You may have seen the headlines for a £100,000 fundraising bid for this rapidly-growing town. At the same time, the Cambridge Junction is planning an overhaul that could cost up to £17million. Why isn’t Cambourne going for a much grander scheme? Is there not more money available? From developers? From grants and trusts? From localContinue reading “Why such small ambitions for a new arts centre and cinema for Cambourne, Cambs?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Following Cllr Dr Alexandra Bulat’s example of going that extra mile to meet residents
One of the weak spots that Cambridge-based county councillors regularly came under fire from their Conservative opponents on was their lack of awareness of communities in Fenland and north of the county. The north-west vs south-east polarisation is now even more pronounced following the recent elections. Furthermore, the seven gains on the southern and westernContinue reading “Following Cllr Dr Alexandra Bulat’s example of going that extra mile to meet residents”
As the political mood lifts in Greater Cambridge, so the hard work for councillors begins – with reading. *Lots* of it
Why councillors should commission a literature review of the past 20 years of reports commissioned and delivered, and have an audit of what was delivered/completed and what was not. If I carry on blogging at this rate, I may have to send in a speculative application as a part-time policy adviser to one of theContinue reading “As the political mood lifts in Greater Cambridge, so the hard work for councillors begins – with reading. *Lots* of it”
The Joint Agreement – Cambridgeshire County Council in a new political age
Seated: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha (LD), & standing L-R, Cllrs Tom Sanderson (Ind), Lorna Dupre (LD), Richard Howitt (Lab), & Elisa Meschini (Lab). Photo via Ben Hatton County councillors representing the Liberal Democrats (20 cllrs), Labour (9 councillors) and the Independent Group (4 councillors) today have signed an agreement to run Cambridgeshire County Council – whichContinue reading “The Joint Agreement – Cambridgeshire County Council in a new political age”
What lessons can Mayor Dr Nik Johnson take from his predecessor’s record?
New Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson, pictured with the Labour candidate for Police & Crime Commissioner 2021, Ms Nicky Massey. Photo: Keith Heppell Editor John Elworthy of the Cambs Times reminded us of the first 100 days of Mr Palmer’s record. As the first ‘Metro Mayor’ for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Mr PalmerContinue reading “What lessons can Mayor Dr Nik Johnson take from his predecessor’s record?”
The broadcast media narrative of the crumbling ‘red wall’ has missed the rise of The Greens, & Co-operative Metro Mayors
As a result, there are too many holes in their analysis of what’s going on – which bodes ill for our democratic institutions & structures – which need overhauling & strengthening anyway I dare say that most people don’t really know much about the Co-op other than its convenience food stores that seem to beContinue reading “The broadcast media narrative of the crumbling ‘red wall’ has missed the rise of The Greens, & Co-operative Metro Mayors”
Political earthquake shakes Cambridgeshire to its core
Map Image – Cambridgeshire County Council The Cambridgeshire Conservatives are sent reeling from their loss of political control of Cambridgeshire County Council, and the defeat of Mayor James Palmer to Labour’s Dr Nik Johnson – and almost lost the election for the next Police and Crime Commissioner. I refrained from publicly backing any specific candidatesContinue reading “Political earthquake shakes Cambridgeshire to its core”
What are your minimum expectations of political parties and candidates standing for election in your neighbourhood?
Several of you got me thinking after reporting that you had not received any election material from candidates and parties standing for public office where you live These are just four of them – there are many more. Before continuing, there are three very important things to account for with the 2021 Local Elections. TheContinue reading “What are your minimum expectations of political parties and candidates standing for election in your neighbourhood?”
“I already have a job… getting through the day”
“The report by Chronic Illness Inclusion and Leeds University Business School sets out how government, employers and the benefits system are failing millions of people in the UK with Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses – (ELCIs).” For those of you wondering what ELCIs are, see this explainer. Some of you may also be interested in theContinue reading ““I already have a job… getting through the day””
Why didn’t Cambridge Conservatives produce a manifesto for the local elections 2021?
Given that over 8,000 people voted for the party in the 2019 General Election, even their core voters deserve to know the basic thinking from the once mighty and all-conquering Cambridge Conservative Association. In the years that followed WWII, the Cambridge Conservative Association continued its control of Cambridge Borough Council, as the chart by KeithContinue reading “Why didn’t Cambridge Conservatives produce a manifesto for the local elections 2021?”
The Cambridge Town Owl 