Gambling affliction

And so we have the shortlist for the super-casino. Let's have a more detailed look at the winners:

The Dome (Greenwich): Labour borough council, Labour MP
Wembley (Brent): Lib Dems largest party in borough council, 2 Labour MPs, 1 Lib Dem MP
Blackpool: Labour council, 2 Labour MPs
Manchester: Labour council, 4 Labour MPs, 1 Lib Dem MP
Glasgow: Labour council, 10 Labour MSPs, 6 Labour MPs (plus the Speaker)
Newcastle: Lib Dem council, 4 Labour MPs
Sheffield: Labour Council, 5 Labour MPs, 1 Lib Dem MP

And then we have the Solihull bid at the NEC (backed by Birmingham City Council). Central location, at a major conference venue, with excellent road, rail and air connections:
Solihull: Conservative council, 1 Conservative MP, 1 Lib Dem MP

I don't think I need to say anything else, do I...

Bit of a sore head

Last night's City Branch drinks event at Utopia the Bar in Birmingham City Centre was a massive success. By my reckoning, we had about thirty people come along throughout the evening. It was great to see so many new faces too - we had some people from Conservative Future for the first time, as well as some new local members.

The challenge for me and the City Branch Committee now is to keep building the momentum, grow the membership and have some fun!

Poster Boy - Part 2

Well, it's all over for another year. I've just taken the last of the posters down from Ladywood's lampposts - had some great help from my Dad and Cllr Jane James (Quinton) and her husband Terry today. Very slick operation they have!

If you see any of my posters anywhere, let me know or I'll get fined!

Thank-you!

Thank-you to everyone who voted for me in yesterday's elections. It was always going to be tricky to win the seat at the first attempt, but I'm very happy with 632 votes and a comfortable second place. The Lib Dems came in third on 439 votes. It's been a while since a Conservative candidate came second in Ladywood, and it just goes to show that if you have the right policies and put in enough effort, the result starts to go your way.

Here's to next year!