Forum Topic

Do the ICG care about Hounslow South?

I would contend that they do not.This is from the Minutes of the ICG AGM 30th January 2009:-"Margaret Mills asked why there had not been any leaflets delivered by the ICG in Hounslow South ward since the last elections. Phil Andrews explained that it was simply a case of prioritising areas that we will be contesting at the next local elections and lack of manpower. As the ICG were unlikely to be fielding any candidates in Hounslow South next time around, it was not a priority to produce a leaflet."In contrast to the ICG's short-term opportunistic "interest" in the ward, the three Labour candidates actually want to serve the ward's residents. In particular, Zara Malik (daughter of Cllr Nisar Malik) would make an excellent Councillor for Hounslow South, and if elected would probably be the youngest representative in the Council chamber.

Robin Taylor ● 5599d19 Comments

Yes, the rubbish you are talking.

John Davies ● 5595d

"did you rush to the defence of the Brentford Tory candidates by proclaiming that we need more young people in politics?" Yes Robbie - I believe I did.  When saying there is good enough reason not to vote for Zara Malik I was referring of course to your comment that she is the daughter of  Cllr Nisar Malik!

Steve Taylor ● 5595d

The Conservative Party has delivered eight newsletters in Hounslow South since 2006. This does not include literature for the Parliamentary candidate or the latest election leaflets.In 2006 we promised that if elected, our candidates would deliver regular newsletters. Although we have not been able, for various reasons, to deliver the four per year that we said we would, we have kept in regular touch with the electorate of Hounslow South.Conservative councillors in Hounslow South have also attended many local events to support their constituents over the last four years.

John Davies ● 5595d

Steve,Is my memory playing tricks on me, or did you rush to the defence of the Brentford Tory candidates by proclaiming that we need more young people in politics?

Robin Taylor ● 5596d

"In particular, Zara Malik (daughter of Cllr Nisar Malik) would make an excellent Councillor for Hounslow South, and if elected would probably be the youngest representative in the Council chamber." Good enough reason not to vote for her I'd say

Steve Taylor ● 5596d

"Do the ICG care about Hounslow South?"My guess is they do because they want to win a seat.But more importantly the question is: Does Ann Keen care about Brentford, Chiswick or Isleworth?

Steve Taylor ● 5596d

Has anyone looked at a Ward map. Parts of Hounslow South are in Isleworth so why would't the ICG contest it. Historically a large prtion is/was in Isleworth Parish as is Syon Ward.

Neil Chippendale ● 5598d

There is no knobbing way Malik is going to win Osterley - in fact Labour have clearly given up on the area by dint of the fact that they cannot get decent local activists like Jerry Folkson to stand just to keep the part's profile in the area respectable.

Ian Speed ● 5599d

May I be so bold as to correct you sir the local ward Councillors have produced and delivered at least two a year in the four year term in which we have served. The leaflet was called " In Touch" something you obviously you are not.To my knowledge Labour have produced nothing

Brad Fisher ● 5599d

"And now the ICG are getting their own back by standing 3 candidates against the Tories in Hounslow South"And you are trying to stop them taking the seats off the Tories. Like I say Robbo, you all stick together when the chips are down and your backs are to the wall lol.Pip pip.

James Dash ● 5599d

"If anyone wants to see how they all draw together when their comfy little carve-up is threatened..."Hold on a minute, "James", hasn't the ICG been in coalition with the Tories for the last four years?And don't the Minutes of the 2009 ICG AGM state that "Phil and Paul had put a strong case to them (Peter Thompson and Barbara Reid) for not fielding any candidates in Isleworth and Syon but the feeling was that they were compelled to do so in order to secure funding for the general election campaign"In other words, the Tories rebuffed the pleas from the ICG to give them a clear run against Labour in Isleworth and Syon. And now the ICG are getting their own back by standing 3 candidates against the Tories in Hounslow South.And here's the really telling passage from the ICG Minutes: "It was generally agreed that it would be seen as a lack of respect from the Conservatives if they were to contest such seats."However, despite the lovers' tiff, I predict that if there is another hung council after May 6, they'll quickly make up again.

Robin Taylor ● 5599d

But the ICG deny that they are politicians!

Christopher Boucher ● 5599d

Well that just about completes the set.  In one day we've had the Labour party, the Tories, the big squaw from the little wannabe Labour party and now her big chief himself all rounding on the ICG.It appears the ICG are right to say there is more that unites the politicians than divides them.  If anyone wants to see how they all draw together when their comfy little carve-up is threatened they should visit today's posts and see for themselves.  It would seem the ICG are indeed the only ones who stand apart.  Showdown time methinks.

James Dash ● 5599d

You would, wouldn't you Phil?

John Connelly ● 5599d

John,Nisar Malik is a great guy, and I hope he continues his council duties as the soon-to-be newly elected councillor for Osterley & Spring Grove.Regarding the three Conservative candidates for Hounslow Central, I personally don't think they're going to win. Although last time there was a gap of less than 200 between top Tory and bottom Labour, that was before your party axed funding to HLS (and did various other things that are unlikely to endear them to the electorate of Hounslow Central).Defeat for Lily Bath would be a terrible loss for Hounslow Council, and I'm pretty confident it ain't gonna happen!P.S.:- Try door knocking in Central and you'll very quickly discover that the main issue is rubbish. People are up in arms about it, and they blame your administration.

Robin Taylor ● 5599d

No it proves they hadn't delivered any leaflets in Hounslow South between May 2006 and 1st April 2009 when several thousand went out in one day around Mogden.  That doesn't mean they hadn't done any work.  Mogden is by a country mile the biggest issue in Hounslow South and the ICG have been involved in the thick of it for many years.  Tory/Labour on the other hand have shafted the residents living on top of Mogden.  I think the statement was fair comment.

James Dash ● 5599d

James,I'm afraid you're missing the point.You see, Phil Andrews says on the forum front page that "Politicians will stroll into a neighbourhood they’ve never set foot in, bold as brass, four weeks or so before an election is due and tell people they don’t know and have never met what they are going to do for them. Their impertinence and arrogance leaves me speechless. The ICG does never and could never conduct itself like this."In this statement, Phil is condemning the other parties for doing exactly what the ICG are doing in Hounslow South. The minutes I quoted show that they have no real interest or commitment to Hounslow South (and, in fact, are standing two candidates who live in Isleworth Ward and one who lives in Syon).Sorry, but the ICG has been hoist by its own petard.

Robin Taylor ● 5599d

Robin, would you be able to tell us then how many leaflets Labour has delivered in Hounslow South since 2006?Or for that matter the Tories as you now, predictably, seem to be making common cause with them also (I think there was something on Phil Andrews's blog about this happening many months ago)?My understanding is that no political leaflets were delivered in Hounslow South by any party before the autumn of last year, when the ICG was the first to circulate one.

James Dash ● 5599d

Why has he been de-selected?Three great conservative candidates standing in this Ward. All local-all committed

John Todd ● 5599d