Delivering for Britain

Dear Geoff, Today marks seven months since the General Election; seven months since the British people gave this government and this party an important responsibility: to deliver on our commitments for stability, security and opportunity for the working people of Britain. This year, we’ve seen more people in work than at any time in our history; more of our children starting university than ever before; more British entrepreneurs setting up shop than anywhere else in Europe. Because of your support, we are now able to deliver on what we said we would do in our manifesto – a plan for every stage of your life. We’re building a country that deals with its debts and lives within its means – taking Britain out of the red and into the black by 2020. We’re giving our young people the opportunity of the best possible start in life, with a million more children in good or outstanding schools, and the chance of a high quality apprenticeship or a University place when you leave school. We’re saying to those who get a job and work hard, that we’ll let you keep more of the money you earn. And to those who save, that we’ll help you buy that home of your own. We’re saying to working families that we’re on your side, by doubling free childcare and delivering a better, and truly seven day, National Health Service for you and your family. And we’re saying to those who have worked hard all their lives that you deserve dignity and security in retirement – so we’ll go on increasing your state pension and make it easier for you to pass on what you have to your loved ones. In all these things our aim is simple: a good life for you and your family. That’s what we promised and that’s what we’re delivering - holding firm to our pledges and paving the way for the brighter future people voted for. And let’s remember, as we work through our plan, that our goal is a greater Britain. Not just making good on our manifesto – but making Britain greater. If you want the same for you, your family and Britain then please contribute to our campaign. Together we can build that greater Britain. Let’s get out there and make it happen. Yours, David Cameron

Small Business Saturday - Shop close to home!

https://twitter.com/Geoff_Walsh_npc/status/670719546899218432

Lest we forget - a time for rememberance

Chancellor's 2015 Summer Budget in Full

Time to see changes for the better..

Chancellor George Osborne's Summer Budget 2015 speech https://t.co/OImB4J8QzY For those who voted for a Conservative Government Thank you!

— Geoff Walsh (@Geoff_Walsh_npc) July 8, 2015

Summer Budget 2015

Today I will present a Conservative Budget - a Budget that puts economic security first pic.twitter.com/yQ8kD8nmo9

— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) July 8, 2015

Five Towns Conservatives

Wanted 24 Candidates to prepare to campaign and take over from the existing WMDC Labour councillors across the Five Towns.  Labour councillors who help shore up and act as apologists for the 41 year old Labour administration in Wakefield and who will be coming up for re-election in the next five years.

Worlds 5th Largest Employer - Who would have thought it?

The #NHS is the fifth largest employer in the world. An extraordinary #fact pic.twitter.com/aJD3N8ShfD

— Mark Fox (@MarkFoxNews) July 7, 2015

The Queens Speech

Dear Geoff, When we came to office in 2010, Britain was on the brink. Our task was urgent: to rescue our economy from the mire. With that economy now going in the right direction, we are once again on the brink - but this time, on the brink of something special. We have a golden opportunity to renew the idea that working people are backed in this country; to renew the promise to those least fortunate that they will have the opportunity for a brighter future; and to renew the ties that bind every part of our United Kingdom. We now have the mandate to deliver that renewal. And it starts with today's Queen's Speech: a clear programme for working people, social justice, and bringing our country together - put simply, a One Nation Queen's Speech from a One Nation Government. The first task of a One Nation Government is to help all working people have security. And nothing is more crucial to that than a job. A new Bill will help to create two million more jobs this Parliament. That means there should be a job for everyone who wants one - in other words, full employment. To help people get those jobs, we'll train them up; three million more will start apprenticeships over the next five years. We will also reward work by letting people keep even more of the money they earn - for the first time putting it into law that the Minimum Wage is and always will be tax free. That will be alongside a five-year tax lock which means there will be no income tax, VAT or National Insurance rate rises in this Parliament. The second big focus of this Queen's Speech is championing social justice. That starts with education: a decent schooling for every child, no matter where they're from. Our school reforms in the last Parliament were bold; one million more children are now learning in good or outstanding schools. In this Parliament they will be bolder still: taking over and turning into Academies not just failing schools but coasting ones too, as part of our new Education and Adoption Bill; opening not just a few more Free Schools, but 500 more. Of course, there is nothing that embodies the spirit of One Nation and the cause of social justice more than our NHS, which is there for everyone, whoever they are, regardless of their ability to pay. So we will continue increasing spending on our health service, by at least £8 billion a year by 2020, and make it a truly 7-day NHS. We will also continue our welfare reforms that help people into jobs, reducing the benefit cap further, to £23,000. Our reforms will incentivise work - so people are always better off after a day at the office or factory than they would have been sitting at home. That's true social justice - not handing people benefit cheque after benefit cheque with no end in sight, but turning workless households into working households; the misery of unemployment into the purpose and dignity of employment; and the welfare system into a lifeline, not a way of life. Third, this Queen's Speech will bring every part of our United Kingdom together. Our legislation will make sure this recovery reaches everyone, from the oldest industrial towns to the remotest rural villages. Our High Speed 2 Bill will help bring our great northern cities together in a Northern Powerhouse that rivals the biggest cities in the world. For our different nations and regions to coexist as One Nation, people must have more direct power over the areas in which they live. So our Cities Devolution Bill will allow them to bid for an elected mayor, with far more sway over planning, transport, policing and health. We will have a Scotland Bill, a Wales Bill and a Northern Ireland Bill, and will put into practice our promises on devolution - making Holyrood the most powerful devolved Parliament in the world. Governing with respect means respecting the wishes of the English too. That's why we will address the fundamental unfairness devolution causes in England, by introducing English votes for English laws. And the UK will have more control over its affairs, as we bring forward proposals for a British Bill of Rights to replace the Human Rights Act. We will also legislate to have an EU Referendum before the end of 2017, putting the question to the British people for the first time in 40 years: the European Union - in or out. Underpinning all of this is security. With an Extremism Bill, an Investigatory Powers Bill and a Policing and Criminal Justice Bill, we will keep our people safe. That's our legislative programme. It's challenging but doable; optimistic but realistic. It's the bold first step of a One Nation Government - a Government for working people. And this is the Britain we're setting out to create: a Britain where you can get a decent job, have a good education, buy a home of your own, have dignity when you retire, and feel safe and secure throughout your life. In the last Parliament we laid the foundations for that; in this Parliament we will use them to build something special. We've now got the majority we need. With this Queen's Speech we're going to get on and do it - for every single person in this great nation. So - if you haven't already - please join the Conservative Party today, and play your part in everything we'll achieve together in the next five years. Thank you,

Thanks for your support in the Local Elections. We will get there next time..

Thanks to all the folks who have helped me over recent months in my bid to get on WMDC to act for the interests of the people of Pontefract.

3196 local people voted for me on the 7th of May. Thank you one and all. A number of friends helped me get leaflets and literature out and delivered. A number of people spoke up and vouched for me with their friends and their friends went on to do the same again.

It's a humbling feeling knowing that so many people took a hand.

Pontefract South had one of the highest turnouts with more than half of all people eligible actually voting. For the ones that didn't that's your choice and maybe you didn't see anything that you could relate to, or hear a point of view that made sense for you.

Perhaps we all need to try harder next time.

For the ones that did take a hand, good on you. Even if you voted for the other candidates.

If you see me around say hello.

Cheers and thank you.

Geoff

Tribal Politics in Yorkshire - Time for a change then!

In this part of Yorkshire people have often looked at Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford as really solid Labour heartland. As a result you see several of the Labour Party's key players taking shelter in "safe Labour Seats" in South and West Yorkshire.

Well times are  changing. Whilst it is not uncommon to meet people whose great grandparents voted Labour, grandparents and parents too because its the party of the..... whatever actually a number of people are expressing concerns about how Labour has lost touch. How Labour politicians have become rich as their supporters have struggled.

A number have talked about Ed Millibands socialist party in government but managed by Nicola Sturgeon's SNP and the impact of their spend spend spend plans.

More questioning people have started to look at other possibilities or choices. The outcome for me has been the welcome sound of people on the doorstep talking about their grandparents voting habits but finish by saying they intend to vote for me on Thursday. Or that they already have voted for me by post. Welcome and encouraging feedback, We will see how that works through at the count on Friday.

If you are one of those who are yet to decide or if you always have voted Labour. Take a day off on Thursday and vote Geoff Walsh for Pontefract South in the local elections and Beth Prescott for Westminster in the General Election. 

If you are reading this in Yorkshire or other English Constituencies and would like the benefit of a Conservative Government on Friday morning please make sure you exercise your vote and Vote Conservative.

"Lets finish what we've begun.." We have a "Positive Vision" for the people in our Country

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Hustings at St Giles, Pontefract tonight 24th April 2015

The Bishop of Wakefield will be conducting the hustings for Parliamentary Candidates for Normanton, Pontefract & Castleford.

Take the opportunity to see the candidates and hear their stance on your issues.

Doors open for coffee at 5.30pm, Questions to be submitted in writing using forms provided. Q&A starts at 6pm until 7.30.

See you their?

Those Tory Cuts that people are starting to talk about..

Those Tory cuts in full: Taxes down Unemployment down Fuel prices down Household bills down Crime down Deficit down #VoteConservative
— Daniel Hannan (@DanHannanMEP) April 15, 2015

Moving on moving up - Choices to make

This election is about the type of country we want to be. We can keep going forward with our plan, and build a country where those who work hard and do the right thing can enjoy a good life.Or we can go back to square one with Labour, who would put our economy and our future at risk with their plans for more borrowing, more debt and more taxes. SHARE our new video to let friends know.
Posted by Conservatives on Wednesday, 15 April 2015

Will Labour be able to resist the SNP? Look at the personalities involved.

Experts say 'A Labour-SNP deal would mean chaos for Britain & you’ll pay for it'. https://t.co/pcDsQrmMHL
— Lady Durrant (@LadyDurrant) April 15, 2015

Conservative Party Manifesto - Delivering a secure future

Delivering a secure future

pic.twitter.com/OxKBIErlpb
— Royston Smith (@Royston_Smith) April 14, 2015

Download of Manifesto available here

Your local Conservative team for Normanton Pontefract and Castleford

UPDATE 2016 Team here

Between now and the 7th of May in addition to the parliamentary candidates you are also likely to be getting a variety of candidates of varying political parties turning up on a doorstep near you.

Our local team will be backing Beth Prescott who is standing against Yvette Cooper in the General Election. The local candidates who hope to serve as your representatives on Wakefield Metropolitan District Council are :

Geoff Walsh - Pontefract South (that would be me then).
Chris Speight - Pontefract North
Anthony Hill - Altofts and Whitwood
Jean Molloy - Normanton
Amy Swift - Airedale and Ferry Fryston
Eamonn Mullins - Castleford and Glasshoughton
Rebecca Norris - Ferrybridge & Knottingley

As you see us out and about please say hello.

Please pass this on.  Its time that the people of Five Towns got their voice back.

Cheers

Geoff Walsh

A clear strong voice for Pontefract

So now its official, the Electoral Office have confirmed that the local candidates for the vacant seat in Pontefract South have been confirmed.

I am one of three the other two candidates representing the controlling Labour Group and a further candidate representing the Trades Unionist and Socialist Coalition.

On doorsteps people have been telling me about their concern at how out of balance things have been on Wakefield Metropolitan District Council since its inception in 1974.

Routinely decisions about Pontefract have been made in Wakefield by people who do not understand our town its heritage or potential. Really time for a change then.

We also have the refreshing possibility of a first class candidate facing up to Yvette Cooper. Beth Prescott has real potential and would be a great asset to the 5 Towns as our MP.

The best is yet to come - Dan Hannan

Unemployment down, crime down, taxes down, the best is yet to come says @DanHannanMEP https://t.co/cob8MJxDwz #VoteConservative
— Charlotte Kude (@CharlotteKude) April 1, 2015

On a doorstep near you...

Representation of the people act. Nomination/Assent forms. A little known bit of electoral law that allows people to stand for election. All over the country people are knocking on doors asking for electors signatures assenting to them standing for election.

One of the checks and balances in our electoral process.

Thanks to all that sign. Especially those that signed mine. Much appreciated.

Cheers

Town End - a work in progress

The yellow signs have been up since the 2nd of March and the queues are starting to build up. Apparently we are at the start of a 20 week project for Town End which will give us a mixture of roundabouts and traffic lights and even more lights to the stretch from Town End up Liquorice Way to Park Road and the M62 junction and beyond,

Doubtless we will see some change... there better be and for the better. After all the Cabinet Member for Highways says so.

Meanwhile I am concerned for the businesses that sit down at the junction.

If you do already use them stick at it please.

Cheers

Geoff

Out on the doorsteps

Since 2006 I have spent a considerable amount of time speaking to people across Pontefract South. As some people put it my recognition is high.  Over the last three weekends I have been out and about working with Beth Prescott our Parliamentary Candidate and there seems to be an emerging and positive trend

There have been a raft of  Labour leaflets and letters delivered by their activists in essence saying they seek to protect you, that they know better and there is a particular thrust about the NHS services and provision which simply is making people angry especially where Labour are asking that people trust them.

Can you trust Labour? NHS Lies & Scandal, Diabolical Economic Record. Not just last time, but every time they Govern! pic.twitter.com/10JJlwD8MB
— Stephen Woods (@Stephen_Woods) March 19, 2015

The NHS simply would not be safe in Labour's hands and there are all to many examples of an unthinking approach that has created huge local problems a number of which stem from our MP's time as a Labour Junior Health Minister as she pursued her career within her party.

In Pontefract people have been wishing us well.

Irritated by Labour's assumption that they have a divine right to rule on the local council based on the 41 years they have had control that actually the people of the district want protecting from Labour whims their false sense of self righteousness and the MP's absentee status,

There is a tough fight ahead to dislodge them but we intend to do all we can to support the people of Pontefract South and would appreciate your support through the run up to the Local Elections on the 7th of May and the General Election (yes 2 elections on one day).

When you do see me out and about say hello.

Cheers

Geoff

Moving on - Getting better

Post by Geoff Walsh for Pontefract South.

#Budget2015 - what the papers say: http://t.co/9h9FpHI13w pic.twitter.com/rmoDhuj0v6
— Beth Prescott (@Beth4Pontefract) March 22, 2015

A chance to do more, make more, see tough but positive change. Nationally and here in Pontefract South.

#Pontefract Relief Road causes Traffic Chaos - You could not make it up!

Wakefield council drop another one on the people of Pontefract!

Fresh traffic light chaos traffic backing up in #Pontefract Park Road as relief road opens to reduce congestion? #WMDC drop one and £5M bill
— Geoff Walsh (@Geoff_Walsh_npc) March 2, 2015

Take care

Why did we pick Beth Prescott as our Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford? - Heres why!

For people who have wondered about the merits of a young Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Normanton Pontefract & Castleford consitituency. Tune in to this link on BBC Radio Leeds http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02j8bzz at 2 hours 25 minutes in and listen to Beth Prescott for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford and she will tell you why. We heard her determination and commitment to the people of the constituency in her selection interview and she shone through. If you get the opportunity come and hear her debate with Yvette Cooper at the hustings meetings which should be taking place in April.

The people of this constituency talk of the qualities of our previous MP's and how they focussed on local people showing neither fear or favour when striving to get a result. We have had 18 years of our MP climbing her party ladder it really is time for a real constituency Member of Parliament again.

Please pass it on

Beth, good on you!

Once bitten?

It takes a certain kind of fool to trust Labour. pic.twitter.com/sspZjq04sI
— Bruce Everiss (@Bruciebabe) February 14, 2015

Out and about today with our Parliamentary Candidate, say hello when you see us

Off to campaign for @Beth4Pontefract Good Morning #Pontefract
— Geoff Walsh (@Geoff_Walsh_npc) February 7, 2015

Post by Beth Prescott.

Out this morning in Pontefract South, which I am working to represent in the local elections on the 7th of May, breaking the Labour monopoly, with Beth Prescott who is up against Yvette Cooper.

Thanks for the many kind wishes and encouragement.

 Its time for a change and we need to see things changed for the better.

Have your say on the 7th of May

Make your vote count. #RegisterToVote today! #NVRD https://t.co/ckyVkFT0Se
— Twitter UK (@TwitterUK) February 5, 2015

When in doubt Labour bill somebody, its their fault - Balls,Miliband its their way

It would help if the Ed's had any meaningful proposals for the deficit (whats that?) or for the economy.

A strong NHS depends upon a strong British Economy.

Mid Staffordshire Hospital patients drinking from flower vases to avoid dying of dehydration while staff ignored their plight  happened under Andy Burnham's watch as Labour Health Minister.  To make it worse he voted to suppress the Mid Staffs enquiry and still has given no apology.

Labour are no friends of the NHS just look to see what part our local MPs played in the shameful PFI that wiped Pontefract General Infirmary away.

English Votes for English Laws

Post by Geoff Walsh for Pontefract South.

Plan, what plan?

Post by Geoff Walsh for Pontefract South.

Another inconvenient truth for local Labour

What concerns do you have about voting Labour? (41% of Lab voters say they may spend too much; 44% say EM as PM) pic.twitter.com/4ymrF7yZrD
— Lord Ashcroft (@LordAshcroft) February 2, 2015

Speaking up for Pontefract

Back in May 2014, I challenged Pontefract's six Labour District Councillors to turn up the volume for the people of our town in their dealings with WMDC. There is little evidence of change and our representatives continue to follow the Party line and refuse to challenge decisions that may not be to the benefit of our town. Hence the traffic chaos on Park Road caused by "Box Boulevard", the steadfast refusal to address the pollution and congestion at Town End, even though allegedly the money is in place, and the delays in improving transportation like the much talked about Monk Hill rail improvements. The photo opportunities that our Councillors take advantage of are just that, typically they have had little or no say in the substance that affects our community they are merely jumping on the bandwagon of someone else's hard work. 

Our MP meanwhile is busily "weaponising" the NHS both  locally and nationally, Looking back at the last ten year Labour NHS Plan. they renegotiated GP contracts without provision for workable out of hours and weekend cover and wiped away facilities such as PGI with a PFI programme that we will still be paying for long after Pontefract Hospital crumbles. 

In the elections on the 7th of May there will be national and local decisions to make which could allow a much needed change of voice for Pontefract in Wakefield and Westminster.  Look closely at the promises people make and at their record and specific achievements. What do you want for our town's future, more of the same, the Wakefield Labour Party would be very happy with that, OR, people who will listen to what our town needs and do their best to affect a change?

Think on!

Gravy Boat or Gravy Train at Wakefield Met 321% increase again? Not if I can do anything about it!

It will be interesting to see how much money is siphoned off to pay Councillors expenses and allowances and what "the cost of democracy" will be following the Council Tax increase that the Labour Group are likely to vote through in February for the next financial year.

It will be worth looking at how many place men (or women) will get some sort of special responsibility allowance  or increase like the 321% (YES 321%) increase for one committee chairperson voted through in 2013.

Support my campaign challenge Councillors allowance increases.

An inconvenient Truth for local Labour

Whilst Labour concentrated on building an entitlement and benefits culture (with reminders from Yvette Cooper to get your claim in) the Conservatives have concentrated on creating the right environment for people to get on and gain by supporting private sector job creation.

Working to build a stronger economy, locally and nationally.

True Grit?

A word of caution folks.

I understand that there has been a significant amount of gritting taking place, especially last night. Today gritters will be out on some estates so that waste collections can take place. That said take it easy if you are out and about in Pontefract,Castleford or Normanton, Darrington and the outlying villages.

Gently does it with the throttle and leave plenty of space for maneuvering or to give you enough stopping distance. Try to keep your windscreens clear and the snow off the roof of your car so it does not whoosh down blocking your vision at a critical moment.

If you are on foot, footpaths typically are probably untreated, please travel safe.

Cheers!

January 2015 UPDATED Potholing in Pontefract from January 2014

I am out with the head of Highways on tour tomorrow morning with a view to him experiencing our reality and coming up with a priority list for road repairs / potholes in Pontefract South (Baghill, Carleton, Chequerfield, Eastbourne, Hardwick/Ackworth Road, Larkshill, Wakefield Road and local roads to East Hardwick, Darrington and Wentbridge),

I already have a number of specific locations and people have given me others on Facebook and out and about. However if you are aware of particular problems that I should consider including give me a buzz or send me a fb message with contact details. 

Lets not get to excited but I am going to see what I can get done. 

Geoff

UPDATED January 2015

Following on from my work in January last year, a programme of repair work was undertaken. Not by any means a complete programme and apart from fairly major work on Hardwick Road from the Railway Bridge to East Hardwick there were a number of local repairs. There are a number of areas that still need work.

When people make promises in the run up to the next election ask for examples of what they have actually done for our community.

Talk is cheap and some will tell you what you want to hear and promise the earth. Ask our six Labour Councillors specifically what they have achieved. Most of their publicity shots relate to projects run and funded by others or work that they have little or no control over.

UKIP make big claims but they have no evidence of getting anything done for Pontefract and for those who voted UKIP locally off the back of the European Elections their slogan was vote UKIP Get UKIP but actually the result was vote UKIP get Labour.

As one of my older friends says "Think on"

Britain leading the way

Post by David Cameron.

Building a Britain with Full Employment

Today the Prime Minister will outline the Conservatives’ second manifesto theme – building a Britain with full employment – with five clear commitments:

·         Encourage enterprise and back small business, keeping jobs taxes low and cutting red tape.

·         Invest in infrastructure to attract business and good jobs across the whole of the UK.

·         Continue getting British people back to work by controlling immigration and delivering a robust welfare system for EU migrants.

·         Reward work, help people into a job and lower the benefit cap.

·         Create 3 million new apprenticeships so young people get the skills to succeed.

We have had a tough few years as a country, but we are coming out the other side. We are the jobs factory of Europe – creating more jobs here than the rest of Europe put together – and are committed to building a Britain with full employment.

This is what that means in human terms: it means more of our fellow men and women with the security of a regular wage; it means you, your family and your children having a job and a better future.

That’s what our long-term economic plan means for you – and if you vote Conservative, we can stay on this road to a stronger economy. 

Like EVERY Labour govt before, in 2010 Labour left unemployment HIGHER (by half a million) - @Conservatives have got 1.75M MORE into work
— CCHQ Press Office (@CCHQPress) January 19, 2015

Vote Conservative - Vote Beth Prescott in the General Election and Vote for local candidates:
Geoff Walsh for Pontefract South and Chris Speight for Pontefract North, Amy Swift for Airedale and Ferry Fryston, Anthony Hill for Altofts and Whitwood, Eamonn Mullins for Castleford and Glasshoughton, Jean Molloy for Normanton and Rebecca Norris for Ferrybridge and Knottingley in the Local/District Election on the 7th of May. 
UPDATED 12th April 2015

Locally there is much to be done. Wakefield MDC over the years has carried out a lot of internal recruitment at taxpayers expense but has performed poorly in supporting local small businesses and the economies of the Five Towns. In other parts of the country even in areas that have faced industrial decline, local authorities have been much more effective in supporting local enterprise and generating jobs growth,

Wakefield has a way to go and part of the problem comes from the lack of commercial savvy that elected Labour members have to challenge and ensure money is well spent and leverage jobs growth.

We also are poorly supported by our local Labour MP who seems to be more about self promotion in the Labour Party than supporting our communities, its time that changed.

Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford - Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate

Delighted to pass on the news that we have selected Beth Prescott as our Candidate for #GE2015

You can find out more about Beth and her intentions here

We were hugely impressed at the selection meeting and the feedback from people who have met her is really positive.

If you meet her out and about please say hello!

Cheers

All the best for 2015

2015 will be one of the most fundamentally challenging years, peoples lives and possibilities are in the balance.

Post by David Cameron.

Over recent years many have chosen not to engage with the electoral process and the result has been 41 years of Labour control of Wakefield Council. In May seven local council seats and the Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford Parliamentary seat are up for election. It looks to be a hard fought campaign ahead and it is to be hoped that as many registered electors can find it in themselves to vote on Thursday the 7th of May.

I wish you and yours all the best.