new generation of state schools"
Sunday, April 25 2010

David Cameron and Michael Gove spoke to parents in Kirklees today more information here

Freedom of the City and national manifesto commitments - Armed Forces members and their families.

On Wednesday afternoon, I was proud to take part in a vote to confirm the Freedom of the City of Wakefield to The Rifles, one of the regiments that regards our part of the former West Riding as home and draws recruits from across the district, they are the successor to the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who were first granted the freedom to march through the City of Wakefield with Flags flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed in 1945.

On the doorstep over the last weeks I have met people who want to know about our national approach to working with members of the armed forces and their families, you can read the manifesto by clicking on the image below.

A Town Council for Pontefract?

At its meeting on the 21st of April 2010, the full council meeting reviewed the results of the 2nd stage consultation exercise and based on the volume of representations made, voted that the Parish/Town Council proposal for Pontefract should not proceed, this by a decisive majority of 60 votes to 1.

A situation that will bring peace of mind to the clear majority of respondents who oppose the idea, and will frustrate the members of the group "Pontefract Forward" and their supporters.

Meanwhile people do want value for money, a sense that taxes are spent wisely and that Pontefract draws down its share of resources. The six existing Pontefract Councillors elected by the community need to get on and address problems and concerns, building positive change that takes account of local peoples needs and priorities so that they feel better about Pontefract and its future.

For more background visit my earlier post from August 2009

What it takes to change a country.

Out and about this week I am still hearing members of the public that "we need to get rid of this lot" a slice of the time they are talking about the 36 year old Labour administration that has been running Wakefield Metropolitan district council since the 70's. Many more are also talking about a wish to see change at a national level. They refer to our existing MP's commitment to her career and the way that many MPs from all parties have been serving their own interests over those of their electorate.

So what does it take to see a positive change in Wakefield? Well there are 21 seats up for election in the local elections on May 6th. We are contesting all 21, in my case seeking re-election in Pontefract South. The more people who hold with recent years and elect a Conservative District Councillor the more likely we are to see a new administration. Some people have asked what part the Lib-Dem members of the council play. Over the last four years the two existing Lib-Dems have consistently voted with the Labour controlled administration's party line. My suspicion is that after May 6th a Lib-Dem vote will be a Labour vote. We shall see.

Nationally, David Cameron in our latest broadcast shares his perspective on the challenges we face and ways forward.



Over to you. Show us your view on May the 6th.

Talking Heads

For many, tonight will have been a chance to see the three leaders of the principal political parties put forward their responses to some set questions. In the process, they will have probably confirmed to their followers their supremacy and for the undecided given them something to consider. There are two more of these moments of truth when people will have further opportunities to compare and contrast.

In considering the messages put across, people will need to decide how they feel about the values that the leaders present.

For my part I found this interesting. Am I set in my views?

Well I believe in small government and the opportunity for people to take responsibility for their actions. I also believe that generally whilst government wants to dip into my pocket when the sums do not add up, that probably I have a better sense of how I want my money spent than Gordon or Nick.

In the case of the former he has got us into this mess, with the help of our local dream couple, who I neither trust to consider our wants or, needs as they got on with flipping their properties and pursuing their ministerial careers.

I have an open mind about Nick Clegg's motives, but do not see how if forced to follow his parties line he will do anything that will really resolve our issues and based on specific questions on some of his policies, many people share that concern.

One thing that is clear, at least at a local level, the two Libdems on WMDC have consistently voted for, and with the Labour party consistently following their line throughout the four years that I have been a member of the council, so in my experience, a vote for the Libdems, is a vote for Labour in Wakefield.

Nationally, I suspect the same to be true, at least in the case of a hung parliament. The 6th of May will really be a chance to see change, or not.

If you have an open mind let me suggest that you look at our national Conservative manifesto and our local manifesto for an administration for WMDC and this part of West Yorkshire in my earlier posts.




The consequences of more of the same is scary.

Interesting times ehh?

Conservative 2010 Manifesto for Wakefield District

In 2008 the Labour controlled administration remained in power by a margin of just 37 votes. Since that time we have been working across our local communities to help the electorate see a real and practical alternative. People regularly made the comment that you have a tough time in such a strong Labour area. Now they can see the gap closing fast one of the most common comments on doorsteps is "we really must get rid of this lot".

To help give people a feel for our sense of purpose and some of the things that they can expect to see if they elect a Conservative administration for WMDC we are distributing our own manifesto for change through the remaining weeks leading up to the local government elections on May 6th.

If you wish to see it online, you can view it by clicking the image below or here at the Wakefield Conservative Group web site.



Your help in the local elections on May 6th will be appreciated and just as we are aiming to see Conservative parliamentary candidates like Nick Pickles, Alex Story,
Antony Calvert and Ann Myatt, we are putting forward 21 Conservative council candidates to help make a local difference.

The 2010 Conservative Manifesto

David Cameron has today, launched the Conservative Party Manifesto for the coming election. Here are his words on the situation we face and our proposals for the way forward.

"This manifesto is the most important point so far on the journey we began four and a half years ago, when our party voted to change. It gives us a mandate to apply our deepest values and beliefs to the urgent problems of the hour. Our belief in responsibility – that everyone has a duty to each other. Our belief in enterprise and aspiration – that everyone must have the chance to rise higher through hard work. Our belief in people power – that most people will do the right thing when you trust them. And perhaps most importantly of all, our belief that we are all in this together.

This belief – that collectively we are so much stronger than the sum of our parts – runs right through the policies and plans in this document. Ours is not a vision of government fixing the problems of this country unilaterally, but of millions of people mobilised to play their part in our national renewal. So this is not a traditional manifesto – it is an invitation to everyone in this country to join the government of Britain

It is a modern Conservative philosophy, realised in powerful plans for change. But these ideas and policies are not much use to us locked in these pages. I’m asking you to take this manifesto to local people, describe how this will make a difference to their lives, invite them to join the government of Britain. We have just a few weeks until the most important election for a generation. If we succeed together on May 6th, then together we can apply the Conservative beliefs and values our country is crying out for."

David Cameron 13th April 2010

Please look at it, pass it on.

Gadget's Election Thought For Today

One challenge that our society faces in helping young people live useful, meaningful lives is to help them see the benefits of contributing, Gadget talks from personal experience about the decisions that many have faced and got involved in their communities and some have not.

Government has to get young people involved and working.

Having just had this experience locally where youths did a bit of DIY arson it seems clear that we have growing numbers who neither care nor contribute but are only too keen to benefit when and where they can.

Building a Big Society not Big Government

Many people that I have met who follow this site have been asking for me to add more of the national policy documents so that you can see what Conservatives are standing up for.

Building a Big Society is at the heart of the Conservative Party's vision for change. The Big Society is a society with much higher levels of personal, professional, civic and corporate responsibility; a society where people come together to solve problems and improve life for themselves and improve their communities; a society where the leading force for progress is social responsibility, not state control.

To read more, click on the image below.

Rolling back the powers of Big Brother

Caroline Spelman, the Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, has called for a ban on state snoopers and clipboard inspectors from entering homes.

There have been over 587 new powers of entry created since Labour took control in May 1997 and a Conservative Government would set out to roll back powers that allow officials access without good reason.

"A Conservative Government will ban state snoopers and clipboard inspectors from entering people's homes on a whim", Spelman added.

"We will stand up for people who simply want privacy in their homes and liberty from Labour’s snooper state."

Pontefract Hospital - A&E promises broken?

At a time when people are expressing concern and distress at the MYH boards decision to give the new build smaller pfi the name Pontefract Hospital (acknowledging that using Pontefract gives it a local link) and that the name Pontefract General Infirmary will cease when the existing buildings are demolished. People seem to be unaware that other promises made about the future of the new hospital are failing to materialise.

A number of people have come forward to talk about the services that will be in place. Yvette Cooper's and Jon Trickett's promise of 9 out of 10 people receiving patient care, facilities and services looks to be coming unraveled.

Nick Pickles has more information about the A&E promises that are being broken here.

Well might the MP's for Hemsworth and Pontefract be seen in their stock picture outside the new Pontefract Hospital looking glum, promises of clinical reviews by Government Ministers seem like a smokescreen to buy time to keep people from reacting until it is to late. Our communities are unlikely to thank them if they have been involved in a process to lull people in to a sense of false security.

The latest emerging view is that a number of the specialist facilities needed for an A&E are simply not there and there seems to be no sign that they will be provided, that linked to pending closure of facilities in the PGI complex and concerns about MYH and B B's plans for the site, will leave few options to add or rebuild.

It seems MYH Trust may have also provided incorrect information to the public and to our parliamentary candidate when they talked of 120 beds at Pontefract when the inside view is that as a community we may have as few as 30 beds. Hopefully MYH will answer Nick's freedom of information requests in a timely manner and we will get a definitive answer.

As I have already identified in the issues log (right hand column) its called a hospital but the beds are in Wakefield and Dewsbury.

And the clock is ticking.

Has Labour really ransacked our pensions?

Yes, according to this article in This is Money it looks as though they have, taking £5 billion pounds from our pension funds each year since 1997 reducing the value of pension funds by £100 billion.

To quote the article:"Gordon Brown's last words on the matter came in staunch defense three years ago.

He said: 'It was the right decision for investment. It was the right investment for our pensions and the right decision for our economy.'

But the facts don't support his case. Help the Aged has reported that 2m older people live in poverty. Granted, this is a decline from 2.9m in 1999, but it's still a disturbing number.

And the reason is that the basic state pension falls below the poverty line. Labour's attempts to tackle this have created an unedifyingly complex credit system. Exasperating statistics show that up to £5bn in pension credit, housing benefit and council tax goes unclaimed by 5m pensioners each year – or 30% of entitled recipients - as many simply become lost in a mire of paperwork."

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/pensions/article.html?in_article_id=502626&in_page_id=6#ixzz0kefSP6ba Or Click here.

National Scheme ..A new way for young people to serve their communities..

David Cameron has announced that a Conservative Government will set up a National Citizen Service – non-military national service – for 16 year-olds.

National Citizen Service (NCS) will be a two month summer programme for 16-year olds, involving both residential and at-home components. It will be delivered by independent charities, social enterprises and businesses.

Later in the day he visited Sprowston in Norwich to see young people on a day with Skill Force.

A chance for many to start to take more personal responsibility, learning how to be a proud part of their communities.

Find out more click on the picture.

Where are the jobs?

Our MP has issued an election leaflet that boasts of her governments job creation activities. For those impressed by the claims they might find it helpful to read this article: Apparently nearly every one of 1.67m jobs created since 1997 has gone to a foreign worker This rather makes a joke of our Prime Minister's pledge of 'British jobs for British workers', and just confirms the weight that should be given to our MP's claims.

Somehow I think this is going to lead to other smoke and mirrors claims and threats to the electorate from Ms Cooper, some will believe, many won't.

Agriculture and Rural Business on the edge of West Yorkshire

Whilst Pontefract South has a predominantly urban population, it is identified in the West Yorkshire land use plan as having significant rural activity.

I know that amongst my readers/viewers there are a number who earn their living in agriculture and having had some questions asked about national Conservative Agricultural Policy, I am attaching an ISSUU link which will allow you to get a copy of the policy document.



As a local district councillor, I will be in touch with a number of people over the next couple of weeks linked to the WYP Rural Watch scheme so please say hello if you found this helpful, or not. Alternatively you may also wish to get in touch with Nick Pickles our Parliamentary Candidate if you have a specific issue or wish to offer help for the General Election.

Our Member of Parliaments voting record

For those who are trying to understand what Yvette Cooper MP has been doing since she was elected by the people of Pontefract & Castleford in the 1997 General Election. You may find it interesting to look at the things that she has supported or voted for in Parliament.

Once upon a time an MP could go to London, vote for who or what they wanted and probably, nobody would ever really know what they had been up to. In fact they could vote one way and say something completely different when they were back in their consitituency. With the wonder of t'internet, we can now see how helpful, or valuable they have been in supporting their electorate or not.

The Public Whip web site will answer all your questions and will even allow you to compare Ms Cooper with people who vote in a similar way. In this case Tony Blair 99.2% voting match and Gordon Brown 98.4% voting match.

For those that have wondered, unlike Lord Lofthouse her predecessor she may have not been much cop as a constituency MP (really good at Friday photocalls though). She has however been really very supportive of Tony & Gordon and that has worked wonders for her ministerial career... Have a look at Public Whip, here. I guess both she and Ed want to maintain their rise and lifestyle.

Fire Bugs torch play equipment - who pays? We all do.

Over the last three years, myself and other councillors in Pontefract, have been working with members of the public, to support a public funding initiative, that amongst other things, would improve play facilities for children in Chequerfield. The Pease field group, have been getting ready for a fun day, to open Pease Park in April.

A huge amount of work and effort has been put in. Some of which went up in smoke when a group of about fifteen youths set fire to a set of newly erected play equipment.

These poor, troubled and sad individuals, come from the same ilk, as the sort of pathetic, fire starter, that torched Carleton Community High School, in 2008, something that, has cost our community several millions to start to rebuild and which, despite sterling efforts from the whole community, touched the lives of the pupils at Carleton.

Once upon a time, people that set fires were treated as a menace to society and typically, could count on being removed from that society for extended periods. We seem to be more understanding of these youths, apparently supporting their desire to be famous, or to have a bit of fun, when they are at a loose end and fancy some casual vandalism.

I wonder how many hours of community service, if any, these charmers will get and whether we could get them involved, in some sort of community payback, or is that asking too much, of our legal system / their human rights?

Police have said, that they will patrol the area, I thought that they already were, but realise, that they are thin on the ground in this part of Pontefract, time that changed.

I think we could do with some sort of example here, can we have one?

Labours Betrayal of Working People

Our Parliamentary Candidate Nick Pickles has posted a telling commentary on the state of Labour Politics in this part of Yorkshire on the BlueBlog here.

The run to the election is just about to start and when/if Gordon Brown goes to the Palace tomorrow then people will start to see what the possibilities are for real change in this part of Yorkshire. Parliamentary change in a constituency that has been Labour dominated, some say oppressed since 1935 and a District Council run by the Wakefield Labour Party since WMDC came into existence in the 1970's.

Fire up the Quattro it's time for a change!

Fire up the Internet Campaign

The Conservatives have today launched a rebuttal of Labour's new poster campaign on exactly the same digital posters sites as the Labour ads.

Interesting to see that the first Labour poster campaign likens David Cameron to Gene Hunt, seems quite complimentary to me.

Read more on Nicks web site.

A good easter to all!

Gáudeat et tellus, tantis irradiáta fulgóribus:
et ætérni Regis splendóre illustráta,
tótius orbis se séntiat amisísse calíginem.

For some today is signified by the rustle of wrapping paper and the crunch of chocolate. For others there is also witness of the lighting of the paschal candle to symbolise Christ as light of the world and his presence in the midst of his people.

Whatever Easter means to you, may you have a good one.

Lions led by Donkeys

"Lions led by donkeys" is a phrase popularly used to describe the British infantry of the First World War and to condemn the generals who commanded them. The contention is that the brave soldiers (lions) suffered and in many cases were sent to their deaths by incompetent, unthinking and indifferent leaders (donkeys).

Now William Hague likens the British People as Lions and The Brown Government as donkeys in an interview given to the Daily Telegraph, the former Conservative leader tells Patrick Hennessy how Conservatives intend to undo the damage wreaked by Labour’s 13 years in power...Here

Department of Government Waste - New Report and Video

The Secretary of State at the Department of Government Waste is showcasing the Governments activity on the DoGW web site here. The report in pdf format and video of their achievements was released this morning.

Quite fascinating.

Went Edge - Secretary of State responds....And the answer is not an April Fool

We will now have to wait until June to learn the outcome of Bank's appeal. The Secretary of State has just issued a deferral of the decision and passed it to his replacement in the next Government.

That takes our MP of the hook, no awkward national government policy on industrial wind farms to cause her embarrasment.

For what its worth, I am not totally surprised. Whatever the future national government following the General Election, we will lobby hard to see that this untenable and simply wrong development proposal which Messrs Banks are pushing will be rejected.

In doing so we hope that the future Secretary of State will confirm the rejection by the Local Planning Committee. Acknowledge the huge concern and opposition across the communities of West Park, Darrington, Wentbridge, East Hardwick, Carleton, Chequerfield and Larks Hill on the South side of Pontefract and hopefully put a marker down as to avoid other applications that are simply too close to communities.

If that Secretary of State should be a Conservative, I hope that they will stay true to our energy policy (Copy at the bottom of this post), but that they will see the power of the case put forward by PWAG and the representations made at the public enquiry and simply reject Bank's inadequate and destructive proposal.

From a Conservative standpoint we question the value of onshore wind generation unless properly validated and accepted by local communities. As you will see in the document whilst off shore wind generation linked to an offshore energy grid will give a growing source of energy, wind is an inconsistent source of renewable energy and we will be pushing to get a blend of energy sources to give us supply security and address the future needs.

Time for a change

Quality of Life - A question for you.

I got into politics so that I could stand up for some fairly simple personal principles.

That big government tends to be costly, but not necessarily great. That taxpayers money is mostly more useful in their own pockets, and that any tax that the Council collects should be spent wisely, not just spent.

All that said, I also feel that if we can, we should try to apply the principle of betterment when we are doing “stuff”. So I have a question for readers, in your own view, what are the key things that the council does, that link directly to your quality of life and what 2 or 3 things that WMDC do, that directly impact you and could be done more effectively?

Please send me an email via geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or, stop me and tell me, when you see me out and about.

Thanks

Geoff

David Cameron and the Conservative Pledge to Pensioners

Nationally Labour activists have been painting dark pictures about what the future might hold with a Conservative National Administration. A series of threats to pensioners which David Cameron rejects completely.

DAVID CAMERON'S PLEDGE TO PENSIONERS

Specifically he says:

"The Government I lead will make sure that older and retired people are treated with dignity and given the quality of life they deserve. This is my pledge to support pensioners.
My Government will:

• Increase the value of the basic state pension for all pensioners and help to stop the spread of the means test by linking pensions to earnings. You won’t get a repeat of Labour’s mean 75p rise with us.
• Freeze council tax for the next two years, in partnership with your council.
• Make it worthwhile to save for a personal pension and get rid of the rules that force people to get a compulsory annuity.
• Help people protect their home rather than have to sell it to pay for care.
• Take all family homes worth less than £1 million out of inheritance tax.
• Increase spending on the NHS every year, which is our number one priority.
• Cut paperwork so we get more police out on the beat fighting crime.

Our opponents are trying to scare older people by telling deliberate lies about our plans. So here is a personal promise, from me, about the things we will protect.

• I will protect your Winter Fuel Payment.
• I will protect your free bus pass and your free TV licence.
• I will protect the pension credit.

These vital benefits will not be cut under the Conservatives. You have my word on it.
If he wins the election, Gordon Brown wants to introduce a number of measures which will hit pensioners. A Conservative Government will not penalise pensioners, as Labour are planning to do:

• We will NOT introduce a ‘death tax’ of up to £50,000.
• We will NOT cut attendance allowance and disability allowance for the over 65s.

We can afford to make these pledges because we have found the money from other areas, like cutting government waste and bringing forward the date at which the state pension age will rise to 66."

I am hearing of specific people who seem set to misinform as many of the elderly as possible in my part of the world.

To those who are being told tales of threat and gloom I say have a look at David Cameron's commitment to pensioners on behalf of the Conservative Party here.

Also see David Cameron's Q&A session with SAGA the national campaign organisation for over the 50s recorded on Friday 26th March

Advertising Standards Authority ban Government Pledge Advert

Legal, decent, honest and truthful. The four ASA tests that dodgy dealers need to work too. Well the Guardian is reporting that a series of television ads about the Policing Pledge may not proceed in their present form.

To learn more go here.

And to read Inspector Gadgets take on this go here.

Incidentally there is to be an official campaign across Wakefield to tell you that crime is down. Our local neighbourhood policing team are doing a great job, but even so its a bit premature to say that.

News from the doorsteps

Met a number of people today, who have been continuing to confirm their belief, that the existing Labour regime in Wakefield, have lost track of peoples priorities, or at least, do not appear to be listening. Interestingly, I found a growing number of people who, are also pleased to see that we have a real, local, parliamentary candidate in Nick Pickles who is standing against our existing MP.

There is a big job to do, as we head up to the 6th of May, there will be a real job of work to do, as we move forward beyond the 6th.

National Dimension

Follow this to WebCameron on YouTube to see and hear Conservative National plans and policies and to see Q&A sessions with David Cameron and members of the Shadow Cabinet

Intouch - News from your local Conservatives in Pontefract South

Over the last five days in addition to the posties,leafleteers, and deliverers of newspapers, operators of circuses and charity supporters, we have been delivering across Pontefract South. Our document has been the latest newsletter introducing Nick Pickles as Local Conservative Parliamentary Candidate and an update from me.

Now here is the online version.

George Osbourne Budget 2010 - The day Labour were found out

Budget Day 2010 and some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of the Conservative operation on Budget day 2010.

Labour's Transport Shame

The controlling group, for over 36 years the Labour administration in Wakefield, has allowed a 10 year backlog of maintenance work needed on our roads to build up.

In the recently approved council budget, no new investment was made into our roads in 2011/12 and beyond. During the recent bad weather, 75 miles less of the district's roads were gritted and cleared than in 2008 and there is a huge amount of work being done patching the same roads for a third, fourth or in some cases fifth time.

If elected in May, We are pledging to invest an extra £600k more each year over the next three years for fixing potholes and clearing and repairing drains.

This will be paid for by efficiency and ending council luxuries, like the leader's personal chauffeur driven car.

Ridiculous Public Sector Award Culture

As a nation we do have a tendency to spend lots of time trying to catch people making mistakes. We pay little attention to giving praise at a job well done and people look for other ways to get recognition.

There is a tendency in the public sector to look for qudos by engaging in and applying for awards to gain third party comment to show a job well done, in some cases for a thankless task.

That said I wonder about the people who applied for the award in this case.

Here is Inspector Gadget's perspective.

The situation was tragic and yet somebody seeks to benefit from it.

Absolutely ridiculous.

Issues Log

On the right side of this blog you will see a list marked issues log. These are items that I have identified, become aware of or are put to me by members of the community as important issues that need attention. These are over and above individuals casework items that I am working on which are confidential. If you have an item that you would like me to look at please either send me an email via geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com or contact me via this page.

Paper piling higher and higher...

Over recent years a lot has been said about how bureaucracy in the Police Service can often prevent police on the beat doing their job. While politicians talk about cutting the amount of admin load, what chance do they have when there are whole tiers of staff piling it high. Take a look at Inspector Gadget's blog entry "Unnecessary Police Bureaucracy Part 1"

We really need to find a way to break this circle and re-establish sanity.

Postal Votes for the May 6th local elections

Many people who travel, or for a lot of people who are not so mobile a postal vote is an ideal fallback.

If you think that you may not be able to go to a polling station on May 6th, why not apply for a postal vote, or if you have a question about voting?

Go to About my Vote. An information site of the Electoral Commission.

Former Labour Ministers fixing things for who exactly?

In the late 199O's I got the chance to see Stephen Byers and Patricia Hewitt first hand breaking up of a well established Science Research Council facility at Daresbury in the North West of England for apparent political advantage, when they decided to relocate the Diamond project to a Labour marginal seat in Oxfordshire.

At the time they firstly blamed it on partners Wellcome Foundation who apparently had a preference for the convenience of the M4 Corridor. Then when Wellcome said that they had no real preference they then blamed the French Science Ministry who were a potential research partner for expressing an interest for the project to be close to Heathrow for their speed of access.

Interestingly the French Science Minister refuted that saying that his scientists were more than happy to fly into either Liverpool Airport (25 minutes from the Laboratory) or Manchester Airport (18 minutes from Daresbury). Byers had his way and despite local protests the Diamond Light Source is now at Harwell.

He has previous according to the Tyneside based News Guardian

"It is not the first time Stephen Byers has been caught up in controversy.


* Mr Byers was heavily criticised for his part in the 2005 collapse for MG Rover, at an extensive cost to the UK tax payer, following the deal he advocated in 2000, with the Phoenix Consortium.

* In 2001, he angered investors by taking a short notice decision to put Railtrack into administration, leading to the re-nationalisation of Britain's railways.

* Around the same time it was revealed that Byers' political advisor Jo Moore had sent an email, on September 11 2001, suggesting that the terrorist attacks made it "a very good day to bury bad news".

* The following February, a leaked email from the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions's head of news , Martin Sixsmith, allegedly warned Ms Moore not to "bury" any bad news on the day of Princess Margaret's funeral, implying that she was intending to do so. Both resigned, but Sixsmith later said he had not agreed to go, and in May 2002, it was announced that Byers had announced his resignation prematurely, although he denied any wrongdoing.

* In 2006 Byers controversially suggested Gordon Brown should scrap inheritance tax in order to appeal to 'Middle England'.

* And during the recent expenses scandal, it was reported that Byers had claimed more than £125,000 in second home allowances for a London flat owned by his partner, where he lives rent-free. Allegedly included in his expenses claims was £27,000 for redecoration, maintenance and appliances for this property."

A class act, I don't think.

In my case I was so disgusted about the way that Byers & Hewitt acted over Diamond that when the chance arose to become more politically active I did.

David Cameron attacks Labour 'lies' over policies for elderly

Andrew Porter, The Daily Telegraph Political Editor's article reports David Cameron as furious that Labour campaigners around the country are telling the elderly that their free bus passes and winter fuel payments would go if the Conservatives were elected.

Full article here.

Pontefract Hospital ...Beds and now Parking ? Update

Having spoken with a number of members of the public its time to update the post here

What do you think?

Nick Pickles is campaigning on charges at Pontefract Hospital as Balfour Beatty start to look at their revenue opportunities granted to them under this governments PFI leaving the people of Pontefract to pick up the bill.

Candidate for Normanton

Introducing Jean Malloy our candidate for the Normanton Ward of WMDC. Jean is well known across the district for her involvement as a fund-raiser and worker with the Prince of Wales Hospice and for her other charitable involvements.

I wish her well, she will make a cracking representative for the people of Normanton on local issues like revitalising the town centre, working to bear down on anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance.

She will work well with Nick Pickles our Parliamentary Candidate on the emerging national issues that will impact on us all.

More information to follow.

Pontefract Neighbourhood Police Team in Action

Over the last year the local policing team have introduced a series of meetings where people can pass on their concerns and get briefings and feedback on actions taken. We have a good and responsive team in Pontefract who are really starting to make a difference.

For news, information and contact details go here.

There have been a number of thefts of equipment and instances of lamping taking place across the eastern side of the district. Officers are in the process of liaising with the Force Wildlife officer with a view to setting up a 'Farm Watch' scheme throughout the Pontefract & Knottingley area.

This scheme will aim to build links between farmers throughout the area and help in reducing agricultural crime.
Anyone who would be interested in registering to the scheme, Please ring 01977 601045 and ask for Aaron Riley for the Knottingley & Ferrybridge area and Nicola Charles for the Pontefract area.

Conservative Energy Security Policy

David Cameron and Greg Clark, the Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, have launched plans for the largest overhaul of British energy policy since the early 1980s.

With thirteen years of government, a succession of eleven energy ministers, and eight Secretaries of State with responsibility for energy, Labour has failed to take timely action to secure our energy supplies, meet our carbon emission targets, and ensure energy is affordable.

"We are setting out a Conservative programme for the long-overdue reform of British energy policy, Cameron said, "together with the actions we will take to mobilise the investment required to enact those reforms and our strategy for minimising the cost to consumers".




Or download a copy here.

Candidate for Pontefract South - That would be me then

Since being elected by the people of Pontefract South in 2006, time and life has flashed by in what seems like a blink of the eye.

On Thursday the 6th of May we have a local election due and I am standing for re-election in Pontefract. Things have changed significantly since 2006. There are now three Conservative Councillors representing the people of Baghill, Darrington, Carleton, Wentbridge, East Hardwick, Larks Hill, Wakefield Road and The Mount and in the last four years, I have had the chance to meet many of the people who voted for me in 2006.

People who wanted to see the Labour groups grip on Wakefield Council broken and who wished to see a greater commitment to getting things done and having a stronger voice in the Council Chamber and in the Council.

Now in 2010 we are still getting strong clear messages from people that they want to "see the back of that lot" and I hope to oblige by holding Pontefract South for our community.

2010 promises to be a chance for real change. With 32 Labour to 31 Opposition there is a real prospect of change. With 21 seats up for election we aim to hold those that we have, and with the electorate's support add to the numbers of Conservative Councillors representing the people of the District.

If you are not registered to vote but think that you may qualify, have a look at this on BBC3

For those who have already promised support in the weeks ahead. Thank you! Over the coming seven weeks I aim to get to meet up with as many as possible to answer questions and reconfirm priorities.

If any of you that follow my blog want to help deliver leaflets in your part of the ward or to help Nick Pickles with his Parliamentary campaign against Yvette Cooper drop me an email at geoff.walsh.npc@gmail.com

Hope to see you soon, probably on a doorstep or at a meeting near you.

Council Candidate for Altofts & Whitwood

I am pleased to introduce you to David Rudge our Conservative Candidate for Altofts and Whitwood in the local elections on the 6th of May. David wants to see the people of Altofts and Whitwood get a strong voice in the Council chamber and support the people and are where he lives. For those of you who live in the Altofts & Whitwood Ward, you have a godd choice there and a chance for a real and positive change.

Have a look at his website here

Pontefract's future? Updated

Pontefract an ancient market town with a rich history needs to move forward in positive ways, for many the Parish/Town Council debate has been a cause for concern, for others a distraction, you have until the 26th to lodge your view whether you want the additional layer of bureaucracy with the tax precept that goes with that or not.

The meeting on Tuesday night was helpful for many but there were few answers from the pro group about what specifically would be their platform so people could weigh up the costs and proposed benefits, on that basis it certainly seems that there were more against than for the Parish/Town Council. Our Parliamentary Candidate, Nick Pickles attended and you can get his perspective here.

On a different note, there is a 5 Towns renaissance meeting at Pontefract Town Hall Hall this evening, to review progress on the new Pontefract Master Plan and the Townscape Heritage Initiative. Now this whole process has been rumbling on for such a time that the word new is a bit faded and thin now.

I am aware that some of the funding bids are in, we will start to see further improvement works at the Castle immediately we get in to the new financial year and that there is a bid in to the National Lottery Heritage fund for funds to improve condition of some of the buildings in the conservation area and a review of conservation areas themselves for the historic ginnels.

We also appear to have a "blueprint" in development for Monk Hill Station.

However the economic climate seems to be slowing down decisions and we need to see some concrete actions and sooner than later.

Time to shift up a gear and get on then.

Blythe Spirit

Following a days meeting in Leeds to review aspects of new legislation about licensing and a meeting of candidates for the local elections on May 6th, needed to draw breath.

I had the chance for some quality leisure time at the Carleton Grange Centre where the Carleton Theatre Group are in the middle of their 4 night run of the Noel Coward drama Blythe Spirit. The cast performed magnificently it was a great night and I would thoroughly recommend a visit tonight or Saturday.

Having been a sponsor since 1995 I might be expected to say that but it really was a grand performance.

You can find out more about the group, or to book on line go here.

Town Council for Pontefract? Time to decide

Tomorrow evening Tuesday 16th March, in the Assembly Rooms at Pontefract Town Hall there is to be a public meeting to discuss the pros and cons so that people can put in their views on the formation of a new Town/Parish Council as we enter the final stage of the consultation.

I have written on this subject on a number of occasions, there remain a solid group of people who are concerned about an extra level of bureaucracy with tax raising powers and limited options in terms of the services that they can provide.

It looks like there will be many members of the public who will come along to express their concerns about this issue and hopefully we will see a clearing of the air.

As I commented on a previous post, there are six Pontefract District Councillors three South, three North who will in any case continue working to support the people of Pontefract and to ensure that we see improvements in the quality of life for people across the district.

David Cameron at Lewisham College

An open session with students at Lewisham.



Refreshing to see an open discussion and some challenging questions and good solid answers from David. Interestingly our existing Prime Minister when he is out and about seems to have have more micromanaged sessions.

Have a look, see what you think.

Freedom of the City of Wakefield

For the first time since the 1940s the City of Wakefield has granted the Freedom of the City to a British Army Regiment and I am proud to say that this was one action in the council chamber that drew a wholehearted response in favour.

The Yorkshire Regiment marks the bringing together of a number of Yorkshire based Military units by successive Government Defence reviews.

That said the resulting Regiment has been building its own rich history in Iraq and Afghanistan and soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment have been defending our interests.

So they will march bayonets fixed flags flying through the City this afternoon. The sun is shining, it promises to be a memorable day.

In the event there was a great turnout from the people of Wakefield who turned out to welcome the 3rd Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment. Something really to be proud of.

Why are you a Conservative?

A question posed to Nick Pickles our prospective parliamentary candidate.

"I was asked on the Pontefract Facebook group two questions, about why I got into politics, and why I’m a Conservative. Rather than clog up the group page, I thought it might make an interesting blog post.

To take the first part, well, first, why did I get into politics? I grew up in the Normanton parliamentary constituency, which before its abolition was the only seat to return a Labour MP at every election since the creation of the Labour party. An area that was once home to several pits, it would be fair to say it’s not your average Tory heartland.

Yet one thing I always got from the community, and my Dad, when I was growing up is that if you saw a problem, or someone you knew had a problem, there were two options: walk away, or roll up your sleeves."

To read more go to Nick's website here.

Justice? What Justice?

I value the perspective that Inspector Gadget shares about the political correctness and frankly barmy approaches to Law and Order in our criminal justice system. At a time when thuggishness seems to be the norm from many there seem to be no consequences for those who want to treat the public with contempt.

Have a look at this.

And then I saw this

Then something more local.

Are they reading this? ...................Pontefract Hospital Car Parking

In a recent post about the new smaller PFI funded Pontefract Hospital, I commented about Balfour Beatty taking charge of the hospital car parking and how they have previous for jacking up car parking prices. As an example I cited their price policy at Edinburgh Royal.

In an article in the Times here I see that there is huge stress caused by parking costs and availability on NHS premises. If BB are reading this please treat the people of Pontefract with consideration.

This is the year for change..

More and more on the doorstep we are hearing "Got to get rid of this lot comments".

Chip and Bin

Wakefield is one of the 60 plus authorities who are having chips fitted to recycling bins. I for one suspect the motive is to find another source of revenue by levying fines on council tax payers.

The Wakefield Express has an item here from a member of the public about the latest batch of bins that are being issued.

It is typical, but also a shame, that thought has not been given to using this sort of device to support and reward those members of the community who are working hard to recycle but so typical of this Labour controlled council.

This linked to the LGA's Labour group who have already shown their hand by talking about bin fines along with road pricing, house council tax re-banding and workplace parking charges gives an indication of the methods that Gordon proposes to deploy to gouge more money from our pockets so that he can waste it.

We will oppose ill-thought tax and spend proposals whilst looking to give the Council Tax Payers of Wakefield more realistic and helpful options.

Have a look at David Cameron's speech to the Conservative Councillors Association about value for money in your town hall.

Public blocked from Government Ministers "Public Meeting"

Why call a public meeting and block elected representatives of the public?

Phil Woolas, Labour Immigration Minister was in Wakefield Town Hall for a meeting with members of the public, media, Ministers, MPs, and Councillors on the 3rd and an announcement to that effect was placed in the Wakefield Express.

The only thing is that people attending had to show a photo ID and if you had that then you also had to have a personal invitation (especially if you were a Conservative Cllr or Parliamentary Candidate) to get access to a public meeting on the Immigration Agenda, disgraceful and somehow typical of this lot.

Read more here on Nick Pickles website.

Pontefract Conservative Club

We have suffered from a 36 year period of hard labour driven by the Wakefield Labour Party who have controlled WMDC since its inception in 1974. As a Conservative Candidate and now as one of the 23 Conservative Councillors on WMDC, I know how important it has been for us to have the support of the officers and members of our local Conservative Clubs. Pontefract Conservative Club is a great example and they have just added a brand new web presence here.

I am proud to be a member!

Budget set

Today a Labour block vote supported by a Lib Dem Councillor and five Independents voted through a 2.45% increase in the Council Tax levied by Wakefield District Council. They rejected a Conservative amendment that would have brought a smaller and below inflation increase of 1.95% that would have also put more funds into infrastructure, done away with the Leader of the Councils chauffeur driven car and his personal soapbox.

To read our budget proposals find Mark Crowther's detailed budget speech here.

On the day itself the Mayor imposed a limited time for delivery of the speech despite her giving unlimited time for the Leader and Deputy Leader of the council for their speeches and in doing so set a new standard, cutting across established practice of on this one day at least giving some sort of balanced approach.

So the people of Wakefield will be paying more from April and will also face changes to front line services including a stealth tax that will create a fly tippers charter.

Have a look here for a comment from a member of the public in the Wakefield Express, it nicely defines the difference in ethos and approach between our New Labour tax and spend controlling group and the real world.