26/04/07 - Labour MP In A Muddle

Our two Labour MP's are elected to be our voices in Westminster, putting Swindon first.

In recent times local residents have grown increasingly frustrated that they are avoiding tackling the key national issues (which they were elected to) such as: rising taxes, pension crisis, Iraq war etc - instead focusing on the performance of Swindon Council.  Whilst it is perhaps understandable that they are ashamed to address the sorry mess they are making nationally you would think if they are to focus on Swindon Council they can at least get the basic facts right!

In a debate in the House of Commons on 24th April 2007 the North Swindon Labour MP bemoaned the performance of Swindon Council, which he claimed was in Conservative control since 2001. 

During 2001 and 2004, Swindon Council was the joint worst in the UK.

Swindon residents know better.  You only have to look at the annual local election results to see that it wasn't until 2004 that the Conservatives gained a majority (ending Labour's 25 year rule).  Local Government is no different to National Government - the Party with the overall majority will win all the votes - very, very simple.

Either the MP is:

• Confused about his years / local election results
• Hopes people will blame the Conservatives for Labour's mess

If only they were a little more interested in Swindon Council when it was the joint worst in the UK - failing us, the local residents.  No wonder four Labour Councillors in Swindon have joined the Conservatives - it is only the Conservatives who are working all year round to improve Swindon, no excuses.