(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

Do you want to hear from Alan Milburn?

2005-10-21T15:36:00.000+01:00

</radiosilence>

Hear from your MP is a new service in beta testing, trying to encourage our MPs to talk to us. If Alan doesn't want to blog, maybe he'll like this more?

If you enter your details, we'll add you to a queue of other people in your constituency. When enough have signed up, your MP will get sent an email. It'll
say “20 of your constituents would like to hear what you're up to – hit reply to
let them know”. If they don't reply, nothing will happen, until they get an
email which says there are now 100 people; 200 people; 500 people – until it is
nonsensical not to reply and start talking.

Sounds good to me; I've signed up.

<radiosilence>

Alan Milburn Blog: the final curtain

2005-05-06T11:16:00.000+01:00

As I said earlier, now that Alan Milburn has been re-elected as MP for Darlington, I will no longer be actively writing on this blog; it's original purpose was to try to convince Alan that a blog was the best way for him to engage with the people of Darlington. He either doesn't agree, or doesn't think this is important. To be fair, even with a slightly reduced majority, he's way ahead of the other parties in the polls, so why does he need to bother trying to convince us he's doing a good job for us?

If Alan has a change of heart about blogging he and Kath know where to find me, if they need a hand setting things up.

See ya.

Election results in: Alan Milburn retains Darlington

2005-05-06T11:07:00.000+01:00

The results are in, and Alan Milburn has retaken Darlington, albeit with a reduced majority.

He has also announced, again, that he doesn't want a place in the new cabinet, but will instead spend more time with his family, again. Now that the election is over, there obviously isn't a need for a tax-payer-funded election coordinator with a silly title.

Perhaps Alan might also like to spend some more time in Darlington, since he'll be only an hours drive away? Will the new free time also mean he's able to use his website/a blog as a means of communicating the day-to-day life of a constituency MP to the people of Darlington?

Press Association - Elections 2005 - Constituencies in estimated declaration time order

2005-05-04T22:29:00.000+01:00

Press Association - Elections 2005: "174 Darlington 00:01"

Darlington will be one of the first constituencies to declare. Use your vote tomorrow.

Constituency versus ministry?

2005-04-28T11:07:00.000+01:00

There an interesting comment about MPs who work for their constituents versus MPs who are ministers on a post about Brian Sedgemoor's defection at Chicken Yoghurt.

Especially interesting for Darlington and Sedgefield residents.

More leaflets

2005-04-27T19:03:00.000+01:00

We had the leaflets for Veritas (Candidate: David Davies) and UKIP (Candidate: John Hoodless) posted through the door today.

Darlington Election Round-up

2005-04-26T16:30:00.000+01:00

Despite stating the opposite, it appears that I am still going to post here occasionally after all. I've been prompted to do so, in part, by recieving an email from the British Library asking permission to archive the site, as a site relevant to the 2005 General Election! If anyone from the BL is reading this, you have my permission; I'll get around to sending the form back soon.

We've recieved a few more election leaflets from the Lib Dems and Conservatives, but still nothing from Labour.

My wife was stopped in the street by the Conservative candidate and asked if he had her vote, when he asked her why not her reply, which was along the lines of her not wanting to vote for a party of bigots left him unable to say anything other than "I can see I won't be able to change your mind".

In the same locality, my wife also saw a lasy dressed all in red, with a big red rosette and a big red flag asking people in the Post Office queue at 10:30 one morning if they would "be voting for Alan". Most people apparently just looked confused (most of the older folk were strugling to use the chip and PIN pension cards, which occasionally leave them in tears, so were probably not sure what she was on about).

I'll blog anything else I see/hear.

Alistair Campbell Blogger Outed by The Times

2005-04-26T16:26:00.000+01:00

The Times have outed the Alistair Campbell blogger, and she's even written a piece for them about it.

Well done Anna, join the club.

FT.com - Milburn's welcome is tempered by some home truths

2005-04-18T23:27:00.000+01:00

FT.com - Milburn's welcome is tempered by some home truths : "It is six in the evening at the end of a wet and blustery day in Darlington. In the fading light, a pair of black Volkswagen Golfs weave their way through the narrow streets just outside the town centre and come to a halt on an anonymous Victorian terrace."

Breaking election silence for a newspaper mention of Alan Milburn in Darlington!

(Not) Alan Milburn: Election Special!

2005-04-14T20:39:00.000+01:00

Election time is upon us, and I will not be blogging any of it; I have far more important things to do...

[NB. Once parliament was disolved, Alan Milburn ceased to be the MP for Darlington, and the banner at the top of the site has been changed to reflect this. Alan Milburn's official site has been taken down almost completely for the duration of the election!]

Alan seems to be keeping a high-profile low-profile at the moment, appearing on both the Today programme and BBC Breakfast recently, but with Gordon Brown appearing alongside Tony Blair.

Campaign leaflets are starting to appear; I've recieved them from the Lib Dem candidate, Robert Adamson, and the Conservative candidate, Anthony Frieze, but nothing from Labour as yet.

After the election, if Alan is reelected, I've decided not to continue this site; it's original purpose was to try to convince Alan that a blog was the best way for him to engage with the people of Darlington. He either doesn't agree, or doesn't think this is important. If, however, another candidate wins, I will create a blog about/for them, and hope they decide to take it over or start their own.

Anyway, some links, then I'll leave you:

Alan Milburn, Labour
Anthony Frieze, Conservative
Robert Adamson, Liberal Democrat
Backing Blair, Darlington voting advice page
Militant Moderate, who have discussed the Darlington election in the past, specifically Anthony Frieze's 'local' credentials
Don't Vote Milburn (the name of the site, not necesarily my view)
Darlington Town, local website, including discussion boards

PM to visit voters' homes

2005-04-07T17:49:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | PM to visit voters' homes: "Tony Blair's election campaign will include direct communication with voters by email, 'spontaneous' five-minute visits to voters' homes, a personal video diary and national political surgeries in shopping centres, Labour said yesterday.

Alan Milburn, the party's election coordinator, said the aim was to bring the campaign closer to the people by using better ways of communicating than 'traditional press conferences and media scrums'."

No mention of blogging, but the videocasts are just video blogs aren't they?

Of course, these campaign blogs are not as effective as long term blogs and do not give the same advantages.

Daily Mail: Alan "Milburn's banana republic"

2005-03-21T07:46:00.000Z

Milburn's banana republic: "Cocky Alan Milburn is supposed to be a Minister and uses taxpayer-funded officials and premises to help him in his task. Yet it is clear he is really a political commissar whose job is mainly pro-Labour propaganda.

When the Tories, justifiably, asked the National Audit Office to investigate this strange use of public resources, the reply from the Milburn bunker was, 'None of your business.'

But it is public business, and there could be no better illustration of the disease that has infected our formerly fair and honest parliamentary system. The governing party's power is so unchallengeable that the State's own auditors can be brushed aside while trying to conduct a legitimate inquiry.

If Mr Milburn gets away with this, then we will be several steps closer to becoming a banana republic."

Interview with Alan Milburn in new Esquire magazine

2005-03-16T21:00:00.000Z

There's an interview with Alan Milburn in the new Esquire magazine.

Alan Milburn losing favour with party?

2005-03-10T09:08:00.000Z

There are lots of stories in the news at the moment at the implying Alan Milburn is to be ousted as 'Election Supremo' and replaced by Gordon Brown, including this article in The Scotsman about a campaign by Labour MPs against Alain Milburn becoming the next leader of the Labour Party.

Not Louise Ellman MP

2005-03-02T20:41:00.000Z

Not Louise Ellman MP: "Not Louise Ellman MP. This is not the offical blog for Louise Ellman MP, it's a blog about Louise Ellman MP."

Alan Milburn Blog in the national press. Again.

2005-02-26T23:56:00.000Z

I'm a serial blogger! Whodathunkit? This article mentions my full name, unfortunately, which is something that, as a teacher, I'd tried to avoid happening and have never mentioned here. Thanks Philippe Naughton.

The reason there have been few post here recently, by the way, is because I'm quite busy and because, other than stuff about being the Chancellor of the Duchy of Somewhere-Else-He-Doesn't-Live or being the new Gordon Brown, there's been very little in the press about Alan Milburn recently. For some reason, my job, which pays considerably less than being a backbench MP, doesn’t give me the opportunity to write well-paying articles for The Times, or act as an over-paid consultant.

The article also says I've only posted here four times this year; I make it five but one was the day before the article was published, so I suppose Philippe can be fogiven for missing that one. That's only 50% of the number of posts on Alan Milburn's official diary this year, but I'm me, and he's him plus 1 and two-half constituency workers, and a parliamentary researcher (and however many extra people he now has as Duke Whatever), but if you ignore the press release fluff not related to Darlington, and the PM's press releases about the tsunami, it's about the same number of posts as the official diary.

Mr Naughton misses the point about blogs. I, a teacher from Darlington with a budget of nil, have received mentions in the Times, the Guardian and the Journal, plus on BBCi, through the simple act of blogging a few thoughts and links, with no press releases, interviews or adverts. My communication method also allows two way communication; it’s a conversation.

My email from Tony Blair

2005-02-25T18:58:00.000Z

My email from Tony Blair:

I sent the question "When will the Prime Minister publish full and comprehensive details of the advice he was given by the Attorney General regarding the legality of the invasion of Iraq in 2003?", which is partly answered in the transcript.

BBC/Mail: Alan Milburn and Alistair Campbell "meet four days a week"

2005-01-30T21:35:00.000Z

"The Mail on Sunday is pre-occupied by Labour's treatment of Michael Howard.

It says a 'secret hit squad' has been set up to mount personal attacks on the Conservative leader.

This group includes Alistair Campbell and Alan Milburn and, according to the Mail, will meet four days a week between now and the General Election.

The paper reckons there is a whiff of 'low totalitarian gangsterism' about this approach to campaigning, as the election looms."

Four days a week is a lot, considering Alan spends only two days a week in Darlington...

Don't vote Milburn

2005-01-16T20:43:00.000Z

With this site, I try to be fairly neutral. It was set up as an attempt to get Alan Milburn to communicate better what he does for the people of Darlington, by encouraging him to set up his own blog (or take over this one). Despite a few posts hereby his staff, he's failed to do this. (He has a Blackberryhand-held email device, so he could post from that, it wouldn't take up much of his time).

Don't vote Milburn is a less neutral site...

(The link to here from that site, is slightly wrong; this site is nothing to do with local party workers, other than the posts by Kath.) He's fixed this now.

An election is looming

2005-01-15T20:10:00.000Z

"This proxy-blog is 2nd in Yahoo and 3rd in MSN for 'alan milburn', but best we can do in Google is 8th (and that's the Voidstar feed) for 'alan milburn mp' - so this weblog needs some serious Google-juice. This blog needs the most love. Please link to it."

Manic is scheming, ready for the election.

I never understood why I'm so far down the listings for Alan Milburn at Google. I was first/second within day of starting the site. So, give me your linkage!

Work permitting, I'll be blogging more here during the election, but if any other Darlingtonians want logins, drop me an email. The link's over on the right.

Alan Milburn and Gordon Brown

2005-01-12T21:41:00.000Z

Another link-dump, I'm afraid. I'm "busy, busy, busy" at the moment and Alan's busy manouvering for higher office and not appearing much locally, as far as I can tell (though there was a picture of him holding a clipboard in this month's Town Crier).

All stories about the really quite pathetic jockeying for position, I'm afraid.

Downing Street Says...: Alan Milburn's role

2004-12-31T10:41:00.000Z

Downing Street Says "Asked if we were sure that Alan Milburn was working for the taxpayer rather than the Labour Party the PMS said that this question had been answered several times before and his role in Government had been explained."

Latest Google News Alert email about Alan Milburn

2004-11-29T09:11:00.000Z

Roughly every other day I get an email from Google with links to any new news stories mentioning Alan Milburn (latest email quoted below). I generally don't blog these; there's usually very little in them about Darlington as mainly they're from national papers. However, the emails have been getting longer and longer since Alan returned to front-bench politics. He seems to be working awfully hard. But not for us, as Phelpe points out in a comment on an earlier post. Alan's response to the question of just what it is he does was part of his most recent appearance in parliament.

What do readers of this blog (there are one or two) think?

Revealed: how Blair and Milburn are sidelining Gordon Brown
Telegraph.co.uk - London,England,UK
Alan Milburn, Labour's general election supremo, has launched an unprecedented operation to sideline Gordon Brown and seize control of key powers across ...
See all stories on this topic

Minister may not be able to tough it out
Scotland on Sunday - Edinburgh,Scotland,UK
... In recent months, Blair has solidified his control on government, with the return of close ally Alan Milburn, after a period when many of his closest colleagues ...
See all stories on this topic

BUSH GURU GETS WORLD'S WORST JOB
Sunday Mirror - UK
... time. All of a sudden the decision to put novice Alan Milburn in charge of his re-election campaign doesn't look so clever. Many ...

Brown wants schools to take babies in private nurseries
The Sunday Times - UK
... strategy, which arose partly out of Labour's so-called "big conversation" with voters, has been championed by Tony Blair and Alan Milburn, as well as the ...

Blunkett battles visa scandal
BBC News - London,England,UK
... The Sunday Telegraph points to problems for Gordon Brown and his loosening grip on government as Alan Milburn makes his presence felt as election co-ordinator. ...

Fighting defeat with defiance
Scotland on Sunday - Edinburgh,Scotland,UK
... Not only would the Blairite arch moderniser Alan Milburn be advancing a strategy quite different to that envisaged by the Brownites, but he would also be ...
David Blunkett: Tough love
Independent - London,England,UK
... launch of his book Politics and Progress, after the 2001 election, looked very like a gathering of the Stop Brown campaign, with Alan Milburn, Peter Mandelson ...

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

2004-11-17T13:16:00.000Z

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

Trevor Phillips, the Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality, is coming to Darlington tomorrow (thurs) to address the Annual Darlington Lecture.

This is something Alan chairs and we as his staff organise. There is an invited audience of around 250 people - those with a special interest in community and ethnic affairs from across the region - and politically motivated people in Darlington.

It's quite exciting as Trevor is an influential and interesting speaker who is bound to make some controversial remarks on his chosen subject of 'Equality, Diversity & Choice: Why we can have it all'.

Alan is here on Friday as usual - busy day planned as he is opening the nbew Beehive offices at Lingfield Point, seeing the Leader of the Council, and joining the Darlington Alzheimer's Carers Support Group.

Next general election will be "fought locally"

2004-11-03T19:32:00.000Z

Times Online - Comment - "Labour’s campaign co-ordinator, Alan Milburn, said this week that the general election campaign will be 'as much fought locally as it is nationally. Messages about the record of national achievement tend to mean less than what is happening in Darlington, Derby or Dartford.'"

Alan Milburn counters Tories Europe plans

2004-10-29T11:47:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS | Politics | 'EU plan will weigh down Britain': "Alan Milburn said: 'The Tories' agenda of disengagement and withdrawal would put British jobs, British trade and British prosperity at risk.

'Michael Howard is now so desperate to appeal to the UKIP vote that he has committed the Tories to an agenda of disengagement and isolationism that is completely incompatible with EU membership.'"

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington: (NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

2004-10-12T15:50:00.000+01:00

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington: (NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

Getting ready for Alan's weekly constituency day. (Those of you who don't know, Alan travels to London on a Monday and works in Whitehall and at Downing Street, and then heads North, either Thursday night or Friday morning). This week Alan will be launching the Darlington Town Centre Business Plan on Friday which details the future vision of the town and the pediestrainisation proposals. The launch is at Northgate House at lunchtime if anyone's interested. There's a lot of interest in what will happen with the High Row etc.

Quite a lot going on - he's also launching the council's safety campaign which tests electric blankets for pensioners. This is quite important for old people who may be unsure about the safety of their blankets - we're doing that at the Age Concern headquarters, where they always make us very welcome!

We've got lots of meetings and a busy surgery where people can come and tell Alan their problems, etc, plus an interview with the Northern Echo planned and then it's the Mayor's Ball in the evening. This year's theme is 'Spirit of the Caribbean' cos this year's mayor Roddy Francis hails originally from Trinidad. SHould be a good night.

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

2004-10-06T12:43:00.000+01:00

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

Phew! Just back from Brighton - what a busy time. I thought it was really conference - I listened to some fascinating speeches from John Prescott (I think the home ownership idea makes such good sense) and Margaret Beckett.

Met some great people - Billy Bragg, Bono, Trevor Philliips, Jon Snow from C4 news - that's the fantastic thing about conference. You can sit and have a coffee next to some of the country's most important people - and they will talk to you.

From a work point if view, it was really busy - loads of media interviews, important meetings, constituency delegates appointments - to organise. There was a good delegation from Darlington - Tom Nutt and his wife Gill, and Lee Vasey, were all flying the flag!

We travelled back on Thursday and Alan was working hard here on Friday. We went up to see the work being done at Morton Palms - that will be a fantastic site when it's finished. Should open in November and potentially will create around 1500 jobs.

I'm busy dishing out Annual Report from Alan - every home in Darlo will get one. Also planning The Darlington Lecture with Trevor Phillips, head of the CR, - this will be at the College of Techonology on November 18th. Will keep you posted with details.

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

2004-10-06T12:15:00.000+01:00

(NOT) Alan Milburn: MP for Darlington

Alan Milburn visits primary school

2004-10-01T11:55:00.000+01:00

With all the new coverage of Alan's return to the Cabinet (which I've stopped reporting on, as it was a bit too political and not Darlington-based, but you can always keep up on the latest using Google News), it was nice to see a story in this week's Herald & Post about Alan visiting Alderman Leach Primary School to present them with an award for the work they do collecting litter on their school grounds. As a former primary school teacher, I know what a big thrill it is for the children to have someone "famous" visit their school (I once found a 9 year old boy looking for "the President" to get his autograph when Coun Dixon visited the school); this visit by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will have made their day.

Brighton rocks

2004-09-24T13:57:00.000+01:00

Alan and I are heading to the Labour Party Conference down in Brighton tomorrow for a week of debate, discussion and dialogue. Should be a great week - Alan is doing a really good fringe meeting with Robin Cook on the where next for the Labour Party which will be interesting.

He's also doing an 'In Conversation' with The Telegraph and a few media interviews. This is alongside his work on the NEC and important policy-making stuff.

I can honestly say I have never worked so hard on anything - the Conference Diary is a truly momentous piece of work and I just hope everything hangs together.

Meanwhile in Darlington, Alan is here on Friday straight from Conference - he is doing a tour of the new site at Morton Palms and meeting the staff up there. By the way, we're planning an Annual Lecture for the town, hosted by Alan, at which Trevor Phillips, head of the CRE, will speak. This will be a great event as Trevor has had a lot of very interesting things to say recently about immigration.
The event is on November 18th - keep reading for more details.

I will try to let you know how conference is going and what Alan is up to. Should be a good week!

Boris Johnson becomes first Tory MP blogger

2004-09-21T09:11:00.000+01:00

Boris-Johnson.com launches:

"Boris Johnson, writer, editor, sometime celebrity and Conservative Member of Parliament for Henley has launched a new website with full weblog facilities."

"As far as I can tell, it's as easy as typing an email. The only difference is, it's published on a website and accessible to anyone within seconds. And thanks to the way that glorious machine Google works the information I publish is far more likely to reach those who may be interested in it."

"It's certainly worth the small amount of time running a weblog demands."

Expect this to become a very well read weblog very quickly.

Blogging Darlington Councillors

2004-09-20T16:50:00.000+01:00

Cllr. Nick Wallis has represented Haughton West since 1991 and now he has a blog.

There are a few councillors on the site, but Nick seems to have taken it onboard better than most. I think the Darlington Town Blogs site is a brilliant idea and makes it even easier for councillors to write about what they're doing. I even have an account on the site that Mark Burton kindly let me set up, though I've yet to make use of it (though, I suppose I could have put my previous grumble about bus fares there). Anyway, Nick asked for a link from here, so here it is!

Alan Milburn is calling on a bus firm to reinstate a service axed two years ago

2004-09-20T16:41:00.000+01:00

As I reported earlier, "DARLINGTON MP Alan Milburn is calling on a bus firm to reinstate a service axed two years ago." is now reproduced in Alan's official online "diary".

Considering Stagecoach have just put up their fares again, they haven't much of a case for not reintroducing the service.

(Personal grumble: It now costs £1 each way for a bus journey to town. The car parks in the town centre are still only 80p per hour. So, for any visit to town of less than two hours, it's cheaper to drive than to take the bus. If two people are travelling, the time rises to five hours! Still, we've got a recycling scheme...)

More from Kath in the comments

2004-09-17T23:45:00.000+01:00

Quick news from the office - Alan is about to arrive and we're heading to the High Row to do a spot of campainging on the Yes Vote in the forthcoming Referendum on the North-East Assemly.

Alan is joining Secretary of State for Health, Dr John Reid, who is touring the North-East today.

After that, we're heading over to Alderman Leach Primary School to celebrate the school's recent environment awards.

And later on, I'm taking Alan to Hartlepool to meet Iain Wright, the Labour candidate, in the by-election coming up.

All go!

In the comments of the previous post. I'll send an email :)

More from Kath

2004-09-15T20:57:00.000+01:00

Kath has added a comment to her first post that I think would have been better as a new post, so I'm copying it here (hyperlink mine):

Big issues in Darlo this week are: travellers in Haughton, the closure of the Victim Support officein Duke Street, possible closure of 4 sub post offices - all of which Alan has been getting closely involved in.

The office has worked very closely with councillors in Haughton and Red Hall to reassure the residents up there that the situation is being dealt with and the travellers have moved on. Alan has also written to the Post Office people objecting to the plans to close 4 sub post offices.

Meanwhile, we're gearing up for a whole of week of conference in Brighton. It's always busy but this year Alan is double-booked on lots of occasions to speak and will have to get just about everywhere! I am organising his diary and promise to do a conference blog to let you know the real story of life as a hard-working MP's assistant!

Alan is here as usual on Friday - lots to do with a visit from a high-profile Cabinet colleague coming along for good measure! He'll probably head to Hartlepool too to help with the by-election.

A new post next time?

I saw a documentary following some young political hopefuls following an MP at their conference, which was a really interesting insight into what goes on there, hopefully Kath will be able to shed more light on it.

There's still an open off of an invite to the blog for Alan, by the way, if he wants it... (Boris Johnson is to start blogging soon, which will probably gain him a lot of publicity, and be an excellent read! Alan blogging here would bring in huge numbers.)

alanmilburn.co.uk - News about Darlington MP Alan Milburn

2004-09-12T21:23:00.000+01:00

alanmilburn.co.uk - News about Darlington MP Alan Milburn: "Return to Cabinet as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster"

Ruth Kelly named as Milburn's deputy

2004-09-09T21:43:00.000+01:00

I was reluctant to post this as I didn't want to knock Kath's first post off the top spot on the site so soon, but there's so much info in this Guardian Politics Report about Alan's new role, and also about other appointments that I couldn't not post it.

I'm particularly interested in the fact that blogging MP supreme, Tom Watson has been appointed a Whip. It'll be interesting to see if he changes his blogging style.

All change in the office too

2004-09-09T16:44:00.000+01:00

My name is Kath and I am Alan Milburn's assistant. It's an interesting job to say the least - especially over the last couple of days.

We've had hundreds of calls from journalists all trying to wheedle information out - and a good dose of speculation and intrigue.

Alan has been pretty busy too - and has a huge workload ahead of him now as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Basically he's the General Election mastermind, preparing the manifesto for the Labour Party and looking ahead to whenever the Prime Minister decides the call the election.

It's not going to get any quieter in the office...

Alan Milburn backs call for reinstatement of Darlington bus route

2004-09-08T23:08:00.000+01:00

According to the Darlington Advertiser, Alan Milburn has contacted Stagecoach backing calls for the reinstatement of the 25a bus route through Branksome.

Finally...

2004-09-08T23:04:00.000+01:00

BBC News: Milburn returns to Cabinet role as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. These modern titles confuse me...

Mr Milburn will be based in the Cabinet Office and Downing Street sources he will supervise the work of the No 10 policy directorate and the prime minister's strategy unit, as well as "co-ordinate the development of policy across government".

Even more on Alan Milburn's return to the Cabinet

2004-09-08T20:33:00.000+01:00

Loads more on Alan's "return" to front line politics:

Straight from the horse's mouth, at the Prime Minister's press conference. (Or not. You'll learn very little about whether Alan Milburn is returning to the Cabinet from Tony Blair. I do like how the journalist manages to segway from the Olympics to the reshuffle, though.)

The BBC will be able to tell us surely? Erm, nope.

The Independent? "The Prime Minister, who is expected to announce his changes in the next 48 hours, is trying to persuade Alan Milburn, the former health secretary, to return to the Cabinet and has him in mind for an election role. Mr Brown, who views Mr Milburn as a long-term rival for the Labour leadership, oppposes the move. Sources said last night that Mr Milburn was undecided about returning to the Cabinet less than 15 months after quitting to spend more time with his family."

We also learn this about Alan: "Brown's arch-enemy, hated as much as Peter Mandelson. Seen as Chancellor's most dangerous rival in leadership stakes. Clashed with him on health reforms." I assume that's hated by Brown, not just generally.

The Scotsman who, for some reason, broke the story (to me at least) has more: "Tony Blair was understood to have held lengthy discussions with his close ally Alan Milburn"

And lots more, courtesy of Google. News.

Probably only two people really know whether Alan's returning to the Cabinet - Alan Milburn and Tony Blair. I don't imagine Alan will break ranks and tell us anything before Tony does, though, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's a bit like Christmas...

(All this might explain why no one from Alan's office has poted anything here yet.)

More on Alan Milburn's return to the Cabinet

2004-09-06T17:43:00.000+01:00

Two pieces in the Independent: Milburn tipped for frontbench return as party chairman and Milburn set for a return to the Cabinet.

Update: And more: Pensions secretary quits, Pensions secretary resigns and MP about the house. And even more at Google News.

Alan Milburn to return to Cabinet?

2004-09-06T11:35:00.000+01:00

Today's Northern Echo has a front page story about Alan's possible return to the Cabinet (in the Darlington Edition, at least). This is available online, but the Northern Echo's website doesn't have permanent links to stories, so I'm republishing it below:

Blair ally Milburn on way back to Cabinet

FORMER Health Secretary Alan Milburn was last night poised to return to the Cabinet - only 14 months after quitting to spend more time with his family.

The Northern Echo understands the Darlington MP has accepted the Labour Party chairmanship and will play a leading role in the party's forthcoming General Election campaign.

The appointment is expected to be announced as part of a Government reshuffle this week.

Mr Milburn, a close ally of Prime Minister Tony Blair, left his ministerial post in June last year to spend more time with his partner, Ruth Briel, and their two sons.

His spokeswoman would not confirm the appointment last night, saying that Mr Milburn did not comment on speculation. Downing Street also refused to answer questions about the expected reshuffle.

But Whitehall sources say Mr Milburn's return to the Cabinet has been on the cards since Labour's disastrous failure in June's European and local elections, which was partly blamed on current party chairman Ian McCartney.

Last night, the man who replaced Mr Milburn as Health Secretary, John Reid, added to the Westminster speculation by saying the Government had missed the arch-Blairite's skills.

"When a General Election comes up we want the best, the brightest of all of the talents to try to make sure we get another term," he said.

"I am a friend of Ian McCartney. I am a friend of Alan Milburn as well - in fact I am very close to Alan on political grounds - and my view is he was missed."

At the time he left the Cabinet, Mr Milburn appeared to rule out a speedy return to Government office, saying: "I think it is very, very difficult having left in these circumstances to return, and I really can't see it."

The Cabinet reshuffle should have happened in July but lengthy negotiations between Mr Blair and Peter Mandelson over his return to high-profile politics meant it had to be put on hold.

The Hartlepool MP eventually accepted a position as an EU commissioner.

Alan Milburn for Labour Party Chairman?

2004-09-05T20:19:00.000+01:00

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Alan Milburn Mooted for Labour Party Chairman

"Former minister Alan Milburn is set for a return to the Cabinet, it was claimed tonight. The ex-Health Secretary – who quit to spend more time with his family – looks poised to become chairman of the Labour Party."

Free blogs for Darlington councillors!

2004-09-02T21:15:00.000+01:00

Darlington Town - free blogs for Darlington councillors - "darlingtontown, your town’s community hub, is the first community website in the UK to offer to its Councillors FREE web-logging and the opportunity to write down their day-to-day ‘doings’ as web-logs. Darlingtontown blogging went live on 22 August 2004 and all we ask is that our towns councillors seize this opportunity to let you, the voter, their constituents, know what they, your councillors, your key connection between your community and your council, are doing to help and improve your quality of life!"

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | No 10's silent support for Kerry

2004-09-02T21:14:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | No 10's silent support for Kerry: "the Blairite group Progress is to issue a scathing attack on Mr Bush's record, although the group is sympathetic to the action in Iraq; Alan Milburn, the former cabinet minister, is its honorary president."

Alan Milburn call for more support for working families

2004-09-01T20:27:00.000+01:00

ic Teesside - Time out for new dads: "Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, MP for Darlington, who famously resigned his Government job last year to spend more time with his family, has called for more support for working families."

Yet another political blogger

2004-08-26T16:02:00.000+01:00

Jody Dunn is the Lib Dem candidate in the Hartlepool by-election. Welcome to the blogosphere Jody.

Two new entries at the alanmilburn.co.uk diary

2004-08-25T17:16:00.000+01:00

Great results for Darlington school kids and Make every cup of coffee count for charity.

It's still not updated as frequently as this blog, however.

ic Teesside - There's an exciting year ahead

2004-08-25T17:03:00.000+01:00

ic Teesside - There's an exciting year ahead: "People living and working in Darlington face an exciting future."

Introducing...

2004-08-24T19:34:00.000+01:00

Kevin Davis is the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Kingston & Surbiton. Well done Kevin!

Tom Watson on blogging MPs

2004-08-22T22:49:00.000+01:00

Tom Watson reports that "a steady stream of MPs have been in touch about blogs that are being set up in their name" and that "a number of the MPs who have had sites set up on their behalf, have been reading this blog to see how it runs".

More on the charities select committee chaired by Alan Milburn

2004-08-20T09:30:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Scotland seeks own definition of public benefit: "Mr Milburn's joint committee will report back to the Westminster parliament on its scrutiny of the English legislation by September 30"

Alan Milburn expresses concern over Cleveland Bridge's Wembley Stadium troubles

2004-08-17T11:39:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Westminster visitors complain of cool welcome

2004-08-13T17:52:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Westminster visitors complain of cool welcome

"politics 'conducted by and for the elite.'"

"'Each MP should have a weblog or e-journal of their parliamentary and constituency activities'."

Alan Milburn welcomes more overseas aid

2004-08-13T15:28:00.000+01:00

More overseas aid is welcomed: "I know too that tackling world poverty will be a key theme next year when Britain takes over its presidencies of the European Union and the G8 group of industrialised nations."

New Statesman - Men remain stuck in cages of their own creation

2004-08-13T10:55:00.000+01:00

New Statesman - Men remain stuck in cages of their own creation: "The first British politician who, when he said he was leaving to 'spend more time with his family', actually did plan to spend more time with his family."

I made a brief tongue-in-cheek reference to Alan Milburn's decision to step down as Health Secretary in my previous post and it's mentioned in the next Google news alert to appear in my inbox!

Meeting Alan Milburn

2004-08-12T20:45:00.000+01:00

I've been in to meet with Alan Milburn today to discuss how he could use a blog to help him communicate with his constituents. We talked for around half-an-hour about blogs and blogging, email communication and Darlington in general. Alan seemed to appreciate the way a blog could help him communicate with constituents, though did point out that most constituents contact him via phone, fax or letter, very few via email.

Alan seemed very keen for the blog to continue, and was interested in himself and his office taking a more active role, but was reluctant to commit to personally updating the blog before he had a better understanding of how much of a time committment it would be. He actually seemed to quite like the idea of keeping a more independent voice (erm, me) writing on the blog, so I may be around for some time (until I step down to spend more time with my family).

As a halfway step, one of Alan's constituency workers is going to start posting items to the blog (the same person who emailed about Alan's day in Darlington last week), in addition to me. I've sent a blogger invite to join the blog so, hopefully, they will be along shortly to introduce themselves. Each post to the blog is tagged with the name of the author, so readers should be able to easily see who posts what.

I think Alan deserves to be congratulated for taking this step.

Darlington news: Regional Assembly Referendum

2004-08-12T12:53:00.000+01:00

Regional Assembly Referendum: "If you are not already on the electoral register and you want to vote in the Regional Assembly Referendum for the North East Region on 4th November, you need to register now!"

Update: Oops, I didn't spot the registration deadline date was yesterday (thanks AndyRoo). Though, this does show that you need to register when you move house!

And I meet Alan Milburn in two and a half hours

2004-08-12T11:34:00.000+01:00

Not Jim Cousins is going to see Jim Cousins and I'm going to see Alan Milburn. Today!

North East MPs are obviously more on-the-ball than most. North East MPs Blog Ring?

Alan Milburn counters Renewal editorial

2004-08-10T11:20:00.000+01:00

Renewal is a quarterly Labour journal to which Labour ministers regularly contribute, and which has several current ministers, and some former ministers, on its editorial advisory board, including Alan Milburn. The latest issue's Editorial marks a new disillusionment with Mr Blair on the part of hitherto sympathetic party intellectuals.

Accoriding to a BBC article: "The journal's managing editor Neal Lawson says the ministers and Labour MPs on the advisory board did not contribute to or have any influence on the article, extracts of which are published in Monday's Guardian." (Guardian article: Former Labour allies round on Blair.)

Mr Milburn said the first he had heard of the article was in Monday's newspaper.

"I totally disagree with it. Tony Blair has not only succeeded in transforming the Labour Party but in transforming the country.

"Those who think otherwise have clearly got short memories."

New diary pieces at Alan's official site

2004-08-07T14:00:00.000+01:00

Alan believes passionately that every child in Darlington deserves a head start.
The Government has decided to go-ahead with a regional referendum on 4 November only in the North East.
Darlington MP Alan Milburn met constituents at the town's B&Q Warehouse on Thursday.

A day in Darlington

2004-08-06T11:07:00.000+01:00

As I understand it, Alan usually spends Monday to Wednesday in London, then Thursday and Friday, and occasionally Saturday, in Darlington, before spending the weekends with his family. Alan's office sent me an email detailing some of what he did yesterday on a day in his constituency and what he has planned for next Thursday. Blogging is as simple as sending an email, once the blog is set up, so sending this email is almost blogging!

Basically yesterday we held an advice surgery for constituents in the big B&Q store at Morton Park - where people had the opportunity to turn up and raised issues.

Then Alan organized a meeting between union officials, management of Cleveland Bridge, Barry Keel, Chief Exec of Darlington Borough Council, and Bill Dixon, Deputy Leader of DBC, to talk about the recent job losses at the factory. It was a very good meeting - the upshot being Alan will write to the FA telling them the dispute between Multiplex and Hollandia has cost 95 jobs and that the Wembley Stadium project is now in serious jeopardy.

We will be meeting again next Thursday to try to take things forward. There were various media outlets interested in what had occurred, and so we did a few interviews, and then saw more people for surgery.

We've got quite a busy diary next Thursday too - we will be going to see Friends of North Lodge Park in the afternoon to talk to them about the work they have been doing trying to clean-up the park, attract Gov grants and Alan will have some tea in Mollie's Famous Tea Tent! The purpose of the visit is to meet the hard-working volunteers and see if the group can be nominated for the Home Office's Taking A Stand Award, aimed at people who are taking on the plague of anti-social behaviour.

Now, if Alan wrote it...

Alan Milburn to meet with union and management at Cleveland Bridge

2004-08-05T21:30:00.000+01:00

I've no link to support this, but BBC TV local news reported this morning that Alan Milburn is to meet with union and management at Cleveland Bridge to discuss the job losses announced there after the firm pulled out of the Wembley Stadium build.

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Comment | Whose benefit?

2004-08-04T11:02:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Comment | Whose benefit?

It sounds like Alan has a very busy time ahead.

A busy day for the (Not) Alan Milburn blog

2004-08-04T10:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was a very busy day for this blog. Not only did I visit Alan Milburn's in Darlington to meet his constituency team, but the site reveived its highest number of visitors so far, with 77 people visiting for the first time and 20 people returning for a second look.

Thankyou to all the visitors. If any of you are constituents of Alan, a short comment on this post would lend a lot of weight to the argument for him having his own blog.

Update: Having posted this, today has already passed yesterday's visitor numbers (159 new visitors today at the time of writing (5:40pm)) and the whole site has just passed the 1000 visits mark (since I set up the counter on June 15th). I'm astounded.

Blogging MPs: Some Reading Material for Alan

2004-08-03T16:46:00.000+01:00

Clive Soley MP: Why MP's Should Get Blogging: "an additional way of talking to the public without the media in the middle", is how Clive Soley MP (Labour) describes blogging in the excellent article on his website.

I'm sure fellow Labour MP, and blogger, Tom Watson would be willing to talk about blogging.

There's also the Hansard Society report Political Blogs - Craze or Convention (pdf file).

Exciting Alan Milburn blog developments

2004-08-03T13:18:00.000+01:00

This morning I visited Alan Milburn's constituency offce, having been invited by one of his constituency workers; I promised not to blog anything about the meeting in advance, which is why this is the first mention here. (I was contacted by email within 30 minutes of providing an address - a hint for all proxy-bloggers: provide a private way of communicating with you...)

We had a nice chat about how blogging could help Alan communicate with his constituents (and they with him), Alan's busy schedule and possible future developments. His staff were very interested in blogging, and Alan himself is keen to meet me.

I'm going to continue with this blog for the time being; his office were supportive of it, and asked how they could help me.

Stay tuned.

Private schools bill shambles

2004-08-03T09:45:00.000+01:00

"The Home Office is to review its proposals for tightening the rules giving independent schools charitable status, after the Charity Commission said they would have no impact and a former cabinet minister called them a 'dog's breakfast'."

Guess who?

New Contact Details

2004-08-02T12:19:00.000+01:00

Using the links in the sidebar to the right, you can now email me or access Alan's contact page.

ic Newcastle - Web of intrigue as 'blogger' tracks MP

2004-08-02T12:09:00.000+01:00

As part of an article about the Jim Cousins weblog, The Journal wrote "A site dedicated to Darlington MP Alan Milburn, run by a 27-year-old teacher in his constituency, has issued calls on him to resign and says: 'That's what this weblog is for: to encourage Alan to either let us know what he's doing, or step down.'"

Hmm, I suppose I did say that, though if you read the whole post it's not nearly as unfriendly as The Journal implies, certainly not if taken in the context of the entire website.

Saying that I've "issued calls on him to resign" is taking things a bit far. For the record, I'm neither pro- or anti-Milburn.

(Aren't blogs great? I have no money at my disposal, but can publish corrections to stories in newspapers that I don't even read! Everyone should have one, especially people in the public eye, like MPs...)

Local Compact Launch

2004-08-02T11:58:00.000+01:00

Local Compact Launch: "15/07/04 - The first ever Local Compact between Darlington Borough Council, the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and local voluntary and community groups was launched today at Darlington's Crown Street Library.

Darlington MP Alan Milburn officially launched the document that was signed by the Leader of Darlington Borough Council John Williams, Sandra Pollard, Chair of the PCT and Alan Coultas, Chair of CVS (Council for Voluntary Services)."

I didn't see this event in any newspapers, but while Alan was helping out at the library, he launched a new document as well. (The website gives different dates for the two events, but Alan's wearing the same suit and tie in both pictures, so I assume it was the same day.)

Library IT Presentations

2004-08-02T11:43:00.000+01:00

Library IT Presentations: "16/07/04 - Darlington MP Alan Milburn joined staff at Crown Street Library to present information computer technology training certificates."

Ah, this was in the Advertiser a few weeks ago; I finally found an online version at Darlington's council website. If Alan had a weblog, he could have posted this picture there.

That lady's waiting to get some books out, but Alan hasn't noticed her. I don't think that PC has a net connection, but there are some about 50 feet to his right that do.

Why blogs are great - more media exposure

2004-07-31T08:54:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS | Politics | Send us your top political sites: "Ex-Labour minister Alan Milburn is also among the select band of MPs to have his own 'stalker' blog, allegedly written by a constituent who believes Mr Milburn is not pulling his weight."

The reason blogs are so great is they provide an opportunity to put forward your point of view, especially if, say, the BBC write something that's not entirely true.

I don't so much believe Alan Milburn isn't "pulling his weight", rather there's no evidence to the contrary, avaialble for a constituent (I am a constituent) to see. If Alan Milburn had his own blog, what he was doing would be available for all his constituents so see.

Just like the Tim Yeo blog mentioned in the article, this blog will be handed over to Mr Milburn should he ask for it. Unlike the person running that blog, I'd even show Mr Milburn (or his staff, though that's not really in the spirit of blogging) how to run it, and help them convert it to a more 'Labour-themed' style.

Mr Milburn?

A round-up of things I've seen Alan Milburn doing in the newspapers, but have been too busy to blog

2004-07-29T09:08:00.000+01:00

Alan has been fairly busy over these last few weeks, whilst I, lazy teacher that I am, have been lazing around doing nothing, not even blogging about Alan! The shame...

Alan spent some time in Darlington's town library, where the librarians showed him how to issue books and the range of computer facilities, all of which have Internet access, where Alan could set up a blog... I'm beginning to think that only one member of Alan's office has access to a computer, and they maintain his website (news page recently updated, by the way). Alan, if you'd like to meet me at the library, I'd be happy to show you how Blogger works, so you can write about what you do, instead of the bully who stops you getting to your computer. It's very easy; even Tom Watson can do it. You'll need to bring your library card and a few pounds to pay, though.

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Falling through the net

2004-07-29T09:07:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Falling through the net: "What's more, a number of bloggers have taken Ireland's suggestion. Now, MPs Jim Cousins, Sandra Gidley, Boris Johnson, Alan Milburn, Sarah Teather, Nick Raynsford and Lewis Mooney all have blogs dedicated to them and most are not friendly. The moral is: if you don't launch your own blog, someone might do it for you." (Emphasis mine.)

That'd be me then...

Since I've now been mentioned in a national newspaper, maybe I'd better start updating here more often... Next up, a round-up of things I've seen Alan doing in the newspapers, but have been too busy to blog.

Alan Milburn antagonises Gordon Brown

2004-07-11T21:37:00.000+01:00

Telegraph | Opinion | If Tony Blair is to stay, he must decide what to do about Brown: "Alan Milburn and Stephen Byers, former Cabinet Ministers, and now self-styled backbench 'outriders' for the Blairite project continue to antagonise the Chancellor."

Alan Milburn chairs select committee

2004-06-30T23:22:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Private schools and hospitals to put charity case: "MPs and peers today demanded more evidence from private schools and hospitals of the tax breaks they get from charitable status and the benefits they offer the community."

"What's this got to do with Alan Milburn?", I hear you cry! He's only chairing the committee, that's what!

[Alan] "Milburn asked whether the figure included the gift aid Treasury top-up"

[Alan] "Milburn also challenged the schools' claims that their charitable status was justified because they shared their facilities with state schools"

[Alan Milburn] "cited the ISC's Good Neighbours report"

[Alan] "Milburn asked the Nuffield finance chief what proportion of patients Nuffield treated for free"

I for one am pretty impressed.

Alan Milburn did not attend a private school. (I think. I know Stokesely isn't private, but I'm not sure about John Marlay.) Did any readers go to school with Alan? What was he like?

Google for Alan Milburn...

2004-06-30T13:07:00.000+01:00

...and look what you find.

A quick flick through my stats shows vists from the Conservative Party, the BBC, Parliament and the Welsh Office, so word is obviously getting around. A few people have also arrived here after searching Google.

I wonder if anyone at Alan's office has Googled for his name recently? As always, you can use the comments feature of this site to get in touch - I recieve an email whenever a comment is made.

Updates to this site have been a touch slow recently because, frankly, Alan doesn't seem to do a lot. I recieve a Google News alert most days, but they all contain the words "former Health Secretary" or "the then Health Secretary". I've been checking The Northern Echo fairly regularly, but have found nothing. There was something about Alan in The Advertiser recently, but I was too busy to blog it at the time; he visited a school, or something.

In all, being an MP seems quite a cushy job; how do I apply?

Alan Milburn's official diary site updated

2004-06-30T13:02:00.000+01:00

In an amazing burst of activity, Alan's diary at his official site has been updated not just once, but fo ur ti mes over three days!

Bloggerheads: The Parting Shot (for Bush the fascist and Blair the appeaser)

2004-06-22T13:01:00.000+01:00

Bloggerheads: The Parting Shot (for Bush the fascist and Blair the appeaser)

Alan Milburn gets busy!

2004-06-21T10:02:00.000+01:00

ic Newcastle - Lessons just go on and on: "The lesson began with sixth-form politics pupils quizzing MPs Alan Milburn, Peter Atkinson and John McWilliam on the local election results and ended at 7am this morning."

Alan Milburn lectures on New Localism

2004-06-18T07:17:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Call to empower neighbourhoods: "In a Demos lecture, the former minister Alan Milburn floated the idea of allowing local groups limited levy-raising powers as part of the New Localism agenda."

So, he does so something.

Of course, it must have been a very short lecture, if this is all he said. None of his arguments for allowing levy-raising powers made it into this article, but lots of (very good) counter-arguments did. If onlt there was a way Alan Milburn could make sure all his arguments were available to everyone.

GidleyWatch

2004-06-16T23:22:00.000+01:00

GidleyWatch: "Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's... Sandra Gidley, Member of Parliament for Romsey, and this is an unofficial website."

See, I'm not the only one.

Unfortunately, blogging about your MP who you think does very little is difficult, if he really doesn't. If I don't post here for a while, it's not because I'm not doing anything...

Word spreads

2004-06-15T11:54:00.000+01:00

Welcome to new visitors from Bloggerheads.com, and thanks to Tim for the link.

I'll actually have to keep posting things now.

Ex-wife of former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, lost her seat in the recent elections

2004-06-15T06:20:00.000+01:00

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Election Blow for Blair in Own Back Yard: "Dr Barbara O’Toole, the ex-wife of former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, lost her seat" in the recent elections.

Alan Milburn to take part in Guardian panel

2004-06-15T06:17:00.000+01:00

Guardian Unlimited Books | Extracts | Madeleine Bunting: I work, therefore I am: "Willing Slaves: How the Overwork Culture is Ruling Our Lives by Madeleine Bunting is published by Harper Collins on June 21 at �12.99. A Guardian Forum, 'Willing Slaves: why we need an alternative to the overwork culture', will take place at the RSA, 8 John Adam Street, London WC2 on June 22, 7-8.30pm. Chaired by Jenni Murray, the panel will include Madeleine Bunting, Susie Orbach and Alan Milburn MP. To order tickets, price �6, call O8708906002."

Contacting Alan

2004-06-15T05:58:00.000+01:00

Alan Milburn can be contacted via his website.

About: Mike

2004-06-15T05:37:00.000+01:00

I'm a 27 year teacher, living in Darlington with my wife and ten month old daughter. I am not a member of any political party, though I have voted in every election held since my eighteenth birthday. I did not vote for Alan Milburn.

I have met Alan Milburn twice, as far as I can remember. The first time was at the Darlington Schools' Public Speaking Competition, in around 1992; I didn't personally speak to him. The second time, in 2000, I gave hime directions to the open gate of the school in which I was teaching when he tried to get in through a locked gate.

The best way to contact me about this site is via the comments. I am not publishing my email address here due to the nature of the site and, frankly, I get enough spam as it is.

All views expressed on this site are mine, not Alan Milburn's. This is not his official site, alanmilburn.co.uk.

About: First Post

2004-06-14T19:43:00.000+01:00

Alan Milburn has been the MP for Darlington since 1992. He rose through the ranks of government, from opposition to Secretary of State for Health. For a while, he was seen as a possible future Prime Minister. In June of last year, he resigned from the cabinet in order to spend more time with his family, though he remains MP for Darlington.

I'd always thought it a bit odd that the MP for Darlington spent most of his time in London (like other MPs), but didn't live in Darlington for the rest of the time, but where he chooses to live is his business. However, judging by Alan's entry at They Work For You.com, he's spending a bit too much time with his family, and not a lot being Darlington's MP. His own online diary doesn't give much more detail; at the time of writing, it was last updated by a work experience boy one month ago.

Speaking in parliament 4 times in the last year (605th out of 657 MPs), asking 14 written questions in the last year (402nd out of 657 MPs), replying to 29% of messages sent via FaxYourMP.com within 14 days (524th out of 588 MPs) and attending 53% of votes in parliament (560th out of 658 MPs) isn't enough work for the £47,008 he gets paid to be Darlington's MP (double what most teachers are on).

A weblog would show the people who vote for him how hard he's working, and attract the majority of those interested in issues he cares about. He may even learn an important thing or two from us in the process. (Paraphrased from Why Politicians Need Weblogs.)

If he's not doing enough to justify the salary, then he should resign as MP and let someone else have a go. That's what this weblog is for: to encourage Alan to either let us know what he's doing, or step down.

(This whole thing is inspired by How To Run a Weblog on Behalf of Your MP (or How To Stalk Your MP In Less Than 10 Minutes A Day).)