After amazing support from Thanet residents who wish to keep a stroke unit locally, we raised £5k in days, we were able to begin a formal Judicial Review. This is now at the High Court and we are waiting to hear when it will be heard. We are hopeful that it will be called in […]
News and opinion
In the news: May 2019
This month has started well, with Labour gaining 15 additional seats on Thanet District Council. My own ward, Newington was the first to be declared, with myself and Rick Everitt elected to serve. Strong results in Thanet for Labour The Isle of Thanet News were at the count and you can see their Thanet District […]
Think local, not Brexit on May 2
Have politics around Brexit affected how we might vote on May 2nd? BBC South East News Political Editor, Helen Catt invited myself and district council candidates to a round table discussion. Gathered on the terrace of Ramsgate’s Wetherspoon’s pub, the group, representing the mainstream parties were open about the challenges in the forthcoming local elections. […]
Documenting Thanet gentrification
Sean Gallen is studying to be a journalist. The university student is about to complete his degree and recently submitted a film about Thanet as part of his course. Having received a request from Sean for an interview and local insight, he and I spent a few hours criss-crossing the Isle as he researched his […]
In the news: April 2019
Here are this month’s links to media coverage of news and events in Thanet and further afield, where I have championed the socialist agenda. Launching the judicial review crowdfunding Public Law Today was amongst many sites that have covered legal proceedings initiated by Thanet Stroke Campaign. An initial target of £5,000 has been set and […]
Brexit siege looms for Isle
At Kent County Council full Council meeting last week. I raised a number of key issues relating to Brexit preparations. Ramsgate Port is not ‘ship ready’ and there is no infrastructure in place. Government at all levels has made no progress forward at all and the Port has other significant limitations. The Manston site has […]
Seeing Red: A Brexit balls up
As an elected Labour County Councillor for Ramsgate I am privileged to have a column in The Isle of Thanet News.
NHS satisfaction survey shows historic low
A damning NHS satisfaction report has been published this month by The Kings Fund and Nuffield Trust. The public and those that work in the organisation are feeling the least satisfied in many years. I was interviewed by Ian Collins on BBC Radio Kent about this latest shocking report. Joining me as a guest on the […]
Ambulance service crisis
I was very pleased to be able to contribute to the important Ambulance Service debate on Radio Kent this Morning. Adding my voice and Labour’s perspective along with Charlie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover. The Ambulance service is an extremely important part of our NHS. However, like a great of deal of the NHS, it […]
In the news: March 2019
Along with other councillors, I continue to get the Labour Party perspective in the media. Here are just a few of the news stories where I have championed a socialist perspective during March. This page will be updated throughout the month. Newington Matters Public Meeting The Isle of Thanet News has covered our plans to […]