Category Archives: Conference

Here’s what I would have said

Posted on March 4, 2012 by jruddy

Here is the text of the speech I would have given if I had managed to catch the eye of the chair in today’s debate on Transport at Scottish labour conference: Chair, Conference Thank you. John Ruddy, Angus CLP and first time … Continue reading →

Posted in Angus, Conference, Environment, Railways, Scottish Labour, SNP | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Who are they speaking for?

Posted on November 11, 2011 by jruddy

Today, a series of business leaders have written a letter to the Daily Telegraph calling for the 50p top rate of tax to be cut to help boost the economy. They claim it will attract wealth generators and entrepreneurs to … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Economy, Jobs, Tax | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What have we learnt from the Tory Conference?

Posted on October 6, 2011 by jruddy

What did I learn from the conservative conference? Well, after attending Labour conference last week for the first time, I realise that there is a difference to what is reported in the papers, shown on TV and what actually happens. But there are some things we can conclude from what we have seen, and they ain’t pretty. Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Conservatives, Economy, NHS | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Refounding Angus Labour

Posted on October 1, 2011 by jruddy

So what have I taken away from conference? Well, quite a lot. Firstly I’ve felt a connection with people who share my political views (mostly) in a way that twitter or Facebook can’t provide. Secondly, I’ve got the message that … Continue reading →

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Conference Day Six: Thank you

Posted on September 30, 2011 by jruddy

I’ve had a great time in Liverpool, and there were times when I didn’t want it to end. However, it has, and now I am on my way home I am going to thank those people who have made it … Continue reading →

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Conference Day Five: Seeing More of Liverpool

Posted on September 30, 2011 by jruddy

During my time at conference, perhaps because it was my first one, I attended most (all?) of the main conference sessions. I also tried to fit in as many fringe events as possible though I still missed plenty that I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Conference, Tourism, Transport | Tagged | Leave a comment

Conference Day Five: The Final Countdown

Posted on September 29, 2011 by jruddy

Typically, the last morning at conference is a relaxing time, and many delegates have already started their trips home, often because of the distance they have to travel. However to the politics junkie and first time conference delegate that is … Continue reading →

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Conference Day Five: Breakfast on the Terrace

Posted on September 29, 2011 by jruddy

Today is a much more relaxed day. There are no early fringe meetings and conference closes at 12.30 with the traditional singing of the Red Flag and Jerusalem. I am on the terrace overlooking the river outside the convention centre. … Continue reading →

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Conference Day Four: Questions and Friends

Posted on September 28, 2011 by jruddy

You have to have a thick skin at conference. You attend several fringe meetings; take part in policy seminars, you even present at every session of conference, but you just can’t seem to get your point heard. On the conference … Continue reading →

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Conference Day Four: Financial exclusion

Posted on September 28, 2011 by jruddy

This morning’s breafast included a large plate of financial exclusion, with a side helping of Labour success being replaced with a desert of coalition cuts. This fringe was sponsored by DEMOS, the think tank, along with the Friends Provident Foundation. … Continue reading →

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