Political View: The political week and... Christmas is coming!

Last week there were various council and combined authority meetings to keep me busy, but also the ward work, which is always the most important.

Removing the poppies in Hampton post-remembrance, hosting my regular ward surgery and the final organised litter pick of the year on Sunday. It always amazes me the goodwill of the volunteers who turn up to support such events, thank you. When we come out the other side of this reform, we will have far fewer ward councillors representing Peterborough, and the local wards themselves. I can hear some of those reading this saying ‘good job too’ and you might be right-if you can hold on to an active and present councillor in your ward.

Some wards may fall foul of the political temperature of the public at the time and return a ward councillor who is disconnected with the area they serve. Locality will always matter and hopefully this survives the reorganisation coming our way.

We also had a passionate meeting talking about this local government reform, and it became apparent that most political groups had already decided to side with the Labour MP’s late proposal to vote for a scheme that could take 50 years to repay the cost of doing it and will also disrespectfully carve Huntingdonshire in half. It seems to hold onto the area that may seem sympathetic to Labour, but my argument is, politics is changing so quickly, how can anyone, especially a Labour MP, determine what areas will be in favour of their politics in a few years’ time? Lucky for us, no matter what the cabinet put forward as the final proposal, I don’t believe it will be accepted by the government. Peterborough First and the Liberal Democrats, who seemingly both come under the same leadership of Councillor Christian Hogg judging by the fact he is the only public voice of Peterborough First, have decided to vote in support of their collation partners. The cost of the coalition is putting a strain on the coalition partners, as Peterborough First continue to lose Councillors.

There are now more independents in the chamber as there are members of the politically registered ‘independent’ group of councillors that represent Peterborough First. The original intention of the group has been lost by a few of their members being hungry for power at any cost, the biggest cost being losing hard-working local ward councillors from their group. The very being of what the group was meant to stand for, now lost to this short-lived power trip. An interesting few months lay ahead, and the Conservative group continue to be the voice and challenge of the opposition. For those who now feel politically homeless, we always welcome conversations with anyone who wants to help contribute and strengthen our group which is offering the robust challenge this city needs.

Moving ahead on a much happier note, it’s my favourite time of year other than the Great Eastern Run! Christmas starts in Peterborough, and if you’re reading this column in good time, get yourself over to Cathedral Square Friday late afternoon for the big switch on. All the details are on the councils Facebook page. And this weekend I can’t wait to attend the wonder of Christmas event being hosted at the Cathedral until 4th December. Do support the incredible events in our city at this magical time of year.