Lib Dems or Labour - Best for the City?

[Chris B]

The Daily Post is listing the following as potential candidates to take over from Warren Bradley as Lib Dem leader. Some will have to retain their seat on 5th May of course, but it does seem likely the new leader will be one of the following.

• Richard Kemp
• Flo Clucas
• Paul Clein
• Paula Keaveney
• Gary Millar
• Paul Twigger
• Mike Storey

Take your pick.

Link - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/...2534-28542373/

[Babaloo]

Bab prediction: it will be either Clueless or same old stor(e)y.

Kemp, Clein & Twigger =

[Babaloo]

Liberal Democrats probe Warren Bradley’s son’s membership of party

by TMNW
Apr 20 2011

THE Liberal Democrats are investigating whether the son of a suspended councillor – who claimed his signature on an election nomination form had been “faked” – was ever even a member of the party. Former council leader and ex-head of the Liverpool Lib-Dems Warren Bradley resigned on Monday after he found himself at the centre of a possible election fraud inquiry.

He has been suspended by the Lib-Dems while the party investigates. Merseyside Police have now launched an inquiry. An investigating officer has been appointed to look into the case and decide what action to take. Cllr Bradley witnessed an election nomination for his teenage son Daniel, 18, for the forthcoming local elections.

But the teenager said he did not want to stand and said his signature on the form is “a fake”. The revelation left Cllr Bradley, 44, facing questions as to who he witnessed signing the official paper. A Lib-Dem source said: “An investigation is now looking as to whether Daniel was ever a member of the party. Liberal Democrat constitution stipulates that in order to even run as a Liberal Democrat candidate you are required to be a member of the party.”



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...#ixzz1K32iB3OW

You couldn't make it up Is politics in the city so slap-dash or corrupt that Bradley thought that he could behave like this and get away with it?

He always struck me as very enthusiastic but out of his depth (Storey's puppet) but his behaviour in the last couple of years has become increasingly erratic and self-defeating (since the fallout with Storey?)

[cmw]

Jane, I normally agree wholeheartedly with your posts on this website, but have to take exception to a post you made on the previous page about studying a degree (particularly a Masters Degree). I came to Liverpool 10 years ago to study Geography -a subject I had a great passion for in college. I then went on to study a Masters in Surveying - whilst not being my dream subject, I managed to secure a well paid job in Liverpool as a result of such vocational study - something I had failed to achieve with my undergraduate degree.

The reality of now having to fork out £9k a year is absolutely absurd - do you honestly think it wise to encourage further study in non-vocational courses in this day in age if the reality is you will probably end up in a £15k a year job (at best) whilst being saddled with over £30k of debt? I like the romanticism of your beliefs, but the reality is far from that - I for one would never encourage study (particularly at Masters level) in a non-vocational course.

[openlyJane]

Not unless, as I said, you intended to stay in academia.

A vocational course is something else, as would be studying for a further post-grad professional qualification.
I would not want to encourage anybody to study for subjects they have no particular talent in, be they vocational or academic.

I think my point was mainly in relation to doing a first degree - unless you are passionate, then don't bother. If you are passionate about Geography or History or English Literature, for example, then go for it! If people just studied things because they thought it would bring financial reward, that would be a sad reflection of our education system. I get so disappointed when I hear secondary school-age pupils talking of education in only financial and materialistic terms; with no, stated, intrinsic love of learning.
Lots of these pupils have been led to believe that any post-compulsory education is the path to a 'good job'. They do A-levels that they are not suited to, or not bright enough for; they then go on to universities with low grade offers; often not even competent in how to structure an essay or conduct independent research. It is then, conceivable, that they then go on to do a masters degree.

Your continued study obviously paid off - but then your Masters was related to your first degree - and so provided a practical application of it. But to cast around trying to find a post-grad degree, as a way of putting off 'getting out there', is, I think, not a good idea.

[Matthias Corvinus]

Former council leader and ex-head of the Liverpool Lib-Dems Warren Bradley resigned on Monday after he found himself at the centre of a possible election fraud inquiry.

Wow, this is news. I saw him a while back on newsnight telling Michael Crick that his colleague was wrong to 'walk the floor' to Labour. Now he's walked out the door!

[Chris B]

From the Daily Post -

Liverpool chief executive calls police on Warren Bradley over election fraud allegations

LIVERPOOL council’s chief executive has referred allegations of electoral fraud against former city leader Warren Bradley to the police.

The claims relate to the nomination of Cllr Bradley’s son, Daniel, to stand in the Central ward of the city at next month’s elections.

The 18-year-old told the Daily Post the signature on the paperwork filed with the council was “a fake”, which led to Cllr Bradley’s resignation as Lib-Dem leader.

The Daily Post understands all the documents are to be handed over to the police, and senior officers are due to meet with city chiefs in the coming days.

The council’s decision to refer the matter to the police came after the chairman of its independent standards committee urged that a full investigation should take place.

Howard Winik, independent chairman of the committee, said: “The chief executive Ged Fitzgerald, as returning officer, is responsible for taking appropriate action against anyone accused of electoral wrongdoing, but these allegations are a cause for concern to everyone who has an interest in the council's reputation.

“I have been in contact with Ged Fitzgerald and the city solicitor, and have urged them to work with the authorities to ensure that the matter is promptly and fully investigated.

“The standards committee will, of course, be maintaining a close interest in the outcome.”

Under the Election Administration Act 2006, anyone convicted of supplying false information to an electoral registration officer could face up to six months in prison.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/...2534-28565150/

[Chris B]

From the Daily Post -

Liverpool Liberal Democrat councillor Gary Millar defects to Labour on eve of local elections

A SENIOR Liverpool councillor last night defected to Labour from the Liberal Democrats, saying the party was in a mess locally and nationally.

Cllr Gary Millar, who represents Old Swan, said “broken promises” of the Lib-Dems in the coalition Government and turmoil in the local party prompted his decision.

The Parr Street Studios co-owner will be handed the newly-created post of assistant cabinet member for business.

His defection will come as a hammer blow to the Lib-Dems, who are still reeling from Warren Bradley’s resignation as group leader and suspension by the party last week.

Cllr Millar was seen as a possible Lib-Dem leadership contender.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/...2534-28582241/

[Babaloo]

Saturday 14th May

A Rebel Rant with Derek Hatton

Derek’s back and he’s sure to provoke a debate! Derek became the face of 1980’s militancy as one of the ‘47’ councillors who took on Thatcher in 1984 and put himself on the line when surcharged and banned from office by the House of Lords. At the behest of Cameron’s Con-Dem Gov’t Liverpool City Council has just carried through cuts of £91m – the biggest in its’ history, part of a round of cuts that have provoked a national demonstration of up to half a million people. Derek will be ranting about the ‘good old days’ when Liverpool was prepared to stand up and be counted, asking – are the lessons of the 80’s still relevant today? Is Liverpool still a city of radicals?

7pm
The Black-E
Great George Street (next to Chinese Arch off Berry Street)
£8/£5 Available from The Philharmonic Hall Box office

https://boxoffice.liverpoolphil.com/...A-7B048A4661D9

[Medici]

Agent Provocateur

[Howie_P]

Liverpool appoints regeneration boss
26 Apr 2011, 15:31

Liverpool City Council has appointed Nick Kavanagh full time as director for regeneration and employment.

The council said Kavanagh, who joined the council last August as interim director for regeneration after John Kelly stepped down as chief executive of regeneration, will be tasked with driving Liverpool's regeneration forward, as well as boosting job creation and employment opportunities in the city.

Kavanagh was dividing his time between Liverpool and Knowsley Council where he worked as director of regeneration, economy and skills.

Mike Harden, deputy chief executive of Knowsley Council, is overseeing Kavanagh's previous role which includes projects such as the £200m scheme in Kirkby town centre by Tesco's development subsidiary Spenhill.

Liverpool City Council said Kavanagh has played a key role in initiatives such as the £350m redevelopment of the Edge Lane corridor, the establishment of the Liverpool Embassy in London and the £150m Project Jennifer regeneration scheme. The council also said he has played a major part in schemes which have created over 300 new businesses and over 500 new jobs in the city since 2010.

Kavanagh will be responsible for the delivery of Peel's £5.5bn Liverpool Waters scheme, working with the Government on proposals for turnaround facilities at the city's cruise liner terminal, and the redevelopment of the city's two Premier League football stadiums.

He will also be responsible for regeneration strategies such as the North Liverpool Strategic Framework, the city's approach to Regional Growth Fund and the core strategy element of the Local Development Framework.

Kavanagh said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be taking on this role, which for me is one of the most exciting and challenging in local government. I want to ensure that we keep up the momentum of our regeneration work and drive forward those projects which boost our economy and create jobs.

"In tough economic times, it's more important than ever that we do things differently and work more closely with the private sector. I'll be making it a priority to ensure that the council's aim to be more business-friendly becomes a reality. We want to be a responsive, can-do city which is attractive to potential investors as well as our existing businesses.

"There are large challenges ahead in the coming years, but we have many talented officers here, and I'm confident that by working effectively together, we can deliver great results."

Ged Fitzgerald, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, added: "Nick is a fantastic asset to the city council. He has a proven track record of delivering key regeneration projects and I'm sure his experience and skills will be invaluable as we take Liverpool forward.

"I'm very much looking forward to working closely with Nick to boost the economic development of the city, bring new employment and investment and minimise the impact of the recession."

Source: Place North West

[Howie_P]

26 April 2011 Last updated at 19:47

Warren Bradley: Police probe election fraud allegations

The former leader of Liverpool City Council faces a police investigation over electoral fraud allegations.


Warren Bradley is the former leader of Liverpool City Council

Warren Bradley stepped down as the council's Liberal Democrat leader last week after the fraud claims.

He denies allegations he put his teenage son forward for nomination as a council election candidate without his knowledge.

Mr Bradley is already the subject of an internal investigation by the Lib Dems who have suspended his membership.

Merseyside Police confirmed it had received an official complaint relating to an electoral fraud allegation.

Mr Bradley's resignation came amid controversy over whether his 18-year-old son Daniel was properly nominated to stand as a candidate in Liverpool's Central Ward.

The allegation is that Warren Bradley falsely witnessed the nomination papers which were not, in fact, signed by his son.

Mr Bradley has denied the allegation and is seeking legal advice.

The Lib Dems lost control of Liverpool City Council to Labour last year.

Source: BBC News

[Babaloo]

Former Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley claims he was victim of ‘dirty politics’

by David Bartlett, TMNW

FORMER council leader Warren Bradley today spoke for the first time since his suspension by the Liberal Democrats last week, claiming he was a victim of “dirty politics”. The ex-Lib-Dem group head claimed colleague Gary Millar defected to Labour because he was shocked by the way Cllr Bradley was treated over the election fraud row.

Cllr Bradley said senior councillors and the national party “manipulated” the allegations. He said: “Gary saw what happened to me last week. It was manipulated by [Lord Mike] Storey and [Richard] Kemp as well as the national party.”

Cllr Kemp recently criticised Cllr Bradley’s attack on the Lib-Dems’ role in the coalition government, while it is well known Cllr Bradley and his former mentor Lord Storey have not seen eye-to-eye for some time. Lord Storey and Cllr Kemp today denied any involvement in his suspension, while Cllr Millar refused to take sides in the row. Cllr Millar said: “I am not going to get involved in a slanging match. But what I can observe is a lack of teamwork [in the Liverpool Lib Dems].”

Cllr Bradley said he and Cllr Millar were in agreement about the way the coalition government had let down the country. Cllr Bradley said: “I have been talking to Gary regularly about his feelings over the last few months and we both felt as strongly as each other about the coalition. We also felt the same way about people in the group.”

Cllr Bradley said he advised Cllr Millar against defecting, claiming Labour were capable of similar dirty tricks. He added: “He is a very honest guy. He is exactly the kind of person I wanted in my cabinet. The dirty way politics works in this city has brought about Gary’s decision. Gary is too nice for politics. I am not sure how he will get on in the Labour group.”

Cllr Millar, who represents Old Swan, is not due for re-election until next year. He will be handed a newly-created post of assistant cabinet member for business by his new Labour colleagues.

Cllr Bradley resigned as leader last week after questions were raised about him having witnessed an election nomination for his teenage son Daniel, 18, for the forthcoming local elections. The teenager said he did not want to stand, claiming his own signature on the form was “a fake”.



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...#ixzz1KiDF9A8r

So if Bradley had remained on message about the Tory-led government would all of this have been as hushed up as an extra-marital affair by Andrew Marr?

We need a scousetastic, Royal Court treatment to do this one justice: Wazzer - politics and the city!

[jets9]

Gary Millar stood in central ward as a candidate at the beginning of his 'political' career 3? years ago before being parachuted into Old Swan by Bradley. The point is that Millar lives in central ward and because he is a resident voter it would be interesting to find out whether his signature is on Bradley son's 'bogus' nomination form for 2011. Just wondering.

[Chris B]

Today, we received a flyer through the letterbox from the Lib Dems claiming that Labour were going to introduce a fortnightly bin collection service. We also received a flyer from Labour, stating that we may have received a flyer from the Lib Dems claiming Labour were to change the bins from weekly to fortnightly collections. The Labour flyer refuted the Lib Dem claims, and stated their commitment to the current weekly bin collections. Each flyer was official, stating as they do, who it was prepared by, at which address, and for whom.

What's so weird about that you ask? Well, the notable thing was, the two flyers were both posted at the same time, by the same person. Two men went up and down the street, each armed with two piles of flyers - one Lib Dem and one Labour - posting one of each through each letterbox.

Interesting no?

[openlyJane]

Personally, a fortnightly bin collection would work for me. Since the blue recycling bins were introduced - I throw away far less, and organic vegetable matter we compost.

My purple bin is only half full at the end of the week - that is a family of four!

[Chris B]

From the Daily Post -

Liverpool Liberal Democrats being wiped out in Local Government elections 2011

LIVERPOOL’S Lib-Dems were all but wiped off the map last night in the most dramatic election the city has seen in more than a decade.

The party lost 11 of the 13 seats it was defending, with heavyweights including former council leader Lord Mike Storey, Peter Millea, Paul Clein and Ron Gould all toppled by Labour.

Lord Storey, himself elected to the council at 21 lost to Labour's 18-year-old Jake Morrison.

It was a dramatic turn-around in the fortunes of a Lib-Dem party which swept to power 13 years ago.

The result leaves the Labour group with 62 seats, the Lib-Dems with just 23 (including suspended former leader Cllr Bradley), the Liberals three and the Greens two.

Article continues here - http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/...0252-28644711/

I know people have the right to vote any which way they choose, and I also appreciate that people are deeply unhappy about what the Lib Dems are doing nationally with the Tories (I don't like it either for the record). But I find it deeply disconcerting that the electorate can punish a man (Storey) for something for which he has had absolutely no involvement. Furthermore, to replace a man with decades of experience of local politics, and an unquestionable record of delivering for his ward and indeed the city, with a young man, who I appreciate has to start to gain experience somewhere, but lives miles away and was indeed only voting for the first time yesterday, to be frank, seems entirely reckless.

[Chris B]

Labour Gain

1. Allerton & Hunts Cross
2. Anfield
3. Childwall
4. County
5. Cressington
6. Greenbank
7. Knotty Ash
8. Mossley Hill
9. Old Swan
10. Picton
11. Wavertree
12. West Derby

Labour Hold

1. Belle Vale
2. Central
3. Clubmoor
4. Croxteth
5. Everton
6. Fazakerley
7. Kensington and Fairfield
8. Kirkdale
9. Norris Green
10. Princes Park
11. Riverside
12. Speke-Garston
13. Warbreck
14. Yew Tree

Lib Dem Hold

1. Church
2. Woolton

Green Hold

1. St. Michael's

Liberal Hold

1. Tuebrook & Stoneycroft

[Chris B]

A few weeks back, the DP&E posted a list of potential candidates for the Lib Dem leadership -

• Richard Kemp
• Flo Clucas
• Paul Clein
• Paula Keaveney
• Gary Millar
• Paul Twigger
• Mike Storey

Taking out those who lost their seats last night, and Gary Millar who defected to Labour, the list now looks like this -

• Richard Kemp
• Flo Clucas
• Paula Keaveney

It's Kemp's for the taking now surely? That is unless someone left within the ranks fancies giving the leadership race a shot now the pool of opponents is much weakened?

[Babaloo]

The problem for Kemp is that he is identified with being a supporter of a Tory-led coalition that isn't going down well in Liverpool. I'm sure he'll be up for it though.

In terms of keeping a dominant political party 'honest' it's important to have a viable alternative. I guess it depends on how the economy goes but it's beginning to look as though the Lib Dems might be heading the same way as the Tory party in Liverpool.