Author Archives: David Hennigan

Opinion: The Lib Dem leadership’s attitude to the Police Commissioner elections is baffling!

By David Hennigan | 15th November 2011 - 2:15 pm

“Liberal Democrats – soft on crime” was the headline that has often screamed off Labour leaflets over the last decade. Indeed, in the latter stages of the 2010 General Election, Labour strategists used that message to squeeze the Liberal Democrat vote when we were on 29%.

Looking at the partial, last-minute collapse in our vote, it’s difficult to argue that this line of attack didn’t work. The ‘soft on crime’ attack was used against us in the Oldham East and Saddleworth By-election. Labour’s Christmas Card to constituents in Oldham even featured a snowman with a police …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged brian paddick, elected police commissioners, featured, federal executive and policing | 30 Comments

Opinion: Why Sir Cyril was wrong

By David Hennigan | 4th August 2011 - 11:49 am

Now, it’s easy to pretend that your political hero is perfect. It’s easy to write hagiographical accounts of a life without mistakes.

I felt that about the late Sir Cyril Smith MBE, formerly MP for Rochdale. I shall forever feel proud about how Cyril took me under his wing. I will be forever proud now that Sir Cyril called me his friend and gave me so many tips, so many words of advice about how to do my job. (I was Lib Dem Agent in Rochdale from 2004 – 2009) I wrote about ‘our Cyril’ for his 80th …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged capital punishment, cyril smith, lesley molseed, rochdale and stefan kiszko | 3 Comments

Opinion: Why Wrexham Labour Party should be ashamed: The curious case of Aled Roberts

By David Hennigan | 7th July 2011 - 12:21 pm

It’s estimated that well over 30% of the Welsh population speak Welsh as their first language – that is growing year on year. Hundreds of thousands more across the world speak it – even in a distant corner of Argentina – the valleys of a Patagonia. My partner from Rhosllanerchrugog and her family speak Welsh. They are fiercely proud of their heritage and would be absolutely disgusted with the treatment of Aled Roberts AM. It appears that they don’t speak Welsh at the Electoral Commission!

Now let me declare an interest, I don’t know Aled Roberts, I know his mum …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged aled roberts, electoral commission, john dixon, labour party, Wales and wrexham | 21 Comments

Opinion: surveying the wreckage

By David Hennigan | 12th May 2011 - 9:44 am

As a political organiser, I’ve seen the highs and now the lows that come with the territory. In Rochdale in 2005 and Manchester Withington in 2010 – the results made all the effort and long hours worth it.

In Manchester last week, I presided over losing every single seat. Yes, every single one!

It wasn’t through lack of effort. Take for example Simon Ashley, the former group leader. Simon has delivered close to 200,000 leaflets since May, good quality leaflets focusing on crucial issues like the closure of his local swimming baths (where his 2000 plus …

Posted in Op-eds | Tagged alison firth, john commons, manchester and simon ashley | 25 Comments

Opinion: Why I am so pleased Yarl’s Wood Immigration Prison will be closed for families by this Government

By David Hennigan | 21st July 2010 - 7:45 pm

Today, at Prime Minister’s Questions, the spotlight was on Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Being the first Liberal to speak to the Commons from the despatch box in place of the Prime Minister was a weird and wonderful thing.

Jack Straw was expected to come out on top, yet his ranting, especially about Sheffield Forgemaster’s, was a confirmation that Labour in opposition continues to put petty, political interests in front of the national interest. Nick Clegg stood up well: he wasn’t brilliant, but did far better than many of the media expected.

The continual baiting of Nick and …

Posted in Op-eds | 10 Comments

Sir Cyril Smith on his 80th!

By David Hennigan | 24th June 2008 - 12:20 pm

When I tell people from across the country that I work in Rochdale they invariably say – “Is that Cyril Smith still alive?” I don’t tell them that I work in politics, or for the Liberal Democrats – just Rochdale! That is the mark of respect for someone who made a difference, and I am pleased to tell them that Sir Cyril is still making that difference. Whether it be writing his letters to our local paper, advising Paul Rowen, or just making his voice heard – Sir Cyril Smith will never change and neither should he.

I first …

Posted in News | Tagged ming campbell | 1 Comment

OPINION: Fib Dems? A compliment!

By David Hennigan | 18th August 2007 - 2:52 am

It was well over 10 days into the Sedgefield By-election. Things seemed to be going well and it was clear that the Conservatives were in 3rd place. Then again – Sedgefield is further North than Watford so it was no surprise!

One thing was missing and the campaign team knew it.

High quality literature was being produced and delivered. Canvassing showed a move towards Greg Stone and the Lib Dems. Even the Northern media were on board. Then it came…

Posted in Op-eds and Opposition watch | Tagged ming campbell | 30 Comments