A blog by Luke Akehurst about politics, elections, and the Labour Party - With subtitles for the Hard of Left.
Just for the record: all the views expressed here are entirely personal and do not necessarily represent the positions of any organisations I am a member of.
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Thursday, June 28, 2007
Congratulations
to Hazel Blears if it's true that she will be going to Communities and Local Government.
I'm sure Labour Councillors across the country don't think they are a "small quiet siding" - we're the people that actually oversee delivery of a lot of government policies on the ground. Community cohesion is pretty important too.
Although not a massive fan of Hazel during the DL campaign, I actually think she will do a really good job at DCLG. Luke's right, this is a crucial post if GB is serious about devolving more power to local government.
This is a perfect deparment for Hazel Blears. I read a terrific pamphlet she wrote a few years ago (from Demos or the Fabians I think) and she had some great things to say on community engagement. I am really looking forward to hearing her plans for the department.
Fabians, if you're thinking of "Communities in Control". It's certainly interesting and well thought through, so I will be watching with interest.
I should add in answer to anonymous, and since I was so harsh on Tally-Ho Quentin, that I'm fine with Shaun Woodward. He's repented of his sins, and served his time.
jdc: "I should add in answer to anonymous, and since I was so harsh on Tally-Ho Quentin, that I'm fine with Shaun Woodward. He's repented of his sins, and served his time."
Ha! I take the opposite position. Happy to accept defections when they damage the Tories, but once a Tory MP always a Tory and they should never be given any power. Hopefully if the assembly progresses well, he won't have any significant decisions to make.
Yes that's it - Communities in Control. I lent it out to someone and never got it back. Must try and get hold of another copy. I was the best pamphlet I'd read on the topic for years - arguably the precursor to 'double devolition' -terms of local government from what I can recall.
I have to confess, I feel a bit sorry for Hazel. I'm not a particular fan of her arch-Blairism, but she's a terrific campaigner (DL contest aside, perhaps !) and did a pretty reasonable job as Party Chair. Would have been a far better choice for GE co-ordinator than Douglas Alexander (who needs to sharpen up his game considerably after Scotland.)
A small quiet siding somewhere then.
ReplyDeleteKeep her away from the big decisions and hopefully off the telly.
Actually I can see her doing well in this department
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Labour Councillors across the country don't think they are a "small quiet siding" - we're the people that actually oversee delivery of a lot of government policies on the ground. Community cohesion is pretty important too.
ReplyDeleteHurrah, she's my Minister. When can we have a meeting, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteAlthough not a massive fan of Hazel during the DL campaign, I actually think she will do a really good job at DCLG. Luke's right, this is a crucial post if GB is serious about devolving more power to local government.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect deparment for Hazel Blears. I read a terrific pamphlet she wrote a few years ago (from Demos or the Fabians I think) and she had some great things to say on community engagement. I am really looking forward to hearing her plans for the department.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Hazel. Luke, what do you think of Shaun Woodward entering cabinet? I am slightly shocked.
ReplyDeleteFabians, if you're thinking of "Communities in Control". It's certainly interesting and well thought through, so I will be watching with interest.
ReplyDeleteI should add in answer to anonymous, and since I was so harsh on Tally-Ho Quentin, that I'm fine with Shaun Woodward. He's repented of his sins, and served his time.
Communities and Local Goverment?
ReplyDeleteThe curtain twitching brigade.
That's Hazel.
jdc: "I should add in answer to anonymous, and since I was so harsh on Tally-Ho Quentin, that I'm fine with Shaun Woodward. He's repented of his sins, and served his time."
ReplyDeleteHa! I take the opposite position. Happy to accept defections when they damage the Tories, but once a Tory MP always a Tory and they should never be given any power. Hopefully if the assembly progresses well, he won't have any significant decisions to make.
Yes that's it - Communities in Control. I lent it out to someone and never got it back. Must try and get hold of another copy. I was the best pamphlet I'd read on the topic for years - arguably the precursor to 'double devolition' -terms of local government from what I can recall.
ReplyDelete"Yes that's it - Communities in Control. I lent it out to someone and never got it back. "
ReplyDeleteI've got an electronic one, as long as Hazel promises not to sue me for copyright theft... where would you like it?
I have to confess, I feel a bit sorry for Hazel. I'm not a particular fan of her arch-Blairism, but she's a terrific campaigner (DL contest aside, perhaps !) and did a pretty reasonable job as Party Chair. Would have been a far better choice for GE co-ordinator than Douglas Alexander (who needs to sharpen up his game considerably after Scotland.)
ReplyDelete