Forum Topic

McLeod misses the point

Mary McLeod the new M.P. is shedding crocodile tears over the cancellation of BSF, Building Schools for the Future. She is going on about working with the three schools who were in the first tranche of BSF and saying she wants to work with them and discuss their needs. Silly woman, does she not know that this will affect EVERY secondary school in the borough? What about the needs of everyone else, some of whom are as bad if not worse than the three named in the first wave? Quite what she thinks she can do as the 'pipsqueak' Minister responsible can't even get it right is anyone's guess.

Vanessa Smith ● 5776d47 Comments

Glad I could be of some use.

Vanessa Smith ● 5758d

Apologies for the delay in replying, I concede that the Keens were never on the Voting Register, however because of you Vanessa I have had the loveliest week in a long time catching up on old neighbours and friends. As I said in a previous post I look at a decade and just see yesterday but this week I along with the others from all over the Estate whom many have moved away in fact I felt infamous and greatly touched that old friends and neighbours through word of mouth would have contacted me with verification, we have gone back 35 years and been quite reminicent swapping stories and acheivements, we have had glorious laughter and yes even some tears, Mr & Mrs Smith were remembered with respect very hard workers acheived a great deal. The Keens private life before they became MP's is there's not ours consequently this is my last post on it, we all concur though that the Jubilee year was an interesting one.

Dawn Hardy ● 5759d

I heard, reliably, that this cost Hounslow a cool 2M. Also that some councils are thinking of going to court over the money, for which who could blame them?

Vanessa Smith ● 5765d

I strongly believe that Hounslow and all the other Councils affected should at the very least be compensated for all the officer time involved in the bidding process for BSF and if my memory serves me correctly our Borough was I think at the stage three level so countless hours have been wastedI am no accountant but I am sure the total now wasted on bidding for this would have run possibly in to the hundreds of thousands of pounds and this is money the local education budget sorely needs more than ever

Paul Fisher ● 5765d

'are the Tories not moving forward rapidly?' I think the problem Steve is - that it might be too rapid. I was never a big fan of the BSF programme as it was being run, BUT to just take the money away from schools cannot be right. To stop BSF and replace it with  a more school friendly scheme - giving the money directly to the schools - would have been far more preferable. The fear is that this decision is idealogical hiding behind economics and the money will now fund the so-called free schools and Academies. This money is still needed in the state sector however it gets there, I fear miserable pipsqueak Gove has buggered this up big time and will indeed repent at leisure.

Vanessa Smith ● 5765d

"This thread started off about the current B&I MP missing the point about the BSF money, how did we arrive here?"Agreed - I personally don't give a toss where 'has been' Keen or 'old bean' Keen live or lived but education and schools is of particular interest to me. Gove made some iteresting points on Radio 4 this morning and Balls talked more about talking about talking about talking - something Labour are quite good at talking about. Notwithstanding Mcleods gaff - are the Tories not moving forward rapidly?

Steve Taylor ● 5765d

That is absolutely true as it was that election when I joined the council too. This thread started off about the current B&I MP missing the point about the BSF money, how did we arrive here? And what the hell is Mary McLeod  actually doing apart from being sorry?

Vanessa Smith ● 5765d

I was aware of that and Alan Keen has I believe 2 children from a previous relationship - my point was, they did not have any children together since their marriage, which I believe was circa 1980 and therefore as a couple they were childless.

Bernadette Paul ● 5765d

When Alan Keen was elected to Hounslow Council for Hounslow Heath ward in May 1986 he lived in Ashford but qualified as a candidate because he owned a business in the borough. He and Ann Keen moved to Brentford soon after this.If Dawn is interested in the facts rather than pursuing her own fictitious version of history she can find the details of his nomination in Hounslow Council records.Notification of candidates in local elections lists their current address. The local library will be able to point her at the records.

John Connelly ● 5765d

I knew Ann & Alan for donkey's years and did indeed work for him for several years - there is no way they ever lived on the Syon Estate - Robin is correct it is complete b******s. This is also confirmed by my husband who lived on that estate for over 15 years up until the mid 1970s. They moved directly from Ashford to Brook Road South just as Ann was selected the first time. They have never had any children together.

Vanessa Smith ● 5766d

That was my intention Neil, but thank you anyway.

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

Census returns a closed under the 100 year rule. Findmypast published the 1911 census a couple of years early but the kept certain sections private, so no chance.The only way would to prove it would be to look at an early voters register, available from Hounslow Library.The date of the late 80's would be correct for them moving into to Brook Road South, Alan k was a regular in the Grifin Pub when I drank in the pub. Loved to chat about football.

Neil Chippendale ● 5766d

Robin,I never mentioned the child to cause embarrassment just to prove a point, and I can also assure you that Ann & Alan lived in Cherry Crescent, time for me seems just like yesterday however about them living in Cherry that is a fact that cannot be denied because my sister lived at number 8 in the banjo and the Keens lived 2 houses outside on the left and yes you are right he was a business man always suited and fluted in fact both of them were out of place. I can only suggest that looking up the street census will prove the point I shall be doing that Monday.

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

Dawn,Ann and Alan moved to Brook Road South in the early months of 1987 - before the general election of June 11 of that year.If memory serves me correctly, they had previously lived in Ashford.I think it's highly unlikely they would have lived in a council house (on the Syon estate or anywhere else) as I'm pretty sure Alan was a successful businessman with his own company in the fire industry, so would not have been short of a bob or two. (Vanessa can probably confirm this as I think she may well have worked for his company).Btw., she had to give her child up for adoption because she had him out of wedlock when she was a teenager in Wales. It was the 1960s and there was still a social stigma over this sort of thing. In March of this year, the Sunday Express (which is about 100 years behind the times) saw fit to run a story around this event.

Robin Taylor ● 5766d

I HAVE SPENT THE LAST HOUR ON GOOGLE AND FOUND THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION!!Ann Lloyd Keen(nee Fox born 26 November 1948) is a British Labour Party politician,who was a member of parliament(MP)for Brentford & Isleworth from 1997, until she was defeated by Mary Macleod Conservative candidate in 2010.She stood for the Brentford & Isleworth seat in 1987 and 1992 though was unsuccessful on both occasions.For the 1997 election she was again selected on this occassion through an all-women shortlist although this was outlawed in 1996.In 2000 Ms Keen became well known for campaigning on Gay Rights, her interest in the issue sparked when she was reunited with her gay son Mark Lloyd Fox in 1997 who she had given up for adoption.Ann Keen employed him as a member of staff at parliament. Ms Keen is the daughter of steelworker John Lloyd Fox and Ruby Hughes.She went to Elfed Secondary Modern School in Buckley,Clwyd.She worked in the NHS before training as a registered nurse at Ashford General Hospital in Ashford Middlesex.She married Alan Keen who remains a Labour MP in 1980.Her sister Sylvia Heal also a former Labour MP, was one of three Deputy Speakers of the House of Commons under Speaker John Bercow.

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

Ann kived un Staines at the time of getting selected as a candidate in 1985 , don't know when Brentford move came or if it was direct to current house.

Ian Speed ● 5766d

Ann actually had a son which she gave up for adoption and then when she becane an MP found him again.

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

I can't believe I'm going to do this but - deep breath - I agree with Robin - I am pretty damn sure that Ann Keen lived in Brook Road at least 20 years ago.  One of my daughter's boyfriends for a time was her nephew think his name was Gareth but not sure now (it was a long time ago) anyway, her sister, Sylvia Heal's son who was elected MP in 1990.  My daughter pointed out Ann Keen's house to me at that time to explain the relationship and bring me up to speed politically as I had been living in the US for a while.  Don't want to split hairs, they may have lived in Cherry Crescent but it would be a lot longer ago than 16 years and, if its true I would ask why they had a council property at all - as far as I know they are childless.I hold no brief for Ann Keen as previous postings will confirm but, if you are going to go off on one you really should be able to prove what you are saying is correct.

Bernadette Paul ● 5766d

Dawn,Are you related to Steve Taylor, per chance?It's just that you talk a load of bo**ocks.The Keens have never lived in Feltham, and there is no compulsion on an MP to live in the area they represent.

Robin Taylor ● 5766d

Each and anyone can go into the old Census and peruse at Old Addresses for exact dates if you have a mind too???

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

Beware what you state as truth, because you will be found out, do you really want me to prove it to everyone. Why is it shameful for them to have lived on the Syon Estate in a Council House for goodness sake, did not practically everyone start out that way. Also I do not take kindly to be called liar. So why was a Bill passed just before the General Election (slipped through by Labour Lord's and Ladies)to avoid any of them being prosecuted (All Parties for lying about there expenses)stating that  MP's and other's need only visit there houses once a month THE AREA THEY REPRESENT not to live there, if you are going to stand for Parliament in the next Election you have to ensure that you know that what you state is the truth!!!

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

This is nonsense, Alan & Ann lived in Ashford a long time before she was even chosen as the B&I candidate, to my knowledge they have never lived in Feltham and moved straight to Brentford when she was up for selection that first time in the 80s. They then lived there for many years. How on earth Alan would get a 'grace & favour' residence Heaven knows, where does this tripe come from? 'as you are aware you need a house in the area that you represent at Westminster', that is rubbish you don't have to live in a consitutency to represent it.

Vanessa Smith ● 5766d

Neil, Both Anne and Alan lived in Cherry Crescent just up from the banjo when she was first invited to join the Labour Party, sooo! if my memory serves me approx 16 years however I am sure that you could go onto the old censors and find the correct period, as for Alan as you are aware you need a house in the area that you represent at Westminster so respectively they would have brought both houses in the area that they were going to stand, maybe the same time, never the less let's remember that AK lived at Convent Garden in a 500k Flat whilst Alan has or had a Grace and Favour Flat in Pall Mall can't tell you the address, so consequently the way Labour ran there government you should have lived in your area however whilst claiming exhorbitant expenses you got to live elsewhere at we the taxpayer's cost. As far as I am aware if Ann & Alan ever got to live in Brook Road it was for less than  a couple of month's other than that it was a shambles even squatters moved in apparently quite a few good raves were held there, the Keens did apparently start to refurbish the property however when they bacame late in paying the workmens bill's naturally the work stopped. I'm sure that you are quite conversant with it all anyway.

Dawn Hardy ● 5766d

Dear DawnJust a couple of questions, What property in Feltham and how long ago did AK live on the Syon Estate. She was living in Brook Rd South years before I moved in and when she bought the houses would have been very cheap. I paid less than 60k for the same type of house in the 1990's.

Neil Chippendale ● 5767d

If you do not complete your 600 page thesis as you know, and you do! each post that you do on here and elsewhere appertaning to politics and giving good arguements are taken into account if you do not receive a favourable response when you have finished your thesis then you will not stand for Labour in the next election. By the way that took you nearly 2 hours to respond, you are slipping your marks will downgrade.

Dawn Hardy ● 5767d

See that's the trouble with you Tories, you need a thesis whereas those of us who do not share your twisted views only need principles.

Vanessa Smith ● 5767d

Here was I thinking that you were working so hard on your Thesis in preparation of standing in the next General Election! shame on me.

Dawn Hardy ● 5767d

Sorry - lost me again.

Vanessa Smith ● 5767d

Soiler should have should have said SOLDIER

Dawn Hardy ● 5767d

When can we expect you to take your seat in Westminster Vanessa, like all Labourites you only see what suit's you and manipulate the truth to suitability. The only time that I can remember AK deigning to come to Brentford once established in the corridors of power was when an old solier needed her help and got zilch.

Dawn Hardy ● 5767d

West Middx Hospital Trust was able to "Modernise" only by selling off 2/3rd of the original land.The Percy House land originally, then the nurses dwelling's,what a *loody monstrocity that's been built in it's place it look's like a prison. Anne Keen only ever did herself good except of course for her very good friend's. Before AK became an MP she like the rest of many lived on what was depicted by "Hubert" as the infamous Syon Estate and yet in a space of 13 years her and the old man Alan accumalated 2 houses one in Brentford and one in Feltham I wonder is the one in Feltham as derelict as the one in Brentford plus a 700K flat in Waterloo. From a council house to being millionares in the space of 13 years is not bad going.

Dawn Hardy ● 5767d

"but I think it is fair to say that Ann Keen's help in attaining the rebuild was something she can take credit for"Ok thanks Vanessa - fair comment. I understand now

Steve Taylor ● 5768d

Steve, the West Middx. hasn't only benefitted from building works, the whole of the NHS has improved beyond recognition. Gone - well we thought they'd gone but with this lot maybe not - are the days of patients being stuck in corridors on trolleys for hours on end, you no longer have to wait for months after a GP referral to see a Consultant. And in spite of targets being much maligned they can have their uses as long as they are used with a degree of common sense and flexibility, something which wasn't so apparent sadly. It's all very well Andrew Lansley banging on about 'outcomes' but how do you measure them against the time patients have to wait for services, quality of care, cleanliness, re-referrals? There were many ideas for the revamping of the West Mid. but I think it is fair to say that Ann Keen's help in attaining the rebuild was something she can take credit for, like Pat I think the arguments over PFI are another matter.

Vanessa Smith ● 5768d

West Mid is indeed fantastic. I have nothing but admiration for the staff there....but are you saying the revamp and expansion wouldn't have gone ahead without Mrs Moneybags?  This is a real question as I have no idea about her involvement at all but I had assumed it was planned long before she came on the scene in BCI. I recall plans going ahead back in 1987 when I first moved to Chiswick and my wife used the facities which were rather shoddy (but served the purpose)

Steve Taylor ● 5768d

Well she was very instrumental in the rebuilding of West Mid and whatever you think about PFI the community has a wonderful new hospital which, certainly, as far as my relatives and friends are concerned, provides top rate treatment in excellent surroundings.  I'm sure there is a list of other achievements by the previous MP and wouldn't expect Mary McLeod to have been able to achieve much yet, but surely she could be more vociferous about the rebuilding of Chiswick School.  Or is she also hoping for a Government position

Patricia Nicholas ● 5769d

"Did Ms Moneybags do anything for us in all her years?"Not that I recall

Steve Taylor ● 5769d

Did Ms Moneybags do anything for us in all her years?

Keith Iddon ● 5769d

I've been out of the country for more than a month so I've missed all this which is quite interesting. Just curious but has Ms Macleod done anything good for us yet?

Steve Taylor ● 5769d

Oh dear, Dawn.  Just deal with the issue - prevarication is no response

Patricia Nicholas ● 5770d

From that I don't think Mary Mcleod is the only one who is missing the point.

Vanessa Smith ● 5771d

Perhaps if Gordon Brown had not donated 1.3 Billion Pounds to India's Space Programme also 200 Million to replanting trees in the Amazon jungle instead of all the leaders of the world getting together and making the conglomarates out there who have destroyed the Amazon and it's people pay for the restructering,Oh! yes 15 Million to Vietnam for would you beleive this toilets outside of the cities where the poor old peseants do not even have running water. Now! lets see 1,300,000,000                200,000,000                  15,000,000              1,515,000,000 Billion PoundsThat money could have refurbished many schools up and down the country even perhaps have built a few that were in the Labour Governments wish list. What we should all remember is that Labour left the current government and we the populace BANKRUPT, obviously it will take time, don't you think it's only fair that we do give them a chance. If my Bank Account look's grim then I just don't spend until it once again look's healthy.

Dawn Hardy ● 5771d

All three of my children received a good education at Chiswick School but even then the buildings needed a lot of money spent on them - and a lot of money was spent.  But the essential fabric of the school and its fitness for the 21st Century was on an irrevocable slide downhill as recognised by the Council and the School Buildings programme.    So - what is Mary McLeod going to do about this?

Patricia Nicholas ● 5771d

BUMP

Steve Bonnici ● 5773d

It would have helped if Labour hadn't become involved in the Iraq and Afghan wars , then far more would have been available earlier for BSF. Spare a thought for the little poor kids at Ashton House in Osterley , still being taught in an old building.

Ian Speed ● 5773d

Patricia,Why don't you arrange to meet Ms Macleod at one of her Brentford surgeries to ..ask her!I too have a connection with Chiswick School. Post-war delipadations didn't stop hundreds of us getting a great education there..even though some of us failed the 11+ exam too.  If we haven't got the money..the plans will have to go on hold..unless someone like China could give us a grant.Thanks for Mary's calendar Editor Kath. A great idea.http://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=info&link=http://nnet-server.com/server/common/marymacleoddiary.htm

Jim Lawes ● 5773d

The fact is that being "disappointed" is insufficient response from the MP.  What is she going to do about it?  I was for a number of very good years a governor of Chiswick School.  During that time work was carried out to the school but there was never any doubt that rebuilding was necessary in the not too distant future.  The Labour government recognised this as did the council, otherwise Chiswick would not have been on the list in the first place. This is not to say other schools in the borough did not require rebuilding but anyone who has been associated with Chiswick over the years would know it must now have become urgent.  So Mary McLeod - just what are you going to do about it?

Patricia Nicholas ● 5774d

I thought they were blaming them for all the waste.

Keith Iddon ● 5776d

How many years will she and her ilk blame Labour for the cutbacks.

Neil Chippendale ● 5776d