Tuesday 21 April 2009

CONSERVATIVE GROUP MEETINGS


What interesting times we live in. If you are wondering why I have a picture of Summit Aviation's new building, all will be clear in a moment. Whilst I think this is an excellent building and credit must go to Ken Wills for the investment and job-creation opportunities this building provides, one needs to remember that CGP (Ken Wills) is in negotiation with TDC/KCC concerning purchase of their land at Manston Business Park and presumably has further planning applications re China Gateway to submit to TDC.
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The story, as far as Bertie has managed to ascertain , is that our Conservative Councillors were due to meet tomorrow to elect its Leader for the next 12 months but that this has now been postponed until Wednesday 6 May. What was interesting to hear was that some idiot proposed that they meet at Summit's new building at Manston on the original date (Wed 22 April) to hold the Group Meeting! Wiser heads would have appeared to have over-ruled this very stupid idea and tomorrow's meeting and that of 6th May will be held elsewhere. What 'plonker' thought that this would be a good idea? Sounds like the same idiot who accepted a £25,000 sponsorship of The Big Event last year from a developer with a live application before TDC.
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Whilst I have picked up rumblings of Conservative discontent concerning 'OurLeader' and his three failures in 18 months to conduct himself properly and bringing his office into disrepute, I have yet to hear of a serious rethink about replacing him. In all the years that TDC has had a Conservative Leader, not one has ever been hauled before Standards, let alone twice, until now. It is now time for some-one with ability and high standards to step forward.
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My understanding is that our Conservative Councillors have until Friday to find the courage and integrity to put up alternative candidates for Leader. A casual observer has reported seeing 'Our Leader' at a recent gathering thrusting nomination papers in front of startled Councillors with the intention of ascertaining 'are you for me or agin me'. Is it a real possibility that he at least is worried? His failure to to the decent thing after the last Standards adverse findings and resign, clearly indicates he lacks the qualities normally expected of a Conservative Leader of TDC.
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Perhaps readers need to get on to their own Conservative Councillors and let them know exactly how they feel about the Conservatives being led by the current Leader? I have certainly done so. What really worries me is the talk I am hearing about 2011. Can it really be the case that Cllr Nicholson regards the present Conservative Leader as his best electoral asset in 2011?
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There are die-hard Tory voters talking openly about standing as 'Independent Conservatives' in 2011 in specific wards in order to split the Conservative vote and thus allow a Labour Candidate to get the ward. I would urge our Conservative Councillors to think long and hard about the damage that has been done already to the Conservative Party in Thanet by the present Leadership and ask themselves if they really want this to continue for another year? The rumblings over in Ramsgate about an elected TDC Mayor rather than the present set up is a clear reaction to the way TDC is being run by its present Leader.
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It really is time for a change for the better.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

"My understanding is that our Conservative Councillors have until Friday to find the courage and integrity to put up alternative candidates for 'Leader'."

I think you might have answered your own question. The party do not have any courage or integrity! And that is why they will be kicked out oat the next election!

Anonymous said...

I would lobby my local Conservative Councillors if I thought it would make any difference at all. Unfortunately they are both part of the problem. I think Cllr Nicholson is right, all the Labour group have to do is sit on their hands and wait. From dyed in the wool Conservatives I speak to locally there is no way they will vote for the current administration at the next local elections.

Anonymous said...

the main criticism is that many conservative Councillors are not visible in their wards and don't do anything for their electorate.They are only out at election times! think the same cannot be said of many labour members who are retired etc and work hard for the people in their ward.

Anonymous said...

Bertie. A completely different subject.
Pictures published in the local free rags of the outlook from the Thanet coast of the impending wind farm are always misleading (one could say deceptively so). Broadstairs views have had it! More accurate images(though still underscale)can be found on the higher resolution pdf document titled Thanet Offshore Wind Farm Enviromental Statement Non Technical Summary dated Nov 2005. With a bit of technical knowhow any chance of showing them to the wider public?
Enjoyed the Lakes then? Did you get to the Langdale Pikes?

Bertie Biggles said...

I think we need to accept that many Conservative members do an excellent job as Councillors and we should give them credit where credit is due. I am still optimistic that those with courage and integrity will come forward and bring about the necessary changes, 23.15.

I certainly feel that some Conservative members do need to raise their profiles in their wards 13.24 but the same could be said of some Labour members too.

Bertie Biggles said...

Thanks 22.16, will go and see what I can do.
The Lake District never fails to restore spirits. Only had time to bimble over Coledale, The Derwent Fells and the Fells between Borrowdale and Thirlmere; the youngest in the party were 23 months (in papoose) and a 4yr old which restricted us somewhat!

Bertie Biggles said...

22.16, having a problem copying pics from the doc you refer to and it is interesting that the view from Broadstairs Promenade is the one being elusive. My technical skills are not too hot so may have to print and scan! You are spot on about the seascape all around the Isle being ruined! I should imagine the view out to sea from the Hilton's Bleak House will soon be full of Thanet Windmills and The London Array!

Anonymous said...

to all you kind labour members our leader is safe even after labour members have tryed to make trouble for him he a man not a mouse and his shoulders are broad
there is an old saying
sticks and stone s may brake my bones BUT names never will this is just cheap point scoring within the labour group
tihs proves how low they will go