Archive for September 6th, 2008

Barbara Keeley Newsletter - Propaganda On The Rates

Now I try not to make a habit of referring to opposition literature on this (or indeed any other) website, as it is usually counterproductive. However, the latest edition of Barbara Keeley MP’s “Constituency News” has just dropped out of my Advertiser and I feel duty-bound to comment.

This edition of “Constituency News” like all previous editions has been paid for by the House of Commons Communications Allowance - so it is taxpayer-funded. This is allowed under the Labour Government’s £10000-per-annum (per MP!) Propaganda Communcations Allowance. I think in this instance I’ll let others be the judge. I’ve scanned part of the front page and reprinted it below. Do you think that this is a) a neutral newsletter that is worthy of taxpayer funding or b) a political leaflet which should be funded by Barbara Keeley MP herself or the Labour Party should they so wish?

The next Conservative Government will of course scrap this gross misuse of public funds. In the meantime, local residents can rest assured that any leaflets they receive from their local Conservatives will not be funded by the taxpayer (or the trade unions) and aren’t costing them a penny.

Salford Garden Party - Review

I had a very enjoyable afternoon at the Salford Garden Party. It was an excellent event - fortunately after the horrendous weather overnight it stayed dry and at times the sun even managed to appear.

Along with a number of other Councillors I was interviewed by Salford City Radio for broadcast at a later date - I’ll post further details about the show when I find out myself. I also deputised for Cllr Karen Garrido at the Big Ask debate, which I thought was a robust and interesting debate - I hope that the local residents present felt that it was useful.

Thanks to all the events staff who did all the organising and to the officers and community representations who manned the stalls and helped with the activities.