2011 Holyrood Election Result and Declaration Speech

At circa 2.20am on Friday 6th May, the result of my first ever Election as a Scottish Conservative Candidate was read out.

This was the culmination of lots of work, sweat and shoe leather over the months of campaigning.

The result in full:

Michael McMahon Labour 11,531 46.1% -3.5%
Richard Lyle SNP 10,817 43.3% +14.6%
Mark Brown Conservative 2,117 8.5% -1.8%
Fraser Macgregor Liberal Democrat 530 2.1% -4.4%

Turnout 24,995 44.4 -1664
Majority 714 2.9

This resulted in the Lib Dem Candidate losing his deposit and a narrow win for Michael McMahon. Such was the swell in support of the Nationalists, 2nd place Richard Lyle ended up securing a List Seat at Holyrood.

On my vote, the unscientific calculation used for the 'Notional Vote' suggested that the share had dropped by 1.1%. Whilst disappointing, it was heartening to know that 2,117 people had decided to put faith in me as their Candidate and I thank each and every one of them.

Speaking after the declaration of the result, this is what I had to say:

Can I firstly thank the Returning Officer and his staff and the police involved for the organised way in which today’s election and tonights count has been conducted. I’d also like to thank my opponents in this election – and to coin but a popular election cliché, “It has been a friendly and civilised contest”.

I’d like to thank my Election Agent Henry Mitchell who has been a tremendous support throughout and as a first time Candidate, I couldn’t have had a better mentor.

I’d also like to thank my entire Campaign Team who have been a great sense of encouragement over the last few months.

Now, I don’t want to turn this into my ‘Oscars’ moment but I’d also like to pay tribute to my long suffering Wife, Laura for her understanding and patience over the last few months.

This has been a night of disaster for Labour and the Lib Dems. Their collapse has meant sweeping gains for the SNP.

More than ever Scotland needs a party which will stand up to the excesses of nationalism and bring reality to Scottish politics. That will be the Scottish Conservatives’ task in the months and years to come.

Thank you.

Annabel: Our country needs you

As we enter the final week of the campaign, Annabel Goldie, Scottish Conservative Leader, has urged all voters to get out and vote for what they want.

Annabel Goldie said:

"My message to all voters is clear – 'our country needs you'. You decide the balance of the next parliament. You decide what the balance of power and influence will be at Holyrood.

"No one party will have a majority. People don't have to vote for a party they don't like to stop another party they like even less. They can vote for what they want.

"Scottish politics needs somebody who will stand up to the excesses of nationalism and socialism. That somebody is me.

"I have proved over the last 4 years that the SNP can be brought to heel by the Scottish Conservatives. When he needed it, I gave Alex Salmond a kick up his political posterior.

"So let the Scottish Conservatives be judged on our record.

"Judge me on what I have delivered for Scotland.

"1,000 extra police – not the 500 which the SNP tried to fob off Scotland with.

"A 4 year council Tax freeze which was only delivered because of Scottish Conservative votes and was rejected by Labour and the LibDems.

"A £60million town centre regeneration fund, transforming high streets and boosting local trade.

"A new national drugs strategy, help for construction and house buyers, 10,000 new jobs on the way and much, much more all delivered because we, the Scottish Conservatives, made it happen.

"I will fight each and every day to deliver more common sense for Scotland at Holyrood.

"Every voter, in every seat and in every region of Scotland has two votes for that Scottish Conservative common sense.

"A constituency vote to decide their local MSP and a crucial regional vote on the peach ballot paper to decide who wields the balance of power and keeps Alex Salmond or Iain Gray in check.

"If you like what I say, if you like what I have delivered and if you want more of the same, then use that peach vote for me, Annabel Goldie and the Scottish Conservatives on Thursday."

A 1,000 Messages of Common Sense for Bellshill delivered

What a day! The sun was shining like a Summer's day and the good people of Bellshill were enjoying the beginning of the Easter Weekend with the Town's Main Street buzzing at lunchtime on arrival.

I was out today with fellow Candidates Andrew Hardie from Almond Valley and Robert Crozier (2nd on the Scottish Conservatives Regional Vote List) who is standing in Airdrie & Shotts.

Robert Crozier joins me to deliver in Bellshill - photo by Andrew Hardie.

First up was a chat with STV Bellshill's Nicola Dowds who was asking about the campaign so far.

Early on, near St Gerard's Primary School, I was approached by a gent who asked "Are you the Conservatives?". Wow, we've only been out 10 minutes and we've been spotted! He told me how he was delighted to see us out and about and he was proud to be Conservative. A spring in one's step indeed!

Parched, we popped in to Kelvin Wine Stores and spoke to the owner who told us of her plight of graffiti on the walls of her shop over a period of several years and she had to get CCTV installed at a significant cost to her small business to identify the culprits. This is lunacy and those culprits must be caught and dealt with by the authorities.

Robert met up with us after his trip to Uddingston's iconic Tunnocks factory where he was alongside Margaret Mitchell and Annabel Goldie for the launch of the Common Sense on the Economy Manifesto.

Lunch beckoned and it was back to Main Street and a trip to Cafe 'T'. It hit the spot and once we were fed and watered, it was back out and about.

Now, folically challenged and the heat are never good bedfellows, so it was the shady side of the street for me and the sunny side of the street for them and come 6pm, leaflet number 1,000 was finally delivered.

A good day all round and it was great to chat to loads of sun worshippers who wished me success ahead of May 5th.

Campaign trail takes Brown back to Bellshill - Delivering for Common Sense

Last night the campaign trail took me back to Bellshill.

Bellshill is one of the Country's biggest exporter of famous Scots, including: Secretary of State for Defence Liam Fox MP was born there, Sir Matt Busby - who has the Town's Sports Centre named after him, Crooner Sheena Easton who made it big in America, Ally McCoist the Glasgow Rangers legend and the late and sadly missed Motherwell footballer Phil O'Donnell.

Now, pounding the streets solid for a few hours with Grade II and Grade III ankle ligament tears ain't easy! In fact, it's pretty painful! (If you can lend a hand to help the Campaign, please get in touch!!).

Thankfully my Agent Henry Mitchell and fellow Candidate from Airdrie and Shotts Robert Crozier plus his right-hand man Sandy Watson came along to support. Robert (or as he is more affectionately referred to as Bob!) is 2nd place on the Central Scotland Regional List, with Margaret Mitchell in 1st.

With your Vote for Mark Brown on the Lilac coloured Constituency ballot paper and Vote for Scottish Conservatives on the Peach coloured Regional ballot paper, you will be personally contributing towards delivering a better Scotland.

The Scottish Conservatives have delivered more in the last four years than any other opposition party since devolution began. More Scottish Conservative MSPs means more common sense delivery.

We are set to take 2 List Seats in Central Scotland - doubling our delivery of fairness and common sense for the electorate.

Every voter in every seat in every region of Scotland can vote for more common sense policies on May 5th.

Vote Brown, Vote Scottish Conservatives and oh, of course, don't forget to Vote NO to AV on May 5th!

Bellshill Bobbies Crime Clampdown Welcomed

I've read some fantastic news today in that crime in Bellshill has fallen over the past 12 months, according to a new report from Strathclyde Police.

With the Scottish Conservatives responsible for delivering 1000 additional Police in Scotland over the last four years as a result of our budget negotiations, it is very encouraging to see a positive impact on crime reduction.

A local public consultation exercise carried out by the Bellshill Sub-Division identified drunk or disorderly behaviour, drug dealing and drug use and assault and violent crime as main concerns.

Based on looking at the months December - February and comparing it with the same 3 month period over the last 5 years:

· Crimes of Murder and Attempted Murder have decreased by over 33%

· Crimes of Serious Assault have decreased by over 6%

· Crimes of Minor Assault have decreased by over 18%

· Domestic abuse crimes have decreased by over 24%

· Race related crimes have decreased by 4%

· Homophobic crimes have decreased by 80%

· Incidents of street drinking reported to the police have decreased by over 25%

· Incidents of youth disorder have decreased by over 48%

· Crime involving indecent behaviour have decreased by over 39%

These statistics are very encouraging and the hard work the Police undertake to keep our streets safe is extremely welcomed and often under appreciated.

The 2 Sargeants and 10 Community Police Constables who are working exclusively in the Bellshill area are to be congratulated on their achievements.

For a breakdown of the raw data, please follow this link

Drop out rate rise as tough talking Tories get real on graduate contributions

Figures published this week show that Scotland has the highest University drop-out rate in the United Kingdom.

These figures are genuinely worrying for Scotland and many of it's world-renowned Universities, but these figures disprove the ridiculous claim that a financial contribution to higher education forces a greater drop-out rate. Other parts of the UK have fees and their continuation rate is greater.

No party in Scotland wants upfront tuition fees and we strongly believe that we need more bursary support for students from the poorest backgrounds, to give them greater support whilst they are studying.

We also believe that the higher education sector will only survive and thrive if we set in place a graduate contribution, repayable once the graduate attains a certain salary and at an affordable rate.

At the launch of the Manifesto Launch, Annabel Goldie said, "Scottish universities have a fine tradition, a proud reputation but that can only continue if there are additional sources of funding.

"This issue has already set us apart from other parties in the campaign. I shall not be cowed and I shall not be silenced because the public deserves to hear the truth."

She added: "The status quo is not tenable and the introduction of upfront tuition fees is unacceptable. Our proposed graduate contribution will be based on a university cost of £3,600 and we set a cap, at just £4,000."

The drop-out rate at universities across the UK in 2009/10 is as follows:

UK: 7.9%
England: 7.8%
Wales: 7.4%
Scotland: 9.3%
N. Ireland: 9.0%

Scottish Conservative Party Politicial Broadcast for 2011 Holyrood Election

As Iain Gray was running away from Protestors in Glasgow, Scottish Conservatives Leader Annabel Goldie takes a genteel stroll as she delivers the Party's Election Broadcast, with some 4 weeks to go before Scotland heads to the Polls:

Common Sense for Scotland - The 2011 Scottish Conservatives Manifesto Launch

Annabel Goldie today unveiled the Scottish Conservatives Manifesto at the Glasgow Science Centre.

I am proud to have been a Scottish Conservative Candidate today as Annabel delivered our Manifesto, the first of the Scottish Party leaders to do so, telling it as it is to the gathering of Candidates, Activists and an assortment of Media.


A Manifesto that offers an honest, positive and fully costed vision for Scotland.

A Manifesto that set out how the Scottish Conservatives shall deliver even more for Scotland on top of what we have achieved over the last four years.

Some of the highlights include:

- Creating a Scottish Business Start Up Fund
- A Business Dividend Fund - so good, Labour have already stolen it for their manifesto!
- Business Rates Reform Bill
- Hard Shoulder running on M77 & M8
- Referenda on Elected Provosts in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen & Dundee
- Budgets to Community Councils to deliver more in their communities
- £140m Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
- Road Maintenance Fund of £200m - including Pothole Fund
- More powers for Head Teachers
- Greater focus on Reading, Writing & Arithmetic
- Pupils at 14 are free to leave school provided they engage in a monitored apprenticeship or Full-time vocational or technical training programme.
- Fair and affordable graduate contribution of £3600 per year, capped at £4,000
- Protect NHS spending and increase funding in line with inflation
- Oppose the SNP's abolition of Prescription Charges and reintroduce at 2009 level of £5 per item and £48 for a pre-payment certificate.
- Cancer Drugs Fund of up to £10m
- Establish an IVF Fund
- Pilot Walk-In Treatment Centres to improves access to health care
- Re-introduce prison sentences of less than 3 months
- Pilot a Community Court in Glasgow
- End automatic early release from Scotland's jails
- Compulsory drugs tests in Scotland's jails
- Replace Police Boards with elected local Police Commissioners
- Freeze Council Tax until at least 2013
- When freeze ends, a change in law to give local residents the power to stop bills rising faster than inflation
- £200 per pensioner household discount on their Council Tax from 2013/14
- £20m to give all parents a guaranteed level of health visitor support

Will the other parties offer a Manifesto that adds up?

Will Alex Salmond offer another never-never land perspective of Scotland in the Nationalists, but never the National interest? Will Iain Gray offer us the usual 1980's rhetoric and anti-politics? Probably.

This is the Scottish Conservatives vision for Scotland. This is a Manifesto for all of Scotland.

This is Common Sense for Scotland!

Tory manifesto welcome boost for third sector

Annabel Goldie today unveiled the Scottish Conservatives Manifesto at the Glasgow Science Centre.

Commenting on the Scottish Conservative manifesto, Martin Sime, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations said:

“It’s great to see the Scottish Tories addressing the concerns of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in their manifesto and not simply paying lip service to the idea of the big society.

“A commitment to transforming the potential of the third sector by giving us a “right-to-bid” for services, multi-year funding for the third sector and tackling red tape, really shows that the Tories recognise that for Scotland to have a successful future, it needs a thriving third sector.”

“We look forward to seeing the detail of how the party will support our sector financially as we take on a greater role in delivering excellent public services.”

Link: SCVO welcome Tories manifesto

Big Society plans set for Uddingston Village Hall

After being closed last December, Uddingston Village Hall on the Old Mill Road may have a stay of execution following a welcomed pilot programme across the country which could see council properties transferred to third sector organisations.

Voluntary organisations such as the Uddingston Disabled Sports and Social Club who used the facility are amongst those who would continue to benefit if the project, which is now open for bids for voluntary groups - or even individuals - to take over the running of the hall, gets the green light.

This is a great example of the Conservative's flagship policy of The Big Society which is designed to create a climate that empowers local people and communities, building a big society that will take power away from politicians and give it to people.

The project has the support of both the Scottish Government and Cosla.

It's Common Sense - I'm Not Just Another Politician!

The Scottish Parliament has been dissolved & the starting gun has been fired for the Holyrood Election on May 5th.

Let's dispel the myths before a punch has been pulled, a Labour leaflet has been popped through the letterbox to see if anyone recognises Iain Gray, a Nationalist sells Independence to the electorate like a second-hand car salesman or a Lib Dem Candidate is even selected!

Here I am: Mark Brown - The Ordinary Guy.

- I grew up on a Council Estate, had two newspaper rounds at 13 and wore my Cousin's hand me downs as a teenager (my cousin Scott that is, not Pamela!). I went to a state school and graduated from the School of Life. No silver spoon for Broon!!

- I live in the real world. I am involved in volunteering, raising funds for charities. I work with Scotland's Small Businesses helping them in these tough economic times.

I'll stand up for what I believe is politically & socially right for Scotland.

I'll also bring a human element to the campaign. I'm flawed. I don't have all the answers. I sincerely hope that each and every one of my opponents will have the honesty to admit it also. If they don't, won't or can't - then I'll let you make up your own mind!

What Scotland needs is a change. Scottish Politics needs more than career politicians. It needs those who have a wealth of real life experience to draw from. It needs people who are honest & transparent. It needs Mark Brown.

Putting it simply: I'm not just another politician.

Scottish Parliamentary Election & Referendum Information from North Lanarkshire Council

Ahead of the Election and Referendum vote, North Lanarkshire Council have prepared some useful information:

On Thursday 5 May 2011 elections will be held for the Scottish Parliament. There will also be a referendum on the voting system used to elect MPs to the House of Commons

How do I vote in the Scottish Parliamentary election?

You will receive two ballot papers. There will be a lilac coloured ballot paper to elect your constituency member and a peach coloured ballot paper to elect your regional members.

Use the lilac ballot paper to vote for a candidate to represent your constituency. To vote, mark a cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one candidate. The candidate with the most votes wins.

Use the peach ballot paper to vote for a party or individual candidate to represent your region. To vote, mark a cross (X) in the box opposite the name of one party or individual candidate. In each region, parties and individual candidates win seats based on:

•the number of votes they receive in this regional ballot, and
•the number of constituency seats that parties win in the region.

How do I vote in the Referendum?

A referendum asks you to vote yes or no to a proposal. For this referendum, you will receive a ballot paper with this question:

•At present, the UK uses the 'first past the post' system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the 'alternative vote' system be used instead?
You show your choice by putting a cross (X) in the 'Yes' or 'No' box on your ballot paper.

Put a cross in only one box or your vote will not be counted.

If more people vote 'yes' than 'no', the 'alternative vote' system will be used for future elections to the House of Commons.

If more people vote 'no' than 'yes', the 'first past the post' system will continue to be used.

Information campaign

The Electoral Commission will send an information leaflet to every household in the UK explaining more about the elections taking place on 5 May and the referendum. There will also be a multi-media advertising campaign.

Useful links


North Lanarkshire Council Election Page

Electoral Registration

Constituency Ballot Paper

Regional Ballot Paper

Electoral Commission Leaflet

Conservative PPC Mark Brown Pledges to VoteforSport

At the Scottish Conservative Conference the Scottish Sports Alliance’s VoteforSport Pledge received a host of new supporters as Mark Brown joined fellow Conservative MSPs and PPCs in signing up to the Pledge.

The campaign was launched on September 21 with the support of Margo MacDonald MSP and Rhona Martin MBE.

The VoteforSport campaign is designed to raise the profile of sport throughout the Scottish Parliamentary Elections in 2011. The campaign will encourage MSPs and Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to pledge to the following statement;

“I pledge to recognise the unique role, value and potential of sport in Scottish society and upon my election to the Scottish Parliament I will act as a Scottish Sporting Champion throughout my term in Parliament.”

After signing the VoteforSport pledge Mark Brown stated “I’m delighted to sign up for this fantastic campaign. As someone who has spent half my life involved in grassroots rugby and cricket - both playing and as an office bearer, I truly understand exactly what part sport has in shaping our Nation.

Scottish Sports Association Board Member & former Scotland Rugby International Scott Hastings commented that “if this campaign is to succeed we need to encourage sport in all areas of society and recognise the huge impact that sport has on our nation. There are many things that need to be done but having sport on the political agenda could significantly benefit the health of our country whilst promoting Scotland’s sporting profile.

“2011 is a huge opportunity for all those involved in sport, from the local community clubs up to the highest stage to promote sport as a campaign issue. I urge everyone who plays, spectates or just loves sport to log on to www.VoteforSport.com and pledge their support to show Scotland truly cares about sport.

“My vision is to see every school child playing sport in Scotland on a regular basis every week and that sport is accepted as part of Scotland’s future well being.”

Scottish Conservative Party Leader Annabel Goldie signed up to VoteforSport on behalf of the whole Conservative Party in November:

"I warmly congratulate the Scottish Sports Alliance for producing this sports manifesto and for all the hard work they have undertaken in encouraging Scotland to get fit.

“A healthier, fitter Scotland is essential to secure a positive and productive future for our country. Existing problems with the lack of Scots taking exercise and looking after themselves are largely cultural, so it is through tackling this culture that we will see results.

“Improving the fitness of the nation will be right at the heart of the Scottish Conservative manifesto for the Holyrood elections in May 2011 and that is why our MSPs are signing the VoteforSport pledge.”

Deputy Party Leader, Murdo Fraser commented:

“I am a strong supporter of the Scottish Sports Alliance’s VoteforSport Pledge and campaign.

“We must raise the profile of sport in our schools and get everyone in Scotland more active and involved in sport. Sport and getting people more active will be at the centre of the Scottish Conservative manifesto for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.”

Brian McKelvie, Chair of the Scottish Sports Association, stated, “the campaign has been received very positively and it’s great to see such a demonstration of support for sport here at the Conservative Conference”.

The campaign will not only encourage MSPs and PPCs to sign the Pledge but will also utilise the power of the some 900,000 men and women who take part in sport through the 12,000 sports clubs in Scotland. Policy Director of the Scottish Sports Association, Kim Atkinson highlighted that “sport is undoubtedly Scotland’s greatest social movement; with 1 in 5 people in Scotland a member of one of our 12,000 sports clubs. VoteforSport will give this constituency a voice for the first time in Scottish elections.”

Editorial:

The Scottish Sports Alliance is the collective voice of the Scottish Sports Association, Scottish Universities Sport and the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils. Collectively the three organisations represent 54 Governing Bodies of Sport; 18 Associate Sporting Organisations; 55 Local Sports Councils; 16 Scottish Universities encompassing 150,000 regular volunteers, 12,000 sports clubs and 900,000 men and woman who regularly participate in sport in Scotland.

2011 Scottish Conservative Party Conference - Speech on Prescription Charges

Ladies and Gentlemen

Welcome to the Dewar Centre for the 2011 Scottish Conservative Party Conference.

When asked if I’d speak to the hall regarding Health, I needed some inspiration. Who would have thought it would have come from the First Minister Alex Salmond!

Yes – Alex Salmond. Thought that would get your attention. No, I haven’t had leave of my senses or had a heavy night out in Perth last night. I’m talking about the abolition of Prescription Charges in Scotland.

The Scottish Conservatives are clear on this issue. Giving away free prescriptions to those who can well afford to pay for them is politically irresponsible and a drain on public resources at this time of huge financial challenges in the NHS.

The abolition of prescription charges is nothing but sheer populism by the SNP and unworkable and unaffordable in the current economic climate.

Unfortunately, it is an absolute necessity to seek a reverse of this universal freebie in order to deal with Labour’s debt legacy.

The young, the elderly and those on benefits are already exempt.
Using millions of Scotland’s health budget to reduce the cost of prescriptions to zero means it simply can’t be spent elsewhere.

Ahead of April’s free for all, some 50% of people who are exempt from prescription charges account for 92% of all prescriptions.

Once again, the Conservatives are the Champion for Common Sense and for the Common Good of the people of Scotland.

Both Labour and the SNP are failing to face up to financial reality.
In these difficult economic times, we have to make tough decisions and prioritise what we need most.

Free prescriptions for those who can afford it are NOT a priority – it is simply absurd that all the other parties cannot see this.

Using a further £70 million of much needed funds to abolish charges - £50m for loss of income and £20m to allow for increased take up – will not help knock Scotland of the top of the Sick Man of Europe League Table.

These much needed funds are therefore simply nothing other than further reward for middle class people who can clearly afford to pay the charge. The money being taken out of the Health Budget to give free prescriptions to people like Alex Salmond could be much better spent elsewhere maintaining and enhancing frontline services.

When will Alex Salmond and his Minority Government wake up from the fantasy politics and blatent election opportunism that is clearly pushing a Socialist agenda?

The Scottish Conservatives will continue to argue for a return of a Prescription Levy. Remember this, only 6% of prescriptions are paid for. It makes no sense to take money out of the NHS as we tackle Labour’s legacy.

By restoring prescription charges to £5 for those 6% who currently pay prior to next month’s changes, the Scottish Conservatives would be in a position to invest £20m per year in providing more Health Visitors in Scotland.

It’s really is time for the Scottish Government to get their priorities in place and deliver for all.

Finally, in the time it took to deliver this speech, some £330k in National Debt Interest repayments courtesy of Labour’s legacy have been racked up - money taken away from essential front line services. This is nothing short of a disgrace.

Fellow Candidates and foot soldiers, whether you are out canvassing on the streets of Scotland or speaking at a local Hustings, never ever let Labour forget about the mess they have left us to clear up in the run in to May 5th.

Uddingston Award Winning Restaurant gets Margaret's Motion in Holyrood

Uddingston's Smiths Restaurant recently picked up a coveted Industry Award for it's fine fayre and this was recently recognised in the Scottish Parliament by Scottish Conservatives Central Scotland MSP Margaret Mitchell.

The Motion was as follows:


S3M-08112 Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party): Smiths Uddingston, Restaurant of the Year— That the Parliament congratulates Smiths of Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, on being named both Urban and Overall Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Restaurant Awards 2011 ceremony held on 28 February; notes that the awards recognise outstanding creativity, customer service and top quality dining and that Smiths faced competition from Michelin Star-rated restaurants Scotland-wide; further notes that the eatery was commended by competition organisers for serving what they regarded as delicious, well presented food at a reasonable price, and congratulates owner Michael Smith and his staff on their success and achievement in gaining what is considered this prestigious award.


Supported by: Michael McMahon, John Lamont, Sir Jamie McGrigor, Bill Aitken, Jamie Hepburn, Bill Kidd, Stewart Maxwell

On My Travels - Cardiff for Spring Forum

I've just returned from the fantastic Conservative Spring Forum in Cardiff.

I had a great chat with Dr Liam Fox the Defence Secretary on Saturday after he delivered a great address to the ConservativeHome/European Azerbaijan Society reception. Liam told me that he knows the Constituency very well - he was born in Bellshill!

George Osborne and David Cameron both delivered strong messages at the Sunday session, telling us that the forthcoming Budget would be all about measures to grow the economy. The Chancellor gave his strongest hint yet that he would try to help on the cost of fuel.

Both also gave strong messages of support for those fighting for democracy in the Middle East: The PM condemned the last Government's links with Gadaffi's government.

What came through well, was the Prime Minister's definition of four timeless Conservative values:

1. Responsibility: The Big Society;
2. Real Compassion: Supporting the most vulnerable. A ladder in which to climb, but a safety net to help those who fall;
3. Real Fairness: Stopping the 'easy case' - tough action against individuals who do the right thing, in order to fulfil targets and quotas;
4. Enterprise. Turning Britain into an Enterprise economy once again. Backing small businesses and entrepreneurs.

I liked this speech because it was easy to understand and remember. It was in plain language that was intended to reach out to people watching on their TV sets.

Watch David Cameron's speech here

Scottish Labour fail Scotland's motorists in Fuel Duty Debate

The Scottish Labour Party is in disarray after refusing tonight to back calls for a cancellation of the rise in fuel duty planned for April 2011.

Speaking after the debate, Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said:

“The incompetence of Labour plumbed new depths this evening. A party which is asking to be taken seriously as a potential government in Scotland has proved itself to be leaderless, clueless and spineless.

“Given the opportunity to support a call for the UK Government to postpone the planned rise in fuel duty – a rise inherited from the last Labour Government – Scottish Labour astonished the parliament by abstaining.

“Motorists across Scotland can now see that Labour is not on their side. Whilst all the other main parties supported the call, Labour MSPs sat on their hands. How can anyone take them seriously when they collapse in the face of the big decisions?”

Below is the motion passed by the Scottish Parliament tonight, with Scottish Conservative, Lib Dem and SNP support. Scottish Labour did not vote for the motion.

S3M-8032 Keith Brown: Fuel Duty—That the Parliament notes that petrol and diesel prices in Scotland are among the highest in Europe and have reached record levels and that the planned rise in fuel duty by the UK Government in April 2011 could increase prices by a further 4p per litre; recognises that such increases impose an additional burden on households and businesses at a time of rising living costs and could undermine the economic recovery; notes the UK Government’s proposal to introduce a 5p-per-litre fuel discount scheme for island communities, and calls on the UK Government to cancel the rise in fuel duty planned for April and implement a fuel duty regulator that would ensure that some of the additional revenue that the UK Government will receive from increased revenues due to recent increases in oil prices is used to reduce fuel duty to help support Scottish households and businesses.

Life sentences ruling sends out completely the wrong message to victims of crime

A landmark legal ruling has cleared the way for people serving discretionary life sentences to challenge the length of time they must spend in Scottish jails. It follows appeals by rapist Robert Foye and paedophile Morris Petch.

Scottish Conservatives are calling for all parties to sit down and work out what can be done to stop this measure.

John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said:

“Like any right-minded person, I am extremely concerned about this. These two men committed sickening crimes and people will be very worried that time could be shaved off their sentences.

“What kind of message does this send out to victims of crime in particular, that the men who caused them such harm could find the law working in their favour? It could pave the way for a flood of appeals from the most dangerous criminals.

“Although sentencing must always remain the prerogative of the judiciary, I think the immediate priority would be for all political parties to sit down and work out what we can do to stop this. It cannot be allowed to happen.”

Why I am backing NO2AV on May 5th

On May 5th, there will be a nationwide referendum on whether to replace they system of First Past the Post with the “Alternative Vote” – or AV.

The Liberal Democrats demanded this referendum as part of the Coalition agreement – but I and the Conservative Party believe in keeping Britain’s traditional voting system rather than introducing something that is unfair, expensive and allows candidates that finish third to win elections.

Why Vote No?

AV is costly
The change to AV will cost up to an additional £250 million. Local councils would have to waste money on costly electronic vote counting machines and expensive voter education campaigns. With ordinary families facing tough times can we really afford to spend a quarter of a billion pounds of taxpayers’ money bringing in a new voting system? Schools and hospitals, or the Alternative Vote – that’s the choice in this referendum.

AV is complex and unfair
The winner should be the candidate that comes first, but under AV the candidate who comes second or third can actually be elected. That’s why it is used by just three countries in the world – Fiji, Australia and Papua New Guinea. Voters should decide who the best candidate is, not the voting system. We can’t afford to let the politicians off the hook by introducing a loser’s charter.

AV is a politician’s fix
AV leads to more hung parliaments, backroom deals and broken promises like the Lib Dem tuition fees U-turn. Instead of the voters choosing the government, politicians would hold power. Under AV, the only vote that really counts is Nick Clegg’s. We can’t afford to let the politicians decide who runs our country.

Vote NO to AV on 5 May 2011

NOtoAV is a campaign that has support from right across the country. Members of the public, trade unionists and members of several political parties are part of a campaign that has a common goal. Whilst we have many different views on what system of elections is best for Britain, we all believe that the Alternative Vote (AV) system will only damage Britain’s democracy

Soft Touch Scotland must get tougher on knife crime

Knife crime statistics in Scotland are totally unacceptable.

There is a knife crime epidemic sweeping across Scotland, with 40% of all homicides being carried out by a sharp instrument. We also see that half of all homicides are committed by people high on drink and drugs, which is a damning indictment of a complete failure to get a grip on justice issues since devolution.

This is truly worrying and shocking news.

Knife crime is never acceptable but for it to take the life of two people in Lanarkshire in the past month is utterly deplorable.

A hugely popular local youngster Reamonn Gormley, a young man of just 19 years with so much to look forward to in life is unthinkable as is the senseless murder of 63-year-old David Goodhall, who was stabbed to death during a violent attack in his Airdrie home.

We must be tough on those carrying knives as well as those willing to use them. Unfortunately the Scottish Government aren't. Thankfully, due to the insistence of the Scottish Conservatives, we have an extra 1,000 Police on Scotland's streets to help reduce crime on our streets.

Prevention is always better than cure and education about knife crime and it's devastating effects are vital. Personally speaking, I would welcome minimum mandatory sentences for anyone caught carrying a knife for any reason other than that of it's intended use.

I am also throwing my support behind the Hamilton Advertiser's "Hammer The Knives Thugs” campaign.


Central Scotland's Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell, the party’s spokeswoman on justice is also backing this campaign. She said: “I wholeheartedly support the Advertiser's campaign against knife crime which will play a significant role in sending out a stark message that it is never acceptable to carry a knife.”

“The tragic events surrounding the needless and futile murder Reamonn Gormley, an exemplary young man with a bright future ahead of him, must serve as a wake up call for sentences that do deter this kind of mindless violence which no reasonable person could ever understand.”

The Homicide in Scotland figures can be found here

1,000 Extra Police and Uddingston celebrates one of it's finest

There is no doubt that a visible police presence on our streets deters crime which is why the Scottish Conservatives in the Scottish Parliament have worked to secure 1000 extra police as a condition of supporting the Scottish budget.

Today I visited Uddingston Police Station with Councillor Henry Mitchell where, after 19 years of service as Community Policeman in Bothwell and Uddingston, Dave Pullan has moved on to undertake court policing duties.

Cllr Henry Mitchell joins me outside Uddingston Police Station

Local Councillor Henry Mitchell commented: “Over the years Dave has become a well known familiar and respected figure dealing with local issues and walking the beat in the villages.

I wish him all the best in his new post and thank him for the years of dedicated service he has given in an effort to keep Bothwell and Uddingston crime free and a safe place to live.

In due course, I look forward to welcoming Dave’s replacement who will join David Moon, Danny McAfee, Scott Anderson, Jill Pinkerton; Joyce Ramsay and Kieran Haines who form the community policing team in the two villages.

Welfare Reform Works as Coalition Govt looks to benefit 2.7m UK households

This Government is on the side of people who want to get ahead. We will focus on encouraging people to get into work and reforming the welfare system to ensure that work always pays and no one can say they are better off on benefits.

The benefits system has created a benefits culture. It doesn’t just allow people to act irresponsibly, but often actively encourages them to do so.



Whether it’s the sheer complexity and the perverse incentives of the benefits system, or the failure to penalise those who choose to live off the hard work of others or whether it’s the failure to offer the right support for people who are desperate to go back into work, we’ve created the bizarre situation where time and again the rational thing for people to do is, quite clearly, the wrong thing.

This is why the UK Government have published the Welfare Bill to tackle the benefits culture and make work pay. Under Labour, one and a half million people spent most of the last decade on out-of-work benefits and the benefits system cost every working family £3,000 each year.

This Government is doing more to reform welfare in nine months than Labour did in 13 years.

Labour legacy shapes Council cuts but Scottish Conservatives continue to deliver

Scottish Councils this week have announced their budgets with many being forced into making potentially unpopular but necessary cuts along the way.

Of course, the deficit deniers are out in force, blaming the UK Coalition Government for the tough decisions having to be made to claw back the £2 trillion debt. Lets not forget the reasons why savings across the Nation are having to be implemented within Public Sector budgets.

The Union-led former Labour Government brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. Labour doubled the national debt and left us with the biggest budget deficit in our peacetime history. We are spending £120 million every single day just to pay off the interest on Labour’s debt. This is Labour’s legacy.

The Red Ed double act of Balls and Miliband were Gordon Brown’s chief economic advisers and the architects of this economic mess. The sad thing is that having burdened our children and grandchildren with debt, and undermined our economy, Labour offers nothing but opportunistic attacks.

They’ve opposed the Coalition Government's tough decisions on VAT, tuition fees and deficit reduction but offer no credible deficit reduction plan of their own. You can’t attack a plan if you haven’t got a plan. A blank sheet of paper simply will not do!

Running up Government debt is like someone running up massive credit card bills - the longer you leave it, the worse it gets. If we don’t take steps now to live within our means we’ll end up paying higher taxes and face deeper cuts just to pay off our debt. Labour’s approach would mean less growth, less investment and fewer jobs.

Ed Miliband and his Scottish 'Leader' Iain Gray refuses to accept that Labour overspent before the boom turned to bust. Their message is simple: vote for me, I’d do it all again.

We must learn from these lessons and Vote Scottish Conservatives on May 5th.

The Scottish Conservatives proud record at Holyrood over the last four years has meant that our Nation has delivered:

- 1,000 extra Police
- Thousands of small businesses benefitting from rates savings
- Four year Council Tax Freeze
- £60 million Town Centre Regeneration Plan
- New drugs strategy for Scotland implemented
- A £26 million boost to housing, jobs and exports
- A new drive to cut down absenteeism in the public sector

Forth Bridge Name Announcement 'Uninspiring From An Uninspiring SNP Government'

The SNP Government has announced today that the new Bridge on the Firth of Forth will be known as the Forth Replacement Bridge.

Despite there being calls for the Scottish Public to name the £2bn+ iconic crossing, which will begin to be built in 2016, this all does seem rather dull and uninspiring from and uninspiring SNP Government.

Of course, even the naming of the bridge raises a few eyebrows and offers us all the chance to pull up Google images to ask the question - what is this Bridge actually replacing?

It is totally devoid of any imagination and rather neatly sums up an SNP Government running out of steam.

Out and about as the Road to Holyrood continues....

After a positive meeting in our Campaign HQ, Saturday brought several of the Central Scotland Conservative Candidates back to a thankfully less soggy Stonehouse to further the message that a Vote for Scottish Conservatives is a Vote for Common Sense.

Thankfully the weather wasn't as bad as Last Monday night when Bob (Central's new hopeful, 2nd on the Conservative List) and I, along with current MSP Margaret Mitchell took to the streets in the rain.

Following this, it was great to get out and about in the Constituency, visiting supporters along the way and even taking in 5 minutes of the Uddingston Rugby game which they won 24-17 against Wigtonshire in the Regional Bowl!

It may be my first campaign as a Candidate but already the message on the streets of Central Scotland is clear - Scottish Labour just can't be trusted and the SNP are out of touch. The electorate are calling out for commonsense and change.

The Punch and Judy show at First Minister's Questions on a Thursday is an example of what I feel needs to change to restore faith in politics. It's not about Gray and Salmond acting like a couple of strutting peacocks engaging in a testosterone fuelled battle. It's about delivering what's best for Scotland.

In the last 4 years, the Scottish Conservatives have delivered with their Policies being an integral part of the SNP minority Government's budgets.

Here are just a few of our key achievements, delivered by the Scottish Conservatives to the Scottish people:

· 1,000 extra police officers
· A council tax freeze every year
· Tax cuts for small businesses
· A new drugs strategy for Scotland focussing on recovery
· A town centre regeneration fund
· A transparency revolution in Scottish government expenditure

We are the Scottish Conservatives. Common sense policies; common sense politics; delivering for Scotland.

SNP revert to language of the desperate and deficit deniers

In what can only be described as a predictable and unimaginative move, the SNP is to follow Labour and use the phrase “Conservative" or "Tory-led" Government in every / any attempt in describing the UK Coalition Government.





The SNP has announced that it intends to use the phrase “Conservative-led” as often as possible.

During last week’s Westminster debate on the Scotland Bill, the SNP’s Pete Wishart described the Coalition as the “Conservative-led government” a number of times, despite his comments being mainly addressed to Michael Moore, the LibDem Scottish Secretary.

The Labour Party has even had the audacity to write to broadcasters calling for them to also adopt the phrase “Conservative-led Government” and insisting that “Coalition” should not be considered a neutral description.

Ed Miliband has told all members, from activists to front bench MPs to stop using the word “Coalition”. It seems that making up names is more useful than taking ownership for the £2 trillion deficit that his Party left the Coalition Government to come along and pick up the tab for.

The Electorate must be offered greater respect from the Politicians! What response would there be in the media if the Conservatives started calling the "Union-led Opposition"?

The £120m daily deficit interest payments currently cost the average taxpayer in Uddingston & Bellshill some £1400 per year. Money that would be back in their pocket had Labour not run riot with the Country's chequebook and credit card!

So, away from the name calling and school playground politics, lets look at the facts. Without the Scottish Conservatives we would not have 1,000 more police, a freeze in Council Tax, tax cuts for our smallest businesses or a new national drugs strategy.

We have delivered – and we will again.

BMI flights suspension will do nothing to promote Scottish economy

BMI has announced the ‘suspension’ of daily flights between Glasgow and Heathrow airports from the end of March 2011 citing forthcoming rises in domestic passenger charges at the London airport.

This announcement means that the only flights for the route will be provided by British Airways however BMI do hope to be able to look at the route again in the future.

Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said:

“This news from BMI is a huge disappointment.

“Scottish Conservatives believe that BAA at Heathrow should have reconsidered the timing of their new landing charges. This would have given BMI time to increase the onwards transit percentage of their passengers travelling through London from Glasgow. Also, BMI should have allowed more time for an equitable solution to be negotiated.

“In the event, Scottish business and domestic passengers are now faced with a reduced service to and from Glasgow which will do nothing to promote the Scottish economy.”

SNP Government Budget - Full of Scottish Conservative policies but still room for more

Derek Brownlee MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Sustainable Growth, spoke in today’s Budget Bill Stage 1 debate where he called for a greater focus on job creation & reform of public services as MSPs decide on the 1 year budget.



There are things in this budget with which we agree:

The pay freeze on salaries over £21,000, to protect jobs

The protection of the NHS budget

The funding for the additional Police

The maintenance of the cuts in business rates for small and medium sized businesses

And the Council Tax Freeze

All Conservative policies. But there is always room for more.

In common with other parties, we have been in dialogue for some weeks with the Scottish Government over the Budget.

We have outlined our main concerns on where the Government needs to act to improve the budget – a greater focus on job creation in the private sector to support and rebalance the Scottish economy, and reform of public services to enable them to be protected as budgets fall.

Although this budget is for one year, it cannot be viewed in isolation.

On Monday, the Scottish Government published longer term spending figures, as required by Parliament.

However, although the First Minister was keen to boast about how the NHS budget would be protected – I wonder where he got that idea – Mr Swinney makes clear that “actual budgets will vary from the illustrations”.

If the SNP's answer is to increase public funding, then from which other areas where the Government is currently projecting a cash freeze will we see the substantial reductions made?

Will it be the NHS?

Or schools?

Affordable housing?

Aren't we entitled to know?

The First Minister used to get terribly excited about cuts of £500m; just not when they are his own doing.

The Budget is not perfect, but nor is it beyond redemption. To borrow a phrase from the First Minister, it remains in purgatory. In order to allow cross party dialogue on the budget to continue, we will support the Budget Bill today.

Pathetic start to 100 Days to Holyrood with #Labour and #SNP embroiled in immature mud-slinging on Twitter

Annabel Goldie warned that this election would descend into vitriol and she has already proved to be right.

On Burns Day of all days, the SNP and Labour decided to enter into the Punch and Judy politics that the public frankly have had enough of.



Using Social Networking site Twitter to embrace with the electorate, Scottish Labour offered this online diatribe treat: "Over the next 100 days Labour will publish our plans for a better Scotland, but today we are using our Twitter feed to highlight 100 broken SNP promises"

Whilst they may be factually correct in some of their Tweets to be fair, is it just me who thinks Labour are somewhat rich in highlighting broken promises and preaching about successful Government practice?

In response, the SNP, were talking about their achievements & future plans in on their Twitter profile. Interestingly they highlighted success and results that could only be delivered via concessions granted to the Scottish Conservatives including Council Tax Freezes and a 1000 more Police on the Scotland's streets.

The SNP of course today unveiled their 'Re-elect us' Campaign.

Here we see Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon launching the Campaign under the "A Scottish Government working for Scotland" slogan. Wouldn't this be the bare minimum you'd expect? Fancy messages don't cut the mustard. Delivering results do and the Scottish Conservatives will deliver again.

Speaking on the start of the 100 day countdown to the Scottish Parliamentary election, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie MSP said:

"I fear that this election is going to be 100 days of vitriol between Alex Salmond and Iain Gray – senseless mudslinging.

They both think that the campaign is all about them. It's not. It's all about Scotland.



"Scotland needs its politicians to stand up and tell it like it is. Hope for the future, but realism about today.

"This must be the election where common sense and straight talking win. I pledge to lead the Scottish Conservative campaign with a focus on the issues which matter to Scotland, and that is not the battle of egos of Salmond and Gray. This is not just about who gets the keys to Bute House, but who will deliver for Scotland, and who will hold the balance of power after May.

"Without the Scottish Conservatives we would not have 1,000 more police, a freeze in Council Tax, tax cuts for our smallest businesses or a new national drugs strategy. We have delivered – and we will again."

Salmond’s super-tax suffers double blow

The Salmond super-tax on jobs has received a further double blow, after the Regulatory Review Group revealed that the decision not to carry out a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment on the legislation was down to the SNP Government, presumably because they were afraid of potential findings.

The Scottish Grocer’s Federation has also criticised the consequences this tax would have for town centres the length and breadth of Scotland.

Gavin Brown MSP, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, said:

“This is a double blow for the Salmond Super Tax. The SNP Government’s own appointed regulatory adviser has replied to my letter of last week, pointing out that it was the SNP who chose not to carry out a Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment on the Non-Domestic Rates regulation, otherwise known as the Salmond super-tax.

“It’s clear that John Swinney banned a probe because he was afraid of what the assessment would find. He is only supposed to bypass an assessment in exceptional circumstances. He needs to tell us just what is so extraordinary about this jobs tax?

“The SNP also decided not to consult on the tax, again quite clearly for fear of being found out.

“Now the Scottish Grocer’s Federation has stated that town centres will suffer under the Salmond super-tax.

“As these developments prove, opposition to this damaging tax is not about backing big business, as Alex Salmond claims, but all about saving Scottish jobs. Many shops across Scotland face the Salmond super-tax, threatening jobs and investment. The First Minister is sending out a message that it doesn’t pay to be a business success in Scotland. If you are successful, he will punish you.

“If the First Minister really cares about Scottish business and Scottish jobs, and if he really wants to secure the Scottish recovery, he should scrap his tax on jobs now.”

100 days until Holyrood election – Scottish Conservatives will continue to deliver for Scotland

Today marks 100 days until voters go to the polls in the fourth Scottish Parliamentary elections to select their MSP for Uddingston & Bellshill and also List MSPs.



This will be an opportunity for the people of the newly formed Constituency to vote for what they believe in and to elect who they wish to represent them at Holyrood. I hope to that both myself and the Scottish Conservatives will put forward a compelling case to secure your vote.

Scotland must stand up to the challenges that have been forced upon us by the economic mismanagement of the former Labour UK Government. In turn, the SNP Government has failed time and time again to deliver with their manifesto of broken promises.

It's time for the petty politics to be left at the front door of Holyrood. It's time for the Scottish Government to act in the national interest, not it's own partisan interest.

It's time for change and only the Scottish Conservatives can deliver this change for Scotland.

These thoughts are echoed by Annabel Goldie earlier today:

“I’m going to fight a positive and vigorous campaign.

“The Scottish Conservatives can now be judged on what we are doing, how we perform and what we have achieved, rather than by the false image and caricature of us painted by our detractors.

“Without our influence, Scotland would not have 1,000 more police, a council tax freeze, lower business rates for our smallest firms, and more help for care of the elderly at home.

“From the fringe of Scottish politics we are back in the mainstream. For the first time since 1997, we are central to how Scotland is run.

“The Scottish Conservatives are delivering for Scotland and I look forward to putting our case to the people in May.”

Royal College of Nursing Scotland Manifesto launch

I was at Holyrood last night speaking to many of the nursing profession from around the Country as Royal College of Nursing Scotland launched their manifesto ahead of this year's Election.


The aim of the evening was for RCN members to discuss with politicians what they believe should be the health priorities for the next Scottish Government and this proved to be an extremely passionate and thought provoking debate.

The hard-working frontline staff of our NHS who have delivered good results deserve all the praise they can get. Gimmicks like free prescriptions for the wealthy are simply not affordable and must be scrapped.

The Scottish Conservatives are committed to protecting the health budget, but we must continue to find efficiencies and divert funds to frontline services. The latest figures show that NHS Health Boards are spending almost £700m a year on administration costs.

The latest figures, for 2008/9, show over £697m was spent on administration, compared to £670m the year before that, a rise of 4%.

This example clearly shows that there must be change. Change for the better of our NHS and change for the future of our Nation. Only by voting for the Scottish Conservatives in May can the Scottish Parliament deliver this change.

More on Nursing Scotland's Future can be found here - http://scottishelectiona.rcn.org.uk/

Bellshill Bobby in Bravery Award Scoop

It's not often enough that one reads a nice positive story that makes you feel happy.

The Motherwell Times today tells us about PC Russell Davidson from Bellshill who is to receive a top national bravery award for his part in a life-and-death battle to search a raging river for survivors of an horrific school bus crash.

Click for story here

Well done Russell!

Put Scotland First - and back the Scottish Conservatives this May

Let's make absolutely no mistake - The Scottish Conservatives are delivering for Scotland.

Because of us, there are over 1,000 extra police on the streets.

Because of us there is a council tax freeze.

Because of us our smallest businesses got a major local tax break.



Because of us there is a new national drugs strategy.

Because of us more help was given to care for the elderly.

Our effectiveness has been acknowledged. At First Minister’s Question Time on 13th January, Alex Salmond said: “I am perfectly happy to acknowledge the Conservative party's support, which was essential in delivering the 1,000 extra police officers.”

Because we are optimistic about the future – we are realistic about the present. So we will tell it like it is - no waffle, just straight talking. We will offer the people of Scotland a real choice in May - more practical and sensible solutions for Scotland.

Once again we shall be pivotal in Scottish politics. Because being asked to choose between Labour and the SNP isn’t a choice - it’s a dilemma.

Over the last four years in the Scottish Parliament we’re the party that’s made the difference – we’re the party that’s delivered for Scotland.

Labour brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. They doubled the national debt and left us with the biggest budget deficit in our peacetime history. We are spending £120 million every single day just to pay off the interest on Labour's debt. That is Labour's legacy.

Labour left the cupboard bare, Labour left the country spent up, Labour left our public services in crisis.

If we don't take steps now to live within our means we'll end up paying higher taxes and face deeper cuts just to pay off our debt. Labour's approach would mean less growth, less investment and fewer jobs.
Alex Salmond and the SNP promised voters the earth to get elected 4 years ago – and have since left a trail of broken promises littering Scotland.

What they did do well was to deliver Conservative policies - because the Scottish Conservatives forced them to do that!

They plan to spend this election fighting for separation – but that was yesterday’s battle, and they lost it. That’s not putting Scotland first – its putting narrow nationalism first.

So, on May 5th the message is clear. Vote Brown for Uddingston & Bellshill and Vote Scottish Conservatives to elect more Conservative List MSPs to continue to deliver for Scotland.

Scottish Councillor defects to Conservatives

As TNS announced via their poll in yesterday's Herald that the Scottish Conservatives are a spent force, today sees a Borders councillor, who was elected as an Independent, join the Tory group on the authority.

Tom Weatherston was voted in to represent Kelso and District on Scottish Borders Council in May 2007.

The Tories were already the largest group on the authority and this move takes them to 12 of the available 34 seats.

The council is run by a Conservative, Lib Dem and independent coalition administration.

Mr Weatherston said: "I feel that being part of a larger group would help me to serve the residents of Kelso better."

The independent group is the second smallest on the authority and its numbers will now fall from five to four.

Mr Weatherston said he particularly admired the "financial rigour" the Tories had brought to the council.

Tory group leader, Carolyn Riddell-Carre, said he would be a "great asset" in "hard times ahead".

"Tom is well respected as a most hard-working councillor with sound judgement and I am delighted to welcome him to the Conservative group," she said.

The other representative groups on the council are the Lib Dems with 10 councillors, the SNP with six and the Borders Party with two.

TNS have never called the Scottish Conservatives right

The Herald today disappointingly carried yet another misleading Poll from TNS claiming that the Scottish Tories support has fallen heavily.

Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader, said:

“Time and time again, TNS have called the Conservatives wrong. A week before the 1999 elections they said we would get 10% of the vote – we got 15.5%.

“In 2003, just two days before the election, they again said we were on 10% - we ended up polling nearly 17%. Unbelievably, just four months later, they produced a poll that again put us at 10%.

“In 2007, it didn’t get any better. Yet again TNS said we would get 10% - yet again we were nearly 7% better off.

“Full scale Holyrood polls from YouGov have shown the Scottish Conservatives gaining seats at this year’s election. And as a commentary on the Conservative-led government at Westminster, consistent polling of YouGov Scottish samples for Westminster places us rather better off than TNS do.

“It’s time TNS started checking their figures – they get it wrong every single time. In the meantime, we will continue to deliver for Scotland, just as we have been doing over the past four years."

Scottish Conservatives commit to keep 1000 extra police for next four years – Salmond forced to agree

Scottish Conservatives have committed to keeping the 1000 extra police since 2007 for the next four years.

The SNP's apparent commitment to do the same is welcome – unlike many of their other promises, they must not break it.

Speaking after FMQs yesterday (13 Jan), Annabel Goldie MSP, Scottish Conservative Leader, said:

"Today in Scotland we have over 1,000 more police officers than we had four years ago and that's because of the Scottish Conservatives.

"If it had been left to Labour there wouldn't be any more police officers at all. If it had been left to the SNP there would be 500 fewer.

"Maintaining these extra thousand officers is a political priority for me and the Scottish Conservatives – not just this year but for the next four years. I welcome the First Minister's apparent agreement today and congratulate him on yet again following a Conservative lead.

"But we have to take his assurances with a pinch of salt. He did after all try to break the same commitment on police numbers four years ago and the SNP's time in office is littered with broken promises.

"When it comes to keeping Scotland safe and protecting our public, Labour is silent, the SNP is soft and the only party people can trust are the Scottish Conservatives."

Those most in need paying the price of SNP’s failures

A YouGov poll carried out for Shelter Scotland and Shelter suggests that 5% of people in Scotland - equivalent to 207,500 - have used credit cards to pay their mortgage or rent in the last 12 months.

It also suggested the number of people forced to move in with family or friends or take on extra work to meet their mortgage or rent payments is much higher in Scotland than the Great Britain average.

Scottish Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone, Shadow Minister for Housing, said:

“It is deeply concerning that the number of people in Scotland who are forced to move in with friends or family is double that of the UK figure, but the fact is that the Scottish Government have slashed the affordable housing budget two years in a row."

The shocking figures come as it was revealed the number of new homes built in Scotland fell by a fifth to just over 16,000 last year, and £95million will be cut in this year’s housing budget.

Johnstone added “They have also spectacularly failed to engage with the private sector in order to provide enough affordable homes. It is disgraceful that those most in need are now paying the price of the SNP’s failures.

“It is vitally important that anyone facing financial difficulties looks closely at their household budget and contacts their creditors and local Citizens Advice Bureau as soon as possible, to discuss the options available.”

Shadow Chancellor gives no reassurance with National Insurance & VAT gaffes

Today's Trivia Question for Alan Johnson:

Which UK tax rate is currently 20%?
a)NI
b)Vat
c)Don't Know

"Why don't you ask if you can phone a friend Alan?"

On the Murnaghan programme on Sky News this morning, Shadow Chancellor Alan Johnson believed that employers’ National Insurance contributions are 20%, more than 50% higher than the actual rate of 12.8%.

Watch the interview here

It would appear that the NI gaffe isn't the only taxing issue Mr Johnson has made a faux pas over this weekend. According to today's Mail on Sunday, just 24 hours earlier Johnson made a basic elementary blunder over VAT: Newspaper article

With this further display of fantasy economics, Labour once again shows that they still offer absolutely no alternative to repaying the £120m PER DAY on the Interest alone on it's debt.

On Mr Johnson's showing, it is easy to see exactly how Labour were unfit in Government and are clearly unfit in Opposition.

You are paying for it, so - Name That Bridge!

Artist's impression


Now, whilst I appreciate that it's now within the Constituency, or even in Central Region, it does however involve £2.3bn of your money!

Labour MSP John Park wants public to name new £2.3bn Forth Road Bridge.

The Mid-Scotland and Fife Labour MSP said, "The new Forth crossing is going to the biggest engineering project in Scotland for a generation and it's only right that the public's voice is heard on what it should be called.

"For some people it may just be that simply calling it the New Forth Bridge would suffice, but given the rich industrial and cultural heritage of Scotland there is no shortage of potential names for the new bridge."

"That's why I've written to the Scottish Government asking their officials to facilitate a consultation with the public so everyone can have their say."

Any suggestions?

Ed Miliband's 100 days of dithering and disarray

Ed Miliband's first 100 days as Labour Party leader have been characterised by dithering and disarray, according to a dossier released by the Conservative Party.

Top dithers cited by the document include backtracking on producing an alternative spending review, leaving a £59bn black hole in his spending plans, dithering over whether to attend the student protests and a TUC rally, and an infamous Today programme interview in which he was unable to define the “squeezed middle”.

Since winning the Labour leadership race in September thanks to union backing, Mr Miliband's first three months as Labour leader have seen serious splits in the Shadow Cabinet on civil liberties, on whether to keep the 50p tax permanent, and on his idea of a graduate tax, described as “unworkable” by Alan Johnson, his Shadow Chancellor.

Conservative Party Chairman Baroness Warsi said:

"Ed Miliband's first hundred days have been characterised by dithering and disarray. No wonder people on his own side are already losing patience with his lack of leadership. After winning off back of the union vote, he's offered nothing but opportunism and a blank sheet of paper on policy."


Click here to download the full document.

Political scare tactics on VAT increase are badly miscalculated

Tomorrow's 2.5% VAT increase, which will raise £13bn towards paying off Labour's legacy of deficit debt, seems to have political opponents across the Nation in a mathematical meltdown.

According to the SNP, the VAT rise could cost Scottish households around £590 a year. http://www.snp.org/node/17581
Of course, issues over potential tax raising has proved to be a bit of a sore point for the Nationalists of late....

On the other hand, Labour leader Ed Miliband said the average family would have to find an extra £7.50 "each and every week", adding up to an extra £389 a year http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12106168

The V.A.T. rise will no doubt be universally unwelcome but sadly necessary, the fire stoked by the media keen to whip the Nation into a frenzy of predictable anti-Government rage.

However, if you go back to the headlines when V.A.T. was reduced from 17.5% to 15% back in 2008 by Labour, the puny amount was hardly noticed by the average shopper, the big stores said it barely increased sales & made little to no difference. No credit was given at all for the modest reduction, only ridicule & criticism.

Lets not forget, former Chancellor Alistair Darling actually wanting to raise VAT to 20% too whilst in office to help reduce his own Government's deficit.

Finally, tomorrow sees 100 days of Blank Paper from Miliband and no alternatives as to how Labour would find the £13bn of cuts required to help reduce Labour's deficit if no VAT increase was implemented. He truly is the Man without a Plan.