General Election Opening Announcements

Conservative and Lib Dem parties have been quick to react to Gordon Brown’s announcement that the general election will be on May 7.

Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson has posted a lengthy article on the Shepway Conservative's website, running to over 1,100 words.

Cllr Tillson urges members to ‘do everything in our power to evict this decomposing muck heap of a government and its failed prime minister’ and asks members to 'dig deep' to ensure Conservative Candidate Damain Collins wins the seat.

Towards the end of the article the Lib Dems are described as ‘the bindweed of politics – once they are allowed to invade territory, they are very hard to displace until people finally realise that empty cans make the most noise.’

The article also shows the Conservatives’ greatest worry - the danger of UKIP splitting the Conservative vote, as happened when Shepway District Leader Conservative Robert Bliss lost his Kent County Council seat to Lib Dem Tim Prater.

Shepway Liberal Democrats have posted a smaller press release, stating ‘Lib Dem Lynne Beaumont is predicted to be the only serious challenger to the Conservatives ... with bookmakers Ladbrokes rating both UKIP and Labour as 100-1 rank outsiders.’

As of April 6, Ladbrokes rate Ms Beaumont as 14/1 with Mr Collins the clear favourite at 1/100.

Ms Beaumont says ‘I've already pledged to be a full time MP for our area with no other paid job, and to accept no second homes expenses if elected: an MP can and should commute from here to Westminster.’

The Liberal Democrats are making the most of Ms Beaumont’s ‘local’ credentials over rival Mr Collins, who previously stood in Northampton North. Ms Beaumont has attacked Mr Collins for being a ‘wannabe MP’. Mr Collins has become involved in local issues and has told FUTS he believes an increase in the Conservative share of the vote is possible.

Funding appears to be a concern for both parties, with appeals made in Cllr Tillson’s article and by several prominent Lib Dems on Twitter. Labour, a distant third, appear to be in turmoil with not enough local members supporting candidate Donald Worsley's attempts to canvass and campaign.

It is unlikely the Conservative majority of over 11,000 votes will be overturned, but with the scandals of recent times reverberating around Westminster neither candidate is taking anything for granted.

Web Wars Heating up in Folkestone and Hythe Campaign

A 12 second video of Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont's pledges has been posted on the Lib Dem Website.

In the video, Ms Beamont lists her three pledges as – “no other second homes allowance, I will commute to London like everybody else and no other paid employment.”

The use of ‘new media’, meaning freely accessible sites such as Facebook Twitter and blogs, is a relatively new development in English politics and is leading to some interesting interaction between politicians and voters.

Ms Beaumont’s Conservative rival Damian Collins appears to have the sharpest web presence, with regularly updated pages on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. His Facebook avatar is a nod to an iconic image of Barak Obama, who used new media to great effect in his campaign for the American presidency.

While these sites help raise candidates’ profiles, they can also allow very public comment and criticism, which becomes more likely as the site or page becomes more popular. Mr Collins appears to be dogged by one persistent commenter, although occasionally others step into defend him.

Mr Collins background in PR and advertising leads many to tip him to win the new media race although given Shepway’s elderly demographic and the history of the seat it is not clear what effect this will have on the result.

Ms Beaumont is beginning to post but has yet to achieve Mr Collins’ success - Mr Collins boasts 866 Facebook friends, while Ms Beaumont has 149.

Lib Dem Lynne Leads After Debate

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Lynne Beaumont proved more popular than her rivals at a public debate in South Kent College.
Around 100 students attended the event to hear the candidates’ views on jobs, education and the future of Shepway. In a ballot after the debate, Ms Beaumont polled 66%, Conservative candidate Damian Collins 19% and Labour candidate Donald Worsley 15%.

Mr Collins did not explain why he thought Ms Beaumont polled most votes, but did say he thought it was ‘a very good debate and enjoyed meeting with the students.’

Labour Candidate Donald Worsley took heart from the result, reasoning that it was an improvement on Labour’s disastrous showing in recent county elections and could represent a fall in Conservative support.

Mr Worlsey also stated ‘the meeting Shepway has had a Conservative MP for the last 27years yet unemployment continues to go against the national trend, in a District in that time which has also seen a Lib Dem administration but not a Labour one.’

This is one of several events where all candidates will be speaking. The result is interesting as it goes against all expectations of an easy Conservative victory. However, at the moment this result is an aberration rather than a trend and Mr Collins is still clear favourite to win the seat.

Conservative Campaign Continuing Smoothly

Conservative Candidate Damian Collins is unconcerned at aggressive Lib Dem leafleting and campaigning in Shepway.

Large numbers of Lib Dem campaign flyers, in which Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont attacks Mr Collins for saying MPs having extra work is ‘fine’ have been delivered across Shepway.

The leaflets repeatedly stress Ms Beaumont’s long ties to the local area, a widely anticipated tactic against Mr Collins, who previously contested the Northampton North seat.

Speaking to FUTS after a meeting addressing Braebourne Lees and Smeeth residents at a public meeting, Mr Collins said;

“I wasn’t surprised by the Lib Dem leaflets.

“We have been out canvassing and are getting a good response. We are hopeful we can build on our share of the vote in this area, but I take nothing for granted and will be working hard in the campaign.”

Mr Collins also said that his recent video had proved to be extremely popular.

“There was a real spike in traffic when the video was posted. We will have more videos, and as the campaign progresses we hope to have one video per day posted online.”

The latest video to be posted by Mr Collins can be seen here. Mr Collins discusses how to support small businesses, touching on local initiatives and Conservative policies.

Candidates Clash in Student Fees Debate – What Really Happened Part II

Following on from the earlier post, a second YouTube video has been brought to the attention of FUTS, courtesy of Lib Dem councillor Tim Prater.

Conservative Candidate Damian Collins and Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont took part in a debate on the Future of Student Fees, held at Canterbury Christchurch University.

Ms Beaumont told FUTS that Mr Collins had been heckled after advocating higher fees for top level universities. At the time Mr Collins admitted that some issues were ‘contentious’, but stated he only said colleges ‘should have to back up why they were charging more ... When I said this there wasn't a reaction.’

The video, with less than 30 views at the time of writing, shows one student accusing Mr Collins of ‘blatantly’ lying as Conservative policies would price people out of University.

Mr Collins clarifies that ‘I’m not saying [variable fees] is what I want. The principle is that institutions should give you much better information.’

The student then attacks rumoured Conservative plans for ‘ten grand tuition fees’ and graduate tax, to loud applause.

Mr Collins answers that everyone pays top rate tax regardless of university education and appears to say that this is not enough to pay for university, though speech is obscured by the noise in the room.

In an email, Cllr Prater states ‘I think that Damian doth protest too much on variable tuition fees - he laid out clearly the grounds on which universities would charge different fees.

‘If you don't agree with variable fees and wouldn't allow them, then you say so. He didn't.’

Given that Mr Collins was speaking to an audience of students, some heckling is unsurprising and his willingness to debate in this atmosphere is commendable.

However, it appears his initial statement of ‘when I said this there wasn’t a reaction’ was avoiding admitting the more uncomfortable aspects of the meeting.

Neither the party website nor Mr Collins appears to give a clear indication of controls on variable fees (should they be introduced), presumably leaving the door open for top universities to charge more for their courses.

Conservative policy states ‘We recognise that higher fees have brought benefits to universities, but we need to ensure that they are providing a better student experience in return’

Collins Campaigning on Small Screen

Conservative Candidate Damian Coillins has launched the first of what is promised to be a series of internet campaign videos.

Posted on his blog and on YouTube, Mr Collins says the videos will  enable him to give instant reaction to news and events during the campaign.

In the clip, filmed in Broadmead village, Mr Collins voices his concerns that ‘too many people are missing out on opportunities,’ such as education and business ownership.

Mr Collins ends by promising to fight for the ‘hardworking, law abiding, tax-paying members of society who are the bedrock of communities.’

These videos will be uploaded on Mr Collins’ YouTube channel, ElectDamianCollins.

Mr Collins is widely expected to win the seat in the upcoming general election, but has stated he is taking nothing for granted.

He has extensive experience in PR, and it is perhaps surprising that although his YouTube channel was set up in May 2009, this is the first video posting.

The only other local party to have any real presence on the internet and to have posted videos is the Liberal Democrat Party. Recently a video of Lib Dem candidate Lynne Beaumont addressing students was posted on YouTube and on the Shepway Liberal Democrat site.

Fellow Lib Dem councillor Tim Prater was also videoing Ms Beaumont’s address at the recent ‘Eco-tourism summit’ though none of this footage has yet surfaced.

Mixed Messages at Lib Dem Eco Tourism Summit

Local interest groups and a small number of residents attended the ‘Eco –Tourism summit’ at the RSPB visitors centre on March 3.

Although only 24 people attended, the meeting was generally thought to be a success with important issues addressed and discussed.

Representatives from the wildlife organisations on the Marsh, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Angling Associations, Shepway Cycle Forum and several Conservative Councillors were among those present.

Many speakers were strongly in favour of the initiative, although sometimes the meeting was a fractious as attendees disagreed on several issues.

Concerns were raised that residents did not want extra tourists visiting the area and the current infrastructure, especially the lack of public toilets, would not be able to cope with an increase in numbers.

Chris Kirkham of Discover Folkestone cautioned against Dungeness becoming ‘tawdry and tacky’ if initiatives were not well managed.

The need to create jobs was repeatedly stressed and caused some of the sharpest exchanges.

Malcom Dyer of Romney Marsh regeneration Partnership said, ‘we have to provide something that will improve the economic wellbeing of the area.’ Conservative Councillor Russell Tillson echoed this point and cautioned that any plan would likely need a ’15 to 20 year timeframe.’

Resident Brian Godfrey raised the strongest concerns that the project would fail. Mr Godfrey criticised the speakers, saying ‘not one of you has talked directly about job creation.’

Lambasting Marsh-based organisations and councils for the lack of communication, Mr Godfrey also raised concerns that charitable organisations were taking over vast swathes of the Marsh and were stifling development and improvement of infrastructure.

Conservative Councillor Carole Waters criticised Cllr Beaumont for ‘sounding naive.’

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Beaumont admitted that the number of attendees was not as high as hoped, saying several organisations had expressed interest but were unable to send a representative.

Cllr Beaumont accepted the concerns raised but emphasised that an alternative plan was needed for the Marsh given that Dungeness C will not go ahead.

Cllr Tillson, who had previously called plans ‘cloud cuckoo land thinking’ said ‘I fully support any initiative to promote the Marsh,’ and added that he was pleased Ms Beaumont had been alerted to some of the difficulties faced by such projects.

The issue of the Marsh has become a major political issue in the area, and the Eco-tourism summit has so far been a key point in the Liberal Democrat’s green message.

Since the government decision not to consider Dungeness C as a site for new nuclear power station, Conservatives continue to fight for Dungeness C. This divide seems to be gaining in importance and could have a great effect on the national election this year and the District elections in 2011.

Liberals' Airport Anger Greatens* (L.A.A.G.)

The Liberal Democrat group, in an article titled ‘Vote Blue, Go Green, Feel Sick,’ have lambasted the decision to approve expansion of Lydd Airport.
Wondering how much money has been wasted the piece, authored by Lynne Beaumont, slams local and national Conservatives.

‘For many years now, the [Shepway] Conservatives have hidden behind the view that there should be a public enquiry, and this is what they have said to people. They gave their sympathy to people who are going to be affected.

‘People didn't want their sympathy, they wanted their councillors’ support’

‘David Cameron, only 4 days ago said;

"It was you (conservative activists and councillors), who campaigned at local election after local election, under the slogan Vote blue, go green, that have demonstrated our councils are the greenest and the best in Britain, and that we are the new environmental party in Britain, and you should be proud of that.."

‘The Conservatives who voted for Airport expansion last night in Shepway obviously didn't listen to their leader. They have proved once again that they don't care about our environment, and they do what they want to do in Shepway.’

*not great but the best I could do

Long-Haul Battle Expected Over Lydd Airport Plans

Liberal Democrat Candidate Lynne Beaumont and Conservative Candidate Damian Collins are at odds over future development on the Marsh.

Wednesday March 3 will see the council meet to determine the fate of two planning applications for the expansion of Lydd Airport. The expansion has been a highly contentious issue, with groups clashing over the need for jobs and infrastructure against the environmental cost of development.

Cllr Beaumont revealed to FUTS she had taken legal advice over the recommendations, and that she will be voting in the meeting on March 3. The Liberal Democrats have maintained a strong opposition to the plans.

In a statement to FUTS, Cllr Beaumont worte; ‘I think the report is clear, that the airport have not put a case forward where they cannot prove the expansion will not cause further damage to the environment.

‘Legally, if the habitats regulations are not met, then you have no choice but to vote against the applications. It will be interesting to see what happens on Wednesday.’

Conservative candidate Mr Collins, while not a member of the council, has been involved in the debate and previously said he ‘would support limited expansion depending on what the report says.’

Asked for his reaction to the report Mr Collins said he expects the case to go to appeal. Appearing to support airport expansion, Mr Collins is concerned that environmental considerations are seen as more pressing than economic development.

In a statement to FUTS, Mr Collins wrote; ‘having read the report I think it looks more and more likely that a final decision on this could only be given after a public enquiry.’

‘I have a concern, both on this and on Dungeness power station that Natural England seems to have the right of veto over development on Romney Marsh, even when the land area is question is less than 1% of the protected area, and their objection overrides any local consideration about jobs and investment.

‘An appeal to the Secretary of State though could allow this to be resolved. Many people in Lydd and Romney March are increasingly worried about jobs, and the report from Shepway's officers will be a further blow for them.’
Pressure groups Lydd Airport Action Group (LAAG – against development) and Friends of Lydd Airport (FLAG – for development) have stated they expect to see the case go to appeal.

With Michael Howard MP not contesting the next election any appeal would ensure it will remain a tricky issue for his successor, widely tipped to be Mr Collins. Mr Howard will speak on the application at the meeting, and has previously written he would support expansion.

People are being urged NOT to go to the civic centre for the meeting as the public gallery is full with limited spaces in other rooms.
The public will be able to watch over the internet via the Shepway Council website, or at Romney Marsh Academy Theatre where a large screen will show the meeting.

PPCs Discuss Core Issues Of Future Of Marsh

Note – Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson kindly supplied this information.
The two main contenders for the Folkestone and Hythe parliamentary seat restated near-polar opposite views on the future of the Marsh.

Conservative parliamentary candidate Damian Collins and Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne Beaumont both spoke at public meeting on the future of Dungeness C power station, held in Lydd on Feb 13.

Since the government’s decision last year to not include Dungeness as a possible site for a new nuclear power station, the Conservative position is to support a new power station and the Liberal Democrat position is to oppose it.

In a summary of comments kindly sent to FUTS by Conservative Association Chairman Russell Tillson, Cllr Beaumont raised concerns over the storage of waste for 160 years and the risk of flooding in the future.

Continuing calls for tourism to be the alternative to the power station, Cllr Beaumont is quoted as saying ‘the aim is to bring an extra half a million people to the Marsh in the next five to ten years,’ and that ‘economically green tourism is the way forward.’ She has called a meeting to discuss this in greater detail to be held at the RSPB reserve at 2pm March 1.

Cllr Beaumont raised concerns over waste storage onsite, claiming it would be in pools at the risk of flooding for 160 years. This issue has generated front page splashes and a TV news report for the Lib Dems.

Mr Collins steadfastly called for Dungeness C to be built, saying ‘I am an unashamed supporter of Dungeness C’ and promising that he would lobby and fight for Dungeness C ‘from Day One of a Conservative government’.

Mr Collins also said that Dungeness C could be connected to the national grid more quickly than at other sites, and placed the issue in the national context of power shortfalls and the need to produce large amounts of energy.

Highlighting the economic benefits the power station brings, Mr Collins also criticised Lib Dem plans, saying ‘you can’t have an economy based on seasonal tourism.’

The Liberal Democrat position to not support a new power station appears to put them at odds with public opinion. However, Cllr Beaumont is confident that attitudes are changing. Speaking to FUTS, she said although ‘some nasty comments have come my way,’ the vast majority of correspondence has been extremely supportive and has praised her for offering an alternative vision for the Marsh.

Many thanks to Cllr Tillson for this information.