Councillor Linda Kelly at the Beecholme Estate in Clapton last week
At a shock move during the proceedings of the Hackney Council AGM, councillor Linda Kelly was invited and then accompanied to the conservative benches (from the labour side) by conservative councillor Simche Steinberger.
This literal move was the the first notion anyone (other than a very few officials) had of the political move from Labour to the Conservatives.
Not even fellow Leabridge councillors knew of the move beforehand.
I hope Linda won't mind me saying this, but I think it is safe to assume that the move is more about personalities than political ideology.
That is to say, the move is more about leaving the Labour group than joining the Conservative party - and it seems to me that the Hackney conservative councillors are somewhat of an anomaly and not exactly representative of conservative central office.
Linda's position and fight against the cuts hasn't changed either.
Linda's position and fight against the cuts hasn't changed either.
I'll be speaking to Linda again later (Thur 19) so will have more to report, including a statement I'm sure.
I do know that as Leabridge residents, we will still have Linda fighting for us as effectively as ever - that will not change.
I do know that as Leabridge residents, we will still have Linda fighting for us as effectively as ever - that will not change.
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I must add - although historically a Labour voter, I will be voting for for Linda Kelly, whatever her party allegiance, come next election. I'm sure many others in Leabridge will do the same.
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Statement from Leabridge Labour councillors
"We regret the decision of our former colleague to leave the Labour Party and join the Conservative councillors on Hackney Council.
We would like residents to feel assured that it will be 'service as usual' as we continue to work to serve the residents of Leabridge ward as Labour councillors committed to carrying out the Labour Manifesto.
We are available on our mobile phone 07890 654 068 (cllr Ian Rathbone) or via email if anyone wishes to talk to us."
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• • •
Statement from Leabridge Labour councillors
"We regret the decision of our former colleague to leave the Labour Party and join the Conservative councillors on Hackney Council.
We would like residents to feel assured that it will be 'service as usual' as we continue to work to serve the residents of Leabridge ward as Labour councillors committed to carrying out the Labour Manifesto.
We are available on our mobile phone 07890 654 068 (cllr Ian Rathbone) or via email if anyone wishes to talk to us."
• • •
See the Labour Group Statement
and comments at:
http://beecholme.blogspot.com/2011/05/linda-kelly-labour-group-statement.html
(the post above)
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Linda has stated:
"I will continue with my work, fighting for constituents' rights.
My surgery is first Sunday of every month except August, 11.00 - 12.00 at the Beecholme Est Hall.
My mobile: 07590 370 226
Personal email: lindaannkelly@gmail.com
or: lindaannkelly@yahoo.co.uk "
4 comments:
get a life - she clearly doesnt have any politics. just a selfish opportunist.
I disagree and happen to know that is not true.
The reason for the move is not the one you're jumping to.
BTW, the conservatives in Hackney are never going to be more than a tiny minority party.
As anyone who knows Linda or have benefitted from her work as a councillor will testify, Linda is anything BUT selfish - and a very effective and pragmatic councillor.
The move has nothing to do with ideology.
NOTE: I will always publish all comments (unless obscene)
Good on Linda, I am very happy for her.
I would totally disagree with this part: 'it seems to me that the Hackney Conservative councillors are somewhat of an anomaly and not exactly representative of Conservative central office'
I don't think you should tar all Conservatives with the same brush, councillors are individuals and I'd hope that no Conservative groups stick by central office policies and ideologies regardless. There are a great variety of Conservatives with all sorts of backgrounds and views and I think Linda will make a great addition to the team working for Hackney.
I stand corrected (by M Brown's comment above). I suppose there are very few borough councillors that do stick rigidly to central govt. policies and ideologies.
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