Lib Dem MP Lynne Featherstone, the Equalities Minister, has sent a message in support of Transgender Day of Remembrance. The day commemorates those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
When the Chairmen of some of the Council's Committees complained about the use of Twitter during meetings, the outcome wasn't quite what they expected!
The Government's passion for the idea of the 'Big Society' has caused some confusion over what exactly the term means, but for me if it is to prove successful it will be made real not by theoretical discussion of the concept, but by the willingness of those with power to hand it over to the lowest practical level. I've certainly tried to instill this approach in Bedford Borough Council, and recently we've had an excellent example of the way in which the Council can empower communities. We have handed over the management of the Mile Road Allotments to the Mile Road Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Association, who have the capacity, knowledge and the passion to run their own site. This move saves the Council around £3,000 a year, so it makes sense in every respect.
Labour Councillors voted against the chance to give the people of Leicester a say on having an Elected Mayor at yesterday evenings Council meeting.
Watford Liberal Democrat Sal Brinton will be appointed to the House of Lords after being nominated for a peerage today. The former parliamentary candidate for Watford was included in the list of 50 new working peers the Queen will confer later this year.
Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their delight at the announcement that Councillor Qurban Hussain is to be given a seat on the Liberal Democrat benches in the House of Lords.