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Brian Ferguson (@brianjaffa)
07/05/2012 15:05
New Green cllr Ian Baxter has thrown his weight behind the SNP to help topple Labour in Midlothian by pledging "support" for the Nats.
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CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!
After the election (Midlothian)
(8 posts)-
Posted 13 years ago #
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Interesting. I wonder if that's 'confidence and supply' or formal coalition? Sounds more like the former.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Somewhere I also read that de Vink (mentioned on another thread as potentially pro-bike but anti-windfarm) agreed to join 'anyone who would keep labour out'. Sounds like quite a character.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Green councillor gives Midlothian first non-Labour administration
By IAN SWANSON and RORY REYNOLDS
Published on Monday 7 May 2012 14:28Midlothian’s new Green councillor has put the SNP into power in the county’s first ever non-Labour administration.
In return, the Nationalists have agreed to look at a series of Green policies on travel, renewable energy, empty homes and road safety.
The SNP and Labour each won eight seats in the election. Newly-elected independent Peter de Vink quickly ruled out working with Labour and went on to sign a formal deal with the SNP to become part of the administration.
But it all depended on the only other councillor, Green Ian Baxter. If he had sided with Labour, the decision on who controls the council could have gone to a cut of the cards.
A meeting of the Greens’ local branch backed Cllr Baxter in his plan to help the SNP take power.
He decided against joining a formal coalition, but has promised to vote for the SNP’s choice of council leader and Provost. Cllr Baxter said today: “The voters of Midlothian sent a clear message that they wanted change. I think Midlothian will benefit from a change in administration and hope that with the council now finely balanced, a more consensual approach to politics will result.
“I have asked the SNP group to look at areas which have been neglected in the past, like encouraging Active and Sustainable Travel as well as progressing common areas of policy like the provision of community based renewable energy, bringing empty housing back into use and road safety issues which concern us all”.
Posted 13 years ago # -
For a start then - all new supported bus contracts to include cycle carriage outside times of peak loading, and negotiate for Taxi and LPH to provide for cycle carriage. Quick wins but effective, given the very limited number of rail stations in Midlothian.
For bus especially press for 62 (and 95?) to carry bikes.
Posted 13 years ago # -
Tulyar, can I suggest you contact the Midlothian Green Party with your ideas? I'm sure they'll be interested.
Posted 13 years ago # -
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Ian Baxter (@ianbaxter_green)07/05/2012 18:24
Reasons behind my decision to support the SNP-Indy coalition on Midlothian Council - Hearts and mines - http://midlothiangreen.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/kingmaker-is-born.html
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Posted 13 years ago # -
"Doctor set to become first female leader in Midlothian"
Posted 13 years ago #
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