Norman Baker v Martin Perry - DYNAMITE radio...

[Jameson]

Baker is part of the "do nothing and make no change party" - he apposes everything from Falmer to putting in decent, safe roads that stop people being slaughtered on their way to work. I really wonder how people like him continue to get elected into power.

I sometimes think that the people of Sussex are totally selfish self centred NIMBYs. Otherwise how would people like Baker get elected?

I really like the idea of putting up an alternative candidate - perhaps an Independent MP. Don't forget his constituency is not just Lewes - it goes up to and includes Polegate. Anyone up for it?

 

[balloonboy]

I would certainly contribute to getting something like that off the ground. I completely agree with your sentiments. I work in the aviation business, and if the Lib Dems had their way no-one would fly anywhere, and the UK would be light years behind the rest of Europe in just about everything. I suppose at least we'd have wind powered floodlights at Withdean, though - even if we'd have to kick off early on calm days.

 

[Jameson]

How expensive is it to put up a candidate? I think the cost of the deposit was increased recently to disuade scurrilous campaigns. Ther must be enough Albion fans between Lewes, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Polegate to vote in sufficient numbers to threaten Baker. Also, pleanty of people who want a new A27 built.

2001 ELECTION RESULTS
Seat: Lewes
Turnout: 45,433 (69%)
Liberal Democrats: 25,588 (56%)
Conservative: 15,878 (35%)
Labour: 3,317 (7%)
Swing: 9.4% Conservative to Liberal Democrat

Biography

Norman Baker MP for Lewes was born in Aberdeen in 1957.

The younger of two brothers, he moved to Hornchurch Essex in 1968 before attending London University, where he secured a degree in German as well as running one of the college bars.

Between university and his election in 1997, Norman held a variety of jobs, Regional Executive Director of Our Price Records, clerk at Hornsey railway station, manager of a wine shop and teacher of English as a Foreign Language.

From 1989 to 1990, Norman worked in the House of Commons as the Lib Dems Environment Campaigner and through 1991 worked as a constituency organiser for the Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne.

He was first elected to his local councils - Lewes District and Beddingham Parish - in 1987, almost ten years to the day before his election to Parliament. His district election unseated the Tory leader. In 1989, he secured a large swing to take the county council division of Telscombe for the first time for the Lib Dems. In 1991, as group leader, he led the Lib Dems to victory in the District Council elections and became the first ever Lib Dem leader of the Council, a post he held from 1991 to his parliamentary victory in 1997.

From 1993 to 1997, he also chaired the Economic Development and Public Transport sub-committees on East Sussex County Council. He also represented the County within the Assembly of European Regions, chairing the Tourism and Rural Affairs Committee.

His 1997 victory in the Parliamentary contest for Lewes was his second attempt at the seat. In 1992 he had secured the highest ever Lib-Dem vote and in 1997 became the first ever Liberal or Lib Dem MP and the first non-Conservative, for Lewes since 1874.

In 1997 he won the Best Newcomer MP award for his contribution to environmental issues. He has since also twice come runner up in the annual Channel 4 awards - once in the Best Questioner section and once in the Best Opposition MP section.

In 2001 he was named "Inquisitor of the Year" in the Zurich/Spectator Parliamentarian of the Year Awards.

In February 2002 he finally won the Channel 4 Opposition MP of the Year Award.

In July 2003 Norman won the RSPCA Lord Erskine Award in recognition of his tireless campaigning in the field of animal welfare. The award is in memory of Lord Erskine who successfully steered Richard Martin's Bill ' to prevent the cruel and improper treatment of cattle' through the House of Lords.

 

[Colbourne Kid]

Lord B would be a perfect candidate

 

[Jameson]

"From 1989 to 1990, Norman worked in the House of Commons as the Lib Dems Environment Campaigner and through 1991 worked as a constituency organiser for the Lib Dem MP for Eastbourne".

Ring any bells?

 

[Max's Dad]

As I've posted before, Baker and Bellotti are sniggering, nerdy troublemaking bumchums from way back when and both will go down in history as enemies of BHA. I suspect Baker has backed himself into a corner here and underestimated how much support there is for Falmer. His normal tactics are to go with the majority.

 

[balloonboy]

Email to Charles Kennedy - www.charleskennedy.org.uk/

Dear Mr Kennedy, You obviously have some major issues to tackle at the moment, but please do not ignore what is happening in Brighton & Hove. The local football club is desperate to move to a new ground at Falmer on the outskirts of the city. The move has been backed by the majority of residents who took part in a special referendum three years ago. It has also been the subject of a 60,000 signature petition. The club is currently playing in a temporary athletics stadium, after it's former ground was sold by the previous owners/directors in 1997. Unfortunately, an ex-Lib Dem MP (David Bellotti) was involved at the time, and ever since the Lib Dems have had a poor reputation in Brighton & Hove. Now another Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, is making the party even more unpopular by fighting against the club's vital move. You may find it useful to obtain a transcript of a debate Mr Baker took part in on Southern Counties Radio on Saturday evening. I urge you to take an interest in this issue - I assure you the Liberal Democrat party is winning very few friends in Sussex at the moment.

 

[chips and gravy]

There was no doubting Norman Baker's position on Saturday. He has adopted the position of many anti-Flamer people ie It shouldn't go there, but when questioned as to where it should go the response is normally 'well it's not my problem is it'

 

[balloonboy]

In a way, NB may be in a difficult position. He is (I believe) the LD's spokesman on the Environment. Therefore he probably believes he cannot be seen to favour development in an AONB. However, he is missing a fantastic opportunity! Clearly an AONB which includes a dual carriageway and a railway line is a nonsense. Norman - campaign for a change NOW.

 

[fatbadger]

Dear Mr Kennedy,

I am not sure if you are aware what has been going on in Sussex with regard to the Liberal Democrats, so I thought I would let you know.

David Bellotti, the former MP for Eastbourne and currently a Liberal Democrat councillor in Bath, was part of a group which deliberately ran Brighton and Hove Albion FC into the ground, in order to line the pockets of Bill Archer. In particular, the club's ground was sold - against the unanimous wishes of the club's fans - to provide space for a retail development. However, the club, being one of the most important community organisations in Sussex, was saved through the hard work and sacrifices of the fans and the new board.

One piece remains to complete the jigsaw - a new stadium to replace the one sold by David Bellotti et al. The club has come up with a hugely innovative stadium plan, one which maximises the community aspect of the club - offering an important sports resource for the county, and teaching resource for Brighton University - whilst seeking to be the most environmentally-sensitive sports stadium ever built in this country. As a result, the clearly-expressed democratic will of the people of the county is that this stadium should be built. Quite simply, the Falmer Stadium is the future for sports stadia in this country, if we want to ensure the continuing viability of UK sport in the community, and the people of Sussex want to be at the forefront of this and to have a sports facility of which they can be proud.

Unfortunately, amongst the most vocal opponents of the scheme is Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, and a former constituency organiser for David Bellotti, the club's co-(attempted) destroyer.

I had always thought that the Liberal Democrats stood for the aspirations of this country's communities, seeking to support its needs and desires. I was also under the impression that the Liberal Democrats took pride in their championing of the democratic will of the people. Finally, you, and your predecessors as leaders of the party, have sought to place the Liberal Democrats at the forefront of the promotion of environmental campaigns at Westminster. The actions of David Bellotti and Norman Baker suggest otherwise.

I appreciate that you have no wish to unduly influence the opinions of one of your serving MPs, but I thought it only right that you should know the enormous amount of damage Norman Baker's behaviour is having on the reputation of the Liberal Democrats in Sussex, particularly after the amount of damage that had already been done by David Bellotti. However, perhaps of greater concern to yourself, Brighton's campaign has received a great deal of national publicity, and both football fans and community activists the length and breadth of the UK are becoming aware of the pernicious actions of the Liberal Democrats' representatives in Sussex. Up here in Scotland, an important battleground for the Liberal Democrats - as you of all people know! - I know a number of those who have floated to and from support for your party who cannot reconcile what they want in a political party and the actions of Norman Baker and David Bellotti. It is a great shame, after the good work that has been done at Holyrood, that your name should be sullied in this way.

John Prescott is due to make a decision any day now on the proposed stadium. On that decision rests the future of the football club and the future of this innovative community stadium. I implore you to show support for the community of Sussex and the people of the UK, and to press the Deputy Prime Minister to support the application.

Yours Sincerely,

 

[Lammy]

I'm not happy with the "There's no one better to vote for" argument. This is why this country is going to pot! Can anyone honestly tell the difference between Labour and the Tories anymore? I usually vote Lib Dem as I believe they have earnt their right to have a go at government. However, I cannot vote Lib Dem as they are almost single handedly destroying the club I love so much. Football is a massive part of a lot of people's lives. This country doesn't seem to understand this! Oh yes it's fine to jump on the band wagon and pose for photos heading the ball with keagan! But out side the premiership they don't give a toss!!

Well the Nationwide leagues are watched by more people than the Premiership and dare I say it the majority of true football fans watch their football in the Nationwide! Just take a look at the flags you see at England games! Most of them have Nationwide clubs on the flags.

Killing off Nationwide clubs will kill off the Premiership. Currently the Premiership is widely regarded as the best league in the world. Which is a view I share. However, it is fast becomiung as entertaining as the Scottish league! We MUST support the smaller clubs in this country.

And what about this new government initiative to reuce obese kids? Well what better way than to get them interested in football! LIVE football at their LOCAL club! Of which they will aspire to become a part of!

BRIGHTON TILL I (or prescott) DIE!

 

[fatbadger]

For the record, the deposit for candidates in UK parliamentary elections is £500; this includes a leaflet to every household in the constituency (courtesy of the Royal Mail). Get 5% or more of the vote and you get the deposit back.

£1 from each NSC member would raise enough for 3 candidates; a little bit more and we can have a candidate in the two Brighton seats, Hove and Lewes.

 

[balloonboy]

Fatbadger, very well said

 

[Lammy]

I'm in!

 

[Gwylan]

Last week both Attila and I (separately) posted on the need to set up an BHA party in case Prezza rejects it. It's no good just standing in Lewes, we need to stand in Brighton and Hove as well.

And not just against MPs - against councillors.

I know that many councillors support Falmer as do the MPs but that's beside the point. If Prezza rejects Falmer then the Labour party as a whole will be held responsible and any of them is fair game.

We obviously won't come near to winning but we could do a hell of a lot of damage.

I think that it's important to float the idea of a party before Prezza makes his decision. Nothing concentrates the mind of a politician like the possibility of losing votes.

 

[fatbadger]

the local council is a good idea; it would be possible to unseat the odd councillor - you only need a few hundred votes in most wards, and a well-organised campaign stands a very good chance of winning.

 

[Brovion]

I find myself in sympathy with the idea of standing against Labour but ultimately I disagree. This isn't like Charlton where the Valley Party was formed to put the case for a Stadium to a disinterested council; here the local Labour MPs and our Council HAVE been in favor. To put a pro-Falmer candidate against a pro-Falmer candidate is a waste of resources. By all means stand against the anti-Falmer ones (Baker being the most obvious) but don't fight our friends.

BTW not all flavours of Labour are good. Ian Fylvie of the Socialist Labour Party is anti-Falmer!

 

[Oval Gull]

I would certainly contribute to getting something like that off the ground. I completely agree with your sentiments. I work in the aviation business, and if the Lib Dems had their way no-one would fly anywhere, and the UK would be light years behind the rest of Europe in just about everything. I suppose at least we'd have wind powered floodlights at Withdean, though - even if we'd have to kick off early on calm days.

Leaving aside the obvious self interest from someone working in the airline business, turning this debate into an anti-Lib Dem rant will do nothing to help get Falmer Stadium built.

Remember that the Lib Dem Councillors on Brighton and Hove Council have voted to support the Falmer application, and that Sussex based Lib Dem peer Lord Dholakia (himself a former Liberal Councillor in Brighton and currently national Lib Dem president) has signed a letter supporting Falmer.

And remember that at the planning committee meeting it was a Conservative who voted against!

So don't assume that because one local Lib Dem MP is against Falmer (who on other issues has an excellent record), the rest of the Lib Dems are against Falmer. There are many within the Lib Dems (both in Sussex and elsewhere in the country) who do want to see a stadium at Falmer, and also want to see the Albion do well.

Anyone writing to Charles Kennedy (as has been discussed in other threads) may want to make the above points in a letter, so he realises Falmer has support within the Lib Dems.

 

[Oval Gull]

For the record, the deposit for candidates in UK parliamentary elections is £500; this includes a leaflet to every household in the constituency (courtesy of the Royal Mail). Get 5% or more of the vote and you get the deposit back.

£1 from each NSC member would raise enough for 3 candidates; a little bit more and we can have a candidate in the two Brighton seats, Hove and Lewes.

As well as the deposit, you'd also have to pay for the printing of the leaflets (approx 60,000 - 70,000 per consituency) and their delivery to the Royal Mail. What the Royal Mail will do is to deliver them free of charge.