Shepway's communities should be set free
Commenting on reports today that Gordon Brown has blocked plans to devolve more powers to town halls, Liberal Democrat Shadow Local Government Secretary, Andrew Stunell MP said:
15 Sep 2006
National News
Dundee LibDems welcome online alternative to conference season
Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Friday 15th September) welcomed the launch of "Taking Power", an online "virtual conference" designed to re-engage the public in political discussion.
15 Sep 2006
Local communities should be set free say Lib Dems
Gordon Brown has blocked plans to devolve more powers to local councils. Liberal Democrat Shadow Local Government Secretary, Andrew Stunell MP said: "Gordon Brown has today made it clear Labour stands for 'double cross' rather than 'double devolution' when it comes to our town halls. We need to set our local communities free to address the issues they will face in the 21st century. That's why we're proposing an unprecedented transfer of power back to local government at our party conference next week. The Government should scrap council tax, return business rates to local control, and bring quangos under democratic control. Local government doesn't need further micromanagement from the Treasury."
15 Sep 2006
Labour threaten to expel Clare Short
Birmingham MP Clare Short may be disciplined for calling for a hung Parliament after the next election. Ms Short said she would not stand again for the Commons and attacked the Labour government's policy. The MP could lose the Labour whip as a result. She shrugged off the threat of punishment and said that it would be fine if that happened.
15 Sep 2006
Labour threaten to expel Clare Short
Birmingham MP Clare Short may be disciplined for calling for a hung Parliament after the next election. Ms Short said she would not stand again for the Commons and attacked the Labour government's policy. The MP could lose the Labour whip as a result. She shrugged off the threat of punishment and said that it would be fine if that happened.
15 Sep 2006
Launch Pad Conference
This autumn conference could be the last before the next General Election. If Tony Blair finally goes, voluntarily or otherwise, then his successor is likely to 'cut and run' in an attempt to cash in on any honeymoon factor before political reality reasserts itself. Especially if that successor is Gordon Brown.
PHMP
15 Sep 2006