<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Councilbust &#187; Labour</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.councilbust.com/tag/labour/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.councilbust.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:52:41 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4</generator>
		<item>
		<title>OPINION: Is UKIP anti-Tory or just running scared?</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/04/11/opinion-is-ukip-anti-tory-or-just-running-scared/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/04/11/opinion-is-ukip-anti-tory-or-just-running-scared/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:22:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Comment & Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Independents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Liberal Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1913</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 surprise to him as it is to anyone else. So why then? Perhaps it’s because UKIP simply doesn’t think it can win much. People are tired of UKIP. The idea of pulling out of the EU has such a naive late nineties feel to it that it’s hard for anyone to imagine many people seriously entertaining it. People generally realise that the UK’s role in the EU is a little more complicated than nasty old Brussels telling poor, hardworking John Bull what shape his cucumbers can be, and that the UK gets a pretty good deal out of the EU in many ways, subsidies being one of the biggies. Then again, I’m not so sure. A quick scan of newspaper comment boards online will show you some people still believe the answer to everything, from the recession to the length of the queue at the Post [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/04/11/opinion-is-ukip-anti-tory-or-just-running-scared/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Council candidate abandoned ‘backstabber’ Tories after ‘X Factor’ Kursaal vote</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/01/06/council-candidate-abandoned-%e2%80%98backstabber%e2%80%99-tories-after-%e2%80%98x-factor%e2%80%99-kursaal-vote/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/01/06/council-candidate-abandoned-%e2%80%98backstabber%e2%80%99-tories-after-%e2%80%98x-factor%e2%80%99-kursaal-vote/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:52:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kursaal Ward]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[X-Factor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1881</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 able to vote for the person they would most like to see as their Conservative candidate in May’s local election. Residents were able to apply to attend a public meeting, hosted by the Kursaal Conservative Committee, at which they could vote for Neil Austin, James Courtenay or Joseph Saunders to run for the seat. Speaking to Councilbust.com, Saunders revealed he won the public vote, but quickly turned down the opportunity to run for the Tories, and was replaced by Neil Austin. “I did win the public selection in October; however I felt like I never really fitted in with the Tories because of my lower class background,” said Saunders. “I found the people in the Tories to be only out for themselves. I also found there to be too many backstabbers within the party and as a candidate for local council you want to do your best for [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2011/01/06/council-candidate-abandoned-%e2%80%98backstabber%e2%80%99-tories-after-%e2%80%98x-factor%e2%80%99-kursaal-vote/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Exclusive: Cllr lifts lid on ‘psychopathic’ attacks</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/12/16/exclusive-cllr-lifts-lid-on-%e2%80%98psychopathic%e2%80%99-attacks/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/12/16/exclusive-cllr-lifts-lid-on-%e2%80%98psychopathic%e2%80%99-attacks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:13:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Liberal Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Public spending cuts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend Council]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1870</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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&#8217;s totally frustrating that we are getting well recognised as a council, shortlisted for Council of the Year and deferred to by other local authorities and top &#8220;excellent&#8221; recognition for aspects of our Adult Social Care, but it is not enough for some. The critics are out and continue to treat the council as some sort of board game, with the aim of undermining it at every turn.   The abuse meted out on many websites to current cabinet members is simply unacceptable and the ‘pushing until someone falls’ philosophy is not just undemocratic but psychopathic in its obsessive nature.   The cuts are undoubtedly harmful, but so is the £155bn deficit which won&#8217;t be found anytime soon. The working parties have involved all members; nobody should blame Labour members of the council, at least not personally, for what has occurred. However, Labour has so far declined to take part, and this should be regretted by everyone else. The community wants things to happen but a minority are split among crusades to [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/12/16/exclusive-cllr-lifts-lid-on-%e2%80%98psychopathic%e2%80%99-attacks/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Exclusive: Opposition budget reactions</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/24/exclusive-opposition-budget-reactions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/24/exclusive-opposition-budget-reactions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:54:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr David Norman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Graham Longley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Martin Terry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emergency Budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1773</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 produce the most difficult budget ever. “Working as a coalition meant that the budget would be a compromise not only for the LibDems but also for the Tories. “Many of us who may not be happy with the idea of working with the Tories feel that if we are able to prevent the extreme Tory policies then we will have achieved a level of success. “The Labour Party though, made it easy for us in leaving behind one of the largest budget deficits in Europe with our public finances in a catastrophic state; much worse than expected. “In the past, efforts to tackle a big deficit have always hit the poorest the most. “The coalition has ensured that – for the first time – this will not happen. “The richest will pay the most, while pensioners and children will be protected. “The LibDems have been instrumental [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/24/exclusive-opposition-budget-reactions/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Cllr Gilbert: ‘high rise is not the answer’</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/10/cllr-gilbert-%e2%80%98high-rise-is-not-the-answer%e2%80%99/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/10/cllr-gilbert-%e2%80%98high-rise-is-not-the-answer%e2%80%99/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:02:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Affordable Housing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Anna Waite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Ian Gilbert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tower Blocks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Victoria]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1680</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 on conservation areas. Cllr Gilbert was quick to oppose this view. He said: “Almost inevitably Councillor Waite’s view will mean more proposals for tower blocks in Victoria Ward. “It just goes to reinforce my opinion that the Conservatives pay far more attention to the living standards of people in places like Leigh or Thorpe than they do to those of people living close to the town centre. “Quite frankly I would rather see a modest intensification fairly spread in different parts of the borough than more high-rise development in the centre of town. “I have always supported sensible development of affordable housing whether it is in Victoria Ward or elsewhere. I’ve recently supported reasonable housing developments in North Road and Sweyne Avenue for example. “High-rise is not the answer.”]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/06/10/cllr-gilbert-%e2%80%98high-rise-is-not-the-answer%e2%80%99/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Southend councillors make light of Conservative-Liberal coalition</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/13/southend-councillors-make-light-of-conservative-liberal-coalition/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/13/southend-councillors-make-light-of-conservative-liberal-coalition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 21:03:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Council]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservatives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Liberal Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1534</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 an outright majority in the House of Commons. In today’s proceedings, attitudes to the coalition were lighthearted. Cllr Nigel Holdcroft, Conservative leader of the Council, kicked off the ceremony by introducing his ten newly or re-elected councillors. At the end of the introductions Cllr Holdcroft said “In the spirit of national politics, I offered to introduce the Liberal Democrat councillors, but I don’t think Cllr Longley wants me to do that.” Labour leader Cllr David Norman, who was also elected deputy mayor today, said during his nomination of Cllr Ann Holland as the new mayor, “I almost expected Cllr Holdcroft and Cllr Longley to be sitting side by side today.” Cllr Graham Longley, the Liberal Democrat group leader, said during his speech of thanks to the outgoing Liberal Democrat mayor Brian Smith “Brian has been working with the Tories for some time; I wonder where Cameron [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/13/southend-councillors-make-light-of-conservative-liberal-coalition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Conservatives control Southend Council</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/07/southend-local-election-results-conservatives-regain-council-control/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/07/southend-local-election-results-conservatives-regain-council-control/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 May 2010 13:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Independents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Liberal Democrats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southend Local Election Results]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1437</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 Democrats took Independent Tania Painton&#8217;s seat in Westborough, whilst the Independents took Conservative Daphne White&#8217;s seat in Thorpe.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/07/southend-local-election-results-conservatives-regain-council-control/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>On the campaign trail with Kevin Bonavia</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/05/southend-election-on-the-campaign-trail-with-kevin-bonavia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/05/southend-election-on-the-campaign-trail-with-kevin-bonavia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 May 2010 13:58:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Election 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kevin Bonavia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rochford and Southend East]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1332</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/05/southend-election-on-the-campaign-trail-with-kevin-bonavia/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SKIPP condemns vandalism on Anna Waite’s home</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/skipp-condemns-vandalism-on-anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/skipp-condemns-vandalism-on-anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 13:56:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Anna Waite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cuckoo Corner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SKIPP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vandalism]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1309</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 campaigns against the redevelopment work around the town, and the group has called for her resignation on a number of occasions. Today, SKIPP representatives condemned the vandalism committed against Cllr Waite last week, in which an unknown vandal painted “VOTE LABOUR” across an outside wall at her home. SKIPP is also concerned that their condemnation of the vandalism has not been reported in the local press, which they feel is unfair. A SKIPP spokesperson told Councilbust.com: “We totally condemn this action. “Despite our differences with Cllr Waite, this was a personal attack on her and we hope the perpetrators are quickly caught and punished for their moronic and malicious actions. “Unfortunately Cllr Waite has elected to imply our involvement in suggesting [the vandalism] was linked with Victoria Circus and Priory Crescent. “We resent this cheap shot. As a highly respected organisation SKIPP maintains far higher ethical standards [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/skipp-condemns-vandalism-on-anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Anna Waite’s home subjected to “mindless vandalism”</title>
		<link>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home-subjected-to-%e2%80%9cmindless-vandalism%e2%80%9d/</link>
		<comments>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home-subjected-to-%e2%80%9cmindless-vandalism%e2%80%9d/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 May 2010 11:48:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel Charman, Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Transport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cllr Anna Waite]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Conservative]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cuckoo Corner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Labour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vandalism]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.councilbust.com/?p=1302</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 Priory Park (SKIPP) disrupted proceedings and chanted “Waite out! I’d rather hug a tree than Anna Waite!” and other similar comments. Vandals wrote “VOTE LABOUR” along Cllr Waite’s Grade II listed wall in orange paint. Cllr Waite wrote on her blog: “I have spoken to Cllr Norman (Leader of the Labour group) who was very supportive and I don’t imagine for one moment that it was the work of any official or organised Labour effort. “Rather I do think this is the direct result of the untrue, exaggerated and often very personal ‘claims’ that some desperate groups have made recently. “This mindless vandalism  is a very sad reflection on whoever did this. “It caused us little difficulty and was gone by mid-morning but speaks volumes about the mentality of some people.” The police have been notified about the issue. Labour candidates Kevin Bonavia (Rochford and Southend East) [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.councilbust.com/2010/05/04/anna-waite%e2%80%99s-home-subjected-to-%e2%80%9cmindless-vandalism%e2%80%9d/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

