Fire up the Punto, its time for change.

I used this para-quote alot in May 2010. Many would be of the opinion that I shouldnt be saying this anymore as the party branding has altered and we are now in government. Well the Local elections are but months away. There is still change to be seen in Erewash. I also beleive whole heartedly that at the very centre of all political activity is change. Therefore, it seems fitting to continue to strive for change, after all if a politician is not striving for change and not wanting to affect change, they are not doing their job properly.

After working all week, I joined several of our borough councillors and our member of Parliament Jessica Lee MP, for an Indian last night. As usual it was an extremely enjoyable and pleasant evening. Being seen out and about in my ward with Jessica, His Worship the Mayor - Councillor Robert Parkinson, the Deputy Mayor - Councillor Kevin Miller and other lead members of Erewash Borough Council was an absolute pleasure.

This morning, I was out delivering survey letters in Long Eaton Central with the Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Chris Corbett, Jessica Lee MP and other councillors from Long Eaton Central.

After the news from Oldham East and Saddleworth this week, it really is time to step up and work for the seats that we currently do not hold and time to step up to keep hold of those seats that are currently occupied by Conservatives.

The Road to Recovery

Yesterday’s figures are a double dose of good news for the British economy.
The economy is growing strongly – the strongest growth in this part of the year for ten years. And Britain’s credit rating has been secured, after it had been put at risk by the previous Government.

In an uncertain global economy this will help to underpin confidence in the recovery. And it is a vote of confidence in the Coalition Government’s economic policy.

If we listened to Labour, our debt would be almost £100 billion higher by the end of the Parliament and we would be paying £4 billion more in debt interest alone by the time of the next election – money that goes to foreign creditors to help pay for their schools and hospitals rather than our own. Their approach would take us back to the brink of bankruptcy – that would mean less growth, less investment and fewer jobs.

Business Leaders across Great Britain have already backed the Coalitions economic policy, its high time that society started to do the same thing. After all this deficit is Labour's Legacy, why are we being punished for it?

Erewash Conservative Association Annual Dinner

Last night I was deeply honoured and priveledged to be present at the first ECA Annual Dinner in 13 years with a sitting conservative MP.

It was indeed a great occasion with speakers Jessica Lee MP, Member of parliament for Erewash and John Hayes MP, Minister of State for further Education, Skills & lifelong learning.

Our hosts, Cllr. Geoffery Smith, Assoc. Chairman, Mrs. Annette Noskwith CBE. Associaton President and Cllr. Robert Parkinson BSc, His worship the Mayor, welcomed guests warmly and Cllr. Smith ended the evening with a rousing speech welcoming the new council candidates.

All in all a great evening and a proud night in my conservative career.

National Conservative Future Elections

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Councillor Ben Howlett to his new post as National Conservative Future Chairman. Ben is joined on the National Executive by Newly Elected Deputy Chairman (political) Alexandra Swann and Newly Elected Deputy Chairman (Membership) Clare Hilley, the New appointed officer is James Deighton.

I am delighted to pass on my congratulations to the new National Executive and all of the new regional chairmen.

Bring on the Area Chairmen elections next month...

Are young People really apathetic towards politics?

As chairman of Erewash Conservative Future, I am seen, by the Erewash Conservative Association and indeed by Jessica Lee as the figure head and sign post for all young people who join the party. But the herculean task of engaging with young people in the first place will always be a barrier that we need to beat down.

I am ashamed to say that at the last Erewash Association event, I was the only member of Conservative Future there. Not one of the members turned up. Now this may be the type of event that we are running, but talking to the membership individually, I get the feeling that it is more along the lines of the people that go to these events.

But I simply refuse to believe that young people are just apathetic about politics as a whole.

I understand that in this modern era of hung parliament's and coalition governments, people may become disenfranchised by the political system or even by individual political party politics. But then it could also be the fact that we no longer educate our children about politics. Throughout Derbyshire, there are only two secondary schools that still teach any form of politics and even then it is only at KS5 level. This only happens at private schools and not at comprehensive state schools.

Memories

Today marks the beginning of Freshers Fayre at many Universities across the United Kingdom and is the first Freshers Fayre in three years that I am not involved in.

This week brings back many fond memories from the last few years but from last year in particular brings back the memories of me splitting my freshers between UDSU Liberation and the Conservative Party. It also marked my new found affiliation with High Peak Conservatives and we won't remind ourselves about the unfortunate turn of events that lead on from that...

It makes me so proud to look back though.

Keeping Up Appearances

As I look for a final selection for the Erewash Borough Council Elections in 2011, I spent the day at the Erewash Conservative Association BBQ yesterday in my role as chief cook and bottle washer...

I, this morning, stink of BBQ smoke, as if I were on 40 a day... :-( but all in all it was a very pleasant afternoon, and a fantastic networking event.

Congratulations, by the way, to Jessica Lee MP, honorable member for Erewash, on becoming Private Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General. Your constituents are all extremely proud.