Conservatives win a majority after a period in minority government

Yes, it can happen. In Canada, Tories have just won a stonking victory over the Liberal Party, who have been left with just 33 seats. The election was called after the Liberals called a vote of no-confidence.

Well done to Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his robust defence of good government not big government, compassionate conservatism, low taxation and strong support for Israel.

Redistributing Opportunity

What's the best description of the direction of this Government? I think I heard it today on BBC Radio 4. Former leader of the Liberal Party, Paddy Ashdown, described its main mission as 'redistributing opportunity'. This is a great explanation. At present opportunities for the many are few and far between as power is so centralised in the hands of the few - in essence the state.

The purpose of the Coalition is to diffuse opportunity to the many: allowing parents to set up their own schools, academies to be free from local bureaucratic control, enabling people power to veto excessive council tax, and have a real say on housing and planning decisions. Redistributing opportunity, means lowering taxes for the lower paid, to help end the poverty trap and ensure that less people are on benefits. In health, it is about getting rid of Quangos like the Strategic Health Authorities and putting GPs in charge, combined with more patient choice. On crime, it gives local people the opportunity to choose the kind of policing they want for their neighbourhood, through the election of Police Commissioners. With the Big Society, it devolves power and resources to community, voluntary and charity groups, to put the community in charge of their own neighbourhoods.

'Redistributing opportunity' has great potential, and could end up as a really exciting rallying cry. I hope it becomes the reforming mission of this government.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Debate on Spending Cuts

There was an Urgent Question tabled by Labour in the Commons today - about the Government's plans for spending cuts. It is well worth reading the response given by Shadow Chief Secretary David Laws - and will give some heart to those Conservatives concerned about the Coalition.

You can read Mr Law's excellent arguments HERE on the Conservative Home website.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

The Coalition

As I wrote in my last blog, we were addressed late last night by Prime Minister Cameron about the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition.

Whilst Conservatives have accepted a referendum on the Alternative Vote, the Liberals have acceded to a Referendum Lock on any future EU treaties.

Both parties have agreed major tax reform and have accepted the Liberal manifesto proposal to raise the income tax threshold. There is agreement on cutting the deficit now, education reform and green issues.

One move I particularly welcome is the decision to have fixed-term Parliaments - something I have long supported. The Prime Minister stated that the next election would be in May 2015, implying that legislation would be brought in to make this a reality. Never again will election timing be used as a political instrument by Governments for their own party advantage.

First Day in the Commons

A busy day, as I drove from Harlow to the House of Commons to get there for 0830 to begin induction for new MPs.

After showing various proofs of identity, I was given my House of Commons Pass, and various other documents and materials - in order to inform me as to what I needed to know about Parliamentary business. James Clappison MP (Hertsmere), kindly showed me around the voting lobbies, the Table Office (where MPs table Parliamentary Questions), and the Public Bill Office (which looks at Legislation). There is another two days of induction to go, with briefings and advice as to employment of staff and the like.

Although I have worked in and around Westminster for many years, much of this was new to me and it was fascinating to see the the mechanics of Parliament.

After dealing with many letters and emails, I then attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Party and David Cameron. The Tory leader explained to the party the decision to agree to a referendum on changing the voting system, in order to achieve a coalition with the Liberal Democrats. Our aim is to try and bring about a stable Government, and there has inevitably had to be some difficult concessions.

The next few days will show whether the Liberals agree, or prefer to prop up an ailing and failing Labour Party.


by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com