Political Life: Schools out... and so is Starmer

Although the school holidays are now here it seems that Summer has already been with us forever, writes Conservative Group's deputy leader Steve Allen.

With fabulous weather in May, June and early July, this has allowed us to enjoy outdoor events and occasions for almost 6 weeks!

The excitement of  world cup, with packed pubs and outdoor fan zones has brought together fans with a common cause. Although there is obvious disappointment with the final outcome we have seen excellent results for the National team – and a best World Cup outcome since1966. As a bonus I thought Saturdays play-off for 3rd place was probably the most entertaining, joyous and satisfying games of football I have watched for a very long time.

It appeared to me the players from both England and France really wanted to win, rather than simply being afraid to lose, as I felt had been the case in so many games during the competition.

And the good news………the stats say that prior to the tournament England were rated 4th in the world – yes behind Argentina, Spain and France; so by reaching the semi-finals we played to form, and with the victory over France this must mean we are now worthy of a 3rd place position.

As well as the challenges of football we have seen high drama in the political sphere, with the country emerging with a new Prime Minister. Our 7th in 10 years! This bears out the belief we live in a throwaway society – despite the popularity of the Repair Shop culture now in evidence on the heels of the popular television programme.

I do believe in the value of looking after personal and household possessions, and come from a generation which valued the longevity of material goods, and this clearly is not the current norm. On a human level to constantly discard the services of those serving us is surely a bad philosophy. Indeed, although Keir Starmer can be accredited (or should that be blamed) with making the Labour Party electable, and in doing do securing a massive majority – this only allowed the usual troublesome left wing to block some of the more sensible reforms, essential to the long-term financial health of the nation.

We look forward with trepidation to where the left leaning policies of the ‘Tee-shirt PM’ will take us.

Politics locally have been very much on ‘tick over’ awaiting the outcome of local government reform negotiations.  These have all come to nothing for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough (along with West Sussex) and we have both seen a decision deferred until the Autumn.

I believe the reason for the postponement is that amongst the 7 authorities who make up the region there was zero consensus on the preferred outcome, with each authority instinctively putting forward the option that would best match a political agenda, rather than adhering to the guidelines prescribed at the outset and thus ensuring best value for money and optimum ease of operation.

I do have a solution to this apparent impasse – take every group leader together with their respective Chief Executives to a closed room and lock the door until the white smoke arises to indicate a consensus has been achieved. The conclave works for the cardinals, so as it’s imperative to achieve an outcome for our local Government model, let’s give it a try!

Finally, to continue with the celebration of Summer, I must mention the fantastic success of the Eye Festival held in my own Ward of Eye Thorney & Newborough - in only its 3rd year this event has gone from zero to over 3000 attendees. I extend my congratulations to organiser Gabriela and her volunteer team for the fantastic organising effort, and of course to the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr & Mrs Chris Harper, for coming along to offer support.