peter4rotherham

Events at Council Meeting 8th December 2010 Councillor Peter Thirlwall's View.

2010-12-10T01:07:00.002Z

At the previous Council Meeting on 27th October, at which Councillor Sharman was absent, I asked how Councillor Sharman had voted on the Local Development Framework (Incursion into the Greenbelt).

The Leader of the Council refused to answer the question and said that he would respond to me in writing.

No such response was received, I therefore asked Councillor Sharman, at this month’s Council Meeting on Wednesday 8th December 2010, how had he voted? He answered, “that he was in hospital at the time and did not attend cabinet on that day”.

During the meeting I checked the minutes of the cabinet meeting, and found that, the answer I was given was not the truth, the minutes revealed that Cllr Sharman had in fact attended the meeting.

At this point, I raised a point of order with the Mayor, pointing out the inaccuracy and asked for an accurate answer.

The Mayor told me that “I had had an answer” (although now obviously wrong) and because I kept pressing for the truth, which the Leader did not want to give me, the Leader moved 'that I be no longer be heard'. All Labour Group members then voted in favour.

The Mayor then, in breach of standing orders, immediately moved that 'I be ordered to leave the meeting'. Again all Labour Group members voted in favour.

In view of the fact that the Labour Group have never abided by standing orders and seem to want to cherrypick the ones that suit them and interpret them in imaginative ways when it suits them, I refused to leave, in protest.

My legitimate protest was met with a response that rapidly descended into farce by Labour Group members acting in a thoroughly undignified manner.

The Chief Executive then told me that, “if I refused to leave, he would fetch the Police”. I told him that “if the Police ask me to leave I was prepared to do so but I would not be bullied by the Labour Group into doing so”. This was a flagrant abuse of the Chief Executive’s influence by involving the Police and putting them in an invidious position in a civil matter that had nothing to do with them.

When the Police arrived and asked me to leave I did so.

I am 65 years of age and have never allowed myself to be bullied and I don’t propose to start now.

The Labour Group believes that, because they have an overwhelming majority on the Council, they can do as they please regardless of the rules; Rules that they themselves made but are not prepared to abide by. I try to show them just how fundamentally unfair and undemocratic they are.

The people of Rotherham have been lied to, Labour Councillors know this, but nevertheless allowed a flagrant abuse of power to silence me and to keep the actual truth from us.

We are still none the wiser as to the way Councillor Sharman voted? It cannot be a 'State Secret'?

A democratic outrage if ever there was one!

Peter Thirlwall

A very big thank you!

2010-05-11T15:59:00.004+01:00

A very big thank you to each and every elector who took the trouble to cast their vote for me in spite of the many siren voices desperately appealing to them, to vote the way they always did in the past.

My vote of 2,366, was 6.3% of those voting and easily exceeded the threshold of 5% needed to save my £500 deposit and I am delighted at it's return.

I would also like to place on record my thanks and eternal gratitude to all those who contributed to my campaign, from encouraging me to stand in the first place, supporting me over the last two years and helping me in a successful campaign during the last few months, space does not allow me to mention you all by name but I am sure you all know who you are.

A special thank you to my Agent, Rik Van Hegan. Without him, all my efforts and resources and those of the Rotherham Independents would not have been used to best effect, nor would we be so well placed across the Borough for the future. I know his commitment to the Independents cause in Rotherham is total and his future involvement assured, to the benefit of all who want to find a better way of running things here in Rotherham.

Set in a National context of the Independent Network, our performance was remarkable, only exceeded by three others who were backed by pre-existing mass membership campaigns with money and troops being plentiful. We came fourth nationally and one of only six in the whole country to save their deposit. Unfortunately most Independent Network candidates managed at most a few hundred votes, the lowest was 76 I believe! Esther Rantzen standing against a serial expenses offender, Labour MP Margaret Moran, managed only 4.4% vote share with a well financed campaign, complete with large numbers of volunteers behind her. In my case I funded my own campaign and because the local elections deprived me of significant human resources as the local candidates fought their own campaigns, in spite of these handicaps, we achieved an electoral result beyond any reasonable expectation when the campaign started.

The local government elections in Rotherham this year with eleven Rotherham Independent candidates was a huge success, We garnered 10,000 votes, averaging 15.3% of the vote. A magnificent result especially when the local election results are clearly skewed by the increased turnout that the General Election produced. In Rotherham a total of 12,348 votes supported our vision for a new approach to politics based on a freedom from dogma and tribalism that, I know, is at the root of many of the problems that we face daily and they have not solved in the 36 years since RMBC came into being in 1974. Enough time you would have thought? to have at least a grip of things, but they fail every time they try, why? because they don't listen to the people, no matter how loud they shout. Rotherham Independents are that voice and you will all hear much more from them in the future.

I have always made it clear that this would likely be, the last time I would contest a public election above Parish level. I have served the people of Rotherham in many capacities over more years than I care to remember and now is the time for me to gradually retire from public life and to give me the time to devote to my family and to get a chance, at last, to enjoy some of my interests that I have never had the time for, until now. I have found it all very rewarding personally, I hope that it at least helped in some small way. The promises I made during the campaign I will honour to the best of my ability during the remaining period I am on the Council.

Without the steadfast support of Jean, my wife and my family, very little would have been possible, they have been my bedrock through good times and bad. I will be eternally grateful for their love and support.

On the future, Rotherham Independents have grown from modest beginnings to be the committed group they are now. I am convinced that theirs is going to be a successful future with great possibilities as they work to gain the support of Rotherham's voters for their vision of inclusion and involvement, tolerance and above all freedom from all Party dogma, fixed policy and a maturity, not unfortunately, commonly demonstrated by either Labour and the Tories on the Borough, Town and Parish Councils of Rotherham.

Thank you once again to everyone.

Peter Thirlwall

What you will get if you vote Labour on May 6th

2010-05-05T05:21:00.009+01:00

This is what voting MacShane will give you, an empty seat!
He always disappears, when his constituents want to ask questions, that need answers!
Peter Thirlwall will always be there, standing with the people and making their voice heard!
Vote Independent X
Vote Thirlwall X
A message from Peter Thirlwall's Campaign Team

Look! Who was missing! Yes it was MacShane, of course!

2010-05-04T18:01:00.036+01:00

The strange case of the disappearing politician! MacShane and his Agent, Anna Chester, were involved in the early planning of Sundays event. At the time, invitations had only been issued to Labour, Tory and Liberal Democrats. He had apparently indicated his attendance on numerous previous occasions. It was surprising then, that suddenly he was unable to appear due to prior commitments, perhaps It was only when he heard that Peter Thirlwall had, unexpectedly been invited to attend, that any doubt existed about MacShanes attendance. He issued a statement of explanation which was somewhat undermined by sightings of him the same day.

It has also been reported that he tried to get another local MP, to substitute for him and take the heat for him, he very wisely declined! What nerve! Not only would he not share a platform with Peter, he tried to hide behind a more honourable national politician with certainly more 'bottle' than MacShane displayed on Sunday, no small wonder then, that cooperation was unforthcoming.

The utter contempt he has for his electorate, already legendary, is clearly shown here. He has already brought shame on Rotherham by his behaviour and his unwillingness to account for his spending of your money. Now he is just plain embarrassing to us all!

" I accuse MacShane of political cowardice of a seriousness which makes him unsuitable to continue to be Rotherham's Member of Parliament".

It is time for the Voters of Rotherham to consider just how to rid us of this continuing embarrassment to us all that MacShane represents!

With talk today of tactical voting being an important facet of this Election, it is important to realise that in Rotherham the Independent vote generally is increasing rapidly as it becomes clear that we are firmly in second place and closing fast on possible victory on Thursday! The gap is getting tantalisingly small and victory is possible with your help!

"I appeal to all of Rotherham's Voters who have not finally made up their minds to join with me and the local government team in making a real positive choice for a genuinely better future for us all".

The one thing that is certain at these elections, voting Liberal Democrat or Conservative will gift MacShane his return to his 'business as usual' seat in Parliament and his ticket to the 'gravy train', renewed. The stakes are so high for us all in Rotherham. Please use your vote, don't sit on your hands when your vote this year could, for the first time since the thirties, produce real 'Change for Good' here in our Town.

"Join with me in building a future we will all be proud of, because we will have built it, together!"

My message to those that think a protest vote for one of the two fringe right wing parties contesting the Rotherham Constituency is a good idea. The time has come to make serious choices! Vote for real change to the greed, sleaze and corruption that Labour represents and not those who are definitely racists and bigots. They believe in creating and exploiting division and preach a message of hate designed to tear us apart! I believe in building, not destroying, the fabric of our society!

Vote for Real Change for Rotherham on May 6th

Vote Thirlwall Independent X

Read my pledge to the people of Rotherham click here

Peter Thirlwall

Independent for Rotherham

Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance - Hustings Meeting Sunday 2nd May

2010-05-04T16:04:00.022+01:00

Rotherham Ethnic Minority Alliance organised a hustings event on Sunday May 2nd May at the Unity Centre, St Leonard's Road.

This event was a huge success, not unrelated to the fact that MacShane cried off at the last minute, for possible reasons click here.

Liberal Democrat, Independent and Tory speakers gave the large audience much to think about after probably one of the best hustings events to take place in Rotherham for many a year.
Rotherham Independents very much welcome this, as clearly the voters want to hear straight from the politicians, their proposed solutions to our problems.

Our simple message was well received and with questions of a wide ranging nature Peter Thirlwall was able to effectively get his message of hope, through engagement with everyone who make Rotherham their home. Our problems can be solved, but we must get together to address them if success is to last.

Peter was also able to get our message that the local economy is the root of many of Rotherham's problems, fixing that is the key issue!

We need jobs, good ones, highly skilled and with a future, we have an opportunity to get them if we work together.

Our local economy must be built on solid foundations and all of Rotherham's talents focussed on this one central issue because a growing local economy will allow solutions to be effective to deal with many other problems such as the sorry state of our Town Centre. Unfortunately this is unlikely to improve until Rotherham's people start spending freely in the Town once again.

"This is why I pledge to focus on building a vibrant local economy that will support the jobs we need and put enough money into our economy to give us the financial resources to build Rotherham again from the bottom up!"

"I would also like to personally thank the Chairman, Saghir Alam, for his contribution to the success of the meeting and Omari Williams and Taiba Yasseen and all the many people who organised this event and everyone who came to listen. I hope that it will be the start of many such events in the future."

          Peter Thirlwall
          Independent Parliamentary Candidate
          Rotherham Constituency
Email Peter

If Brown thinks that Gillian Duffy is a bigot? He has insulted most of us!

2010-04-29T14:42:00.024+01:00

To insult an ordinary voter such as Gillian Duffy says just how out of touch with the peoples genuine concerns he is. Immigration is only eclipsed in Rotherham as an issue by the economic disaster! To be concerned is not the same as being bigoted, to say that it is, is just plain wrong!

Concerns about the pace of recent immigration is an issue where we should listen to the very large number of concerned ordinary Rotherham people just like Gillian Duffy, who are not unreasonably dismayed by the recent turn of events brought about by opening our doors to all new entrants to the EU and giving up our ability to control this in any way. We did not have to do this.

I have heard the views of many from all communities in Rotherham and I have considered all opinions expressed and I am very grateful to you, for all of them, this has influenced my view which can be seen by Clicking Here.

Gordon Brown's unguarded utterances tell us more than confirming how out of touch he is, they also confirm that he never takes the blame for anything he always blames others, never himself!
Quick to take the credit, slow to shoulder responsibility, hardly the behaviour of a Statesman, more like a playground thug you might reasonably conclude. Very much like someone, much closer to home in fact, stand up Denis MacShane!

They have also shed an unfavourable light on the gulf of understanding between those in power and the people. If merely to express legitimate concerns labels you a bigot! no small wonder then that the voters have become disaffected! No one is even prepared to listen respectfully to expressions of concern from ordinary voters! This explains to some degree the enormous frustration felt by voters who have been attracted to the siren voices of the far right as a way of expressing alarm at the changes that daily impact negatively upon them.

Rotherham people also know, deep down, that we will never solve our problems in Rotherham by first tearing it apart! The one thing we know for certain at this election, both the BNP and UKIP Candidates are racist bigots and not interested in solutions, just in creating more problems by exploiting division and preaching hate!

Myself and the Rotherham Independents are on the peoples side! We offer a better future for all Rotherham than, more of the same! I think we should face all issues head on, not ducking and diving, pretending that problems do not even exist! No problem in life ever improves by being ignored, so too, is the case with societies problems and all issues troubling them. I refuse to accept that we cannot build a future that is better than it is today. To build that future we need to do it together, I offer that possibility for real change, based on cooperation, not conflict!.

I stand for Openness, Honesty, Integrity and good 'old fashioned', Common-Sense. If you would like to know more, please give me a call, I would love to hear from you.

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Parliamentary Candidate
Rotherham Constituency

Visit Rotherham Independents website, click here.

Peter Thirlwall - Views on the Green Belt.

2010-04-28T18:18:00.021+01:00

I have been asked for my views on the Green Belt by the Chairman of the Save Our Greenbelt Group Simon Collett. Here are my responses:

1. Do you agree to support the principles of no house building on Rotherham’s Green Belt?
Thirlwall's Answer: Yes

2.Do you agree to support the complete abolition of the Spatial Strategy and homes within it which if realised will lead to the loss of large swathes of greenbelt land? Thirlwall's Answer: Yes

3.Do you agree to support house building levels based on an independent assessment of Rotherham’s actual housing needs? Thirlwall's Answer: Yes

I have dealt with this issue in detail please click here to view. I would be glad to discuss this or any other matter please phone me or email me here.

My view is straight forward, if Green Belt land is required for housing it should not be built upon while Rotherham has so many 'Brown Field' sites that have not all been included in the Council's proposals. Even if all alternative sites were to be exhausted, Rotherham's people would need to think very carefully before concreting over any more of our open, green spaces. Rotherham's green lungs must be protected and cherished by us all.

Peter Thirlwall

Independent Candidate
Rotherham Constituency

Visit Rotherham Independents website, click here.

MacShane the Truth! Time for Change in Rotherham!

2010-04-26T16:55:00.018+01:00

For quite a long time now increasing information has been put into the public domain about MP's expenses in ways that have clearly demonstrated greed and in some cases much, much worse. Very little information has been made public because MP's have fought 'tooth and nail' to keep this information from you. No one has worked harder or voted so consistently to deny this information to you, than Rotherham's MP Denis MacShane

Denis MacShane is one of those MP's that have stayed out of the public spotlight by a mixture of running away and hiding until the fuss has died down and a total refusal to answer any of the many questions that can reasonably be asked given the paucity of information. MacShane has voted at every turn to deny you the basic information upon which to judge his performance. This pattern of behaviour, disappearing at crucial moments is evidence that MacShane is a political coward unwilling to live up to the expectations of his constituents, or even face up to his responsibility for his own actions.

MacShane's voters have a right to know how he spent their money. Gordon Brown has said that Labour MPs should be open and honest about their use of public money and have no second jobs of any kind. MacShane should now tell us what he did with our money? How many employers has he? Springs to mind to start with.

The record shows him to be a greedy MP, determined to get every penny he could out of the taxpayer and used his position to sell himself for hire to those willing to pay him for his diatribes. He has so many second jobs it is impossible to be sure how many different employers he has at any given time. This is a disgrace! He should work for us alone! Peter Thirlwall will only have one employer, You!

His record when it comes to our Town is lamentable, His home is not in Rotherham and he has employed a novel interpretation of the rules to get his Rotherham property paid for by you, in addition to his London base. His presence in Rotherham is news in it self and clearly shows a disinterested and disengaged MP just going through the motions. None of his own children have so much as seen the inside of a Rotherham school never mind receiving an education here. Are our schools not good enough for his children? Is Rotherham not a suitable place to make his home here? If our Town is not good enough for him and his family it is definitely time for him to go!

He has utter contempt for his constituents and a quick internet search reveals a picture of a pretty odious person indeed, totally motivated by self aggrandisement and little else, He is clearly using his position to make money for himself and it must stop!

Rotherham is ready for a new Member of Parliament, one who knows the Town and it's people, because he is one of them. Someone with a sense of decency and openness, very refreshing in a politician. Someone who has set dogma aside and rejects prejudice of any kind. Someone committed to listening and working with people to effect change that actually improves matters for them where they live, work and play.

That someone is Peter Thirlwall, the Independent Candidate for Rotherham Constituency who offers all of this and much more besides.

Voting Thirlwall at the elections on May 6th is the best way to get the representation that Rotherham citizens can only dream of and most important of all, to vote for a better future for Rotherham and all it's people!

Visit Rotherham Independents website, click here.

Campaigning moves up a gear.

2010-04-26T16:14:00.003+01:00

Peter and Catherine Thompson, campaigning together on Saturday.

The election in Rotherham this year has become truly local affair with the gulf between expectation and delivery very polarised.

The reception for our campaign has been wonderful, there is real anger at being foisted with the same tired old bent politics with MacShane as Labour's candidate once again.

Rotherham voters are demanding a fresh start at this election, not just a continuation of the greed, sleaze and corruption we have seen in Parliament. MacShane is well and truly caught up in some of these scandals but by telling us nothing, he thinks he can escape close scrutiny and win this election with the votes of the ill informed.

Our evidence for voting intention clearly shows that Labour and MacShane are going backwards, support for the Tories is draining away quickly and the Liberal Democrat campaign has not taken off in Rotherham. The other extremist candidates are also seeing their support decline as voters become aware that there is a better way to show their anger than voting for groups who want to tear Rotherham apart exploiting division and conflict in the process. We utterly condemn this negative approach and offer ourselves as a viable and achievable alternative to more of the same!

Peter Thirlwall is attracting support from people from all walks of life as decision day approaches, we are sure that Labour has got it wrong. Recently when they claimed the the election in Rotherham was over and that MacShane had got it in the bag we knew this was wrong. The voters are telling us that Labour is wrong, they want a new MP committed to work on their behalf and no one else!

My Pledge to the people of Rotherham.

2010-04-25T15:48:00.005+01:00

I will, if elected:

Be totally free of any Party interference in the way I represent you.
Open an office in the Town centre, which will have easy access to everyone.
Find new ways to consult with you.
Represent my constituents without fear or favour.
Decide on all issues on the basis of factual evidence rather than Party prejudice.
Openly account for my use of public money.
Maintain a Website to provide a quick and convenient way for information and communication.

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Parliamentary Candidate
Rotherham Constituency

Rotherham Town Centre - Peter's Views

2010-04-23T16:35:00.001+01:00

Civic pride in a town starts with a Town Centre that is safe, clean and vibrant. The economic success of a good Town Centre automatically follows.

Above all, when people visit the Town Centre they must feel safe. This should be achieved by ensuring that there is a police presence in the Town Centre all of the time. This should also be linked with an embargo of dinking in the street and possible powers to disperse gangs and prevent loitering. These powers must of course be used sensibly.

Rotherham Town Centre is presently too large to be sustainable. We should therefore try to reduce its geographical size by encouraging the Government to reduce by half the non domestic rates of all shops within a given radius of the Town Centre. This would have the added benefit of encouraging more businesses to set up within the centre of town because of the economic benefits.

If possible, the new Stadium should provide a substantial amount of free parking within the complex. This would need to be achieved through negotiation and supported by grants. By ensuring that there is an abundance of parking around town would allow The Council to then provide free parking throughout the town without having to worry about all the spaces being taken up with those who work in the Town Centre.

The above must also be supplemented with a sensible transport policy to encourage people to leave their cars at home. This will be necessary if car ownership continues to rise.

The Town Centre Renaissance would be helped if the Government would support, through the grants system, the borrowing of money to finance the renaissance without the need resort to what is known as prudential borrowing which only adds to the burden on Local Authorities.

Extra cleaning, care and maintenance of the street scene should take place.

Some research needs to be carried out to determine if a more vibrant Town Centre could be achieved by encouraging specialist retailesr into town who would not be faced with the competition from Meadowhall.

For many years now the Town Centre has only survived because of the Market. However the market has been slowly deteriorating with the inevitable consequences. Investment in the market complex is needed together with rents that will keep the market stalls fully used.

Work needs to be done to determine if it is possible to relocate the Rail Station to the Stadium complex.

Not all of the above may be achievable and could not happen over night but Rotherham has to start somewhere.

Peter Thirlwall

Independent Candidate Rotherham Constituency

Peter Thirlwall, Independent for Rotherham. What motivates my campaign!

2010-04-22T18:02:00.000+01:00

I believe in a proper 'old fashioned' Public Service ethos. Honesty and plain speaking is what motivates me deep down and is driving my current attempt to remove one of the greediest, manipulative, unpleasant, distant, arrogant and selfish Labour part time MPs that still exist in anything like a 'safe' seat at this General Election. In the case in point this is The Rt Hon Dr Denis MacShane, almost universally loathed by those who know him and has few friends in Rotherham.

Almost the entire population of our Town has been disgusted by the scandals and the spotlight they have brought to public greed by those who are supposed to be our servants not the other way round. By the time the greed, sleaze and corruption was exposed amongst Members of Parliament, the cancer had already spread far and wide, infecting public life insidiously over the last 13 years, after first infecting the Town Halls of our country and going on to Parliament, this has resulted in the most corrupt, greedy and self serving Parliament in history and Town Halls that have lost their way.

MacShane represents unfinished business. His record, such as it is, clearly shows, at best a greedy man, that sells himself to many masters for personal profit as he can while jetting off across the Atlantic to sell a book he had practically got Parliament to write for him on behalf of a Committee of Parliament in their report into the subject.

The Labour Party have confidence in MacShane, they are clearly wrong, they want to foist him upon us once again!

"If the Labour Party will not remove him, as they should, then the electorate have an opportunity to do it themselves!"

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Candidate, Rotherham

Peter Thirlwall’s - Views on Immigration

2010-04-22T17:11:00.001+01:00

The Problem

The overall lack of control of the situation combined with the view that the Labour Government assumed that they would all vote Labour in elections and connived at bring in 700,000 economic migrants, in just 2 years, no wonder things are not going smoothly!
Most would agree that our borders should be properly controlled and be able to 'count people in and count them out' when they leave. We should be in control of who is here, the fact that we can’t, worries most people, quite rightly.
The rights granted to EU citizens by our Government. Only 2 countries other than ourselves granted these rights to the 2004 entrants to the EU.
Asylum Seekers who ultimately are refused 'leave to remain'.(often referred to as bogus in the press)
Illegal Immigration, in fact ordinary citizens will never in fact know they exist.
The issue of amnesty for the current illegal entrants already here.
The effects that the burden is perceived as being unacceptably high in both financial terms and the burden on community resources such as Schools, Housing, Social Services and Health.
There is a perception that those who are recently arrived enjoy benefits denied to the host community. This perception is very divisive, it is strongly felt and far more complex than often portrayed by some disreputable political parties.

Peter’s View:

The Government has a duty to control our borders. I will insist that this happens.
The Government should not have granted a general right of admission for EU citizens. I will argue against this.
We do need skills from abroad and many of our citizens work abroad in other countries, their rights too must be considered. I will support a proper, points based, system to replace the current, chaotic approach, to economic migration.
No one would wish to deny entry to those fleeing tyranny and persecution but it seems to any reasonable person to be open to abuse. I want the issue to be re-examined from basic principles, to give us a system that is understood and respected by all. I will argue for and cooperate with those of goodwill to sort out this mess.
The burdens placed on our local communities are unacceptably high and residents have legitimate concerns which they want addressed. I will argue that proper funding must be available to host communities to offset the unfair cost burden.
Those here illegally are queue jumpers by another name, I do not approve of an amnesty, as that would end up rewarding them for this and be grossly unfair for all concerned. I am not in favour of an amnesty for those already here illegally.
I believe illegal immigrants are by their very nature unwelcome to the host country and ultimately futile for the perpetrators as they are often subject to the very kind of abuse and semi-slavery they were trying to escape from.

I am convinced that it is time that the people got involved on this as so many issues when people of 'good will' do not speak out the racist bigots get the field to themselves and any open and honest approach is likely to be ignored in the general confrontation.

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Parliamentary Candidate for Rotherham

Independent Network Campaign Launch

2010-04-20T21:26:00.001+01:00

The Independent Network are having a campaign launch event in London tomorrow morning, Peter Thirlwall will be there being publicly introduced to the media as an Endorsed Candidate.

We are very proud of this because the vetting procedure was very thorough and therefore it gives Peter the stamp of approval as a suitable person that can both be worthy of trust and if elected could do an excellent job as a Member of Parliament on behalf of the voters of Rotherham Constituency.

We always had full confidence in Peter as our standard bearer to oppose MacShane, the sitting MP for Rotherham. Now everyone may share that confidence too.

Peter Thirlwall's Campaign Team

Breaking News - Independent Network Endorsement

2010-04-16T15:33:00.009+01:00

We are proud to announce that Peter Thirlwall's candidature has been endorsed by the Independent Network. This clearly demonstrates Peter's commitment to the Independents cause and their commitment to him as a torch bearer for openness, truth and integrity in public life.

Aims of the Independent Network

create a sense of cohesion and identity for Independent candidates using the IN brand
establish national credibility for independent candidates - enabling the electorate to vote independent with greater confidence that an Independent vote is a vote for a more representative government.
provide support to independent candidates. Many independents do not have access to the same scale of resources of a national political party.
provide a forum of discussion, experience and advice for independent candidates. Candidates can use the network to share knowledge and work cooperatively in the best interests of the electorate.
provide guidance and resources for independent candidates that will enable them to be elected at local, regional, national and European elections.
promote a fairer system in which independents can compete with political parties.
promote independent politics and encourage the electorate to acknowledge the success and influence independents are having in local government and Parliament.

If you would like to know more, Peter would love to hear from you, the contact information on the left side will help.

If you want to help, or join us or have a general question about the Rotherham Independents please Email us at independentsteam@googlemail.com.

Peter's Parliamentary Campaign Team
Rotherham Independents

New endorsement - Steve Bentham-Bates

2010-04-15T19:30:00.004+01:00

"Peter Thirlwall was my Borough Councillor from whom I requested support to challenge a building project that was planned to be built adjacent to my property.

I approached Peter to help argue the case against excessive density and height of the plans, and with his intervention the group of residents I led successfully had the plans amended to reduce the total number of new buildings by a significant margin, and the four storey development plans ditched, to be more in keeping and scale of the residential appearance of the village.

His knowledge of the procedures and personalities of all hues in local government were instrumental in enabling the residents group to meet most of its objectives.

He is a first class councillor arguing against intransigent local politics who should, if there is any justice in the world, become an even better Member of Parliament for the local area fighting the corner of those he seeks to represent."

Steve Bentham-Bates BA Hons FIRP Dip RP

Message from Martin Bell - Independent Network

2010-04-14T02:50:00.001+01:00

Christine Ayres, Seconds Peter Thirlwall's Nomination

2010-04-13T16:08:00.001+01:00

I have known Peter Thirlwall for over 25 years as a loyal friend, to both me and my husband. I’m delighted to second his nomination for MP as I know he has all the important qualities you would hope for in an MP.
Above all else Peter is trustworthy, a family man and homemaker who is amazingly hardworking and skilful in many practical ways as well as intellectually. A brilliant electrician, engineer, builder, and father, as well as a keen thinker with a sharp brain, Peter has massive reserves of energy and determination which he uses in great part for the benefit of other people wherever it’s needed.
Over the years Peter has impressed me with his compassion and understanding, and I know of many unpublicised acts of generosity and kindness to people in need. He lives by his own principles of openness, accessibility, fairness and straight talking and is a trustworthy, dependable friend.
Peter has a reputation as a tough campaigner who takes a no nonsense approach to his work as a community representative.
He is a leader rather than a follower, and strongly believes Rotherham needs a new voice to speak up for the town in the House of Commons. He believes we have been let down by the current Labour MP and he knows he can do better.
If Rotherham’s next MP is to be OUR champion rather than Westminster’s, then Peter Thirlwall is the man to vote for.
Peter Thirlwall is a truly local candidate, a man of the people.

THE man for Rotherham.

Christine Ayres

General Election Proper Starts Tomorrow, Independents nearly ready!

2010-04-12T17:56:00.003+01:00

Nomination for the General Election open tomorrow.

We are working hard to ensure, that despite the fact that the Labour Party will vastly outspend us in campaigning we will still get our clear and simple message across.

How many times have we heard the expression, enough is enough! coming from countless voters in despair. We have answered that call of frustration and disgust!

The greed, sleaze and corruption that seems to affect what goes for Public Life from top to bottom, must be swept out by people of principle committed to the finest traditions of Public Service, honesty and probity.

Peter Thirlwall and the 2010 Rotherham Independents local government candidates.

MacShane or is that MacShame, makes friends with Guido Fawkes Again!

2010-04-11T14:51:00.001+01:00

Guido Fawkes likes MacShane, not a lot. See this story published today.

http://order-order.com/2010/04/11/if-it-is-good-enough-for-the-troops-it-is-good-enough-for-politicians/

MacShane's abilities to make friends and influence people appears to know no bounds!

Mick Sylvester on Peter Thirlwall

2010-04-08T14:34:00.008+01:00

Michael Sylvester standing as an

Independent in Wingfield Ward.

"I completely support Peter Thirlwall's standing as an Independent for Rotherham in the 2010 General Election.

I first had the pleasure of working with Peter in his attempt to secure the Labour Party nomination for the Rotherham by-election of 1994 when despite the overwhelming support of local Labour Party members, he was left off the candidates shortlist leaving Party 'yes' man Denis MacShane to become our MP.

I admire that despite being on the approved Labour parliamentary candidates list, Peter only ever sought to stand in the town and to my mind, this sets him apart from the 'run of the mill' career politicians we see too much of.

In the past few years, Peter could have chosen to keep quiet, be a good boy for the Labour Party and have a good income with special responsibility allowances and junkets. Instead he chose to make a stand against the culture that infects local and national politics of nest feathering and milking the tax payer.

The Tories and Liberal Democrats are an irrelevance in Rotherham and Peter has been working day in, day out against what I view as a corrupt Labour MP and Council. Our choice in Rotherham is between a Labour MP who needs a map to find his constituency, which is only of use to help support his various income streams, and a brave champion who has said "enough" to the idea that politics is just about crossing your own palm with silver.

At 7am on May 6th in the St Johns Green polling station, I will be nothing but proud to put my cross against Peter Thirlwall's name."

Mick Sylvester
Wingfield Ward

Message from Martin Bell OBE

2010-04-07T20:13:00.002+01:00

Martin Bell's Message on what it means to be an Independent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR8SBHyEEt0

Peter Thirlwall

Independent for Rotherham

Irene Furnell Proposes Peter for Rotherham

2010-04-06T20:05:00.006+01:00

The election as we all know has been called today I have been delighted to have been asked to propose Peter Thirlwall and delighted also that he has shown the courage to stand.

Why courage ?

Peter has been around the political scene in Rotherham a long time and is fully aware what an enormous task he is embarking on and in spite of this he is taking up the challenge . Taking it up seriously too I know he will give the campaign 100% just as he would give we the people of Rotherham 100% should he be elected. As the support for him grows ,as I believe it will, so will the wrath and spite machines of the main parties . Peter knows this and is not intimidated by it - good on you Peter.

I have know Peter for more than thirty years and it is this courage along with his energy and capacity for hard work , his tenacity, his single mindedness in the best interest of Rotherham and its people - to name just a few of his qualities that this town needs. Qualities which are relevant and in my view sadly lacking in the way we are being represented at parliamentary level at the moment.

Peter also has the full support of his wife Jean and family which is essential to this demanding job.

As an Independent candidate his loyalty is to the people he represents - the people who vote for him are his only masters. As a local lad he is one of us and just like most other right thinking people thinks Rotherham deserves better.

Should Peter win Rotherham would be in safe hands and you know even if he doesnt win he will have done us all a real favour. For too many years Labour has taken our trust in them for granted and have gone unchallenged with wallies who see Rotherham as a safe bet and a job for life for themselves fighting for this seat .

Peter is giving us the chance to tell them - We have had enough! So if they manage to hold on who knows they might even start to be accountable.

I shall be doing all I can to help Peter in his campaign and urge you all to do the same.

WITH OUR HELP AND SUPPORT HE CAN WIN !!!!!!!

Irene Furnell

Breaking News - Brown to see Queen in the morning!

2010-04-06T00:37:00.002+01:00

The waiting is over, finally the worst kept secret in history has become public. The General Election will be on May 6th, the same day as the Local Government Elections.

For the first time since 1931 when the Tory, George Herbert, beat the Labour Candidate only to lose it again in 1933, the Parliamentary Constituency of Rotherham has a realistic chance of being lost by Labour.

The many scandals that have become public have exposed greed and corruption at all levels and in all parts of the House. Labour, Tory and Lib Dem Members of Parliament were all involved up to their necks, in some cases now before the courts.

Few have come through this process with dignity intact. To have realised that a majority of MPs were involved was shattering in terms of public confidence. Despite the largest number of MPs in history standing down at the end of a Parliament, the problem is not yet over, there is still unfinished business.

There are Members of Parliament who served throughout this disgraceful period who are not standing down next week, simply because they have, so far, been able to hide behind the still impenetrable wall of secrecy, that surrounds the Houses of Parliament to this day.

Denis MacShane, my Labour opponent, is in the top league when it comes to greed. He has regularly claimed to within pence of the maximum allowable but totally refuses to account for the hundreds of thousands of pounds of your money he has spent since 1994.

He has always been reluctant to account for the extra jobs he takes on the side, the pattern of declarations shows a degree of manipulation of the ever changing rules, to avoid giving any more information than absolutely necessary.

Close analysis of recently available information shows clearly this tendency and raises the most serious of questions, even more serious questions than I have previously published here on this site. I have written to MacShane asking him to clarify his position, but alas, no reply, not even an acknowledgment. I will share this with you later, either when I have a response or I am sure I will not be getting one.
It is not just me he will not answer, he won't tell you his constituents either - try asking him yourself! Please email me with any response as I would be most interested.

MacShane is not interested in us he just wants to be the MP for Rotherham and the Ex-Minister for Europe, both titles having been worth thousands over the years when peddling his journalism. Oh, and he wants you to put him back on the gravy train so he can rip us off for another four or five years.

The greed and corruption must be purged from Parliament. If the Labour Party will not rid us of MacShane, then we must do it for ourselves.

I offer myself as an antidote to all the sleaze, greed and corruption that has infected public life at all levels. Public service should be just that, not a way of getting rich. Nor is it there to make anyone important. I firmly believe that MPs are there to serve their electorates without the stench of corruption that now swirls around public life generally.

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane has brought disgrace on the whole Town. I stand with Rotherham in rejecting the recent scandals and believe that I can restore Rotherham's tarnished image by bringing some basic honesty, Yorkshire thrift when it comes to your money and some good old fashioned decency and commonsense when it comes to working on your behalf.

Together, Let's Change Rotherham for Good.

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Candidate
Rotherham

April 1st No joke for Motorists and everyone else too!

2010-04-01T20:34:00.010+01:00

Today sees the introduction of the first in three stages of Fuel Duty and the 'hidden' rise that VAT adds to the pump price!

All of us will suffer, it will increase our food bills, because everything we eat and use involves transport which will bear the brunt of the increases in costs and lead to eventual price rises as these extra costs pass down to consumers.

We have already seen record prices at the pumps today and these will rise again with the next two planned increases later this year.

Peter says:

"The bulk of motoring costs should be on use, not ownership. Put simply, the more you drive the more you should pay. Road Tolls and private Motorways would be an unnecessary part of the future of Major Road building projects. We need to see an end to all tolls, not continue down a route to giving us more of them!

The proportion of annual costs of vehicle excise duty to running costs must be reduced. Only by this means can some degree of fairness be introduced into the system!

Rises in Fuel Duty will only be accepted when this balance is properly addressed by Government. This is, I believe, the only fair way for the future!"

Back to the Future for Tory Economic Policy?

2010-03-30T15:56:00.003+01:00

Now that the dust has settled on last weeks Budget and we have had a chance to consider the response of the Tory Opposition and take a peek at their approach to the future running of economic policy, it is quite apparent that most of the lessons of the last fifteen years have completely passed them by!

My Tory opponent needs to explain why, after all, the Tory proposals are pretty much now as put forward by the Tories at every election since1997?

Firstly it was William Hague, then Michael Howard now it is Cameron and George Osborne trying to convince us that this time the outcome will be different, if they simply wrap it up in a nice sugary and soft covering to conceal that at it's heart their approach has not really changed since Margaret Thatcher destroyed our industries, with the same economic approach they are still advocating, as the answer to the country's problems in the 21st century.

It is surprising, that although we see a clapped out and corrupt Labour Government, at the fag end of this Parliament they are still within touching distance of hanging on in Government.
The Tories are desperate to show that they have changed, in doing so, they just prove they are still the same 'Old' Tories at heart, and they haven't changed one bit!

A bunch of various toffs with privileged backgrounds telling ordinary folk that they now embrace them, and their aspirations, is a frankly ridiculous spectacle!
Every time one looks closely at The Tories, the echos of the past a still being heard like a drum beat, The Tories haven't changed! Just the sugar coating!

Government rocked by chaos in drugs policy. Again!

2010-03-29T09:36:00.003+01:00

Just when we thought that the public could rely on this Labour Goverment to get a proper grip on the future of drugs policy, the shock resignation today of another Senior Government Adviser on drugs, Dr Polly Taylor, blows it all apart again. She is the sixth to do so, citing 'knee jerk' politicians and their continued failure even to properly consider the experts advice when making decisions. They stand accused for the 6th time now of being motivated and driven by political expediency and prejudice rather than considered advice. Two might appear careless? but six?

Labours Drugs policy is in chaos and lies in tatters! The Tories will be no better!

These failures are affecting us all! We all know that, along with all northern towns, Rotherham has more than it's fair share of damage caused by all drugs including alcohol and tobacco! I believe that, the chemicals that the 'young and even the not so young' routinely use for pleasure purposes, at least at the beginning, are doing insidious damage to the fabric of our future society, when the next generation accept drug taking to be the norm, what then?

By instinct I could not be more Anti-Drugs in general but even I can see that simple policy making by diktat, especially when it overides the considered advice of a panel of experts he himself had chosen, is unwise, without giving a great deal of attention to all the details. Prejudice is often wrong. Evidence can be tested.

I am sure that the people of Rotherham would prefer me, at least, to consider advice and evidence before rejecting it!

The people most affected by this paralysis of policy are the innumerable families affected by a family members' drug or alcohol abuse. It destroys whole families slowly from within and when they are desperate and ready to break their addictions and turn to help, it simply isn't there.

We need a drugs policy that works! Not the mess and confused policy we have now. I am equally sure that this will continue under a Tory Administration which would have more problems with it than Labour, because of the previous known antics of the social circles they prefer us not to realise they still inhabit.

I will argue for a 'joined up' drugs policy that as well as punishes effectively, the criminality also provides the help needed to answer that call for it , when it comes. Whole families are affected and rehabilitation policy must reflect this in the range of support on offer.

Peter Thirlwall
Rotherham's own Independent Parliamentary Candidate.

Labour's Last Budget? A wasted opportunity! Peter's response.

2010-03-25T19:00:00.002Z

I don't know what Alistair Darling expected the country to think of his latest and last Budget called 'Securing the recovery'.

'Fiddling while Rome burns', would be far more apt. There is very little to be positive about as this budget has the unfortunate effect of ensuring that there will be a second budget this year whoever is running the country after the election.

This budget conceals more than illuminates. Basic tax allowances are not going up this year, inflation will increase the effect of this and make the lowest paid bear the brunt of these hidden tax increases. Already suffering badly, more pain is to be heaped on them in the form of taxes on the 'naughty' things like alcohol and tobacco. Because of the increases in duty on fuel, food and basics will get more expensive and impact disproportionately on the less well off.

National Insurance, an income tax on working people by another name, is also unchanged. This is a disgraceful missed opportunity to apply the tax system with a degree of social justice for all, not just for the better off!

We are all aware that the economic climate now is poorly placed to provide the support and assistance that Rotherham will need if is to prosper in the future.

There are some encouraging signs, at least at the high-tech end of engineering. The town may be able to look forward to the benefits that these developments will bring to the local economy.
Only if the economy avoids a 'double dip' recession will this go ahead as planned.
We need good jobs, highly skilled with a long term future.
Rotherham will need advocates at all levels.
I am prepared to be your voice where it matters!

Peter Thirlwall
Rotherham's own Independent.

Question Time for MacShane?

2010-03-24T16:06:00.000Z

MacShane has finally surfaced again, as predicted, a few weeks before the General Election!
He set up his own version of Question Time, organised by the supposedly non political South Yorkshire Women's Development Trust.
Chaired by MacShane himself with a hand picked panel, he even included his latest girl friend for good measure. None of them having any relevance to the voters of Rotherham.
Denis hand picked the questions to give himself an easy ride, preaching to the converted! From this point of view a 'Church’ hosting such a politically partisan event seems to me to be crassly inappropriate at best and an outrage at worst!
Not one direct question on his scandalous expenses! None either on the lamentable record of the Labour Government! Or anything about the disgraceful scandals that have engulfed him and the information he simply refuses to give us! John Healey can manage it, so why can’t MacShane!
MacShane thinks he can go into this election without explaining any of his expenses to his voters! He is treating his voters with total contempt!
Anna Chester, one of MacShanes party organisers, said "there is clearly an appetite to have those meetings more often". I can assure her there is.
Perhaps Anna, who as well as being a labour organiser and also a volunteer with the non political SYWD, would organise a Question Time chaired by a neutral.
Invite a panel that included Peter Thirlwall and MacShane.
It would give you an audience that would be so large that there is no venue in Rotherham that could fit everyone in! The tickets would be very much sought after!
The Women of Rotherham require answers too!
They deserve answers from both the incumbent and his principal challenger, Peter Thirlwall. Answers to the questions they actually want to ask!
Peter Thirlwall, the Independent Candidate, is an incredible politician and if the roles were reversed and MacShane was the Independent candidate at the next election, MacShane would lose his deposit!
Thirlwall's popularity is increasing by the day. With your help, he will defy all the odds, and win the Rotherham seat!
If you would like to help Peter or would like to speak to him directly, don't delay he is the most approachable person you are likely to meet and would love to hear from you.

George Valentine
Council Waste Watcher
Stag
Rotherham

Labours Dirty Dozen! There are many more!

2010-03-23T18:58:00.002Z

Guido Fawkes Blog order-order.com published this story today 'Labours Dirty Dozen'.

I do not personally endorse this web site, but often important stories on Parliamentary Sleaze first see the light of day on this site, I think all Rotherham's Voters should look at this site from time to time.

Bell Principles - No Gimmick - Peter Writes!

2010-03-19T21:46:00.028Z

The real problem in Rotherham is the continual Political Party Games the Labour and Tories get up to here, in the Town Hall and in Parliament!

We, the Rotherham Independents, believe in more direct accountability to you the voter, a level of openness in the way we make our decisions on what to support on your behalf and a completely fresh approach summed up in the Bell Principles.
Our opponents, in a shameful piece of political opportunism, dismiss our approach, but it is gaining support throughout Rotherham, which is what has them rattled!

"It is time for good old fashioned commonsense to prevail."
"Rotherham Independents offer a better future for Rotherham than the tired old politics of the 19th and 20th centuries."

The Bell Principles build upon Lord Nolan's Principles of 1995.
We will

abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences
be free of control of any political party, pressure group or whip
be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based
listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right
resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
work with other elected independents as a group with a chosen spokesperson
claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities

Support us! Let's together, make Rotherham a Town we can all be proud of!

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Candidate
Rotherham Constituency

See also My Pledge To Rotherham posted 1st February 2010

Labour and Tory Party's - Non-Domicile Embarrassment!

2010-03-01T18:19:00.006Z

The truth has finally been revealed. The Tory Party's principal donor, Lord Ashcroft (Baron Ashcroft, of Chichester in the county of West Sussex, ennobled in 2000), is a tax evader!
He pays only a small proportion of the tax he should pay to the United Kingdom Exchequer.

Why does this matter? Lord Ashcroft is not only a very generous Tory benefactor (reported to have given £6,000,000 in the recent past) but is part of William Hague's team, present when policy matters are discussed and travelling with William Hague on foreign trips.

Today's revelations also call into question his entitlement to sit in the House of Lords as Non-Doms are no longer supposed to be allowed.

My Tory opponent, Jacqueline Whiteley, has some explaining to do!

If she wants to be trusted by the voters of Rotherham, she has to explain why this man has been able to get so much influence, apparently with his money, when he is not resident in this country for Tax purposes. How does this fit in with the Tory Party's claims to be open and honest when all questions have been met with obfuscation or silence. It is now time to come clean!

The Labour Party has a similar problem in the shape of Sraj Paul, Baron Paul, of Marylebone in the City of Westminster to give him his full title. He is a significant Labour Donor, ennobled in 1996 and put on the Privy Council, a very high honour indeed allowing him to us the title preceded by Rt Hon the Lord Paul.

Like Lord Ashcroft, Sraj Paul is a Non-Dom too, it has emerged, and similar questions need a full an honest answer from Labour as well.

Denis MacShane needs to explain this to his constituents, as well as properly accounting for our money he has spent.

If he wants to regain any credibility amongst his voters, he must answer the above, simple questions.

One would like to say, Denis. It is your continued silence on these matters, that is harming your prospects electorally. Your constituents cannot believe that you are acting in this way and previous disclosures and the inevitable questions they provoke, must be answered by you.

The contempt for your electorate that is involved here, is staggering!

This can be remedied easily and simply by the disclosure of the basic information your electorate expects from you, if you are to get them to vote for you.

Put simply, Denis please tell us?

Denis and Jacqueline, Rotherham is waiting, don't treat them with contempt, your electorate demand answers, before they vote for either of you!

Peter Thirlwall

Rotherham Independents

Tory Candidate for Rotherham Constituency Announced At Last!

2010-02-22T23:48:00.003Z

It has just been announced, that the Rotherham Constituency Tory Candidate, is to be businesswoman, Jacqueline Whiteley.

A former 'Yorkshire Woman of the Year' and winner of other awards in business, including a Business Link Competition for 'bucking the trend' in the recession.

She is reported to be a member of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce. She has also been a Woman's Ambassador for Enterprise for campaign group Forward Ladies.

She is said to be an ambitious candidate, presumably here to add to her political CV for next time and a safe seat. The Conservative vote in the Rotherham Constituency will probably have the rather dubious distinction, of being the only constituency in the country, where the Conservative vote actually goes down!

All the evidence we have, clearly shows that this trend is already under way here in Rotherham. That is even before Jacqueline Whiteley was selected. It is being said that it will probably not be as much benefit to her future career prospects as she is hoping.

The Rotherham Star Joins the Fray on First Class Travel!

2010-02-16T23:37:00.012Z

Peters Campaign to change the way the Council spends your money has now reached the Rotherham Star and has been covered on the Rotherham Independents Campaign site.

Peter's View.

"The time is coming when all of Rotherham's voters will be able to vote for candidates they can trust to be honest, open and committed to bringing basic decency and a non-dogmatic attitude to making the best decisions for Rotherham and all of it's people".

Peter Thirlwall

Rotherham’s Prospective Independent Parliamentary Candidate.
Rotherham Independents Campaign.

Stephen Fodor Writes - On Thirlwall.

2010-02-12T23:19:00.020Z

Stephen Fodor and Peter Thirlwall

at a recent campaign event

"I fully endorse Cllr Peter Thirlwall’s candidacy to be Independent Member of Parliament for Rotherham! He offers the best opportunity to bring back, good old fashioned accountability!"

"He has often already shown at local level his unremitting commitment to work in Rotherham’s interest, and has a way of connecting and voicing the real concerns of people... now that would be fabulous to see in the House of Commons!"

Stephen Fodor
Rotherham Businessman

Why I am Supporting Peter Thirlwall and the Rotherham Independents

2010-02-09T19:23:00.006Z

As someone previously heavily engaged in the old tribal electoral politics in Rotherham. Losing faith in politics completely, I had become hard bitten and cynical and pretty hard to impress.

So Peter Thirlwall had a mountain to climb if he was going to convince me that he might have something new to offer when we first met.

What I found, to my surprise, was a genuine ordinary kind of guy, very different from the kind of person normally prepared to stand for parliament. (ambitious, self aggrandising, lazy and greedy – remind you of anyone?) He is approachable and has none of the arrogance usually common to all local politicians, he seems to have an intuitive understanding of what is broken in Rotherham politics and has plans to put things right.

I am glad to say that Peter definitely is the real deal and is worthy of our trust, support and commitment. I am pleased to report that, contrary to some popular opinions, I just couldn't see a halo, no matter how hard I looked!

He knows he seems to be facing an uphill task but Peter has convinced me, that here, in Rotherham, so many have lost faith in politicians and politics in general, that he and all the Independents Campaign local candidates offer the best chance of a better future for all in Rotherham by turning away from the corrupt national parties and taking the Independents Choice.

Rik Van Hegan

Peter's Perspective - On MacShane

2010-02-07T18:02:00.006Z

Like many Rotherham people I find the revelations in this weeks Advertiser, about my opponent to be, and his disappearance at a time when his disgraceful behaviour is made public, are the actions of someone not worthy to represent Rotherham and its people.

I know that my outrage and anger and the feelings of shame over this expenses affair are shared by many, both in his constituency and throughout the whole of Rotherham.

Unless the Labour Party suddenly comes to its senses, prevails upon MacShane to step aside as their candidate and chooses an honest replacement more interested in their constituents, the problem will be put in the hands of the Rotherham constituency’s voters at the General Election.

I am proposing to stand in Rotherham as a serious alternative to candidates locked in the confines of tribal politics that all the mainstream national parties, of whatever hue, practise here in Rotherham and throughout the country. This has resulted in the people in the Towns and Cities of the North feeling abandoned, little understood, and taken for fools by being taken for granted.

The people of Rotherham deserve better than this! Now is the chance for change!

The power is in all our hands come the elections. Remember we live in a democracy, where every vote counts and the decision you make is yours alone.
Each and every voter has to make their mind up whether to vote the way they always have or to vote for a candidate committed to the highest standards of conduct and openness.

I invite you all to take the time to find out more about me and the fresh start my candidacy represents, before making your choice in the General Election to come.

I am also the most easily contactable of the prospective candidates and invite you to do so. See left side panel for ways to contact me. I would love to hear what you have to say.

If you would like to know more or help in our campaign, you would be most welcome. We are a friendly bunch, totally committed to our task of offering real and effective change both in Parliament and here in Rotherham.

Peter Thirlwall
Rotherham’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
Rotherham Independents Campaign

MacShane has many questions to answer?

2010-02-04T16:18:00.005Z

Sir Thomas Legg's Report, published by the members estimates committee says the following about Rotherham's MP.

'Rt Hon Denis MacShane MP
Rotherham
Dr MacShane was paid cleaning costs totalling £7,354.34 (£3,000.00 in 2004-05;
£2,341.34 in 2005-06; and £2,013.00 in 2007-08). This exceeded £2,000 a year by
£1,354.34.
In September and October 2008, he was paid £153.39 for gas without providing
sufficient evidence to show that this was a cost incurred at his second home, since
the only address on the bill related to his main home.
He should also provide mortgage interest statements to support payments totalling
£6,001.34 for the period April 2004 to January 2006. I recommend that he should
be allowed until 1 March 2010 to do this. If he does not do so, then in the absence
of any special or exceptional reasons to the contrary, he should repay the whole
amount of the allowance involved.'
It must be emphasised that this information only applies to his use of the Additional Costs Allowance.

Peter Thirwall said today, "Denis MacShane has a lot of explaining to do", and " I am sure that everyone in Rotherham will be horrified at this and I feel he should stand down now, as labours candidate, before the election, it is that serious in my view"

Peter Thirlwall and Ben Slade Challenge Greedy Rotherham Councillors

2010-02-02T00:21:00.003Z

Our Independent councillors, Peter Thirlwall and Ben Slade, are proposing the following change to Council Policy at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday February 3rd:

"At a time of severe pressures on the Council budget, this Council resolves to discontinue first class rail travel for Councillors and use the money saved to support front line services for the people of Rotherham."

Peter will be proposing and Ben will be seconding the proposal.

Rotherham Independents Campaign members are fully supportive and consider it the most reasonable thing to do when Rotherham's residents are suffering great economic hardship.

In a bi-partisan approach to fellow councillors, Peter has written individually to all Rotherham councillors asking them to consider what Rotherham's people want, just for once.

What Peter has said to them:

Dear Fellow Councillor,

On Wednesday at the full Council Meeting I will be proposing the following motion to bring to an end the practise of using first class travel whilst on Council business.

Motion to Council on the 3^rd February 2010

Proposed: Councillor Peter Thirlwall

Seconded: Councillor Ben Slade

I would ask you all to consider your position carefully before rejecting this motion, which would be taken by the vast majority of Rotherham people, a sign that you do not live in the same world as them. For just once take a decision to save some taxpayers money to help save the front line services that your constituents may rely on.

Collectively councillors in Rotherham are already amongst the most well rewarded in the country. Last year each of you received the basic allowance of £12,271. Most of you in addition have received 'special responsibility allowances' varying from a Cabinet Adviser on £1.203 to the Leader of the council on £32,544. The Special Responsibility Allowances cost the taxpayer a total of £356,150. A grand total of £1,136,767 last year in fact!

The fact that you insist on getting every last penny out of us, is nothing short of an outrage, especially when it comes at the end of a financial year when you have made swingeing cuts to essential services that the most vulnerable in our communities depended upon.

I would point out to you that these cuts are occurring now, before any of the post election belt tightening that all parties are promising to come. I do hope that you do not suggest that, even in a time of great austerity in public services, you are totally unwilling to share any of the pain? (If giving up first class travel could in any way be described as pain.)

Finally I make the plea, once again, on behalf of all in Rotherham for you to stop first class travel.

Yours,

Councillor Peter Thirlwall

Rotherham Independents

My Personal Pledge to Rotherham

2010-02-01T17:21:00.004Z

Martin Bell and Peter Thirlwall, together in Birmingham recently.

I have had a 'ringside seat' from which to observe the decline in basic standards of politics in Rotherham and I am now, like many, convinced that most of our problems can be laid firmly at the door of the Labour Party.
I was briefly encouraged by the increasing size of the opposition on RMBC, but my disappointment at their failure to hold the ruling Labour Group properly to account has been very great indeed and I am now convinced that they suffer from similar internal issues to labour which ensure that narrow party interests always get in the way of Rotherham's peoples best interests. Patronage is like a cancer, subverting the political decision making process and corrupting it.
It is time for a fresh start here in Rotherham.
This is why I have signed up to the principles below and together with my colleagues in the Rotherham Independents Campaign are offering a fresh start and offer hope for our future. I challenge all election candidates in Rotherham this year to publicly declare their support for them, whatever their political affiliation.

Peter Thirlwall, PPC Rotherham

If you would like to know more, or you would like to join with us please email us here

I reproduce below the principles I am committed to uphold.

The Bell Principles build upon Lord Nolan's Principles of 1995.
We will

abide wholeheartedly by the spirit and letter of the Seven Principles of Public Life set out by Lord Nolan in 1995: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
be guided by considered evidence, our real world experience and expertise, our constituencies and our consciences
be free of control of any political party, pressure group or whip
be non-discriminatory, ethical and committed to pluralism
make decisions transparently and openly at every stage and level of the political process, enabling people to see how decisions are made and the evidence on which they are based
listen, consulting our communities constantly and innovatively treat political opponents with courtesy and respect, challenging them when we believe they are wrong, and agreeing with them when we believe they are right
resist abuses of power and patronage and promote democracy at every level
work with other elected independents as a group with a chosen spokesperson
claim expenses, salaries and compensation openly so the public can judge the value for money of our activities

The Seven Principles of Public Life

The Rotherham Independents Campaign believe that 'Seven Principles of Public Life' should apply to all in the public service. These are:

Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

An Alternative to Spoiling Our Green Belt

2010-01-17T16:23:00.005Z

An Alternative to Spoiling Our Green Belt

By Councillor Peter Thirlwall

I have always said that a criticism is only as good as the alternative that it replaces. Well I would like to suggest the following alternative to the proposed greenbelt incursion ( LDF ) being offered by the Rotherham Labour Group:

(1) Remove the ‘Growth Points Status’ of 2,200 houses which was entered into by the Leader of Rotherham Council, along with other council leaders of South Yorkshire. It is understood that Sheffield, for instance, can accommodate their ‘Growth Point’ housing numbers without the need to use greenbelt land at all. It’s a shame, but not entirely unpredictable, that Councillor Roger Stone didn’t take the time to check what effect it would have upon Rotherham and its residents, before he committed us to the ‘Growth Point’ agreement.

(2) The number of houses that the Government say that we will need in Rotherham by 2026 is 22,300. In the Government calculations they have assumed that 11,150 of those houses will be required for people emigrating into Rotherham from other parts of the country. I believe this figure is ridiculously high and should be reduced by 5,575 houses i.e. from 50% to 25%.

(3) If the amount of houses needed were reduced in accordance with (1) and (2) above, then the industrial land needed could also be reduced by around 82 hectares.

(4) The council have assumed a building density of between 30 to 40 dwellings per hectare, but the planning guidance says it should be between 30 to 50 dwellings per hectare and I therefore believe that figure, should be used so we can accommodate more houses on the precious land that we have.

(5) We should trawl the Borough again to find more brownfield sites, which includes talking to Corus and also our neighbouring Councils, to see if they have any brownfield sites on their borders that could be used in our calculations.

If we could achieve the above, I believe we could avoid building in the green belt at all, other than the bits of scrubland that have no amenity value. Although I don’t have access to all of the figures and the ones quoted are not strictly accurate, they are I believe in the right ball park.
In the past, Rotherham has not been able to build houses at the rate at which the Government required and it is very unlikely that we will be able to so in the future, so the outcomes of the LDF are fairly academic. We certainly do not therefore want to give up our green belt based on the whims and fancies of a few statisticians in Whitehall, and their obedient servants at Rotherham Council.

Not all of what I have suggested may be achievable, but I do hope that the Labour Group will at least consider, for a change, the points that I have made with a view to making Rotherham a better place to live.

Peter Thirlwall
Independent Parliamentary Candidate
Rotherham Constituency

peter4rotherham

Events at Council Meeting 8th December 2010 Councillor Peter Thirlwall's View.

A very big thank you!

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Peter Thirlwall - Views on the Green Belt.

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Stephen Fodor Writes - On Thirlwall.

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Peter's Perspective - On MacShane

More Questions for MacShane?

MacShane has many questions to answer?

Peter Thirlwall and Ben Slade Challenge Greedy Rotherham Councillors

My Personal Pledge to Rotherham

An Alternative to Spoiling Our Green Belt