Bad Penny

In May 2008, Cllr Matt Bennett won Stockland Green for the Tories for the first time in 22 years on the largest swing in the city. Report here. The Labour incumbent at that time was Penny Holbrook who works for Sion Simon.



Either Sion or one of his staff seems to be caught in the past. If you visit his latest web entry, the author labels the photo above as sion-simon-mp-brookvale-centenary-with-cllr-penny-holbrook.jpg. Let's hope this error is corrected so that Penny can't be accused of impersonating a councillor.

Update Sat 25th - corrected.

Poor Choice Of Words From 'Sorry' Liam Byrne

In an attempt to pre-empt David Cameron's quango-slaying, Liam Byrne graced us with this ridiuclous utterance.

I am determined that every penny of public money goes to front-line services.

Setting aside the impossibility of this aspiration, here is a man who can't even ensure the legitimacy of all the (extortionate amounts of) money he claims as an MP! Exhibit one and exhibit two.

A propos de rien, here's a good story about Liam Byrne from the guys in the Dixon estate agents below his constituency office in Hodge Hill. Remember when he claimed how remorseful he was when he was caught using a mobile whilst driving. Well the press were gathered at his work the day after he was convicted. As he breezed through the Dixon offices - whilst smirking - he gestured being on the phone and driving. Liam, like me, they think you're a twunt.

Reinstate Lisa

Lisa Greenwood has lost her job for posting an anonymous blog comment critical of Hazel Blears expenses. Source. A few points.

1. The comment was anonymous so it can't 'bring the department into disrepute'.
2. Most politicians I've heard have told us that MP expenses are not a party political issue, so how can calling the behaviour of one MP into account be considered to be party political?
3. Will people from Ed Balls department who criticised Conservative politicians be brought to book in a similar manner?
4. After her recent behaviour, when will Damian McBride's gf be departing her job?

A civil servant has every right to a private opinion and I think we should all be able to call a politician a disgrace without censure. Add your name in the comments if you think we should get a campaign going to reinstate Lisa.