Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Let's see what PB would do then ... if he gets put up for the Conservative vote.

Graham, one word of advice ... will now have to get a new stylist. Spot the difference between you and Greg in this 'photo shot ? Gotta' get yerself a smart new overcoat and open necked shirt. Can push the image of an anorak too far you know... come in Gok ... :D:D

Attachment 14899

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

are you not going to offer kate to take him in hand and do the makeover .. then you could send a pic to Gok .. look what i did .... :D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Good idea Shill ... it's all in the shoulders (not the bum) buddy, buddy type thing ... and the hair could do with a different style .. he has a long face and he elongates it with the styles he wears at the moment.

Gotta take the emphasis away from those ears .... sorry Graham, you had better get used to this ..... :D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Not only cheap Cashy, but predictable. Probably an early indication as to what sort of election the Tory's are going to fight in Hyndburn

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

now Graham ... thats an offer you cant refuse .. our own katex in charge of doing the makeover .... :D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

When Peter Britcliffe stood as the Tory candidate, in 1997 and 2001 General Elections ,he did not stand down as a councillor before either election. So why would you expect Graham to step down?

In fact in Peter's speech, at the count - after the result had been declared, on both occasions he said that the people of Hyndburn has endorsed him as Tory Group leader.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I remember that. Only Peter could have come to that conclusion.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

just dont forget the before and after photos kate .. :D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I don't think it's a bad thing that somebody has raised the issue of taxpayers paying for needless by-elections. If your candidate thinks he is going to win, then there is no problem in resigning from his local government posts. If the 'Tories are going to fight in Hyndburn' for taxpayer value, then yes, I'm with them, all the way.

Another Labour councillor notes that in previous years the unsuccessful Tory candidate has not stepped down from council. I don't support that. If somebody stands for Parliament and stands a chance, they shouldn't keep their local government seats 'just incase' they lose. Taxpayers shouldn't be there to shoulder the burden of their loss. They choose to be parliamentary candidates - if they're not completely focused on it then their suitability for the job should be questioned.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I guess this just isn't the time ........:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

But at the same time there is no question of the "taxpayer" funding yourself in loans and grants in your further education.. people are not stupid..but nice try.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Clothes. Your right Kate.

Standing Down. I represent Peel & Acc South. The people there may not want me to step down for several reasons. Community work, politically different to rest of the Borough.

By Elections. You do try your best Andrew I accept that. Without thinking about what has happenned previously sometimes within your own Party. A by election could be called 5 May 2011 to save money. The issue of 2nd jobs has been easy for some MPs. Stay on the local council and stay in touch with reality! Pluses and minuses there. A Liberal in Manchester did 4 years as both this term?

On resigning at some stage; Thats still how I see the long term. When you loose the passion and because you forfeit so much from your family. time (that's why the cheap shots irk) I am a realist. When I am not doing somewhere my best for the area I represent it's time to pack your bags.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Mancie, when they are so far up there own backsides,things like that are easily forgotten,:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Sound to me like the best way to do it. Why cause those by-elections now when they may not be needed?

Why did you bring wages into it? People should be paid for doing a job so that has nothing to do with it as far as I am concerned.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

need ya ask that question mate?:rolleyes: ;)

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Neil if he were to resign in say March there wouldn't be a by-election.. that's the point I've been trying to make.

I bring up wages because as somebody said in another thread about holding office as an MEP and MP, there would not be enough time to do both jobs, the person would effectively just be taking taxpayers money needlessly. In this case a lot of council meetings etc would be during the week, yet if elected Graham would be in London.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

My guess would be the same as Graham is doing as I think it is the best way.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

No one in their right mind is going to resign from their job without knowing that they have been given a new one. No one in industry would do that, even if it meant that their employer had to put out new adverts to reappoint after they'd gone.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

That is another silly statement. Everyone standing will hope to win but only a few will. Why cause by-elections costing money if they are not needed. If he stood down now the people who voted him for local and country will feel let down. He might as well wait and see if he wins his seat before he lets them down.

And yes I do think that any local councillor who then becomes an MP and stands down is letting down the residents of the ward who voted them in.

I also think that Graham (or whoever) can do a lot more for his ward as a local Councillor than as an MP.

I am still undecided if I think someone should be able to be a local and county councillor at the same time.


Maybe a good question is - Should Local/County Councillors be allowed to stand for election as an MP?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Neil I'm sorry, I must not be making my point clear enough. Resigning now would be silly, as you say it would cause a by-election and cost us money. If he were to resign next year at some point before the local elections, there wouldn't need to be a costly by-election.

I think local/county councillors should be able to stand for election as an MP. It should be up to the electorate to decide if they want an MP with other jobs or not.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

There is a flaw in your logic Gayle.
You are you assuming that Councillors are in their right mind :rolleyes::D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Again though if he did not become an MP he would let his ward down.

Even though it costs more money I agree with waiting and standing down if required

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Well I do agree that it takes a special sort of madman (woman) to want to be a councillor in the first place. ;D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

our illustrious council leader being a fine example of that.:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

He may be mad but he is a very good ward Councillor.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Would it not be better if it was raised by a taxpayer though ? ;)

May be we should have a list of more important tax wasting issues by the council/county than a minor by-election in a small area of the borough/county. :)

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

that i would not dispute, as council leader though leaves "Much" to be desired.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

If I did win, one thing is clear I would inform both DC & LCC to stop my allowances (I don't claim expenses except Train Fare to LCC) and to backdate that to GE day.

IIRC by elections cost £2000 to the tax payer?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Why would you inform them to stop your allowances? If you're doing the job you should be getting paid. Unless of course you think you're only going to be doing half a job since you'd be in London most of the week if elected?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Still, I doubt if Graham would be claiming to have his moat cleaned out or for a new duckhouse.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Graham has explained Andrew what he intends to do should he be elected. Why don't you just accept what he says and leave it that.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

because he has to continue bitching n trying to score brownie points,hes a tory, does him no credit whatsoever, people can easily see what they are.:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Nothing about 'brownie points' cashman. Am just saying it how I see it.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Speak for yourself Gayle ... im not mad ...im just happily insane ... :D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Your not doing it are you?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I have said before I don't agree with you on that one. You should take what you are entitled too. If many other Councillors took your stance those that can't afford to not take the money may not put themselves forward for election fearing they would be looked on badly for claiming. We have the expenses system so anyone can be a Councillor.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

ive actually stood in local elections .. the last time was the same year Gayle stood .. and ive said i will never ever stand again ... :rolleyes::D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

At least you got better, did you need tablets lol

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

it wasnt tablets ... it was that green stuff that i aint saying the name of ..:D:D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

as i am, rest of accyweb can make up their own minds.:)

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I think there is a fine line between claiming reasonable expenses and claiming additional unnecessary expenses. To avoid being accused of any additional unnecessary expenses, some Councillors including Graham, err on the side of caution and only claim the minimum that they feel that they need. I think this is very commendable.

I don't think that people should always take 'what they are entitled too' - this is where the ridiculous claims came from as they were 'entitled' albeit be a flawed system, to claim for ridiculous items.

Every councillor should make a point of claiming what they feel they need and not just 'what they can' because they can.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

On Tealeafs point, I live in a terraced house so clear problems there constructing a moat. LOL

on expenses. Neil your right. However before it became a hot potato many Councillor could not be bothered to claim as it was not why they do/did it. In the MPs case I think that is more than enough compensation and taking another £4k and £11k is unneccessary. I think 64k for MP is enough. I accept for someone like me (works in factory on computers upstairs) it will be a lot but to Lord whoever it may not even
pay for his next Daimler or porch extension especially if he's from Buckinghamshire so it is relative. To me it's relative to the people in Hyndburn.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Ah but thats just good old fashioned common sense, no wonder andrew can't grasp it.:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

The trouble has been, Graham, that the majority of MP's have been claiming far more than £4-£11K...they 'maxed' out on claims by simply adding lump sum amounts for items such as food to whatever they were claiming on second mortages and house fittings up to an amount of £22K pa. All this in addition to items such as first class rail travel, putting family members on the payroll and receiving various payoffs under the guise of consultancy and retainer fees.

MP's are entitled to first class rail travel; an open return from Accy to London is just over four hundred quid. A reasonable one-bedroomed flat in central London will probably set you back a minimum of 300 quid per week. Now, it is not strictly neccessary to travel first class - the Preston/London journey is just over two hours - and by living slightly out you can probably cut your accommodation costs - so my point, once again, is if elected, would you be prepared to place your expenses in the public domain?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

It would be unreasonable to expect an MP to be martyr and claim for nothing.
What we don't need is the freeloading greed they once showed.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Now I'm a little confused:confused: Aren't all MP's expenses in public domain?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I think that is a little unfair at this point. It is possible that he may not be allowed to do this or it may be a requirement to do so.

Seeing as Graham has always been open about such things I would suspect he would if he was allowed to do so.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

They are now.....but not because they placed them there. It was all due to investigative journalism and some pretty ****ed off employees in the MP's expenses office. But those expenses are still historic. What people want to see is what their representatives are claiming on an ongoing basis - or at least I do.

Graham Jones is going to be fighting a difficult election come May of next year - or possibly even earlier. While I have no truck with PM Brown, I only see the Tories as being as bad...but then that is the government. The important thing for Hyndburn is that the Borough has a good local guy in the legislature and it is unlikely the Conservatives will come up with a better local name

The electorate has fallen out of love with all political parties - not least because of the expenses scandal -and so all I am suggesting to GJ is that if he does want to pick up those extra votes to win the constituency he should make a transparency commitment on his expenses.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

that is a reasonable comment IMHO. n summat i agree wi entirely, such a commitment would in my view really gain quite a few extra votes, n pee off P.B. n Andrew,:D;)

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I don't see many problems publishing expenses. I know names were omitted so when Mark Hendricks brought his researcher from London to Preston second class staying in Travelodge it showed as Mark Hendricks 'claimed for a kit kat' and 'Mark Hendricks booked in a Travelodge in his own constituency' when it was in fact scrubbed out it was his researcher - probably on near minimum wage or low anyway.

It's no problem to me. I think people recognise it is a huge responsibility and both personal and staff allowances are neccessary.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I don't think anyone would disagree that an MP needs secretarial and research assistance. It is when and if such assistance is given by friends and family that is the problem. Should you be elected, Graham, it is will be to the Palace of Westminster - not Nigeria-on-Thames, as it has lately become. So can you or can you not give a commitment to the following:

• No Silly expenses
• Publish your expenses on a monthly basis
• No family or chums on the public payroll

Yes or no to all of these?

Oh, and buggar what Labour HQ may have to say.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I agree with the first two points, Tealeaf, and sort of agree with the third.

However, if the MP's spouse has been tireless in campaigning, is a good secretary and organiser and applies for the job and gets the job, then there should be no reason why they aren't on the payroll. I agree there are a lot of freeloaders who put their wives and husbands on the payroll, but equally there are a lot of hard working spouses.

As long as the process for them getting the job is transparent, then I think there should be some leeway. Also, MP's hours are long - some MPs barely see their family, working side by side is perhaps one way of over coming that. Less risk of affairs, more vested interest in doing the job right, working together for a common goal etc.

There are many husband and wife teams out in industry who work well together.

So put in the measures to avoid freeloaders but equally ensure that the right people are doing the job.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I agree Tealeaf with Gayle, 1 & 2. I don't have much family as such so 3 is unlikely. However I have said to the current staff if like them to stay on. They have done a great job for Hyndburn and should continue to.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Talking of expenses: I have assumed that you guys have an Auditor General, or something like that, who has access to all govt. documents relating to expenditures. But Tealeaf's comment about "investigative journalism" seems to suggest that there is no Auditor General who issues an annual report on how well govt. is handling public money. I'm confused.:confused:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Didn't you go and lick envelopes for Conservative M.P. David 'Dickie' Davis, after he'd thrown his political dummy out of his pram, and caused a needless by-election, costing us all an estimated £200,000.00?

David Davis by-election 'will cost taxpayers £200,000' - Telegraph


:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

No, that's been the trouble, and the cause of all the recent scandals, and the resulting public anger.

The majority of our politicans fought tooth and nail to block any moves for greater transparency, when there were attempts made for their expenses to be fully public.

It was only when they were leaked to the press and published that many of the abuses came to light.

The Public Prosecution Service are currently considering if a number of politicans (from both the Commons and the Lords) are to be charged with fraud.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I do think politicians have to be open. Anyone passing my house can see scalfolding and a lot of timber. I have remortaged £40k to do the work. I know it's sad but I want people to be confident about things.

Posted from mobile

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I don't really think that's the sort of thing the public care about/need to be told about. Only taxpayer related expenses should be. What you do with your own money is nobody elses business.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Sadly, some people would question where he got the money from, so even though it's nobody's business I can understand why he's announcing it.

Everything that Graham does between now and the election will be under scrutiny, he might as well cut people off at the pass by being clear about any spend.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

If you had waited you might have been able to make your Accy house your second home and get the work done for nothing. :rolleyes::D:D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

And that's precisely why he's posted it on here, now, so that he can't be accused of that.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Perhaps because this was tucked away at the bottom of the previous page, is the reason andrewb hasn't commented....yet.

:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Well what are you asking me? Yes I did go and help in that by-election. You already knew that.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Well since you're making a big song and dance about by-elections costing the public purse a lot of money, for example the one you helped in, held purely for Davis's vanity, why are you making a fuss if Graham causes a by-election(s), if he's elected as our M.P.?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I helped out in the by-election, I wasn't responsible for the fact that there was one. At the time it was my first involvement in a national election which was very interesting. In hindsight it was, as you protested at the time, a needless by-election which cost the taxpayer a lot of money.

Graham has now confirmed that he doesn't intend to stand down and cause a by-election. He's instead going to remain a county and district councillor if he is to be elected Hyndburn's MP.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

That's good.

Good that you can now see that unnecessary by-elections are a total waste of public money, and of time, for those foolish enough to offer their assistance in such elections.

that is not quite correct. I said I enjoy DC & LCC as a community rep so if I was not good enough to be MP (ie I lost) I still think I have a loT to give locally for my area.

If I were to be MP then there are big questions, pluses and minus's to doing the local as well. Time consuming or staying in touch with Hyndburn and ordinary people. It has been done both ways in the past, this wouldn't be a first. Clearly the local role would be like the Mayors who receives a lot of latitude.

I did say anything I did do I would not wish to compensated for in anyway as MPs are already adequatly compensated.

PB is actually up for election and I believe if he has it his way he will stand on a local ballot paper for ST Andrews and general election for H&H. I do not know his intentions after that but I will hazard a guess he would like to do both to stay in touch.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Sorry Graham, when you said earlier about not taking allowances from HBC or LCC if elected MP I thought this was you indicating you would stay on. Is it that you haven't decided what you'd do yet? If so, do you think it would be wise to tell the electorate at some point so that it's clear to them what positions you would intend to hold?

I'm not sure if I understand what you mean about Peter. Are you saying he will stand in the district elections and general election? I'm confused when you say H&H, what's that?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, especially if it suits yer present theme.:D:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Oh, come on Andrew! Graham has only just been chosen as the candidate, give him a chance. Yes, it might be wise for him to make some decisions so that he can tell the electorate befoe the election but it's not necessary for him to jump in this second and make that decision. The general election hasn't even been called yet so we have no idea when it will be.

H&H - Hyndburn and Haslingden.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I didn't request that he jump now to make the decision Gayle, merely asked if he would let people know beforehand.

Cheers, never heard the constituency be called H&H before.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

But that is what it should be ... seeing as you do have Haslingden, Rising Bridge, Acre, part of Helmshore and Ewood Bridge in the constituency .....

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Well, I don't see why they had the need to add 'and H' .. you're either in Hyndburn or not. Just petty. Bit like Blackburn and Darwen.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

But we're not kate ... we are in the borough of Rossendale but its Hyndburn constituency ... Bernard will tell you exactly what i think of us being in Hyndburns constituency ... when Darwen is with Rossendale for their MP :D... but thats in the past we are in with Hyndburn ... and the constituency should be called Hyndburn & Haslingden ... well id rather have Haslingden & Hyndburn (alphabetical) but the boundary commission goes for the largest first so it would be Hyndburn & Haslingden. But they say the name change would make it too long ... mmmmm Rossendale & Darwen, Blackpool North and Fleetwood, Newcastle upon tyne east and wallsend, Sittingbourne and Sheppey ...

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Peter Britcliffe has served his 4 year term for St Andrews which ends May 2010 Local Elections.

Presuming the General is the same day and Peter is the candidate for Parliament I expect and understand why he will also stand for St Andrews.

I presume he will decide after what he will do next should he win both.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Do any of the prospective candidates have any comment/views on this news story ......the mountain rescue teams in Cumbria have to pay VAT on their equipment
...Prince hails flood heroes – who have to pay VAT on their gear - Home News, UK - The Independent

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

It seems perverse that people who save lives (and thus save cost) are not subsidised in one way or another. Clearly Tax is prohibiting or diminishing the service somewhere.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I think this service should be provided/funded by the Government full stop.

And life boats

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I think Graham must have been taking your advice Kate, picture in the Observer of him in shirt and tie - very smart. :D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Yes, saw it Gayle ... :D To be honest, have seen him in a suit before. Suppose, once you put yourself in this position, have to watch every step, even the way you blow your nose ... always someone wanting to dig some dirt.

Re. the funding for rescue groups, at least someone is helping ... good on the Lancashire Telegraph.

Lancashire Telegraph donates £21k to Pendle and Rossendale Mountain Rescue (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Sorry if I'm late on this, but I've been away:rolleyes: It is a racing cert the Peter would stand in both elections, as I'm sure Graham would too if in similar circumstances, as in life you never put all your eggs in one basket, especially where elections are concerned

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I agree Jaysay. AndrewB has argued that it wastes money holding by elections. Does Andrew think Peter should therfore stay on or not stand in the first place?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I agree Jaysay. AndrewB has argued that it wastes money holding by elections speaking about my position. I am sure Peter would serve both full term resigning as Council Leader and all other Council positions.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I don't think you can fulfil the role of district councillor and county councillor alongside being an MP in London most of the week no.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

On what basis have you reached that conclusion? He is suposed to be superman.:rolleyes:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Maybe he will build a moat around his phone booth so that no one bugs him when he's changing:D Of course, the moat will be built and maintained at taxpayers' expense.:eek:

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Think that goes without say Graham, for one think that there should be a bar on sitting on both local and county councils at the same time, don't know whether you agree, but at present there is nothing there to stop it, so is quite acceptable, but to me it doesn't make it right

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I have seen both sides to this one. Joined up thinking or disjointed thinking. The answer is unitary authorities.

From a distance they are two separate jobs. However as a District Councillor you do 90% of the work, and often LCC work. The passing it over system was awkward. Then there's left hand, right hand, Council and County.

On balance I think you should do both. Incidentally Labour rules forbid you holding an important position on both at the same time. I think the Tories do allow you hold to senior office on both. Pat Case is Dep Leader at Chorley and was in the cabinet at LCC until last month.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I think the two tier system is a waste of resources - two sets of people doing similar jobs and people needed on both sides to liaise with each other.

There are arguments for and against sitting on both LCC and HBC.

For - being able to follow a job through, deal with a job rather than just fobbing it off to the other , speak to the right people, understand what is going on from both sides etc

Against - conflict of interest i.e. LCC want one thing, HBC want another - the Pennine Reach scheme is one of those subjects

Another positive - it's not financially viable for a person to be a HBC Councillor and do nothing else, the meagre salary/expenses would not be sufficient to live on, however, by being on LCC and HBC, and getting the two salaries/expenses, it is a proper income and means that you can concentrate on public service.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Your spot on with the Unitary Authority Graham, for more than one reason, for a start every penny from Council Tax gets spent here, it would also cut out red tape and bureaucracy, I argued on the point when it came up for consideration some years ago when B with D went solo, but Labour at county hall campaigned for the Status Quo and that's what we got, to the detriment in my mind of places like Hyndburn

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Not sure what I think about that. So non of the leaders of Labour Councils could be in the County Cabinet. Doe that not mean you would have less experienced people at County or Local Council because they can't do both?

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

What is the total salary for one who would combine all of these roles, if it was possible it appears like three separate jobs to me. The question is asked out of interest.

Yes your right. Opposition positions do not count. I think it is more a conflict of interest as much as too many fingers.

Jaysay - Unitaries. Labour at LCC did oppose and also said a County wide unitary was the best unitary.

Peter and the Cons saw us merge with Ribble Valley. It failed because everyone saw it exclusively from their own perspective.

My view then and now is more devolution. 85% of services come from Preston. It would mean mergers and Hyndburn giving up 15% to a bigger authority in order that Police, Fire, Education and Social Services were big enough to cope. An East Lancs or Pennine Lancs with Town Councils would be an ideal balance in my view.

Dividing Hyndburn up into the various towns. Under this model town councils would be more meaningful and people would have more power locally.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

And if Hyndburn didn't exist - what would you call the area? Accrington and Districts??? :D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

I thought that was the idea behind the Accrington and Districts with the start in Great Harwood.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

If all three allowances were claimed it would be an £80,000 base rate. If additional responsibilities were held on county or district council such as being leader of a grouping, or sitting on committees, that figure would be higher.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

No, no, no: Clayton and districts:theband:;):D

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Huge salary. Expenses on top? Do you believe that one could run all three positions effectively? Correct me if i am wrong it appears to me that it is taking two vacancies that other individuals could sit on. In this economic crisis meaning employment for others, whichever political party they stand for.I consider an individual should not hold all three positions.

Re: Potential Labour Candidate for Hyndburn
 

Sir Tom McKillop - Chair of RBS took home £471,000 in 2009
Sir Peter Middleton - Chair of Barclays was paid a whopping £1.76m

I'm not saying it's right and I'm certainly not going to argue that £80k isn't a lot of money, but let's put it in perspective. We're paying some of these Chairmen a huge amount of money for running banks - isn't it right that we should make it attractive to be an MP and for running the country?

So, my quibble isn't with the amount that MPs, County Councillors or Councillors take home, I think they earn and deserve every penny - my only concern would be that - long term- they would be spreading themselves a bit thinly by trying to do all three. However, I think that - short term - it's probably a good idea to keep hold of the positions that they already have so that it keeps them 'in the loop' when it comes to making decisions at all levels.