Elmbridge has come top of the Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2010, for the third year running. Elmbridge scored highly on health, life expectancy, employment, average earnings and school results. Of course, reports like this are a double-edged sword. Labour used these ‘mean’ scores to diddle Elmbridge (and Surrey) in terms of the funding we […]
Read MoreVal Hibberd and the Claygate & Hinchley Wood branch put on a wonderful Christmas lunch on Friday. The star guest was Noelle Shilson, one of the leading lights in the Conservative Association for decades. At ninety-eight Noelle is still going strong, an inspiration to us all. Born on Christmas day, we wished her a very […]
Read MoreThis week, we heard the news on the local cuts resulting from the Spending Review: Over the next two years, Surrey County Council will see cuts in its grants from central government of 9.5%, but Elmbridge has been hit harder by 34% cuts. The practical impact is not as severe as that may sound, because […]
Read MoreLast week, I participated in a discussion on The Record Review, looking back at the year in politics with Austin Mitchell MP and Lord Willis. In a lively debate, we discussed the record of the coalition, and what we can expect to see in 2011. You can view the show here.
Read MoreIt has caused untold mirth in my House of Commons office that legendary rock guitarist Brian May has listed an unlikely group of Conservatives, including myself, amongst his heroes in The Guardian this morning. Satire aside, I have had quite a few people emailing me about my views on fox hunting - the overwhelming majority […]
Read MoreThe OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings for 15 year olds were released this week. They measure core learning across 57 countries. The results were widely reported in the press. Between 2000 and 2009, Britain has fallen: In maths: from 8th to 28th. In reading: from 7th to 25th. In science: from 4th […]
Read MoreLast week, the government announced - without Parliamentary debate - the implementation of two residual parts of Harriet Harman’s Equality Act 2010. I wrote an article for the Sunday Times on 21st November (available here), urging the coalition to ditch both elements. On public body audits, I argued: “… Scrap the draft Regulations that will […]
Read MoreYesterday, I joined Stoke D’Abernon residents to turn on their Christmas lights, and enjoy some mulled wine and mince pies. Congratulations to Ian Nelson and all those who organised a really fun family event … … and to Father Christmas who put in an early seasonal appearance, straight from Lapland, to the delight of the […]
Read MoreCongratulations to Rachael Lake and Elmbridge Business Network, for organising their breakfast meeting today, despite the snow and ice. I updated the group on the government’s plans for cutting business taxes and red-tape, and expanding investment in finance for small and medium size companies. Unsurprisingly, we discussed business rates, and the idea for local authorities […]
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