ASDA needs to sort itself out

Living at Western Harbour, Edinburgh with a brand new 24 hour ASDA on the doorstep I'm restricted to shopping there unless I'm prepared to travel.

Initially I thought ASDA was great, but, once you've been with a supermarket for five to six years you know what you can or can't recycle.

The majority of the plastic packaging that ASDA uses I have to put in the bin which goes to landfill which I have a massive issue with.

Only plastics with the numbers one or two in the recycling triangle can be recycled in Edinburgh - any number lower than that, or like in ASDA's case no number at all cannot be recycled because of what its made of.

ASDA (Walmart) pull your socks up!

But, for now its back to Tesco as I know I can recycle the majority of the plastic packaging there and that's what I agree with.
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In the office

I am amazed how many times the phone has rung today in Clifton Terrace. Technically we are closed, but I am using the quiet time to catch up on my planning and writing up papers ready for the New Year.

I have managed to clear over 800 emails from my inbox, a feat in itself, but they were ones that needed archiving, deleting or the attachment saving onto this laptop rather than the other one (I belong to a two laptop family).

I have written two strategy papers amongst other things, so watch out 2009 I am on the war path!

I will be leaving the office shortly, to see if I can get a pair of trainers - if I am to start 2009 the way I want then the exercise regime is a must - in town. Madness I hear you all shout, why, why why would you want to go shopping on Princes Street now? Because, I must.

I have set myself some personal goals for 2009 and I will achieve them!

Fame - again of a sort!

Iain Dale's Diary: Ten New Blogs#links

Tavish Scott on FACEBOOK

Well, I see that Tavish Scott's page on FACEBOOK is gaining fans week after week - to be fair it has only been up a few weeks.

It is another way of the Scottish Liberal Democrats reaching out to voters - given the multitude of elections facing Scottish voters in the next five years it is important that all politicians, whatever Party they represent reach out and listen to voters.

So, go and have a look at the page....

Newhaven Harbour

Two of my Xmas stocking treats were books called "Bygone Leith" by Guthrie Hutton and "Port of Leith & Granton" by Graeme Somner.

I love to read the history of where I live, so was fascinated to see that the western breakwater on which my flat now sits is only 70 years old - I know the flat is new but actually the land is relatively new on the scale of things.

The Woolworths at the "Foot of the Walk" has been there many years, certainly it was there back in 1954 (I'm sure there will be many Leithers who will recall when it first opened) so it is a real tragedy its finally closing - let's hope its one of the 123 branches to continue.

I wonder how many people assume Ferry Road is something to do with the many ports, or ferries crossing the Forth? Well, you'd be wrong, apparently it is simply an extension of Queensferry Road! You live and learn.

And now for the bizarre political link, well there's two;

Outside the Woolies was a statue of Queen Victoria (I will have to check to see if its still there) where the men'o Leith would gather to put the world to rights.

The second concerns Newhaven Harbour, which is where I live round the corner from started life as a slipway and breakwater and was then extended to a harbour, still standing today although the lighthouse now has funky coloured lights!

The Harbour was an amazing fishing harbour and very busy but not the only sales outlet apparently.

Women (I assume mainly fishermens wives) strapped creels to their backs and then travel the country selling the herring. They had a sort of uniform and this along with their street cries became familiar on their travels.

Their songs were made famous by groups such as the Newhaven Fisherwomen's Choir, formed back in 1927 as the Newhaven Liberal Club Choir to support their local candidate - this choir remained in existence for over 50 years.

What a pity its not still around today for Kevin Lang, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith.

I'm now searching to find which building was the Liberal Club, if anyone knows, do let me know.
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Church Spire missing a church

Morning to both my readers - apologies for a long absence - quite a lot of stuff on my plate which is slowly clearing now.

While ambling to Ocean Terminal on Christmas Eve I spotted what appears to be a spire from a church, constructed of solid wooden beams and then slate tiles forming the roof covering.

I've had a look through some Leith history books and can't find anything obvious but maybe someone may know something about it so here's the picture.....
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The incompetent Royal Mail

Last week we had contacted Royal Mail to have a packet re-delivered as per the instructions on the little card that had been shoved through the door.

The delivery was due Friday - Roger waited, waited and waited - then he thought oh well, went out and bumped into the postman - nope, no parcel.

The worst part is the day the "card" was delivered we were in but they never rang the bell.

Get a grip Royal Mail.
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National Express Trains

Okay - I'm sick of this company.

The 5.30pm from Kings Cross to Edinburgh

The announcement comes over that anyone with a super return can't travel on this service (correct) and then he says anyone one on the return leg of a saver ticker also can't travel (incorrect) - however myself and a load of other commuters have now got off.

I ambled down to first class - the only place to find the staff - and was told my ticket was in fact correct and I could travel.

By now they are the blowing the whistle so I jump on, no seats available. When we get to Darlington there are seats available - hurrah - oh no - the air conditioning is on and again (like my journey down) its on blowing out freezing cold air.

Get a grip National Express.
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Mayor Boris Johnson

Well Boris, some 7 months ago you won the election, I arrived back in London this week to find the underground the dirtiest I've ever seen it in all my years living and working in London!

So what have you actually done? Cut staff? Slashed budgets? Or just stopped the staff picking up the litter?

You now seem to lose Advisers more quickly than Ken Livingstone did. So, the Tory surge - well it doesn't reallt exist does it, its a myth.

When all said and done, you are out of your depth running London. David Cameron, who wrote the last Tory Manifesto, who was involved in the former out of touch Tory Government is aTory Toff connected with the past including Thatcher.

Its time for a change and the change is the Liberal Democrats!

www.libdems.org.uk or www.scotlibdems.org.uk
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Credit Crunch hits National Express Trains

Here I am, sat on the train down to London Kings Cross - we left Edinburgh at 2pm - shivering! Yes, that's right, shivering.

National Express have decided that paying £158.50 (return) doesn't include heating - like the airlines, its probably extra.

Come on National Express put the heating on!
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Graeme Le Saux and Facebook

Wow - what an honour.

Graeme Le Saux is a facebook friend, I know many of my readers will read this and say who?

Shame on you - he is an amzing footballer, although now a pundit but his reign at Chelsea was awesome - and he is bloody good looking too.

Now, also on Facebook is the Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Tavish Scott you can see his new page here http://tinyurl.com/55g4oh

Politics in Scotland is becoming more exciting as the four key parties are all slightly becoming different to each other, despite having policies and issues that sometimes are hard to spot the difference.

Tavish is not one for sitting still and will definitely be pushing me in my role as Deputy Director of Campaigns here in Scotland - but that is only a good thing, we are both united on our strategy and focus so 4 party politics in Scotland is going to become more fun all round.

IMG00234.jpg

The view from the train at Penrith station, views like this are beautiful and make me want to jump off the train and go and look round.

Today I can't do that but I would like to come back and walk round.
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Democracy under attack

When many of us heard about Damian Green MP's arrest, many of us asked ourselves the same question: "When did it become a crime to hold the Government to account?"

Throwing a spotlight on information the Government would rather keep hidden is an essential part of our democracy and a key role of opposition parties in Parliament. And when dealing with an administration legendary for its secrecy, you increasingly have to rely on whistle-blowers to see the full picture.

Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats has written at greater length on this issue in the Telegraph, as you can read at www.tinyurl.com/damiangreen

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The disgrace that is Scotrail

As both my readers know I normally have high praise for Scotrail, especially their ability to cope in snow and cold weather.

However, today their copy book is blotted, big time.

I was at Inverurie to catch the 12.36 to Aberdeen for my 1.30 meeting, but when the little two carriage train pulled in, there were already no seats plus large crowds standing so actually only one or two people managed to get on.

I caught the next one, half an hour later, so not to bad.

The 16.21 from Aberdeen to Edinburgh was standing room only from Aberdeen and has got progressively worse as the journey has continued, not made any better by the idiot playing the music on his phone by loudspeaker, everyone was tutting and then when I said something everyone else melted into the background, but he did turn it off.......

Then there was the chap projectile vomiting - nice!

And my final whinge on this late service is all those with ipods, I want to listen to my own - NOT YOURS!
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Weirdness on the trains

Well, to my readers, I've been away a while, just really catching up on life, work and home following 3 months in Glenrothes.

So, here I am sat on the train to Inverurie and I get a coffee on the Scotrail service - firstly it is now £1.80 - a rise of 20p, or 11.25%.

Come on Scotrail, where do you get that from?

Secondly, the milk now comes in long tubes, like sugar! Bizarre.
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Scottish Politician of the Year sponsored by The Herald

Nominations are

Alex Salmond MSP
Nicola Sturgeon MSP
John Swinney MSP

And the winner is Nicola Sturgeon MSP
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Lifetime Achievment Award sponsored by DIAGEO

The winner is Jim Wallace (hurrah)
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

International Scot Award sponsored by keppie

The nominations are

Sir Sean Connery
Ann Gloag
Chris Hoy

And the winner is

Sir Sean Connery
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Public Campaign/Campaigner sponsored by The Herald

Nominated are

Clydeside Action on Asbestos
Tina McGeever
John Muir

And the winner is

Clydeside Action on Asbestos

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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Free Spirit of the Year - sponsored by The Herald

Chris Harvie MSP
Patrick Harvie MSP
Hugh O'Donnell MSP

And the winner is

Chris Harvie MSP
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Committee Award - sponsored by npower renewables

Nominated are

Finance Committee
Health Committee
Bill Aitken MSP Convenor - Justice Committee

And the winner is

Bill Aitken MSP
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

The One to Watch - sponsored by Microsoft

Nominated are

Richard Baker MSP
Derek Brownlee MSP
John Park MSP

And the winner is
John Park MSP
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Donald Dewar Debater of the Year - sponsored by eaga

Nominated are

Alex Salmond MSP
Tavish Scott MSP
Nicola Sturgeon MSP

And the winner is
Nicola Sturgeon MSP
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The Herald - Scottish Politician of the Year 2008

Best Scot at Westminster - sponsored by Bank of Scotland

Nominated are

Gordon Brown MP
Alistair Darling MP
Jim Murphy MP

And the winner is Alsitair Darling MP
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The alternative election

Whilst everyone is over in the States having fun, there are some of us also having fun in Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland.

There is an important by-election going on, polling day is this Thursday.

I was reading a story on another blog, and saw this fantastic line - "James Stevenson argues that Cameron’s Tories have most to gain from a resurgent SNP".

Cameron's Tories - aka Salmond's little helpers. The Conservatives here in Scotland vote with the SNP most of the time, they do as they are told, hence why a vote for the Tories in Scotland is just wasted vote.

I was out today in Kinglassie and later Caskieberran delivering our fantastic tabloid newspaper - okay, I would say that - but we were getting a good reception as we were chatting with local residents.

So, we are stuffing the last of the envelopes for tomorrows first delivery til then folks - g'night!

The Post Office Card Account

Now, most of my readers, from all parties will know what the Post Office Card Account is, yes?

Hmmm, you would think!

Well, watch Politics Now on STV because the Labour candidate for Glenrothes does NOT know what it is so didn't support Harry Wills call to ask Gordon Brown to ensure the Post Office retain the contract for the Post Office Card Account.

How on earth can he represent people when he has no clue what the Post Office Card Account is?
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SNP Glenrothes candidate - oh dear

I have just read this on the Telegraph website. It does appear as if Peter Grant, the SNP candidate in Glenrothes doesn't want to be an MP long term.

I am sorry, after working in politics for over ten years and for three hard working MPs within the Liberal Democrats - Vince Cable MP, Simon Highes MP and Lynne Featherstone MP - I know this is a long game and the hours you therefore need to put in to stay there.

The Telegraph reports he is reluctant to leave Fife and go to London.

read the full story here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/3274679/SNP-Glenrothes-candidate-says-homesickness-means-he-wants-less-than-five-years.html

This really does show - a vote for the SNP would be a wasted vote and therefore if you want to send a message to the Labour Government on November 6th in Fife, you should vote for Harry Wills and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

When will the Scottish media wake up?

I know I've only been here in Scotland for 4 months in my new post but blimey, how many u-turns do the SNP have to perform to end their 'honeymoon'?

I was in Gordon last year on Nora Radcliffe's campaign team, and that's why Salmonds majority was nowhere near what the SNP predicted to the media that night.

But, I ask my readers, go and read the manifesto they produced last year and come back to me with how many they've either broken or ignored.

You'll be shocked. But still the Scottish Media let them off the hook.

Will it end when they don't win Glenrothes?
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One pound or ten?

For those lucky enough to subscribe will know what the title means - for those who don't - well, you should!

I will be discussing this matter with the Editor at great length!! :-)
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Three horse race

Well, sat in Glenrothes Hall only the Liberal Democrats and SNP bought a table at the Kingdom FM fundraiser dinner.

Labour are here too, but just a few seats but no sign of the SNPs new best friends, Thatchers Tories.

We are having a great evening, its a fundraising evening and table 14 is the one to be seen on.
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Alex Salmond's little helpers

Oh my god!

Well, here in Scotland we see Alex Salmond's SNP with their little helpers AKA the Conservatives in all sorts of deals.

But, hot gossip from the corridors of power in Westminster.

Last night in the Members lobby the Scottish parliamentary leaders for the SNP and the Conservatives - Angus Robertson MP and David Mundell MP respectively - were overheard discussing how they are going to work together to ensure a Labour defeat in the forthcoming Glenrothes by-election!

Shame on them!.

The voters of the Glenrothes constituency - whether in Star, Newcastle, Cardenden, Glenrothes, Leslie, Leven, Wemyss, Markinch, Methil, Thornton, Buckhaven, Kennoway or Auchterderran and all the other parts - deserve to know who they are voting for.

The SNP have already shown their arrogance by claiming they've won and now they are rubbing the voters noses in the dirt.

A vote for the Tories gets you an irrelevant SNP MP according to Mundell and Robertson obviously and a vote for the SNP is just as dishonest and gets you what? A backbench MP who will do nothing and has relied on Tory votes to get there.

Come on, the Tories gave us Margaret Thatcher who closed down businesses across the Kingdom. Alex Salmond has already told us that the Scots didn't mind Thatchers economic policies. How out of touch is he?

She left a trail of destruction across Fife.

In Fife the battle for Westminster is between the unpopular Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats.

The SNP and the Tories believe in Margaret Thatcher.

The people of Fife believe in choice.

A vote for Harry Wills on November 6th is the only way to send the Labour Party a message - enough is enough, its time for a change.
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Heating and Eating - in Markinch

Well, what a day!

I overslept, well technically I didn't, I actually got up after having a bad nights sleep, and then fell asleep watching tv.

I then managed to get the next train to Markinch - unfortunately they are every two hours - to find Elspeth, nearly frozen on her laptop, it was cold, it was really cold, no it was FREEZING COLD.

After an hour or so I ventured for a look around and found the electrical cupboard and found a heating switch and turned it on, easy you would think but lets not go there. How many of my colleagues (straight boys) had visited the same cupboard before me and not realised what the heating switch is - lol.

Oh well, anyway, Elspeth and I are now warming through.

Greenock Morton FC in Strathpeffer

The Ben Wyvis hotel in Strathpeffer was an excellent venue - a Lib Dem conference, a football team and two wedding parties all under one roof, who would have thought it?

Snow in the evening whilst a quiz is being played indoors and then a hearty evening in the bar, 4 of us lasted until 4am but it was positive issues being discussed including the fantastic start by our new Scottish Leader, Tavish Scott.

Anyway, seeing the snow topped hills and the stunning views just reminds me why we moved to Scotland.
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Getting paid to blog!

How awesome is this?

Blogging, for a living, you really couldn't make it up.

http://jobs.thirdsector.co.uk/job/312672/peta-blogger <http://jobs.thirdsector.co.uk/job/312672/peta-blogger>

Well, animal welfare charity, PETA are advertising for a paid blogger, and offering £23,000 for the job.

Good work if you can get it.
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Glenrothes by-election poll

It has been brought to my attention that Dunfermline Press have been running an online poll about the outcome of the Glenrothes by-election due soon, yes soon.

Anyhow, the results of this online poll can be found www.dunfermlinepress.com/pollresults.php

Enjoy!
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More postings please

Apparently, my blog, since moving North of the border has gained readers.

Not only that, my readers are apparently complaining - complaining I tell you.

I am not updating my blog enough, so here I am, twenty to eleven at night, chained to a desk in Clifton Terrace, home of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, RISOing petition slips for Harry Wills (Lib Dem candidate in the Glenothes by-election).

The slips are printed, the campaign is gaining momentum, another bus load of our fantastic MSPs in again this evening, with more promised tomorrow.

So - on that note, at the end of another amazing day on the campaign trail, I am off home.

Strictly Come Dancing

Oh my god - its awesome.

Another great series coming up!

www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
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We cleaned your keyboard today

Hi readers,

I hope you're all well?

I sat at my desk at Holyrood today (its okay, I'm not breaking the Official Secrets Act) and there is a tiny piece of paper saying "your keyboard has been cleaned today".

That's a great use of our tax Alex!!

I think I'd notice anyhow.
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My commute

Babbling brooks, rolling hills, swathes of pine trees, forests of green.

This is my commute.

Sheep and cows, eating and sitting.

This is my commute.

Birds flying, deer sunbathing, cows chewing, sheep baa, trains speeding.

This is my commute.

Fields of green, hay and brown, working farms, derelict farms and the odd castle on the horizon.

This is my commute.

Inverurie, Insch, Huntly and Keith.

This is my commute.

Fields fllooded, streams flowing, trees swaying, hills for miles.

This is my commute.

Sun shining, clouds fluffy, hay drying, people smiling.

Yes, this is my commute - but people still wonder, "do you miss London?"

How could I?
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Deep fried breakfast, a man dressed as a banana and Harry Potter

Now, I'm annoyed today. Not with everything, I'm sat at Inverurie station waiting for the Inverness train, in the beautiful sunshine.

I was up early this morning artworking some surveys and target letters with the news on in the background - J K Rowling has given the Labour party one million pounds - why? I shouted at the tv, no point love, you'll have a Lib Dem MP where you live after the election!

I'm so annoyed, do these celebrities not listen? Liberal Democrats spend their money much better than the other parties - so give it to us!!!!

Right, rant number 2 coming now.

Deep fried breakfast - deep fried lorne sausage, deep fried bacon, fried bread (obviously), deep fried mushrooms and a fried egg. No toast! But, I did get the next beat thing to coco pops, which is crunchy nut cornflakes.

Come on Kintore Arms Hotel, get your breakfast sorted.

Finally, for now whilst walking down the High Street to Inverurie Station there was a young guy sat at the bus stop, dressed as a banana.

welcome to Aberdeenshire....
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And another train journey

So, a good mornings work on raising the game for the Scottish Lib Dem Conference, then a fantastic positive meeting about East Lothian then jumped on the train;

First stop, Markinch to drop off some supplies and a quick handover, then I'm off to Inverurie for a meeting.

I will stay the night at the Kintore Arms Hotwl on High Street - this is the hotel where last year I had Lorne sausage for the 1st time - before heading off to Inverness in the morning for a Lib Dem conference.

Although todays journey is 3 hours, what beautiful countryside, so you don't really notice the time.
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A great week for the Liberal Democrats

Wow - where did that week of my life just disappear?

Well, to my regular readers, I will try and explain.

I set off last Thursday from Edinburgh, armed with my suitcase, laptop, carrier bag, man bag and a giant 4 foot cheque heading for Bournemouth.

10pm Thursday was a campaigns department meeting, we are all there, buzzing, in high spirits and looking forwards to a great week.

Friday is the start of the working week, with back to back training sessions, briefings, meetings and receptions but, we are working so the average day is 8.15am to 10pm, if you're lucky you get lunch, if you're really lucky you get dinner.

However, you know you're not really lucky when in a meeting other people in the room can here your stomach growling - whoops!

This has been my first conference as a Deputy Director and whilst great fun, also knackering lol.

Tavish Scott did an awesome speech on Sunday morning, www.scotlibdems.org.uk

Some great coverage for Team Scotland this week and I was proud to be part of the largest contingent ever sent, and still we fought in Fife for the people affected by Brown's government decisions.

Don't write off the Liberal Democrats, we are back and ready.
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Rude Londoners

Oh how quick I've gone native and turned my back on my 8 years in London.

I arrived in Kings Cross and no on moves, they stand stubbornly guarding their spot.

It was the same in Waterloo.

I don't miss Londoners (the majority), I do however miss my friends and family.
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Loving it large

The train was 9 minutes late!

There's nowhere for my normal luggage, and my oversized luggage, well that's a whole different story.

The child on my right won't stop humming.

The lady in front of me is eating her crisps with her mouth open.

What a piggin journey this is going to be!!!!!

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Conference Cat

As Roger points out, my blog should be renamed black & white cat blog, to compete with pink dog
http://pinkdogster.blogspot.com the only political blogging pink dog - some achievement I think you'll agree.

Anyhow, I've not long been in from work, I need to pack ready for conference, so I open the suitcase and dah dah....
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I'm blogging

I am, I am also wondering and feeling for a friend who's having a bit of a tough time of it at the moment.

I'm tired, its official, I am looking forward to an evening off, although as well as being on cooking duty I will be stuffing envelopes (again).

I'm currently contemplating Markinch and realising election campaigns are fun, which is useful given I spent 5 months running the London campaign, then moved up to Scotland and went off to Glasgow East and now Glenrothes - I do love a challenge!!!

I now need to rent the flat in Dartford unless someone buys it this week - lol.
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Edinburgh by twilight

You can't help but love the view
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Musings from the Glenrothes campaign trail

Well, the Party Leaders are sorting out their visits to the constituency of Glenrothes.

Tavish Scott MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats was first there over a week ago, with a second visit this week.

Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats was the first UK leader to visit, where he launched a commuter campaign with Harry Wills.

Gordon Brown, the second UK leader did a secret back door visit yesterday.

And, bringing up the rear, in third place is Alex Salmond, who is only going today.

To be honest, that's where the SNP should be in a Westminster election.

In Fife, the elections for Westminster seats are very firmly between the out of touch Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats.

There are already two Lib Dem MPs in Fife, Ming Campbell and Willie Rennie. In fact, let us not forget that the last by-election in Fife was only two years ago, and was was won by the Liberal Democrats.

There is no point in the good people of Glenrothes electing an SNP MP, they hold no relevance in the House of Commons.

Their blatant arrogance is already apparent where they think they've already won.

Harry Wills is concerned that the local people have been let down massively by Brown's Labour government and they are being taken for granted by Salsmonds one issue party in Edinburgh.

Its time for change in Glenrothes, there is only one team fighting for Fife and that's the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
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First Party Leader to visit Glenrothes

Well, I'm delighted that the first Scottish Party Leader to visit the Glenrothes constituency was Tavish Scott MSP.

Tavish is back again today and bringing Nick Clegg MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats along with him.

Nick and Tavish will be launching a campaign on rail fares, more later....

Nick Clegg is also lending his support to Harry Wills campaign to save the Post Office Card Account.

www.fightingforfife.org.uk
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IMG00181.jpg

Little Zen finds the catnip despite being very blind - bless
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IMG00181.jpg

Little Zen finds the catnip despite being very blind - bless
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Fantastic news from Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and his wife Miriam Gonzalez Durantez are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their third child in February.

Nick Clegg said: “Miriam and I are lucky to have two wonderful little boys, but we'd always hoped to have a third child. So we are thrilled to bits that next February, all being well, our sons will have a little brother or sister.”

What an absolute cheek!

The title says it all
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Walking down Princes Street

What a view, I just wish I looked even half as fit!
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Glenda Jackson MP

Double standards;

There is never a day goes by where I am somewhat surprised the Westminster Parliamentary Authroities are on this planet.

And here is Glenda Jackson, collating voting intention data on behalf of the Labour Party on a leaflet paid for by the House of Commons from the allowance that is used for communicating with electors.

http://www.libdemvoice.org/why-is-the-labour-party-using-parliamentary-funds-to-gather-canvass-data-3366.html

Tavish Scott - a flying start indeed

SCOTT APPOINTS TOP LIB DEM TEAM

Following his election last week as Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, Tavish Scott has appointed a campaigning team of spokespeople. Tavish Scott has charged all his team with campaigning outside the Holyrood bubble, raising the party’s profile and developing radical solutions to the issues facing people across Scotland. (Music to my ears).

Commenting on the appointments, Mr Scott said: “The Scottish Liberal Democrat parliamentary team are bright, energetic and forward-looking. I want the Liberal Democrats to be the most effective campaigning political party in Scotland. That’s why I am determined that we break through the Holyrood bubble and tackle the issues which matter to people in every part of Scotland.

“To make that happen each of the spokespeople I have appointed has been given an additional priority area to focus on. These priorities reflect the issues which are facing ordinary people across Scotland – from Shetland to Stranraer. I want the team campaigning across the country taking the Lib Dem message to the country. We will set the pace on campaigning across Scotland.”

The following MSPs have been appointed as spokespeople for the Scottish Liberal Democrats:

Spokesperson on Environment, Rural Development and Energy with special responsibility for policies to tackle fuel bills.
Liam McArthur MSP Deputy Spokesperson Jim Hume MSP.

Spokesperson on Economy and Finance with special responsibility for policies on reducing the cost of living. Jeremy Purvis MSP.

Spokesperson on Local Government and Transport with special responsibility for campaigning with local councils. Alison McInnes MSP Deputy Spokesperson Jim Tolson MSP.

Spokesperson on Health with special responsibility for policies on sustainable and affordable housing. Ross Finnie MSP Deputy Spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP.

Spokesperson on Education and Young People with special responsibility for policies to support Scottish students. Margaret Smith MSP Deputy Spokesperson Hugh O’Donnell MSP.

Spokesperson on Justice with special responsibility for promoting civil liberties.
Robert Brown MSP Deputy Spokesperson Mike Pringle MSP.

Spokesperson on Culture Iain Smith MSP.

Spokesperson on Gaelic Language and Deputy Convener of the Public Petitions Committee John Farquhar Munro MSP.

In addition to this Mike Rumbles MSP has been appointed as Liberal Democrat Business Manager and Chief Whip.

Iain Smith MSP will be the Liberal Democrat nominee for Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. Jamie Stone MSP will continue as the Convenor of Parliament’s Subordinate Legislation Committee

Edinburgh end of Festival Fireworks

Absolutely awesome
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Edinburgh Castle in the moonlight

I took this photo 2 weeks ago, after we had been to see Jimmy Carr.

It looks awesome
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Yes we can!

As both my readers know, I backed Hillary Clinton, but Barack Obama's speech was inspiring, he's right, what we do today is always to help the next generation.

The Democrats Convention has been amazing to watch, I wish our conferences could be that exciting.

I loved it when he talked about John McCain voting with Bush 90% of the time. "Are you happy to take a 10% chance on change?".

I love the slogans - change we believe in and yes we can. Positive and focussed, but clean and simple.

So, Glenrothes, here we come and yes, we can!
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New shoes and 3

So, new shoes, lovely but a nightmare on my ankles. My black ones have now worn in but I need to now wear my new brown ones.

I've been to Boots to stock up on the plasters in advance.

Now, are you sitting comfortably?

If you work for 3, or are about to sign a contract with them, then you may want to go and read Pink Dogs Blog instead.

3 is attrocious.

I visited the 3 shop on Princes Street in Edinburgh today, and asked about topping up our broadband dongles.

I was told - "our computer system is down, you will need to go to Superdrug or R S McColl" so, off I went to Superdrug on Princes Street.

I then returned to 3 to activate the vouchers - or not!

Apparently I should have got £15 not £20 - I had asked in 3 and was told it didn't matter!

So, the advice from 3 - "go and get a refund". What a pile of absolute twonk.

So, back to the office to activate the vouchers - no, the website wasn't working!

Then I called customer services, I selected to speak to a broadband expert - but first I have to call another number!!!!!

So, I do and then 20 minutes later, yes 20 minutes they manage to activate the voucher.

So, 3, I give you marks on the following aspects of your service;

1. Store service - 0/10
2. Customer service on the phone 0/10
3. Customer service on the phone with the second phone number 0/10
4. Overall impression and experience of 3 - 0/10

Don't bother!
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Glenrothes and Tavish Scott MSP

Tavish Scott arrived in Markinch yesterday with a large group of MSPs and campaigners to go with Harry Wills to a local business.

www.fightingforfife.org.uk

Tavish headed back to Edinburgh to attend the parade for our fantastic Olympians who arrived in the Capital yesterday.

A good first day for the new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats!

www.scotlibdems.org.uk
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Blimey - I made it onto Iain Dale's Top 40

Okay, I know, it is only the top 40 Scottish blogs as voted for by real people.

http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2008/08/top-40-scottish-blogs.html#links

So, my own bit of fame, so I better get slightly more political again.

Blogging on the go

I'm now hoping this is all sorted - so, stand by, testing!
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I am back!

I couldn't work out why my Blackberry stopped posting my blog stuff, it was because of cookies and security etc.

So, I will be doing regular postings again but I always do my twitter updates you can follow me by signing up by text to 07624 801 423 - the message you need to send is "follow andyreeves" or you can go online to www.twitter.com/andyreeves

Sometimes they are fun.

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The alternative campaign team

In the Liberal Democrats we have traditions, traditions that go back years.

One of the traditions in by-elections is naming the campaign team;

So, at the back in charge of catering is Margaret (the fridge), then there's the clerical team Stacey (the stuffer), Tracey (the tri-fold) and Dorothy (folding machine).

On the computers we have Alvin, Simon and Theodore.

On the printing we have Hamish, Rosie and Jim and then there's pos, but we don't talk about him really :-)

But on a serious note, we opened the office at 5am and we are well under way now with tons of people and leaflets out on the streets of Glasgow East - good luck and thank you team.
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Eve of poll in Glasgow East

Final team talk today going through the final leaflets - yes plural - leaflets, and then the count and the whole package.

Whatever the result, we did well, and I'm proud of my team.

SNP are getting desparate, Cllr Mason is rarely left on his own now, smug "I'm a star Salmond" is always with him so if bizarrely he did win, he will be just a puppet in Westminster and trust me, there's enough of them already there in the Tories and Labour.

And as for Annabel Goldie from the lycra Tories oh my lordie, listen to First Ministers Questions, talk about Salmonds little helpers!

So, what will be will be, but I hope the winner is the voters and fantastic residents of Glasgow East, thanks for letting me and my team in and looking after us, we appreciated you.
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Oh my god the arrogance of the man!

Today we were visited by yet more Westminster based journalists but the award for finding the old arrogant Alex Salmond under the new gloss and teflon coating was Ann Treneman from The Times.

Salmond got out the car early so the journalists had to run towards him - absolutely pathetic.

Second, and even worse Ann suggested to him he was a bit of star - oh my god - read the piece to find his reply to Ann.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4380864.ece

Salmond you are soooo out of touch!
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Edinburgh at night

Well firstly, that's not what you were expecting at the moment was it readers?

Hehe, me neither.

But as my train from Glasgow pulled into Edinburgh Waverley and I wandered through the deserted station, all of a sudden the two policemen shot off like they were in the Olympic Games - 100 metre sprint - to arrest two drunks fighting.

Anyhow, I digress. As I walked up the ramp what struck me was Edinburgh Castle lit up, it looked awesome.

I'm now on the 8am train to Glasgow to ensure Ian Robertsons messages are relayed to the good people of Glasgow East.

Ian, being the local candidate, born and bred there is a fantastic guy, and I'm not just saying that as I'm his Agent, I'm saying because its true.

On Thursday local people have an alternative in Ian to the gaffe prown Labour MSP, who's had 8 years to do something already about the problems and has failed to do so and the SNP Councillor who has also had years to do something about the problems but feels splitting the UK up is a much better use of his time. How out of touch? Extremely!

Anyway I'm enjoying the train journey back to Glasgow in the beautiful sunshine so if you've nothing to do, get yourself over to Shettleston.
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Glasgow East by-election

Another good performance by Ian Robertson, he's born and bred in the East End so knows it well.

Today in The Sun Ian scored 9/10 on his performance at the PCS hustings, which the Labour candidate had to leave for another engagement - bizarre.

The Tories are bringing Thatchers "children" old MPs round, like IDS and Hague, and they look so out of palce in the community.

The SNP literature is bizarre to say the least, it appears they've given up already and are admitting defeat.

But, they say a weeks a long time in politics so let's see what happens!
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I made it..........just

Well, despite Virgins best efforts to ruin my journey, I've made my connection at York.

Now onwards to Micklefield, and then a cab journey to Selby Fork
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Train delays

I guessed last night as Amy and I were turfed off the 21.30 train from Glasgow at Linlithgow that the cancellations and problems would transfer to this morning.

Despite having 6 hours (more than I got in sleep) to move trains around and get them in the right place the 6.05am that I'm catching to York is now at least 15 minutes late.

If it had been on time I had 28 minutes at York to change so every minute counts here Richard Branson!

Why having had 6 hours to plan was it not sorted?

On the positive side, if there is such a thing with train delays, the replacement bus was at Linlithgow within 10 minutes last night, something South Eastern trains could never have managed in a million years!

Its now 6.12am and no sign of the Virgin train leaving platform 8 in 3 minutes.
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Glasgow East - we have kicked off

Initially this was looking like a two horse race between the Labour (we're in meltdown) Party and the SNP, but bizarrely it is now looking like it could be between the SNP and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Labour have selected their 3rd choice, 4th choice or 7th choice candidate (dependent on which newspaper you read), Margaret Curran who is reported to have said she will only be part time!!

That is utterley appalling if true, Glasgow East needs a full time hardworking MP standing up for them in Westminster.

That is why the Scottish Liberal Democrats have placed their faith in Ian Robertson, who is a born and bred East End lad, although now 30 not so much of a lad but all the same he is as local as local can be. His family still lives in the local area.

The putting up of boards on lamposts is a new phenomanon for me but all four of the main parties have now started so it adds another visula dimension that I can get competitive about.

Anyway, get yourselves over to Glasgow East and give us a hand.

Glasgow

I'd already visited Glasgow years ago and had been over to see Katy Gordon in one of our top target seats, Glasgow North last Friday, preparing for a training day this coming Saturday.

So, the news alert at 1am Saturday informing me about the Telegraph story just meant I'm spending more time in Glasgow.

We select our candidate this evening so watch this space!

Don't forget to keep the pressure up on Heinz to get the kiss back on air.
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Boycott Heinz

If anyone wants to complain to Heinz about their decision to pull the gay kiss advert after a paltry 200 people complained that two men kissed here are the details of their UK contact person;

Nigel Dickie, Director of UK Corporate and Government Affairs
Telephone: 020 8848 2726
E-mail: Nigel.Dickie@uk.hjheinz.com
Heinz’s free phone number: 0800 528 5757

There is also a newspaper article, if anyone wants to look that up, it’s at www.one80news.co.uk

And Nick Clegg, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats is the only political leader to complain to Heinz - well done Nick - http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8129.html

First Ministers Questions

Arrogant posturing, grandstanding or just being his true self once again.

That was my verdict after watching First Ministers Questions live at Holyrood today.

Day by day the teflon is coming off Alex Salmond and given the amount of broken promises he and the SNP should hang their heads in shame as re-reading their 2007 manifesto you do wonder what they will actually deliver on - very little.

Wendy Alexander, did actually turn up, despite a bad sore throat and started FMQ's off, and the way Alex Salmond responded you thought, whoa he's back, no, just grandstanding to the audience and especially Sean Connery, fresh in from the Bahamas or some other super star area of the world.

Alex Salmond's behaviour is completely unacceptable.

However, Nicol Stephen was amazing, I did wonder where his question was leading but pow, wham, he lands a punch and you could just see the effect his question had on Salmond, he wasn't happy.

Nicol - keep up the good work and fighting for the people of Scotland, exposing the SNP's weakness and constant stream of broken promises.

The view from the train

This is the life
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The view from the train

This is the life
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Off to Dingwall

This is strange - I now have a job where I'm paid to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Today I'm off up to Charles Kennedy MPs office in Dingwall, bizarrely I've been to Dingwall many times before but as a holidaying tourist.

I will try and add pictures as I go along today of my journey from Edinburgh to Dingwall via Perth and Inverness.

Just passed Kirkcaldy and seen a seal with two cubs - is that what a baby seal is called?
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National Express (trains) are absolutely rubbish

So, day after major rail troubles - approx 15 cancellations - and their own advice, "go home and travel tomorrow" they forget to mention there is no space.

6.15am service - around one carriage of unreserved seats, but by the time I got there, they'd all gone.

So, I aim for the 7am service - but thank goodness I was fast - just 2 seats per carriage in standard class were unreserved - absolutely pathetic.

To the managers of National Express - why did you not put an extra carriage on the trains today to at least part compensate? Your management of the situation yesterday was nothing short of rubbish and your management of the follow up today was also rubbish.

There were no managers around yesterday and strangely they were all absent again today leaving your frontline staff to take the strain.

If I could take my custom elsewhere I would but under this stupid Government I can't.
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Oh what a beautiful morning

Didn't get to bed til really late (for me) as discovered Facebook groups for my old Primary and Secondary schools which brought back memories, happy (ish) ones.

The alarm went off this morning at 3.50am although I'd had a fairly broken nights sleep, Zennor was in her usual place when I'm home, nose pressed against the bedroom door trying to get in.

The birds were in full dawn chorus and the sky lit up with wisps of red clouds dotted along the horizon.

As I'm laden with various bits of luggage I have a cab booked for 4.20am so I can catch the 4.46am train to London Charing Cross, which I'm sat waiting for now.

Although I nearly missed the train as Zennor who loves being fussed and stroked (you really can't fuss her too much) decided on delay tactics today.

I opened my case to put in the laptop power cable and wham, she was in, curled and up and comfy - see picture.

I put down more biscuits for her but she was having none of it, so I nudged her a bit and she curled up again so I had to be the nasty daddy and pick her up and move her out - sorry Zen.

Well I'm on the train and now about to start reading my book, Commando by Chris Terrill - a great read!
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Kings Cross and National Express

I've arrived at Kings Cross in plenty of time for my 2.30pm train to Edinburgh.

Unfortunately the 1pm, 1.10pm and 2pm are still here and have serious delays due to overhead power lines at Welwyn Garden City.

The advice is travel tomorrow!

Not the most helpful advice I've ever heard and little or no compensation.

To say it is utter chaos here is somewhat an understatement.
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Oh my god I ache

This will be the first time in 10 years I have not attended a by-election and it feels really strange knowing all my friends and colleagues are down in Henley fighting for Stephen Kearney.

But, I will be hitting the telphone for them all next week.

However, I have in my new job already hit the ground running here in Scotland and yesterday was on the tug of war team - but oh my god am I paying today, as the day has gone on I ache more and more.

Lib Dems winning here

Well, I can honestly say tug of war is not as easy as it seems.

I was on the Lib Dem team for the Holyrood Parliament annual tug of war competition (opened by Alex Salmond).

There was Jenny, Polly, Matthew, David, Jim Hume MSP and I on the team with Craig and Callum as the cheerleaders in mini skirts - I kid you not, they breed them hard up here.

Our first draw was against Labour, best of two. Labour won the first and we the second.

Next we were drawn against the skippers (I think) and we won two nil.

Round three we drew HBOS - oh my god - everyone was a bodybuilder or head of security, no way was there an ounce of financial advice in that team and they won two nil.

That meant in group four we had tied second with Labour and the top two were due to go through to the quarter finals so a play off was due.

We whooped Labours ass two nil and our best performance all evening.

So then we were up against The Scotsman (newspaper) - we lost two nil, we were out so then it was team photo time - see an upcoming Lib Dem News its bound to make it in.

The cheerleaders were awesome getting us all pulling together although Craig had to watch how much he kept bouncing around the skirt was a tad short lol.

Great team effort!

All this on a day when Bruce Crawford, SNP Minister completely cocked up taking a Bill through.

Bye bye Mr Crawford!
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Travelling and oooooooooo!

Well, finally our Dartford flat has gone on the market http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-21817562.rsp?pa_n=2&tr_t=buy

It is quite strange seeing it on t'interweb

I am furnishing the Edinburgh flat slowly but tastefully.

The new job is amazing, I am working with some exceptionally talented people and that just makes the job so much easier.

The travelling around the country is hardly a chore, although there was a funny moment when I said to Michael Moore MP, "how far away is the nearest train station?" Mike replied "at least five years".

I got the bus instead :-)

So far I have visited Dalbeath to deliver leaflets (Willie Rennie MP & Jim Tolson MSP), Inverurie to deliver more leaflets and brainstorming (Malcolm Bruce MP & Alison McInnes MSP), Cupar (Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Iain Smith MSP), Galashiels (Mike Moore MP and Jeremy Purvis MSP) and every evening I return home which is in the target seat of Edinburgh North & Leith (Kevin Lang).

Next week I am off to Dunfermline, Inverness and Glasgow.

I'm back!

Well, that's my first seven days in Scotland sorted, I'm back down in Dartford until Sunday to see Rog and Zenbo and then tomorrow we get to see little 'un. That's Aaron Watts to you lot.

I've got a lot done this week and I'm in a great position to have Charlie Mollison and Charles Dundas with me and then on top a great team of organisers - come on bring it on.

I've set some plans out of where I'd like to take the campaigning and everyone seems to agree which is fantastic.

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Dalbeath Post Office

Now I'm in Edinburgh, and started my new job I want to get into the thick of it as quick as possible so what better way to spend a nice hot sunny Saturday morning than delivering leaflets.

So, up to Waverley rail station and off to Cowdenbeath to meet Caron, Elspeth and Willie Rennie MP.

Cowdenbeath itself is actually in Prime Minister Gordon Browns constituency, but we were heading to Dalbeath where the Post Office is under threat of closure by the Labour Government.

Willie Rennie is working hard to save this Post Office and we were delivering the pictured leaflet.
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A stressful morning

Today Rog was off for tests in hospital as I was preparing to depart for Scotland, as I'm chasing up people to sort out all the London election expenses, as we are selling our flat in Kent as I'm trying to furnish the new flat in Edinburgh.

Now he's back out I can relax a little.

Don't forget to sign up to twitter and you can receive short text messages (free) as I tour round Scotland.

Send follow andyreeves to 07624 801 423 you have to reply to a couple of texts then its fun and free.
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The final countdown

Well, this is it, no going back now lol.

I'm on my last commute from the office, bought my last coffee and cherry muffin (no smutty jokes) from Cafe Concerto at Dartford Station this morning for the commute in..

For the cosmopolitan readers, its the other half of the Cafe Concerto at Sidcup Station, but the big difference is Tracy and Ann are a fantastic laugh and brighten up our mornings.

Why did I go in so early on my last day I hear you all scream? To see Fatima and Mary, the Cowley Street cleaners - who often get forgotten - but they are as much of the team as anyone else.

Today has been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster for me, I've made a lot of friends in London over the years and especially in Cowley Street.

I shall miss them all (well, almost all lol) but from Monday its onto pastures new at Clifton Terrace and I'm really looking forward to it, there's a great team there - Martin, Charlie, Suzette, Charles and Graeme.

I move up tomorrow so Edinburgh here I come.
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10k run on Monday

Well, what with the election and the new job, house selling and hunting I have done no training for the 10k run I'm doing for Crusaid on Monday!

Its for a good cause so oh to the hell with it, I will pace myself and be sensible.
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Edinburgh - one week to go

Well, I now have the empty flat in Edinburgh, its in New Town - so thanks to Gregor at D J Alexander for all his help, and to Angie my friend who has been keeping an eye out for me and pointing me in the right direction.

A huge thank you to my friend Jamie at work to - the map with crosses on was a major help - he knows what I mean.

So, a week today I will be on the train to our new home with Rog, Zen and all our stuff following on once we've sold the flat in Dartford.

We had the valuation done yesterday and its right at the top end which is fantastic.

So, this weekend is 3 solid days of decorating and "dressing" the flat for the viewings, we've looked after the flat over the years so hopefully we will sell quickly.

I've been to Argos now off to Pet Store, Homebase, ASDA and B&Q for more supplies!
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Scotland on Sunday

There's a great piece on the front page of the Scotland on Sunday today by Eddie Barnes, the political editor.

Its questioning whether a batch of MSPs should have won as their majority is in fact less than the number of spoilt ballot papers for the particular seat.

It then goes on to list the MSPs in questions but misses one very important one out - the First Minister, Alex Salmond.

I was heavily involved in Nora Radcliffes campaign last year, Nora was the sitting MSP for Gordon that Alex Salmond decided he would take on for the election, part of the Gordon seat took in a tiny piece of Alex's Westminster seat.

I recall on the night of the count in Aberdeen that his majority of 2000+ was far outweighed by the 3000+ spoilt papers and the Returning Officer flatly refused to allow us to go through them by hand, although the electoral guidelines clearly stated this was allowed.

I will have to see what the figures are that have only just been released, one year later - unlike London Elects, who have already released all of the figures from this months Mayoral and GLA elections - but based on the figures on the night he was not set in concrete.

The Scotland on Sunday queries why none of the major parties queried the figures at the time, as showed above, we did for the Gordon seat, but were told no manual checks were to be done.

Was Nora Radcliffe of an incredible victory against Alex Salmond?

I know what I think!
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What a weekend!

Missing Rog loads whilst experiencing lots of different emotions!

Missing being in the by-elections, its the first ones I've missed for ten years.

I'm now fed up looking at flats, although the views over the Firth of Forth from the one in Granton I saw this morning are just awesome and breathtaking.

I've another one to see in a minute then its decision time - scary and then its all dependent on getting the rent and deposit together.

I sat in on the Scottish Party Executive this morning, I have so much to do and get my teeth into come June when I start.

I cannot wait.

TTFN
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Hogwarts Express

I'm about to go to Edinburgh on Hogwarts Express - seriously
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Weather

Typical bloody Brits;

For the last week most people have been moaning its too hot.

Now its wet and miserable again, they're still moaning.

You have to laugh!
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An open letter to Sir Ian Blair and Mayor of London Boris Johnson

9 stabbings since polling day - Not even two weeks.

Okay, not all of them fatal, thank goodness and my sympathies to the families of all 9.

The response yesterday from the Mayor and the police was swift, sounded hard hitting and effective.

However, when you scaped away the headline and soundbites its a short term response to a major long term problem.

27 young people died last year and 14 already this year - yes that's a problem!

And all Ian Blair and Boris Johnson did was to commit 10 stop and search teams for 10 days across 10 London Boroughs.

So, what happens on day 11 in those 10 Boroughs?

What happens if you live in London Boroughs 11 to 33?

Nothing - hang on in there.

Come on people, let's take the knives and guns off Londons streets - let us all look and listen and if you hear or see anything - report it, don't turn a blind eye or a deaf ear and hope someone else will do it instead.

To Boris Johnson and Ian Blair - we need long term solutions for all of London not headlines and soundbites for part of London.
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An open letter to Sir Ian Blair and Mayor of London Boris Johnson

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Running for Crusaid on Monday 26th May

Now the London election is out of the way I can start training for the London 10k run on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May - the week before I leave for Scotland - for Crusaid.

If you can spare a few pounds to sponsor me, both I and Crusaid will greatly appreciate it.

If not, but you are in London on the 26th please do come along and give me a cheer.

http://www.justgiving.com/andrewreevesrunsforcrusaid

Teenage murders in London

This weekend saw a fatal stabbing of a teenager in South East London, the 13th young person this year to tragically lose their life in our capital.

Two more teenagers were stabbed in North London - they're in hospital.

What the hell is going wrong in our towns and cities when the majority of people are silent about these killings?

These young people should be excited about starting their adult lives, getting their first job, having the first pay packet NOT worrying about whether they might be dead by the end of the week.

Gordon Brown needs to take action, not sound bites, not a commission, not another person added to the safer neighbourhood team - that's all crap.

We MUST take these guns and knives off our streets, they aren't cool accessories they are murder weapons, they are used for killing not as a piece of jewellery!

I haven't heard any comment from the new mayor of London on this weekends stabbings - come on Boris Johnson, you reckoned you could deal with this problem well get on with it.
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To the men of the UK

To all the men that have moved from wearing regular tee-shirts to vests and cut off tops.

Deodorant still works!

I'm sorry but BO is not a good thing, not in the Winter, Spring, Autumn and definitely NOT on beautiful hot days.
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Scary, scary and fun

Well, the selling of one flat and renting of another has started, boxes have been packed and moved into storage.

Paint, taps and scrapers have been bought.

Once we move I've also got to learnt to drive.

So, within a short period of time I will have;

1. Started a new job
2. Moved house
3. Learnt to drive

The 3 most stressful things in life - apparently.

But, I'm not stressed, I'm loving every minute of it.

I can't wait to move, I can't wait to start my new job and okay, the third one isn't quite so exciting - the learning that is - I can't wait until I've passed my test, buying a car and then going around the seats in Scotland passing on my experience and ensuring best practice is shared!

First Minister - you're going down!
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Durham, this is Durham

As Michael moves South to Crewe I'm venturing through his home turf.

See you all soon in Crewe.
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Somewhere between York and Darlington

Just seen the white horse set in the hills from the train.

Spookily Rog and I were talking about this the othere evening......

View from my train
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Whooops!

Stage 2 hasn't gone quite to plan, despite getting up at 4am, I fell asleep as we were up late last night packing.

I ran into Kings Cross at 06.58am but the doors were closed and my 7am train left without me, which was rude but hey.

So am now waiting for a cooked breakfast before I embark on the 8am train, I've already called the Estate Agents to say sorry and slightly shift my schedule.

The good news after missing the train was seeing this poster - hello sailor!
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First leg

Right - five flats to view in Edinburgh and a thank you party in London!

Its like challenge Anneka all over again.

Well, the first part is taking the South Eastern train into London, which left on time.
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Moving house

Well they say moving house and starting a new job are two of the most stressful things in life to do.

So, we are doing both at the same time - hey, why not?

We signed for the storage unit today to de-clutter the flat, we've watched all the Colin and Justin programmes and DIY SOS and all that stuff so we know the drill.

We've got to do one of these ridiculous Home Information Packs, although the Estate Agent said no one had ever asked for one.

This Labour Government is a wind up, why introduce a bloody stupid idea that isn't needed, is a waste of time but raises Gordon Brown lots of income via this extra tax? Oh yes, that's why, another stealth tax to rob ordinary hard working people.

On Saturday we move most of the stuff out, and then Monday we have the Estate Agent coming round, now I need to find a window cleaner!
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Tories in Dartford - shame on them.

The Tory Council slogan is;

If only ALL councils were like Dartford.

There is a series of underpasses near the Fleet Estate that have not been touched since the Tories got back in and its a disgrace.

Broken security lights, overhanging bushes and graffiti everywhere.

Spend some money and clean it up!
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Things to do list!

My to do list is just bloody enormous.

I'm off to City Hall to get the Mayoral and List deposits, then back to the office to pay in a load of donations.

Then off to Battersea to get a new scratchpad for Zennor, then off to sign for a storage unit and then home to take delivery of 150 packing boxes to start packing - what fun!

Although, it will be fantastic when we've moved.

We are going to research a tartan to see if the family roots are connected to one - from memory my Grandad is but I will need to check.

Any help on where to look?
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He only got a seven

I'm sat having lunch, enjoying the weather whilst ringing Estate Agents in Edinburgh setting up viewings for Friday for my next visit.

There are 2 guys on the adjoining table grading their "pulls" from the weekend, and one, oh my god only scored 7.

The house markets crashing, there's typhoons in Burma, Boris Johnson is the bloody Mayor - and this poor chap only got 7.

Lol - I've heard it all.
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Edinburgh and beyond

Well, today we went to see Rog's Nan to tell her about the move to Scotland.

I'm not entirely sure she grasped it, but we did get to see Aaron, who's just awesome.
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Berwick upon Tweed

Just been through Berwick on the train from Edinburgh.

Stunning views.
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Visit to Scotland

I'm just on my way back from a flat hunting session in Edinburgh.

I was rung by a journalist late last night who asked if I was happy with the campaign the Party and I had run? Yes, given the limited money and media support we ran an awesome campaign. But you went backwards he said; yes, but the "punch and judy" show was all you (the media) were interested in, let's see how long til Boris cocks up, because he will - we all know it. He didn't argue.

I'm sorry we didn't get Jeremy Ambache in, and I'm more sorry we didn't get Geoff Pope back in, Geoff worked hard for the people of London and scored some good results against TfL.

On the night as the Agents were called into Committee Room 5 to have each set of results announced there appeared to be no Labour or Tory agents - were they getting their figures direct somewhere in the building? It was a tad strange.

London Elects on the whole were great throughout from way back last year to the day, my particular sincere thanks to Adam Leibowitz, Mat Bright, Keith Hathaway and John Bennett - thanks gents.

There were a few things on the day, but that's down to training by Council Returning Officers;

Presiding Officers writing voters electoral numbers onto their ballot papers, therefore invalidating their votes in Barnet, Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Croydon and Lambeth.

We were told around 20 ballot papers in Lambeth had been spoilt, it in fact turned out to be around 500, this really isn't acceptable.

The winner on the day wasn't Boris in the end, it was apathy. Because over half of Londoners didn't bother to vote, and of the other half well, Boris didn't win the popular vote.

Compulsory voting - discuss?
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The world outside politics

My world basically revolves round four things (five if you include David Beckham);
1. My boyfriend Roger
2. Liberal Democrats and politics
3. Zennor our cat
4. My (extended family)

So, today is the first day since January 11th where my day isn't working on the Mayoral campaign for Brian Paddick and the Lib Dems.

The count all finished this morning at 2am so in the last. 2 days - I have only managed 3 hours sleep - and nearly missed my cab to the station this morning!

Sat on the 7am train to Edinburgh - I'm going to look at some flats to move to - there are sheep with lambs in fields, swans and ducks on rivers, cows grazing and a man mooning (too early for that).

The world carried on while we became immersed and obsessed with persuading you to vote Brian Paddick and Liberal Democrats, I'm not apologising for that because it was the right thing for you to do (although many of you didn't see that you could have voted for Brian to get rid of Ken).

Voting is important and unfortunately again too many of you didn't bother - shame on you - people have died to ensure we can vote and engage in democracy.

I've attached a photo of the 28 police vans parked behind City Hall yesterday!!
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I did try...

To blog more than once today, but it didn't work.

I will blof en-route to Edinburgh tomorrow, am too tired.
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On my way home

Long day, just 23 hours today lol.

I want to say a public thank you to all my colleagues at Cowley St, the team of professional London organisers and the thousands of volunteers who delivered literally millions of leaflets since last year to promote Brian Paddick and the rest of the fantastic Liberal Democrat team for London.

Thank you everyone.

Now, let's ensure we run a good count tomorrow. I will be at Olympia 2 at 7.30am
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Election Night fun

A good night so far - we've held Eastleigh, Cambridge, Stockport and Rochdale and gained St Albans and Hull.

We've become the largest party in Derby.

Well done all round the UK.
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I'm very angry with Ken Lingstone and the Labour Party

I was called today as the Liberal Democrat Election Agent for the London Elections by a resident in Enfield about a leaflet being distributed by the Labour Party.

The leaflet, similar to our wonderful DL voting guide, shows and instructs voters to vote Livingstone with your first preference and also your second preference - this means that your second preference vote will be invalid, but the Labour leaflet forgets to mention that.

The Labour Party are obviously very desperate - my verdict, cheap and an absolute disgrace!

So, if you want a positive Mayor with serious solutions, with a proven track record fighting crime, leading large teams or just a sensible business head then give your first preference to Brian Paddick - not Ken or Boris.

Let's change London for the better, polling stations open from 7am to 10pm tomorrow.

As well as my blog, you can now follow me by twitter, see the box on the right
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The final countdown!

To keep Ken Livingstone out you need to vote Brian Paddick with your first preference on the PINK ballot paper.

To keep Boris Johnson out you need to vote Brian Paddick with your first preference on the PINK ballot paper.

If you are a Conservative or Labour voter and you wish to stick to party lines then you need to vote Brian Paddick with your first preference on the PINK ballot paper and then use your second preference accordingly.

Ken has run out of ideas and Boris would be a mistake - running London isn't the same as hosting a game show, it needs someone with serious solutions for London - London needs Brian Paddick.

We also launched two new virals yesterday see what Adam Boulton of Sky thinks
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Racing cars and haircut

Spent the morning in the office preparing for the final week ahead.

Eventually leave the office to head into town for a haircut and found a road closed full of racing cars!

Bizarre I know but hey its London.
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Choice FM

I accompanied Brian Paddick this morning to Choice FM - what an amazingly friendly bunch.

The two presenters of Girls Like Us were amazing, and the producer Charlie was fantastic and the rest of the team were polite and professional.

Thank you Choice FM for looking after us and making us feel welcome.

Apparently Boris didn't bother going to the studio for his interview with Choice FM and this bears a striking resemblance to The Pink Paper when Boris apparently did his interview over the phone, Brian Paddick met them face to face.

Then back to Cowley Street to do the paperwork etc including letters to the City and East London and extra deliveries of newspapers.

Its time for a change - give your first preference to Brian Paddick on Thursday.
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I'm off to Scotland with Roger (the cat) miaow

Well - its now public, I'm off to pastures new, bonnie Scotland.

All those family holidays years ago are now paying us back, some point next month I leave London and its little green puppets in Livingstones pockets to Scotland.

I have a score to settle with the First Minister!

Its a promotion, from London Campaigns Officer to Deputy Director of Campaigns. I will be working with Charles Dundas, Charlie Mollison and a great group of organisers and staff.

However for the next week my focus firmly lies with Brian Paddick and the team of GLA candidates we are all working hard to get elected.

Today we launched the online shop of Brian Paddick merchandise http://www.brianpaddick.org/store

Go on, you know you want to!
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Brian Paddick's Facebook Friday 2

The first Facebook Friday was a huge success, so the second one can only be bigger.

This coming Friday, we want every one supporting Brian Paddick to change their Facebook profile photo to one of the special Brian Paddick pictures.

So, go to Brian's Facebook page at www.brianfacebook.notlong.com and pick which picture you want and be ready.

I'm really proud of our 63 MPs for tackling Gordon Brown over his disgraceful behaviour doubling the 10p tax rate.
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Out on the campaign trail

Brian Paddick is moving up and up as the momentum grows.

Ken Livingstone's campaign is flatlining and Boris Johnson's has gone into a bit of a freefall - as we suspected, you can't keep him quiet for long.

Yesterday Brian Paddick was out in Hammersmith and Fulham with Merlene Emerson (GLA candidate for West Central constituency), then onto Tottenham with David Schmitz (Parliamentary candidate for Tottenham) and then Kentish Town with Jo Shaw (Parliamentary candidate for Holborn and St Pancras) before returning to Westminster to do a webchat hosted by Susan Kramer MP.

This weekend sees the first batch of ballot papers hit the doormats - vote Brian Paddick - just look for the bird on the 3 ballot papers.

The way to get rid of Ken and keep Boris out is to give your first preference to BRIAN PADDICK.

Check out his awesome website at www.brianpaddick.org

See his Facebook page and sign up today at www.brianfacebook.notlong.com

Or follow his campaign by text message send- follow brianpaddick to 07624 801 423

Or even get on MySpace at.

http://www.myspace.com/brianpaddick

It is time for change!
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Return trip to Ealing Southall

My regular readers will know I spent last Summer in Ealing Southall, when Lib Dem Nigel Bakhai overtook the Tories and nearly won the seat from Labour.

Yesterday, I accompanied Brian Paddick along with Nick Clegg and Nigel Bakhai (now the GLA candidate for Ealing & Hillingdon) to a Temple and a Mosque.

A great reception for Brian and Nick.

Last night Brian did a recording of a BBC tv hustings that goes out tonight.

This morning Brian Paddick is up against Boris (the clown) and Ken (I've run out of ideas) again at a hustings by Reuters at Canary Wharf.

A busy schedule, especially as Brian also ran the marathon on Sunday raising nearly £2000 for The Downs Syndrome Educational Trust, The Stroke Association and The Elton John Aids Foundation - if you'd like to sponsor Brian, its not too late please go to his campaign website www.brianpaddick.org

I also see Ken is recruiting US internet consultants to try and catch our campaign up. We're leading the way - a great website, facebook, myspace, twitter and yesterday google video ads - another first!

Listen Londoners - its a waste of time giving Ken your first preference to keep Boris out.

Give your first preference to Brian Paddick and then your second preference to your person of choice.

In the latest poll Brian gets 54% of the second preference votes - change those to first preference and he is the new Mayor of London.

Let's just do it and kick Ken and Boris out.
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Running for Mayor

Brian Paddick and Cllr Mark Morris are leading the marathon for the Lib Dems today along with 40,000 others in London this morning.

Mark is running for The Lavender Trust http://www.justgiving.com/markmorris1

Brian is running for thee charities 1. The Stroke Association: <http://www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4strokeassociation> www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4strokeassociation

2. The Down Syndrome Educational Trust: <http://www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4downsyndromeeducationaltrust> www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4downsyndromeeducationaltrust

3. The Elton John Aids Foundation: <http://www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4eltonjohnaidsfoundation> www.justgiving.com/brianpaddick4eltonjohnaidsfoundation

If you can spare some time to go and cheer the runners on - please do.
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Getting up at 4am

I'm sat here en route to Cowley St and its just after 5am.

Alarm goes off at 4am, didn't finish on the laptop until 11pm last night - this is the side of fighting elections the voters don't see.

Shaun Roberts finished off 3 key election pieces of literature off last night, two of which are ready for our friends at Park Communications to get on the presses - both are different for the Lib Dems.

Today I'm off to meet Brian Paddick at 7am to accompany him to LBC radio for a hustings - despite the polls we know its a three horse race - if you count the votes from the 16 council by-elections since last September its between the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Bye Ken Livingstone.

After LBC its back to the office to sort literature out and start on the next big idea.

Bye for now
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Frustration, anger and amazing

A strange day yesterday.

I had a deadline to get perhaps a life changing opportunity sorted, which late last night I delivered. Now I have to wait and see.

Earier in the day during a heated discussion someone got extremely frustrated and put the phone down on me - I'm still frustrated as it was not necessary but hey sometimes the kettle boils.

We also had our first London PPB delivered and contrary to the rumours and rude outbursts it was delivered when we expected but due to some last minute editing it got hold up - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mAIgMAOlII

It is amazing, its not your normal Party Election Broadcast and we also relaunched the website yestersay www.brianpaddick.org

To finish the week, Brian Paddick will be running the London marathon on Sunday for three great charities - The Downs Syndrome educational Trust, the Stroke Association and the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Please sponsor him as much as you can afford or come and support him as he runs on Sunday.

DA1
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Swallows Gymnastics Club

Late yesterday afternoon Brian Paddick was on the campaign trail in Hillingdon.

We were at the Swallows Gymnastics club, which is primarily aimed at young people, there were people there of all ages and a good group of 50 athletes.

The reason Brian Paddick was there was because the Conservative run Council seemed hell bent on closing it because of some alleged old rates bill.

We really are silly sometimes, we should in this Olympic year be encouraging young people to participate in sport not trying to close the clubs down.

Let's help our young people not create obstacles!
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Change starts here, change starts now, change starts with us

Brian Paddick was at an event yesterday lunchtime where I accompanied him at the Windsor Fellowship event by the Leadership Enrichment and Diversity Youth Forum.

The key objectives of the LEAD programme were to explore the diverse culture of London by designing and conducting a youth survey and then to lead and manage a community event/forum raising awareness of what youth in London have to say and promoting positive cross cultural activities.

I can only say it was amazing and extremely inspiring. It was a programme for 16-18 year olds who went on a 6 month leadership course.

They also had pledge forms asking people to become role models, I filled mine in and I've agreed to do something to help.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Fellows and their families after the presentation, the young people their definitely have some Leaders of the future amongst them - good luck to them all.

They have a blog so you can read more at http://changewithus.blog.co.uk

I also think our Party Leader, Nick Clegg MP needs to meet them and listen to their survey presentation.
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