Shhh...don't tell Guido...
Saturday 26th January 2008
11:32 pm
11:32 pm
Paddy kiboshed by Karzai
Karzai objects to Ashdown as UN envoy, reports Earth Times. I thought it had gone a bit quiet on the Ashdown Afghan front. 10:36 pm
Oops, not another one
Guido Fawkes draws our attention to a news report on Sky that alleges that Alan Johnson accepted cash for his Deputy Leadership campaign through a proxy. The Guardian website has more here. A comment on Guido Fawkes' site suggests that "Gordon Brown should call all of the candidates into a room and say: You have 48 hours to admit any mistakes you've made, and to make a clean breast of it. If you do that, you may - may - survive - in your job. If anything comes to light afterwards, even so much as £10, you will be fired ... 9:04 pm
Good news on unadopted pavements - Perth Road (Riverside Drive to Ninewells Avenue - South Side)
Last year, the City Council agreed to a two and a half fold increase in funding for the unadopted footways capital programme, something I had argued strongly for. This will ensure that we make real, substantive progress towards getting the poor conditioned unadopted pavements across the City up to standard over the next few years. The additional funding has already allowed for an increased programme in the current financial year (2007/8) including, in the West End, part of the pavements of Farington Street. I was pleased to learn that, one of the final projects in the 2007/8 year, will be ... 8:48 pm
Party shuffles: councillor quits Tories, Galloway quits Respect (sort of)
There were two pieces of party swapping this week: Stevenage Conservative councillor Marion Mason switched to UKIP. George Galloway quit Respect, announcing plans to run a new left-wing ticket for the London Assembly elections. At least, Respect said he’s quit the party, but he said he hasn’t quit the party. Which all things considered is no more [...] 
8:41 pm
Has Nick told Gordon his secret
It seems Gordon is being 'deliberately contentious' when deciding what to call our party in the House of Commons. During PMQs last wednesday he, again, strangely referred to us as 'The Liberal Party'. Perhaps he should read the previous discussions by Lib Dem bloggers and elsewhere, including Iain Dale. He seems to be ignorant to the fact that we are not the Liberal Party, the 'Liberals', or even the Democrats! He also seems oblivious to the fact that there is already a Liberal Party in the UK and that their leader is certainly not called Nick Clegg. When will someone ... 7:10 pm
Those keraazy creationist folk!
John Dixon links to a fantastic web page listing 100 quotes from fundamentalist Christians. I haven’t gone through them all, but my favourite has to be this one: One of the most basic laws in the universe is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This states that as time goes by, entropy in an environment will increase. Evolution argues differently against a law that is accepted EVERYWHERE BY EVERYONE. Evolution says that we started out simple, and over time became more complex. That just isn’t possible: UNLESS there is a giant outside source of energy supplying the Earth with huge amounts ... 7:08 pm
Iain Dale's Diary versus The Morning Star
Last Saturday, I bought a copy of the Morning Star and blogged about it. By spooky coinky-dinky, this week Iain Dale compared his blog, favourably of course, to the Morning Star, in connection with the Newsnight paper review. Under two titles, The Morning Star has been going as a daily national newspaper since 1930, and currently has a circulation of between 14,000 and 16,000, according to the 7:04 pm
Derivative again
When markets move lots of money is lost or made through the use of deriviatives. It does not surprise me that a number of large banks don't have a proper real time control on their derivatives situation. Technically this is actually more difficult than most banks are capable of. I would be interested in finding out a bit more about Soc Gen's losses, but it strikes me that they simply don't 6:50 pm
Staggering tale of financial illegality and drugs
Continuing on the theme of the farcical nature of the financial markets, it is worth reading "Wall Street Crash" in today's Guardian Weekend. It tells the story of Jordan Belfort, the "Wolf of Wall Street". Fabulously wealthy and drugged up to his eyeballs, Mr Belfort spun a web of financial illegality which would have made Robert Maxwell blush. He was eventually nabbed by the FBI. The Weekend 6:08 pm
Return to your regular lack of programming
A few of you may have noticed that this site had been replaced by a much more attractive picture of a woman and links to some shopping sites. Sadly, I’m now back, having discovered that my domain registrars seemingly didn’t manage to contact me to let me know it was renewal time. Which is a very roundabout way of reminding me that this site is now five years old. 6:00 pm
The Lion and The Unicorn: Gladstone vs. Disraeli
I have just finished reading Richard Aldous's book The Lion and The Unicorn: Gladstone vs. Disraeli. I thought readers of the aggregator might be interested, so here are some comments. Generally, the book is pretty good, although I would have to admit that, since it is the only book I have read on the subject, I have little to compare it to. Aldous has an easy style which kept me reading during 5:51 pm
We Do Like Europe After All
Nick Clegg will be relieved that an ICM poll in today’s Guardian puts the LibDems back on 20%, after several uncomfortable weeks bumping around in the teens. But in many ways more fascinating are the poll’s findings about the British public’s changing attitude towards the European Union. A full 58% of people interviewed think Britain’s [...] 5:29 pm
Vince Cable is descended from Sir Thomas More
Or so the Daily Telegraph claims today. In their profile Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson write: The "Cult of Cable" is sweeping the nation. His nine and a half weeks as leader of the Liberal Democrats were a triumph. The sketch writers loved his parliamentary put-downs - he famously made the Prime Minister squirm by noting his "remarkable transformation from Stalin to Mr Bean".MPs admired his willingness to take risks - he turned down an invitation to a state banquet with the Saudi King. The voters warmed to his unflappable manner.More on More here. 4:57 pm
The Westminster Hour: Sunday, 10pm
{Appearing on Radio 4's The Westminster Hour with Carolyn Quinn} I'm back on The Westminster Hour this Sunday: Radio 4, 10pm. If you miss the show you'll be able to listen again on their website. If you want to get advanced notice of my media appearances like this one, you can use the media events service at Flock Together. You've got three choices: Using this feed: or By email: register at FlockTogether and pick Media appearances as one of the categories of events you want to be emailed about. (If you are an existing Flock Together user you can ... 
4:56 pm
Labour Isnt Working
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it intends to close up to 19 Jobcentre Plus Offices across the South West. This is another pointless reorganisation that won't produce a single ... 4:56 pm
The Ghost Goes Gear again
It turns out that there are a couple of fragments of this film on Youtube. The first features the Spencer Davis Group themselves. The second features the St Louis Union and you even get a few seconds of Nicholas Parsons at the start of it. 4:50 pm
The farce of the financial markets
I have resisted blogging on the economic situation. I couldn't be bothered. Reprehensible apathy on my part No. When you get to a certain age, you have actually lived through the odd real recession of twain. The Oil crisis of the Seventies springs to mind - now that was a real recession - a proper brown trouser job. There are different definitions of a recession, but here's a reasonable one 4:46 pm
Staff Room Chat
Students seem to think that we spend our morning breaks and snatched buttie lunches talking about them we do, but only if they have driven us to despair or done something really outstanding. Usually we talk about our childrens birthdays, how long to the next holidays, the staff night out, how many points are in what we are eating and how one of our colleagues manages to walk so well in her 6 4:36 pm
ICM: LibDems on 20%
An ICM poll in the Guardian shows the LibDems on 20% and a marked increase in support for EU membership - 58% thought membership of the EU is a good thing as opposed to 47% in 2001. The gap between Labour and the Conservatives has narrowed to just 2 points (35% to 37%). But it's just one poll of course. Stephen Tall has a round-up of the January polls on Liberal Democrat Voice. 4:31 pm
Lord Bonkers' Diary: A traditional nativity play
Saturday Recent reports have suggested that the traditional nativity play is under threat, so it is with some trepidation that I arrive at the village school this evening. Fortunately, my fears prove unfounded and all the familiar elements are there: the carols, the shepherds wearing tea towels on their heads, the wise men with their gifts wrapped in bright foil and the lecture of the benefits of site value rating when there turns out to be no room at the inn. Even the Revd Hughes keeps his heckling to a minimum. 4:30 pm
A sign that the blogosphere is starting to have an influence after Labour appear to try and "set up" Guido
Dizzy has an interesting report highlighting that a number of left wing blogs, but more importantly, a number of journalists have run an rather inaccurate story today claiming that Paul Staines (aka Guido) has sent an e-mail which states clearly he is working hand in glove with the Tory party. The background to the story is that Paul Staines has probably done as much as everyone else put together to highlight what Peter Hain has been up to and he has, as a result been the toast of anti Labour bloggers and conversely come in for much criticism and derision ... 4:03 pm
Does your Mayoral candidate pass the 7/7 test
Wondering which way to vote in May’s London Mayoral election Allow me to suggest this simple test: Pick a candidate and try and imagine what they would be like handling a crisis such as 7/7. Actually, you don’t need to do that with Livingstone. Love him or hate him, he’s already done this: Brian Paddick Well, again, this isn’t a hypothetical as he was the Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief at the time: Boris Johnson Does the thought make you want to laugh or cry Harsh test though this may be, I think it’s a valid one. Share This 3:57 pm
Did the Labour Whips screw up on Friday
File this under geeky, but did the Labour Whips screw up on Friday morning Michael Fallon's private members bill on planning and energy passed its second reading in the Commons 45 votes to 0. Not all that surprising you may think, after all all the parties now (officially at least) support renewable energy, which Fallon's bill professes to promote. But the Minister responding to the debate ( 3:50 pm
Top 100 fundamentalist Christian quotes
This web page is awesome! They all come from Christian chat rooms, here are some of my favorites, at times I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I am a bit troubled. I believe my son has a girlfriend, because she left a dirty magazine with men in it under his bed. My son is only 16 and I really don't think he's ready to date yet. What's worse is that he's sneaking some girl to his room behind my back. I need help, God! I want my son to stop being so secretive! Linda, Good news prayer room ... 3:41 pm
Boris' office sponsor - a warning to Londoners
Boris Johnson has already established a firm track record of farcical bumbling. But today's Guardian shows us some of the slightly more questionable side to Boris. His choice of office sponsor, Shirayama, gives Londoners a clue as to what might be in store if, heavens forfend, he is elected Mayor of London. Do Londoners really want a Mayor who has taken sponsorship from a large developer, 3:16 pm
Hatters snatch last gasp equaliser to deny Leeds victory
Leeds United's mini two match away excursion, to play the two clubs who were relegated with the whites at the end of last season, started with a visit to the depressing Kenilworth Road to play Luton Town, after a depressing week following the defeat at Elland Road by Doncaster. The Hatters had most of the possession in the first period of the game and United had to wait until the 12th minute to get their first chance. Tresor Kandol, from 20 yards out, lobbed a cross by Peter Sweeney over the Luton goalkeeper and over the bar as well. A ... 3:10 pm
Celebrities and MP's getter better data safety under government rules
The government, despite constant lies, knows that the safety of data on their systems is poor and have now admitted as much when it was revealed that celebrities, MP's and other famous people have to send their tax returns in by post due to concerns about the safety of the online tax returns. It is astonishing that the government should not ahev realised that by allowing a two tier system they are admitting that one tier of their system has a fault. But secondly, isn't it incredible that famous people and the rich and powerful are allowed to have a ... 2:55 pm
What should an MP do if they sign an EDM Encore
Well, well. It seems to be a trend. First we had Labour MP David Anderson signing an EDM (Parliamentary petition) against something but voting for it in Parliament. And now we have Labour MP Jim Dobbin who signed EDM 317: “That this House is concerned that the Government’s decision to withdraw funding from the institutions for equivalent or [...] 2:43 pm
Me and Brian...
Whilst I was in Leyton this morning, I was fortunate to meet Brian Paddick, Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor. Thankfully he didn't know who I was and obviously hadn't read my previous entry about his campaign so he let me have my picture taken with him. How I wish I had my hair cut an hour before I met him and not an hour after! 2:24 pm
Winning the hearts and minds of Leyton
I was over in Leyton this morning delivering another set of leaflets for the by-election to be held on 14 February. As many Lib Dem blog readers the election was called after the former Labour councillor was found guilty of lying about the former Lib Dem councillor Barry Smith in order to get elected, I have spoken previously how the London Mayor election seems to be about personalities. 2:04 pm
Kingston Maternity services 'least well performing'
I was pretty shocked to hear that Maternity Services at Kingston Hospital have been judged to be amongst the worst in the country. The Healthcare Commission has assessed all 148 NHS trusts in England, and used 25 different measures to arrive at their judgement. Kingston Hospital lies in the bottom set of 31 hospital trusts, which have been designated 'least well... 1:56 pm
My webcam of the weekend
It's here. I am glad to say that it was still on when I took a look just now. (And in case you are wondering what it is all about, see here.) 12:45 pm
Action for Kids visit
Fantastic to have this exemplar charity - which recently celebrated its fifteenth birthday - operating here in Hornsey & Wood Green. It now covers about seventeen boroughs and young people with a variety of challenges come there to work. They feel loved and supported and develop skills that can really help them. In that encouraging atmosphere they have even seen miracles - as when someone who hadn't spoken for years started to speak again. They also supply specialist equipment, chairs and so on to those who need it. Now the real problem for Action for Kids is that they are ... 12:40 pm
Local Government Association
The Local Government Association (LGA) does a lot of good work on behalf of Councils putting the Local case in front of Government ministers. There is still more that needs doing though. As part of the LGA they have boards that mirror the Government ministries. I am a Liberal Democrat member of the Culture, Tourism and Sport Board. At our latest meeting we discussed the 2012 games, Cultural... 12:39 pm
Action needed on Jacksons Lane
My colleagues Cllr Neil Williams and Lynne Featherstone MP have been busy again campaigning for the Jacksons Lane arts centre, which is in Neil's Highgate ward. The Highgate Lib Dem councillor and Lynne this week met with the Arts Council England. The centre is a highly valued community resource and Neil and Lynne handed over a petition to the Arts Council showing the strength of feeling locally. They were given an assurance that the many signatures collected by the Lib Dems would be taken into account. You can see the long record of action from local MP Lynne Featherstone and ... 12:35 pm
Vice President Oprah
In this not-altogether-serious clip from Letterman, Barack Obama gives his top ten campaign priorities. And the top promise Not just the a black person at the very top of America’s political system, but in news sure to depress John Edwards, he’d put Oprah Winfrey on the second rung down. 12:35 pm
Channel 4 political awards
They are being broadcast tomorrow night (Sunday), but were recorded during the week. So on Wednesday it was a matter of dashing off from a meeting with Nick Clegg and Brian Eno (who has agreed to advise the party on youth issues) to the recording - which was enjoyable. Having been nominated just after arriving at Parliament in the Rising Stars category (only done once per Parliament) and lost to Michael Gove, I can tell you that it is far more pleasant sitting there not having been nominated and therefore not having to have a camera stuck in your nose ... 12:34 pm
What happens in Estonia stays in Estonia
Except for Lembit... or How the next President of the US of A may be decided 10:42 am
What if Paul Flynn was right
A couple of days ago I took issue with Paul Flynn, Labour MP, who explained on his blog that most of the significant achievements in terms of world peace, fighting climate change and bringing an end to hated regimes around the world were in great part due to Peter Hain. The fact that Peter Hain has been replaced in cabinet by James Purnell, The Minister for Photoshopping and Doctoring Photos, led me to take a look through some historic conflict resolutions to see if Paul Flynn was right about Peter Hain's significant contribution to history. The first piece of evidence ... 10:23 am
Twerton High Street redevelopment
The planning application for 105 high street has now been registered at Bath & North East Somerset Councils planning office under application number 07/03748/FUL with an expiry date of 16th April 2008 by which time the council are required to make a decision on the application. The Proposals are for the Erection of a four storey development, following demolition of existing... 9:56 am
Where now for party funding
Tomos Livingstone tells us in today's Western Mail that party funding is unfinished business, and that if the Hain affair has one consequence it should be to force the parties back around the table to hammer out a better deal on reforming campaign finance. Alas, his otherwise insightful column offers little by way of solutions. Tomos is right that the Electoral Commission needs some other means of administering a reprimand to scatter-brained but not corrupt MPs, however that does not solve the immediate problem of how to divorce politics and the decision-making process from those who fund it, if indeed ... 9:48 am
The demon drink
It is likely that the current vilification of Ken Livingstone, and in particular the suggestion that he has a drink problem, is part of a general smear campaign designed to derail his mayoral campaign, however his excuses do give rise to further questions. In this Guardian article, Mr. Livingstone says that he was drinking whisky at 10am during a GLA scrutiny session, so as to help him 'fend off a cold'. Would this excuse be considered acceptable if an ordinary GLA employee was caught drinking whisky at 10am whilst in the office Just thought I would ask. 9:10 am
Something for the Weekend: My lovely horse
Welcome to January’s final Something for the Weekend, which comes this week from a kebab shop in Peckham. Fortunately it has wi-fi. And is hypothetical. In the Something for the Weekend closet today: the smell of Barack Obama; the fetishes of a Labour MP; the women playing with balls; and more! » Good Week It’s been a good [...] 7:50 am
Just how much financial trouble are Labour in
Really rather a lot it would seem, at least according to this week’s Tribune: LABOUR finance chiefs are making ‘frantic’ attempts to reschedule up to £14 million of outstanding loans amid legal warnings that the party is ’skating on thin ice’ in its financial management. Officers have been told in private talks with financial advisers that radical steps [...] 2:12 am
All publicity
...is good publicity Maybe not: "Jock bottom " Saturday January 26, 2008 The Guardian I never thought it would come to this, but I'm starting to feel sorry for that suddenly most benighted of species, the high school jock...He was a God. Not any more. Jock-stock has been terribly devalued in the last few years. ...Pity the poor jock. His day is done. Still, good job this one is a Jock and a wonk, and a Mac user I suppose! 
