The Lib Dem group on Calderdale Council is preparing to woo the BNP in a bid to oust the Tories. Confirmation that the Lib Dems are opportunists of the highest order/lowest depths
“A dramatic coup is on the cards which could see the Conservatives ousted after controlling Calderdale Council for nearly six years. Liberal Democrat supremo Patrick Phillips wants to take over as leader – and he is prepared to form an alliance with the BNP to achieve his objective.”
I am disgusted. Just to push the hypocrisy home, on the Lib Dem website there is a quote from former Liberal Democrat President, Lord Dholakia “Please go out and vote against the BNP.”
The new campaign slogan for Labour and Tory activists everywhere - “Vote Lib Dem and get the BNP”
There is still hope in Calderdale. If Labour Councillors unite with the Tories (a holy alliance in comparison) they can keep the Liberal Fascists Democrats out of power. They formed a temporary pact in May this year, and let us hope that they will do the right thing again.
Edit: (13:50) We’ve spoken both to the Halifax Courier and to Patrick Phillips. There will be a statement later from Cllr Phillips which we will of course publish, and if there is any reply from the Courier we will do likewise.
Edit2: (14:00) As promised, the statement from Cllr Phillips. We referenced the Halifax Courier story in good faith, and we are sorry if it proves to be inaccurate. We believe the Halifax Courier will be on the receiving end of calls from lawyers for Cowley Street.
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Statement from Councillor Patrick Phillips
The story run to-day in the Halifax Courier is totally untrue.
I spoke to the editor, Geoff Fox this afternoon and he explained to me that he had written the story on the basis that in putting forward a motion to remove the Tories from the Cabinet would require support from the minority parties. Since Mr Fox did not believe that the Labour group would support the
motion, this meant that we would need the support of the other minority parties which include the 2 members of the BNP as well as 1 English Democrat and 3 independents.
Since the Liberal Democrats had not secured the support of any party, he assumed that we would be actively seeking support from those parties and that we would offer something in return.
Neither of these latter assumptions are true. In fact, the voting intentions of the Labour Parties are much more significant and are unknown to us at this time.
It has been Calderdale Liberal Democrat Group policy not to deal with the BNP on any subject ever since they were first elected in Calderdale. This policy still holds today and has been made clear to the Halifax Courier on more than one occasion.
“I believe that the report published in the Halifax Courier almost certainly amounts to libel. I have taken the matter up with the News Editor who has offered a retraction in Friday’s edition but would only agree to a form of words that did not make it clear to me that they were admitting that their representation of my views were pure conjecture without any valid provenance,†said Patrick Phillips. At this time, the Editor is refusing to publish an acceptable retraction.
Patrick Phillips (Cllr)
Leader - Calderdale Liberal Democrats
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redtamarin[at]gmail.com
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I think it would be fair to say that Mr Clarke is a regular...
Are you seriously suggesting that the Lib Dems are going to enter into a formal coalition with the BNP? If so, where is your evidence? It’s certainly not in the article that you linked.
For reasons that I cannot comprehend, the people of Calderdale have voted for some BNP councillors. That is fact. They are on the council and they have a vote in the council chamber. If they were to vote against the Tory minority administration and for either Labour or the Liberal Democrats, I cannot see how this is a formal pact. I would also be astonished, and more than a little disgusted, if the Lib Dems gave any concession to the BNP - to my knowledge Ming has never said that all immigrants should “go home”, or that gay people are mentally ill, or that women should be barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen.
There is no story here, just childish, partisan muckraking based on a poorly worded article from a local rag. Do you honestly believe that ANY of the mainstream parties would be prepared to accept one of their council groups working with Nazis?
Grow up, and until you do, naff off.
This Blog is Getting Worse! said this on October 13th, 2006 at 10:42 am
Enthusiasts for PR for Westminster elections might like to note the pickles that can develop if lots of parties have similar numbers of seats. But I don’t expect they’ll be bothered. They don’t look bothered. Not even their faces look bothered.
Out here in the sticks the LibDems and some independents have conspired against the Tory cabinet to vote to expand our pathetic little airport. Not quite clear how this squares with the green image the LibDems are so busy trying to cultivate…
Hughes Views said this on October 13th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I understand that this was a Labour smear and there is likely to be a retraction today.
Louis Cyphere said this on October 13th, 2006 at 11:22 am
If Louise Cyphere is correct then Alex clearly hasnt checked his facts and is as guily of dirty smears as the worst of them. Looks like this blog may have stooped to a new low. I presume there will be an appropriate retraction and apology.
Not Rick Witter said this on October 13th, 2006 at 11:28 am
What fucking nonsense. Of course they won’t work with the BNP, and no-one has suggested they will. John Reid seems to be doing his best to win the bigoted vote for Labour anyway.
AS said this on October 13th, 2006 at 11:59 am
Well it wouldn’t be the first time the Lib Dems had directly or indirectly aided the BNP. Back in Tower Hamlets in 1993 they printed plenty of literature suggesting the council at the time was favouring ethnic minorities over housing allocation…this just legitimised the BNP’s campaign material.
Mind you that was back in 1993.
GuinnessCream said this on October 13th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
There is no evidence of any kind that the lib Dems have done any kind of a deal with the BNP. The newspaper article doesn’t even claim any evidence for its conjecture. In fact the Lib Dems have fought the BNP tooth and nail in Calderdale.
GuinnessCream appears to have a hazy memory about Tower Hamlets. It was actually Labour who talked up the BNP in the by-election they won.
Sam said this on October 13th, 2006 at 12:17 pm
“Never apologise, never explain” - until you start receiving lawyers’ letters
Recess Monkey said this on October 13th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
Sam. Inccorect, below are some aspects of Lib Dem campaign material at the time:
“Under the headline “How Labour spends your money” was an arrow pointing to a lavatory pan.
The pamphlet detailed how Labour allegedly tried to give £30,000 to Bangladesh for flood relief and how it spent £175,000 on the Bangladeshi Youth Movement in 1992
The leaflet then asked “Has it helped you recently?”
The BNP were putting similar material out and, Bob’s your uncle, syncretic legitimisation is achieved. the BNP learnt from this and likes to use media reports on immigration etc. to the same end.
GuinnessCream said this on October 13th, 2006 at 12:42 pm
still waiting for the retraction.
Richard said this on October 13th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Last night my Council unanimously voted through a LibDem proposed anti hate crime motion that specifically referenced the BNP as unacceptable. That in itself was actually a piece of opportunism on their part and had more to do with a row they are having with Labour about canvassers behaviour in the local elections than anything else. However if this story about Calderdale is true then it is yet more proof of the complete and utter hypocrisy at the very heart of whatever it is that LiberalDemocracy is supposed to stand for.
matt said this on October 13th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
What utter lies. The sort of pandering to racism that Labour delight in (glorify?), up and down the country, on a day to day basis.
ge said this on October 13th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
This statement has now been released.
I assume you will making a suitable apology RM?
The real question is why Labour continue to prop up the minority Tory administration.
———————————————————–
Statement from Councillor Patrick Phillips
The story run to-day in the Halifax Courier is totally untrue.
I spoke to the editor, Geoff Fox this afternoon and he explained to me that he had written the story on the basis that in putting forward a motion to remove the Tories from the Cabinet would require support from the minority parties. Since Mr Fox did not believe that the Labour group would support the
motion, this meant that we would need the support of the other minority parties which include the 2 members of the BNP as well as 1 English Democrat and 3 independents.
Since the Liberal Democrats had not secured the support of any party, he assumed that we would be actively seeking support from those parties and that we would offer something in return.
Neither of these latter assumptions are true. In fact, the voting intentions of the Labour Parties are much more significant and are unknown to us at this time.
It has been Calderdale Liberal Democrat Group policy not to deal with the BNP on any subject ever since they were first elected in Calderdale. This policy still holds today and has been made clear to the Halifax Courier on more than one occasion.
“I believe that the report published in the Halifax Courier almost certainly amounts to libel. I have taken the matter up with the News Editor who has offered a retraction in Friday’s edition but would only agree to a form of words that did not make it clear to me that they were admitting that their representation of my views were pure conjecture without any valid provenance,” said Patrick Phillips. At this time, the Editor is refusing to publish an acceptable retraction.
Patrick Phillips (Cllr)
Leader - Calderdale Liberal Democrats
Sam said this on October 13th, 2006 at 1:57 pm
GuinessCream,; I didn’t dispute the contents of the leaflet. I disupted whether it was the Lib Dem campaigning that gave rise to the growth in support for the BNP. It was the actions of Labour politicians ‘talking up’ the BNP that gave them purchase, just as Margaret Hodge did in Barking in this year’s local elections.
Labour have played a pretty consistent game of talking up the BNP when feeling threatened by the Lib Dems because it helps them achieve short term gains. The longer term impact is of providing the oxygen of publicity to the fascists.
Sam said this on October 13th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
the whole story and matter is exactly what gives politics a bad name but is sadly what sells newspapers. of course the lib-dems and bnp will not entertain a pact, either party i would imagine. the bottom line is, who formed an un-holy axis with the tories in order to perpetuate their arrogant mis-management of our affirs in calderdale? yep the labour group. say no more…
Paul Rogan, Eng-Dem said this on October 13th, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Sam,
I wrote my dissertation on the ‘modern’ BNP and I’d disagree with that statement. But it’s friday afternoon and my fiery ire is dissipating rapidly so I concede gracefully.
GuinnessCream xx
GuinnessCream said this on October 13th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
Cllr Paul Rogan has a bit of a cheek complaining about what gives politics a bad name. Cllr Rogan was re-elected in May as a Conservative; left the Conservative group within days of the election; and then joined the English Democrats. Some of us might consider that also to be the kind of thing that gives politics a bad name.
With regard to the exchange between Guinesscream and Sam, the problem with the Lib Dems in Tower Hamlets at the time of the BNP byelection win was about a lot more than one leaflet. There were a number of complaints that Lib Dem campaigning was exploiting racial tensions, leading to an inquiry being ordered by the then Lib Dem leader into the actions of the Tower Hamlets group.
Yorkshire-Left said this on October 13th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Oh how Cllr Rogan has a selective memory! This whole affair in Calderdale is not only a dispicable act by the Liberal Democrat Group but the stench indicates interference from minorities also!
CalderValleyCraig said this on October 13th, 2006 at 7:59 pm
You must have missed this little gem:
Lib Dem Accused of Nazi Salute - Manchester Evening News
uk daily pundit said this on October 13th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
hiya craig
at least i have some momeory cells left about the principles of what democracy is supposed to mean!
on this subject
the calderdale tories have no majority. after mays election when the deputy leader lost his seat and the then leaders ward went from most comfortable majoity in the borough to a knife edge nine votes, they concluded a pact with thier arch rivals prior to the elction. ie campaign against labour and when you lose, get into bed with them.
thats pretty dispicable too dont you think?
not content with that, given that LESS votes were cast for both labour and the tories this year than for the other parties, they proceed to bat on with policies, even when the full council voted against them!
this is the real stench of a minority interference.
Paul Rogan, Eng-Dem said this on October 15th, 2006 at 5:29 am
Lots of people may be interested in the story about the Lib Dems forming an alliance with the British National Party, but that is all it is - a story.
If anyone actually read the article in the ‘Halifax Evening Courier’ they would know that the Lib Dems are seeking support from the 3 Independent Councillors and the English Democrat Councillor for Rastrick Ward along with the BNP Councillors.
The only alliance that exists at present is between the Conservative and Labour Councillors.
The British National Party is supporting the Liberal Democrat proposal simply because they have promised that any decision made by a majority of Calderdale Councillors will not be overturned by the Cabinet, which consists of 7 Conservative Councillors.
The British National Party do not agree with the Lib Dem proposal to increase the size of the Cabinet from 7 to 9 members, not only is it unnecessary but it will also increase costs.
However, the crucial point is that the Conservative Cabinet took no notice of the majority of Calderdale Councillors who voted to save the village libraries, and instead the 7 Cabinet members voted for closure.
I hope this helps you to see the true situation and not the sensationalised version presented to you by the media.
Regards,
Councillor Richard Mulhall.
Illingworth & Mixenden Ward.
Richard said this on October 15th, 2006 at 11:20 am
I always wondered which blogs BNP types read….
anon said this on October 15th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
You don’t think perhaps, instead of leaving the original article intact and tacking a fairly mealy mouthed apology onto the end of it, you should put something indicating that the piece is BS somewhere higher up? For instance, before advising tories and labour supporters to campaign against Lib Dems by linking them with the BNP?
I know you’re a blogger and all, but some level of responsibility would be welcome. Legally you might be all right, but I don’t think you get off morally scot free just by blaming it on the halifax wotsit. A couple of phone calls wouldn’t go amiss before giving publicity to something this nonsensical, and even the most media illiterate of partisan hacks can surely see what an absence of hard evidence there is in the original article.
archie said this on October 15th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Hi Paul
Are we refering to real Democracy OR the Rogan version of Democracy! I should imagine even your good self realises the difference between the two!
It will also come as no suprise (albeit your public view will not allow you to budge) that this ‘getting into bed’ scenario as you call it, has gone on for years - it makes Political sense when there is no overall majority control in Council. Without it Council would not function.
It just so happens that the Liberal Democrats have had their noses put out of joint by missing out on taking Chairs of scrutiny. Lets not forget it was the Liberals several years ago that refused to take Cabinet places along with Labour which put the Conservatives into all of the cabinet seats.
Back to the Liberal’s having their noses put out of joint, they vowed at annual Council that they would disrupt as much as possible and when ever they could - surely even the less politically astute can see that this is just that! Especially seeing that the proposals put forward by the Liberals to increase costs via putting more burden on the tax payer includes two of their number which have already let it be known that they will not be seeking re-election next time! That really is in the best interests of Calderdale - NOT!!
Finally, didn’t all councillors vote on the budget (including the Liberals and your good self)? A budget that I remember to include these cuts in Library provision? Now that is democracy!
Shame on the liberals and shame on those that vote with them and fail to see this absolute nonesense for what it isn’t - The best interest of those of us who live in Calderdale!
CalderValleyCraig said this on October 15th, 2006 at 6:25 pm
hi again craig
all great stuff you say and hope you manage to rally your troops before they all disappear over the hill to join the forces where real democracy is camped. lets wait and see how much local democracy gets allowed your lot when it comes to selecting a strong local cnadidate to fight the next general election.i think you have been found out but we’ll see on wednesday and after then next may. will you be standing again?
i wont go into all the details of a response about budget council etc. your arguments are hollow by anybodies definition of democray, even the calderdale tories!
Paul Rogan, Eng-Dem said this on October 15th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Can’t say I disagree Paul with you on some issues - will see what the new year brings!! Nothing to be found out about. caldervalleycraig.blogspot.com I have just set up so maybe we can debate on more issues??!! Look forward to sparing some more - doesn’t disguise the fact though that on this issue the motion is an absolute nonsense and so typical of the Liberals style of politics with maybe a little help from other quarters??!!
CalderValleyCraig said this on October 17th, 2006 at 1:04 am
The newspaper has admitted its story was all wrong: http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=1986003&SectionID=700
Mark P said this on January 22nd, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Perhaps you should ammend the original post as you refer to fascists.
Nich Starling said this on January 22nd, 2007 at 10:27 pm