Given the current state of the Conservative Party’s polling, even safe seats are now under threat. Though the people of Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner can rest easy in the knowledge that their Liberal Democrat candidate is also well up to the job. Ian Rex-Hawkes is standing for the seat and boasts some resounding endorsements. One goes on to say:
“You have the moral integrity and high standards in all aspects of the requirements of your potential constituents. You will stand up to injustice and defend those deemed to have had injustice against them. You are committed to environmental change and to look after the less well off in society.”
With words like this plastered on his website, co-conspirators could be forgiven for thinking they came from a big beast of liberal politics. The source was, in fact, his own mother.
Ian’s impressive endorsements don’t end there. His website publicises praise from his brother, aunt, jū jūtsu instructor as well as two former co-workers. And perhaps the biggest name of the lot… “Anonymous”.
In addition to his self-publicised sycophancy, Ian’s site includes blog posts and links to his podcast. He’s quick to criticise Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs, saying he “should no longer be allowed to serve as an MP”; Ed Davey‘s own dealings must have slipped his mind. His podcast is also a must-listen. His exclusive guests: all family members…
As civil servants make plans to join the picket lines, one Whitehall wonk, Blaise Baquiche of DEFRA is taking his anti-government activity to another level. The environmental wonk is standing as a Liberal Democrat against the party he’s meant to be serving impartially. And the seat he’s been selected for… Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
Blaise has been working in DEFRA for almost two years, so the Brexit-hating blobster was supposed to be implementing Boris’s agenda – and now he’s seeking election to fight it. The Remainer activist has been specifically tasked with leading comms on the Government’s post-Brexit agricultural policy. It’s no surprise that Blaise counts himself as a member of the tofu-eating wokerati…
Section 4.4.19 of the Civil Service management code states:
“Civil servants are disqualified from election to Parliament… and from election to the European Parliament (European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978). They must therefore resign from the Civil Service before standing for election in accordance with paragraphs 4.4.20 and 4.4.21.”
Whilst some civil servants are granted permission to campaign politically, all have to stand down before nomination papers go in. Guido trusts the resignation letter won’t get caught up in the mail strikes.
UPDATE: DEFRA has been in touch to say Blaise has resigned, though they’re not saying when. This doesn’t come as a surprise, Guido understands he’s still serving out his notice…
Amongst the trials and tribulations of the Tory leadership contest, the minor parties have had to do more to reclaim some share of the media spotlight. It is in this context that the Liberal Democrats have tried to weigh in, with Ed Davey calling on all candidates to support a fracking ban. This looks like an attempt to stick up for the faux environmentalism of home county NIMBYs…
What Ed Davey has failed to mention in making his newly articulated tree-hugging pitch to Surrey SUV drivers is his own past enthusiasm for the very thing he’s opposing. While serving as Energy Secretary, the LibDem leader was amongst the biggest advocates of the fracking industry. Speaking in 2012 as a member of the coalition government, Ed proclaimed “There is an awful lot of nonsense talked about fracking… I love shale gas”. He also voted against plans to ban fracking. Clearly Davey is desperate to disavow his legacy in government to appease the climate critics, even if it means opposing measures to bring down fuel prices. It’s not exactly the first time the Liberal Democrats have switched positions when they think it suits them…
Constituents in Layla Moran’s constituency, Oxford West and Abingdon, were made to pay £2 for the pleasure of receiving a campaigning letter from the MP, urging them to vote for Cllr John Howson in the upcoming County Council elections. Constituents were alerted to a ‘mystery package’ by the postman which they could only open to discover the contents after paying the postage fee. Guido didn’t realise LibDem finances were that bad…
Constituents were not impressed that they were being made to foot the LibDem’s postal bill. This is not a recommended campaign strategy.
LibDem by-election candidate Sarah Green, a self-proclaimed “entrepreneur“ and “independent minded businesswoman”, runs a company with a capitalisation of £1.
Sarah Green who is running in the Chesham and Amersham by-election, is the founder and director of Green and Ginger Communications which helps clients by “delivering training, coaching and communications support.” She claims that this business experience gave her the skills needed to be Chesham and Amersham’s next MP. Besides the £1 valuation, the filed accounts show just over £1,000 in the bank. Somewhat embarrassingly for Green, who claims to be able to help clients with communication, the firm has a pitiful 7 followers on social media…
Sarah, the communication company’s only employee, is misleading the electorate by misrepresenting herself as the next Deborah Meaden. According to Companies House, Green’s company had net assets of £5,651 in 2018, falling to only £1 in 2019. In addition, Green and Ginger Communications has lent the Companies Director (a certain Sarah Green) £3,469 – a debt she has every intention to repay, as it was booked as a loan she conveniently won’t have to pay income tax on that amount. Perhaps Nick Clegg, who donated £15,000 to the LibDems this week, could help Sarah with her finances…
Former LibDem Treasurer and sometime failed parliamentary candidate, Richard Duncalf, has given Ed Davey £1,500 specifically to buy a suit. Hopefully one that fits. Possibly from Duncalf’s own shop given he is in the schmutter trade. £1,500 suit? Suits you sir…
