Ed Balls does panto

The Co-op’s uniqueness will be its route to salvation

By Gareth Thomas

These are clearly tough times for the Co-operative Group.  Something has clearly gone wrong in the business and real change will be needed to put things right. The outgoing Chief Executive, Euan Sutherland is obviously a man of considerable intellect and ability. However, he clearly feels that he cannot be a successful CEO for the Co-operative Group and therefore it is right that he has resigned. The Co-operative Group is an important British business.  It is a presence in every […]

Revealed: Labour’s Collins Review “Implementation Committee”

The recent passing of Ed Miliband’s party reforms (via the “Collins Review”) at Special Conference set in motion the process of changing the way the party is organised. But there were a number of loose ends to tie up, including how the different forms of party membership will work and some of the more exacting details about how the new rules will work in practice (including the timing of a London Mayoral Primary). Today, the “Org-Sub” of Labour’s NEC met […]

John Mann writes to Ed Miliband – and calls on him to pledge an EU Referendum within 12 months of the next election

Labour backbencher John Mann has today written to Ed Miliband, calling on him to pledge an EU referendum within 12 months of the 2015 General Election. Citing a survey in his constituency, Mann says that “the people are becoming restless and my constituents want their say on Britain’s future in the EU”. Mann’s letter is published in full below: Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP Leader of the Opposition House of Commons London SW1A 0AA 11 March 2014 Dear Ed, Under […]

Tory Minister under fire after implying there are no women on the MPC because appointments are “based on merit”

Treasury Minister Sajid Javid has come under fire today over his comments regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which currently has no female members. In response to a question in the Commons, Javid said: “The Monetary Policy Committee consists of individuals who are best-qualified to make to the decisions necessary to achieve the government’s monetary policy objectives…All appointments are made on merit.” So there are no female members of the MPC, but all appointments are made on merit. Does that […]

How the Chancellor can use this Budget to help local pubs

By Ian Austin

Despite the government trumpeting a recovery, hard working people and small businesses in places like Dudley are still struggling.  Both will be watching the upcoming Budget closely for some sign that the government understands what they’re going through. They could show this by backing an alcohol duty freeze. First and foremost, a freeze would keep pubs open.  The Black Country is home to a burgeoning industry of pubs and breweries that sell some of the best beer in the country, […]