Labour High Peak

Letter's to the press - from Gary Parvin - Glossopdale Branch Exec Committee

2010-07-19T23:07:00.000+01:00

Sir / madam

It is clear from the letters of Dave Westhead, Tom Hatton and Roger Bamford (published 15/07/10) that they also are far from presenting a balanced account of the current financial crisis.

There are many factors which contributed to this crisis and many of the seeds of it were sown prior to 1997 with financial deregulation to name but one.

What concerns me and I am sure many other people, are the choices this Coalition Government are making to tackle the crisis. They appear to me not to be 'new' in any way but distinctly 'old' and it will be the less well off who will pay the most. I am sure the counter response of this Government and it's supporters will be a line of 'we had no choice'. Government's always have choices and I feel that the choices being made today are distinctly ideological.

Mr Westhead should exercise caution about commenting about the election of the Conservative Government under Margaret Thatcher in 1979 as many people in Tameside and in the High Peak, will remember the cost paid by 3.5 million unemployed people, conflict and a 'lost generation' of young people.

I can only conclude that he feels the choices this Government are making is 'a price worth paying'. I am sure that the next Labour Government will have to sort out the social and economic mess this Government will inevitably leave.

Garry Parvin

Coalition cuts - the impact on High Peak, so far.

2010-07-14T11:24:00.004+01:00

Just a few examples of how Coalition cuts are already hitting the people of High Peak:

£5m - £8m lost to The Crescent development following the axing of East Midlands Development Agency.
£244,000 – lost Housing and Planning Delivery Grant, LABGI (Local Authority Business Grant Initiative) – included in HPBC budget for 2010/2011, the equivalent of approx 5% on the council tax.
£310,000 for five affordable homes on West Drive in Tintwistle.
£948,000 Kickstart funding for 30 affordable homes in Harpur Hill, Buxton.
Glossop’s new George Street Health Centre – will not perform minor operations.
Buxton's new Community Hospital – now seems unlikely to go ahead.
The Tintwistle-Mottram bypass - in all its variations.

All of these projects would also have been a boost for the local economy, for local builders and suppliers - and would have created jobs.

And then there is the individual impact on both people and businesses of the 20% VAT rise; changes to housing benefit, tax credits and job seekers allowance; the cuts in university places; the ending of the Future Jobs Fund.

St Andrews official opening 12/07/10

2010-07-12T20:22:00.003+01:00

County Councillor Dave Wilcox has this week welcomed the official opening of Hadfield St. Andrews’ new state-of-the-art building following several years of campaigning.

It was back in June 2008 when a £600,000 investment was announced by Derbyshire County Council to replace two dilapidated classrooms which at the time were according to Councillor Wilcox “well past their sell-by date”.

Councillor Wilcox this week paid particular tribute to the Headteacher and the Governors for their lobbying efforts, which had been crucial in helping him to secure funding. He also praised the builders for the cooperation they had shown to their near-neighbours, the Children’s Centre and Hadfield Nursery during the construction phase.

At the time of the announcement of funding for the school, Headteacher Andrew Cartledge said, “We are pleased that the Local Authority and elected members have recognised the need for modernisation and look forward to the completion of the new classrooms.”

“This week the dream for pupils, parents and staff has been realised.” said Cllr. Wilcox. “It has not been an easy time for the school, but next term presents new opportunities and a chance to blossom.”

Following a week in which the government has announced cancellation of investment in over 700 secondary schools Councillor Wilcox said he was delighted that the St. Andrews rebuild had crept under the wire.

“When I was in charge of schools in Derbyshire under the last Conservative Government there were 800 classrooms with the roof held up by pit props.” said the Hadfield Councillor. “Buckets catching rainwater in the hall were a common feature.”

“The investment we make in schools is an indication of the value we place on educating our children. It shows we care. It shows that we want them to do well. We want them to respect their school, their environment and their community.”

“I hope that recent announcements by the new Secretary of State are not an indication that we are heading back to the bad old days.”

Leadership Supporting Nomination

2010-07-12T20:09:00.000+01:00

At the constituency meeting last Friday (9th July), the constituency decided not to make a supporting nomination to any of the leadership candidates.

We did however make the following nominations to candidates standing in the following internal elections :

National Executive Committee : Ann Black, Ellie Reeves, Peter Wheeler, Jon Wiseman, Ken Livingstone

National Treasurer : Diane Holland

National Policy Forum – Bex Bailey

Leadership Nomination

2010-07-02T14:26:00.000+01:00

The High Peak Constituency Labour Party will decide whether to make a supporting nomination to one of the leadership candidates at it meeting on the evening of Friday 9th July 2010.

This meeting is open to all members of the Labour Party within the High Peak.

For further information please contact Anthony Mckeown, Email secretary@labourhighpeak.info Tel 01457 866688 or 07801 708166

Warm welcome to new Mayor

2010-05-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Whitfield Labour Councillor Graham Oakley who was elected as Mayor of the High Peak on Tuesday.

Graham who has been a councillor for Whitfield since the 2007 elections has previously servered as a councillor in Simmondley and was until his recent retirement a teacher at the Duke of Norfolk School in Glossop.

Defeated but defiant

2010-05-09T09:53:00.000+01:00

Speaking after Thursday's general election which saw the Conservatives win the High Peak parliamentary seat, Labour candidate Caitlin Bisknell said: "I want to thank everyone who voted for me - and everyone who worked and campaigned so hard for me, Labour Party members, non members, family and friends.

“This has been an election like no other I have known, the local picture on the ground has been very different to the national picture. It has not just been about the national debates – people in High Peak were – are – interested in local issues and local candidates.

"The pundits and pollsters expected us to lose heavily in the High Peak, but we have not, and Andrew Bingham's majority is half that gained by Tom Levitt when Labour took the seat in 1997. We said that voting LibDem in High Peak would put the Tories in, and that’s exactly what has happened.

"Locally I am sure that the Conservatives will be on a high, but across the country, more people voted against the policies they put forward than voted for them."

"In the last couple of months as I traveled around High Peak on the campaign trail I have lost count of the number of people, from young parents to pensioners, who went out of their way to tell me why they supported Labour. It has opened even my eyes to the benefits that a Labour government has brought to High Peak.

“Whether this parliament lasts four months or four years, I will continue to work with local people across the High Peak, to address their concerns and win back High Peak for Labour."

The message in High Peak is simple: Vote LABOUR

2010-05-05T01:47:00.000+01:00

This election has been an election like no other I can remember – and I’ve seen a few!

Never has there been the level of public and media scrutiny. In High Peak alone the candidates from the three main parties have attended seven public hustings. Emails have flooded in – from individuals and national organisations, and round robin campaigns on a variety of issues. Suddenly we are expected to be experts on everything,.

It’s thrilling, its exciting, exhilarating – and exhausting – quite a rollercoaster, and the ride is nearly its final turn.

Policies are important – Labour has transformed education from free nursery places and sure starts to increased numbers at university; NHS waiting lists down from 18months, to 18 weeks and often less; more police and community safety officers making our streets safer. The National Minimum Wage.

We have not always got it right – we have not, yet, done all we hoped to do – but we are looking forward to a more equally and greener future for all.

However, at the end of the day the bottom line will always be about votes: and in High Peak a vote for the LibDems, will see High Peak handed back to the Tories.

It’s not just me saying it now – or even the local Labour Party. Yesterday (May 4) the Daily Mirror came out and recommended its readers in High Peak to vote Labour to keep the Tories out.

On Saturday The Guardian, while backing the LibDems nationally, said that in Labour-Tory marginals like High Peak, Labour is the party to vote for, as does the Vote for A Change website.

Statement from PAD endorsing Caitlin

2010-05-05T01:11:00.003+01:00

Thank you very much for responding to the Protecting Animals in Democracy policy questionnaire.

We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to endorse you as the best voting option in your constituency to protect millions of animals from the cruelty of bloodsports, intensive farming and painful experiments.

You can view our endorsement by visiting www.vote4animals.org.uk/constituency.htm and clicking on your constituency.

We believe that the way we treat animals is a fundamental indication of the state of our society, and 87% of the public agree, according to a YouGov opinion poll. Your support for measures to protect animals is, therefore, a positive sign that you have the character and values much needed to stand in Parliament and help restore the integrity of our political system.

We wish you the very best of luck in the General Election, and we hope we can work with you in the next Parliament to build a more compassionate society where animals are treated as individuals worthy of respect rather than expendable objects to be exploited and abused.

Sixty Seconds

2010-05-03T17:41:00.000+01:00

A bit more about Caitlin

2010-04-29T17:41:00.000+01:00

Get to know Caitlin a little better, in conversation with local activist's

Why I'm Voting Labour on Thursday 6th May

2010-04-29T13:31:00.000+01:00

Labour opposes budget built on £1m wish list of savings

2010-03-03T11:56:00.000Z

High Peak Labour Group last night voted against the budget proposed by High Peak Borough Council.

Labour Group Leader, Councillor Caitlin Bisknell said: “We cannot vote for a budget which is based on a wish list of around £1m savings.

“The council is just building up a bank of debts – to add the council’s burgeoning portfolio of borrowing.

“The council had initially worked out its budget on 2.5% increase, but at the last minute has decided to dip its hands into the council coffers and use £54,690 from reserves, so that it can match Derbyshire County Council’s council tax increase – the council equivalent of keeping up with the Joneses.”

This years budget papers, though copious, actually give very little detail about how money will be spent – nor about how the savings will be made.

“You cannot make savings of £1m without there being cuts to services and staff somewhere down the line,” she added.

“In addition we now know that considerable sums need to be spent on Glossop Town Hall – so much so that the project has been dropped from the council’s building programme altogether, for the time being at least.

Another two other capital programmes have had their funding reduced.

• Derbyshire County Council has more than halved its likely contribution, from £750,000 to £330,000, to the Customer First programme of one stop shops.

• An expected grant of £90,000 from DDEP (Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership) towards Pavilion Gardens is no longer anticipated.

And the report contains is a hidden warning of increases in fees and charges, maybe not this year but in the future. Hiding behind an Audit Commission report councillors are told that is very clear that the role and importance of fees and charges will further increase in the medium -term.

The report also warns councillors that the capital investment proposals included in the programme will result not only in increased borrowing costs; but also extra revenue costs following completion of schemes.

Caitlin for High Peak

2010-02-01T14:07:00.002Z

SelectionJan10 005
Originally uploaded by AnthonyMck

Caitlin Bisknell has been selected as Labour’s new parliamentary candidate for High Peak following a gruelling selection process.

Labour Party members from across the High Peak including Tom Levitt MP gathered together at a hustings event in Whaley Bridge on Saturday to put the shortlisted candidates for the parliamentary selection to one final test before picking a new candidate.

The selection process saw the two shortlisted candidates speak and be questioned at various venues in the High Peak. Caitlin Bisknell was announced on Saturday as the High Peak Labour Party's newly selected parliamentary candidate following a ballot of all party members in the constituency.

Speaking after the announcement of the result at the hustings event in Whaley Bridge, procedures secretary Cllr Anthony Mckeown said: "Both of our shortlisted candidates have been tested and following a vote of all local party members Cllr Caitlin Bisknell has been overwhelmingly selected as the High Peak Labour Party's new candidate."

Labour's newly selected parliamentary candidate Caitlin Bisknell thanked party members for their support. "I am delighted to have been selected – it’s a huge honour and privilege, but now the work really starts to make sure that we retain this seat for Labour in the general election.

“The worst of the recession now seems to be over, and the opinion polls are already closing, this election is wide open and I will be fighting every step of the way to win an historic fourth term for Labour locally and nationally.”

The process now has to be ratified by the Labour Party's head office, but Caitlin and local members will be getting on with the jobs of getting Caitlin elected to parliament to take over from Tom Levitt MP.

Selection Process nears its end

2010-01-26T20:27:00.000Z

Labour Party members from across the High Peak came together on Saturday for an opportunity to grill the shortlisted candidates for the Parliamentary Selection that is currently underway to replace Tom Levitt MP.

The two shortlisted candidates Cllr Caitlin Bisknell and Lorraine Warwick took questions on a wide range of subjects ranging from pensions to education and everything else in between.

The two events that took place last Saturday at either end of the constituency are warm-ups for the final stage of the selection process this Saturday’s hustings event which will take place in Whaley Bridge.

CLP Procedures Secretary Anthony Mckeown said “Our shortlisted candidates took a wide of question from the members that attended Saturday’s event, all in preparation for this coming Saturday’s husting where the candidates will need to prove the public speaking abilities along with been able to respond to rapid questioning”

Parliamentary Selection Update

2010-01-22T10:04:00.000Z

On Monday evening (18th January) the executive committee agreed a shortlist of two to go forward to the meet the members and hustings event.

Details will be with elegable members in the next day or so of both candidates and how they vote (this has been slightly delayed while issues around the hustings venue were considered)

The next stage of the process is this Saturday's meet the member events taking place in both Buxton and Glossop, followed by next Saturday's hustings event.

Further details on the process are available from Anthony Mckeown.

Welcome for new homes in Tintwistle

2010-01-19T12:04:00.001Z

News that the Labour Government is to invest £310,000 to provide new council homes for rent in Tintwistle, has been welcomed by High Peak Labour Group.

Leader of the Borough’s Labour Group, Cllr Caitlin Bisknell, said: “This is very welcome news indeed and is about more than providing new home, it’s about investing in our communities.

“Most local people are aware of the need for more affordable homes in the area, but this funding also requires that council’s offer new jobs and apprenticeships to local people as part of the building programme and that all the homes will be highly energy efficient.”

Cllr Bisknell added: “This whole package shows just how serious the Labour Government is about improving the lives of hardworking people in the Tintwistle area. Nothing can be more fundamental for people than a decent job and a decent home to live in.

“Labour’s actions are in stark contrast to the Tories' proposals for slashing spending on affordable housing – which would have seen £800m less invested in housing in the past year alone.”

The scheme has already been welcomed locally and received planning permission before Christmas. It will involve knocking down some old garages and building a mix of two and three bed roomed homes on the site, a pair of semi-detached and a terrace of three homes.

Housing minister John Healey said: “More affordable homes for rent are needed in every part of the country. Our Labour government is using the power of public investment to help economic growth by building the homes we need and creating jobs and skills for the future. And we must get the most for every taxpayer’s pound, so I am requiring all councils getting this government money to offer new jobs and apprenticeships to local people”.

The Borough’s most recent assessment of affordable housing showed that most needed types of houses in Glossopdale were two and three bedroomed homes.
The cash boost is as part of the second round of the Government’s Local Authority New Build Funding programme - the largest council house building programme for nearly twenty years. Nationally the scheme will see 4000 new council homes built, with housing for more than 8000 people.

Parliamentary Selection Process - Self nomination Stage

2010-01-04T20:25:00.000Z

The first stage of the selection process to select a new Labour Party parliamentary candidate for the High Peak is now under way, and self nominations are now been accepted.

If you are a female member of the Labour Party, and would like to be considered as a candidate in this selection process, you can self nominate to be considered by completing the CV application form available from the membersnet section of the Labour Party website or by email from either our procedures secretary or Labour Party Regional Office.

For further information please contact our procedures secretary Anthony Mckeown – Email secretary@labourhighpeak.info

This first stage / the period for self nomination end’s on Monday 11th January at 12.00noon

Selection Timetable

2009-12-20T16:04:00.000Z

The High Peak Constituency Labour Party has now agreed a timetable for the selection of a new parliamentary candidate for the next general election.

The selection will be carried out by a one member, one vote process with an all women shortlist.

The first stage is self nomination as detailed below, followed by meet the member events and the final stage of the process the Husting's.

Further details on the process will be on the way to Party Member’s in the High Peak shortly and further information on the process is available from our procedures secretary Anthony Mckeown.

Self Nomination

If you are a female member of the Labour Party, and would like to be considered as a candidate in this selection process, you can self nominate to be considered by completing the CV application form. Please contact our procedures secretary Anthony Mckeown for further information.

The period for self nomination closes on Monday 11th January at 12.00noon.

First steps in selection process

2009-12-01T12:01:00.002Z

The High Peak Labour Party took the first steps in selecting a new candidate to replace Tom Levitt MP on Friday, (27th November) when it requested that the selection process be an all women shortlist.

Constituency Chair Alan Barrow said “At our meeting on Friday an overwhelming majority of member present favoured an all women shortlist.”

Alan continued “With several examples of high performing women locally including former Chapel County Cllr Anne Western now leader of the labour group on the county council and the current leader and deputy leader of the borough’s labour group it was an easy decision to reach”

Procedure Secretary Cllr Anthony Mckeown said “Our local decision now goes to the national party for agreement and a timetable for the selection will then be put in place”

It is hoped that an early decision will be received from the national party allowing the process to get Tom’s replacement to be completed as soon as possible.

Statement from the High Peak Labour Party over Tom Levitt MP

2009-11-12T09:50:00.000Z

Chair of High Peak Constituency Labour Party, Alan Barrow said:

I am sorry to hear the decision Tom has made. It has been his decision alone, with no pressure from the constituency party.

Tom is a very hardworking MP for the people of High Peak and in his active support for various good causes.

Many people have told us that they respect him as a good, honest constituency MP.

I wish Tom and Teresa all the best for their future.

Preparations are now underway to select a new candidate as soon as possible.

Tom Levitt MP

2009-11-12T09:41:00.000Z

Tom Levitt MP has made the following statement this morning :

Tom Levitt last night sent the following statement by email to Labour Party members in the High Peak:
“Next year I will have completed 27 years in public life, 13 of which have been as the Member of Parliament for High Peak. On April 21, I will become High Peak’s longest serving MP since the Second World War. It has been a huge privilege to represent the constituency in the House of Commons and I have enjoyed every minute of it, but it is time for me to move on.

“I have informed the Labour Party that I shall not be a candidate at the next general election. After the current Parliament I would like to spend more time with my wife, our children and grandchildren. I would also like to do something different in the work environment. Between now and the election I will work as hard as ever, both to support my constituents and help secure a fourth term for Labour in government.

“The last six months have been torrid. Rightly, MPs have suffered collective as well as individual criticism for the scandalous mess of parliamentary allowances. Steps are now being taken to stop MPs deciding on our own expenses, pay and conditions ever again. This is the right thing to do. We need to demonstrate that a line has been drawn. New levels of transparency, compliance and enforcement can restore confidence in Parliament and the democratic system.

“I am proud to serve the people of High Peak in Parliament and I have done my best to be diligent on behalf of constituents. I have also been committed to legislation which, I believe, has improved life for ordinary people in High Peak and elsewhere. There is still much which needs to be done and I will continue to work for the people of High Peak until this Parliament is dissolved.

“I thank so many people in communities across High Peak for their support, indulgence and friendship over 20 years. This group extends beyond my natural political allies. My proudest memories will be the acquisition of the Devonshire Royal site for the University of Derby and the central role of High Peak in the pursuit of the historic right to roam.”

Today is voting day!

2009-06-04T08:15:00.002+01:00

Today is election day for the County Council and European Parliament.

Polls are open from 7am to 10pm - it takes five minutes or so to cast a vote once you've arrived at the polling station.

If you can’t find your pollcard, don’t worry You don't need it to vote - just give your name and address to the clerk in the polling station.

You will be give 2 ballot papers, one for the county council election’s, the other for the European elections.

In the European elections there are 13 parties contesting the elections in our region, for the county council elections there will be 3 or 4 parties standing for election in each seat.

Although we elect five Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the East Midlands, the system used means you have ONE vote - for a party or the independent - and that party chooses which of its candidates become MEPs depending on how many votes it gets across region.

The candidates are listed on the ballot paper in the order they will be elected underneath each party's name and description.

For the county council elections your ballot paper lists each candidate with the party’s name and description at the side.

If you're not sure where you vote - and you can only vote in one polling station in the area, you can contact the council on 0845 129 77 77 for details.

Well dressing

2009-04-08T09:56:00.001+01:00

County Councillor Dave Wilcox this week helped secure a Tintwistle tradition
with a grant to the annual well dressing organisers from his community
leadership scheme.

The £500 donation is in addition to the £250 which he also made available to
the Tintwistle community group which has grown steadily since the parish
council offices were transferred to Sexton Street.

"Well dressing is unique to Derbyshire." said the Tintwistle Councillor.".
"It's important that we keep the tradition alive. It involves a lot of
community effort and some considerable design skills."

Whereas the Tintwistle well dressing has recently been held in September,
this year it is planned to coincide with Tintwistle Gala Day on.

"I've also made a small donation from the Derbyshire community fund to the
community group in recognition of the important social interaction and
artistic work that now takes place on Sexton Street." he said

"In particular I'd like to pay tribute to parish councillors and Borough
Councillor Cynthia Mitchell for the effort that they have put in to make the
Tuesday and Wednesday meetings so successful."

"No one should doubt the advantages that arise from regular social
engagement. Even in the winter months attendance has been good and there's a
pleasant and welcoming buzz whenever you call. Nice cakes too!"

Hadfield Playgroup

2009-04-08T09:56:00.000+01:00

A grant from County Councillor Dave Wilcox's Community Priorities Programme
Fund has helped secure the future of Hadfield Playgroup and saved it from
threat of closure.

The £6,000 grant was handed to the group by the Hadfield Councillor
following representations from parents and the playgroup committee.

"Without this money we'd have had to close in July." said playgroup
supervisor Michelle Woolhead. "Now we have a new opportunity. It's the best
Easter present we could have been given"

Councillor Wilcox said he had always supported the playgroup.

"When my daughter was two and a half, I used to sit on the playgroup
committee. I learned a great deal from staff and mothers alike about the
value that quality play adds to children's experience. I'm glad to have had
the opportunity to make a difference this time and help to keep the
playgroup ticking for the next couple of years at least."

"Dave has been very helpful in our campaign to keep the play group open,"
said playgroup assistant Nichola Grey. "Our new play area is fantastic and
the children love being out doors."

The grant is part of a ground breaking scheme that allows local councillors
to identify priorities in their electoral patches, and more importantly,
also to make an investment to make a difference

The money is being given to initiatives that will make the biggest
difference to communities, aiming to reduce poverty, tackle crime and
improve health.

Councillor Wilcox said: "Helping children get the best start in life is of
great importance and making sure they have access to good quality childcare
is part of that. The funding will go towards providing plenty of fun
activities to help them learn and develop new skills in a safe environment.
It will also help to pay for extra resources and training for drama, music,
arts, crafts and much more."