I'm an MP. Get me outta here!

[sandGroundZero]

I would call it a cull.

…the Conservative party needs to "cull" Boris Johnson

[sandGroundZero]

Damien Moore MP for Southport statement on the Sue Gray report

Yesterday, I was in the Chamber to hear the Prime Minister’s statement on the publication of the Sue Gray report.

These illegal gatherings should never have occurred in Number 10, and it is right that the Prime Minister has once again apologised. The actions outlined in Sue Gray’s report were not, and never will be, okay, and it is right that over a hundred fines were handed out to those responsible.

I do not in any way support anyone blatantly breaking the Covid rules, which were put in place to protect us all. I, like the vast majority of those of us in Southport, consistently followed the rules, and I know from my conversations and correspondence with constituents how extremely difficult this was for them.

It is therefore welcome that most of the senior management of Downing Street has now changed, with a new chief of staff, a new principal private secretary, and a new communications director. It is also encouraging that Sue Gray states that “progress is being made in addressing the issues [she] raised”, and that steps are being taken to address many of the cultural issues outlined in her report.

I have made my views on this matter very clear to the Prime Minister, expressing the total disapproval of my constituents and I at the illegal activity that occurred in Number 10, and I stand poised to communicate further views if the promised changes do not imminently materialise. There remains great anger at the events in Downing Street, and as I speak with my constituents, I worry whether this can be resolved.

I realise that times are tough for many across Southport, with the economic impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rising energy costs, and global inflationary pressures testing us all. I am working tirelessly to see what more can be done to support those struggling, and I am in constant communication with the Government and with my constituents over these and other issues.

My priority continues to remain working for my constituents and standing up for their interests in Southport and in Parliament.

___________________________________________________________________________

What Damien says	what Damien means
These illegal gatherings should never have occurred in Number 10	”illegal gatherings” are NOT lockdown parties
it is right that the Prime Minister has once again apologised	because what happens in No.10 is the PM’s responsibility (up to a point)
The actions …were not, and never will be, okay	crumbs; this isn’t going to help my re-election
I do not in any way support anyone blatantly breaking the Covid rules	I wish to dissociate myself from blatant illegality
it is right that over a hundred fines were handed out to those responsible	of which ONLY ONE to the PM
I …consistently followed the rules	I’m not one of those arrogant turds
most of the senior management of Downing Street has now changed	Boris’ way to save his skin!
It is also encouraging that Sue Gray …progress is being made …	in private, the PM is persuasive Ms. Gray's future looks bright
my views on …the illegal activity	bang to rights this time Boss
I stand poised …if the promised changes do not imminently materialise	but, you might yet get away with it!
There remains great anger …	however, I remain loyal [but expect a promotion, if …]
times are tough	not everyone has an MP’s remuneration, after all
I am working tirelessly to see what more can be done to support those struggling	I tell a lie: I’m a’right Boris
I am in constant communication with the Government	the whips message me hourly
My priority continues to remain working for my constituents and standing up for their interests in Southport and in Parliament	I will continue to stand up in the Commons Chamber and berate Sefton Council!

[sandGroundZero]

I warn my right hon. Friend that throwing red meat to socialists by raising taxes on businesses and telling them where to invest their money is not the Conservative way of encouraging those who create our prosperity and jobs to do just that. Does he agree that by setting this bar we are in danger, were we ever to lose power, of allowing the socialists to raise it, which they would do with relish again, again, and again? — Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax

I thank my hon. Friend. What I would say to him is that I believe that a pragmatic and compassionate Conservative Government would act to provide support to the most vulnerable at a time of great need and that a fiscally responsible Conservative Government would look to try to fund as much of that as possible in as fair a way as possible. — Chancellor of the Exchequer, Hansard Thursday, 26 May

[sandGroundZero]

SENIOR TORY MP Tobias Ellwood has been savaged after suggesting the UK should re-join the EU's single market to ease the cost of living crisis.

The chair of Parliament's Defence Select Committee said the Brexit deal negotiated by the Government has left industry strangled by red tape. He added that securing closer economic ties with the bloc would bolster the economy at a time of rocketing bills and high inflation. Mr Ellwood, who is among a group of Tory MPs calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to resign, has urged the PM to pursue the kind of relationship Norway has with the EU in an op-ed published in PoliticsHome on Wednesday, June 1.

Lord Frost tweeted on Wednesday: "We are, thankfully, and rightly, about to stop politics for a few days.
"However, there is just enough time to note one important & revealing fact: today's Tobias Ellwood article shows Brexit really is not safe in his hands or his allies.
"Reminder: being in the single market, but not in the EU, means accepting lots of laws set by people we didn't elect & can't get rid of."

[sandGroundZero]

Damien Moore MP statement after the Vote of Confidence yesterday

Monday’s vote has shown that the Prime Minister retains the support of a majority of my Parliamentary colleagues.
I have maintained constant communication with my constituents, particularly over these past few weeks, and have listened to and read all of their concerns. Their anger is justified, and I understand that it is in no way diminished by last night’s vote.
I believe that the vote has helped to refocus the Prime Minister’s mind on the big issues facing us today, from healthcare to the economy, and with this serious message now delivered, he must ensure that he doesn’t lose focus of our present priorities.
I was elected as MP to stand up for Southport and turn the fortunes of our town around, and that is exactly what I intend to continue working to achieve.
This is why I secured the £37.5 million Town Deal to rejuvenate our town centre, a catalyst for business and investment, and why I am working hard to return the Children's A&E in Southport, establish direct rail links to Manchester, Preston, and Ormskirk, and ensure that our town’s voice is truly heard at Sefton Council.
I believe the great anger and dissatisfaction of many across our constituencies and in Parliament has now been communicated, and that Downing Street must now strain every sinew to regain people’s trust.
My desire to progress our local priorities is in no way diminished, and with the Prime Minister’s focus on delivering for our town and indeed for the country now sharpened, I continue to be entirely dedicated towards working to give people across our wonderful town the opportunities that they deserve

________________________________________________________________________

1. "the vote has helped to refocus the Prime Minister’s mind on the big issues…"
   …so why didn't it happen after the PM received a FPN?
   ________________________________________________________________________
   
   
2. "… I secured the £37.5 million Town Deal …"
   Mr. Moore repeats this claim with every press release. In what sense can our Damien take credit?
   It is true regulations specified that the MP must be a member of the Town Deal Board; that said, the opaque process of winnowing prospective recipients suspiciously favoured Tory marginal constituencies!
   ________________________________________________________________________
   
   
3. "…Sefton Council"
   Is this why we have MPs?

________________________________________________________________________

[sandGroundZero]

Who did the heavy lifting?


Was it our Damien? Or the Council?

Damien Moore MP, Southport has on a few occasions taken credit for the £37.5m Town Deal. Now, Cllr. Marion Atkinson (Regeneration and Skills) has said that is "laughable".

"It's one thing to play politics, which Mr Moore has done continuously throughout this process, but its [sic] another to take credit for work that he simply did not do.
"I would urge him to apologise to both Sefton Council and the Board who did all of the heavy lifting."

Responding to Cllr Atkinson's comments, MP Moore said:

"It is a shame that Cllr Atkinson has wilfully misinterpreted my remarks on securing Southport's £37.5 million Town Deal. I have consistently paid tribute to the whole Town Deal Board, which under the fantastic leadership of Rob Fletcher has done and continues to do so much great work for Southport. …"

Our Damien did manage to shoehorn in another cycle lane complaint:

"… imposing unwanted and unnecessary cycle lines [sic] on hard-working, local residents and businesses, so I find Cllr. Atkinson's professed interest in our town's Levelling Up opportunity hard to believe. …"

[The PNP]

Our Damien did manage to shoehorn in another cycle lane complaint:

"… imposing unwanted and unnecessary cycle lines [sic] on hard-working, local residents and businesses, so I find Cllr. Atkinson's professed interest in our town's Levelling Up opportunity hard to believe. …"

Seems to me, that with the weight he's put on, it would be advisable for him to get around town on a bike instead of his gas-guzzling car!

[sandGroundZero]

[sandGroundZero]

Damien Moore MP for Southport is backing Liz Truss
to be the next Prime Minister

…
I am proud to be backing Liz Truss, …importantly, I spoke to my own constituents. Many residents contacted me, some who voted Conservative for the first time in 2019, asking me to back Liz, and it is right that I listen to them.

[sandGroundZero]

Our Damien has publicly supported Liz Truss. Quelle surprise!

	Tom Tugendhat's support for Ms. Truss is a disappointment.
	A senior ally of Liz Truss says the Tory leadership candidate has not ruled out giving help to families struggling with the cost of living crisis. Penny Mordaunt claimed that to say so was "overinterpreting" what Ms Truss had previously said.

It appears MPs' future job prospects trump any principles.

[Alikado]

Now she is saying 'When London does well, Britian does well', she says she won't leave London behind.

[sandGroundZero]

Peter Schrank Times cartoon: August 6 2022

[sandGroundZero]

I warn my right hon. Friend that throwing red meat to socialists by raising taxes on businesses and telling them where to invest their money is not the Conservative way of encouraging those who create our prosperity and jobs to do just that. Does he agree that by setting this bar we are in danger, were we ever to lose power, of allowing the socialists to raise it, which they would do with relish again, again, and again? — Richard Grosvenor Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax

I thank my hon. Friend. What I would say to him is that I believe that a pragmatic and compassionate Conservative Government would act to provide support to the most vulnerable at a time of great need and that a fiscally responsible Conservative Government would look to try to fund as much of that as possible in as fair a way as possible. — Chancellor of the Exchequer, Hansard Thursday, 26 May

[sandGroundZero]

"…
"Mr. Moore says that there is overwhelming public opposition to the lanes and bollards brought in back in 2020, which replaced on-street parking on Hoghton Street and closed off Queens Road to passing traffic.
…
"Mr. Moore is encouraging those opposed to the scheme to come to the meeting, which requires no booking, to hear how the lanes have impacted upon businesses and residents. Those in attendance will be given an opportunity to share their thoughts on how the community can come together to have the scheme removed once and for all."
…
"Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:

“Everybody knows of my resolute opposition to Sefton Council’s …
“I'd encourage everybody who shares my concerns …to come to the meeting so that we, as a community, can determine a way forward.”

______________________________________________________________________

WHO CAN ATTEND?

ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SEE THE CYCLE LANES
& BOLLARDS REMOVED FROM THE TOWN CENTRE

…others not welcome!

[Toodles McGinty]

WHO CAN ATTEND?
ANYONE WHO WANTS TO SEE THE CYCLE LANES
& BOLLARDS REMOVED FROM THE TOWN CENTRE

…others not welcome!

At the risk of invoking another interminable pro/anti cycling thread (in which I have no interest whatsoever), it is good to know that our MP represents everyone's interests. All his constituents, right across the board.

Oh, apart from cyclists.