In between house hunting (North Herts fell through) babysitting and charging down to Portsmouth for a meeting, I am late to the post presidential debate. Well done to Ros, regular readers will know that I had a difficult decision about who to back and I have no doubt she will do a great job of representing the activists and implementing the recommendations of the Bones commission. Also it is great to see a little more gender balance within the hierarchy in the party!
For those who missed it I wanted to reproduce Lembit's statement following Ros's victory -
"I congratulate Ros for her clear victory. If Barack Obama had employed Ros Scott as his campaign manager, he'd have won by even more than he did!
As a seasoned local government campaigner Ros has reflected and represented the needs of the Party. Her insights are things which she can now put into practice. I know she will do her absolute best to achieve exactly this.
Chandila Fernando ' the Troubleshooter! ' has impressed a huge number of people with his strategic look at what the Party does well and how it could do better. His outspoken mission to introduce a more professional and externally orientated approach is tremendously valuable and we need to see how best to implement his suggestions.
I thank my team for a clear, honest and genuine campaign. We got on with the job of putting forward our proposition, and what we intend to do for the Lib Dems. We kept it positive and we 'kept it real.' The best way I can pay you back is by living up to your political expectations as we pursue our inspiring agenda within the Party.
As Ros embarks on her role, she can be assured of one thing: my absolute and unconditional support. She will be President and let me make this clear: I'm in her team now.
Personally, it's been a hard year, not least because of the death of a very close friend, David Hamer in August. It knocked me back a lot, especially over summer and there's no point pretending it didnt. It's also made me stronger. I feel more centred, more focussed, more ready to contribute in the public square than ever before. So for me this result is a knock back, but its not a knock out. I will continue to use my skills to my best ability to push the boundaries, and do what I try to do best - taking politics to people who aren't political but who do care.
And in this spirit I'll be working on four areas of policy I feel I have something unique and distinctive to contribute, and on which, since I am not President, I am now free to campaign. These are: promoting serious political engagement in the field of international terrorism, the prescription of hard drugs to recorded addicts, a reassessment of our attitude towards nuclear power and a commitment to positive campaigning. I will also use my profile to engage people in civic society. But no more of this today, because today is not my day. It is the day for the President-elect.
Till January 1st we continue to be guided by President Simon Hughes. He's a great inspiration to the membership, and a great friend to me personally. You've done good mate, and I'm proud to have been your Second in Command.
So now we've got President Obama in America, and President Scott in Britain! Democrats are on the move. He'll make it happen over there. She'll make it happen over here. And as you do Ros, I'm with you all the way."
Showing posts with label Ros Scott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ros Scott. Show all posts
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Can silence be construed as consent?
There is something disturbingly illiberal about a liberal party where elements of the great and the good......alongside elements of the not quite so great and not quite so good........appear gagged.
This was effectively demonstrated earlier this week (as picked up by Pandora in the Indy Monday) with Charles Kennedy's surrogate endorsement of Lembit. Now, for reasons that may or may not become clear, he has felt unable to openly endorse Lembit, so in a move, perhaps calculated to be interpreted as such, his brother-in-law, the rather dashing James Gurling, has done the deed for him.
Now yesterday I was doing a bit of ringing around. Simon Hughes refuses to even hint who he will support because he is outgoing Pressie (I did try, honest!) so join me in guessing........ And I am waiting to hear back from Mssrs Laws and Foster. Today I will try and ask Paul Keetch and others.
And then there are the swathes of other Lib Dem MPs who remain in purdah. Hmmm, that shy Ms Burt, that enigmatic Mark Williams, ..... Are we to truly believe NONE of them have made their minds up?
Mark my words, there is more to this than meets the eye. The powers that be appear scared witless. Yes, a Lembit presidency may be a risky roller coaster ride - but at least it would be a ride......we would be going somewhere! And Nick Clegg rightly made much of the fact that as a party we had to be more radical and take more risks in his successful leadership campaign.
My fear above all is that in the emerging political landscape our party becomes an irrelevance. A party rather like the pristine copper kettle, cleaned and polished and kept on the back shelf for only a few to admire. Perfect in every way, but of only ornamental use. I want a kettle that is battered and dirty from frequent use, fulfilling its purpose, not to sit on the shelf and look perfect with all its committees aligned and its rules expertly compiled, but to go do what it was made to do, refresh and sustain!
I am backing Lembit, not because I don’t think Ros won’t do a brilliant job of smartening up and polishing the kettle, but because I believe he has the edge in communicating with the people we seek to represent. He also has the strategy to underpin what we want to do, engaging and motivating the public, connecting with them at grass roots level, linking with their real concerns
And Lembit will not be a one man band. I understand he is already assembling a post election team, utilising talent from across the party, including those who have backed other candidates but would be prepared to support and work with him as President.
So, to those genuinely undecided, to those hiding in the shadows, to all those who want our party to be far more outward looking.........you have a choice.
Choose wisely.
This was effectively demonstrated earlier this week (as picked up by Pandora in the Indy Monday) with Charles Kennedy's surrogate endorsement of Lembit. Now, for reasons that may or may not become clear, he has felt unable to openly endorse Lembit, so in a move, perhaps calculated to be interpreted as such, his brother-in-law, the rather dashing James Gurling, has done the deed for him.
Now yesterday I was doing a bit of ringing around. Simon Hughes refuses to even hint who he will support because he is outgoing Pressie (I did try, honest!) so join me in guessing........ And I am waiting to hear back from Mssrs Laws and Foster. Today I will try and ask Paul Keetch and others.
And then there are the swathes of other Lib Dem MPs who remain in purdah. Hmmm, that shy Ms Burt, that enigmatic Mark Williams, ..... Are we to truly believe NONE of them have made their minds up?
Mark my words, there is more to this than meets the eye. The powers that be appear scared witless. Yes, a Lembit presidency may be a risky roller coaster ride - but at least it would be a ride......we would be going somewhere! And Nick Clegg rightly made much of the fact that as a party we had to be more radical and take more risks in his successful leadership campaign.
My fear above all is that in the emerging political landscape our party becomes an irrelevance. A party rather like the pristine copper kettle, cleaned and polished and kept on the back shelf for only a few to admire. Perfect in every way, but of only ornamental use. I want a kettle that is battered and dirty from frequent use, fulfilling its purpose, not to sit on the shelf and look perfect with all its committees aligned and its rules expertly compiled, but to go do what it was made to do, refresh and sustain!
I am backing Lembit, not because I don’t think Ros won’t do a brilliant job of smartening up and polishing the kettle, but because I believe he has the edge in communicating with the people we seek to represent. He also has the strategy to underpin what we want to do, engaging and motivating the public, connecting with them at grass roots level, linking with their real concerns
And Lembit will not be a one man band. I understand he is already assembling a post election team, utilising talent from across the party, including those who have backed other candidates but would be prepared to support and work with him as President.
So, to those genuinely undecided, to those hiding in the shadows, to all those who want our party to be far more outward looking.........you have a choice.
Choose wisely.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
20 Questions to a Presidential Candidate - Looz Views
Thanks to all the candidates for answering my 20 questions. For me their answers seemed to get under their skins a little more than their manifestos do - a view supported by our own Laurence Boyce, who commented "Thanks Linda. This exercise has been more useful than all the other stuff I have read. And I really like these answers. I'm voting Chandila!" Now, I have to confess that having read Chandila's answers I put him more in Laurence's camp than mine!
There is no doubt Simon Hughes is a hard act to follow. He has not only had a consistent public profile, he has been a steadying hand on the tiller in what have been difficult times for our party. At a time of a resurgent(ish!) Tory party, and a Labour party regaining a little of its confidence, we HAVE to be in your face as a party. We MUST be heard and seen - the President will have a crucial role to play in this. This is why I am supporting Lembit.
Candidates answers are here: Ros Scott, Lembit Opik, Chandila Fernando
So - my reactions? Since I got some friendly advice recently about my blogs being too long I will tackle this in bite size pieces - firstly an overall comment, then in more detail later on (if I don't get bored half way through!).
On policy - I was rightly taken to task by both Ros and Lembit for asking the policy questions as this is not the responsibility of the President but the Leader. BUT, I asked those questions for a very good reason. Whether we like it or not, our President DOES have a role in party policy. S/he sits on FPC and feeds into the policy making process - INCLUDING HAVING A VOTE! S/he regularly gets asked about party policy, whether on Newsnight, Question Time or in the media - and as demonstrated in the Trident and Make it Happen debates, gets wheeled out by the leadership when things look a bit dodgy! Now, much has been made of the President being the voice of the membership - as members we expect our voices to be heard NOT just in terms of structures and systems - but also in terms of policy - don't we? But despite this, all three gave answers that gave a clear steer on where they stood on policy issues.
On priorities - All 3 say similar things, a mix of inward and outward looking, but I would like to see more flesh on the bones. What for example does "modernising" mean? Some of us have bad memories about what that meant for "New Labour"!
On our narrative - I would be interested in Neil Stockley's take on this. The variety of the answers perhaps gives a clue to why we find it so difficult to come up with a clear story.
On political heroes - I was delighted to see that 2 of the 3 were women. For Lembit, Benazir Bhutto, for Ros, Sylvia Pankhurst, for Chandila, Nelson Mandela.
On being stranded on a desert island - For Ros it would be David Puttnam and Mark (of course!), for Chandila William Haque and Jenny Willott (interesting combination!) and for greedy Lembit, Stephen Pound, Nigel Evans, Tim Farron and Greg Mullholland - may turn into I'm a politician get me out of here!
There is no doubt Simon Hughes is a hard act to follow. He has not only had a consistent public profile, he has been a steadying hand on the tiller in what have been difficult times for our party. At a time of a resurgent(ish!) Tory party, and a Labour party regaining a little of its confidence, we HAVE to be in your face as a party. We MUST be heard and seen - the President will have a crucial role to play in this. This is why I am supporting Lembit.
Candidates answers are here: Ros Scott, Lembit Opik, Chandila Fernando
So - my reactions? Since I got some friendly advice recently about my blogs being too long I will tackle this in bite size pieces - firstly an overall comment, then in more detail later on (if I don't get bored half way through!).
On policy - I was rightly taken to task by both Ros and Lembit for asking the policy questions as this is not the responsibility of the President but the Leader. BUT, I asked those questions for a very good reason. Whether we like it or not, our President DOES have a role in party policy. S/he sits on FPC and feeds into the policy making process - INCLUDING HAVING A VOTE! S/he regularly gets asked about party policy, whether on Newsnight, Question Time or in the media - and as demonstrated in the Trident and Make it Happen debates, gets wheeled out by the leadership when things look a bit dodgy! Now, much has been made of the President being the voice of the membership - as members we expect our voices to be heard NOT just in terms of structures and systems - but also in terms of policy - don't we? But despite this, all three gave answers that gave a clear steer on where they stood on policy issues.
On priorities - All 3 say similar things, a mix of inward and outward looking, but I would like to see more flesh on the bones. What for example does "modernising" mean? Some of us have bad memories about what that meant for "New Labour"!
On our narrative - I would be interested in Neil Stockley's take on this. The variety of the answers perhaps gives a clue to why we find it so difficult to come up with a clear story.
On political heroes - I was delighted to see that 2 of the 3 were women. For Lembit, Benazir Bhutto, for Ros, Sylvia Pankhurst, for Chandila, Nelson Mandela.
On being stranded on a desert island - For Ros it would be David Puttnam and Mark (of course!), for Chandila William Haque and Jenny Willott (interesting combination!) and for greedy Lembit, Stephen Pound, Nigel Evans, Tim Farron and Greg Mullholland - may turn into I'm a politician get me out of here!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
20 Questions to a Presidential Candidate - Lembit Opik
Having already posted Ros Scott's answers, here are Lembit's. I have made it clear, despite the siren calls of his detractors, that I am supporting Lembit. I think he has an extraordinary ability not only to connect with our membership but with the wider electorate. If we are to achieve Nick's stated aim of doubling our number of MPs we can't do that without both increasing the membership and engaging with the electorate..
1. What motivated you to get involved in politics and does that still motivate you now?
My family's whole life has been changed by international politics, and members of it have died as a result of it. This, coupled with my childhood in Northern Ireland means I was surrounded by political issues from a very young age. I continue to believe that politics done badly destroys lives, but politics done well can redeem civilisations. These grand ideas inform my political life; accepting that much of it is at a very local level, I nevertheless believe that our local collective efforts can make a national, and even international difference.
2. Which political figure, living or dead, do you most admire and why?
I admire principles, achievements and values rather than people. If I had to choose one person it would be my acquaintance Benazir Bhutto, whom I had the honour to know before her tragic assassination. She summarised all that's best in an honourable life and an honourable approach to politics. Her patience when being tested to the extreme, her courage, her persistence and her warmth were exceptional. I admire her and miss her.
3. If you could introduce a new party policy, what would it be?
The president is not responsible for developing party policy. As such, it would NOT be my intention to introduce or medal with party policy as Pres, because this cuts across the work of others, including the leader. In the spirit of completeness, I'd take a more generous approach to student funding if I were into policy development, but I stress this is NOT how I'd approach the role.
4. If there was a party policy you could overturn, what would it be? Again this is NOT the President's role. Personally, I've not liked our position on fox hunting because it strikes me as illiberal, but I cannot overemphasise that the President really shouldn't be meddling in policy development, and I would not do that.
5. Have you done the “political compass” exercise and if so where do you sit?
I think I remember doing it! However, I'm left wing and libertarian. This is confirmed by the fact that an independent organisation in September 2008 identified me as the most liberal MP in the Liberal Democrats. I’ve pretty consistently been identified as such fro most of my political life.
6. What will you bring to the position of President?
Experience to organise the Party; I've been on the Federal Executive which the President chairs for 17 years, as well as most other committees in the Lib Dems. Also, I've been the senior vice president fro 5 years, which is the number 2 position to the current President Simon Hughes. Nobody has more experience as me for this role. I also bring inspiration, because I seem to be able to build people up to a high level of energy by visiting and working with the local activist party nationwide. I can motivate people to turn that energy into specific action and achieve membership growth and win votes. And I’m determined - with the staying power to see things through. Organisation, inspiration, motivation, determination - these are the qualities I offer.
7. What will be your priorities if elected?
1. Ensure that the party projects its message clearly
2. Make the Party structures ready for Government
3. Support our Leader and never compete with his role
4. Achieve positive membership growth by 2010
5. Be the voice of the membership - a voice the Party HQ can't ignore
8. What is your view on the marketisation of public services?
I'm opposed to it. I don't object to using the free market to an extent, but public service provision must remain under the governance of the State.
9. What is your view on our policy on Trident?
A waste of money, and a status symbol rather than a relevant deterrent. We can use the money in other, less escalatory, ways.
10. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in this country, what would it be?
A zero carbon Britain - meaning zero carbon industry and transport and the creation of enough zero carbon housing - including retrofitting old housing - to accommodate everyone with no carbon footprint.
11. If elected how will you advance the cause of Libdemmery?
See 6 above. I'll be the "chief engineer" and "morale officer" to make our Party sufficiently robust to make it to and in Government. This Party will be professional and present its policy proposition in Primary Colours not pastel shades. People will know what we stand for, and our image will be a refreshing alternative to the two old parties.
12. As a party, despite our values, we still seem to find it impossible to reflect the diversity of the country we seek to represent, how will you redress this?
I already work to bring women and ethnic minorities into the political mainstream. People forget my ethnic background, but I know what racism feels like from the inside. There’s no magic solution, it just takes time and effort and mentoring and determination. I've proved I can do all this fro diversity before and can do even more as President.
13. There has been a lot of debate, in the blogosphere and elsewhere, about our narrative. What should it be?!
Our political narrative is obviously liberal, and to an extent left wing - i.e. redistributive with a protection from the state regarding the economy. That’s not the problem. We' could be more sparkly at portraying it. This is what I mean by replacing pastels with primary colours. It's presentational and attitudinal. We need to shine brightly instead of glowing quietly. That's something a strong president can help address.
14. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the world?The environment above all else. Not everyone can see that yet, but if we wait till it's manifestly and blatantly the biggest issue, it will be too late.
15. With a resurgent Tory Party, how would you ensure that as a third party, our voice was heard?
See above. In essence, let's find the courage and if my answers sound repetitive its' simply because I think a small number of core issues hold us back. Fix our clarity, boldness and energy levels and the rest follows.
16. If elected, what do you most look forward to about the role?Turning us into an evidently professional, responsive and characterful party which people not necessarily all that interested in politics - i.e. the majority! - warm to.
17. As someone more on the “left” of the party, why should I vote for you?
Because I am too, but that's not the point. the president's political angle is much less important than the President's ability to connect with members and provide a strong voice fro that membership to the leadership. That way, the Leader knows what the party thinks and can more effectively formulate the best political agendas for our journey towards government.
18. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from another party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?
It would have to be Nigel Evans AND Stephen Pound. The three of us do a lot of non-political charity work together, and I think we'd make it through till help arrives.
19. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from our party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?!
Tim Farron AND Greg Mulholland. We have a close bond and we'd probably work well enough together to rescue ourselves!
20. If elected President what will you do to help elect a second MEP in the East of England? (Or anywhere else actually!!!)
I'd be with you campaigning, and with you building the national image of the Party. we need both to win and I can deliver both.
1. What motivated you to get involved in politics and does that still motivate you now?
My family's whole life has been changed by international politics, and members of it have died as a result of it. This, coupled with my childhood in Northern Ireland means I was surrounded by political issues from a very young age. I continue to believe that politics done badly destroys lives, but politics done well can redeem civilisations. These grand ideas inform my political life; accepting that much of it is at a very local level, I nevertheless believe that our local collective efforts can make a national, and even international difference.
2. Which political figure, living or dead, do you most admire and why?
I admire principles, achievements and values rather than people. If I had to choose one person it would be my acquaintance Benazir Bhutto, whom I had the honour to know before her tragic assassination. She summarised all that's best in an honourable life and an honourable approach to politics. Her patience when being tested to the extreme, her courage, her persistence and her warmth were exceptional. I admire her and miss her.
3. If you could introduce a new party policy, what would it be?
The president is not responsible for developing party policy. As such, it would NOT be my intention to introduce or medal with party policy as Pres, because this cuts across the work of others, including the leader. In the spirit of completeness, I'd take a more generous approach to student funding if I were into policy development, but I stress this is NOT how I'd approach the role.
4. If there was a party policy you could overturn, what would it be? Again this is NOT the President's role. Personally, I've not liked our position on fox hunting because it strikes me as illiberal, but I cannot overemphasise that the President really shouldn't be meddling in policy development, and I would not do that.
5. Have you done the “political compass” exercise and if so where do you sit?
I think I remember doing it! However, I'm left wing and libertarian. This is confirmed by the fact that an independent organisation in September 2008 identified me as the most liberal MP in the Liberal Democrats. I’ve pretty consistently been identified as such fro most of my political life.
6. What will you bring to the position of President?
Experience to organise the Party; I've been on the Federal Executive which the President chairs for 17 years, as well as most other committees in the Lib Dems. Also, I've been the senior vice president fro 5 years, which is the number 2 position to the current President Simon Hughes. Nobody has more experience as me for this role. I also bring inspiration, because I seem to be able to build people up to a high level of energy by visiting and working with the local activist party nationwide. I can motivate people to turn that energy into specific action and achieve membership growth and win votes. And I’m determined - with the staying power to see things through. Organisation, inspiration, motivation, determination - these are the qualities I offer.
7. What will be your priorities if elected?
1. Ensure that the party projects its message clearly
2. Make the Party structures ready for Government
3. Support our Leader and never compete with his role
4. Achieve positive membership growth by 2010
5. Be the voice of the membership - a voice the Party HQ can't ignore
8. What is your view on the marketisation of public services?
I'm opposed to it. I don't object to using the free market to an extent, but public service provision must remain under the governance of the State.
9. What is your view on our policy on Trident?
A waste of money, and a status symbol rather than a relevant deterrent. We can use the money in other, less escalatory, ways.
10. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in this country, what would it be?
A zero carbon Britain - meaning zero carbon industry and transport and the creation of enough zero carbon housing - including retrofitting old housing - to accommodate everyone with no carbon footprint.
11. If elected how will you advance the cause of Libdemmery?
See 6 above. I'll be the "chief engineer" and "morale officer" to make our Party sufficiently robust to make it to and in Government. This Party will be professional and present its policy proposition in Primary Colours not pastel shades. People will know what we stand for, and our image will be a refreshing alternative to the two old parties.
12. As a party, despite our values, we still seem to find it impossible to reflect the diversity of the country we seek to represent, how will you redress this?
I already work to bring women and ethnic minorities into the political mainstream. People forget my ethnic background, but I know what racism feels like from the inside. There’s no magic solution, it just takes time and effort and mentoring and determination. I've proved I can do all this fro diversity before and can do even more as President.
13. There has been a lot of debate, in the blogosphere and elsewhere, about our narrative. What should it be?!
Our political narrative is obviously liberal, and to an extent left wing - i.e. redistributive with a protection from the state regarding the economy. That’s not the problem. We' could be more sparkly at portraying it. This is what I mean by replacing pastels with primary colours. It's presentational and attitudinal. We need to shine brightly instead of glowing quietly. That's something a strong president can help address.
14. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the world?The environment above all else. Not everyone can see that yet, but if we wait till it's manifestly and blatantly the biggest issue, it will be too late.
15. With a resurgent Tory Party, how would you ensure that as a third party, our voice was heard?
See above. In essence, let's find the courage and if my answers sound repetitive its' simply because I think a small number of core issues hold us back. Fix our clarity, boldness and energy levels and the rest follows.
16. If elected, what do you most look forward to about the role?Turning us into an evidently professional, responsive and characterful party which people not necessarily all that interested in politics - i.e. the majority! - warm to.
17. As someone more on the “left” of the party, why should I vote for you?
Because I am too, but that's not the point. the president's political angle is much less important than the President's ability to connect with members and provide a strong voice fro that membership to the leadership. That way, the Leader knows what the party thinks and can more effectively formulate the best political agendas for our journey towards government.
18. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from another party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?
It would have to be Nigel Evans AND Stephen Pound. The three of us do a lot of non-political charity work together, and I think we'd make it through till help arrives.
19. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from our party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?!
Tim Farron AND Greg Mulholland. We have a close bond and we'd probably work well enough together to rescue ourselves!
20. If elected President what will you do to help elect a second MEP in the East of England? (Or anywhere else actually!!!)
I'd be with you campaigning, and with you building the national image of the Party. we need both to win and I can deliver both.
20 Questions to a Presidential Candidate - Ros Scott
Having charged down to Cardiff on the train after FPC last night, and driven back to Bedford via Llandrindod Wells today......I am a little zonked but inspired about what a beautiful country we live in. The Brecon Beacons, the Malvern Hills, Worcester, Stratford on Avon.........all enhanced with the gold bronze and scarlet of Autumn......aaaaaah! So what we all want is that this is a country enhanced by having a Liberal Democrat government :-)
So............our chance to begin to shape that future in choosing our future President. I asked all three candidates to answer 20 questions. I have made my decision, but I hope this may help you make yours. The reason I struggled over who to support was that I think both Ros and Lembit are excellent and have I also been impressed by Chandila's drive and enthusiasm.
As President I believe Ros would be a champion for the activists. She is someone who is approachable and there is no edge to her. She is also an incredibly inspirational woman. Her approach to her campaign and her commitment to the party gives me confidence that if elected she would do a fantastic job, particularly in chairing FE.
So - Here are the questions and Ros's answers, great answers, but I will leave commenting on answers until I have posted them all up:
1. What motivated you to get involved in politics and does that still motivate you now?
I got into politics as a result of being involved with my community of Needham Market in Suffolk. Being active in all sorts of local organisations I kept coming across my Lib Dem District Councillor who was always at the heart of things and enabling people like me to move ahead with our projects for the town.
xxxxx
2. Which political figure, living or dead, do you most admire and why?
I’ve always been taken with Sylvia Pankhurst who was rather overshadowed by her mother and sister but was a more substantial person. Despite coming from a privileged background, she worked in the East End and realised that true emancipation would come when they were represented, and not just the wealthy middle classes into which she had been born.
xxxxx
3. If you could introduce a new party policy, what would it be?4. If there was a party policy you could overturn, what would it be?
9. What is your view on our policy on Trident?
I’ve grouped these questions together, as they all come under the category of policy, and because I’m not going to answer them! The role of the Party President is clearly defined in our constitution, and doesn’t include policy formation; it is the Leader who chairs the Federal Policy Committee whilst the President chairs the Federal Executive. I think it’s vital that Party office holders concentrate on the job they are mandated to do. It’s not that I don’t have a view on the issues you raise, it’s just that they are not relevant to the role of the President. What is relevant though, is the role of the President in ensuring that policy making continues to include the wider Party membership and properly reflects their views.
xxxxxx
5. Have you done the “political compass” exercise and if so where do you sit?
Comfortably in the “Left Liberal” sector.
xxxxxx
6. What will you bring to the position of President?
20 years of experience as an acitivist, councillor and member of the House of Lords. Business experience running a council in joint control, on the Board of the Audit Commission, Non-executive director in the private sector. Over a decade of representing the Party in the media, in the business community, with community groups and internationally. Plus energy and absolute commitment.
xxxxxx
7. What will be your priorities if elected
Making sure that the changes to our governance resulting from the Party Reform commission strike the right balance between effective decision making and party democracy.
Encouraging reform of candidate selection to make the process less demanding of Party resources and look at how we can best support Parliamentary candidates when they are in place.
Look at the feasibility of creating an “associate member” category to encourage people who sympathise with us but are not ready to take the full step of membership.
xxxxxx
8. What is your view on the marketisation of public services?17. As someone more on the “left” of the party, why should I vote for you?
I’ve grouped these questions together because my response to the second determines my answer to the first. Across the world, services are provided by a mix of public and private sector organizations, large and small, in a myriad of arrangements. Nothing is going to change this whether we like it or not so the question for me are not about who provides but how. The ballot box has not stopped some public services from being unresponsive any more than the market has prevents some private companies from being inefficient – neither is intrinsically better than the other. For me, the questions are about
Accountability and redress – who is responsible for something, and who should put it right when it goes wrong and who should you sack if there are persistent failures.
Level of regulation- how much regulation is appropriate in order to protect people from abuse and to achieve public goods such as preventing social exclusion or promoting sustainability.
Level of public subsidy and decisions about who should be subsidised and to what end?
Cost and Scale – at what level and and size are services best delivered? Does big mean more efficient ( probably not in my experience) and does it lead to alienation between users and providers. Isn’t it ultimately more expensive to do something cheaply and fail – the costs of dealing with the effects of failed service are enormous.
xxxxx
9. See Q 3 above
xxxxx
10. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in this country, what would it be?
One of the greatest scandals is the way we deal with mental health issues. There are many things which make my blood boil, but one of the Many thousands of people fail to get timely diagnosis of problems, and thousands more receive insufficient or bad treatment. People with mental health problems are often stigmatised and end up in a desperate state through no fault of their own. A visit to a prison or to a homelessness centre will tell you that.
xxxxxx
11. If elected how will you advance the cause of Libdemmery?
We should all be doing that! The job of the President is to ensure that the Party runs smoothly and consistently and that members and activists are empowered to get the Party message across and that the messages are clear.
xxxxxx
12. As a party, despite our values, we still seem to find it impossible to reflect the diversity of the country we seek to represent, how will you redress this?
This remains a cause for concern. I am not persuaded of the case for affirmative action, either in principle or practice and the results of my recent survey suggests that there is no appetite amongst activists for it either. This shouldn’t surprise us, as it is a basic Liberal principle that people should be free to choose. In this Presidential election people should be free to support the white, male candidate rather than the female or BME candidate don’t you think Linda?
The targeted approach of the Campaign for Gender Balance has had some success, and I think that the new Diversity Engagement Group should take the same approach.
Above all, we need to ensure that as a Party we reflect the concerns and aspirations of all sections of society – genuine diversity is not just about gender and ethnicity, but about background, education and economic circumstance.
xxxxxx
13. There has been a lot of debate, in the blogosphere and elsewhere, about our narrative. What should it be?!
Reflecting individual people, their aspirations and concerns and fighting against faceless large institutions - a narrative that talks about giving people power and hope that they can change things. Being less managerial. Stressing the need for international institutions to take a lead on climate change, security and financial co-operation.
xxxxx
14. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the world?
Almost out of the blue has come the financial meltdown – so this clearly is it. We should be clear that this is a result of Labour following the Tories into a US led agenda of de-regulation, escalation of debt and corporate greed.
xxxxx
15. With a resurgent Tory Party, how would you ensure that as a third party, our voice was heard?
The so-called resurgence is entirely built on anti-Labour sentiment and not based on any positive assessment of the Conservatives. We need to emphasise their similarities – on the economy, the war in Iraq, and issues such as tuition fees and education & health reforms. We need to be shout louder about how right we were in the past to give people confidence about our place in the future.
xxxxx
16. If elected, what do you most look forward to about the role?
I really enjoy getting out and about, working with local campaigners and meeting members. Whether I’m elected or not, I’ll keep doing that. I am genuinely interested in processes – not in an academic kind of way, but ensuring that the outcomes we want are actually delivered. There are ways in which the Party could change the way it does things which would deliver real benefits –simplifying the selection process is one example.
xxxxx
17. See Q 8 above
xxxxx
18. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from another party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?
David Puttnam, Labour Peer, is one of the most interesting, charming and funny people I know. I wouldn’t get bored, and then he’d make a great movie of our experiences once we were rescued.
xxxxx
19. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from our party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?!
If I was allowed a Party bureaucrat rather than a politician then of course it would be my short-suffering husband Mark. He’d spend his spare time devising new rules and making ballot boxes out of palm leaves while I went out spearing fish.
xxxxx
20. If elected President what will you do to help elect a second MEP in the East of England?! (Or anywhere else actually!!!)
The obvious response is to say that I’ll campaign across the region, and across the country and of course I’ll do that. However, the most important contribution, in my view, would be to ensure that we have a robust analysis of our performance in list elections and take a good hard look at our campaigning techniques in that sort of contest.
So............our chance to begin to shape that future in choosing our future President. I asked all three candidates to answer 20 questions. I have made my decision, but I hope this may help you make yours. The reason I struggled over who to support was that I think both Ros and Lembit are excellent and have I also been impressed by Chandila's drive and enthusiasm.
As President I believe Ros would be a champion for the activists. She is someone who is approachable and there is no edge to her. She is also an incredibly inspirational woman. Her approach to her campaign and her commitment to the party gives me confidence that if elected she would do a fantastic job, particularly in chairing FE.
So - Here are the questions and Ros's answers, great answers, but I will leave commenting on answers until I have posted them all up:
1. What motivated you to get involved in politics and does that still motivate you now?
I got into politics as a result of being involved with my community of Needham Market in Suffolk. Being active in all sorts of local organisations I kept coming across my Lib Dem District Councillor who was always at the heart of things and enabling people like me to move ahead with our projects for the town.
xxxxx
2. Which political figure, living or dead, do you most admire and why?
I’ve always been taken with Sylvia Pankhurst who was rather overshadowed by her mother and sister but was a more substantial person. Despite coming from a privileged background, she worked in the East End and realised that true emancipation would come when they were represented, and not just the wealthy middle classes into which she had been born.
xxxxx
3. If you could introduce a new party policy, what would it be?4. If there was a party policy you could overturn, what would it be?
9. What is your view on our policy on Trident?
I’ve grouped these questions together, as they all come under the category of policy, and because I’m not going to answer them! The role of the Party President is clearly defined in our constitution, and doesn’t include policy formation; it is the Leader who chairs the Federal Policy Committee whilst the President chairs the Federal Executive. I think it’s vital that Party office holders concentrate on the job they are mandated to do. It’s not that I don’t have a view on the issues you raise, it’s just that they are not relevant to the role of the President. What is relevant though, is the role of the President in ensuring that policy making continues to include the wider Party membership and properly reflects their views.
xxxxxx
5. Have you done the “political compass” exercise and if so where do you sit?
Comfortably in the “Left Liberal” sector.
xxxxxx
6. What will you bring to the position of President?
20 years of experience as an acitivist, councillor and member of the House of Lords. Business experience running a council in joint control, on the Board of the Audit Commission, Non-executive director in the private sector. Over a decade of representing the Party in the media, in the business community, with community groups and internationally. Plus energy and absolute commitment.
xxxxxx
7. What will be your priorities if elected
Making sure that the changes to our governance resulting from the Party Reform commission strike the right balance between effective decision making and party democracy.
Encouraging reform of candidate selection to make the process less demanding of Party resources and look at how we can best support Parliamentary candidates when they are in place.
Look at the feasibility of creating an “associate member” category to encourage people who sympathise with us but are not ready to take the full step of membership.
xxxxxx
8. What is your view on the marketisation of public services?17. As someone more on the “left” of the party, why should I vote for you?
I’ve grouped these questions together because my response to the second determines my answer to the first. Across the world, services are provided by a mix of public and private sector organizations, large and small, in a myriad of arrangements. Nothing is going to change this whether we like it or not so the question for me are not about who provides but how. The ballot box has not stopped some public services from being unresponsive any more than the market has prevents some private companies from being inefficient – neither is intrinsically better than the other. For me, the questions are about
Accountability and redress – who is responsible for something, and who should put it right when it goes wrong and who should you sack if there are persistent failures.
Level of regulation- how much regulation is appropriate in order to protect people from abuse and to achieve public goods such as preventing social exclusion or promoting sustainability.
Level of public subsidy and decisions about who should be subsidised and to what end?
Cost and Scale – at what level and and size are services best delivered? Does big mean more efficient ( probably not in my experience) and does it lead to alienation between users and providers. Isn’t it ultimately more expensive to do something cheaply and fail – the costs of dealing with the effects of failed service are enormous.
xxxxx
9. See Q 3 above
xxxxx
10. If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing in this country, what would it be?
One of the greatest scandals is the way we deal with mental health issues. There are many things which make my blood boil, but one of the Many thousands of people fail to get timely diagnosis of problems, and thousands more receive insufficient or bad treatment. People with mental health problems are often stigmatised and end up in a desperate state through no fault of their own. A visit to a prison or to a homelessness centre will tell you that.
xxxxxx
11. If elected how will you advance the cause of Libdemmery?
We should all be doing that! The job of the President is to ensure that the Party runs smoothly and consistently and that members and activists are empowered to get the Party message across and that the messages are clear.
xxxxxx
12. As a party, despite our values, we still seem to find it impossible to reflect the diversity of the country we seek to represent, how will you redress this?
This remains a cause for concern. I am not persuaded of the case for affirmative action, either in principle or practice and the results of my recent survey suggests that there is no appetite amongst activists for it either. This shouldn’t surprise us, as it is a basic Liberal principle that people should be free to choose. In this Presidential election people should be free to support the white, male candidate rather than the female or BME candidate don’t you think Linda?
The targeted approach of the Campaign for Gender Balance has had some success, and I think that the new Diversity Engagement Group should take the same approach.
Above all, we need to ensure that as a Party we reflect the concerns and aspirations of all sections of society – genuine diversity is not just about gender and ethnicity, but about background, education and economic circumstance.
xxxxxx
13. There has been a lot of debate, in the blogosphere and elsewhere, about our narrative. What should it be?!
Reflecting individual people, their aspirations and concerns and fighting against faceless large institutions - a narrative that talks about giving people power and hope that they can change things. Being less managerial. Stressing the need for international institutions to take a lead on climate change, security and financial co-operation.
xxxxx
14. What do you consider the most pressing issue facing the world?
Almost out of the blue has come the financial meltdown – so this clearly is it. We should be clear that this is a result of Labour following the Tories into a US led agenda of de-regulation, escalation of debt and corporate greed.
xxxxx
15. With a resurgent Tory Party, how would you ensure that as a third party, our voice was heard?
The so-called resurgence is entirely built on anti-Labour sentiment and not based on any positive assessment of the Conservatives. We need to emphasise their similarities – on the economy, the war in Iraq, and issues such as tuition fees and education & health reforms. We need to be shout louder about how right we were in the past to give people confidence about our place in the future.
xxxxx
16. If elected, what do you most look forward to about the role?
I really enjoy getting out and about, working with local campaigners and meeting members. Whether I’m elected or not, I’ll keep doing that. I am genuinely interested in processes – not in an academic kind of way, but ensuring that the outcomes we want are actually delivered. There are ways in which the Party could change the way it does things which would deliver real benefits –simplifying the selection process is one example.
xxxxx
17. See Q 8 above
xxxxx
18. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from another party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?
David Puttnam, Labour Peer, is one of the most interesting, charming and funny people I know. I wouldn’t get bored, and then he’d make a great movie of our experiences once we were rescued.
xxxxx
19. If you were stranded on a desert island, which politician – from our party – would you be happy to be stranded with and why?!
If I was allowed a Party bureaucrat rather than a politician then of course it would be my short-suffering husband Mark. He’d spend his spare time devising new rules and making ballot boxes out of palm leaves while I went out spearing fish.
xxxxx
20. If elected President what will you do to help elect a second MEP in the East of England?! (Or anywhere else actually!!!)
The obvious response is to say that I’ll campaign across the region, and across the country and of course I’ll do that. However, the most important contribution, in my view, would be to ensure that we have a robust analysis of our performance in list elections and take a good hard look at our campaigning techniques in that sort of contest.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
My Night of Passion with Lembit!
Last night, it has to be said, was something else! Regular readers will know that I have agonised about who to support in the Presidential elections. Ros is such an inspiration, and as a woman I would very much like to see a champion within the party to ensure women are seen and HEARD. But Lembit is also an inspirational character, which is why I had such a hard time deciding. However, last night I was left in no doubt of why I think now is the right time for him to be President of the party.
Of course the internal shenanigans of the party are hugely important, but as Nick has pointed out, now is not the time for contemplating our navel, now is the time to be reaching out, to be "speaking human" - and in my opinion that is what Lembit does best. I don't buy the "lite weight" jibes - a view confirmed by listening to him last night at the Epping Forest Pizza and Politics evening hosted by our own Neil Woolcott. The food and company was excellent, augmented by a passionate speech from Lembit that left us all encouraged, enthused and ready to go out there and build this party!
I met up with Lembit and Stephen Kearney at Portcullis to travel over to Loughton...........it has to be said, a tube journey with Opik/Kearney is something else......not sure if I was the rose between the thorns or the thorn between the roses! It was a great laugh, but it was also really inspirational, these are two people who are deeply committed to making our party a driving force in this country. We arrived to leaflet at Loughton station and were almost immediately told we should move back "behind the red line" away from the station. This we dutifully did - then another supervisor came out (had no idea London Transport had so many staff) and again asked us to keep back "behind the red line". I explained to him we had already been asked, and given we were not really in the market for ASBOs we would of course comply. He explained that they had had a problem with the Tories who had gone right into the entrance of another tube station, put up a huge banner and a table! Gosh we are so much more gentile in the Lib Dems eh? Then finally, they apparently got guidance from their manager, and were frankly told to push off.....which we did, off to Neil's to listen to Lembit.
Lembit started by talking with real authority and expertise about the current economic climate, the horrendous level of personal debt and the scandal that in what is one of the richest countries in the world, there are 1.2 million households waiting for housing. He showed us how seriously he takes the business of politics, not about point scoring but about making a real difference to people's lives. But his real challenge to us was about "evangelising" - we can't build this party if we are not prepared to really begin to engage with our communities. This is an issue Stephen Kearney has a great deal of expertise in and he will be working with the party to help us develop the grassroots networks that we need if we are going to have an impact.
There were lots of questions, of course including the Big Brother one, which as Neil has already pointed out, he squashed absolutely. What came across strongly was Lembit's conviction that we have to take risks, be bold about our policies and prepared to take the flak if we are being true to our values. But what touched me particularly was to hear of Lembit's significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He has been far too modest in this and it was Stephen Kearney who enlightened us all (more about this later). Here is a man who is able to use his undoubted people skills to make a REAL difference. While we talk about "Making it Happen" he HAS made it happen. While we talk about reaching out, he has it built into his DNA. While we complain about not getting the media profile, Lembit can rightly ask "what are you on about?"
We travelled back with Jonathan Fryer, who told the tale of when I had been visiting for dinner, a journey which should have taken 5 minutes from Canary Wharf, which inexplicably turned into an hour and a half! (OK it may have had something to do with the fact that I got on the right bus but going in the wrong direction!)
Then on to one of Stephen's favourite pubs, another mixture of serious political debate and laughter.
I know that there are concerns that because of his character and media profile, there are dangers in Lembit becoming President. Yes, fire is dangerous, water is dangerous, travelling is dangerous - but in all those cases when the power is channelled and directed it is always a force for good. Lembit hasn't had the best of years, but I believe it has given him an opportunity to review where he is and I believe the undoubted talent he has can and will be channelled for the benefit of the party, but far more importantly, for the benefit of the people we seek to serve.
Lembit says politics should be fun. I agree, an ability to combine humour with gravitas is a huge challenge, but one Lembit is more than capable of meeting, not least because of his undoubted passion and unquestionable commitment to the human race. I for one look forward to far more passionate nights with him!!!
Of course the internal shenanigans of the party are hugely important, but as Nick has pointed out, now is not the time for contemplating our navel, now is the time to be reaching out, to be "speaking human" - and in my opinion that is what Lembit does best. I don't buy the "lite weight" jibes - a view confirmed by listening to him last night at the Epping Forest Pizza and Politics evening hosted by our own Neil Woolcott. The food and company was excellent, augmented by a passionate speech from Lembit that left us all encouraged, enthused and ready to go out there and build this party!
I met up with Lembit and Stephen Kearney at Portcullis to travel over to Loughton...........it has to be said, a tube journey with Opik/Kearney is something else......not sure if I was the rose between the thorns or the thorn between the roses! It was a great laugh, but it was also really inspirational, these are two people who are deeply committed to making our party a driving force in this country. We arrived to leaflet at Loughton station and were almost immediately told we should move back "behind the red line" away from the station. This we dutifully did - then another supervisor came out (had no idea London Transport had so many staff) and again asked us to keep back "behind the red line". I explained to him we had already been asked, and given we were not really in the market for ASBOs we would of course comply. He explained that they had had a problem with the Tories who had gone right into the entrance of another tube station, put up a huge banner and a table! Gosh we are so much more gentile in the Lib Dems eh? Then finally, they apparently got guidance from their manager, and were frankly told to push off.....which we did, off to Neil's to listen to Lembit.
Lembit started by talking with real authority and expertise about the current economic climate, the horrendous level of personal debt and the scandal that in what is one of the richest countries in the world, there are 1.2 million households waiting for housing. He showed us how seriously he takes the business of politics, not about point scoring but about making a real difference to people's lives. But his real challenge to us was about "evangelising" - we can't build this party if we are not prepared to really begin to engage with our communities. This is an issue Stephen Kearney has a great deal of expertise in and he will be working with the party to help us develop the grassroots networks that we need if we are going to have an impact.
There were lots of questions, of course including the Big Brother one, which as Neil has already pointed out, he squashed absolutely. What came across strongly was Lembit's conviction that we have to take risks, be bold about our policies and prepared to take the flak if we are being true to our values. But what touched me particularly was to hear of Lembit's significant role in the Northern Ireland peace process. He has been far too modest in this and it was Stephen Kearney who enlightened us all (more about this later). Here is a man who is able to use his undoubted people skills to make a REAL difference. While we talk about "Making it Happen" he HAS made it happen. While we talk about reaching out, he has it built into his DNA. While we complain about not getting the media profile, Lembit can rightly ask "what are you on about?"
We travelled back with Jonathan Fryer, who told the tale of when I had been visiting for dinner, a journey which should have taken 5 minutes from Canary Wharf, which inexplicably turned into an hour and a half! (OK it may have had something to do with the fact that I got on the right bus but going in the wrong direction!)
Then on to one of Stephen's favourite pubs, another mixture of serious political debate and laughter.
I know that there are concerns that because of his character and media profile, there are dangers in Lembit becoming President. Yes, fire is dangerous, water is dangerous, travelling is dangerous - but in all those cases when the power is channelled and directed it is always a force for good. Lembit hasn't had the best of years, but I believe it has given him an opportunity to review where he is and I believe the undoubted talent he has can and will be channelled for the benefit of the party, but far more importantly, for the benefit of the people we seek to serve.
Lembit says politics should be fun. I agree, an ability to combine humour with gravitas is a huge challenge, but one Lembit is more than capable of meeting, not least because of his undoubted passion and unquestionable commitment to the human race. I for one look forward to far more passionate nights with him!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Will Chris Huhne stand for Party President?
At the moment we have two declared presidential candidates, Lembit Opik and Ros Scott, both of whom have agreed to answer my 20 questions (which will be posted as soon as I have them back from both of them). But will the contest take an interesting turn if there is a third contender? I have heard that the "anyone but Lembit" lobby are looking for someone else to take him on and that Chris Huhne is the name in the frame. Hmmmm, interesting. Of course Simon Hughes lost the leadership and then overwhelming won the Presidency. But then, the last time the Presidency was contested it was Lembit who lost, so there is a feeling in some quarters that it is his turn this time. So, having had the position uncontested last time, maybe we are in for a three way battle this?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
20 Questions to a Presidential Candidate
Later this year we will all be invited to vote for a new Party President. Simon Hughes has set the bar high. So far we have two declared candidates, Baroness Ros Scott and Lembit Opik MP. Regular readers will know I have a genuine dilemma about who to support - so I have written to both with 20 questions which I hope will help me, and others, decide.
I have heard from Ros that she is happy to answer my questions and I trust Lembit will do likewise - watch this space!
I have heard from Ros that she is happy to answer my questions and I trust Lembit will do likewise - watch this space!
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