Nadine’s referendum nonsense
Nadine Dorries’s moved the adjournment on in the Commons on Monday with a motion that Bedford’s two-tier/three-tier issue should be settled by referendum. Apparently I got a mention (as mayor) several times with Nad claiming I wanted two-tier as my legacy.
‘What was the point of that; the government is never going to order a referendum?’ asked somebody who had watched the debate.
Silly man. The point was to get Nad more publicity in which it no doubt succeeded. Peasy.
More interesting, Nad claimed that I had not attended any of the consultations nor engaged with any parents. Not true. I attended, and answered questions from the public at a well-attended scrutiny meeting and have corresponded with many parents and teachers, mainly three-tier supporters. I have also attended eight parish council meeting in recent weeks and this has been on the agenda of six of them
This is in contrast to Nadine herself who, despite having three wards of the borough in her constituency appears not to have engaged with any of our officers on the issues on which she chose to speak in Parliament.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Hi Frank
I watched the adjournment debate, in order that I might understand fully Nadine Dorries’ MP opinion on the “2 to 3 tier debate”. Nadine spoke for 12 minutes, and Alistair Burt MP spoke for 6 minutes (as recorded in Hansard). What was most interesting is Nadine’s intent was not about education in the Borough of Bedford, it was an attack on Frank Branston (Mayor of Bedford).
I quote from Hansard (Nadine‘s invitation to Alistair to speak); “I know that my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) wants to speak about the financial points, so I shall finish my speech.” she then states on her blog (7th July 09); “Alistair Burt dived in at the end rather than intervening to make his own points.” - I suspect there are some tensions in the ranks! On reflection Alistair’s composure, ability to make valid points and ask related questions in less than six minutes, was much more appropriate than that Nadine did in twelve minutes. I also understand, as you state, Nadine has made no effort to engage with the officers in the Borough Council on the matter, and therefore I suggest she is premature in raising the matter in the House of Commons - without at least attempting to gather facts, before ‘blurting’ for 12 minutes. Her main focus was an attack on the Mayor of Bedford - it had little to do with Education in the Borough of Bedford. The first half of her ‘blurt’ was to contrast Central Bedfordshire, with the Borough of Bedford. I draw from that; she remains scarred from the ‘Unitary’ decision.
More positively, however, Alistair Burt MP tabled a question in debate, however the Minister ran out of time - who can make the decision? (Mayor, Executive or Full Council). I understand Alistair has asked the Minister immediately following the “debate”, and he (The Minister) will follow up with a written answer to Alistair.
There were several other inaccuracies in her (Nadine’s) 12 minute rant, but we will leave these out for now!
I do look forward to hearing from Alistair, and or Philip Simpkins, on the outstanding matter of who will make the decision - I do hope you are right, and it will be Full Council.
July 8th, 2009 at 2:41 am
Dear Mr Mayor,
I live in Wootton, which is within the Borough of Bedford, never met my MP and never been aware that she has even bothered to come to the area, in between her frequent visits to the TV studio! I work in London, for a firm of headhunters and I am amazed that Ms Dorries was ever selected by the Tory Party as a candidate. She seems completely unsuitable and unqualified for the role. Maybe they were desperate?
But my main point is this. I thought the Tories were big on localism. So why does Mad-Nad have to stick her oar in, again? When the MP’s have got their expenses sorted, I may be more inclined to listen to their views. Until then, they need to get their own house in order.
July 8th, 2009 at 8:32 am
Nadine’s craving for publicity is obsessive and rather sad, really. Yes, it does come over as a personal attack. Give her enough rope and….
July 9th, 2009 at 4:04 am
She comes across as a very unhappy woman to me. The bitterness and vitriol she threw at the Mayor recently (I was at the business breakfast the other day) was quite uncalled for and completely irrational. What planet does she live on? I always thought the attack on her for being ‘Mad Nad’ was a bit unfair, and then I saw her in action. No wonder Cameron won’t let her any where near the frontbench, she’s completely off her trolley!!!!!!