A February Election?

The papers are full of a snap election in February. I have been warning my colleagues for some time of this possibility on the basis that if the PM thinks he will win, but knows his Labour Party members won't lift many fingers to help him campaign, why not call an election at a time which you know will cause maximum inconvenience to your opponents? I never thought I would say this but I really do think it's time we had a debate on Fixed Term Parliaments. Why should the PM have this power to call an election on a whim? A wicked thought comes to me. What if he went to the Queen and she said no?! She would be within her constitutional rights I think, as you really do need a good excuse to have an election before the end of the fourth year of a Parliament. Thoughts?

Canvassing in Cromer

This afternoon we did three hours canvassing in Cromer. We deliberately picked an area not known for its habit of voting Conservative and I have to say it was an interesting, if sometimes depressing experience. I say depressing not because we weren't getting support, but because of the huge number of people who said they would not vote. Admittedly some of them hadn't voted for sometime anyway, but I have never had a canvassing session where so many people were quite happy to say it. And it's the way they say it. There's very little anger, just a sort of resignation that voting can't change anything. It just shows what an awful lot of work there is to do to restore the trust in politics and politicians which has been eroded in recent years. On a more positive note, we got four new poster sites! And also many people said they had filled in my survey.

With the North Norfolk Harriers

Yesterday lunchtime I met up with the North Norfolk Harriers at Aldborough for their first meet of the season. I'm pictured here with the Master, Roger Bradbury. It's terrible to think that this might be their last season, but I assured him and his colleagues of my support in their fight against the government's pernicious Hunting Bill.  

Rebecca House Petition

We started our petition to keep Rebecca House open today in the marketplace at North Walsham. In two hours only 1 person refused to sign. And not a single person hadn't heard of the plans to close it.  

Ode to a Wheely Bin

A constituent sent me in this little poem. Thought I'd share it with you.

The Government has done it again
Rushed a decision to give us all pain.
Wheelie bins are really ugly receptacles at best
And for many there is nowehere for them to rest.
What we want is a common sense poloicy to apply
Because with the objective we all want to comply.,
For those who are happy with bins that is good
For invalids and those with no access there should
Be the alternative of the bags as we have now
We will sort them effectively; we know how!
The choice should be ours to make
Not a bullying tactic for goodness sake.

Andrew Motion, watch out? Or not?

Busy day

An early start to attend the North Norfolk District Concil planning meeting on the future of the TETRA mast at North Walsham Police Station. It was quite heated. The Council decided to enforce a STOP notice but give O2 7 days to respond to a letter. I then drove down to Briston to meet a local farmer who has problems with free range pigs roaming over his land. It was then off to North Walsham to visit the Salvation Army (see below) before driving back to Cromer for a meeting with my Campaign team. Tomorrow I have a mountain of letters to reply to and phone calls to make. In the evening I'm in Fakenham attending a Meet the Candidate evening, which is open to all, organised by Fakenham Conservatives.

Visiting the Sally Army

This afternoon I visited the Mildred Duff Eventide home in North Walsham to be briefed on their plans for a new building. The home is run by the Salvation Army. Unfortunately North Norfolk District Council turned down their planning application for a new home on the existing site this week. Councillors described the design of the new building as 'alien to North Norfolk'. Having seen the plans I can't understand it and am going to take it up with them. We can't afford to lose this facility. They have 22 residents and have plans to take 40, including a special unit for 10 dementia sufferers. With Rebecca House closing it is vital the planners find a way through the present situation. 

This made me laugh..

Just to prove Tory candidates do have a sense of humour... I got this from my Agent today on the Joys of a Helpdesk.

Helpdesk: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, this is Celine. I can't get my diskette out.
Helpdesk: Have you tried pushing the button?
Customer: Yes, sure, it's really stuck.
Helpdesk: That doesn't sound good; I'll make a note ..."
Customer: No ... wait a minute... I hadn't inserted it yet...it's
still on my desk... sorry ....
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpdesk: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the
screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpdesk: Good day. How may I help you?
Male customer: Hello... I can't print.
Helpdesk: Would you click on start for me and ...
Customer: Listen pal; don't start getting technical on me! I'm not
Bill Gates damn it!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Every time I try it
says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it
in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find
it...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Customer: I have problems printing in red...
Helpdesk: Do you have a colour printer?
Customer: Aaaah....................thank you.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpdesk: What's on your monitor now ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me in the supermarket.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
Helpdesk: And now hit F8.
Customer: It's not working.
Helpdesk: What did you do, exactly?
Customer: I hit the F-key 8-times as you told me, but nothing's
happening...

There's more, but I think I'd better stop here!

Rebecca House in the House

I'm watching the Parliament Channel as Norman Lamb has an Adjournment Debate on Rebecca House in a moment. It seems proceedings are being held up by Points of Order. I'm glad Norman has got this debate as he will hopefully be able to hold the Minister to account. Richard Bacon will also be speaking about a simialr facility, Cygnet House in Long Stratton, in his constituency which is also facing the axe.

RAF Coltishall

Here's a short press release I just sent out.

Iain Dale is to join a Task Force set up by Norfolk County Council to examine the future of RAF Coltishall, which is set to be closed. Dale lives almost at the end of the Coltishall runway at nearby Swanton Abbott. The Task Force meets for the first time on Monday under the chairmanship of cabinet Member Tony Tomkinson. Local MPs Keith Simpson and Norman Lamb are also on the Task Force.

Iain says: “I know from talking to my neighbours in Swanton Abbott and people on the base what a devastating blow it was to hear of the base’s impending closure. It’s important that we all come together now to see what can be salvaged. I would like to think there might be a continuing military use, but with the appointment of Defence Estates to look at disposal of the site this seems unlikely. I am particularly concerned about the many local businesses – pubs, shops etc – who rely on the base for their trade. The role of the local planning authorities will be crucial in any plans the Task Force comes up with and I am sure they will all play a constructive role.”

Let's have Fewer MPs!

I understand the Conservatives will have a manifesto commitment to reduce the number of MPs in Britain from 659 to 550. I would fully support such a move. It'd mean each constituency would have 100,000 voters instead of the current 70,000 (although North Norfolk is currently 82,000) but Andrew Turner on the Isle of Wight already has 100,000 and is regarded as a good constituency MP. I would also like to see a cut in the number of government ministers from 100 to about 75. I doubt whether we would have any worse government! I'd be interested to hear what others think about this.

Where are you on the Left to Right Scale?

CLICK HERE to take the Political quiz, which tells you where you are on the Left/Right scale. I came out as a Libertarian Conservative. No surprise there then.

Liberal or not?

I was interested to read in this week's LibDem News (part of my staple reading) that Norman Lamb's agent Simon Wright has been tio Germany to campaign for the FDP, who camopaign under the banner of 'Die Liberalen'. I hate to tell Simon but the FDP are to the right of the Conservative Party and run on a very Thatcherite economic agenda. A strange bed partner for a Liberal North Norfolk Distrct Councillor I would think. Perhaps he's thinking of defecting to us? Perish the thought.

On the Radio

Typing this at the BBC. Just about to go on 5 Live for two hours, so if you're here between now and 1am tune in to Radiuo 5 Live on 909 or 693! We're discussing why anyone would want to go into politics. Quite!

Old Man In a Hurry

There'll be more on yesterday's events tomorrow, but I am in a rush as I am off to Cambridge to the Thatcher Archives to a seminar on the 1979 election. Yes, I know it's a bit anoracky, but there you go.

Today

I'm typing this at North Norfolk Radio while my colleague David Ruffley MP does an interview about the effect of fuel duty on rural areas. We're off to Binham in a minute and then to a lunch in Wells. Later on I'm meeting St John's Ambulance and then heading off to Sidestrand Parish Council.

Boris Johnson. Dear oh dear oh dear.

Her Mother's Daughter

Carol Thatcher and me at our fundraising lunch at Pinewoods. She's a reet laff, as a northern acquaintance of mine might say. 

Bleary eyed

I overslept today - very unlike me. I opened my eyes to find the clock saying 8.58. Aaaagh! Spent the day in the office. Not much to report. Just one of those typical Mondays. Tomorrow I am going to a PCT meeting about the new hospital in Cromer. We also have a lunch with Carol Thatcher.

Fathers for Justice

On Friday evening I met a couple of guys in North Walsham who are members of Fathers for Justice. Their stories really moved me. They want nothing more than to be involved with the upbringing of their children, yet our legal system seems to be totally biased against them. Each of them are allowed 5 hours supervised access every month - not every week - every month. I told them that I could not condone some of the more extreme campaigning tactics used by F4J but it is clear to me that there is something deeply flawed in our child protection system if fathers like these are denied proper access to their children. The guiding light in any system of family law must be the welfare of the children. But no one is telling me that children are better off without the full involvement in their upbringing of their father. I don't doubt that there are many terrible circumstances where it is not possible to have two parents with equal access but that does not mean that we shouldn't look at reforming the law so the rights of access for fathers is strengthened. Here's a press release I have just issued. If you'd like to visit the F4J East Anglia website
CLICK HERE

IAIN Dale, North Norfolk's Conservative Parliamentary Candidate held talks this weekend with representatives of North Norfolk Fathers for Justice in North Walsham. He told them he endorsed calls by Conservatives nationally to review family law and give divorced parents greater rights of access to their children. Today divorce affects almost 150,000 children every year, more than two-thirds of whom are under the age of ten.

Iain Dale explained:

"When relationships break up, too many children become unfairly cut off from one of their parents, as well as grandparents and other close relatives. The current legal system isn't working, trapping many families for years in the courts running up massive legal bills."

Under the three-point plan to guide a review of family law by Conservatives:
· There should be a strong presumption in favour of equal rights for parents to have an influence on the upbringing of their children.
· Mediation should as far as possible always be the first step - taking matters to court should be the last resort for parents who separate.
· The procedures and powers of the family courts should be much more open and fair.

Iain added:

"The current system is hugely expensive, inefficient, unfair, insensitive and often, fairly chaotic. All of this causes resentment, frustration and anger in families across North Norfolk. I believe there should be a presumption that the extended family has a crucial role to play in the upbringing of children."

"Fathers for Justice exists because many fathers have been excluded from their children's upbringing by a legal system which often acts against them. However, I must be clear that while I support many of the aims of F4J I do not condone some of their campaigning tactics. There is a fine line between a harmless stunt and an act of dangerous irresponsibility."

Have a BREAK

On Friday I spent a very informative and enjoyable morning with BREAK in Sheringham. Break is a charity which runs several children's homes and provides holidays for children with learning disabilities. I toured their Sheringham holiday home and then met some of the people at DAYBREAK, the day centre.
They do a fantastic job in providing superb facilities. I even took a dive in a ballbath. 

Woh Black Betty Bambalam

Sheena's the one on the right. Circa 1982! My sister Tracey and I used to call her Black Betty (her middle name is Elizabeth) after the song which was in the charts at the time. She didn't like it all. Kids eh? By the way, my friend Gloria, who used to be Ann Widdecombe's secretary, used to manage The Ramones, who sang Sheena is a Punk Rocker. Also, Deborah Harry. Must have been a challenge. Anyway, enough of this, back to politics tomorrow, when I'll be reporting on my recent acitivites on behalf of the good burghers of North Norfolk. Included will be a report on my excllent meeting with my new friends at Fathers for Justice, my visit to BREAK when I dived into a ball bath. Now if that doesn't tempt you back tomorrow, nothing will.  

Sheena is a Punk Rocker

I had the shock of my life last night. My sister Sheena rang me very late to say "I've got something to tell you". I have to say my blood ran cold. Whenever anyone says something like that I always think they're about to tell me someone has died or they have a life threatening disease. But far from it. At the ripe old age of 38 she's five months pregnant. Hurrah! It's only taken her and Alan 18 years, but no doubt they've enjoyed the practice!

School Governors & How to beat a LibDem

Spent a lot of the day at school governors meetings. I am a governor at Cromer High School. This gives me a great insight into the problems facing our schools today. Talked to several people today about the ridiculous Shoreline Management Plan, which effectively abandons large parts of the North Norfolk Coastline to the sea. More on this anon. This evening I hosted a function at the Feathers in Holt at which we heard from the Conservative MP for Taunton, Adrian Flook, who beat a LibDem MP, Jackie Ballard in 2001. The title of his talk? How to beat the Liberal Democrats. And very illuminating it was too.

The next couple of days

Another day strapped to the desk. Tomorrow I have two school governors meetings in Cromer. On Friday I am spending the morning at BREAK in Sheringham and then talking to representatives from Fathers for Justice in North Walsham. Hopefully no purple powder will be in evidence! On Saturday I am in Holt all morning before going to my father's 75th birthday bash in Saffron Walden.

A Day in the Office

It's not generally known that candidates have to keep the wolf from the door just like anyone else. We don't get paid, we don't get expenses - just for the record! So today was spent at the office working. No politics, no campaigning... well, perhaps just a little. Had a bit of a gossip with various people about the South West Norfolk parliamentary selection. It's now down to the final 6, of whom I personally know three. Having been through it myself I really feel for them.

Rebecca House

Apologies for the length of this press release, but please do persevere to the end. I hope my anger comes across.

Iain Dale, Conservative Candidate for North Norfolk, today organised and chaired a meeting for relatives of Rebecca House patients to discuss their plans to campaign against its closure. The meeting was also attended by Norman Lamb MP and Labour candidate Phil Harris. Following this, Iain Dale and Norman Lamb accompanied the 30 or so relatives to a meeting with the Mental Health Trust at Rebecca House.

Iain says he was "shocked and dismayed" that no senior representative from the Mental Health Trust had bothered to attend this important meeting. He says: "I expected to see either Chief Executive Pat Holman or the Chairman Maggie Wheeler there, or at the very least Policy Director Kathy Chapman. I think a number of the relatives were quite insulted that they didn't turn up."

There was also a bid to gag Iain Dale and Norman Lamb, who were told they could not particiapte in the meeting, merely observe. The relatives made clear that they had asked both Dale and Lamb to be their voice and both participated fully in the proceedings. Iain says: "It is outrageous that they tried to gag us. Who do these people think they are? All we are doing is trying to protect the interests of the patients at Rebecca House and their relatives. I'm not going to be gagged by anyone."

Alison Leathers, the project manager for the Mental Health Trust then told the meeting that there will be a 12 week public consultation on their plans to close Rebecca House, Cygnet House and part of Ellacombe, at a stroke abolishing 100 beds and replacing them with a new 28 bed acute unit at the Julian Hospital in Norwich. At the moment 60 of these beds are in use. At the Julian there will be 20 full time beds with 8 for respite care. This means that some 40 patients, two thirds of those currently in NHS care, will be forced to find alternative accomodation. At the moment no such beds exist.

Iain says: "The authorities are putting the cart before the horse. They know the beds aren't out there so why proceed with these plans when they have no way of implementing them? They have given no thought at all yet to the need for respite care and how that can be provided and there is no way that dementia sufferers can be put in normal residential care homes, even if there were free beds, which there aren't."

Alison Leathers explained to the meeting that some patients would be transferred from Rebecca House to Hellesdon Hospital pending the building of the new Julian unit. This breaks a pledge she and Kathy Chapman made to Iain Dale in March where they specifically ruled out Hellesdon as an option. Iain says: "It is a disgrace that they have shifted their position on Hellesdon when they told me in March that it was not an appropriate setting for dementia care. Either I was misled or they knew all along this was what they intended to do. Either way it is a pretty shabby way for a public authority to behave and I will be asking Maggie Wheeler for a public apology.

Iain accused the Labour Government of creating continuing care criteria which "do not stand up to either clinical examonation or any judgement of common sense".

Rebecca House was only built 10 years ago, as a specialist dementia care unit. It's closure is described by Iain as a "criminal and negligent act which we should hold Dr John Reid personally responsible for".

Iain Dale and Norman Lamb committed themselves to campaigning for Rebecca House to remain open for specialist dementia care. Iain says: "If the Mental Health Trust abandon their responsibilites at Rebecca House we must see whether there are any other options, such as the Primary Care Trust taking it over, or for a private sector carer to opeate it. Whatever happens, North Norfolk cannot afford to lose such a wonderful facility.

In conclusion Iain comments: "I am angry - very angry that good and honest people have been treated in this way. The only thing they want is for their relatives to be cared for and not treated as statistics. The Mental Health Trust should examine their consciences. It's not too late for them to admit they are wrong and that Rebecca House should stay open."

The Politics Show

Just got back from Norwich after appearing on the BBC's Politics Show. I had four 40 second soundbites - not exactly a lot to develop an argument! I commented on Rebecca House, Gillian Shephard's retirement, Conservative prospects and immigration. I think I did OK. Someone has commented that I seemed to lose control of my right hand (steady on!) but I am a great admirer of the Andrew Marr school of gesticulation!

On the TV on Sunday

I'm going to be on the BBC Politics Show tomorrow (Sunday) lunchtime talking about Rebecca House and Gillian Shephard.

Rebecca House

Here's a press release I issued this morning...

"North Norfolk Conservative Candidate Iain Dale has organised a meeting of relatives of patients who receive permanent and respite care at Rebecca House in North Walsham to take place at North Walsham Community Centre at noon on Monday 11 October. Iain Dale will chair the meeting and has invited North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb and North Norfolk Labour Party Candidate Phil Harris to the meeting and both have accepted. They will discuss the Mental Health Trust's plans to close the dementia care unit.

Iain says: "I am pleased that Norman and Phil have accepted my invitation to attend as it shows everyone is united in their opposition to these ill thought out plans. We very much hope that Norman will be able to raise the issue in Parliament. Relatives are angry not only at the Mental Health Trust's plans but the outrageous way in which they advised the press of the closure before contacting the relatives. I have been to three meetings with the relatives at Rebecca House over the last six months and they have all been very emotional. The purpose of this pre-meeting is to talk about what the relatives want to get out of the meeting later in the afternoon with the Trust.

Editor's Note: The pre-meeting will take place at 12 noon at North Walsham Community Centre. The relatives will then meet the MHT at 1.30pm at Rebecca House with Iain Dale.

This is the first time the three main party candidates have met on the same platform.

Will there be a Green Candidate?

I was asked today by someone if there will be a Green Party candidate in North Norfolk. Anyone care to shed any light on this? I hear rumours that RESPECT will put someone up.

If ever I needed cheering up...

Today is the day I have wanted to see for a long time. It's the day which told me I will win the election. You had to be with me to believe it. I was out in Wells this morning and Wicken Green this afternoon. The number of people who told me they were really impressed by our conference was astonishing. And they were normal people, not political obsessives. We got a dozen new poster sites today too. I can't tell you how optimistic I feel. Now, after three...

CLEANER HOSPITALS, MORE POLICE, CONTROLLED IMMIGRATION, LOWER TAXES, SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AND.... ACCOUNTABILITY. GOT IT?!

On the Telly

To all my adoring fans (if only...) you can see me on the Politics Show this Sunday... but only in the eastern region! I was also on the Today programme this morning, which went quite well. I had to do it down the line but Stephen Pound and Sarah Teather were both in the studio. It was all about leaders' speeches at party conferences. Sarah Teather even managed to get a mention of the Hartlepool by election in, which was quite skilful of her. My sotto voce sigh of 'Oh God' raised a titter with Ed Stourton.

I had several potential candidates for South West Norfolk ring me today for advice. The interviews are this weekend. It brings back memories. I know several of the candidates. But I'd better not be indiscreet... (spoilsport!)

Debating Europe in Fakenham

What a fantastic evening. Fakenham Chamber of Commerce invited me to take part in a debate on the European Constitution with the Labour Candidate Phil Harris and LibDem MEP Andrew Duff. I had a fantastic time and really enjoyed myself. Phil Harris is a very nice chap and the debate was good. Andrew Duff is a complete federalist and quite happy to say so. I can respect anyone who nails their colours to the mast even if I don't agree with them. The audience was receptive and there were a clear majority on my side of the argument. The probable UKIP candidate Stuart Agnew was very put out that he had not been asked to speak, but he made up for it by asking 4 questions. Unfortunately Mr Agnew is so obsessed by this one issue that he can't quite get the fact that if you vote anything other Conservative in the General Election you are more likely to end up with a Labour Government which will continue to sell this country down the river, supported by their Federalist LibDem friends.

Tomorrow I'm out in Wells and Wicken Green.

Let's Get Going

A superb end to a great week. I left Bournemouth today completely reinvigorated for the battles ahead. I don't think anyone could deny we have had a good week in Bournemouth. There is a real self belief about the Party now which I haven't seen for some time. I've come away with some great new innovative campaigning ideas which I'll be deploying over the next few months. It's a sobering thought that by the time of next year's Party Conference my life will have completely changed - one way or the other. Now it's up to me to ensure that I meet the expectations of all those who have placed their trust in me.

Tuesday's Conference Update

Yesterday:-

1. Spoke at media fringe meeting on who controls the political agenda - politicians or the media. Other speakers were Ann Widdecombe, David Yelland, Matthew d'Ancona and Polly Billington. Went really well and I much enjkoyed it despite leaving all my notes behind. I'm better when I wing it!

2. Did an interview with the BBC World Service which was terminated after I accused Blair of lieing over the Iraq war. A disgrace. I shall be making a formal complaint.

3. Great speech from Michael Howard. Inspirational and deeply personal.

4. Office just had a call from a UKIP voter who saw me speaking yesterday and is now going to vote for me. Hopefully he won't be alone.

Quick one

Am v knackered and it's only 7.30 on day one of the conference. I'm just heading off to the Eastern Area reception and I then have to deputise for Simon Hoggart at the Spectator/Policy Exchange quiz. And if Boris Johnson doesn't shopw up I will have to chair it. God help me. Just done interviews with News 24 and Newsnight on Oliver Letwin's speech today. I spoke in the debate and urged us to promise to scrap Inheritance Tax which I regard as a deeply unjust tax in dieing. The rich avoid it by employing expensive lawyers and it is now beginning to hit people who cannot conceiveably be described as rich. Had a v good fringe meeting with William Hague who spoke about his book on Pitt. More tomorrow (hopefully!)

Off to Bournemouth

Just off to the Party Conference in Bournemouth. It's going to be a very busy week. This is my schedule for Monday...

9am-12.30 Politico's stand
12.30-2 Target seat briefing
2-4.00 Take part in Tax & Economy Forum on Platform
4-5pm William Hague Booksigning
5.30pm Co-chair Conservative istory Group Fringe meeting with William Hague
7pm Attend London Olympics Reception
7.30pm Attend Eastern Area Conservatives Reception
10pm Attend Policy Exchange/Spectator Quiz
11pm Attend Absolutely Equal Party

I'll try to keep you up to date with the conference as often as I can.

Iain Wins Fight to Restore Roughton Road Bus Service

Here's a Press Release I just issued.

North Norfolk Conservative Candidate Iain Dale has persuaded Norfolk
County Council and Sanders Coaches to reinstate bus services to the
Roughton Road area of Cromer. The 44 service was withdrawn in July, but after receiving several letters from local residents Iain Dale and
Conservative District Councillor Sue Arnold took up their case. Iain Dale learnt today that from Monday 4 October the 16 & 18 services will now stop at Roughton Road in addition to their normal route. Iain Dale comments: "I was concerned that Roughton Road residents were being cut off after losing their service. Many people relied on the 44 bus. While there is a railway station at Roughton Road, many elderly
residents cannot climb the several dozen steps up to the platform. I am
delighted that Sue Arnold and I have persuaded the County Council and Sanders to provide new services to the Roughton Road area. I am grateful to the County Council for listening to us and acting on our representations." Local resident Pearl Paice said: "This is great news and we're all delighted. I'm so grateful to Iain and Sue for their hard work."

Editor's Note: The 16 service runs from North Walsham to Holt on Tuesdays and Fridays. The 18 service runs from North Walsham to Sheringham on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Radio 5 Live Tonight - Listen!

I'm going to be on 5 Live for 2 hours tonight from 11pm to 1am. So if you want to hear my lame excuses for the Hartlepool by-election (I have none) tune in! 909 or 693AM, digital radio or Channel 855 on Satellite. Believe it or not my mother always listens to me on satellite TV so she can video it!

Unimpressive

I'm watching the US presidential debate at the moment. If this is the best John Kerry can do then he is in big trouble. Deeply unimpressive. Rather like our result in the Hartlepool by-election.