Hereditary peers tip balance on “gay hate” law
44 hereditary peers were among 179 Lords voting to retain a “free speech” amendment on new laws against inciting gay hate. Labour & Lib Dems peers also voted.
Right-Wing Watch
Tory councils to blame for hidden charges, not government
Caroline Spelman, Conservative Local Government shadow, has sought to blame Tory local council tax rises on Whitehall – even though they are set locally.
Tory criticism of “snooper’s census” backfires
Conservative Cabinet Office spokesman Nick Hurd failed to check his facts when dismissing the 2011 census as a “snooper’s census” last weekend.
Cameron’s centralising instincts
The edifice of the Conservative party’s commitment to decentralisation slipped again today with news that the Tories will “reclaim power over planning decisions.” The move comes on the back of reports last week that David Cameron plans to give “ministerstest
Porn-row council chief faces neither discipline nor support
Local Tory chiefs distance themselves from council leader found to have downloaded porn onto his work computer.
Tory MP: “People cannot be sacked easily enough”
David Davies MPIn a week when Left Foot Forward showed the Conservative party are exaggerating the rate of unemployment in this recession, Conservative MP for Monmouth, David Davies, has launched a blistering attack on workplace rights. But his statement in the Commons does not stack up.
Boris spends £5k a year on cabs
Boris Johnson has been racking up expenses on taxisIn the week that Boris Johnson announced a second successive year of inflation-busting fare rises, his own extravagant taxi expenses have been exposed by the News of the World.
Boris Johnson’s pricing plans under the microscope
Boris Johnson’s transport pricing changes have come under renewed attack today as the distributional impact of the fare rises became clear and Transport for London’s revenue numbers received closer scrutiny.
Visa changes threaten Universities & fan anti-immigrant fears
Universities are protesting recent changes to the visa application system after processing delays prevented many foreign students from starting their studies.
Stench of Leeds bin strike may spread
Industrial action by bin men and women in Leeds has become national news, with the Financial Times reporting that councils across the country are watching closely with fears growing that other public sector workers will become disgruntled by the prospect of pay cuts, and changes to working patterns and conditions.