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Archive => Archived Boards => Hazel Grove Elections May 2015 => Topic started by: admin on December 15, 2014, 11:03:16 AM

Title: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: admin on December 15, 2014, 11:03:16 AM
Michael Taylor is a registered user of this forum and has provided a copy of his declaration for publication on here.

Other candidates are welcome to provide similar information and it will be treated in the same way. Of course in all cases candidates are welcome to register an account in your own name and post information yourselves, and interact with forum users if you wish.

Local Businessman & Community Activist To Fight Hazel Grove for Labour

10 DECEMBER 2014

Labour has selected Marple businessman, Michael Taylor, to fight the Hazel Grove parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general election.

Michael Taylor lives in Marple with his wife Rachel and their five sons. He is an active member of the local community and has campaigned passionately for the improvement of the local area through Marple in Action and the Labour Party. He is a governor of a local school, Harrytown Catholic High School, and a strong supporter of local youth sports through his work with Marple Athletic Junior Football Club. All his five sons attend state schools in the constituency.

As the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business, and in his 12 years as the editor of a leading business magazine, Michael has campaigned for better local transport and is involved in the Friends of Rose Hill Station. “If our area is to thrive we need first class public transport. We talk a lot to local residents and one of their biggest complaints is the poor public transport links with poor, old-fashioned trains, poor weekend and evening services and unreliability.”

Better jobs are the key to a better future, in Michael’s view. “The coalition’s economic model doesn’t work. There are too many low-wage and zero-hour jobs and these are holding the economy back and failing to fulfil the dreams of our children.

“We need innovative thinking which is why I support the idea of a Greater Manchester Mayor to make better decisions on skills and infrastructure. And locally, we need ideas to create the seeds of success for local businesses, looking at cutting parking charges and reform of business rates to make our local centres thriving places, attracting customers and jobs.

“I will be a dynamic, energetic, committed Labour candidate. We desperately need an end to the Coalition’s ‘back to the thirties’ economics and the damage they are causing.”

Michael Taylor contact details:
M. 07973 890236
H. 0161 427 9161
E. Michael@wethinkmore.com
T. @MarpleLeaf

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Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on December 15, 2014, 02:00:42 PM
Michael Taylor is a registered user of this forum and has provided a copy of his declaration for publication on here.

Other candidates are welcome to provide similar information and it will be treated in the same way. Of course in all cases candidates are welcome to register an account in your own name and post information yourselves, and interact with forum users if you wish.

Local Businessman & Community Activist To Fight Hazel Grove for Labour

10 DECEMBER 2014

Labour has selected Marple businessman, Michael Taylor, to fight the Hazel Grove parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general election.

Michael Taylor lives in Marple with his wife Rachel and their five sons. He is an active member of the local community and has campaigned passionately for the improvement of the local area through Marple in Action and the Labour Party. He is a governor of a local school, Harrytown Catholic High School, and a strong supporter of local youth sports through his work with Marple Athletic Junior Football Club. All his five sons attend state schools in the constituency.

As the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business, and in his 12 years as the editor of a leading business magazine, Michael has campaigned for better local transport and is involved in the Friends of Rose Hill Station. “If our area is to thrive we need first class public transport. We talk a lot to local residents and one of their biggest complaints is the poor public transport links with poor, old-fashioned trains, poor weekend and evening services and unreliability.”

Better jobs are the key to a better future, in Michael’s view. “The coalition’s economic model doesn’t work. There are too many low-wage and zero-hour jobs and these are holding the economy back and failing to fulfil the dreams of our children.

“We need innovative thinking which is why I support the idea of a Greater Manchester Mayor to make better decisions on skills and infrastructure. And locally, we need ideas to create the seeds of success for local businesses, looking at cutting parking charges and reform of business rates to make our local centres thriving places, attracting customers and jobs.

“I will be a dynamic, energetic, committed Labour candidate. We desperately need an end to the Coalition’s ‘back to the thirties’ economics and the damage they are causing.”

Michael Taylor contact details:
M. 07973 890236
H. 0161 427 9161
E. Michael@wethinkmore.com
T. @MarpleLeaf

I like Michael but I really can't see the fit as a Labour candidate, a one nation Tory perhaps but cannot see a natural synergy with Labour and the ill-thought out promises of the past 4 years nor the shambolic management of the country in their previous sitting.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Howard on December 15, 2014, 03:25:39 PM
Actually, I believe he's the kind of credible candidate that Labour need. Unlike your bog-standard PPE professional politicians, he's who's seen real life, is pro-business but with a social conscience. However, with our First Past the Post system he's very unlikely to win in Hazel Grove. I'm sure Michael knows that , but if you've read his blog I'm sure you'll be aware of his quest for personal development.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on December 15, 2014, 10:49:05 PM
Actually, I believe he's the kind of credible candidate that Labour need. Unlike you're bog-standard PPE professional politicians, he's who's seen real life, is pro-business but with a social conscience. However, with our First Past the Post system he's very unlikely to win in Hazel Grove. I'm sure Michael knows that , but if you've read his blog I'm sure you'll be aware of his quest for personal development.

Personally, I think he'd do a decent job of being an MP given his online statements but I can't see how it fits in with Labour. Given his background with the chamber etc, I just can't see where this bog-standard cliche ridden press release would fit in with his life experiences: "Better jobs are the key to a better future, in Michael’s view. “The coalition’s economic model doesn’t work. There are too many low-wage and zero-hour jobs and these are holding the economy back and failing to fulfil the dreams of our children."

“I will be a dynamic, energetic, committed Labour candidate. We desperately need an end to the Coalition’s ‘back to the thirties’ economics and the damage they are causing.”

I could vote Michael under another banner but I can't vote for him as a Labour candidate. I look forward to asking him more questions but those quote seems that instead of being a breath of fresh air, we could be in for the pre-rehearsed line that is a result of a plethera of focus group studies calculating the issues that most concern a slightly shaky lib-dem seat with a retiring MP .
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on December 16, 2014, 09:18:17 AM
He's a good guy and I would like to wish him luck, except that the more votes he gets, the more likely he is to split the anti-Tory vote in what Duke rightly describes as
a slightly shaky lib-dem seat with a retiring MP .

....thereby handing the seat to Mr Wragg.   :(
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Bowden Guy on December 16, 2014, 10:10:45 AM
I look forward to receiving the usual leaflet from the Lib Dems with the dodgy bar chart and the strapline "Only the Liberal Democrats can stop the Tories here"
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on December 16, 2014, 04:54:18 PM
Maybe politics has become a profession where one can chose their employer just like any other job. Michael is not only one, we've had Blair and the better Miliband, David could easily be Conservative as well Chuka Umunna. So maybe a career in politics is the same as a Store Manager, you can just as easily work for Tescos as Asda so why not just choose the most convenient Political party to work for that offers the best career prospect? Hazel Grove is a handy constituency so let's decide which party? LDs have someone lined up but they are at risk so is it Labour or Tory? Tory maybe the obvious choice but they can;t really go Lib dem bashing so on the basis of a career choice, let's go for being the Labour PPC and a strategy to split the LD vote.

Does it matter that my politics fit in? Nah, it's just a job. 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on December 16, 2014, 08:27:43 PM
Don't worry Duke they will get their usual less than modest vote. It matters not who the Labour candidate is in Hazel Grove she/he is irrelevant. As you suggest he looks more like someone looking to build an internal party profile.

Note: general political discussion after this post has been moved to a separate thread. Admin
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on December 26, 2014, 07:24:21 PM
As Bowden Guy gets the hump about Lisa Smart only living in Romiley for a few months, Michael's Christmas day tweet suggests that Lisa has lived in Romiley far longer than Michael has been a Labour man: "Santa brought me a couple of red ties and a wall planner via @MrsMarpleLeaf anyone would think there's a campaign next year"
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marpleleaf on February 15, 2015, 06:29:28 PM
Duke, Howard, I can assure you that I'm not joining this in a cynical career move, which you compare to joining Tesco or Asda. Thanks for the kind words though.

Much of the debate around Labour and business this week rather emphasises the point that a "One Nation" needs voices that speak up for everyone who contributes to making the country great, including businesses!
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 15, 2015, 06:51:18 PM
Duke, Howard, I can assure you that I'm not joining this is a cynical career move, which you compare to joining Tesco or Asda. Thanks for the kind words though.

Much of the debate around Labour and business this week rather emphasises the point that a "One Nation" needs voices that speak up for everyone who contributes to making the country great, including businesses!

It  would make a change for Labour to be pro-business, they did their best to rape business in those 13 years and frankly, Ed (trust fund & deed of variation) Milliband contradicts much of Umunna's rhetoric.

Personally, I'm not a fan of one nation conservatism (and certainly not Labour's take on it), it still whips the ambition & entrepreneurship out of people. What everyone needs is opportunity not crumbs from the table in some pseudo religious gesture.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marplerambler on February 15, 2015, 10:20:19 PM
Michael Taylor - Your local Labour candidate.
Be honest, be loyal, be kind - the mantra of all politicians.

Andrew Stunnell. Day before the last election leaflet through the door. ' Labour cannot win here - Vote Lib Dem to keep out the Conservatives' so he got my vote. Day after the election guess who is championing a coalition which resulted in the LibDem MP I believe betraying a bunch of hard working, honest, loyal and kind Councillors to help form a ConDem coalition. We have had a few years of destruction of public services: such is the way of the Conservatives - the Conservative voter gets what he/she votes for. I shall never trust LibDem again, nor will a lot of other people.

Labour don't inspire me but you will get my vote this time. This is probably the only chance you will ever get for Labour to perform well in this constituency so pull your finger out and convince us that you are offering us something different to the other parties.

PS. Michael Taylor may well be fighting for Labour to win Hazel Grove. That is the easy bit. It is Marple you need to convince.

Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marpleleaf on February 15, 2015, 10:41:06 PM
Cheers Marple Rambler. I live in Marple and feel very strongly about how this unique community is taken for granted. We're going to be campaigning hard here, it's important to me.

I heard today that the patronising LibDems have been saying to natural Labour supporters that we've given up on them in Woodley and Offerton. We absolutely have not. Neither have we in Marple. There has to be an outlet for progressive people to vote hopefully in this constituency.

We welcomed more supporters to our weekend campaigning team today. It was great. Good, honest, local people who feel just like you do.

Thanks again for your support.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 16, 2015, 01:36:44 PM
Cheers Marple Rambler. I live in Marple and feel very strongly about how this unique community is taken for granted. We're going to be campaigning hard here, it's important to me.

I heard today that the patronising LibDems have been saying to natural Labour supporters that we've given up on them in Woodley and Offerton. We absolutely have not. Neither have we in Marple. There has to be an outlet for progressive people to vote hopefully in this constituency.

We welcomed more supporters to our weekend campaigning team today. It was great. Good, honest, local people who feel just like you do.

Thanks again for your support.

Are you suggesting that anyone who doesn't vote Labour are not good or honest?
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 17, 2015, 03:44:44 PM
Unlike my local vote, I haven't made my mind up where my national vote is going. All I see at the moment is a lot of minuses for all parties but perhaps this will change as the election draws nearer.

The Labourv Party in Stockport though is a strange being and an even stranger one in Marple. In Stockport it seems to have party politicking on the narrowest of issues at its heart. It has lost four of its Councillors in the last four years. One to the Libdems. Three of them have resigned in the last few month, amidst accusations about the party, to the local press.  They haven't crossed the floor to join another party, they've just resigned from the Labour Party. 

And now we have you Michael and I have to say that you seem a strange fit for a Labour Candidate. Also, coming onto the Marple website calling the Libdems names. Maybe they deserve to be called them, I don't know, but I can't help thinking that they won't be doing the same about you..
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marpleleaf on February 17, 2015, 10:06:10 PM
Thanks for your comments.
You're right, responding to comments on a message board isn't the best idea.
Happy to have a chat to you about how I'm not strange at all.
Cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 18, 2015, 07:27:07 AM
I'm not absolutely sure  of my facts here, if I'm posting any false assertions, apologies in advance, perhaps somebody can help me out, but wasn't Laura Booth (one of my previously mentioned resignations )  the PPC for Labour/Hazel Grove. Also haven't the Labour Party in Stockport just sacked their own Leader and Deputy and appointed new ones. As well as this wasn't the reason for two of those Councillors resignations the fact that they were de-selected by their own (Labour) party for the forthcoming elections? The word disarray comes to mind.

What was that about being 'loyal' and 'kind?'

Seems a fine way to run a local party let alone a country.

As I say, I'm willing to be corrected.   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 18, 2015, 10:46:25 AM
It's not worth replying to him Simone by the 8th May he will already be forgotten. a 4th place would be good for him.

Ignore irrelevant candidates
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 18, 2015, 02:46:44 PM
It's not worth replying to him Simone by the 8th May he will already be forgotten. a 4th place would be good for him.

Ignore irrelevant candidates

Blimey Wheels, I don't think Michael will be forgotten. He passed me in the car this morning and we gave each other a friendly wave which is good, it's not personal but I just can't risk the idea of a Labour government right now.

I suspect Michael will significantly close the gap but come in 3rd - whilst this could mean the political ether, I think in this case, the Labour machine will recognise the improvement in a difficult ward and we may just see Michael parachuting into some safe seat within a grim Labour stronghold.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: admin on February 18, 2015, 05:24:30 PM
It's not worth replying to him Simone by the 8th May he will already be forgotten. a 4th place would be good for him.

Ignore irrelevant candidates

Been working in the park all day today, so only just seen this post. Seems to me (knowing your affiliations) that this is a perfect example of a patronising LibDem comment and I think it is probably the biggest influence so far on who will get my vote this time.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 18, 2015, 08:56:45 PM
Been working in the park all day today, so only just seen this post. Seems to me (knowing your affiliations) that this is a perfect example of a patronising LibDem comment and I think it is probably the biggest influence so far on who will get my vote this time.

You don't have a clue as to my affiliations as far as I know you have never even met me.  Although as a clue I am pleased to say I voted for Milly Minor in the Labout leadership election. 

I make the perfectly reasonable point that Labour will not win in HG and can you now tell me without checking who  the Labour candidate was in 2010 and this Labour candidate will equally be forgotten. If my honest comments influence how your thinking of voting that really does say a lot.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 19, 2015, 08:46:05 AM
Even though Wheels's delivery is a bit brutal, his comments are, as he says, honest.

As well as this a quick glance at 2010 election results supports his prediction of Labour's 2015 outcome.  He is probably right, they will do well to come in fourth. Their share of the vote in 2015 was a miserable 12%, that was actually down 3% on their previous electoral performance and that was long before the emergence of UKIP. They have got absolutely nothing going for them in Hazel Grove. It is therefore a reasonable assumption to make, that bar a few donkey voters, this time they will be erased.

If I vote LD they'll probably win, If I vote Con they might do and if I vote UKIP, well who knows? 

As I say, I am willing to be convinced, in fact I wish somebody could do it, but isn't voting Labour in Hazel Grove the best example of a pointless, wasted vote that anybody could wish to find across the length and breadth of the whole country ?     
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: admin on February 19, 2015, 08:55:37 AM
Even though Wheels's delivery is a bit brutal, his comments are, as he says, honest.

I accept that may be the case. My comment is all about the delivery and its influence on me (and possibly others) is unchanged by subsequent responses. Good job wheels is not heading up the LibDem campaign strategy   ;)
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 19, 2015, 11:15:03 AM
Even though Wheels's delivery is a bit brutal, his comments are, as he says, honest.

As well as this a quick glance at 2010 election results supports his prediction of Labour's 2015 outcome.  He is probably right, they will do well to come in fourth. Their share of the vote in 2015 was a miserable 12%, that was actually down 3% on their previous electoral performance and that was long before the emergence of UKIP. They have got absolutely nothing going for them in Hazel Grove. It is therefore a reasonable assumption to make, that bar a few donkey voters, this time they will be erased.

If I vote LD they'll probably win, If I vote Con they might do and if I vote UKIP, well who knows? 

As I say, I am willing to be convinced, in fact I wish somebody could do it, but isn't voting Labour in Hazel Grove the best example of a pointless, wasted vote that anybody could wish to find across the length and breadth of the whole country ?     

As you may guess, I'm not suggesting you vote for Mr Taylor (in fact, I say don't vote for Mr Taylor, If Labour get in, we'll be back to square one) but Michael made a fairly good case for not voting tactically on his blog last week. It seems to have been taken down again (I wonder if he was worried about breaking the rules) but it was actually a decent argument against voting tactically for a party you don't support.


Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Bowden Guy on February 19, 2015, 12:19:35 PM
Like others on this Forum, I fully expect the Laour vote to be squeezed very tightly in HG ("only the Tories can keep out the Lib Dems here!"). Don't think UKIP will do that well, although it's share of the vote will increase compared to 2010.

Liberal Democrats 40%
Conservatives 37%
Ukip 15%
Labour 8%

By the end of May we will, once again, have a Conservative/Lib Dem coalition, although the balance of power may swing further to the Tories if they can increase their number of MPs, given that the LDs are going to lose a lot of their seats.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 19, 2015, 01:02:43 PM
Duke,

There might be an argument for/against voting tactically Duke. I can't though see an argument for voting with futility. I may as well stay in with the telly or go down the pub with my sister. Obviously I am not against Michael, in fact fair play to him for standing up to be counted, but hooking yourself up with Labour around here is just absolutely pointless.

Bowden, I'm not sure if your percentages are correct but I think that your general prediction is probably right.

   
   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: BennyBlue on February 19, 2015, 01:29:25 PM
I am a little confused about the call by both the Lib Dems and Tories to vote tactically for them to keep the other out when we already have a Tory and Lib-Dem coalition in power, which no-one voted for.

What will be interesting to see is:

- the impact forming a government with the Tories has on the Lib Dems in Hazel Grove (if any)
- the impact Andrew Stunell MP retiring has (if any); and
- the 'rise' of the UKIP vote (if any).

Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 19, 2015, 01:35:50 PM
Duke,

There might be an argument for/against voting tactically Duke. I can't though see an argument for voting with futility. I may as well stay in with the telly or go down the pub with my sister. Obviously I am not against Michael, in fact fair play to him for standing up to be counted, but hooking yourself up with Labour around here is just absolutely pointless.

Bowden, I'm not sure if your percentages are correct but I think that your general prediction is probably right.

It depends, running in an impossible seat but attracting a few extra votes will be seen as a strong performance by the Millbank greasy-pole climbers.  Don't be surprised to see Michael at the 2020 election with a parachute on his back in one of the less salubrious of constituencies where non-Labour MP is as likely as dung from the proverbial rocking-horse. I'm sure He'd have liked to fight for Jack Straw's but I'm afraid it's more likely to be somewhere far worse, Sunderland??
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 19, 2015, 01:40:33 PM
I am a little confused about the call by both the Lib Dems and Tories to vote tactically for them to keep the other out when we already have a Tory and Lib-Dem coalition in power, which no-one voted for.

What will be interesting to see is:

- the impact forming a government with the Tories has on the Lib Dems in Hazel Grove (if any)
- the impact Andrew Stunell MP retiring has (if any); and
- the 'rise' of the UKIP vote (if any).

This is just a hunch but my guess is that is why Michael went for Labour. Putting on a yellow rosette is a risk because it's a decent seat to lose (given the bad Lib Dem press), putting on a blue rosette is also a risk as UKIP could erode the vote. Michael will poll more votes than the previous candidate (whom, at the Q&A event managed to give his opinion without following any Labour policy) so his stick will be high even though he'll not win.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 19, 2015, 03:51:21 PM
I accept that may be the case. My comment is all about the delivery and its influence on me (and possibly others) is unchanged by subsequent responses. Good job wheels is not heading up the LibDem campaign strategy   ;)

Why would I run the Lib Dem campaign. Why run a campaign for a party I am not a member of and I was perfectly clear I voted for Ed Milaband in the Labour leadership elections. 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marpleleaf on February 19, 2015, 04:55:40 PM
The blog post that Duke refers to is here:

http://themarpleleaf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/if-you-support-labour-and-live-in.html

In other good news. Marple Churches Together are holding a hustings on the 23rd of April at the Methodist Church.

Cheers,

MT
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on February 21, 2015, 06:49:41 PM
By the end of May we will, once again, have a Conservative/Lib Dem coalition

That's pretty unlikely, IMO.  Here's why:  the number of seats currently held by the Tories is 302, and the LibDems is 56.  So together they have 358 seats.  The magic number needed for an overall majority is 326.

However, the LibDems are widely expected to lose about 50% of their seats.  So lets assume they hold on to, say, 30 of them (including this one, I reckon - just!). 

So if the Tories were to simply retain their current 302 seats, that would leave the combined number of seats held after the May election at 302 Tory  + 30 LibDem = 332.  That is only six more than the minimum need for an overall majority - too close for comfort. And anyway, we can't assume that the Tories will retain their 302 seats - far from it.  Two reasons for that:

1.  History tells us that governing parties rarely increase their share of the vote or their number of seats when seeking re-election.
2.  UKIP are snapping at their heels. 

On the other hand, Labour currently have a mere 216 seats, and they are almost certainly going to lose some of those to the SNP. So for what's it's worth, my guess is that the Tories will still end up as the largest single party, but that they will try to form a minority government and work more informally with a couple of other parties (LibDems, the DUP, even UKIP!) on what is apparently called a 'confidence and supply' basis. 

But there again, we could all have a big surprise and end up with Red Ed and Wee 'Eck! 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 21, 2015, 10:47:42 PM
But there again, we could all have a big surprise and end up with Red Ed and Wee 'Eck!

I think Lab will need more than just Colin Hendrie's drag act. I think they will need Sein Fein and the Brighton Greens (there's a connection there).

The Conservatives will  get the usual arrangement from their friends in Ulster and with the Lib Dems (36 seats) + one UKIP =, that should be enough to keep the left out.

I think it will be good to see the Greek experience where the left's idealistic policies rather crumble in the face of realism.   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 22, 2015, 04:45:05 PM
Conservatives hold 303 seats, Labour 257 and Libdem 56.

The remainder are made up of a assortment of independents and others including 2 Conservative defectors to Ukip. The most significant number amongst these independents are the Irish, who I think ( I've not checked) hold about fifteen seats between them. The Unionists will pitch in with the Tories whilst the Republicans just won't turn up. Ukip will disappoint (themselves mainly)  and I now think that the Libdems will not lose as many seats as predicted, they may hold on to as many as 40.

The key ground is Scotland where Labour have 40 MP's and the Tories have only 1. If the SNP takes seats in Scotland it will be off Labour and to a lesser extent LibDems  who hold 11 seats.  So Conservative should easily come out as the largest party. They will not want to be in a raggle- taggle  confidence and supply deal with all varieties so they will turn again to the LibDems, who if nothing else are a concerted party who can be whipped to vote like one, when and where it counts.   

 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on February 22, 2015, 06:25:06 PM
Conservatives hold 303 seats, Labour 257 and Libdem 56.

Simone is right about the  number of Labour MPs - it's 257, not 216 as I suggested above.  However, I'm not sure she's right about this:

I now think that the Libdems will not lose as many seats as predicted, they may hold on to as many as 40...... [the Tories] will not want to be in a raggle- taggle  confidence and supply deal with all varieties so they will turn again to the LibDems, who if nothing else are a concerted party who can be whipped to vote like one, when and where it counts.   

First, current opinion polls are showing LibDem support at a remarkable low of 6%, below UKIP and the Greens.  From that sort of base, it will be amazing if they only lose 16 seats. 

As for the prospects of another Tory/LibDem coalition, you have to remember that Cameron is scared stiff of his right-wing backbenchers, many of whom are determined that they will not get into bed with those pesky Liberals ever again!   And their constant threat, of course, is that if Cameron doesn't do what they want, they will run off and join UKIP.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Bowden Guy on February 22, 2015, 06:36:35 PM
2010 General Election in Scotland

Liberal Democrats   18.9% of votes = 11 seats
SNP.                      19.9% of votes  = 6 seats
Conservatives.        16.7% of votes = 1 seat

Under our electoral system, it's not "how many" votes you get, but how well they are geographically concentrated. Perhaps we should have a referendum.........
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 22, 2015, 11:56:39 PM
Both Dave and Simone fail to factor in the half dozen or so seats the Lib Dems are expected to gain,  it might be more for all I know, Watford being the most obvious.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 23, 2015, 08:57:30 AM
We could debate the nuances all day and it would only be speculation and opinion after all.

The LibDems are notoriously good campaigners and there is some evidence that many of their supporters have returned to them after turning their backs on the party immediately post 2010, after the shock of them entering the coalition.

Many now think that its the LD's who have been the success of the coalition, having acted in a grown up, restraining way often against the ideological hysterics of their coalition partners. It has to be accepted that despite the rantings  of the political press (which has actually imploded on the left and right and helped the LibDems no end) the idea of a coalition has become more acceptable to the voting public.

Wheels is correct there are at least ten seats that the Libdems trail second, but only in single figures percentages. Wheels mentions Watford, but there is Oxford, Redruth, Hampstead, Harrogate,Truro, Newton Abbot and 4/5 others that I can't recall. The LibDems could take some of these seats.

This is why despite the polls I say a target of 40 seats is not unrealistic.     
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on February 23, 2015, 10:11:31 AM
There is some evidence that many [LidDem] supporters have returned to them after turning their backs on the party immediately post 2010, after the shock of them entering the coalition.

Is there?  Where? Not here, that's for sure:  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/31/lib-dems-sink-labour-take-lead-tories-opinium-poll

Note the bit that says 'Most Lib Dems think the party would be unwise to try to form a coalition if it secures fewer than 30 seats, as it would not be able to exercise sufficient clout in government or command many senior ministerial positions. The view is that the party in those circumstances would be better off trying to regroup and rebuild in opposition.'

And the bookies think the LibDems will have between 21 and 30 seats (6/4 at William Hill.  You can get 10/1 on 41-50 seats - go for it, Simone!)

As for this:
Both Dave and Simone fail to factor in the half dozen or so seats the Lib Dems are expected to gain,  it might be more for all I know, Watford being the most obvious.
 
It might be obvious to wheels, but it isn't to the bookies - at Watford William Hill put the Tories favourite at 6/4.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: tigerman on February 23, 2015, 11:11:24 AM
Also, coming onto the Marple website calling the Libdems names. Maybe they deserve to be called them, I don't know, but I can't help thinking that they won't be doing the same about you..

Of course the Libdems would never stoop so low. And they would never go back on their promises...
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on February 23, 2015, 11:39:37 AM
Is there?  Where? Not here, that's for sure:  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/31/lib-dems-sink-labour-take-lead-tories-opinium-poll

Note the bit that says 'Most Lib Dems think the party would be unwise to try to form a coalition if it secures fewer than 30 seats, as it would not be able to exercise sufficient clout in government or command many senior ministerial positions. The view is that the party in those circumstances would be better off trying to regroup and rebuild in opposition.'

And the bookies think the LibDems will have between 21 and 30 seats (6/4 at William Hill.  You can get 10/1 on 41-50 seats - go for it, Simone!)

As for this:   
It might be obvious to wheels, but it isn't to the bookies - at Watford William Hill put the Tories favourite at 6/4.

Just because some low level rag like the Guardian spins a story, it's not always true.

In fairness to Lib Dems, they've have the biggest increase in donations in their history and their membership is increasing again but you will struggle to find that in a rag like the Guardian. 

Lib Dems have also suffered from a media assault from a very media savvy Labour party that were gunning for the Lib Dems as soon as they were denied what would be an unworkable and weak coalition. You really should keep a more open mind, Dave, look beyond the spin and get to the truth.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on February 23, 2015, 05:23:46 PM
Oh! well, if it's in the Guardian and William Hills, I must be wrong.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Howard on February 23, 2015, 05:35:48 PM
Let's face it @simonesaffron, you rarely see a poor bookie.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Melancholyflower on February 24, 2015, 10:55:52 PM
I wouldn't be so dismissive of UKIP and here are a few reasons why:

- Widespread apathy about the existing political setup
- The only remotely popular alternative to the mainstream parties, who have contributed to the aforementioned apathy
- lack of a charismatic leader in the mainstream parties
- amidst all the flab and guff, they are campaigning on a tangible issue that's easy to relate to
- by-election victories have raised their profile and potential credibility
- some Tories will definitely be swayed (two MP defections will make it easier and more credible)
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Harry on February 25, 2015, 11:13:08 AM
I wouldn't be so dismissive of UKIP and here are a few reasons why:

- Widespread apathy about the existing political setup
- The only remotely popular alternative to the mainstream parties, who have contributed to the aforementioned apathy
- lack of a charismatic leader in the mainstream parties
- amidst all the flab and guff, they are campaigning on a tangible issue that's easy to relate to
- by-election victories have raised their profile and potential credibility
- some Tories will definitely be swayed (two MP defections will make it easier and more credible)

It may also be worth considering the Hazel Grove results of the 2014 Euro election. Although, obviously, people may vote differently in Euro, General and Local elections.


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Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2015, 12:13:04 PM
As Harry says, it may not be the same story at the general election, but all the same, that's a thought-provoking pie chart! 

The turnout at the euro elections was only about 35%, AFAIK, and maybe there's was a disproportionately high number of UKIP supporters among those who bothered to vote, as they are the people who have the strongest opinions about the EU.  But this certainly lends strength to the bookies' view that UKIP will come ahead of Labour in Hazel Grove.   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 25, 2015, 01:26:07 PM
Generally speaking you need between 800 and 1000 members/workers to deliver a victory in a genuinely contested election. I suspect neither Labour nor UKIP have anything like that in HG and what they do have will be pulled away to more significant seats to them.  Neither are relevant to this election.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Bowden Guy on February 25, 2015, 01:44:45 PM
I have lived in Marple for 14 years and have had more visits, in this period of time, from the Jehova Witnesses (3) than political canvassers (0). Love to know what these 800 people are up to.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on February 25, 2015, 01:49:26 PM
I think they just push leaflets though doors - no shortage of those at the moment! 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on February 25, 2015, 03:18:03 PM
Well Wee Willy Wraggs (www) last leaflet was delivered commercially c/o Ashcrofts money indicating a lack of local workers.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: tigerman on March 02, 2015, 02:06:50 PM
Labour will have to concentrate resources on the more winnable areas of the Hazel Grove constituency. There are more Labour supporters than you may think in Marple, but some will have voted tactically in the last election to keep the Tory out.  After five years of Liberal collusion I suspect many wont be holding their noses this time and will vote with their hearts.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on March 02, 2015, 02:37:22 PM
Labour will have to concentrate resources on the more winnable areas of the Hazel Grove constituency. There are more Labour supporters than you may think in Marple, but some will have voted tactically in the last election to keep the Tory out.  After five years of Liberal collusion I suspect many wont be holding their noses this time and will vote with their hearts.

They would do that because they think a majority Tory government is better than a coalition would they. That really would be strange.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 02, 2015, 08:15:41 PM
Labour will have to concentrate resources on the more winnable areas of the Hazel Grove constituency. There are more Labour supporters than you may think in Marple, but some will have voted tactically in the last election to keep the Tory out.  After five years of Liberal collusion I suspect many wont be holding their noses this time and will vote with their hearts.

Where exactly are these 'winnable' labour areas in Hazel Grove?

Sounds a bit like whistling in the dark, to me,  tigerman
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on March 03, 2015, 12:21:24 PM
This constituency consists of the following six wards of Stockport Council and AFAIK none of them currently have a Labour councillor:   Bredbury and Woodley, Bredbury Green and Romiley, Hazel Grove, Marple North, Marple South and Offerton.

So it doesn't look too promising for Michael Taylor. 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 04, 2015, 04:13:02 PM
This constituency consists of the following six wards of Stockport Council and AFAIK none of them currently have a Labour councillor:   Bredbury and Woodley, Bredbury Green and Romiley, Hazel Grove, Marple North, Marple South and Offerton.

So it doesn't look too promising for Michael Taylor. 

Technically you are correct Dave especially when you use the word currently. However for the sake of total accuracy and to be pedantic Laura Booth was up until a few months age Labour member for Offerton. In fact she won the seat from the then Council Leader, ( now Lord Goddard) in 2012. Last year she resigned from the Labour Party and now sits as some kind of Independent. She could of course return to Labour or maybe join the Libdems or even the Conservatives.

In fact including Laura, there have been four defections within SMBC  in the last three months 3 Labour and 1 Conservative.

It's interesting but I don't know what to draw from it.

Does anybody?   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: tigerman on March 08, 2015, 01:24:49 PM
Perhaps it is time to consider moving to a form of PR as the electoral arithmetic suggests that some form of coalition is on the way again. At least one wouldn't waste a vote when one's favoured party cannot win in a particular constituency.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on March 08, 2015, 05:05:01 PM
I suspect that's off the agenda for a while now - certainly if the Tories get back in.

I've just had another look at the current bookies' odds, and they have changed a bit in the past couple of weeks.  At Paddypower, the favourite is now a Labour minority government (10/3).  Maybe that's a reflection of the damage Cameron could be doing to his poll ratings by appearing to be running scared of a television debate with Miliband?   

After that the current odds look like this:

Tory minority: 9/2
Tory/ Lib Dem coalition: 9/2
Tory majority: 5/1
Labour/ SNP coalition: 6/1
Labour/Lib Dem coalition: 13/2
Labour majority: 8/1
Lab/ Lib Dem/SNP coalition: 10/1

And so on.

You can also get 25/1 on a 'grand coalition' of Tories and Labour, and a Lib Dem majority comes in at 500/1 (any takers?)

I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I might be tempted by 6/1 on a Lab/SNP coalition, especially as William Hill make it favourite at 7/2.   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Melancholyflower on March 08, 2015, 06:58:33 PM
It says a lot about the ineffectiveness of party politics in engaging the electorate in this country that, despite its apparent unpopularity, the senior party of the coalition is probably the favourite to get back in. It also says a lot about the hopelessly outdated electoral system we've chosen to keep.

Tigerman - AV was an achievable step towards PR but the electorate who could be bothered were scared into a No vote after a highly negative campaign - something the Scots could now relate to, I feel.

It's not just party politics that needs to move forward. Government in its true form needs to as well, but that's not on the agenda of course. Short-term point-scoring and leaders' image is the only thing occupying media time these days.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 09, 2015, 07:48:26 AM
There are so many faults and accusations that could be thrown at all the party leadership (with the possible exception of UKIP) that it is hard for me to know when to stop and start. None of the leadership of the Westminster big three seem to have any integrity, honesty or even responsibility. They are all media obsessed, when you would expect them to be electorate obsessed.

I was watching the Defence Minister on TV yesterday and he wouldn't even answer a straight question about his own defence budget. The way he squirmed out of an answer that he should know and did know, was toe curling and embarrassing. I've also given up on the permutations and implications of coalitions/partnerships. I looked at some polls yesterday and they all put Labour slightly ahead but with no outright majority. However when I'd looked two weeks ago the same polls had Conservatives in that position, so obviously there is fluctuation.

As far as local is concerned, I'm voting Lib Dem. I've conducted my own poll around Marple which is very sophisticated and involves talking to friends in pubs/cafes/shops/streets. Often when I've been drinking and so have they. It might just be the circles that I move in but they are all voting Lib Dem too in Locals. I am therefore expecting Lib Dems to win in Marple.

As for National, except for the donkey voters, everybody seems to be as perplexed as I am. I decided previously that I'd vote for the candidate as opposed to the party but that doesn't seem to have got me anywhere down the road towards a decision either. Although I have to say I'm getting a bit fed up of the repetitious, uninteresting, leaflet bombardment from the Lib Dems in particular. In fact it could on an impulsive day turn into a reason for me not voting for Lisa.



Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on March 09, 2015, 01:59:44 PM
I was watching the Defence Minister on TV yesterday and he wouldn't even answer a straight question about his own defence budget. The way he squirmed out of an answer that he should know and did know, was toe curling and embarrassing.

I didn't  catch that interview, but if it's the one that is reported in today's press, in which Philip Hammond refused to say whether the Tories, (if elected) would maintain defence spending at 2% of GDP, then  I think Simone is being somewhat unfair to him. Far from being 'an answer that he should know and did know', he would have no idea!  If it comes up in the Tory manifesto, then yes, by then he should be able to answer the question.  But the manifestos are not out yet.

If we end up with a Tory government, or a Tory-led coalition, then it will be down to the new Chancellor, with the support of the cabinet, to allocate departmental budgets.  But in the last Autumn Statement, Osborne provided a financial forecast showing real-terms government spending falling to around 35% of GDP by 2020.  Many people doubt whether that is achievable, and if defence spending were to be protected, as schools and the NHS already are, then it would be even more improbable. 

I also think this is a bit unfair:
None of the leadership of the Westminster big three seem to have any integrity, honesty or even responsibility.

Perhaps Simone could give us a recent example of dishonest or irresponsible behaviour by Cameron, Clegg or Miliband?
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 10, 2015, 07:59:44 AM
I'm not really interested Dave in getting involved in long bundle and break arguments and searching out examples to substantiate my point. If you think our politicians are honest and responsible then that is your entitled perception but unfortunately it isn't mine.
It used to be at least for some of them, but no longer.

When I said the leadership I wasn't particularly referring to Cam, Milli & Clegg but to the wider leadership, although I was including those three in the criticism.

Take Philip Hammond, he is the defence minister and he should know what his defence budget is, but what he did in that interview was  hide behind the unpublished manifesto and grasp it as an opportunity to avoid giving an answer to the electorate. If you are happy to accept that, that's fine. I see it as yet another example of being dishonest and irresponsible.  I don't think I am being unfair to him, I think that he is being unfair to me.

I have voted in every election since I was old enough and I probably will vvote in this one but for the first time it has crossed my mind to stay away from the polling booth for this one.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Dave on March 10, 2015, 09:09:06 AM
Take Philip Hammond, he is the defence minister and he should know what his defence budget is.

As I said, I didn't catch the interview, so I may be wrong about this, but according to the press reports Hammond wasn't asked what his defence budget is, he was asked what it will be in the future.  No government minister can know that for sure, especially just before a general election.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marplerambler on March 13, 2015, 08:56:58 AM
Michael Taylor is a registered user of this forum and has provided a copy of his declaration for publication on here.

Other candidates are welcome to provide similar information and it will be treated in the same way. Of course in all cases candidates are welcome to register an account in your own name and post information yourselves, and interact with forum users if you wish.

Local Businessman & Community Activist To Fight Hazel Grove for Labour

10 DECEMBER 2014

Labour has selected Marple businessman, Michael Taylor, to fight the Hazel Grove parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general election.

Michael Taylor lives in Marple with his wife Rachel and their five sons. He is an active member of the local community and has campaigned passionately for the improvement of the local area through Marple in Action and the Labour Party. He is a governor of a local school, Harrytown Catholic High School, and a strong supporter of local youth sports through his work with Marple Athletic Junior Football Club. All his five sons attend state schools in the constituency.

As the chairman of Downtown Manchester in Business, and in his 12 years as the editor of a leading business magazine, Michael has campaigned for better local transport and is involved in the Friends of Rose Hill Station. “If our area is to thrive we need first class public transport. We talk a lot to local residents and one of their biggest complaints is the poor public transport links with poor, old-fashioned trains, poor weekend and evening services and unreliability.”

Better jobs are the key to a better future, in Michael’s view. “The coalition’s economic model doesn’t work. There are too many low-wage and zero-hour jobs and these are holding the economy back and failing to fulfil the dreams of our children.

“We need innovative thinking which is why I support the idea of a Greater Manchester Mayor to make better decisions on skills and infrastructure. And locally, we need ideas to create the seeds of success for local businesses, looking at cutting parking charges and reform of business rates to make our local centres thriving places, attracting customers and jobs.

“I will be a dynamic, energetic, committed Labour candidate. We desperately need an end to the Coalition’s ‘back to the thirties’ economics and the damage they are causing.”

Michael Taylor contact details:
M. 07973 890236
H. 0161 427 9161
E. Michael@wethinkmore.com
T. @MarpleLeaf

Well Mr Taylor, four months on from your introduction as Labour candidate and what a waste of time you have turned out to be so far at a time when there is mass disillusionment about the LibDems and the Conservatives and  Marple and the country desperately needs a change, the LibDem/Conservative attempts to ensure that healthcare and care for the elderly will be non-existent within the next few years, that teenagers from poorer backgrounds will never get a fair chance in life. A huge number of people are totally disenchanted with the Condem government but the only illusion of the Labour Party has created is Marple has been an illusion of mass disenfranchisement which has not been helped by the Libdem/Conservatives changing the voting registration system to ensure that even fewer of the population will vote . A large but quiet minority are fed up and their votes could be there for the asking.  Labour  has its only chance to win this constituency and what have I seen other than your comments on the Marple website? Sweet nothing!!!!

You might as well be writing the LibDems leaflets saying that the Labour Party cannot win here because there has not been the slightest whiff of a Labour presence at street level attempting to prove that Labour could be the most palatable of Labour/Conservative/LibDem parties that seem to be ruled by PPEs from red-brick universities who choose politics as a career or to save us from the madness of the opportunists of the National Front, sorry UKIP. No knocks on doors, no leaflets, no introductions, no nothing.

Working in local government brought one very important factor to my attention and that was just how hard the LibDem councillors worked for their constituents in Marple and Stockport prior to the last election - with notable exceptions  many of a just few Labour and the odd Conservative the councillors basically looked upon work as a councillor as a meal ticket.

It is beyond my comprehension that the LibDem Councillors did not all rebel and become independent when Sir Andrew sold his sold to the devil in a pact exchanging destruction of public services, healthcare, education and public transport for a knighthood: he knew when he created that coalition that the result that he was betraying the hard working councilors who have been able to do nothing since but implememt cuts and apologise as they saw much of there work in previous years flushed down the toilet (although the ageing population of Marple who need the loos more desperately as they grow older have been denied the convenience of public toilets by the LibDems and now might as well pee into the wind). Much loyalty to the Libdems in Marple is the consequence of their councillors' hard work in the past but we have seen LibDem councillors who worked hard for many years vanish from the scene and the LibDem Party in Marple in 2015 is very different to that at the time of the last election. The loyalty of an electorate once served well by its councillors, if not by its MP, is frayed and the cross of those seeking an alternative to the Tories/LibDems has never been so readily available.

You state:
“I will be a dynamic, energetic, committed Labour candidate. We desperately need an end to the Coalition’s ‘back to the thirties’ economics and the damage they are causing.”

I have seen no evidence of this to date. This hardly inspires confidence for the future. It is about time you pulled your finger out to win Marple before it is too late.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on March 15, 2015, 11:17:12 AM
In fairness, I got a leaflet from Michael this week, possibly as we are in business and it was an attempt to woo the small business voter.

Good for you Michael but as soon as that arrived, your leader was announcing his great pledge launch and guess what? There was not one mention of businesses and employment. Even in his speech, there was nothing, just a broken record about 1930's spending which in pretty meaningless rubbish. 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: tigerman on March 15, 2015, 01:43:36 PM
For your information, Labour volunteers are leafletting Offerton and Woodley this weekend. Any offers of help to spread the word??
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 15, 2015, 03:53:29 PM
Hello Rambler,

Just a few points on your recent posting.

IMHO Labour have got absolutely no chance of winning a local seat in Marple nor the Parliamentary seat in Hazel   
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: simonesaffron on March 15, 2015, 04:04:39 PM
Hello Rambler,

Just a few points on your recent posting.

IMHO Labour have got absolutely no chance of winning a local seat in Marple nor the Parliamentary seat in Hazel Grove. If Michael has got any political intelligence (which I am sure he has) he knows that already.

How did you come to the conclusion that all LibDem Councillors work hard for their constituents and neither Labour nor Conservatives don't. How do you know this ?

Who are these LibDem  Councillors that you speak so fondly of that have 'vanished from the scene.' What are their names? As I look around with one or two exceptions we seem to have the same LibDem Councillors that we've had for a good while. In fact we seem to have some that have been around forever. 
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on March 16, 2015, 11:04:57 AM
For your information, Labour volunteers are leafletting Offerton and Woodley this weekend. Any offers of help to spread the word??

Yes but many of them were from outside the HG constituency
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on March 16, 2015, 11:59:14 AM
Yes but many of them were from outside the HG constituency

Oh dear, activists? Political activists of all colours are rarely of sane mind
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on March 16, 2015, 12:19:26 PM
We've just got our business rates bills for the year ahead and a really nice surprise, the bills have been slashed to something affordable.

The result  of this is that we are going to employ someone this year. A note to all politicians, taxing business out of sight does not work, if we make a profit we can only invest it in product / innovation, employ more people or pay tax. It's therefore far better to not waste taxpayers' money and let them spend it accordingly.

Labour put business rates up 170% in their time in office as well as the 38% increase in employers NI (as tax on employing people from the party devoted to full employment!!!). I really don't want them near government for some time.

Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on March 18, 2015, 01:23:38 PM
Even more valuable perhaps GMCAs will keep 100% of ther future increase in business rate.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: marpleleaf on March 21, 2015, 09:37:08 AM
Thanks for the messages of support. There is a lot going on and we have a number of events and street activities planned. If you'd like to receive my weekly newsletter drop me and email to michael@wethinkmore.com
The hustings events so far have been great, really enjoyed them.
Cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on March 25, 2015, 11:42:35 PM
OK Michael, Can you guarantee your govt will not increase National Insurance be that Employers' or Employees'?

If your govt renege will you resign or cross the floor as I can't believe you would personally support such a move.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: wheels on March 26, 2015, 11:06:38 AM
OK Michael, Can you guarantee your govt will not increase National Insurance be that Employers' or Employees'?

If your govt renege will you resign or cross the floor as I can't believe you would personally support such a move.

Don't be silly Duke hes not going to be there he's going to be forgotten like every other Labour candidate in HG in a few weeks.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: tigerman on March 26, 2015, 01:32:24 PM
OK Michael, Can you guarantee your govt will not increase National Insurance be that Employers' or Employees'?

If your govt renege will you resign or cross the floor as I can't believe you would personally support such a move.
Wow, your fairy Godmother is working overtime.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: admin on May 08, 2015, 07:06:08 AM
Well done to Michael Taylor for a very positive campaign and a significant increase in the Labour vote.

Michael has made a statement here:

https://hazelgrovelabourparty.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/statement-from-michael-taylor-labour-candidate-for-hazel-grove-2015/
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on May 12, 2015, 09:56:17 AM
Well done to Michael Taylor for a very positive campaign and a significant increase in the Labour vote.

Michael has made a statement here:

https://hazelgrovelabourparty.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/statement-from-michael-taylor-labour-candidate-for-hazel-grove-2015/

It was a good campaign from Michael, i wonder what he would have done had he been in a ward that had a chance. Jack Straw's lad was parachuted into one of the Blackburn constituencies and promptly lost. Michael is a big Blackburn fan, i wonder if we'll see him pop up there.

Labour should learn from Michael. He engaged with people even if they didn't agree with him, on social media, Labour activists and PPC's were calling people tory scum if they questioned policy, we're not tory scum, we're the electorate and the quicker Labour realise this, the better chance they have.

Overall though, if you plan a campaign from the left offering crumbs from the table to the little people rather than hope and aspiration, you have no chance.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: JMC on May 14, 2015, 09:42:59 PM
Well done to Michael Taylor for a very positive campaign and a significant increase in the Labour vote.

Michael has made a statement here:

https://hazelgrovelabourparty.wordpress.com/2015/05/08/statement-from-michael-taylor-labour-candidate-for-hazel-grove-2015/

Well done MT for a great and positive campaign and an excellent increase in the Labour vote. Great to see more support/Labour signs etc too.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: The Giffer on May 14, 2015, 11:35:48 PM
Well done MT for a great and positive campaign and an excellent increase in the Labour vote. Great to see more support/Labour signs etc too.

Perhaps we can add some factual balance to this thread .The Tories and UKIP increased their % vote in Hazel Grove by 7.8 and 7.1 respectively.
Before it is then suggested these higher increases  just reflect  the national  trend lets look at some neighbouring constituencies . In Stockport the sitting Labour MP increased their vote by  7% , Hyde & Stalybridge sitting Labour MP increased by  5.5% and Cheadle [ on the surface a very similar seat to Hazel Grove with recent strong Lib Dem success but traditional  Tory support ] Labour also came third but with a 7 % increase .
Given this and the 23% decrease in the Lib Dem vote perhaps  a 5% increase in Hazel Grove for Labour is not quite the  success that is being suggested .
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Howard on May 15, 2015, 02:08:11 PM
Given this and the 23% decrease in the Lib Dem vote perhaps  a 5% increase in Hazel Grove for Labour is not quite the  success that is being suggested .

@The Giffer I suspect you meant 50% rather than 5%?
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: JMC on May 16, 2015, 11:56:16 AM
The more the Labour vote increases the more people will not believe the 'Labour cannot win here' mantra which pushed many people (who would have considered Labour) in the past to vote other parties or not bother voting at all.
Title: Re: Michael Taylor to fight Hazel Grove for Labour
Post by: Duke Fame on May 16, 2015, 01:21:11 PM
The more the Labour vote increases the more people will not believe the 'Labour cannot win here' mantra which pushed many people (who would have considered Labour) in the past to vote other parties or not bother voting at all.

I suspect Labour's vote will fall next time, their only credible candidate has pulled out. We're looking at a 10 year stretch of Conservative dominance. Even as an anti-labour chap, I'm not saying that's a good thing.