Rob Wilson's Westminster Diary: April 12 2012
Published 12 Apr 2012 09:28
0 Comments
IT WOULD be fair to say the Government is going through some mid-term difficulties at the moment. It was probably just as well we had the Easter break so that we could recalibrate after a few thoughtless own goals. I'm thinking of fuel in particular.
Thankfully, things haven't exactly gone smoothly for the Labour leader, Ed Milliband, who managed to lose the Bradford West by-election in a way that hasn't happened in decades. Once again, Neil Kinnockesque, he managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. The public clearly don't trust Miliband or the Labour Party, as they jump on a procession on bandwagons rather than setting out a clear strategy for saving the economy they shattered in the first place.
I've been out regularly on the doorstep across my constituency and people have real concerns about money but most also understand we have to put Labour's economic catastrophe right.
It will take time, there will be bumps in the road, but we all, I hope, understand that. It's gratifying that many residents have commented on Tim Harris' dynamic start as Conservative group leader. He really has been setting a scorching pace and deserves great credit. Residents have also commented on some of our high quality candidates, probably the best we've ever had.
To pick out a few, in Church ward Cllr Azam Janjua has served his community with distinction and lives in his ward, as does hard working Cllr Dave Luckett in Caversham.
I'm really delighted we have a fantastic Peppard ward candidate, Jane Stanford-Beale, who is Caversham-based and has great experience to bring to local residents.
In Woodley Bill Soane is known widely for his work on the carnival and war memorial, and Mohammed Parvaiz runs his own business as well as being involved in charity fundraising.
With excellent candidates and a hapless Labour Party locally and nationally, Conservatives in Reading East have every opportunity to do very well indeed in the local elections.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 12 Apr 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.
