Labour anger over £125,000 lobbying bill (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Labour anger over £125,000 lobbying bill
9:00am Sunday 21st February 2010 in News By Scott McPherson
Labour leader Derique Montaut has accused Swindon Council of splashing out on expensive lobbyists and neglecting the needs of elderly people.
Councillor Montaut has hit out after claiming that the council has spent £129,400 on London lobbying organisation, Connect PA, to try and get secure funding for the town’s Regeneration despite having two MPs who would have done it for nothing.
He said the contract started in the beginning of July 2009 and will end in January 2011 and is in relation to funding the Swindon Town Centre Regeneration Project.
Coun Montaut said: “In a time of economic hardship, where council employees are experiencing real-terms pay cuts and day centres for the elderly are being shut down, Swindon can ill afford to pay for luxuries like a lobbying contract in London, when there are perfectly acceptable, cheaper alternatives to getting central Government funding – like using Swindon’s two MPs.”
One of the town’s Labour MPs, Michael Wills, has also waded into the row and said he would have been happy to lobby on behalf of Swindon Council.
He said: “I am disappointed that despite all my attempts to engage with the council and advise them about how to lobby the government effectively they have chosen to ignore my advice and instead spend public money on employing lobbyists to do this job for them.
“It’s even more disappointing that despite the council paying these lobbyists, they have not contacted me nor have Swindon borough councillors made any attempt to engage constructively with me on any of the issues that matter to the town.”
But, Conservative leader of the council, Coun Rod Bluh, has rubbished the statements and said that they are being made for political gain and do not reflect the true picture.
He said: “This attack is the last gasp from two failed Members of Parliament who have not delivered for local people.
“Their comments are designed purely for the forthcoming election and have nothing to do with the future of the borough.”
Comments(35)
itsamess
says...
10:41am Sun 21 Feb 10
Billy Jo
says...
10:48am Sun 21 Feb 10
And with what their party is doing to local and national finances I am amazed either have the front to comment.
itsamess
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10:58am Sun 21 Feb 10
They are laughing all the way to the bank when they leave parliament as the bill goes on after as they get protection--fat pension and a lump sum. Councillors also get pensions now being paid politicians--not volunteers.
Bobfm
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11:41am Sun 21 Feb 10
I am far from being an apologist for Labour but I would like to know if it's true. I guess Rod will eventually say, 'it's commercially sensitive'.
itsamess
says...
12:06pm Sun 21 Feb 10
brizzzzly
says...
2:21pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Bobfm wrote:Daniel/bob/official ukip spokesbore - you cannot give a simple yes or no answer so it is very hypocritical of you to expect the same from real politicians.
Never mind the rhetoric Rod have the Council employed this firm. A simple yes or no will do.
If true this is simply unbelievable, we have two Labour MP's, New Swindon Company, the RDA and RA all responsible to ensure Swindon's regeneration is funded etc, and the Council waste another £129k. I hope the voters is Swindon are taking note of this.
Close on a million for Big Weekend, £500k plus for Wifi and now this.
.
You have firmly demonstrated your lack of integrity by lying on this forum. This leaves you in no position to comment on other politicians activities.
Bobfm
says...
6:11pm Sun 21 Feb 10
brizzzzly
says...
6:15pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Bobfm
says...
6:29pm Sun 21 Feb 10
I would also add at this point the registration had been notified to others prior to me posting.
The is the last I will say on the matter and the last communication I will have with the moronic individuals who post anonymously and continually abuse the registration at the Adver as you do Briz and your dozen or so names already.
peatmoor pirate
says...
6:47pm Sun 21 Feb 10
On the actual story here? I rarely do, but on this occasion, I have to agree with Derique Montaut. just what does this lobbying firm do? Having said that, perhaps Cllr Montaut and Mr Wills would care to enlighten us on how much the labour government has spent on spin doctors and "consultants" etc etc.
All as bad as each other.
Bobfm
says...
7:07pm Sun 21 Feb 10
This is of course an illegal use of tax payers money.
brizzzzly
says...
7:26pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Bobfm wrote:That is a pack of lies and you know it. You have been steering debates by using multiple logins for a prolonged period of time. Now you have been rumbled, you have been outed as a fraud. Your excuses are weak and feeble.
Final time nut case and co. Aside from when my original login went wrong and I had to register. Ask the Adver, and aside from my different login necessary for me to write and post articles in the South Marston section. I have only ever for 4 days used another login, which I disclosed, no one else.
I would also add at this point the registration had been notified to others prior to me posting.
The is the last I will say on the matter and the last communication I will have with the moronic individuals who post anonymously and continually abuse the registration at the Adver as you do Briz and your dozen or so names already.
.
When are you going to do the honourable act and fall on your sword? Will you continue to drag ukip into the gutter by refusing to resign? Come on booby/dannyboy!
Gooey
says...
7:30pm Sun 21 Feb 10
I agree with bobfm on this.Just because those making the allegations being labour is irrelivant.The claims being made should be answered by Bluh.Cuts in services with money going missing and squandered is a disgrace if it is true.
brizzzzly
says...
7:41pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Robh
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8:32pm Sun 21 Feb 10
But didn't. Enough said.
Robh
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8:57pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Have you had enough of him yet??? Let the Adver know.
Gooey
says...
9:11pm Sun 21 Feb 10
brizzzzly
says...
9:11pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Robh wrote:I must have got under your skin then lad! I'll make sure you get special attention from now on!
Brizzzzly hangs around this site like a bad smell always commenting on contributors but very rarely ever expressing an opinion on the articles.
Have you had enough of him yet??? Let the Adver know.
brizzzzly
says...
9:27pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Gooey wrote:I never use them simultaneously and have never used them to steer the course of a debate. Nor am I the official sanctimonious spokesbore of a fringe far-right fascist party ... NEXT Question please!
i find it ironic Brizzzzley abusing bobfm for using multiple names when he does so himself.
Gooey
says...
9:49pm Sun 21 Feb 10
peatmoor pirate
says...
10:08pm Sun 21 Feb 10
Bobfm wrote:Who revealed that and where? I'm intrigued
peatmoor, it was recently revealed that during the last year HMG have almost quadrupled their information budget, with many projects that have been described as pure electioneering. This is of course an illegal use of tax payers money.
PK
says...
2:09am Mon 22 Feb 10
Pot, kettle and black spring to mind.
brizzzzly
says...
6:54am Mon 22 Feb 10
peatmoor pirate wrote:He probably made that up. He makes up a lot of "things" don' you know!
Bobfm wrote:Who revealed that and where? I'm intrigued
peatmoor, it was recently revealed that during the last year HMG have almost quadrupled their information budget, with many projects that have been described as pure electioneering. This is of course an illegal use of tax payers money.
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The man is a fraud and cannot be trusted!
peatmoor pirate
says...
7:14am Mon 22 Feb 10
brizzzzly wrote:Well let's see what Bob comes back with
peatmoor pirate wrote:He probably made that up. He makes up a lot of "things" don' you know! . The man is a fraud and cannot be trusted!Bobfm wrote: peatmoor, it was recently revealed that during the last year HMG have almost quadrupled their information budget, with many projects that have been described as pure electioneering. This is of course an illegal use of tax payers money.Who revealed that and where? I'm intrigued
Bobfm
says...
8:14am Mon 22 Feb 10
It was said that much of the advertising was merely Labour propaganda, during the course of the morning they had several Advertising executives on talking about the various differences in campaigns and why some we 'public information' and justified and others, as they said just 'aren't Labour wonderful' spin.
As for Briz etal, most posters have had enough of him/her but this site is like a terminal illness, it will only stop when the site dies. Something some posters clearly want given the abuse aimed at the Adver itself by some.
I think it is time the Adver made this a moderated site to be honest, and I don't like censorship but when posters are allowed to get away with making observations that could damage an individuals business as has happened on here then it's time to stop it.
dglaholm
says...
9:16am Mon 22 Feb 10
I hope the Labour Govenment will hold the General election on the same day as the locals.
To do anything else would be a criminal waste of money.
itsamess
says...
9:17am Mon 22 Feb 10
This site is heavily censored as we are not invited to comment on many stories. Clearly because the adver is aware of some of the consequences or sub judice rules. We of course have our personal opinions and some have particular skills that give us an opportunity to share knowledge. There are a few that are only capable of abuse and name calling--its part and parcel of these sites. The beauty of it all is we do not have to accept others opinions and have that chance to say so. Far better to produce facts that back up claims made--but sadly the abusers cannot give the facts only opinion tinged with abusive repetetive comments.
Bobfm
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10:54am Mon 22 Feb 10
Also the comments about our business go way beyond what most sites would find acceptable posting.
I fully accept the consequence of being 'known', that however does not give any poster the right to post lies about our business.
Robh
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11:10am Mon 22 Feb 10
They hide behind the cloak of anominity and think they can slight people or the business they are in with impunity. If it wasn't for these people then the Adver would insist that any respondent uses an email name (not address) and be from a subscribed ISP not a free email service.
Grimwald
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11:46am Mon 22 Feb 10
Whatever, this is a disgraceful waste of public money and you will account for it Rod and maybe the people of Dorcan will have the final word.
Bobfm
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12:58pm Mon 22 Feb 10
Gooey
says...
1:08pm Mon 22 Feb 10
itsamess wrote:After reading your posts,maybe you should practice what you preach?
Bob This site is heavily censored as we are not invited to comment on many stories. Clearly because the adver is aware of some of the consequences or sub judice rules. We of course have our personal opinions and some have particular skills that give us an opportunity to share knowledge. There are a few that are only capable of abuse and name calling--its part and parcel of these sites. The beauty of it all is we do not have to accept others opinions and have that chance to say so. Far better to produce facts that back up claims made--but sadly the abusers cannot give the facts only opinion tinged with abusive repetetive comments.
Both Brizzleyy and yourself seem very critical of others whilst dishing out what you accuse others of.
politicrat
says...
2:13pm Mon 22 Feb 10
Bobfm wrote:The problems in Swindon are just the consequence of a failing political system where a largely unelected council organisation is openly fighting the elected representatives of the local people in a puerile political fight.
Grimwald, there have been numerous promises. I would love to know who actually legally owns it now. If it's SBC the tax payer are now footing the bill for Empty Buildings Tax, which on a building that size will be substantial.
What is important to discuss here is the allegiance of the council leaders and MPs. Are they serving their voters/taxpayers? or are they serving their Political party Leaders.
itsamess
says...
7:27pm Mon 22 Feb 10
If indeed you have read my posts at the very least you could not compare my opinions to those of brizzy. I strongly believe in freedom of choice. If i have knowledge to share i try to be fair and accurate-and like most folk i can learn from others experience. I do practice what i preach which is sometimes controversial and as several people have made claims that cannot be supported by fact or scientific evidence i do ask them to produce that evidence and folk like briz simply respond with abuse rather than substantiate claims made. As far as i am aware i have not as yet debated any point you have made--nor have i been abusive. On this thread i have posted 5 times and i cant see any abusive comments i have made.
Bobfm says...
10:18am Sun 21 Feb 10
If true this is simply unbelievable, we have two Labour MP's, New Swindon Company, the RDA and RA all responsible to ensure Swindon's regeneration is funded etc, and the Council waste another £129k. I hope the voters is Swindon are taking note of this.
Close on a million for Big Weekend, £500k plus for Wifi and now this.