north east democrat no 47 jan 10

8/14/2019 North East Democrat No 47 Jan 10

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The Northern

Democrat

no. 47no. 47no. 47no. 47no. 47 January January January January January

20102010201020102010

The newsletter for Liberal Democrats in the North of England

Produced, printed and promoted by Jonathan Wallace, 7 Laburnum Grove, Sunniside, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 5LY

Lib Demshead north

In a vote of confidence by LiberalDemocrats in the North, party conferencein March 2012 is to be held in the Sage,Gateshead.

After a great deal of lobbying by membersin the region, the Conference Office in CowleyStreet HQ have opted to come to theTyneside venue.

The announcement of the Sage as the

Party HQ chooses Tyneside for major conference

venue for the conference coincided with the5th birthday celebrations of the building.

“This is great news for the region and greatnews for Liberal Democrats here,” said Cllr

Noel Rippeth, Leader of the Opposition ofGateshead Council.

“It may be two years away but we arealready looking forward to the party cominghere.”

The Sage, Gateshead, is to host the Lib Dem national conference in March 2012.



The first by-election of 2010 has resulted in a Liberal Democrat gain from the Conservatives in Harrogate.

Woodfield’s previous councillor had been elected as a Lib Dem but then defected to the Conservatives. The death ofthis councillor caused the by-election, which was hold on 7th January.

Northern by-elections Redcar and Cleveland win yet again!Redcar and Cleveland Liberal Democrats kept up their record as kings of the by-electionjungle by winning the region’s last local government battle of 2009 with a share of the vote

in Ormesby that makes the ward look uncomfortably like a one party state!Yet again, the Conservatives put in a convincingly bad performance, with their vote share crumblingto a quarter of its previous amount.

It is the Lib Dems’ fourth by-election win inRedcar constituency in just over twelve months.

Candidate Ann Wilson’s majority over Labourwas 874. She fell just short of taking three out ofevery four votes cast. The result was as follows:

Ann Wilson (Lib Dem) 1084 (73.5%; +12.4%)

Steven Goldswain (Lab 210 (14.2%; -5.1%)

Martin Bulmer (UKIP) 103 (7.0%; +7.0%)

Colin Jones (Con) 77 (5.2%; -14.4%)Majority 874

Turnout 29.55%

Ann Wilson, new Councillor for Ormesby (3rd left) withprospective MP for Redcar Ian Swales (2nd left) and the localLib Dem team after victory was declared in the by-election on3rd December.

First New Year by-election blood to Lib Dems

The result was:

Greta Knight (Lib Dem) 688 (62.5% +4%)

Heather Adderley (Con) 246 (22.3% +7.5%)

Steven Gill (BNP) 92 (8.4% -4.1%)

Daniel Maguire (Lab) 73 (6.6% – 7.5%)

Claire Kelley, prospective Parliamentarycandidate for Harrogate and Knaresborough,

said, Greta will be an excellent councillor andwill do a great job for Woodfield and for thewhole District.

“The increase in the Lib Dem share of thevote shows that Harrogate residents recognisethat Liberal Democrats work harder anddeliver more. Our positive campaignhighlighted the achievements of our team andcontrasted with the Conservative’s negativeattacks and lack of action.

“The apparent total absence of a Labour campaign in what has traditionally been one of their strongest wardsallowed the BNP to sneak into third place although I was pleased to see their vote significantly reduced from the

previous election.

“Finally, in each of the three Borough Council by-elections won by the Harrogate and Knaresborough LiberalDemocrats during the past twelve months excellent women candidates have taken seats previously held by men.Harrogate Borough Council – like so many elected bodies in the UK – still has far more men than women but thesethree results have helped to bring a little more balance to our Council chamber.”

Celebration: prospective MP for Harrogate andKnaresborough, Claire Kelley, 2nd left, joins newly electedcouncillor Greta Knight, 3rd left, to celebrate the return ofWoodfield ward to the Lib Dem fold.



Northern news East Coast Main Line must be in

public hands for 3-5 years – BakerLiberal Democrat Transport Shadow TransportSecretary, Norman Baker MP, has called for EastCoast Main Line to remain in public hands for upto five years to give the company stability.

East Coast is the main provider of rail servicesbetween the North East, Yorkshire and London.Norman made his comments after Transport SecretaryLord Adonis said he was aiming to keep the trainoperator in the public sector for only two years.

The publicly owned company was set up to takeover the running of mainline services following thecollapse of the franchise held by the previous operatornational Express.

“To provide stability for passengers and staff anddemonstrate that the East Coast Main Line can beused to show passenger standards can be driven upacross the network, two years is not long enough,”said Norman.

“We welcome the steps taken to put the passenger centre stage, but the franchise must remain in publicownership for three to five years.”

Lib Dem Shadow Transport Secretary Norman BakerMP wants East Coast to remain in public hands for upto 5 years.

Ian Swales, Liberal Democrat prospective MP forRedcar, has made a submission to Parliament’sNorth East Regional Committee inquiry into Corus.

His document A Positive Plan for Corus Teesside waspublished before Christmas and has already had a goodreception from Corus managers, Union officials andlocal politicians.

The plan calls for investment at Corus to reverse thefortunes of the declining site and suggests ways inwhich this could be financed.

Ian said: “If Corus and the Government want to see ithappen, Teesside could once again become a worldleading site for the production of steel.

“What’s needed is investment to put right the neglectof the last ten years and to introduce new technology. Ihave listed many opportunities including ideas to reducethe energy use and cost base of the site.

“A good example is to get on with building the giantwindfarm that was approved way back in 2004. Shortterm subsidies may help the programme happen but arenot the answer for the long term.

“My plan would create jobs, not destroy them, and getTeesside’s heart beating again. The local communitydeserves nothing less than a serious attempt to makethis happen.”

Ian Swales, pictured right, with his report APositive Plan for Corus Teesside

Corus plan outlined by Swales



MP Beith slams Minister’s

rejection of A1 cash calls

Berwick Liberal Democrats have got two HP cartridges 3 colour type 23 going spare.

If anyone wants them they can be swaped a donation to Berwick Lib Dems

Call Clare on 01665 602901

Northern news

Backing carers - Sir Alan Beith MP

Following the Transport Minister’s rejection of calls for cash toupgrade deadly sections of the A1 in Northumberland,Berwick’s Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith has accused the

Government of dodging responsibility for the route.

Sir Alan said, “Yet again the Minister is passing the buck to anunelected regional body for what is a nationally strategic road. Thevery fact that so many of the serious accidents involve drivers fromthe other end of the country of from abroad demonstrates people’s

belief they are on a nationally strategic road and failing to realiseparts of it are not dual carriageway.”

Lord Adonis has reportedly hit back at claims that the roadshould be reclassified as a route of national strategic importance

because there is insufficient traffic using the route.

The issue of the A1 was raised again following remarks by theNorth Northumberland coroner Tony Brown, who described the A1from Morpeth to Berwick as the “weakest link” on the London to

Edinburgh road at an inquest following a head-on crash in February 2009 which led to two fatalities.

Sir Alan added, “There has been some progress on the road over the years but we need a firm commitment to

the upgrade of sections to get the work completed. I’ll continue to push for a commitment to this upgrade.”

Labour Chief Whip and Newcastle East MP, Nick Brown MP, appears to have stooped to a new low withoutrageous and “vile” allegations of electoral fraud and cheating against Lib Dem run Newcastle City Council.

The row involves the decision of Newcastle Council, supported by a majority of Labour councillors on theauthority’s constitutional committee, to hold general election counts on the day after polling day.

Brown claims, “Leaving blank ballot papers and lists of those who haven’t voted and the ballot boxes all togetherin the same place overnight is not a reassuring prospect. The scope for fraud is obvious.”

He then went on to claim, “I wouldn’t trust Newcastle Liberal Democrats to be left alone with the blank ballotpapers and ballot boxes overnight.”

The unfounded and untrue allegations that Newcastle Liberal Democrats are corruptly abusing the electoralprocess are “vile”, claimed Lib Dem Cllr Gerry Keating, chair of the council’s constitutional committee.

There are now concerns that Brown’s remarks could be a foretaste of the Labour campaign in the general electionbattle to come.

Brown however may have shot himself in both feet whilst placing them both in his mouth. The Journal wasdistinctly unimpressed by his disgusting claims. According to their leader column, his comments were“outrageous” and, “Such shameful politicking has the power to impair his party’s cause.”

Now we await the announcement, assuming they make one, of Newcastle Labour’s distancing of themselves fromNick Brown. Let’s hope we are not kept waiting.

“Vile” allegations as Nick Brownstoops to new low



The Pre-Budget Report, published by the Chancellor in December, is nothing more than a damp squib, claimLiberal Democrats.

Ron Beadle, Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Newcastle North, said, “Instead of deliveringa national economic plan to get us out of the recession and out of debt, the Chancellor has produced a weak partymanifesto that avoids hard choices on spending and cuts.

“Labour has missed a real chance to use this Budget to make the tax system fairer. People on middle incomes will bepaying more tax while those at the top end continue to enjoy their loopholes. And low paid workers face a cut in realwages.

“By contrast, the Liberal Democrats propose the most radical, far-reaching tax reform in a generation paid for byclosing tax loopholes, making polluters pay and introducing a ‘mansion tax’ on homes worth over £2m.

“Under our plans people won’t pay a penny on the first ten thousand pounds they earn. That would put £700 back inthe pockets of the vast majority of taxpayers, and take millions of people on low pay out of paying income tax

altogether.”

Pre-Budget Report gets thumbs down in the North

Northern news

Simon Reed, Liberal Democrat ParliamentarySpokesman for Wansbeck and Morpeth haswelcomed the announcement by Nick Cleggthat the Liberal Democrats will not carry onthe old game of politics as if the world hasn’tchanged.

‘We cannot simply go on with the era of‘playground politics and make-believe economics’that we hear from the other parties,’ said Simon.‘Residents know that we face a crisis in ourpublic finances and we must be honest about thechallenges and the choices, not live in denial andcarry on as if the world hasn’t changed.’

‘Vince Cable, who has been ahead of thegame in predicting and understanding theeconomic crisis has set out a balanced approachto reigning in the huge deficit while protecting thevulnerable and low-paid. But we can’t jeopardisethe recovery by cutting too much too soon as theTories would do.’

‘No more playground politics,’ says local Lib Dem

‘A 10% levy on bank profits for as long as they are supported by the taxpayer; saving £billions by not replacingTrident like-for-like; raising personal allowances to £10,000 saving the average family £700 per year. All of these aredeliverable and help to focus on priorities, but we also need to do more about the rotten political system that despiteall the noise from the other parties is still on the back burner for reform.’

‘The next election will give people a genuine opportunity to break with the past, and choose representatives who

will deal with the real issues we face, not simply tinker at the edges,’ added Simon.

Vince Cable ahead of the game on economy - claimsSimon Reed, left.

Don’t add to burden of grieving relatives, Beith tells health chiefsDon’t add to burden of grieving relatives, Beith tells health chiefsDon’t add to burden of grieving relatives, Beith tells health chiefsDon’t add to burden of grieving relatives, Beith tells health chiefsDon’t add to burden of grieving relatives, Beith tells health chiefsSir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick upon Tweed, has condemned plans by NorthumbriaHealthcare NHS Foundation Trust to move pathology and mortuary services from the Wansbeck Hospital

to Rake Lane in North Tyneside.

Sir Alan said, “I believe this move would cause serious difficulties to families needing to formally identify

someone who has died, at a time of great grief.“From some parts of north Northumberland a trip to the Wansbeck by next of kin already involves a round trip of

over 100 miles and moving the service to Rake Lane would increase this to 140 miles, taking several hours, at a

time when people are dealing with feelings of grief and shock.

“I have told Northumbria Healthcare Trust that I do not think the proposed move should go ahead and I hope

they will change the plans.”



On Monday 11th January, Nick Clegg set out the priorities that will be at the heart of the Party’s electionmanifesto. The value that connects everything the party wants to achieve is fairness. There are four prioritiesfor how the Liberal Democrats will make Britain a fairer place: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, cleanand local politics; and a fair, green economy with jobs that last.

The first priority is to introduce fair taxes, with radicalproposals for the biggest tax reform in generations. The

Liberal Democrats will close loopholes for the richest andintroduce a tax on mansions to fund tax cuts of £700 foreveryone else.

No-one will pay income tax on the first £10,000 theyearn, meaning millions of low earners and pensioners willstop paying taxes altogether, while millions more will get

The next priority is to give every child the fair startthey deserve through a huge transformation of oureducation system that will build the foundations of fairsociety.

That means cutting class sizes so children get theindividual attention they need to thrive. The Liberal

Thirdly, the Liberal Democrats are theonly party committed to real change ofour political system.

This means getting big money and

corrupt donors out of politics altogether,reducing the number of MPs by 150,giving power over the police and NHS to

The Liberal Democrats will shiftthe economy away from thetraditional over-reliance on the

City of London and on financialservices.

Our plans will usher in a new erawhere growth is enabled in everypart of Britain in a way thatpromotes green technology andcreates lasting jobs.

Fairness for all - the Liberal Democrat manifesto

hundreds of pounds back in their pockets. Only the Liberal Democrats will make taxes permanently fair.

Democrats will be putting an extra £2.5 billion into schools to pay for more teachers, better discipline and catch-upclasses so children get the individual attention they all need. This means an average of £2,500 extra per pupil for theschools teaching the million most deprived children in the country, funded by taking above-average earners out of thetax credit system and cutting wasteful programmes at the Department for Education.

The Liberal Democrats will also phase out tuition fees over the course of six years, so that, after school, everyone

who gets the grades has the opportunity to go to university without fear of debt, no matter what their background.

local communities, changing the voting system to abolish safe seats and giving you the right to sack corrupt MPs.These are changes that would upend our political establishment.

Neither Labour or the Conservatives will ever offer change on this scale - they will defend the status quo to the last.Only the Liberal Democrats offer the chance for a different politics. Another whitewash is unacceptable, we needpermanent change to make politics clean, fair and local.

We will put an end to the casino banking that caused the financial crisis by breaking up the banks and encouragingregional and local ways to bring competition back to the financial sector and make sure businesses can find the moneythey need to grow. Under our plans, councils will regain control of business rates, reconnecting local enterprise withlocal politics; Local Enterprise Funds will help people invest in growing businesses in their area and Regional StockExchanges will give companies a way to move into public equity without the huge risks and costs of a London listing.

The Liberal Democrats will also create a new National Infrastructure Bank to bring in private money to build thetransport links, energy grid and public buildings we need for a sustainable, low carbon economy in every part of Britain.

Northern Democrat is edited and published by Jonathan Wallace. If you have any issuesfor inclusion in the February edition, email them to [email protected]

north east democrat no 47 jan 10

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