Dear Member,
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
A Life of Service
As the seasons change and the autumn leaves fall, so too does life itself, and none more poignant than that of a Sovereign. The 8th of September 2022 was a watershed moment in our nation’s story, historically perhaps of even greater significance than that of the shifting political landscape within our ruling Party.
We all knew that the day of Queen Elizabeth’s death would come sooner or later. But, in truth, none of us was ready for it – a shock to all those who recognised what a great example our late Queen was in the way she dedicated her life to the service of a whole community of nations and an inspiration to countless souls around the world.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II transcended politics. She was one of a kind. She made history. She was history – a humble Monarch honoured by her subjects in grief and gratitude with a Lying-in-State in two capital cities followed by a State Funeral on 19th September, flawlessly choreographed from Westminster to Windsor.
The visual and musical impact of what was seen and heard by tens of millions reflected her true status with solemnity and splendour, a shining showcase of British tradition and ceremonial being the best in the world, and the world watched in awe.
The Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP
Our New Prime Minister
We now have a new Party Leader, a new Prime Minister, a new Cabinet and, hopefully, renewed optimism in turning the tide of the Conservative’s fortunes as they take on all the challenges that lie ahead, both nationally and locally. They’ve suddenly become even greater with the swirl of criticism emanating from last week’s announcements of the Government’s economic growth statement, with the biggest tax cuts for 50 years. However, with a long-standing reputation for sound fiscal management, Conservative governments traditionally recognise how best to deal with financial turbulence and volatile markets so let’s hope we’re steered into calmer waters to emerge with measures which have a positive impact on the economy.
Liz Truss, her Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, and her Health Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, have clearly hit the ground running on the most pressing issues facing this new administration. Apart from monetary matters, there’s an energy bill relief scheme and a new plan for patients which should give some encouragement to those who face mounting household bills this winter or have been waiting for urgent medical treatment, whether preventative or surgical.
2022 Party Conferences
The Party Conference season was understandably overshadowed by the death of our late Queen and her subsequent funeral. The Lib Dems, to their credit, cancelled their Autumn Conference in Brighton as it coincided with the period of national mourning. The Labour Party Conference went ahead this week in Liverpool and the Conservative Party Conference will be held in Birmingham on 2nd – 5th October. The ensuing political debate will doubtless fill the airwaves and column inches with diverse opinions about how the new Government is coping with the mounting number of concerning issues demanding its immediate attention.
If any member is attending next month’s Conference, then you may wish to register for the Southern Conference Reception on the evening of Monday 3rd October.
Butleigh & Baltonsborough By-Election
Thursday 6th October 2022
Our Candidate - Ken Maddock
Amy Green, our Constituency Campaign Organiser, has been scheduling a programme of campaign sessions, the dates of which have been emailed regularly to members. If you can spare some time to help campaign for Ken and deliver his leaflets, that would be much appreciated.
Although Somerset’s District Councils will be subsumed into the new Unitary Council on 1st April 2023, this Mendip Ward by-election will be a real test of how we can turn the tide on the temporarily resurgent Lib Dems in the South West. Indeed, this is straight contest between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems as no other Party is fielding a candidate.
Ken’s Top Team – Julian Stapleton, Association Chairman; Julian Ellacott, South West Region Chairman; Cllr Faye Purbrick, County Councillor (Yeovil South); Ken Maddock,
Luke Hall, MP for Thornbury & Yate (South Gloucestershire); Cllr Lucy Trimnell, County Councillor (Bruton & Wincanton)
Significantly, Ken Maddock is the only candidate in this election who lives in the ward. He currently lives in Butleigh and he has lived in Baltonsborough for 30 years prior to this. He therefore understands local issues and concerns because when they affect local residents, they affect him.
Moreover, Ken has far more experience in local government than the Lib Dem candidate in this election. Having over 20 years of experience in both Mendip District and Somerset County Councils, he knows how to turn words into actions. He is therefore the best person to deliver on local priorities such as ensuring any development in the local area maintains the character and charm of local villages.
This weekend, we’ll be meeting at 10am on Saturday 1st October at Baltonsborough Village Hall in Ham Street, BA6 8PX, so do come and help if you can.
David Warburton MP
I continue to receive a stream of enquiries about our MP and I promised to keep members updated as best I can. At this stage, all I can report is that the ICGS investigation was temporarily paused for the best part of a fortnight following The Queen’s death. This has put back any chance of reaching a conclusion until the end of October when the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Stone, will hopefully, finally, have reached a verdict to make her public statement.
In the meantime, I would wish, on David Warburton’s behalf, to counter the many complaints about our (Independent) MP allegedly not working for his constituents since he lost the Conservative whip six months ago. Since 1st April, he has in fact dealt with just over 3,000 pieces of casework and over 1,000 policy queries.
The three issues which have come up time and again and have taken up a considerable amount of David’s time are The Homes for Ukraine Scheme, Visas for Ukrainian refugees and helping their sponsors, and delayed passport applications.
David has also received a large quantity of correspondence about Government policy. Constituents have raised numerous queries, made suggestions and shared their views about areas of policy. He has therefore been writing to Ministers and submitting written questions, and then providing clarification and replies from Ministers for his constituents. Most of this is unseen work and therefore unheard of by the vast majority of his constituents.
Other issues which David has been dealing with during this period, in no particular order, include: access to cash / post office closures / ATMs; local bus services; DVLA - multiple cases of delayed driving licence applications & renewals; access to NHS dentistry; noise pollution from low flying aircraft and quarries and noise & light pollution from neighbours; anti-social behaviour; complaints about the police; complaints about drug dealing; problems with housing associations; problems getting on the housing list; Home Office - delays with visa applications/support with visa applications (additional to Ukrainian refugees); delayed planning applications, objections to planning applications and local plan issues; DWP - problems with access to benefits; lost/delayed pensions; Councils services, including recycling; transport to schools & school placements; speeding & dangerous driving; street furniture; pot holes; HGVs and sat navs; access & delays to GP surgery appointments; delayed elective surgery; problems with banks & mortgages; delays at the Land Registry; help with access to information on help with the rise in the cost of living; problems with energy bills; access to COVID booster jabs; flooding; complaints about NHS services; complaints about water companies & sewage discharge; parking penalties; Broadband and connectivity issues.
I hope this list and range of issues gives members some idea of what the workload which David Warburton and his small staff have had to deal with, and continue to address on a daily basis.
Fundraising Events
Association Dinner, Friday 25th November 2022
We are planning to have an Association Dinner at The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster on Friday 25th November. Our guest speaker will be David Fothergill, the Conservative Group Leader on Somerset’s new Unitary Council. As a past Leader of Somerset County Council, there is no-one better placed to provide us with an insight into the workings of local government and how local services are provided.
Full details of this dinner will be sent to members and supporters early next month. In the meantime, please make a note of this date in your diaries. It’s high time we raised our spirits again with another opportunity to raise much needed funds at an enjoyable social event.
Women’s Luncheon Club
The 2022/2023 winter season programme for the Yeovil & Somerton Conservative Women’s Luncheon Club began on Wednesday this week with a talk by Marcus Fysh, MP.
Two more lunches are scheduled this year, both in November. The dates for your diaries are;
Wednesday 2nd November 2022, with speaker Alison Brown, Royal Housekeeper
Wednesday 23rd November 2022, with speaker Jenny Chance, Flower Demonstration
Lunches at The Shrubbery in Ilminster start at 12 noon for 12.30pm. The cost is £20 for members and guests, and bookings can be made by contacting Mrs Margaret Edwards, Hon Luncheon Secretary, on 01460 234222 or at [email protected]
200 Club Winner – September Draw
The winning number in the September 2022 draw of the Somerton & Frome 200 Club is No 248 and the winner is: Mrs Linda Oliver! Congratulations Linda! You will have already received your winner’s cheque for £100.
The Association’s Management
As I mentioned in my August newsletter, I shall be handing over the reins of the Association to Howard Bentley-Marchant, currently our Deputy Chairman Political, at an Executive Council meeting on 14th October. His considerable experience and knowledge will, I am sure, be hugely beneficial in steering the Association through the forthcoming Parliamentary Boundary changes before the next General Election, now scheduled be held in 2024.
With a strong team of Officers to help Howard in the management of the Association’s affairs, I’m confident that I’m handing over with all the necessary building blocks in place to move forward with assured confidence, reflecting on the work we’ve done together over the past three years: better communications with a website fit for purpose, a professional team of Trustees in place and funds invested, a Strategy Plan enacted, our finances stabilised, a fully involved Executive Council and Councillor liaison firmly established.
Thank you all for your tremendous support.
With all best wishes,
Julian Stapleton
Chairman
Somerton & Frome Conservative Association
01935 823915
07990 533185
