Round-up of 2011

The twelve month local review of the political year. For those interested you can also read last years blog piece on 2010.

It is interesting reading the narrative in bullet point form as it reveals themes and trends on multiple issues.

It has been a long year!

January 2011

The local election notched up a gear as the squabbles in the press between Liberal Democrats reached pitch levels. The argument boiled over into a full scale spat between former Liberal Democrat PPC Cllr Andy Stamp and former Councillor and King-maker Alan Jefferies. The spat revolved around allegations of harassment that occured subsequent to the leadership election to the Liberal Democrat Group which saw Cllr Geoff Juby elected.

Council insiders revealed that the Council will seek to cut 750 staff

Mark Reckless MP was caught taking to the piste in Switzerland; whilst claiming at the same time by twitter that South Eastern rail fares were excessive and not 'fit for purpose.' Later revealed he only was en-route.

Strood Councillor Jane Chitty was in trouble over allegations over a dodgy address; a reputation that threatened the Tories in a marginal seat. Not upheld.

The economy shrank by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010 showing the first signs that the Conservative economic gamble was failing to secure recovery for Britain. Alan Johnson was replaced by Ed Balls as Shadow Chancellor and Labour predicted a further decline in the UK's performance unless the UK engaged with European partners.

Cllr Vince Maple raised the issue of the Chatham Bus station at Full Council. Conservatives refused to give an answer on the future budget for the station but stated would not overun significantly.

February 2011

Medway Council budget cut by 11.9% as Tories promise to residents that front line services [including adult social care and care homes] will not be hit. The budget is open about cuts to front line services to libraries

Medway Tories re-affirmed the Labour pre-manifesto committment to re-introduce on Free Swimming after Tories scrapped it in 2010, and pledged to work to introduce a Freedom Pass after previously ruling it out but were deliberately unclear as to future funding pledging only a miserely sum. Labour responded figure budgeted for Pass was way below expected cost and was a face-saving exercise which would still leave young people in Medway worse off.

The Medway Labour Group published its first major manifesto committment to freeze Council Tax for two years at the Annual Budget Meeting. The Conservatives were caught off-guard and scrambled a response indicating they would, and had always planned to copy the pledge. In reality both parties nationally had a similar position on the Council Tax Grant but Tory core attack line on Council tax nullified.

The Medway Liberal Democrat spat continued in full public with statement and counter-statement being released to the media. Labour attacked the Lib Dems for being riven with factional splits and failing to fight for Gillingham residents. A full transcript on the Lib Dem spat here. Labour MP, Caroline Flint visits Gillingham to canvass for local candidates in Gillingham South and North wards which are key Lib Dem/Labour marginals

The Medway Labour Group leader Paul Godwin, publishes position to cut local Councillor grants and stipends after it was revealed local Councillor's cost taxpayers £750,000.

Labour published a manifesto commitment to protect heritage and work with resident groups after the £850,000 summary destruction of the Strood Aveling & Porter buildings for a 'temporary' car park, and the issues on tree removal on the Brook for the 'dynamic' bus facility were rushed.

Medway Conservatives claimed Labour were planning a Medway Tunnel Toll; despite fact the purchase was mired in allegations of inappropriate relationships and backroom deals by Conservative Councillors and the Rochester Bridge Trust. Labour accused the Tories of purchasing an asset which would leave a tax bombshell on the Council budget in future years.

The Allhallows Brimp fiasco hits the Tales from Gun Wharf as Parish Councillors are called to account after dodgy dealings on a local youth club on the Peninsula. Medway Councillor's are initially distant from the issue, having appeared to be caught off guard, later become involved in what becomes a tale of ego's in the village.

March 2011

Councillor Alan Jarrett is in trouble over Medway City Status as he tries to rebrand core Council services in advance of any potential announcement. The Advertising Standard's Agency rules against the Conservative administration but there is no apology from Councillor Jarrett who compares the Medway City bid with that of a rock festival

Campaign by Cllr Teresa Murray and Nick Bowler to save blood services in Rochester well received in Rochester East ward. Tories caught off guard by public petition and accused Labour of scaremongering

Medway Labour publishes manifesto pledges for a full review of the CCTV Cars and a focus on stamping out anti-social behaviour which blights communities

Conservative Chancellor George Osborne spells out his second budget and admits that all is not going to plan A. He blames the snow in December. Labour suggest growth figures are way too optimistic and predict a slow-down in economy with the private sector not picking up the slack. George Osborne pledged to meet his deficit target by end of Parliament. (NB: This pledge was dropped in November Autumn statement).

Rumours spread that Cllr Rodney Chamber was due to stand down after the local election and to expect a leadership change. Tory bloggers suggest Labour mischief making.

Medway Tories publish full local election manifesto but forget to place the imprint on the bottom of the publication making it illegal under electoral law. Efforts are swiftly made to take the PDF version of the manifesto down from Conservative websites but whiff and accusation of incompetence ensue

Strood candidate re-shuffle on the cards as Cllr Chitty mired in further allegations of inappropriate behaviour in China from a respected local businessman and former Special Constable. Allegations emerge that there were major selection issues in the Rochester & Strood Conservative Association which led to bad blood; and suggested possible departure of John Ward from his official membership position.

April 2011

Local election short campaign begins in earnest. Labour publish progressive local election manifesto (with imprint) with a six point plan to 'Get Medway Moving'. Focus on transport, Council Tax, Weekly bin collection retention, safeguarding Sure Start, improving Primary Education, Anti-Social Behaviour mitigation and more funding for Greenspaces and opposition to Boris Airport. Tory surrogates accuse Labour of copying their manifesto.

Medway Lib Dems only mainstream party not to have a manifesto.

Independent candidates in Gillingham South accuse Labour of approaching them to defect. Challenged by Medway Labour who suggest approaches were mutual.

Candidate nominations close with 315 people nominated for 55 seats in May. Labour and Conservatives put a full slate of candidates each despite last-minute rumours and accusations of candidate changes on both sides

Sure Start cuts of £281,000 revealed in question to full Council.

Councillor Vince Maple asked the same question on the bus station met by static from Conservatives. Labour highlight the cost could run into the multiple millions over the original £5m budget estimate.

GMB publishes figures which highlight Medway Conservatives take home £515,000 in take-home allowances. Labour accuse Tories of lapping up the cream.

May 2011

Conservatives retain control of the Council with 35 seats. Labour take 15. Lib Dems are confined to three seats with the independents taking two. Medway votes No to AV.

Cllr Paul Godwin re-elected leader and Cllr Vince Maple elected to Deputy Leader of Labour Group. Cllr Geoff Juby returned as leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and Rodney Chambers / Alan Jarrett re-elected into leadership positions of the Conservatives.

Medway Conservatives refuse establishment of youth organisation despite protests. Medway Conservative Future later established but only represents one and a half constituencies after complaints by Gillingham & Rainham constituency.

First financial fiasco hits administration as £1.2m hits Woodland's Primary School. Total lack of transparency over awarding contracts for new building work at school ongoing for months.

This blog predicts the future rise of Rory Weal, rising star of Labour youth, in an unusual blog plug.

Road re-surfacing plans revealed showing Conservative wards received disproportionate funding for road improvements. Twydall road safety improvement scheme scrapped in favour of Lordswood leisure centre improvements

Labour propose a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor as designated by the previous points-based selection system. Tories politicise the position by imposing candidate on Medway residents under dictat.

Medway Labour support the Love Music Hate Racism campaign

June 2011

John Woodcock MP accuses Medway Tories of gerrymandering and underfunding road maintenance by £35m in total leading to spat with administration on appalling state of Medway roads

Medway Tory Council puts £86,000 on Credit card bills

Medway Messenger hires several new journalists with investigatory experience. YourMedway ceases to print Medway-covering editions leaving only two mainstream publications; Medway News & Medway Messenger

This blog publishes transport subsidy under IPSA for every Conservative MP in Kent. Blog highlighting hypocrisy of Tory position on rail fares. Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle MP uses Chatham station to highlight Labour opposition to train fare rises which could rise above £5,000 for HS1 users in 2012/13.

Liberal Democrat Councillors cleared of allegations of harassment from now re-elected Councillor Andy Stamp

Shadow Business Secretary John Denham MP, visits Rochester to highlight that Labour is back in business and policy to cut VAT for small business

Boris Johnson plans for an airport in North Kent receive backing of 100 top British Business CEO's and News International Group (Sun & Times)

Teaching strikes loom as Medway Labour highlight data on cuts to teachers and support assistants in Medway schools despite assurances there would be no front line cuts to services by Conservatives in May 2011

Tory-led Government publishes consultation on Dartford Toll increases

July 2011

Medway Labour step up campaign on Woodland's fiasco demanding to know how incompetence was allowed to happen under the watch of Cllr Les Wicks. Tories move to blame governor's and staff and absolve Cllr Les Wicks of all responsibility. Labour say its time for Les Wicks to step up and step out.

GDP figures for the last quarter reveal stagnant growth of 0.2%. Tory austerity plans unravel as growth part of the deficit reduction strategy is undermined. Labour warn Chancellor need to work with European allies on crisis encompassing Eurozone nations

Newly elected Gillingham Labour Councillor's get down to work in the ward. Warmly received by local residents fed up with Liberal Democrat division

Campaign to safeguard St Mary's Amateur Boxing Club steps up in Luton & Wayfield ward

Blog raises concerns of monopoly with announced merger of KM with KRNM. Predicts this coud be a major stumbling block to a merger.

Kent Conservatives and Liberal Democrats publish an unprecedented joint-letter opposing the Police Commissioner propsals by the government. Medway Conservatives are isolated in the county.

Cabinet papers reveal cost of Chatham bus station rockets to £6.8m, a full £1.8m over original budget estimate and a direct cost of £435,000 to local taxpayers. Costs were ongoing. Cabinet papers also reveal Brook Regeneration was almost £800,000 over budget and confirmed that the manifesto committments of the Conservatives was to come from reserves and not revenue accounts; [therefore not sustainable].

Lord Foster publishes detailed proposals for an airport on Grain. It is backed by Boris Johnson and rumours are that George Osborne and Cameron aides are being lobbied actively. Medway Conservative MPs deny any change in government policy.

August 2011

Boundary Review conversation starts in Medway with multiple theories published suggesting Labour could gain from any outcome.

Immigration rockets under the Conservatives despite pledges during election in 2010. Tories says changing government policy is like moving a tanker and say things will improve.

Blog highlights that graffiti in Medway is getting worse

London riots catch Cameron off-guard on vacation. He ignores the problem in Tottenham before returning to lawless streets across London three days later. Major cities up and down the UK caught up in anarchy as Tory right wing calls for military on the streets. Cameron blames lack of social cohesion whilst Labour calls for a full review of austerity policies which are pricing people out of education and jobs

Serial arsonist strikes Medway streets with fires in Strood and Rochester

This blog suggests that residents have not been appropriately consulted on Lodge Hill suggesting that awareness was at an all time low.

Improvement plans and investment for Luton School is cut. The school is a poorly performing Primary and was in need of investment

September 2011

Tories reveal Planning changes to NPPR which shows that the developers will be king in any new national planning guidance. Residents fear for development of Capstone Valley as a result of Tory-changes

Medway Tunnel Toll rears its ugly head as Councillor Jarrett reveals that the Medway Conservatives could not rule out a future Conservative toll on the tunnel. This directly contradicting Conservative promises in the local election.

Medway Labour launch 'Save our NHS' campaign across highstreets opposing the Tory privatisation agenda.

Police and PCSO row erupts as Councillor O'Brien reveals that PCSO numbers in Kent are due to be slashed, despite fact this had not yet been confirmed and was subject to sensitive conversations related to future Police budgets. Tory is accused of playing politics with cuts to PCSOs for future gain and publicity. Medway Conservatives refuse to back the numbers given by O'Brien and Member of Parliament Mark Reckless distances himself on radio.

Electoral Boundary Commission report is published with Labour supporting the independent position of the commission. The Conservatives launch a full-scale and partisan opposition campaign claiming residents identity is undermined but in reality oppose the move because it could make Gillingham & Rainham susceptible to a Labour swing

The Chatham Bus Station costs continue to balloon now £2.3m over original budget estimate of £5m. A date is published for opening in Autumn 2011 with promises of completion. Labour call emergency meeting of the Council after it was revealed Conservative administration failed to negotiate with Arriva (main bus contractor) prior to the contract tender for the bus station leading to further cost on the taxpayer

Luton & Wayfield Councillors support local campaign to oppose dodgy land deal to create a new NHS facility in Luton. Citing poor resident consultation and inappropriate consultation. Joining forces with local environmental groups and residents.

The 11+ failure rocks the Council as it becomes apparent a major cock-up by the Tory-led Council at several Exam locations leads to hundreds of resident posts on the Medway Messenger website calling for heads to role. Cllr Les Wicks refuses to immediately respond and Cllr Vaughan Hewett blames the schools for the fiasco; citing that it could risk Academy status. Labour call for an immediate apology and review. Rehman Chisthi acts after dithering - full report outstanding.

Rory Weal steals the limelight at Labour conference and becomes a hit with the public. Right wing press go for the 'kill' supported by local Conservative Councillor's.

Ed Milband speech calls for ethical capitalism whilst Ed Balls launches plan for jobs following by-election victories across the UK in the Summer 2011.

Residents of Grain village launch a safety campaign to highlight failures of the local authority on risk and impacts of an accident at the Grain LNG facility. Cllr O'Brien dispatched but confirms Council have wrong statistics on numbers of residents and refuses to let visiting expert speak. Meeting ends badly causing acrimony; leading campaigner for the group pledges to stand as an MP against Mark Reckless.

October 2011

English Democrat PPC defects to the Medway Conservatives. Rochester & Strood Conservatives fail to manage defection apprioriately calling for blog to remove picture in a case of sour grapes. Blog reveals the hypocrisy of the Conservative Councillor on his new colleagues

Press leads a campaign dubbed 'Where's Wicks' after the Councillor is absent without leave as the 11+ fiasco continues. Parents attack the Conservative Cabinet member for an abject failure of duty. Labour call for his immediate resignation after continued incompetence over his brief. The report is later published late and only in part with recommendations kicked into the long grass leading to anger from independent grammar school advocates. Cllr Les Wicks was supported by Conservative colleagues after Labour tabled a motion of no confidence in his performance.

Cllr Les Wicks apologises a full 13 days late after it was revealed he was at Conservative Party conference. Promises a full review.

Chatham 'Dynamic' Bus Station opens in an utter fiasco. Unfinished and without toilets and zebra crossings it is dubbed 'unsafe' by Cllr Les Wicks. The public are outraged that the facility is without appropriate shelter. Teething problems continue for weeks as pelican crossings remain unfinished. Labour reveal it cost £30 for every man, woman and child living in Medway.

Councillor Jarrett attacks Luton & Wayfield campaigners and the Friends of Hosted Valley for being against change and opposing NHS facility on grounds of ecology.

Rising star Rachel Reeves MP speaks at Rochester Coffee as we host Purple Book launch proposing a centrist and progressive agenda for Labour in Medway.

Medway Labour reveal that bus fares will rise as a direct decision to move the bus station

Boris Johnson reveals that he fears without new airport in North Kent the country faces a risk to its premier city status.

Medway News publishes information that suggest all fines given out by the CCTV car could be void. Labour continue to call for full and public review.

Liam Fox resigns as Defence Secretary after giving lobbyists and friends access to sensitive British defence information. Justine Greening replaces Philip Hammond as Transport Secretary and this blog is first to warn of the impending Airport u-turn given the history with Justine on Heathrow and Gatwick.

Lodge Hill consultation extended after only 30 responses received as warned by blog.

November 2011

Rochester & Strood Labour oppose Conservative moves to close Halling Fire Station

Council budget forecast for 2011/12 looks bleak as revenue overspend stands at £5.1m and capital overspend stands at £2.8m. Looking increasingly likely Tories will fail to balance budget despite pledges in local election 2011

Union blasts £2.4m 'Better for Less' model claiming it will not see realised savings. Labour suggests the scheme is likely to go way over budget and delays are inevitable

Medway Tory Council revealed as amongst the most fraudulant as £646,000 identified. Medway is placed in the worst quartile highlighting Tory fiscal failure locally

Ed Balls MP visits Chatham to highlight Youth unemployment as it hits 1m under the Conservatives. Tracey Crouch MP blames the way statistics are collected.

Medway Conservative MPs co-ordinate campaign on Estuary Airport re-inforcing to press and local media that there would be 'no plans' for an airport in North Kent and that it was Labour spin. This blog highlights contradiction in letters sent to both Tracey and Mark on the airport.

Reports in press that George Osborne and Steve Hilton now back the Estuary Airport begin to leak in expectation of November statement on infrastructure announcement.

Labour highlight house prices fall in Medway by 6-8% making it the worst performing Local Authority in Southern England.

Mark Reckless and Tracey Crouch vote for an immediate referendum on the European Union in the middle of Eurozone crisis. Tracey Crouch then tries to back-track suggesting she didnt really mean to be a rebel as she tries to suggest her position has been misrepresented by colleagues forming a faction against the leadership.

English Democrat Sean Varnham second right-winger to defect to Medway Conservatives citing his political affinity with local MP. Blog exposes some of his views under charge of hypocrisy.

George Osborne delivers bleak November statement admitting he called the recovery wrong and highlighting the Tories would have to borrow an additional £158 billion because of the failure in his judgement. The Tories also broke their golden rule to rid the deficit by the next election.

George Osborne rules out Heathrow expansion but refuses to rule out North Airport proposal. Kent Country Council Leader supports airport in the Estuary in an apparent U-turn.

December 2011

Medway News closes after KM and KNRM merger rejected by Competition Commission.

Medway Conservative move to close and privatise care homes across Medway. Medway Labour highlight the consultation is a sham and pre-budgeted. Medway Labour call-in decision on care home closures and privatisation and challenge administration to justify the budget position and options to keep the centres in public ownership.

Medway MPs refuse to comment publicly on closures despite Tracey Crouch MP having a clear position on highlighting care of the elderly in the UK, citing it was inappropriate for her to respond. Blog challenges the logic of not having a public position

Primary School results for KS2 reveal true extent of Cllr Les Wicks department to improve results. Medway schools in worst quartile nationally.

Medway Council formula grant revealed and Tory smoke-and-mirrors from central government highlighted. Floor damping and gerrymandering of money to Tory shire Councils continues to hit local residents

Medway Labour highlights cost of rising train and bus fares at 6-10% with campaigns at bus and train stations

Medway Labour campaign on highstreets to oppose NHS privatisation and raising concerns of Medway and Darenth Valley mergers

Medway Labour reveal true and final cost of bus station at £10m. Twice the original budget estimate of £5m.

Medway Conservative Cabinet forced by LEP to sit on regional airport aviation task group. Tories set up an cross-party Estuary Airport cabinet group but deny the chance it will be in a government paper.

Cameron veto's the EU fiscal treaty changes to stabilise the economies of Europe citing safeguards not in place. Not only were safeguards never discussed, Cameron failed to fight Britain's corner. He has since undertaken a u-turn and will sit on the table. Polls responded accordingly to the veto.

Medway Tory CCTV Car statistics reveal car has lost 30 staff and whose profitability and management leads to record appeals. Medway Labour call for an immediate review of CCTV car.