A candidate for the Kursaal ward seat turned down the chance to run as the Conservative contender because he found his ‘lower class background’ to be incompatible with the party’s ideology. In October 2010, local conservatives ran a vote within the Kursaal ward, which they branded an ‘X Factor style’ competition. Local residents were...
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In an exclusive insider column, an anonymous Southend councillor lifts the lid on the fractures within the council and the administration’s effort to steer the town through the austerity cuts. It’s totally frustrating that we are getting well recognised as a council, shortlisted for Council of the Year and deferred to by other local...
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The leaders of the opposing parties in Southend Council have spoken to Councilbust.com of their reaction to Tuesday’s budget. Cllr Graham Longley (left), leader of the Liberal Democrats, was positive in his approach. He told Councilbust.com: “Liberal Democrats, as part of a coalition government joined with the Tories today in a progressive alliance to...
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Ian Gilbert, Labour councillor for Victoria ward, has opposed Cllr Anna Waite on tower blocks as solutions to the affordable housing shortage. Cllr Waite said on her blog that well-designed high rise blocks of flats in the town centre would take the pressure off the housing market, make housing more affordable, and avoid building...
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At today’s ceremony in which Cllr Ann Holland became Southend’s new mayor, councillors from all parties cracked jokes about the new coalition between Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and Liberal Democrat deputy Nick Clegg. On Tuesday, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats formed a government together after all the major parties failed to win...
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By Rachel Charman After a successful local election, the Conservatives have increased their majority by two seats. There are now 27 Conservatives, 12 Liberal Democrats, seven Independents, four Labour councillors, and one non-aligned Independent councillor. Labour lost two seats; one in the Kursaal ward, and one in St Lukes. Both seats were lost to the Conservatives. The Liberal...
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With just one more day left until Britain goes to the polls, Councilbust.com editor Rachel Charman meets Rochford and Southend East Labour candidate Kevin Bonavia.
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By Rachel Charman The Saxon King in Priory Park (SKIPP) pressure group, which opposes the development of Cuckoo Corner and Victoria Circus, has spoken out over the vandalism of Cllr Anna Waite’s home. Cllr Waite is the Council’s portfolio holder for transport and planning in Southend. She has been targeted in some of SKIPP’s...
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By Rachel Charman During the night of 29th April, vandals attacked the home of Executive Councillor for Transport and Planning Anna Waite. Cllr Waite has attracted criticism this year due to the redevelopment of Cuckoo Corner, Priory Crescent and other areas of the town. In the last Council meeting, members of Saxon King In...
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OPINION: Is UKIP anti-Tory or just running scared?
Today’s Echo brings food for thought. Local UKIP chairman James Moyies announced the party will not put up any candidates where the Independents are standing. Is it some kind of arranged pact? It doesn’t look like it, if Independent leader Martin Terry’s comments are anything to go by. Apparently, it’s as much of a...
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Tags: Conservatives, Independents, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Southend
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