Mark Valladares

Welcome to my day: 15 March

By | Fri 15th March 2013 - 7:52 am

Sea otterWell, I must say that I’m feeling a bit better this week, having lost last weekend to the wretched lurgy that is doing the rounds.

So, what’s happened of interest? Overnight, there were six by-elections indicated by ALDC, with those in Keynsham and Wells probably most potentially winnable, although it will be interesting to see how we get on in Gospel Oak ward, Camden and Royton South ward, Oldham. We came third in both in 2010 but with decent shares of the vote.

In other news, HM Revenue and Customs have announced the closure of all 281 tax enquiry centres, with the intention that those who need help will use the telephone or internet. 1300 jobs are at risk, although a spokesperson for HMRC has indicated that most of those affected will be redeployed towards other work.

In today’s Liberal Democrat Voice, James Sandbach wonders out loud about the Party’s record on justice issues in Coalition, whilst Nick Tyorne, from the Electoral Reform Society, has some ideas for our political and constituional reform policy working group. And, in response to Mark Pack’s thoughts on fringe meetings and women, Jade Holden, Ewan Hoyle and Eilidh Dickson beg to differ.

Elsewhere, I have bad news for opponents of the Secret Courts proposals, some better news on Europe, and some things to watch out for at the civilised end of the Palace of Westminster.

So, on with the motley once more, as the weekend looms large…

* Mark Valladares is today’s Day Editor for Liberal Democrat Voice. If money were no object, he’d like to go to Istanbul by train…

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3 Comments

  • Ian 15th Mar '13 - 12:18pm

    The Aldwick by-election in Arun yesterday has produced a stunning win: Arun DC LD 383, CON 357, Ukip 339, LAB 61.

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