Comment on Medway Local Election 2011

Have just woken up after getting back home from the Count and am just getting round to the results both in Medway and nationally.

The full result can be found here and the ward result for Luton & Wayfield on this link.

Luton & Wayfield

Locally, I am obviously very pleased to have been elected by the good people of Luton & Wayfield. The area has significant challenges and is an area of social deprivation; over the last 6-12 months however, I have met a huge number of people who care for the community and its future. There are massive challenges but am keen to get on with it.

I do want to congratulate the Conservative team in the area. Luton & Wayfield had a Labour block vote in 2007 of 1400 which shrank to 1200. The Tory block vote and personal following for Tashi proved to be very significant, and I am sure there were moments in the evening, where he like me, felt it could have gone either way.

I spoke to many voters in Luton who were previously Labour who supported Tashi because of his work in the local Churches. Work that needs to be continued. Embedding ourselves in the community is of upmost importance.

Tashi and Gloria would be excellent candidates for any Party and I wish them well in the future.

It was also the first outing of the Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Sams (who blogs here). A candidate to watch for a future Gillingham seat perhaps

Medway

The overall result for Medway was mixed for Labour. Whilst we did gain seats from both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats we did not see the marked swings that were predicted on national polling.

This is consistent with the fact the Conservative block vote (sum 42% in Medway of the electorate) remained static. The AV vote, coupled with the lack of trust over the economy has damaged Labour and until this block vote can be dented we will not make gains, because our block vote is below the Conservatives. A dent in this block vote was expected but did not materialise.

The media and perception of Labour locally needs to change for it to become electable to the mainstream majority. A moderate and centrist agenda presented by a moderate and appealing candidate base. This election we had a good spectrum of candidates who were fully engaged in campaigning which does represent a solid footprint for the future, if indeed many choose to remain in the area, which is a risk with any younger candidate.

Despite the protestations by those on the left; if the Green Party or this TUSC band of lunatics, we would have been able to dent the Tory majority. This point is stressed every single time - if you split the left vote with fringe parties (and lets be frank they are not a realistic prospect of being in government, and even less so with no AV) then you open the field up to the right. Fact.

National

The national situation remains in flux.

In Scotland, the Lib Dem base has moved behind the SNP who have scored a landslide victory. The prospect of an independence vote now remains a real prospect. All the parties over-promised in the election so the SNP now has to deliver under the full guise of cuts from central government in London.

Wales was a very positive story though not sufficient for an absolute majority. Labour have regained a vote share of 42% which is a better performance than 1999. We can be pleased with that performance.

In the English locals, Labour have done well in the Northern Liberal/Labour Councils where the vote has moved wholesale to Labour (as we saw in Gillingham locally). The Tory vote share has largely held so the South remains very difficult with Tories performing well, and lets be candid, well, on a 2007 vote performance which was perceived to be a very high watermark. Gravesham was a Labour target and its gain will be welcome for Kent Labour. Medway Labour did better then many other areas, including Brighton, Thurrock and Dartford.

Sure Start Funding in Wayfield

In light of correspondence with several families on Wayfield Road, I will tonight ask a question on the funding concerns for Sure Start centres in the ward and beyond.

The Tories have indicated they are safeguarding Sure Start provision but have failed to indicate the exact budget details on funding.

The opposition is suspicious that there is a real terms budget cut hidden in the small print of the budget, despite the warm words it is in fact the pure numbers that residents are interested in. Are the Tories backing up statements with investment?

Over the last four months, I have asked several questions establishing that the Medway Conservatives may have plans to expand the current CCTV car fleet from the present two.

I have also challenged the Tory administration on the Ridgemeadow and Bradfields site working with the former Chair of Governors at the school. The school site had been earmarket for asset sale by the Conservative cabinet who undertook a u-turn after my question was submitted in March.

Luton & Wayfield is looking for those that will stand up and speak out for the area.

Fighting Graffiti in Luton

Combating anti-social behaviour and delivering for the Luton & Wayfield is the number one priority for this blogger.

Have had some success in lobbying for graffiti removal on Luton Millenium Green. A campaign committment I made in February on this blog.

Many people are suspicious of local politicians because of a lack of delivery. Our campaigners and Councillors do work very hard for their communities.

Our young team of new candidates is ready to be a campaigning party. Standing up and listening to local people.

Labour in Luton & Wayfield stands for action in our community.

Electoral Sages

Wise men sometimes say little but in so doing say a lot.

Alas not so with the Medway Conservatives who appear to be ever willing to give some helpful pointers on campaign tactics to the Labour camp.

Cheers fella's

John Ward, like a white wizard, has predicted that unless Labour concentrate on core seats that they are at risk of defeat in those with big majorities. Comparing Labour to the SDP / Liberal alliance, he is predicting defeat at the polls unless Labour reverts to talking to the same people it was able to convince in 2007. This of course conflicts with the Sorcerers Apprentice, Alan W Collins who seems to point to small gains for Labour where the Conservative majorities are small.

Sufficed to say the Labour electoral strategy will remain under the proverbial lock-and-key but unlike the opposition, we never take any voter for granted in any ward.

It is with a tongue-in-cheek though that we read from Tory campaign chieftains that platoons of blue-rinsers are out door-knocking and leafletting across the towns. Indeed, given the amount of spin, I half expected a phalanx of blue rosettes out in Rochester East as I left my front door.

Luckily for residents, it is largely fiction.

Given the numerical superiority of Tories in Medway, they are either walking very very slowly between houses or indeed, and this is probable, not actually campaigning.

Proof positive of a total lack of effort - the Strood Conservative website, which is run by the actual Strood Conservatives has seen no campaign effort. Or alternatively, you can visit the domain name of the stroodconservatives.com which gives you an application for credit cards - this whilst Mark Reckless MP talks about levels of personal debt. Oops

As we get closer to the election of course the Tories will start to pay for staff to leaflet, but until that point, it seems it is all quiet on the right flank.

Perhaps a little less lecturing on the Labour campaign and a bit more activity on your own.

p.s. It looks like the Rochester & Strood Conservatives are staying silent on the well publicised UKIP endorsement. It seems UKIP have agreed to concreting over North Kent with an airport, which may not go down well on the Peninsula

Some changes...

Over the next two weeks this blog will be undergoing a bit of a facelift and modernisation in light of the local elections in May.

This Musings from Medway blog will continue however to be a forum for debateon the wider local election campaign in Medway and national issues.

A new beta website is complete which will be more aligned to my personal and ward campaigning work in Luton & Wayfield.

It is hoped that people will access the blog and then take a peek at my work in the area.

Given the local election, my blog and website will need to more aligned to a campaign mode. The website focused on Luton & Wayfield with cross links into this blog which will be a forum for the wider local and national campaign. The website at tristanosborne.org.uk (see left) is not live yet, and will not be until February, because of formatting and sourcing of material.

Readers may be interested to read previous comments on my intentions for a vLog, live action map and campaigning activity for the Luton & Wayfield ward. I am a big believer in online campaigning and engagement since setting up the stroodlabour.org.uk website four years ago. Social networking and online engagement is the future for politics as old structures and party hierarchies die.

One particular member of the opposition, though not party affiliated, John Ward has led on the development of the local political blogosphere and should take credit for his work in creating something that is now a lasting legacy. Alan W Collins has also made a similar journey online and will continue to be at the cutting edge.

The last four years since standing in Strood North ward has been a journey which will be complete with this last piece of the puzzle.

It is hoped that readers of this blog will also read my website when published to find out more about me as the candidate for Luton & Wayfield and what your Labour team want to do with the area.



p.s. The picture is terrible on the front page.

Listening to Wayfield

This morning Labour action teams were in Chatham to meet residents and introduce candidates for the local election in May.

Over the last 3 months, the Labour candidates have now covered the entire ward and have leafleted and worked on a lot of case work. Some of which has been published where permission is given on this blog.

Despite the freezing temperatures the mood on the doorstep was much warmer than in May and a number of people in dressing gowns even offered us cups of tea and coffee.

There is a lot of frustration with the Conservatives locally over lies on VAT and on the traffic mess in Chatham.

People simply do not trust the Tories on tax

We also met several young people who currently have the Education Maintenance Allowance and who will be hit hard by the Conservative cuts.

Labour is working for residents in Luton & Wayfield.

Luton & Wayfield Tories Select

So months of waiting over and some names have been passed in this direction on the Conservative candidates for Luton & Wayfield ward that will be standing against in May 2011.

As yet little local profile beyond Tashi himself but that will surely change in the months to come:

Snippets of information online as yet. Hope have got the right people but apologies if do not.

Tashi Bhutia

ex Gurkha, current Councillor for the Luton & Wayfield ward and former employee at BAE systems. Previous political experience in River Ward in 2007 where he was defeated in a close fight with Bill Esterson who later became MP for Sefton Central.

Des Hall

Twitter profile: @Desrhall74. According to an historic twitter profile 'family man who has interest in sports, politics and life in general, well tweet relentlessly about anything and everything' Enjoys the apprentice. Looks like good fun. No previous history in Medway local government.

Gloria Opara

Twitter profile: @gloriaopara (TBC). According to twitter 'mother, wife, school teacher, Christian, Preacher, IT professional and a big heart for community cohesion' Another person who seem very friendly and approachable. Strong Christian leanings which adds to the debate.

Impressive selection from the Conservatives and does positively reflect on a change of type of candidate. This blog has complained about the need to change in all parties to accept a younger and more diverse slate and whilst it has moaned internally at our processes it seems that the Tories are also modernising as well.

Sad news for the area that Val and Tony Goulden will not stand for election again in 2011 according to Alan Watkins. This blogger only met them once but they did an awful lot of work for the ward and they will be a tough legacy for anyone to follow.

This does make it a straight Labour/Conservative fight. Rumours that the English Democrats may make an appearance in this ward are also on the cards though yet to be confirmed. Given the risk on the deposit would say they need some deep pockets.

No word on Liberal Democrats, Greens or an Independent challenge.

Looks like the fight is on.

Success for Luton Recreation Play Area

Residents were tonight happy that Luton Recreation Ground is to see a fully funded new play area within six months after conversations on the doorstep.

The site was included after direct lobbying in the Council chamber for extra funding by this blogger in October.

In October, this blogger asked the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Services, Councillor Doe, the following question:

'The current Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government are slashing education budgets which includes teaching assistants, study support, school advisory teams, Playbuilder and budgets for the Medway Youth Trust. What representations have you made to government to protect the very popular Playbuilder scheme and the funding of new facilities on Barnfield and Luton Recreational grounds?'

Cllr Doe offered no firm response, despite protestations.

Followed up with a question stating that the funding for the scheme was necessary and that given the removal of the ring-fence could he guarantee both projects would go ahead.

It is welcome therefore, that Luton Recreation Ground has seen improvement but it is concerning that residents in Wayfield will still have to look at an husk of a play area because of Tory cuts.

Another nine play areas across Medway are to be renovated after a decision by Medway Council’s Cabinet.

The Cabinet agreed on Tuesday 30th November to allocate almost £400,000

This follows the eleven sites that were transformed earlier this year, bringing the total site improved under the scheme in Medway to twenty.

The latest funding of £381,518 comes from the government’s Playbuilder Programme. A programme introduced by the previous Labour government and which has been threatened by other Conservative Councils.

Changes to the scheme this year meant that councils were no longer obliged to use the funding for this purpose. With the removal of ringfencing, local authorities could use these funds for other schemes.

It is heartening to see that given the cut backs that some projects in some of the more disadvantaged wards are allocated resources. Pity Wayfield residents were not given the same respect, but welcome investment in Luton none the less.

Labour for Luton & Wayfield

Sam Craven, Tristan Osborne and Christine Godwin

On the back of the victory in River Ward, Labour in Luton & Wayfield will be beginning our 'voter challenge'

The challenge will be to meet every voter in the ward before Christmas to listen and hear their concerns about the Council and Conservative cuts.

The funding for our challenge is there, the campaigners are ready, the leaflets are being delivered. A new campaign website is close to completion and a new vLog will be established before Christmas. We will be inviting residents along the campaign to record a video for the vLog highlighting what they most disagree with about the cuts. This is a new and innovative media project. We are in conversations to link with the Medway media to bring a vLog of the campaign over the 5 months until May 2011.

Luton & Wayfield deserve better then the Conservatives who have failed Medway and will not defend our towns against massive cuts being inflicted upon us by the Conservative Party.

Today the Medway Messenger revealed the extent of the Conservative cuts of £50m.

That is money to care for elderly residents, money to build play-parks, money to clean our streets and fight anti-social behaviour, money which funds our sports-centres and cares for the ill and infirm. Money which pays for bus fares and money that re-surfaces roads and cleans our paths. Money that could be used to regenerate Medway and help the poorest in our community.

The Tories call this waste, we call it basic services that help people.

We will also stand up for the middle class. We believe that the cynical increase in train fares which will add £1200 to the average commuter bill is a disgrace. We believe that the VAT rise to 20% will hurt hard-pressed families. We believe the rise in tuition fees will hurt our young people who are only seeking to better themselves.

We will fight this Conservative assault on hard working people. Yesterday the people of River ward rejected the Conservative cuts and we believe those in Luton & Wayfield will as well.

Luton & Wayfield needs Councillors who can stand up to the cuts and fight to stop them. We accept that with the current deficit we do need a sensible approach to managing the local finances but we oppose the over-aggressive cuts to services that are being foisted upon us by George Osborne.

His deficit reduction strategy is based on the electoral cycle and not the fiscal cycle. Based on the election in 2015 and not on the best interests of the people of Britain.

River Ward residents yesterday voted to kick out the Conservatives because of what they did to their community in Brompton and Chatham.

We believe and will stand up for a Luton & Wayfield residents against aggressive cuts and those who oppose the VAT increase, tuition fees and rises in train fares.

If we can meet enough of you and listen to your concerns, we hope you will agree with those who voted on Thursday. That Labour is once again standing up and fighting for you.