Posted by Chris Paul on Thursday Aug 06, 08:43
There seems to be a jackanory fairy story put out by the Lib Dems theyselves that "Honest John" Leech has deservedly come out well from the allowances scandal. But I really cannot see this. Is it really the case that an overpriced Weighwatchers contraption and TWO count 'em tellies in two years - with which to (a) tackle and (b) exacerbate his "fat and unfit" reputational issues - is the most noteworthy claim John Bull made.
Having made something of a study of the man's Houses of Parliament claims of all types down the years, not to mention his three years of double troughing at the expense of the council Tax payer, I've spotted a whole host of claims which may be "within the rules" letter by letter but which don't seem to be quite right nonetheless.
As someone who has traded on his "Son of the Manse" credentials wouldn't we expect Mr Leech to be perfect in every respect? Within the letter of the rules. Within the spirit of the rules. Within the spirit of the times.
And is anyone else baffled at how folks seeing Honest John Bull and his colleagues paying money - one way and another - over to the local Lib Dems, and sharing things with them in a beneficial for someone kind of way, and even apparently giving his councillor allowances - after tax we must hope - to local party activity - how people think that is beyond reproach?
Giving to one's own party machine or trading with it or sharing stuff with it or persistently grey area'ing the Commons rules is NOT like giving to charity is it?
It's more like delayed gratification really. Trying to ensure that John Leech and his cronies are re-elected by feeding the fighting funds - albeit very likely "within the rules" - and that being so arguably as bad as trying to buy duck houses, employ nannies, or even claiming for already paid off mortgages?
Essentially self interest?
How has John Leech who, lest we forget, topped the rankings in his first year at the trough, escaped with such minimal scrutiny of his expenses claims?
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We're Back!
Posted by Dave on Tuesday Apr 07, 10:38
It's been far too long, but John Leech Watch is back! Sadly, due to technical issues, it's not been possible to comment on posts for a while, but it's all working again now.
Anyway, despite the brief interlude, it seems as though John Leech has been up to his usual tricks. It's got so bad that there's even a group on facebook called Have you seen Part-time John Leech?
In yet another debacle, John Leech has recently put out leaflets, paid for my the tax-payer claiming to have voted for the recent Climate Change bill. However, at the recent Climate Change Bill vote on the 9th June 2008 and again on Tuesday 28th October, he didn't even bother to turn up.
Any thoughts?!
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No change in Manchester - Leech loses Key Target
Posted by Dave (and Thomas) on Friday May 02, 10:46
At the polls yesterday Labour remained in control of the council with its overwhelming majority, with 62 of the 96 seats on the council. The Lib Dems have the other 33, with the one remaining a Tory (who was elected as a LibDem).
The Lib Dems gained one seat overall, with the Green Party losing out on its one councillor.
In Manchester Withington the Labour vote reduced slightly (down by less than 1.5%), but the real story is that the Tories, despite a good night elsewhere, actually received less votes here than they did in 2006.
John Leech's big target - to gain Sheila Newman's seat in Chorlton (which the LibDems won in 2006) - was a resounding failure as Labour increased their vote by over 19%, winning the seat by more than 250 votes. There was no change in the other six wards in the constituency.
The real question coming out of these elections is will LibDem voters continue to support a LibDem candidate in Westminster when it looks increasingly likely that the Tories will regain power in Westminster?
Manchester City Council's election results in full.
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John Leech in the Guardian
Posted by Dave on Thursday Apr 03, 16:04
John is one of many cross party M.P's to have signed a letter regarding Missle Shields and European Defence. Anyone else seen it?
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John Leech wants applause not silence at the next derby game
Posted by Dave on Thursday Jan 24, 11:17
MP for Manchester Withington, Liberal Democrat John Leech, said he did have some worries about the event.
"I do have concerns that a small minority of idiots will choose to ruin the minute's silence and I do think there is a case for having a minute's applause rather than a minute's silence to ensure that doesn't happen.
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