Forum Topic

Independent candidate Jonathan Notley excluded from CCA Hustings

This has recently come to my attention.Apparently the reasoning is that they couldn't cope with more than the 5 main parties (UKIP and Green included in that).Other Hustings, including those at Hanger Hill and Bedford Park appear to have managed, so I'm not sure I buy this line of argument.Of course Jonathan is not expected to win, but then neither are the Greens or UKIP. What he is doing though is fighting for this area against inappropriate development - which is a big topic on this forum. So surely that message being spread is a good thing?I know the organisers are on here, and I urge you all to reconsider. He is a decent chap, and much less controversial than me :)

Julian Smith ● 4153d27 Comments

Just incase anyone is projecting otherwise....my comment about Sara Nathan is and was a compliment by me.  She's a very able, well established and capable TV News Editor and as such the evening will and should be a success.  I hope that's clear now.

Angela White ● 4152d

Especially with Sara Nathan Chairing.....she'll whip through the evening, having been the Editor of many a TV news programme, as timing in that job is essential.  She won't need a Floor Manager!  I just hope Sara hasn't "edited" too heavily and edited the PPCs out!

Angela White ● 4152d

The CCA are now allowing other candidates a five minute speech, but still no place on the panel, as a compromise. See other thread "General Election Hustings"So Jonathan will get an opportunity to present his views.

Julian Smith ● 4152d

I went to the Ealing Central and Acton hustings in Bedford Park last week and there was no problem coping with 7 candidates including Jonathan. He spoke well and made a positive contribution to the debate. It seems odd that he isn't allowed to participate in what is essentially his home hustings.

Andy Jones ● 4152d

Vlod thats not fair;-)  I feel left out now ;-{ Anyhow Angela is a great gal and happy she is your 'stooge' ;-)

Sheela Selvajothy ● 4152d

That's politics Angela. Which is why it is essential for the organisers - who have so far remained silent - to create a level playing field.Sara Nathan, Maire Lowe, Chris Hurley. Have I got the list right?

Julian Smith ● 4152d

I hope this is an oversight rather than strategic.  After all, there are only a few votes between Labour and Conservative, we're led to believe.  If the independent and other parties aren't invited to attend, then, one might think that beefs up the chances that those votes which might have gone to a PPC who won over the audience, will then go to one of the "main" parties.  I am becoming cynical and I do not like it!

Angela White ● 4152d

Tony what really gets me is that all party politics are aware of this matter and have not written to the chair to enable Jonathan's participation and I am very disappointed that none of them have stood up for him.  If I was one of them I would withdraw my attendance as equality and fairness matters to me.  I am very skeptical that if these parties cannot stand up now to unfairness then would any of them when elected to represent us will stand up for our issues??

Sheela Selvajothy ● 4152d

oooh Angela?? Vlod wonderful ;-)He is very helpful and cares for the area he represents I must say!

Sheela Selvajothy ● 4152d

Hey Julian. I'm smiling. Is there anyway that we can pressure the organisers. It rather sounds as though they need organising themselves. This is a big event.May be they are not up to the challenge.  I know of a fantastic floor manager, who could make the thing run like clock work irrespective of the numbers involved.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4153d

To be fair I think they took the decision ages ago, but we should all be able to adapt to circumstances.. We're all going to have to adapt (more) if the current council continues to allow developments which take no account of the needs - or wishes - of those of us who live here! I say yes to the first adaptation, and hell no! to the secondCome on organisers - do the decent thing

Julian Smith ● 4153d

Maybe it is timings, but then again, just be selective about the time allocation and which questions double up.

Angela White ● 4153d

Stooge:  "a subordinate used by another to do unpleasant routine work or a performer whose act involves being the butt of a comedian's jokes.  Or the verb stooge:  move about aimlessly; drift or cruise."I thought YOU were MY stooge, Vlod!  I think I'm a stooge....drifting or floating between which party to vote for in the generals!

Angela White ● 4153d

Back to the question at hand. Jonathan should have been included in the debate. I don't understand why he was not.

Tony Crumpton ● 4153d

:)

Julian Smith ● 4153d

Oh, Angela, you're so obviously one of my stooges!!

Vlod Barchuk ● 4153d

I'm offended that you think I so lack in imagination that I would resort to using one of your insults. The format of the hustings is nowt to do with me.

Vlod Barchuk ● 4153d

Vlod was and is brilliant.  I dream of his return.  :-)

Angela White ● 4153d

I have no idea - but he couldn't possibly have been worse than the current lot

Julian Smith ● 4153d

Nasty to Vlod?!  How very, very dare you Jules!  Our Vlod is wonderful.  Bring him back as Local Councillor - he did more for little old Acton Central than any other Councillor I've known.  Sorry, but it's true.

Angela White ● 4153d

It was supposed to be a joke to lighten the tone Jan. I don't want to be nasty to Vlod. If this didn't come across then I'm sorry.I have no idea what we can do. It's up to the organisers...

Julian Smith ● 4153d

Julian stop getting personal and petty. You are right about Johnathan, I don' t think it is proper and balanced. In an open and fair forum all should be welcome and accommodated. There has been enough of a lead in time for this to happen. What action can we take?

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4153d

They need to stage manager this so that the candidates stick to their allotted time allowance to answer questions.  I know of a very good floor/stage manager who could do the job for a small fee!  ;-)

Angela White ● 4153d

To be honest I thought he was going to be in attendance as well. He should be given equal representation as the others as he is standing for election. They managed it on the ITV debate!!

Tony Crumpton ● 4153d

Apparently you can

Julian Smith ● 4153d

I thought all candidates would take part?  You can't handpick candidates, can you?

Angela White ● 4153d

Go on, call me a stooge Vlod - you know you want to :)

Julian Smith ● 4153d