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Post by greenchristian on Jun 21, 2015 17:11:45 GMT
Not really. This is as good as it will get for the Tories in Watford what with the GE election turnout etc. They might just win one ward next year on the borough if they're lucky. That's the problem when you hit a peak, especially on a general election day, it's very difficult to sustain because the wins have very little to do with the quality or otherwise of local campaigning (especially close gains). I'm not sure this is true. If you start electing councillors, it's easier to get tactical votes, you're more likely to get new activists and councillors will have more time to devote to campaigning. It's perfectly possible to squander this, but even if you win by luck, that gives you a platform to improve your campaigning from. On the other hand, if you only win thanks to luck, then you're less likely to be capable of campaigning well - better platform or not. Whether it's possible to exploit that situation depends on the quality of the local activists and (to a lesser extent) the quality of support they get from the wider party. |
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Post by East Anglian Lefty on Jun 22, 2015 9:36:51 GMT
Sure, but I'd rather have a crap organisation with elected councillors than a crap organisation without. It's much easier to improve with the former than the latter.
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Khunanup
Lib Dem
Portsmouth Liberal Democrats
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Post by Khunanup on Jun 22, 2015 15:39:51 GMT
Sure, but I'd rather have a crap organisation with elected councillors than a crap organisation without. It's much easier to improve with the former than the latter. Absolutely, but when from day one said councillors are positive that they'll be gone in four years it doesn't exactly build for the future. |
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cibwr
Plaid Cymru
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Post by cibwr on Jun 23, 2015 8:18:30 GMT
One defection in Cardiff, here is the press release:
INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR GARETH HOLDEN JOINS CARDIFF PLAID
Gabalfa’s IndependentCouncillor Gareth Holden has joined the ranks of Plaid Cymru on Cardiff County Council, after sitting independently for the past 30 months. Cllr Holden said,"I moved to Wales in 2009 and knew nothing about Plaid Cymru at the time. I joined the LibDems during Clegg Mania, but became more and more disillusioned as time went by. In January 2013, my conscience wouldn't let me remain a Lib Dem and I became an Independent councillor. I have spent the last 30 months becoming more and more impressed with the Party of Wales in Cardiff and nationally. I was impressed by the level of debate brought by Leanne Wood. I have also been immensely impressed with Neil McEvoy, whose passion for Wales and justice shines through. Neil's individual outspokenness strikes a chord with me and many others. Neil stands up for the underrepresented and speaks sometimes some uncomfortable truths for which he is criticised. I wholeheartedly agreewith Cllr McEvoy's advocacy for the underdog and going forward I hope to emulate this.
“I'm really excited to play my part in taking Wales forward, especially with regard to our environment. Plaid's green credentials are clear. Ymlaen!
Cardiff Plaid Group Leader Neil McEvoy said,“ I am really pleased that Gareth has joined Plaid. It is significant that as an incomer to Wales Gareth now sees Plaid as his natural home. Plaid is here for everyone who has made Wales their home, regardless of what language they speak or where they are from. We are a diverse party reflecting the modern Wales. Gareth has long had my respect and it is a great pleasure to welcome him to the Cardiff Plaid family. Gareth and I worked very closely during the budget chaos, working hard to hold this lost Council to account. We are all looking forward to putting forward a positive case for change.”The Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood said:“Plaid Cymru is a strong voice in local government, but having more elected members will allow us to do even more. The Party of Wales has a track record of delivery in the capital city, particularly during our time in government.“I’m pleased that Gareth has joined Plaid Cymru as we continue to champion the communities of Cardiff. Gareth’s experience as Cardiff Council's Community Food Growing Champion will be useful as we work to build a greener and more sustainable future for Cardiff.”
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Post by LDCaerdydd on Jun 23, 2015 12:27:20 GMT
INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR GARETH HOLDEN JOINS CARDIFF PLAID This guy got elected in 2012 as a Lib Dem then left in 2013 due to the coalition, earlier this year endorsed the now Conservative MP for Cardiff North and has now joined Plaid  On a more serious note, I'd imagine he did this in response to the two independents who joined the Conservatives last week and following that the independent 'group' was lacking some volume and presence. |
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Post by Davıd Boothroyd on Jun 23, 2015 13:06:11 GMT
INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR GARETH HOLDEN JOINS CARDIFF PLAID This guy got elected in 2012 as a Lib Dem then left in 2013 due to the coalition, earlier this year endorsed the now Conservative MP for Cardiff North and has now joined Plaid Does that mean it's our turn next? |
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Post by LDCaerdydd on Jun 23, 2015 13:12:16 GMT
This guy got elected in 2012 as a Lib Dem then left in 2013 due to the coalition, earlier this year endorsed the now Conservative MP for Cardiff North and has now joined Plaid Does that mean it's our turn next? Go for it! (I could do with a laugh) |
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Post by LDCaerdydd on Jun 23, 2015 14:36:32 GMT
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Post by East Anglian Lefty on Jun 23, 2015 16:51:18 GMT
This guy got elected in 2012 as a Lib Dem then left in 2013 due to the coalition, earlier this year endorsed the now Conservative MP for Cardiff North and has now joined Plaid Does that mean it's our turn next? Hopefully we can fob him off on UKIP. |
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Post by greenchristian on Jun 24, 2015 18:13:09 GMT
Does that mean it's our turn next? Hopefully we can fob him off on UKIP. Maybe he'll go to the PSP instead? |
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Post by Davıd Boothroyd on Jun 25, 2015 22:24:01 GMT
File this one under 'only in Tower Hamlets'.
1) After losing the Mayoral election, Rabina Khan has stopped being an ungrouped Independent and has now joined the Independent Group that used to be Tower Hamlets First.
2) Abjol Miah has left the Independent Group over his committee allocation, and is now an ungrouped Independent.
So a net shift of no-one but a change of personnel.
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Khunanup
Lib Dem
Portsmouth Liberal Democrats
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Post by Khunanup on Jul 7, 2015 14:30:18 GMT
Cllr Sandra Stockdale, Lib Dem councillor for St Thomas ward on Portsmouth City Council defects to the Conservatives having been deselected last week.
She was a member of the Conservative Party until the summer before she was elected in 2012 (she stood for the Conservatives 6 times in the ward prior to winning as a Lib Dem).
Clearly very disappointed that she went straight off but there you go.
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Richard Allen
Banned
Four time loser in VUKPOTY finals
Posts: 19,052
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Post by Richard Allen on Jul 7, 2015 16:27:57 GMT
Cllr Sandra Stockdale, Lib Dem councillor for St Thomas ward on Portsmouth City Council defects to the Conservatives having been deselected last week. She was a member of the Conservative Party until the summer before she was elected in 2012 (she stood for the Conservatives 6 times in the ward prior to winning as a Lib Dem). Clearly very disappointed that she went straight off but there you go. Would it be uncharitable of me to suggest that someone who had stood 6 times for another party probably didn't defect to you on principled grounds and that allowing them to run for one of your better seats almost straight away probably wasn't the smartest move in the world? |
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Khunanup
Lib Dem
Portsmouth Liberal Democrats
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Post by Khunanup on Jul 7, 2015 17:37:28 GMT
Cllr Sandra Stockdale, Lib Dem councillor for St Thomas ward on Portsmouth City Council defects to the Conservatives having been deselected last week. She was a member of the Conservative Party until the summer before she was elected in 2012 (she stood for the Conservatives 6 times in the ward prior to winning as a Lib Dem). Clearly very disappointed that she went straight off but there you go. Would it be uncharitable of me to suggest that someone who had stood 6 times for another party probably didn't defect to you on principled grounds and that allowing them to run for one of your better seats almost straight away probably wasn't the smartest move in the world? She certainly found us all easier to get on with and at most is the wettest of wet Tories and is certainly more in tune with us than mainstream Tory thinking. Still, I've just spoken to her and she just didn't want to be out on a limb. C'est la vie. |
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Post by No Offence Alan on Jul 7, 2015 17:42:21 GMT
Cllr Sandra Stockdale, Lib Dem councillor for St Thomas ward on Portsmouth City Council defects to the Conservatives having been deselected last week. She was a member of the Conservative Party until the summer before she was elected in 2012 (she stood for the Conservatives 6 times in the ward prior to winning as a Lib Dem). Clearly very disappointed that she went straight off but there you go. Refreshing to know you have a stronger pool of candidates than 4 years ago. |
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Post by Tangent on Jul 8, 2015 0:22:17 GMT
Franco? Far too moderate. At least Mussolini. Actually Roy Jenkins was the best home secretary we have ever had. Yes, but a crap Chancellor. Bit late, but I would disagree. Not only did he manage to return the public finances to relatively good order at a time of severe pressure on the government and the economy, but he managed it in a way which kept the Labour left on board. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2015 16:42:18 GMT
AdminSTB. Can you change my affiliation to non-aligned please? Thanks.
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Post by Arthur Figgis on Jul 17, 2015 16:47:47 GMT
PSP would be a good fit.
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Post by gwynthegriff on Jul 17, 2015 18:09:58 GMT
AdminSTB. Can you change my affiliation to non-aligned please? Thanks. Is this a response to a certain leadership election result? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 17, 2015 20:18:12 GMT
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