EU Elections and the race for the Tory leadership

We didn't really need to wait for the results of the EU elections to know that the Conservatives were going to get demolished. As results started to come in last night, it was very apparent that support for the two main parties had evaporated, and voters had backed parties with a very clear position on … Continue reading EU Elections and the race for the Tory leadership →

European Elections – why I have not been campaigning

For the first time in over 30 years - during which time I have taken part in every local, national and European election - I am sitting out the campaign for this week's European Elections. It is not that I am worried about the inevitable hostile reception I would find on the doorstep - having … Continue reading European Elections – why I have not been campaigning →

Looking back over the past 6 weeks …

Not wanting to state the obvious, but this has not been the easiest of election campaigns! I have been involved in more or less every election campaign - whether it be general or local elections, either as a candidate, an election agent or a volunteer - for the past 30 years, and this campaign is … Continue reading Looking back over the past 6 weeks … →

My 8 years as a local Councillor …

It has been a privilege to represent the residents of Leighton Buzzard South on Central Bedfordshire Council, and the residents of Brooklands ward on the Town Council, since 2011. Of my achievements over the past 8 years, I consider my work to help individual residents to be the most important. While the bigger issues like … Continue reading My 8 years as a local Councillor … →

Vote for LOCAL candidates on LOCAL issues

Having knocked on doors over the past month or so, I know many of you are still very frustrated at the continuing impasse over Brexit. I suspect like me you enjoyed a week or so off from this farce whilst MPs had their Easter break ... it is a pity they can't stay on their … Continue reading Vote for LOCAL candidates on LOCAL issues →

Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Policing

Since being elected as a Councillor in 2011, I have been at the forefront of the campaign for better Policing for Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. After years of lobbying both Labour and Conservative PCCs, we are seeing some progress, with additional officers promised within the coming months. https://videopress.com/v/rjSglb0g BBC Look East However, I will not … Continue reading Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Policing →

Traveller Sites

The number of traveller sites around Leighton Buzzard and problems arising from unauthorised encampments is clearly a very sensitive issue, but that does not mean we should shy away from it. Indeed, many of the concerns arise from an unwillingness to discuss the issue. It is a common feature of any community to have both … Continue reading Traveller Sites →

Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Sustainable Development

Over the past few weeks I have spoken to many residents on the doorsteps of LB South - it is apparent that one of the biggest concerns is the continuing development around the town and the lack of supporting infrastructure. Clipstone Park - off Hockliffe Road I share these concerns - the town cannot support … Continue reading Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Sustainable Development →

Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Health Services

Many residents have raised understandable concerns regarding the provision of health care and access to GPs. I share their concerns and I am very disappointed that we have never been able to secure a community hospital or minor injuries for the town. I have heard many residents complain about the problems they have getting GP … Continue reading Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – Health Services →

Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – the Environment

Local Government has an important role to play in improving the environment, most notably in facilitating and encouraging waste recycling. In Leighton Buzzard, we have kerbside collection of recyclable domestic waste (cardboard, tin cans, paper) and of green garden waste. Later this year we will see the introduction of food waste collection. I will also … Continue reading Priorities for Leighton Buzzard – the Environment →