Over the weekend the government announced it will capitulate to the demands of left-wing campaigners and launch a national statutory inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave. Labour is bound to do so by its manifesto…
Yvette Cooper said: “I think the miners’ strike still has deep scars across coalfield communities, and the decisions made at that time – the broadest decisions that were taken by the Thatcher government in the 1980s – the scars can still be felt across the coalfields.” A taxpayer-funded exercise in Thatcher-bashing…
To that end Labour has appointed Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox to chair the inquiry, which will be able to summon witnesses and which it intends to work the same as the Hillsborough Independent Panel. Wilcox previously attacked the Tories and was naturally one of the bishops to put his name to an open letter opposed to no-deal Brexit. Should get the intended results then…
The Guardian is today taking credit for getting the inquiry – whose costs will no doubt run into the tens then hundreds of millions. One hundred times harder to get a rape gangs inquiry out of Starmer than one into a 40-year old skirmish at a picket…
Beleaguered water regulator Ofwat is going to be shut down after a string of failures, not least over the implosion of Thames Water. The Government is expected to announce the body is being whacked tomorrow and replaced with another organisation…
On the eve of that news Guido can reveal that Ofwat’s boss had tens of thousands of pounds worth of private coaching last year paid for by the taxpayer. Didn’t work…
Public procurement details show that Ofwat awarded coaching provider David Lancefield a £25,000 contract to provide “strategic and coaching support” to the most senior member of staff. For some reason the contract details also include a list of Black’s achievements from the sessions, saying “Since January 2023 you have: assembled a new Senior Leadership Team […] led Ofwat’s response to a number of high profile, delicate issues facing the water industry […] initiated the development of a more agile, dynamic performance culture.” Reward: even Labour will abolish you…
The contract provided for eight 60-90 minute coaching sessions, focused on topics like “how to be more agile ‘in the moment’”, “how to develop and use a powerful narrative”, and “role play.” Strategy coach David Lancefield promises to share “a portfolio of tools that can help you prioritise your time” and “make the best decisions,” including defining a “personal narrative.” An Ofwat spokesman said: “All staff are encouraged to continue their professional development in their career with Ofwat, including senior staff. It is common for senior leaders in government to receive coaching and strategic advice to enable them to better serve the public and their colleagues. All contracts are procured in the correct manner.” Ofwat will be remembered for pouring yet more taxpayer’s money down the drain…
Former leader of the SNP in Westminster Ian Blackford told Times Radio why he believes Nicola Sturgeon’s claim that she spent no time in the kitchen and therefore didn’t see any of her husband’s purchases:
“She doesn’t have a passion for cooking.”
