Blog Posts

  • Mad, Mad world of politics

    I’m just pinching myself to make sure today has not been  a dream. Did I hear Cllr Brooks-Gordon, Cambridge City Liberal Democrat County Councillor, on the radio calling for brothels to be opened in Cambridge? I know that I am keen on Cambridgeshire being open for business but that seems to be taking things to Read more

  • Talking or doing that is the question?

    I am regularly reminded by the Liberal Democrat opposition in the County Council that running the council is not like running a business. It is certainly different but I do believe that common sense, efficiency, listening to the people of Cambridgeshire (customers?) and spending money wisely should be even more important as it is public Read more

  • Attracting and retaining elected members – and not just those that have retired from work

    Earlier in the week I blogged on changes to our Cabinet, and in particular losing the services of Catherine Hutton because of difficulties balancing her role as a portfolio holder with her professional career. As I said, losing a young, energetic female with a business background feels like a democratic failure, as there are so Read more

  • Community and Adult Services – workshop

    I was asked to speak at the community and adult services workshop today. There was about 40 managers present, many of whom I have met in my recent travels around the county. These managers are clearly extremely well motivated and had a number of excellent success stories to tell. Why do we not share this Read more

  • Domestic Violence

    I had an interesting meeting at the new offices of the New Directions Service in Cambridge. This service specialises in working with males who abuse their partners to help modify behaviour. This work is challenging and complex but hopefully worthwhile. I will be interested in the outcomes of this pilot scheme. http://newdirectionsservice.org.uk/ Read more

  • Cabinet changes

    Last night Catherine Hutton, cabinet member for Adult Services, let me know that she would have to stand down from the cabinet. Despite a huge amount of effort, balancing work with a full time cabinet position was just not sustainable. My concern is that Catherine is just the sort of person needed in Cabinet to Read more