Lib Dems
Stoke-on-Trent is often described as 'politically fragmented'. In fact certain academic political commentators practically drool at the prospect that the city's political structure is 'broken'. I have lost count at the many times that I have read, or been told by the great and the good that our city councillors lack quality and political acumen. We currently have 9 political groups registered and represented in the council chamber. We are constantly told that this is a bad, bad thing.
George Osborne says his top priority is cutting the deficit. But in order to get the deficit down, you need to keep economic growth up and you need to keep unemployment down. You don’t get borrowing down by pulling the plug on support for business, throwing people out of work and stifling economic growth.
George Osbourne First Budget
22 Jun 2010
Taking Gladstone's original Budget Box out for its final outing, before it becomes a public record of the National Archives, the Chancellor went to the Palace Of Westminster to deliver this first budget of the new government, in line with the Conservative pre election promise, to deliver a budget within 50 days of coming in to office. During the budget speech Rt Hon George Osborne MP said that: It was an unavoidable Budget and £1 in every £4 we spend is borrowed.
Part 2 - Pervez Becomes Council Leader.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is to be governed by a four way ruling coalition in what has been described as an historical moment. Labour, the Conservative & Independent Alliance, The Liberal Democrats and the City Independents will form the ruling administration following tomorrows [Thursday] Annual Council Meeting. Mohammed Pervez [Lab] is to be the new Council Leader and Ross Irving [CIA] will become the Deputy Leader.
I must be really sad me! But, I have to say I'm really looking forward to this week and reporting on the shenanigans of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Thursday's Annual Council meeting should be a belter.
Rumour is rife that the Leader of the City Council's much expanded Labour Group, having won 17 of the 20 seats contested on May 6th in the last of the City Council elections by thirds, has finally been roused to recognise responsibility that goes with now being the largest political group on the Council, though with 26 of the 60 seats, a handful short of a simple majority.
In Conversation - Council Leader Ross Irving
15 May 2010
Yesterday [Friday] I managed to catch up with the Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council Ross Irving. We talked about the really important decisions made by his Cabinet this week, namely the acquisition of the Spode site in Stoke and the agreement for the use of Vanguard as a part of the root and branch review. We also discussed the issue of the upcoming Annual Council Meeting where he could face a challenge for the Leadership of the Council.
To quote from an Ancient Chinese General "If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected".
Brown To Step Down!
10 May 2010
Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party Gordon Brown has announced that he is to step down. He is to ask the Labour Party to initiate the process for a leadership election and confirmed he will not stand or intervene. The news comes following a request by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg for talks between the two parties. Mr Brown said that a hung parliament suggested that there was no one leader or party that had the support to govern alone. Speaking outside No10 Downing Street, he sai
