Search the site

  

Grab my RSS feed | (What's this?)

Tag cloud...

Sponsored links

Recent comments

Recent Posts

Feeds

Categories

Useful links

Archives

Sponsored links

Latest Posts...

Website moving

Posted by David Sudworth on June 7, 2007 1:00 PM

THE new Off The Record site is now live.

Click on http://offtherecord.merseyblogs.co.uk/ to join in the debate.


This Battle of West Lancs site will be back for the local elections in May 2008.

Racist Or Just Ill-Judged?

Posted by David Sudworth on June 7, 2007 6:00 AM

.
Off The Record

WHAT a difference a week makes.


Seven days ago, David Phythian was just another face among many on the backbenches of West Lancs District Council and Up Holland Parish Council, busy sorting out complaints about potholes and making decisions on planning applications.


Fast-forward a week and his name has been plastered over all the media and internet following his conviction for making racist remarks about Pascal Chimbonda.

A search on Yahoo reveals just how far and wide this story has travelled. But despite that, Cllr Phythian had not given his side of the story.

However, in this week's Advertiser he granted me an exclusive interview in which he sheds some valuable light on the circumstances surrounding the incident.


I have to admit that being a Wiganer myself, and having been to matches at the JJB staduim a few times, I've heard the word 'mudhut' being used jokingly in reference to a house (do a search on Google or Yahoo under 'Wigan mudhut' if it sounds weird to you)


I've grown up with similar oddities (for some reason, we call people from St Helens 'Yickers'. Answers on a postcard please) and as such I've never really given them a second thought. Neither probably has Cllr Phythian, until now.


However, the burning question is was Cllr Phythian knowingly being racist or was it just an unfortunate choice of words given the circumstances in which they were uttered?


That is something the Labour Party heirarchy is going to have to make a decision on soon.


We're told the case is also being referred to the Standards Board for England, the governing body for councillors, but as this happened in his own private life, as opposed to while he was carrying out his public duties, it's open to debate how they'll proceed.


Last night, sources were saying there's general support for Cllr Phythian in the Labour Party but - and it's a big but - there's also a real concern about the racism issue.


Politics is all about making the right decisions... will Labour make the right one? .

Mind Your Grammar, Mr Cameron

Posted by David Sudworth on June 6, 2007 6:49 AM

.
Off The Record

I'M a broken man.


For weeks since the grammar school debate was sparked, I've managed to keep my trap shut because, admittedly, I know more about Benazir Bhutto's bunions that I do about grammar schools.


It kicked off while I was sunning my girth in Menorca. I just kept hoping the row would blow over so I wouldn't have to comment on it.

But I switched on the news last night and the BBC's Nick Robinson (nice bloke, he came up and chatted to me in the press gallery at Westminster a few years ago) was there grilling David Cameron over it.

My resolve was shattered.

To be honest, I couldn't really give a fig about grammar schools, having never stepped foot in one.

I'm told we don't have any in Lancashire so this is basically a row about a few counties in the south of England and an ideological row about a system which in the main died out years ago.

Although you wouldn't know it reading the Daily Mail, my paper of choice while on hols, as day-by-day it was getting increasingly hot under its starched collar about the Tories' so called "abandoning" of the sector.

It's so typical though that if it's affecting south England, then they think the rest of the country cares. I doubt they do, because believe me it certainly isn't a burning issue among my friends, family or colleagues.

The Conservatives have to be careful or this will turn into another Europe, an issue which made sure they came completely unelectable from 1992 onwards.


David Cameron must regain a tight grip of his party because if there's one thing voters hate, it's the political chattering classes indulging in protracted bouts of navel-gazing and infighting, something the national Tories have mastered down to a fine art in recent years.

A Picture Tells a Thousand Words

Posted by David Sudworth on June 4, 2007 10:30 AM

.
Off The Record


FOLLOWING my musings on political public relations, it reminded me of someone whose name and pictures are close to attaining legendary status on newsdesks the length and breadth of the region.


I'm talking about Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies, someone who knows only too well the value of good PR.


The high-profile Mr Davies has supplied the Advertiser and many other organs with a wonderful array of pics to highlight certain campaigns he's been involved with.


Here's a select few from down the years (with the captions slightly altered purely for the purposes of this blog)


MEP discovers the quality second-hand car trade isn't what it used to be...
MEP discovers the quality second-hand car trade isn't what it used to be

Lib Dem regrets lending Keith Richards his private jet ...
Lib Dem regrets lending Keith Richards his private jet


And my own personal favourite.........

MEP extends 'dog ate my homework' excuse after getting to Manchester Airport and realising he's forgotten his passport
MEP extends 'dog ate my homework' excuse after getting to Manchester Airport and realising he's forgotten his passport


Any alternative captions gratefully received, just click underneath and leave a message.

We're All Cynics Now

Posted by David Sudworth on June 3, 2007 9:01 AM

.
Off The Record

THIS week political journalists were doing what they love doing the most - talking about themselves.


I'm referring to the announcement that former tabloid editor Andy Coulson has been named the Conservatives' director of communications, which was quickly followed up by claims that he's being paid a nice big wedge too.


There's always been a steady flow of journos going into public relations as both professions are closely linked. Even locally, a number of people I've worked with have ended up working for councils and other public sector organisations and seem to make the transition of poacher-turned-gamekeeper very well (actually, I think that last analogy is a crude way of putting it but it sums it up quite nicely).


I must say though that for all the talk of spin in politics, the local parties seem to be able to do it perfectly well themselves. Rather than paying someone top dollar, the methods used at grass roots level are actually a lot more subtle.


From time to time for instance, I'll notice that letter pages carry comments from residents which look as if they are just from a normal member of the public. But if you scratch the surface, some of them are actually written by people with close ties to a certain party.


It's amazing, actually, how many times the 'Average Joe' is brought out to try and add some human interest to a political story. Like I said, very subtle and almost impossible to spot by anyone other than seasoned hacks.


Another example I remember from my early reporting days was when I received a press release and photo about a parliamentary candidate. It read something like as follows...

"Candidate Bloggs has held a meeting with top local business leaders to discuss a number of their concerns regarding government red-tape."


When I turned to look at the pic, I saw that every single one of them was a member of the same party - the candidate's party to be precise. When I pointed this out to the candidate's manager, he looked at me the same way my mum did when I said to her: "Father Christmas isn't real, is he?"


No wonder we're all now professional cynics...

Tory Parliamentary Battle

Posted by David Sudworth on June 2, 2007 7:50 AM

.
Off The Record

AS I've revealed in this week's Advertiser, the race is now on to become West Lancashire's next Conservative parliamentary candidate.


Personally, I think the best way forward to have open primaries for all candidates for every party.

They are a good idea of engaging with the public early on - something which is crucial to a successful election campaign. Of course, they are open to abuse by opposition parties but I reckon the benefits outweigh the potential risks involved.


I can remember the uproar in the local Labour Party when an all-women shortlist was announced for those who were vying for Colin Pickthall's seat. If the Tories went for the same option, which they have been given the option of, then it would probably end up with mutiny in the ranks.


There's actually quite a myth about all-women shortlists in that it's only the men who moan about them. One female Labour member told me at the time of the last selection process: "What kind of selection immediately discounts half of your membership in one go? It's political suicide."


And so back to the Tories, who now have to find someone who can beat Labour and the general election polls for the first time in 20-plus years. They're past masters at it in the locals, so what's gone wrong?


Any party which wants to win an election has to reach outside it's own comfort zone. And by this, I'm talking about going deep into opposition territory. There's no point in the Conservatives patting themselves on the back at their strong rural vote or Labour congratulating itself on their rock-solid domination of Skelmersdale - elections are won by taking your opponent's prized areas.


When Labour controlled the district, they held Halsall and the now defunct Lathom seat. Not Labour heartland but they were the key to power.
Labour's general election success has much to do with the strength of their Aughton/Burscough/Ormskirk vote - even though this is now True Blue territory!


The Conservatives, on the other hand, will have their sights on those three but they have to do more in the likes of Up Holland (which they nearly snatched from Labour last month) and even Skelmersdale. It's folly to discount Skem in a general election as it doesn't matter where the votes come from, a vote from Tarleton is just as important as a vote from Tanhouse.

Of course, national politics plays a massive part and for that reason, there's only so much the local party can do. So it'll be interesting to see what the ratings are for Brown and Cameron this time next year. By then, we'll have a much better understanding of how things may pan out.

Aughton Street

Posted by David Sudworth on May 31, 2007 6:08 PM

.
Off The Record


I CAN'T say I'm surprised the council has ditched its plans for Ormskirk's Aughton Street gateway.


However, I must say that for a scheme which was presented with such fanfare by the council, its demise (the roots of which were only to be found amid a batch of weighty council reports) and last gasp(witnessed by yours truly in Committee Rooms 2&3 at Derby Street on Tuesday night without any debate apart from a few words from planning boss Cllr Ian Grant) were a little disappointing...


Like many folk, I agree that the general area of Aughton Street needed a lift, I don't really think there was much point in the gateway concept.

I don't know about you, but when I'm visiting Ormskirk I tend to come in via the bus station or park in Stiles car park off Derby Street West. The only time I've ever entered town via Aughton Street was when I was at Somerfield or the Acropolis chippy and needed to get to Barclays.


It appears the enthusiasm for which those at West Lancs had for this scheme was not shared by the wider public.


Indeed, the council's own report admitted that the gateway concept had not been sold to enough people to make it worthwhile proceeding, and even if it did it would be basically a waste of time and effort.


I can think of many other authorities whose own vanity mean they would have gone ahead if put in West Lancs' position. Because, believe it or not, public bodies have a tendency to go on mad power trips at times and are scared stiff of being seen to have bowed to public pressure for fear of being branded weak.


However, sometimes strength is being able to put your hand up and say: "We got it wrong" and that's what happened here.


With that in mind, I think it's safe to assume it'll be a few years before we see West Lancs pursuing anymore public art ventures...

Off The Record

Posted by David Sudworth on May 30, 2007 6:24 PM

.
Off The Record

POLITICAL anoraks of West Lancashire unite, for a new blog is in the offing!

Those of you who couldn't get enough of The Battle For West Lancashire, you will now be able to feast your eyes over our new Off The Record blog. With the tagline of 'analysis, news and whispers from the corridors of power', we aim to do exactly what it says on the tin.

The actual site is under construction so for now I'll be posting on this site, and when the new address is up and running you'll be redirected. Just make sure you click on the logo on the Advertiser homepage and you'll get here...

So, let's get down to business, there's been a lot happening since the local elections on May 3.
For one, I've been on holiday to Menorca and very nice it was too. As I said to Mrs S: "It'll be a really great break after being frazzled covering the elections, which I'm now sick to death of."

However, someone up there musn't like me because as soon as I stepped foot out of the airport at Mahon and what did I see but a bloody poster for the Spanish local elections! Argh!!!!

Posters, posters everywhere in Menorca - but couldn't understand even one of them...


Not only that, but on a trip to the island's second city, Cuitadella, I was accosted by activists from the conservative PP party's stall in the main square who wanted to know if I
a) Wanted a PP badge and pencil
b) Had read their mainfesto and policies
c) Was going to vote for them

So in my best Spanish (courtesy of Collins Phrasebooks Ltd), I said words to the effect of: "Sorry pal, the only thing I've come here for is some decent weather and a chance to indulge in large but hideously cheap glasses of ice cold beer."

'I wonder if I can get rid of these by unloading them onto some daft English tourists...'


What did surprise me though is that compared to our own local elections, these were in a different league. Posters all over the place saying "Vota...." and stalls handing out free gifts, even if some did end up in the hands of bemused tourists.

I've no idea who won, by the way. Even I know when it's time to switch off...

The Tories' Seven Year Itch?

Posted by David Sudworth on May 10, 2007 6:26 AM

WHOEVER coined the phrase 'politics is power' knew their onions, that's for sure.

Here in West Lancs, that phrase started to manifest itself in the local Conservative Party which is having a bit of an issue on policy direction.

As I've revealed in this week's Advertiser (page 3), there's growing calls from the party's 'young guns' for a more radical agenda. Their argument is that with now having secured a comfortable majority of 12 seats, the party can really now kick back and introduce some eye-catching initiatives - something which is being resisted by the 'old guard'.

One insider tells me that it's been going on for a while, but the mutterings have now started outside the walls of Ormskirk's Tory HQ.

Apparently though, there's still a great deal of support for leader Geoff Roberts who admitted this week that this is probably his toughest spell since taking over as party leader seven years ago.

When I contacted Cllr Roberts he seemed fairly pragmatic about the whole situation and had the air of a man who wasn't frightened of being challenged. He strongly believes that elections are only won from the so-called centre ground and that's where he's determined to pitch his tent. He's also worried that the 'free-thinking' that's going on may alienate voters.

It's a tough call as election results are often over-interpreted. A resounding win for an incumbent adminstration may be a sign to some as "carry on in the same vein" but to others it's a case of "great, but now we want more".
Trouble is, they'll never know which one it really is until it's too late - i.e. when the votes are being counted.

Power struggles are nothing new; West Lancs Labour Party have had - and continue to have - their own internal difficulties. There's been a general feeling that some people aren't towing the line but I understand leader Terry Rice is getting ready to tell his troops a few home truths.

To some extent, the Labour predicament is more pressing because they really need to sort things out because the road back to power is going to be a long one.

However, whereas Labour's plight isn't going to affect anyone but Labour, the Conservative issue could actually directly impact on the tax-paying public, purely because they hold office.

Personally, I'd be surprised if Cllr Roberts' wasn't still occupying the council leader's office this time next year... but by the same token I've learnt that in politics you have to expect the unexpected.

Election Fatigue - Fat Chance!

Posted by David Sudworth on May 8, 2007 8:34 PM

WE'VE been putting the finishing touches to our post-election coverage in time for this week's Advertiser.

It's a pretty conprehensive round-up (even if I do say so myself) but I think it's well justified given the thousands of people across West Lancs who botthered to turn out and vote.

So after a month over chewing over local politics you'd probably wonder whether I'm starting to get fed up at talking about wards, marginals, swings and other funny words that mean nothing to the average Joe.

Well, actually I've quite enjoyed it and hopefully we're going to be starting another politics blog shortly (suggestions for titles gratefully received).

The plan is to post my last entry here on Friday and then leave it perhaps for a few weeks before the blogging starts again, probably on the new site.

I really think that when it comes to local politics, newspapers really need to help their readers understand the nuts and bolts of what goes on and give a behind the scenes account of how their hard-earned taxes are spent.

Much like this blog, it's sometimes serious, sometime jovial and sometimes just an out-and-out soapbox, but that's what makes politics such an important and indeed fascinating subject matter.

So rest assured, even though The Battle for West Lancashire is over for another year, I'm sure there'll be plenty for us to debate in the civic year which lies ahead.