Ethnic vote from Chair of the Ethnic Minority Election Task Force

Earlier this week, my comment on Alan Beddow's blog gave him food for thought. He posted it later in the day as a main posting
Reflecting Britain - I knew this would provoke some comment, and concluding with:

Having said that, having lived for most of my life in a White middle class environment and worked in a young industry where equality is a given and never an issue, perhaps I am a little Naive.

The Posting from Susanne Lamido I thought presented a very good case that I shall consider. I have posted it here so it will get a wider audience.

A letter in this weeks Liberal Democrat News from the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Election Task Force (EMETF), Cllr Rabi Martins is a sharp reminder of the concerns of BME members

Rabi writes:

It is good to see the spirit in which the leadership contest is being conducted..open, frank and friendly.

Clearly all the three contenders have the capability to continue the work Charles started of building support for the party to maintain our postion as the real opposition and prepare us for even greater presence in the next Parliament.

The extended media coverage of the election is an opportunity to project Liberal Democrat policies to the wider public and give them real reasons to support us.

And I am particularly keen to see the candidates go that extra mile to reach the ethnic minority electorate because it will be difficult to make the breakthough in the next general election without significant support from this section of the electorate. That is why I make a special plea to all three candidates to state very openly how they propose to increase the appeal of Liberal Democrats to ethnic minority communities. This is particularly important as the many inner city areas where we hope to win council and parlimentary seats have very significant ethnic minority populations.

Needless to say this aspect of their campaign will influence the way in which ethnic minority members vote in this very important internal election.

We do have a serious problem with branding. Our party is perceived by a large percentage of the electorate as a white, intellectual middle class entity. Now is the time for the contenders and the party to take on the BME issue otherwise we will lose out to the other parties in a big way.

Reflecting Britain is waiting for a positive response from candidates. Many of our party members only pay lip-service to the problem and hope it will evaporate. It won’t because modern day Britain is a growing multi-cultural and multi-faith society. It is ironic that a quick round-up of all the Lib Dem blogs has so far revealed that only a few - Stephen's Linlithgow Journal, Quaequam Blog!, Biscit and Daves Knowsley Diary (sorry if I've missed anybody out) have considered the issue serious enough to add the button link to their blogs.

Footnote: Rabi Martin's letter has been posted with his permission

Simon Hughes campaign kicks off today.

The Campaign launch today kicks off with a sparkling new campaign website - Simon Hughes for Leader. There's a link from the site to - Simon's Campaign Blog which is also been linked into the Lib Dem bloggers aggregated list. Great stuff is expected.

People who may have the old link Simon4leader bookmarked or in their favourites list, will by Monday find themselves automatically directed to the new site.

The star behind the new site is IT whiz Rob Fenwick so we can expect some cool state of the art campaigning gimmicks.

The official launch in Manchester at 12.30 this morning was reported on Sky News.

After the media storm of the last few days, Simon was his usual self, commanding the show and is truly back on form.

He said:

I believe passionately in Liberalism, liberal democracy and our party.

After recent days, more than ever

This month we celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the great Liberal landslide of 1906. Two of the lynchpins of that great radical Liberal Government had Mancunian connections; Churchill was elected as a Manchester MP in 1906 and Lloyd George was born in Chorlton-upon-Medlock - although whether either one of their private predilections would have withstood the 2006 sort of news coverage that it's been my lot to face over the last 48 hours, I shudder to think.

I do not believe that that 1906 result was the last ever Liberal landslide. I believe that the Liberal Democrats have huge potential for winning big too.

We have regularly confounded the doubters and achieved, under Charles Kennedy, our best election results in generations. It is now time to aim for an even greater success in 2010.

This is a time for us to be confident, ambitious and outward looking.

We should not simply be thinking about holding on to what we have gained.

We should be looking to take new territory - as we are on the verge of doing so successfully here in the north west in general and Manchester in particular, and have done in so many parts of Britain in both national and local government.

Our liberalism is found at the grassroots in most of the communities in Britain, and has its strength in these communities even more than in the assemblies and parliaments of the United Kingdom.

This very venue - the City of Manchester Stadium - symbolizes so much of what our party should be about. If I may be permitted to indulge in some sporting metaphors for a moment ...

It is the Commonwealth Games stadium where I, with tens of thousands of others, saw dreams become reality - but only after years of preparation and effort.

Just as in the world of athletics, so in the world of politics, you get nowhere without commitment and ambition. Over the last twenty five years I have shown by example my commitment by campaigning the length and breadth of Britain, alongside fellow Liberals and Liberal Democrats.

As leader, I aim for nothing less than to inspire our party members and the wider public with a new vision of what a liberal Britain would be like.

No-one ever won a gold medal by standing still.

Everyone knows that under my leadership there would be no question of entering a coalition for the sake of a ministerial position.

Everyone knows that the first pre-condition of any partnership would be a properly representative parliament.

Because, for me, politics is first and foremost about values.

The other parties may change their values every time they change their leader.

We must remain true to ours.

The liberty of our people is what drives us on. As a human rights lawyer, I have led campaigning for thirty years against authoritarian governments, whether promoting ID cards at home or the oppression of apartheid abroad. I have always been proud to stand up for the rights of minorities and minority groups. As leader I will ensure that we NEVER sell out our principles for a cheap headline.

Think about the profound issues that will shape the next 20 years - the rights of freedom of expression, the balance between individual liberty and the demands of the national security state, the benefit of information technology versus the creep of government intrusion into personal data.

It is clear that never in my lifetime has Britain needed a liberal Liberal Party so much. When our values are at stake we need to ensure that our voice is heard - often that is the only way the powerless and weak get the protection they need.

But true freedom means a just and fair society. A country where the poorest pay more of their income in tax than the rich can never be seen as fair. We were absolutely right at the last election to propose a higher rate of tax for those most able to pay, to fund our priority programmes and to cut the tax burden for those on low incomes. I remain absolutely committed to this principle.

At the last election we campaigned to abolish taxes on learning and caring - tuition fees and personal care charges - and were open and honest about funding that commitment. That is exactly the sort of principled, practical and popular policy we should keep and promote.

But fairness is about more than taxation.

It is not fair that so many of our children leave primary school lacking basic skills in reading and writing.

It is not fair that hospitals are cutting beds and closing wards because they are in financial crisis.

It is not fair that so many of our citizens - women in particular - retire on hopelessly inadequate pensions simply because the caring work that they did through their lives is not properly valued by society.

My commitment is to a society that is both free and fair - it is not a case of either/or.

I want to see quality public services available everywhere, not just for those who can shop around for the best.

I want to see our schools, hospitals and police services genuinely accountable to local people for their priorities and their activities, not dictated to from Whitehall or by shareholders.

I want to see real investment in science, technology, infrastructure and research to help generate the wealth which will help to pay for these essential services.

And real wealth must mean sustainable wealth. I was campaigning on the environment before David Cameron knew how to spell the word. Successive governments have failed us on green issues, both at home and abroad. Huge amounts of energy are wasted every year in British homes and businesses. Yet the government seems to think the answer is to build new nuclear power stations I totally reject this approach.

Sustainability must be at the heart of our message.

A Liberal Democrat message which centres on the need to improve our quality of life, and not just the quantity of our output, will strike a chord with growing numbers of
people.

We can only grow safely and securely if we go about our business differently and better.

The Labour government is divided and running out of steam.

The Tory honeymoon will end when the contradictions between what the leader says, what his colleagues really think and what the Tories actually do become apparent.

Increasingly, the electorate will be looking for a party which knows what it believes and communicates its message far and wide - from village to town, from city hall to Whitehall.

A party which is ambitious for our country.

Under my leadership, the Liberal Democrats will be such a party.

A powerful message which clearly shows Simon is ready to take on the challenge.

Simon Hughes according to a Guardian/ICM survey

Interesting - The Guardian/ICM survey published today a public opinion poll - Panel of voters picks Hughes as runaway victor

Simon Hughes - not the frontrunner Sir Menzies Campbell - has emerged as the candidate best-placed to restore Liberal Democrat fortunes in a Guardian/ICM survey published today. As the three leadership candidates try to win the backing of party members in the ballot on March 3, Mr Hughes beat Sir Menzies and Chris Huhne among a panel of voters. Just over half, 51%, picked Mr Hughes, against 29% for Sir Menzies and 20% for Mr Huhne.

The poll also suggests that Simon is the most likeable candidate.

Mr Hughes scored best as a man who appeared likeable (35% chose him for this) and competent (33%)

The launch of the Reflecting Britain site has already caught the attention of the media - BBC News

Reflecting Britain site - thank you

Following the successful BME motion at the London Region's Autumn conference prepared by Mark Valladares of Liberal Bureaucracy, the Region has submitted a motion for debate at the Federal Spring Conference which has been accepted.

The website Reflecting Britain has been set up which explains some of the thinking behind the motion. It call on the Leadership contenders to address the gender and ethnic balance with 5 poignant questions being asked how they propose to address the balance to reflect the cultural diversity of modern day Britain. We need to know whether or not they will be voting for the motion to create a properly resourced Ethnic Minority Election Task Force. The existing EMETF under the Chairmanship of Cllr Rabi Martins has worked hard since it was set up 18 months ago but without resources it has been difficult to implement some of it's plans.

Not sure who are the brains behind it at the moment but I'm advised that James Graham -Quaequam Blog! built and designed the site. James, a big thank you from me personally. I'm wearing so many hats covering the whole issue and for many of us it's been a hard slog over the years.

There is a cool icon button on the site with a script which can be copied to other sites. Would like any blogger who supports the ideal to add the button to their own blogs. All members are also being asked to sign their support.

Whilst Simon Hughes played a big part in swaying London Region conference reps to pass the original motion. The new trimmed motion has key points which all candidates will be given the opportunity to outline their plans. It's time to stop all the talking - we need positive action.

Later: Good to see Stephen Glenn has set the ball rolling by also adding the site icon link to his site. The BBC has already noticed and reported on the site in their usual headline grabbing way. Lib Dems demand ethnic diversity

Thinking out loud

I always ponder how the grassroots members and the general public perceive issues. My thoughts were reinforced by my sister Anne-Louise over just how much the media play a big part in swaying peoples attitudes and political thinking these days.

She unexpectedly telephoned me last Thursday. I was quite chuffed to hear she had taken to reading my blog - she likes the personal stuff (wondered why I hadn't downloaded a picture of her) and has been following the leadership election which I honestly hadn't thought would be of much interest to her. Politics is one subject we have never ever discussed in any depth - our interests are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum except perhaps for gardening.

She astounded me by saying that after the shabby way Charles Kennedy had been treated by members of the party she had made up her mind before speaking to me that she wasn't going to vote for the Lib Dems again. Her depth of feeling disconcerted me. However, leaving aside the fact she is my sister, it has make me wonder just how much damage all the recent negative media reporting has had on the party. It is very apparent that we need a strong leader who will unite the party - the wounds are deep and scars will be felt for a very long time.The public must be made to feel that we are a refreshed party going places, under a strong leader who voters will feel akin to. I decide that for that reason I will go with my original inclination and support Simon Hughes's leadership bid .

Going back to my blog - Anne-Louise said that was also very put out by some of the anonymous comments. Of one she specifically referred to, she said if she had known the person's email, she would have given them a piece of her mind. Heavens! I thought - wouldn't like to be on the end of her tongue lashing when she lets rip. Anne-Louise is a gentle soul but when she gets a bee in her bonnet, there are no-holds barred. When something needs doing she is like me in the way that no stone is left unturned until a matter is sorted. She is also another people person like myself who gets involved - a good lecturer on disability issues.

Have to agree with her that some of the anonymous comments are annoying at times. I believe in freedom of speech but the rude, sarcastic or mischievous ones really get my goat. I've deleted a couple of very nasty ones recently. Ok, if some people disagree with me that's their problem not mine. Anonymous comments conjur up a picture of little men in raincoats hiding in corners. My comments have my name on them with a link to my blog - I couldn't careless what people think about me. Have to laugh at them sometimes as well, with so many names being the same I'm never quite sure, unless there is a web link attached to a name, who is writing anyway. My friend Rob was so annoyed about one, he responded in a way I would never of dreamed of - he's very protective of me so I left it as he wrote it.

Anne-Louise is going to keep a beady eye on my blog from now on and we can expect some rhetorical comments if it happens again. Good on her is all I can say. I hope some day she will join the Plymouth Liberal Democrats. We need people like her.

Well with my blog being looked at in and around Plymouth lets hope we get some more voters coming on board.

Back locally - my previous posting Light Relief mentions the murder of local boy Tommy Winston. It wasn't a random attack by a stranger but one of his closest friends who he'd known since primary school - a petty quarrel fuelled by drink and drugs that got out of hand. Told by locals the other boy killed himself out of remorse. Can't help thinking what a terrible waste of two young lives.

Much later today - having a chat with Pete one of my political buddies after he sent me an email prodding the old grey matter, saying he had been playing the marbles game accessible from the Need a quiet moment - Test your brain link at the top of my blog. He wrote "I got rid of all the marbles and it described me as a genius - which was nice!" - can't argue with that. Just pleased he found a few spare minutes. He's almost married to the party and never stops.

This evening - noticed from from a posting on Liberal England my blog has again appeared on this weeks Tim Worsell's britlog round up 49 along with several other Lib Dem bloggers. Jonathan says "Anyway, Tim Worstall's latest selection of the best in British blogging is in place". I like his choice of words, it's very moral boosting. There is also mention of the ongoing spoofing between the Leicestershires and the Darbyshires. It's sad end to what started out as a hilariously funny blog by the Darbyshires which became too intimate for some Lib Dem readers. There has to be lesson in there somewhere for people thinking about writing their own blogs.

Tim has sorted it in the nick of time but what's coming next?

Just about to post on my blog and noticed the Prater Raines news feed has suddenly appeared. Checked all my other PR site links and they're up and running - a sigh of relief all round.

With the way events have been playing out this week, I can lay a bet Tim & Co have been sweating cobs. If the down-time had gone on much longer somebody somewhere would have suggested that Chris Hulmes campaign was deliberately being sabotaged.

Now a rent-boy scandal about Mark Oaten is headlines in tomorrows News of the World. Feel sorry for the embarrassment this will undoubtedly cause his family - what a comedown from a great height. I'm more than annoyed that Mark could have had the audacity put himself forward as a Leadership candidate with such a shameful skeleton in his cupboard. Least he has done the honourable thing and resigned from the front benches but that's not the point.

After the wave of public feeling surrounding the departure of Charles Kennedy, I don't believe he has been thinking about the Party in anyway but rather more about his personal political ambition which has clouded his judgement.

He can apologise all he likes but I'm not inclined to accept it and I don't feel others will be so forgiving either.

Surely MP's can't be that naive and not realise the Party is in the public eye and the media will be digging for any dirt they can find on any of our Leadership candidates and front-benchers. My intuition tells me we can expect other revelations.

Where do we go from here?

So Mark Oaten has done the dastardly deed and withdrawn from the Lib Dem leadership contest. He openly admitted he didn't have much support from his colleagues - I wonder why? Leaving aside the issue of all the mysterious press leaks, to be fair to Mark, he had no choice. He didn't really have a chance. A leader in this day and age has to have 'charisma' and charm or smarm as some might call it. They have to possess a unique quality to woo the voters. Mark just doesn't fit into that catergory.

Where do we go from here? I feel the real Leadership race will be between Ming Campbell and Simon Hughes. The party grassroots membership don't know enough about Chris Hulme. The time is just too short to change opinion.

Ming will always be considered a senior statesman and is highly respected by all party members. He has many of the young rookie parliamentarians flocking around him. My concern is that he will hold the party together but nothing much will change. Then he will stand down after a few years and we will start all over again. Not sure either what impact his leadership would have on influencing voters especially in our inner cities. The Conservatives on the other hand may be uncomfortable if he was elected the leader - floating Conservatives could vote Lib Dem.

Simon is known to be more party / street-wise and is inclusive of everybody. He creates waves which makes some of the party establishment very nervous. Many don't like changes and try to exclude anybody who is considered outside the accepted norm.

I honestly haven't made up my mind who to support but I'm leaning towards Simon.

My main concerns are:

1. To have a leader that is credible to the public.
2. Can keep the party united (there are a lot of open wounds at the moment).
3. Will rebrand the party image (there is a need for an internal radical shake up).
4. Is both politically astute and street-wise.
5. Will stand by a decision and not change tactics midstream pandering to public opinion.

We have a sizable visual ethnic minority membership. Simon is the only key person who is really supporting their political progress, who is serious about changing the imbalance and getting them elected in target seats. Over the years there has been a lot of lip-service paid to the issue but nothing tangible has been done. Simon really makes an effort to understand some of their community problems and gets involved. In recent months he has been most vocal in trying to wake up the party stalwarts to the reality of Britains growing cultural diversity. He is more likely get the votes of this category of members.

The Labour Party would probably be nervous of Simon taking over the leadership because his style would attract some of their voters.

Where does that place Chris? Looking at the supporters list on his website, many of the names are white middle class highly educated members. He exudes the 'white male middle of the road brand', something the party has to seriously address if it's going to be perceived as a credible opposition force with a future running the government.

Leadership Campaign is turning nasty

A week ago I was told something in confidence about who was suspected to be behind the leaks to the Media about Charles Kennedy. A bit shocked at the ruthlessness of it all but since then I've been watching the leadership campaign with keen interest, quite confident investigative journalists would be digging in the background and eventually the truth will be revealed or something else would erupt.

With Mark Oaten's leadership campaign lagging in the polls, today's story in the Independent - Revealed: How Kennedy is supporting Oaten for leader is highly suspect.

It's most disturbing to see confidential emails from Anna Werrin (Charles's right-hand aid and the soul of tact) in the public domain. Read out of context, they could be construde to mean anything. Hardly surprising that Charles Kennedy's office accused Mark's team of leaking the emails implying Charles was backing him.

Then we have the Guardian story Police investigate Oaten campaign leaks

"Certain documents and emails were removed from my parliamentary office and leaked to the media without my authority, by a person or persons unknown between Sunday 15 and Tuesday 17 January," Mr Oaten said today.

Excuse me for being sceptical but the whole saga seems slightly contrived. Sounds like somebody is trying to cleverly raise their game.

To make matters worse, the early morning edition of the Times is calling the scandal Oatengate. I suspect we might end up losing one of our candidates.

George, the whole of the House of Commons is watching you so 'Rock on'

Everywhere you go these days there's talk of George Galloway MP. Whatever people may think of him, he's certainly making waves. Mighty great media waves and the country is watching.

The kids are fascinated by the program Celebrity Big Brother. Only today some of the college students asked me about him. I was 'gob-smacked' by the question, as if I know all MP's. Can't quite see any of our Lib Dem MP's in the house - correction, possibly 2 - only if they thought they could get away with it. Quite bemused to hear the students describe George as 'wicked' - seen that word brandished around a lot these days.

Rushed home to change and found the television on - Channel 4's Richard and Judy programme was showing. In my usual haste, couldn't be bothered to change over the channel - a cup of tea took priority. Cup in hand, checking my emails and in the background heard R & J say they were linking up to the Big Brother house. Thought, here we go again - the mischievous impulse made me just have to sit down to watch.

The celebrities were asked to select amongst themselves one person to take part in the quiz (verbal charades) You Say, We Pay to win money for their next week's food shopping. The criteria, somebody they thought was calm and would not get ruffled under pressure. I might have known, they unanimously nominated George. I was glued to the box wondering what to expect.

It was 'easy peasy' - a man obviously 'clued up'. He was shown 7 pictures and the two presenters successfully guessed (without looking) what he was describing so he won the maximum £140. He gave a professional performance and the whole episode was over in a couple of minutes. They weren't allowed to ask him questions about the House or discuss the happenings in the outside world though they gave him hints. Completely undeterred he returned to the House sitting-room as cool as he'd arrived.

Until today I hadn't realised the show was on every night - more fool me. Apparently it's claimed by all and sundry that it's compelling viewing. Noticed the newspapers and media reports that Channel 4's viewing ratings have gone through the roof - they say all because of George.

Tonight, I sat through it - took me some time to understand what was going on. The digs at each other, the vulgarity and washing dirty linen in public is not to my liking - I probably sound like a real prude. Did however notice that George remained composed throughout. I almost turned off but I was determined to see the antics they get up to (House tasks).

The finale was them dancing, all dressed up in rock n' roll gear. Almost fell out of the chair laughing seeing George in a leather bomber jacket, Elvis wig and sideburns. His turn to demonstrate his dancing prowess to 'Great Balls of Fire', Michael Barrymore just had to get in the dig "George the whole of the House of Commons is watching you so Rock on". He didn't react and just strutted his stuff. It was hilarious.

A thought flashed through my head - Mega headlines tomorrow. Well, with George still in residence the momentum is growing. It's taken a real shine off other more serious news. Don't think I have the time or I can handle watching it everyday but will keep my beady eye on the last ten minutes.

The BBC report says it all

The pre-arranged conference became the first official hustings for our 4 candidates. The BBC report says it all.

Lib Dem contenders address party

"All four Liberal Democrat leadership candidates have told party activists why they should get the job".

Listen to what they have to say:


Hughes launches leadership campaign 01:47 mins

Oaten enters Lib Dem leader race 01:59 mins

Campbell starts leadership battle 00:46 mins

Chris Huhne outlines his leadership priorities 10:19 mins

Gerontocracy - somebody's swallowed a dictionary

Yesterday's Meeting the Challenge Conference admittedly was supposed to be a meeting of minds but why can't some Lib Dems say things as they are and in simple modern English. The words used in the political arena are generally becoming so high-falutin and long-winded - for many people it's a real turn-off.

There was a discussion yesterday on how to get the Lib Dem message across to the public and engage younger voters. We all know the 20 - 30 second soundbite or the headline and first few bullet-points of written text determines a person interest - feel some of our party members often forget that fact. Some Lib Dems seem to have swallowed a dictionary and don't really know how to connect with the masses. The way many of them discuss issues actually sounds very patronizing. Wonder if many of them have even heard of reading ages or accept that the Sun or Mirror are the most popular newspapers.

I was a bit taken aback yesterday at one of the forums to hear James Graham use the rather archaic word Gerontocracy. Considering his youthful age and other members of the panel, it came out sounding more like an insult to the older party members in the room. It was repeated continually so it ended up sounding like a dig at some of the senior members opinions. I was in two minds to ask if everybody actually knew want the word meant, it was obvious from some of the blank faces they didn't. Kept quite because I don't know James well enough to know how he would react to criticism in front of other people - didn't want him to think I was 'having a go' at him in public.

The whole forum was a 'top-down' approach giving the wrong impression that there were millions of over 50's living the high life in millionaire properties. Gordon Lishman (Director General of Age Concern) was most vocal in trying to dispel this notion.

Talk about men in grey suits feeling they know best. What was glaringly noticeable yesterday was the absence of any woman on the platform and no visible ethnic minorities. I asked Duncan Brack (Conference committee chair) during lunch why? He responded that there were no women who readily came to mind that are good at public speaking. He was probably embarrassed by my 'blunt' question but what an insult to our women activists. There are several who are very able speakers I could think of at the drop of a hat.

At one point all the hands picked to speak were men. It wasn't until later in the afternoon after Sarah Ludford MEP got up and stated the obvious, that more women were invited from the floor to express their opinions.

There was the usual embarrassed responses but nothing ever changes. Good thing the press were only allowed to remain during the leadership hustings, otherwise some smart reporter would definitely have picked this up.

Back home watching the late news - highly bemused to see the undignified image of myself with Cllr Flick Rea (London Region administrator) leaning over selecting the sandwiches for our lunch.

To continue in another posting later....

Update: Reading James's comment - I stand corrected on who actually
kept emphasising the word and accept the gentle slap on the wrist - teach me to doddle whilst listening to a debate.

The main point of my argument is the use of the actual word. It is more applicable to a lecture about some African counties. Considering the reality of how millions of pensioners especially women are actually living in this 21st Century Britain, the idea that anybody could possibly associate such a word with British Society is living in cuckcoo land .

Check out James posting on the forum's debate - as usual most articulately written.

Mark Oaten 'kicks off' with a webcast.

Like a man running for his life, Mark Oaten is not wasting any opportunity to get his message across to party members. With so little time, he has turned to technology even before his campaign has officially kicked off.

Mark Oaten, presenting his case for leadership via webcast

Another story I've been following - Our flamboyant MP John Hemming bows out - he was really a non-starter - fun read while it lasted. He says,

I would like to thank those people who supported my campaign (even those who did it 'tongue in cheek'). It has been a fun campaign so far, but now is the end of this particular campaign.

Political watchers and many members have not really been taking his intentions seriously - sceptics will probably say it was nothing more than a publicity stunt. Thats as maybe but if nothing else, it's certainly raised his profile during the past week.

Liberal England mentions Chris Huhne has now launched a campaign website.

The Leadership issues has evoked passionate feelings and prompted many lasped members to renew their membership - they can't vote otherwise. Chris has wisely included a reminder on his site.

Only Liberal Democrat members who are paid up to date on 25th January 2006 will be allowed to vote in the leadership election.

Join the Liberal Democrats on-line.
Renew your Liberal Democrat membership on-line.

to be continued...

Chris's site has the names and pictures of the MP's, MEP's and Peers who are supporting him. This has given me serious 'food for thought' because some of those I'm quite close to on a more personal level have joined his team. It has made me wonder what is so different about him they would put their name behind his campaign.

Ming Campbell has launched his site with a link to a seperate campaign blog.

Lastly Simon Hughes with his site titled Energy, Passion, Experience is one to watch. His site also has a supporters list including those of ordinary members.

Well I've bookmarked these sites - I will definately be regularly visiting them during the Leadship contest.

Watching the rank outsider

I'm intrigued by John Hemming's blog. Since the weekend, there's a running commentary on what he doing to secure his nomination as a Leadership candidate. Not sure if he will eventually be a serious contender or even if he will be able to to secure enough endorsements from his parliamentary colleagues (he admits himself it's proving difficult at the moment) but his warts and all approach is certainly different.

His support site, questionably set up by his supporters Hemming's Way: John Hemming For Leader is more enlightening with several postings a day.

My first reaction was that he was only considering standing to ensure a challenge to Ming so as to force an election but now it's guns ablazing. Have noticed the media have picked up on his plans. Telegraph, Sophie Brodie's Business Diary, says "Colourful Lib Dem MP and entrepreneur John Hemming has been quick to throw his hat into the ring as a potential candidate for party leader". (Very apt description of him). Hardly surprising the bookies betting odds are 66/1.

He may be considered the 'Rank outsider' but if he is candidacy is successful it will certainly add some spice to the mixture.

Looks like the Meeting the Challenge conference on Saturday is going to more lively than envisaged with all the contenders likely to attend.

Light Relief

The funniest thing today - to see a backlink blog on my blog - Light Relief - couldn't stop laughing. Cool, somebody going to so much trouble about me - reads like it's a Lib Dem with a sense of humour.

Seems also to have amused Tim Worstall so much, he has listed my blog as no. one in this week's Britblog Roundup # 47 - that's an honour to be sure.

First up has to be this sent in from Suzblog. She spotted that The Honourable Fiend is back blogging. Which is nice, but she also pointed to this post where HF is taking this micky out of a certain LibDem style blogger. Nothing more British than being able to take a joke now is there?

The stupidest thing to see today - whilst flicking through the cable channels - noticed George Galloway(Respect) in his dressing gown. Realized it must be the Big Brother house's live feed on channel E4. I hate reality TV and to see him sitting there as cool as a cucumber was off-putting. Least whilst he's there he can't comment on the current Lib Dem situation. Wonder what his constituents have to say about it all. Strange to see an MP in that kind of environment.

The saddest thing today - getting off the bus at the other end of my street and seeing all the flowers in the road. Tommy, a former pupil from Ackland Burghley school was murdered last week. It's rather traumatic for local kids - last Friday, many of the pupils were seen carrying flowers to place on the spot. What a waste of a young life.

The most annoying thing today - Seeing all the recycling and food waste kicked and thrown in the street by late night yobs. The regular collection day is Friday which because of the hols was shifted to Saturday. Still they didn't turn up so it has just left one big mess all over the place.

A thought for today - With the media and their fondness for catchphrases to 'camp' politicians, if Ming Campbell does become the new Lib Dem party leader, the word 'Minger' will take on a new meaning - Quite sure those in his inner circle will be coined Mingers.

Later: Seem to have started something - already been asked the question. Are you a Minger?

The obvious sad end to a 'Great Man'

Over the past few days the country has been watching agog, as the extraordinary fast moving developments surrounding Charles Kennedy's leadership of the party unfold.

I've always been a Charles Kennedy supporter but his public statement over his alcohol problem at the enth hour before an expected ITN scoop, has really cooked his goose. Admittedly he was extremely brave in making the statement but he should have been more up-front about it in the first place. It was an open secret that he liked a drink (many politicians do - most late-night meetings end with a winding down drink) but the word alcoholic sends out a completely different message. He should have pre-empted the fact that once his former press secretary Daisy McAndrew joined ITN, his personal secrets would eventually be out in the open - when the media plan their scoops, there are no holds barred.

There are those in the party who feel that Charles's laid-back approach is not in keeping with the expectations of a leader of a frontline political party. There are concerns about the lack of positive leadership and direction the party is going, especially since David Cameron became leader of the Conservatives. An obvious ideological split between the left and right fractions of the party and his statement on Thursday about his drinking has given some of the new young MP's the ammunition they need to force his hand.

Charles is banking on the support of the wider membership - he is extremely popular but his parliamentary party know the man they are working with. Many of his colleagues must have mixed feelings because it's difficult to turn against an incredibly successful leader for the sake of the future of the party. It is obvious that nobody is willing to come out and stand against him at this time and face being vilified, so unless he does the honourable thing and resigns this weekend, forcing a vote of no confidence next week seems to be the only logical option.

This is all hugely damaging for the party - we have some critical local elections in a few months and the knock-on effect is unimaginable. One can picture the headlines of some local literature that would be put out by other parties - 'the party lead by a drunk'. Imagine the sarcastic comments doorstep canvassers would experience. What response could any party activist make.

Whilst personally I feel most upset by the way it has all played out in the media, Charles should accept the reality of the situation and bow out with dignity for the sake of the party.

Later: At 3pm, with a speech that touched the heart of all Liberal Democrats, Charles resigned.

Scotsman report - 'Blonde assassin' who was behind Kennedy downfall

Islington council leadership has been vindicated

Emails abound this morning - the news we have been waiting for - Islington council leadership has been vindicated and cleared of cronyism charges.

This morning an Adjudication Panel tribunal ruled that there had been 'no breach of the code whatsoever' in the Standards Board's case against five members of Islington Council. Councillor Steve Hitchins and four Liberal Democrat colleagues were cleared of all charges made against them by the Labour party relating to the appointment of Helen Bailey as Chief Executive of Islington Council.

The Tribunal report concluded that "We can see no basis upon which it would be open to us to conclude anything other than an entirely appropriate decision was taken on 22 July" and said of Labour's conspiracy theory "We do not accept that such a plan existed. No criticism can be made of the decision to appoint Helen Bailey"

Islington Liberal Democrats have always denied that there was anything improper about the appointment, and today those claims were supported as all five Councillors were acquitted of any wrongdoing.

The original complaint was made against Cllr Steve Hitchins (Council Leader) and Cllr Margot Dunn by the Labour MP and former Councillor Mary Creagh (Wakefield) in August 2002 immediately after the appointment of Helen Bailey as Islington’s Chief Executive by the Council’s appointments sub-committee and then Full Council in July 2002. It was later expanded by the Standards Board to also include Cllr Bridget Fox, Cllr Jyoti Vaja and Cllr Dorrie Valery.

The tribunal's report is very critical of the conduct of the Labour councillors and Mary Creagh - Islington statement released today - 5 Cleared in Standards Board Case outlines extracts from the report.

Standards Board press statement. The Guardian report refers to the costs of the whole case,

Mr Hitchens and his colleagues have run up £350,000 legal bill for defending themselves. The board's cost was £675,000.

What a scandulous waste of public funds and moreover the councillors have had to pay their legal costs from their own pocket.

I am absolutely delighted at the outcome of the case - now the Lib Dems can continue the job of improving Islington and winning a full slate of seats in the coming local council elections. Personally I'm relieved it's all over. As I commented in my posting last month Never ending cases before the Standards Board it has dragged on for far too long. I'm wondering if any Labour supporter will have the audacity to continue with their snide remarks.

It feels good to be able to 'stick two fingers up' to the Islington Labour Party and their councillors at long last.

Help! a giraffe is coming.

My new year has started with a bang - Some weird and wonderful comments have appeared on my blog the last couple of days. Not a clue who they are - sounds like they are 'two sheets to the wind'. Can't imagine sitting up reading blogs in the early hours of the morning but obviously somebody is.

Another night owl - Received a New Year text from Parmjit Gill (former MP Leceister South) at 3 am, wonder what made him think of me at that time in the morning. Received a surprise gift of luxury Indian sweets (yum yum) by DHL courier. Didn't think they worked on public holidays.

From early this morning, Arthur the tenant upstairs has had everybody in stitches. He insists he has been donated a giraffe, to keep as a pet. Not sure what television program he's been watching but he's obviously telephoned somebody in response to an appeal. When he's had a few, he completely mixes up reality and fiction - most of his waking hours to be honest. Arthur's been shouting out of the window every couple of hours formulating his plans for when it arrives. Marilyn tried to keep a straight face whilst looking after her dogs but it all got too much for her - she had to rush in so he wouldn't see her laughing.

My turn this afternoon - told me that he will be away next week and when the giraffe arrives, I should tie it up in the garden. Heavens! You have to mind your P's & Q's when he's like that. I gently informed him he needs to obtain permission from the council - didn't dare mention the RSPCA or WWF - he's apt to blow a fuse. His response was that you're allowed to keep one pet. He then asked how long before I am going to plant the grass seed because it will need grass to eat. In the meantime it can manage with the branches from Ann's overhanging cherry trees from next door. Somehow he's convinced all my back-breaking work in the back garden to clear the roots is to plant grass for his giraffe. Even my planned shed he insists will be ok for it's house. He's gone out now on the razzle so we will see what happens tomorrow. Hope the council put him straight. Never heard anything so daft in my life - goodness knows what he's been drinking over the holidays.