Camden: LibDem defects to the Tories

A sad tale - Havard Hughes a former LibDem Brent councillor, long term member of the London Region executive and Camden's local party secretary has defected to the Tories.

Don't normally comment on defections but this one struck a deep cord. After being a LibDem for so long he finally WALKED after being shafted.

Most grassroots members follow the pecking order and don't really know how the wheels of power really work. It's a dirty game.

Mark Valladares has mentioned the London Regions side when the Chair Sean Hooker asked Havard to run as secretary against him. There's a master schemer on the Regional executive who stuck the knife in against him. The Chair's plot didn't work leaving an embarrassed Havard. But that's only part of it.

Having moved to Camden from Brent, Havard tried to make inroads but he came unstuck attempting to run for Chair against a popular incumbent. He should have waited until the legal term had expired and not gone in headlong before local members were more familiar with him. The final straw came when he applied as a candidate for Holborn and St Pancras. He only got a few first preference votes. Considering the amount of work he put in, it was a disappointing result for him. Since then he's gone to ground.

Only recently there was a comment spotted on Peter Black AM's blog that he had applied for the Tory PPC seat in Swansea West after joining the Conservatives.

That's when the shit hit the fan. Why the Tories is the question. Well in Camden the Tories share the power with the LibDems. Havard is a natural progressive political animal who works for the Electoral Reform Society and if not the LibDems, the Conservatives are a natural home for him. This week his resignation from the LibDems became public knowledge. It's rumoured that certain bods on the region are so annoyed they are looking to expel him so he can't rejoin the party at a later date.

Update: Over a coffee with one of the Councilors, was asked why I'd left out the final straw in my post. I wasn't sure at the time whether to mention it but what the heck. Apparently at the after selection thank you party, Havard's partner, a British muslim, asked why no halal food. The sick response, even if it was meant as a sarky joke, is not really printable. She resigned from the Libdems immediately. Can't really say I blame her. Would take a thick skin to ignore such an obvious racial slur and 'dirty' remarks about their relationship. The heated row this caused came to nothing. One would have expected an apology and at least a local party suspension. Havard is an upstanding guy - the whole fiasco was the final nail in the coffin.

Lembit Öpik, lucky so n' so

I'm never surprised about anything Lembit Öpik does. He's one of life's charmers. A lovely person - one of the few MP's I can honestly say I like.

After reading the latest hot gossip Both Cheeky Girls move into his country cottage in Wales couldn't resist a chuckle. Gabriela and Monica Irmia, his fiancee and her twin sister - WOW.

A LibDem MP with a difference - he certainly lives a news grabbing lifestyle. With huge media appeal he oozes self confidence. Wondering what he'll do next makes the party higher echelon very nervous. As long as the Welsh electorate continue to vote for him they'll only continue twittering behind closed doors.

My silent watcher

A neighbours cat seems to have found a place to sit in the sun -.the top of my shed. It's often sitting there contented for hours. He's gorgeous.

Such a people friendly cat it just kept staring at me when I took the pic then jumped down rubbing it's body against my legs and sat on my feet.

Saying sat down is really the wrong choice of words because on impact I instantly jumped up in shock. Something bit me. Well it will teach me to wear long shirts in the garden - a creepy crawly must have climbed up the lining and retaliated when I sat down. What an excruciating pain - tears came into my eyes. It lasted several hours.

A friend Jasmine came round to look at the garden. Supposed to be having a residents garden competition. Did promise to send in a pic for the flyer to be sent out to residents but the weather's been so dismal, the flowers haven't been smiling.

Had a quick lesson on pruning shrubs and tree to make them lush and thick. Have been doing it right but lacked the knowledge about diseased trees. Learned more in 15mins than reading anything from the web. She lives around the corner in a flat but has a fruit orchard allotment in Barnet. Imagine, travelling three days a week to attend to it. That's dedication for you. I've a promise of some greengages when they are ripe for picking.

Wonder how long before or if ever I'll see olives and oranges on my mini trees. Probably wishful thinking on my part - Not really sure the weather in England is tropical enough but at least the blossom is pretty to look at. Have been monitoring them carefully for bugs and other fungi things. Wouldn't like to have to cut them down. Don't want them to grow too tall either. Standing on a wobbly ladder with a lopper in my hands is not my thing - I'm a bit of a jelly.

From my window to the back gardens of the world, watched an elderly couple prune one of their own. They cut all the spindly branches to thin it out and trimmed the top into a nice round shape. Watching them take turns balancing precariously on the ladder unnerved me. Have I really got to do mine the same way when they grow.

Surjit Athwal can now rest in peace

Couldn't help it, on hearing the news this morning that the mother-in-law and ex-husband of Surjit Athwal have been convicted of her murder brought tears of relief to my eyes. Seems there is some divine intervention after all. Grandmother guilty of murder plot

I know Surjit's brother Jagdeesh Singh through a Hounslow Sikh pressure group. The story of her disappearance and so many conflicting stories blew my mind. Yes, I signed his petitions and helped circulate his flyers.

Over the years what happened to her has haunted me. Every time another so called 'honour killing' was mentioned on the news it made me think about her. How can somebody born in the UK go to India with her husband and mother-in-law for a family wedding in 1998 and just not come back. To disappear off the face of the earth with no contact within the family circle - it's just illogical. She wouldn't leave her children and her accent alone would stand out abroad like a sore thumb. Somebody must have known something.

From the onset it was believed she had been killed and those who'd planned it. Jagdeesh and his family have campaigned tirelessly over the years trying to get justice. It was felt the Foreign office wasn't taking much interest. There was even a suggestion that because she was Asian and not white there was a lack of motivation in getting to the bottom of the matter. The 'Justice for Surjit' campaign was set up to put pressure on the British government to do more to get the Indian authorities to thoroughly investigate her disappearance.

Jagdeesh met MP's and the issue was tabled before Parliament. With his campaign video, television appearance and May 2003 BBC documentary broadcast on Surjit's case, a huge reward was offered for information and pressure came from other human rights organisations. The family couldn't have done more.

It's because of her and others that families think they can get away with it. With more honour killings and the media attention they are now getting, the government seem to now realise something has to be done.

After all this time, Bachan Athwal the mother-in-law from hell has got her just desserts and is awaiting sentence. Who gives a damn that she is 70 and a Grandmother of 16. Let her rot in prison.

Update: According to Jagdeesh the sentencing date is 19th Sept. A Surjit memorial is also being planned.

Nigeria: Sule Lamido making waves AGAIN

In Nigeria there's not much in the way of social security payouts for the vulnerable. Most people who are disabled face a lifetime of begging just to survive. Sule Lamido, ex Foreign minster, now the Governor of his home state Jigawa, has managed to get a bill passed into law to pay them a monthly subsistence allowance - Jigawa House okays N7,000 monthly allowance for disabled

Sule in his capacity as Governor put forward the bill for approval. There's no doubt it has upset the apple cart. 'Controversy' should be Sule's middle name - that's his lifestyle. He's always had the gift of the gab. Can imagine the elite and moneybags will have tried to block it. Known as a radical, Sule's like a bull in china shop when he focuses on something. Now as a Governor, the final authority in the state, who is really going to try and stop him.

In relative terms, the allowance to be paid out to each person is not much but it could make a difference to the lives of some individuals. Not sure if it will stop begging though. Some beggars have turned it into an artform collecting more money than an able bodied person.

Situated in the far north of the country bordering the Republic of Niger, Jigawa State is not a wealthy state - how they will administer or pay for it is another issue but it's a positive step in the right direction. Leaving aside our personal differences - have to give him credit for this achievement.

George Galloway out in the cold

It was bound to happen at some point - Galloway ordered out of Commons

Respect MP George Galloway has been ordered out of the House of Commons as MPs debated a report which called for him to be suspended for 18 days.

The man can talk the hind legs off a donkey. After spending over an hour arguing against his suspension he was escorted out of the chamber.

One of the most colourful men on today's political scene we all know he'll be gearing up for round two. Spoiling for a fight, he won't lie down and take it - wait for the sparks to start flying. He's like a sore on a wound that won't go away. The saga continues - should be interesting.

Progress: Islington's PFI for street properties

My blogging has been a bit thin off the ground this past week. Probably won't be able to post much during the next few weeks either. Have to see how it goes. It is the summer hols after all - schools out. Besides I seem to have bloggers block - brain won't switch into gear. Have several half posts pending though some will never get posted now.

Thursday, Islington's reconstituted PFI (Private Finance Initiative) street property committee had their first meeting. Pleased to see some new faces. The local residents newsletter is about to go out with all the names of the elected members. Well it's an election of sorts. Don't really call it a real election because the number of people whose names were put forward weren't more than the seats available so sadly it didn't warrant a borough wide election.

It was generally agreed to merge the two forums 1 & 2 . Yours truly was elected chair for the next few meetings with the former chair of the old PFI 1 as the vice chair. Must admit it's morale boosting. I always like to keep to time but also to encourage everybody to have their say. Making people laugh breaks the ice. One of my pet hates is to have a clique of people, usually old hands, excluding others especially newcomers. Facing stone faces, it's off putting and a horrible experience. It's a serious committee with a lot decisions affecting PFI residents properties. We have to get it right and value everybody's input.

Two key issues worth mentioning. When is the official schedule of the PF1 programme going to be published.

PFI1 is up and running with the schedule of works published. PFI2 is progressing but the schedule needs some tweaking. Don't want to bore readers with the nitty gritty but finalising the leaseholders works involves a lot of legal wrangling. Some streets have more leaseholders than tenants.

Keep being asked when my street is to be done. Already got a gob-full from one of my neighbours. Originally it was one of the first on the list but it's been delayed. Got accused of saying what I don't know.

Updating residents handbook. The key issues in this involves ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR.

Most people think of this in term of kids and yob behaviour. The term ‘antisocial behaviour’ includes all behaviour that spoils other people’s
quality of life.

With old Victorian houses converted into flats, there is a slightly different set of parameters. A lot is really down to common courtesy and respect for one's neighbours. Sadly some people don't care and take great pleasure in intimidating those that do. Now powers have been put into place to make the official resident responsible for other members of their family.

Dogs barking, parties, loud music, verbal abuse, harassment and intimidation. People don't have to put up with it anymore. Good thing as some people think they can do and say what they like. It's important to keep a diary or a confidential blog. Unfortunately I've had trouble from one family who think they are verbally bully me into submission. Have developed a blase attitude - it's water off a ducks back and now as advised have a blogging diary going just in case.

Just received an email copy of the handbook to review before the print-run and distribution. Looks good - visually catching with quick reference tabs. So pleased that the format is designed in line with the suggestions of the joint meeting of the old forums. My only real moan about it is!! - For a more inclusive Islington, would have been nicer to see some pics of Islington north inside.

To be continued.......

Gordon Brown bouncing forward

So the results of the two by-elections are out - now fading into history. Didn't really expect the outcome to be any different. From the onset it was obvious that Labour were going to win Sedgefield and more than likely Ealing Southall. Never a truer punchline - Brown 'can breathe easy'

Elections are about winning and Labour won. That's the end of it. Not so for the LibDems - like a broken record they are still crowing about coming second and keeping the Tories in third place. Stiff upper lip and all that Tories shrug off by-election blow - under the circumstances there's nothing else they can do. Their whole campaign imploded in David Cameron's face.

LibDems should be true to themselves. Known to be the masters at winning Parliamentary by elections from a 2nd place start, what the THEY refuse to acknowledge is that Ming is the first Lib Dem Leader in 17 years who has failed. So the Tories didn't succeed but nor did they. You can play around with the figures as much as you want to boost party members/supporters morale but the reality is it was their worse by elections result against the Govt in 17 years.

There wasn't much public news about the Sedgefield campaign but on other hand the kerfuffle and dirty tricks news reports from Ealing Southall were most invigorating. Almost exciting.

Where do we go from here. The results seem to have fuelled speculation in some quarters that to capitalise on the "bounce" he has enjoyed in opinion poll ratings since taking over as prime minister Gordon Brown will opt for an early election. Now this would be interesting. Never envisaged I'd ever say it but so far Brown has not put a foot wrong.

Will the real Neville Collins please stand up.

Have been following the most amazing antics between Haringey's Neville Collins blog NJC and a spoof blog attacking him.

Couldn't quite make out what was going on and whether Neville was really the author of the second blog NJC Exposed or somebody else was writing it. Quite a farcical situation. Never before heard of anybody writing their own spoof blog - attacking themselves and their party.

The chair of the Tottenham conservatives, Justin Hinchcliffe on his blog Hunter and Shooter keeps a beady eye on everything LibDem sticking the knife in when he can. He's not very popular with LibDem Mark Pack who gets his knickers in twist every time there is the slightest criticism of the Haringey LibDems or the party in general. Mind you Mark himself is really no different - he loves to dig up the dirt on the opposition and create a spin angle. You can read many of his dry post's

Justin first wrote Lib Dem with two faces. Neville responded on NJC

When I got bored one day, I thought it would be a laugh when I set up a spoof blog called NJC Exposed… except I didn’t get beyond first base!
Tottenham Tory Justin Hinchcliffe and some other bloggers immediately smelled a rat, and failing to cover my tracks, I got busted!! Caught!! Found out!!

Justin followed up with a part two. Now it seems all hell has let loose for the SECOND time. Neville first blogging attempt Tottenham Hale Tales was savaged by the Tottenham Conservatives. Neville was in trouble so it was closed down. Shortly after his current one surfaced.

The shit has hit the fan this time around. The Libdem 'king pins' don't like people whose blogs have a little flavour. Mine has caused so much controversy but who gives a hoot - many party members still enjoy reading it and so do others. You get kicked to the kerb if you don't become a LibDem clone, follow the pecking order and obey orders. Criticism of heavyweights or any decision is just not acceptable. Least that's as far as the London Region goes. Have noticed that other regions don't have the same control freakery over their bloggers.

Camden: Liberal Democrats win Haverstock by-election

LibDems in Camden will be cheering this morning. They won the Haverstock ward by-election. A recent photo of him campaigning with Cllr Jill Fraser

Matt Sanders (Lib Dem) 1,160
Labour 1,000
Green 299
Conservative 213
Turnout 34.1%

Result: Liberal Democrat gain from Labour
Haverstock ward is a split ward so it's now two down one to go.

The make-up of Camden Council is now 22 Liberal Democrats, 16 Labour, 12 Conservative, 2 Green.
The seat gained had been held by Labour for half a century.

The so called 'Brown bounce' had no effect in Camden that's for sure.

The Tories came off worse - definitely no resurgence in this neck of the woods.

Update: Comment from Camden's famous Labour blogger. Not quite a case of sour grapes but?

Islington: A residents lucky excape

Gosh the heavy rain caused a drama a few houses from where I live. Early Saturday 30th June I heard a loud weird crashing sound. Thought a car had hit something. Looked out of the window, couldn't see anything so dismissed it. Out an hour later - passing the end house noticed the huge blocked of masonry arching the front door had crashed down. It was in large chunks completely blocking the entrance with bits dangling over the door.

Wow those blocks are heavy concrete, they've been standing for over 100 years. Could have killed somebody - a horrific thought.

Met a very irate Elizabeth, one of the tenants, some hours later. She told me she had narrowly missed being killed by the fallen masonry. She made the story sound very funny but in reality it's mind disturbing.

The three flat property is managed by the housing association Circle 33, not Islington council. I know Elizabeth reported the matter but I'm amazed that after over a week nothing happened. Everybody expected an emergency rapid response but up to now it's still lying there. Noticed some suits inspecting the damage last Thursday afternoon - five days later but that's all.

This past weekend Elizabeth told me she was to be interviewed by local papers. Can't blame her it's seemed the only way to get some speedy action is to shout it from the roof tops. It's a disgrace. Trust the Gazette for sniffing out local news. Least they're quick off the mark. The REPORT is factual except the writer has made it sound like it happened last weekend not 11 days ago. It will probably embarrass Circle 33 but who gives a stuff. They need to get their act together.

It's disgraceful that the company's representatives don't seem to have considered the other tenants and have left the masonry blocks and rubble as it is. In the basement there's a very elderly couple. The entrance to their front door is round the side and down the stairs. To get into their flat they have to carefully manoeuvre around the broken chunks of masonry. Must be contravening health and safety regulations -somebody should have used some common sense and shifted the blocks out of the way.

How do I know all this you might ask. I got to know him because of the garden. He took over the back area which for over 20 years he's lovingly tendered. After all these years it's now a beautiful model flower garden. He gives me plants from time to time.

Well tomorrow is Thursday lets see how long it takes before something is done.

Update Thursday: Least somebody has moved all the chunks to one side and bagged up all the rubble. Maybe somebody at Circle 33 read the Camden Gazette which comes out on a Wednesday before most of the other borough Gazettes.

Who has done the dastardly deed

Flaming heck, wouldn't like to guess how a PPC hustings result probe was leaked to the Waltham Forest local newspaper - Misconduct probe into Lib Dem vote

The juicy tit-bit was from LibDem Voice, it reads:

Two internal reports by the returning officer into the Lib Dems’ selection of their prospective Parliamentary candidate for Leyton and Wanstead have been leaked to the local press, which reports:

RULES to prevent postal vote fraud were broken during the election for the Liberal Democrats’ prospective Parliamentary candidate for Leyton and Wanstead, the returning officer (RO) has found.

Former Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Farooq Qureshi, was selected ahead of nearest rival Nasser Butt (pic above) to stand against sitting Labour MP Harry Cohen at the next general election.

The media story remarks : The revised count meant Cllr Qureshi was selected as the prospective parliamentary candidate by 55 votes to Mr Butt's 44.

In a letter to a senior party colleague, Mr Butt expressed concern that the RO was powerless to investigate his complaints in full and described the selection process as "tainted".
Cllr Qureshi said: "All the other candidates accepted the result. The complaints were investigated by the returning officer.

"The outcome was the same as on the night of the hustings, namely I was declared the winner. The candidate in question had the right of appeal but declined to do so and accepted the findings of the returning officer and the result."

Being very familiar with Nasser Butt it's not surprising he's lodged a protest. His sole aim in life is to be an MP by hook or by crook.

Put my hand inside a composter, Yuk

So hot it's like I'm back in Africa. Trotted along to a Composting workshop at a farm in the heart of Islington I never knew existed. If I'd not been given the address wouldn't have know it was there if I'd just walked past. Wasn't sure what to wear expecting to have to traipse around in all the muck. My idea was just to find out if I was doing it correctly. You never know, I'm a plonker at times - was expecting I'd made some mistakes.

Quite surprised to find it's not really a farm but a small animal and plant project for children - including a small farmers' market. Plants, including some exotic species in the dome, ( pic above), ducks, goats, rabbits and bees etc. With a lovely cafeteria and rest area all built by volunteers. They apparently started composting and collecting household garden waste long before it became fashionable. All the compost used for the plant areas is produced on site. There's a designated area with compost bins in different stages of composing. (see photos above)

Felt a bit of a middle aged twerp sitting alongside the other oldies - not to worry there were two flash young Aussies as keen as mustard who made it fun.

Seems I've been doing it correctly but what I didn't know is that it has to be left for about a year and it has to be turned over occasionally. Told that if it's maturing one can put a hand inside and it should be warm. With the required layering process, told my idea to put in all my shredded confidential letters was brilliant.

Struggled to get home in the heat. Later in the evening went to have a look. To be honest I've just been filling it up but haven't bother to see what's actually happening inside the composter. Well putting my hand inside thought I'd give that a miss. Yuk. When I did opened the top I was pleasantly surprised to see it only a quarter full. Got out my long-handled spiked weeder and turned it over. It was black and didn't smell. I was as pleased as punch. Next year won't have to buy any compost.

Now I'm considering starting a small wormery. Don't like the idea of having one in my house. Bit nervy in case they escape. A small one will do in the garden.

No need to guess where I'm taking Naim next week. He gets so excited seeing all the animals and he's a fearless soul. Must remember to take a loaf of bread to feed the ducks.

Virendra Sharma, what's so special about him?

Have been following the Ealing Southall by-election campaigns with great interest. At long last Labour have announced their candidate. He's Virendra Sharma a local councillor. What to say about him, after all the hoo-hah thought we'd see Labour put up one of their charismatic rising stars.

Don't know anything about him except from what I have read. His profile is VERY disappointing. I'm presuming that Labour are confident they will win and they have selected him because he is a home grown candidate who they expect will combat the local status of the LibDem candidate Nigel Bakhai .

In an area that has a high percentage of Asians, quite agree he has all the right credentials as far as the traditional Asian community are concerned. He will probably satisfy the die-hard Labour voters. But why couldn't they select a candidate with a little more sparkle about him.

By comparison the Tory candidate Tony Lit, is suave, charismatic and oozes confidence. They have certainly scored a blinder by selecting him. I don't know much about him either but from chats with Asian friends, his Sunrise Radio is the only station many of them listen to. Several close Asian LibDems have also made the same point.

Who will win the by-election is anybodies guess at the moment. The polls vary depending on which you look at. It is presumed Labour will win given the Brown factor and the respect the community had for the former MP Piara Khabra (deceased). However the Tony Lit factor will eat into both the Labour and LibDem vote and we may see some surprises.

We'll see what happens - Postal votes go out on Monday and so the very first votes will be cast on Tuesday. Campaigners know they are now the decisive factor in election campaigns.

Charles Kennedy who's been a naughty boy then?

Picked this tit-bit from Nich. Bloody good blog. Least he is not afraid to speak his mind. Noticed he doesn't keep getting kicked in the goolies because of his posts. But then he's doesn't live in London where all the powerbrokers are. Most who like to pretend everybody in the party are squeaky clean like a row of clones

Whatever next. Charles Kennedy caught smoking on a train. He broke the law and there's really no excuse for his action. But reading about his antics had me in stitches. Must have been desperate. Somebody should tell him to take some Nicotine chewing gum with him on long journeys. The problem is he is addicted to the cigs. Must be honest I got to know Charles more as a person because we always ended up in the smokers corner at events. It is the one place he wasn't surround by the minnions. Where he is the natural humorous Charles.

Least he's he's still making news and making people smile. He's certainly not ready to play possum yet and be buried.

Labour Watch blogger candidate for Sedgefield

As the selection info filtered through, Liberal Democrats : Greg Stone Selected for Sedgefield By-Election. Thought where have I heard that name before. Suddenly it dawned on me, he's the mischievous Labour Watch blogger.

Have clicked on the blog several times recently to find it is restricted to invited readers only. Was wondering what was so special about the blog for it to have restricted reading. The mystery is now solved. Know wonder, some of the posts and comments after the posts over the years leave much to be desired. Under the circumstances it's a good thing he hide his blog. The media have a sneaky way of picking up the trash.

Don't know much about him. I've only ever met him once at a conference when he introduced himself. But I wish him the best. He must know he can't win in Sedgefield but at least it will help in raising his personal profile within the party.

What's in a name, being pedantic to the extreme.

Had to laugh at Tom Watson's post questioning the legality of the Tory candidate Tony Lit. claiming he's not on the electoral register or doesn't exist. Tom's made a real chump of himself by not checking his facts beforehand. Now he's started a right cross - party rumpus. Others are adding more pepper to the pot.

Tony Lit's formal name is Surinderpal Singh Lit. He's apparently been registered and voted with that name since he was 18 years old. It was the Labour government who changed the rules last year so that a person can stand for election under their common name (the name they are known by). At the time I thought that a very sensible solution. Many people have ridiculous names given to them by their parents so commonly use all kinds of alternatives. As a Labour MP Tom's supposed to know these things before sounding off. He'd obviously forgotten about the change in the law and now all he has is egg on his face.

Lets be serious some people are making a mountain out of a mole-hill. What does it matter if he is called Tony instead of Surinderpal. Think most up and coming people would do the same. It is such a long-winded name and for many would be difficult to say.

We had this issue when Parmjit Gill stood for Leicester. Even my own son Sule has two names which he switches around according to the business or cultural climate he's involved with at the time. It still doesn't register to my ears when people refer to him by his Anglicised name

Some people are being pedantic to the extreme just to shit stir. The laughable thing is that most of them are 'white folks' who have no idea why names in many cultures can vary even within one family or can change according to circumstances. They expect everybody to have a forename, middle name and surname (family name) and that be set in stone.

Didn't expect such words from Nich - Perhaps then the Tories would now like to explain why it is okay then for the Tory candidate in Ealing Southall to be called "Tony Lit" on their leaflets when even they admit that he is registered as a voter under the name of Surinderpal Singh Lit.

Why should they have to explain to anybody? Why should he have to explain. What is all the fuss for anyway.It is just nit picking just for the sake of having something to say.

Lib Dems running secret poster lottery: Where's the evidence

LibDems are renown for plastering yellow poster around the place during election campaigns. They are churned out in the thousands.

Bit taken back to read one of Iain Dale's blog exclusive reports that the Conservatives are claiming the Libdems campaigning in Southall are paying people to put up posters - running a kind of poster lottery. How bizarre

The Conservatives alleged that the LibDems have been illegally paying residents, through a corrupt prize draw system, to display their posters. The LibDems are accused or organising a £50 draw for a poster seen in a window and £250 when that poster is on a stake outside a home.

Apparently last week, Grant Shapps MP wrote to Chris Rennard, the LibDem by-election kingpin to ask him whether he had any knowledge of the practice. Of course he denied it. He's also reported the matter to the electoral commission. That's serious.

It's a serious matter if true but the problem is I just don't believe it. Where's the evidence? The LibDems campaigning strategy is fixed in stone and this is not in the guide. They also don't have a lot of money and everything they have goes into campaigning literature. Given them credit where credit is due they are very careful about at least trying following the rules. Though at times they tread dangerously on the line.

Tribal politics and dishing the dirt on one's opponents is becoming the norm. It's tit for tat sometimes to the point of being absurd. When are political activist going to realise that all the negative 'dirty tricks' campaigning it a real turn of for the electorate.

However Grant Sharp is an MP and something must have happened for him to go the the extent of officially reporting the party. He's certainly putting himself and his party's reputation on the line. Wonder how this will play out.

Nigel Bakhai is LibDem candidate for Ealing Southall

Further to my earlier post - At yesterdays hustings predictably Nigel Bakhai was selected as the candidate for Ealing Southall.

In all honesty the whole exercise was purely cosmetic - cleverly contrived in Nigel's favour. As Nigel was the original selected PPC and is chair of the local party they should have left it at that. Can't see the point in the whole charade.

Following the official notice to all approved PPC's, several good Asian candidates applied and were interviewed for the seat. Most of them I know quite well. However I'm made to understand the the special by-election selection panel claiming not much time, reduced it to a choice of only two candidates for the local party members to vote for at the hustings. To keep within the party rules they selected one male & one female, Nigel & Munira Hassam. Under the circumstances poor Munira had no chance.

One has to congratulate Nigel because he is a genuine nice guy, a very experienced local campaigner but he's so gentle and quiet. Demographically this is an area of London that has a VERY high Asian, particularly Sikh population. Nigel is a BME candidate but as far as I'm aware he's not from a traditional Asian background. We all know the way some ethnic groups especially Asians tend to align behind one candidate when it comes to voting. Undoubtedly the party and bloggers will put a gloss on the whole campaign but being realistic, I'm afraid the LibDems won't do as well as expected.

Ode to an ashtray

Today starts the ban on Smoking in public places. Found this cool pic on the web. Have to mark it somehow. This morning somebody remarked that the large pub ashtrays may have some monetary value in the coming years. Got me thinking - I've got several stacked away for social events. Will hang on to them for a bit - you never know.

Update: New smoking rules in parliament. Wondered what they were going to do about the MP's because so many of them smoke.

In the eyes of a child

The last couple of days I was just being a Nana. Natasha dropped Naim off to spend a couple of days with me. Had an amazing time. Now he can talk, we have some wonderful conversations. He's also very good at helping me around the house.

He's very keen on my garden and all the creepy crawlies so I created some floral displays in some extra large flower pots for his mum to take home. Should have seen his little face, as pleased as punch, struggling to help me carry them up the stairs to her car.

He didn't bat an eyelid when she left. He doesn't forget a thing and was full of excitement knowing we had booked tickets online to see the Build it with Bob live show at the Science museum in London, the following day.

He was up late and awake the next morning with the larks. He's such an organised child, rushing here there and everywhere getting ready. Did everything he was told without question. He was worried that Robert would be late coming round. He even reminded me to put the tickets in my bag
We needed to do some shopping before going and he fell over rushing for the bus. Kept worrying me that we would be late. Back home a quick lunch and we were off. Not a peep out of him on the tube journey in all the heat and the crush of people.

Shame really, all the museums in London, I haven't been to any of them since I was a child. We arrived early so we could have a look round. The science museum was so impressive. Naim was fascinated by the old cars, trains, the hanging aeroplanes and the old space modules. It was difficult to keep up with him. Not a peep out of him queuing up for the BB show.

Inside the first room, I don't know how to describe the scene with the little children all as excited as Naim. All their little face lit up completely mesmerised. When Bob and Wendy came out the atmosphere was electric. Everybody was taken into the task room. All the children were divided into groups according to their coloured sticker. Each group was given a task to do. Naim is not slow in coming forward and sat right at the front. He found it hard to contain himself when his task done he had to watch all the others. Towards the end, needing to go to the toilet the poor boy started crying only because he was worried he'd miss something.

The toilets were some way from the show and he ran as fast as his legs could go and back again with nana in toe. I was puffed out. He rushed back to sit down in his spot without a backward glance at me.

Read in the literature that down in the basement was a special place for small children. It wasn't easy to find but it was worth the effort. It was a well organised and supervised adventure playground. What fun he had. We planned for a two hour day but we were there for 5 hours.

Whilst the B the B show is on, would recommend it to anybody who has small children. The cost of the tickets are reasonable and affordable by most people. A good family day out.