Good news – not only will this blog stay online (after considerable thought) but with a desire to refocus and do something new, I have a new site which will be available in a couple of days time

blog.londonliberal.org.uk

Not too much point in clicking on it yet, as the domain is in process of server propagation and will not be available generally until Friday.

So what will this new site be all about?

In no aprticular order or preference:

• LibDem activities in London
• Reports about our GLA AM’s and what they are up to
• Guest contibutors and articles from AM’s, MP’s and councillors
• London campaign issues
• and more things which are all plastered on post-it notes on my wall at the moment

If you are a London LibDem and want to be a contributor, have thoughts on what should be featured (a campaign you are interested in etc) or have any comments in general, please post a reply or contact me on Twitter @ChrisLibDemNW1 and lets talk about it!

I look forward to hearing from you all soon.

Thanks

chris

I have just been on LBC 97.3 talking to Iain Dale re this – in my opinion, yes he should have as he was not entitled to the expenses.

As one of Iain’s bloggers on his election night show, I was commentating on David’s resignation from a social media point of view. It has been interesting to note the number of Labour Twitterers who are condeming his expenses claims (although they have short memories re their own MP’s expenses claims) and conversely, the number of Tory twitterers who are supporting David and expressing their sorrow in his decision to resign.

Would the position be different if Labour and LibDem where in a coalition? Probably they would be singing a different song, but this is politics and they are making what little gains they can.

David Laws did the right thing in referring his expenses to the Parliamentary Standards Commisioner as from 2006, the regulations governing second homes expenses changed and he was no longer entitled to claim this particular expense.

The ‘outing’ of David was unfortunate. Should this have happened? No. His sexuality has nothing to do with his ability to perform as an MP and I feel that private life is just that – private.

It would appear that he will probably be back in the cabinet in the near future though. I think he has retained the confidence of his peers (within the coalition that is – not sure about the Labour MP’s- they are too busy trying to find a new leader, god help us!)

As for any MP’s who end up in the same position as David Laws – look, listen and learn. There is NO room for expenses scandals in this government and any other MP’s should follow his example and stand down from their cabinet/shadow cabinet positions.

Iain Dale has revealed an ‘exclusive’ on his blog tonight (although a fair few of us had wind of this a day or so ago) in that Sir Menzies Campbell is mounting a campaign to secure the position of Speaker of the House.

Ming has let it be known that he is willing to be included as a possible alternative to Bercow in an email due to be sent out to all MPs tomorrow morning by Labour MP Kate Hoey and Conservative MP Nadine Dorries.

Will he win? There is certainly a lack of support in the current Speaker, although will the House have the courage to firstly rebel against him (life for any member who does and the bid is unsuccessful would be difficult when the speaker was returned to office) and secondly, does the House want a LibDem as the Speaker?

I certainly would like to see a LibDem as the Speaker of the House, if for nothing more than to redress the balance and provide an opportunity for us to exercise some control over the day to day business of the House.

I for one will be watching the outcome with interest.

Here is a very quick analysis of the voting record for Theresa May (as recorded in Hansard). (clue: her votes are in RED - minority means NO, or in other words, against the bill)

NOT impressive is it?

Even more, if you start looking at where she has voted against the Tory whip, it is even more scary. For instance, she was a rebel against the Tory vote of Aye for reformation of the Upper House.

A more detailed analysis of her voting record will come in a day or so, along with a comparison against the new cabinet, so we can see where they all stand on issues which to LibDems and others, are important!

I am intrigued with how Cameron is going to address in intrinsic homophobia which exists within the Tory party, now he is in coalition with the LibDems who are the most welcoming party to LGBT people. Chris Grayling and Philippa Stroud come to mind, as well as IDS’s ties to Stroud (which in itself is worrying) and as for Theresa May’s voting record on LGBT issues, well that is another (planned) post, in which I will investigate how she has voted in regards LGBT legislation, including the repeal of s28, equalisation of the age of consent, the equalities act etc…

From what I recall, her voting record does not exactly inspire confidence and in her new role as Home Secretary, this is worrying. However, if the past Labour Home Secretary’s are anything to go by, the role itself is akin to a poisoned chalice and perhaps will be her un-doing!