Unbelievable

I took part in a second hustings earlier this evening.  It was organised by the Hounslow Muslim Forum.  There was a large turnout (100 or so) and the following candidates were on the panel:

Me
Mary Macleod – Conservative in Brentford and Isleworth
Ann Keen – Labour in Brentford and Isleworth
Alan Keen – Labour in Feltham and Heston
Munira Wilson – LibDem in Feltham and Heston
Andrew Dakers – LibDem in Brentford and Isleworth
Elizabeth Anstis – Green in Feltham and Heston
John Hunt – Green in Brentford and Isleworth

We drew lots and the candidates spoke in numerical order.  Alan Keen gave a decent and reasonable opening statement.  I said so.  However, some of what I heard from Ann Keen was beyond belief.  Her opening statement included an attack that not only did Hounslow turn blue in 2006 but it turned white also.  A number of us (not only me) were disgusted by these remarks and whatever happens at this election, these are comments that must be exposed.  I wonder what the Prime Minister would think of them, both publicly and privately?

Later on when Mr Keen was answering a question, Mrs Keen felt the need to call me “a prat”.  And people wonder why there is cynicism about politicians!

I thank those who organised the event.

Take Back Power Hounslow

The above events have been taking place this week.  I went along to Isleworth yesterday and was in the audience.  Earlier this evening, I was the other side of the table and was on the panel as Mary Macleod had a long standing engagement.  Cllr Andrew Dakers deserves credit for organising these meetings and for putting up his own money in advance to pay for the venues and advertising etc.  His parents were also working very hard in supporting his efforts and I really enjoyed speaking with them before & after the two events.

Here are some pictures from the first event in Isleworth:

When I was leaving, I noticed the following (I did not see them there when I entered):

Here are some pictures from the event in Hounslow:

From LtoR: Cllr John Connelly, Cllr Andrew Dakers, Peter Hughes (President, Brentford Chamber of Commerce), Me, John Hunt (Green Party)

And, at the end with people beginning to leave:

Whilst it would have been nice to have seen more in Hounslow, both meetings surpassed my own expectations.

I do not think I changed my own view on anything in any fundamental way but these discussions are very helpful.