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£62,000 bill for council’s US trip
A TRIP to the USA attended by south Essex politicians spiralled more than £40,000 over budget, the Echo can reveal.
Essex County Council has defended the costs of its week-long trip to Jamestown, Virginia, saying it helped two Essex companies strike deals - with each other.
Nine councillors went on the trip to Virginia in June last year as part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of English settlement.
The visit was supposed to cost £24,860 including business class flights, with £6,550 to be paid for by various sponsors.
Among the delegates were council leader Lord Hanningfield, Rayleigh councillor Stephen Castle, who is responsible for regeneration, and Basildon Labour group leader Paul Kirkman.
However, a Freedom of Information request by the Echo reveals a problem with the flight led to them buying more expensive BA business class flights both ways at the last minute, totalling £39,470.
The total cost to taxpayers was £61,950 - or £7,422 a head for the nine councillors who visited.
The changes also added an extra £2,468 to the planned £15,201 costs for accommodation, meals and other expenses.
County Hall says it is determined to claw back the overspend.
Mr Kirkman, who has previously criticised Tories at Basildon Council for going to a property exhibition in Cannes, France, said he believed the trip was worthwhile.
He said: "We need to forge appropriate links across the world. I was working out there representing the people of Essex.
"If we can introduce businesses to one another across the Atlantic then it is worthwhile. The county council should not be a Thomas Cook for councillors, but we need an international profile."
Lord Hanningfield said the American trip was about more than just celebrating the anniversary.
He said: "The county council wanted to use the interest generated by the Jamestown anniversary to create new trade and business links between Essex and Virginia.
"We also wanted to encourage more American tourists to explore their Essex heritage."
The county council maintains the trip was good value because it helped introduce legal and financial services company Shergroup and a telecommunications business.
But both companies are within 25 miles of County Hall. Shergroup is in Braintree and MultipartyTalk is in Colchester.
Eleri Roberts, county council spokeswoman, said: "The cancellation of the flights was unfortunate and we are in the process of regaining the money that was outlaid to purchase new flights.
"That is something which is in the hands of our lawyers and insurance company and we are determined to get that back."
11:00am Monday 24th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: The Truth Seeker, Seeking Truth Everywhere on 11:20am Mon 24 Mar 08
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us.
And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman - [bold]YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE.[/bold]
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us.
And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman -
YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE. Posted by: Bozo, Westcliff on 11:22am Mon 24 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Truth Seeker[/bold] wrote:
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us. And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman - [bold]YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE.[/bold] [/quote] Well said...
The Truth Seeker wrote:
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us. And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman - YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE.
Well said...
Posted by: leftwingloony, basildon central on 11:56am Mon 24 Mar 08
[quote][bold]The Truth Seeker[/bold] wrote:
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us. And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman - [bold]YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE.[/bold] [/quote] Even as a looney I gotta go with that - Well said!!!
And OUR local Mafia want so called PARACHUTE payments to give them loadsa loot when we chuck them out! Is it us who've lost the plot for not slinging them all out (On their behinds and without any compensation!)
The Truth Seeker wrote:
Snouts in the trough - fly economy like the rest of us. And as for Labour leader Paul Kirkman - YOU HYPOCRITE - YOU BLOODY HYPOCRITE.
Even as a looney I gotta go with that - Well said!!!
And OUR local Mafia want so called PARACHUTE payments to give them loadsa loot when we chuck them out! Is it us who've lost the plot for not slinging them all out (On their behinds and without any compensation!)
Posted by: Paul, Basildon on 12:02pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Well done John Austin for an excellent piece of investigative journalism. Ratepayers like me always suspected that the various "twinning association" and "fact finding" (week long) trips to sunny places is a well established con.
Gaggles of councillors get to arrange their own excellent and legal perks.
It may be more fun for them than sitting in an office dealing with our local problems but what a disgusting waste of our money.
When we want information we get on the internet, and when we want to strike up business deals [bold]we[/bold] pick of the phone.
More digging please John.
Well done John Austin for an excellent piece of investigative journalism. Ratepayers like me always suspected that the various "twinning association" and "fact finding" (week long) trips to sunny places is a well established con.
Gaggles of councillors get to arrange their own excellent and legal perks.
It may be more fun for them than sitting in an office dealing with our local problems but what a disgusting waste of our money.
When we want information we get on the internet, and when we want to strike up business deals
we pick of the phone.
More digging please John.
Posted by: chill out, Benfleet on 12:44pm Mon 24 Mar 08
They went all the way to the USA for a week to help to Essex firms to do business with each other. They can't be serious!
They went all the way to the USA for a week to help to Essex firms to do business with each other. They can't be serious!
Posted by: Trainman on 2:00pm Mon 24 Mar 08
These plonkers should try doing it all on a pension. Another "Blow you jack, I'm alright." attitude with them.
These plonkers should try doing it all on a pension. Another "Blow you jack, I'm alright." attitude with them.
Posted by: Paul Myleg, laindon on 3:03pm Mon 24 Mar 08
[bold]I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs.[/bold]
I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs. Posted by: JJ on 5:06pm Mon 24 Mar 08
How about this. Why not let the chamber of commerce fund trips abroad to promote local companies. [bold]9[/bold] Lets say that AGAIN [bold]9[/bold] councillors to visit America to promote Essex !!!!!!
How about this. Why not let the chamber of commerce fund trips abroad to promote local companies.
9 Lets say that AGAIN
9 councillors to visit America to promote Essex !!!!!!
Posted by: mick, essex on 5:14pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Where have the BA Air Miles been credited ? Will they been declared on the next tax return as benefits in kind ?
Answers on a (small) postcard,please.
Where have the BA Air Miles been credited ? Will they been declared on the next tax return as benefits in kind ?
Answers on a (small) postcard,please.
Posted by: the undertaker, crays hill on 5:46pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Under the freedom of information act , can you delve a bit further and find out how much was spent on hookers, Or would that be listed under extras....!
Under the freedom of information act , can you delve a bit further and find out how much was spent on hookers, Or would that be listed under extras....!
Posted by: Mark, Southend on 6:18pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Why 9 people? Why business class? Because it's it's not coming out of their pockets is it? Look more closely at team building days and other activities held by ECC - you'll see more of OUR MONEY wasted. Politicians? Pigs with their snouts in the trough of OUR MONEY. Kick em all out especially the Julian Clary of the council - LORD H!
Why 9 people? Why business class? Because it's it's not coming out of their pockets is it? Look more closely at team building days and other activities held by ECC - you'll see more of OUR MONEY wasted. Politicians? Pigs with their snouts in the trough of OUR MONEY. Kick em all out especially the Julian Clary of the council - LORD H!
Posted by: Freddy for Freedom, Basildonistan on 6:24pm Mon 24 Mar 08
Can someone examine the huge salaries being paid to these pen pushers. Totally out of reality with the area I can assure you. And if ANYONE can justify to me how the leaders of Basildon Concil - especially Bala - justify their salaries I would like to hear it! DO NOT tell me they are leaders in their field of expertise - do not tell me they work hard and do not tell me they give good value for money!
Can someone examine the huge salaries being paid to these pen pushers. Totally out of reality with the area I can assure you. And if ANYONE can justify to me how the leaders of Basildon Concil - especially Bala - justify their salaries I would like to hear it! DO NOT tell me they are leaders in their field of expertise - do not tell me they work hard and do not tell me they give good value for money!
Posted by: John, UK on 6:50pm Mon 24 Mar 08
A leech along with a parasite has no problem sucking anyones blood as long as it gets its fill.
A leech along with a parasite has no problem sucking anyones blood as long as it gets its fill.
Posted by: roy, grays on 9:20pm Mon 24 Mar 08
well done Mr Austin great reporting, let"s get these scroungers out and put people in that care our we spend our hard cash i luv to sit on my **** all day thinking how we can spend all there money "oh i no lets have a freebie" we as tax payers are sick of it before long we will hit back you lot are a waste of space and waste of our money you are all w?????s
well done Mr Austin great reporting, let"s get these scroungers out and put people in that care our we spend our hard cash i luv to sit on my **** all day thinking how we can spend all there money "oh i no lets have a freebie" we as tax payers are sick of it before long we will hit back you lot are a waste of space and waste of our money you are all w?????s
Posted by: russ, basildon on 9:51pm Mon 24 Mar 08
this is just typical of the self-centered parasites who run our local authorities. perhaps a change in procedures is needed, they pay for the trip out of their own pockets, then put in a claim for expenses. these should be examined by independant auditors who's decision is final. shortly these bloodsuckers will be knocking on my door begging me to vote for them, so that they can continue to squander the public purse on freebies like this one. guess what the answer will be?
this is just typical of the self-centered parasites who run our local authorities. perhaps a change in procedures is needed, they pay for the trip out of their own pockets, then put in a claim for expenses. these should be examined by independant auditors who's decision is final. shortly these bloodsuckers will be knocking on my door begging me to vote for them, so that they can continue to squander the public purse on freebies like this one. guess what the answer will be?
Posted by: Wendy, Basildon on 8:14am Tue 25 Mar 08
It would of been cheaper to do a phone link or send a video surely?
No wonder there isn't enough money in the proverbial pot to pay for the essentials we need here, like making roads safer, investing in realistic recycling issues and not throwing green bins at everyone despite whether they need them or not!
A bunch of monkeys could do their jobs easily and they would only expect peanuts in return!
It would of been cheaper to do a phone link or send a video surely?
No wonder there isn't enough money in the proverbial pot to pay for the essentials we need here, like making roads safer, investing in realistic recycling issues and not throwing green bins at everyone despite whether they need them or not!
A bunch of monkeys could do their jobs easily and they would only expect peanuts in return!
Posted by: shallotman, Basildon on 9:06am Tue 25 Mar 08
How does one get an extra box on the ballet form that say's. NONE OF THE ABOVE.
How does one get an extra box on the ballet form that say's. NONE OF THE ABOVE.
Posted by: A Voter, Voting somewhere near you on 10:29am Tue 25 Mar 08
To make a protest on election day - just write your comment through all of the boxes.
Every candidate will have to be shown the ballot paper with the message!
To make a protest on election day - just write your comment through all of the boxes.
Every candidate will have to be shown the ballot paper with the message!
Posted by: Concerned relative, Basildon on 11:31am Tue 25 Mar 08
As a carer of a severely diabled relative, that £62,000 would have funded 5 deserving aged/disabled people for a year with full care! This [quote]Lord[/quote] Hanningfield bangs on about how well the old are cared for in Essex, then why are his [quote]SS[/quote], or social services, going around cutting care packages for the aged! I'll tell you why, to fund happy little jaunts like this one! His title ought to be amended to [quote]Lording it[/quote]! [bold]And he ought to pay it back from his own funds![/bold]
As a carer of a severely diabled relative, that £62,000 would have funded 5 deserving aged/disabled people for a year with full care! This
Lord
Hanningfield bangs on about how well the old are cared for in Essex, then why are his
SS
, or social services, going around cutting care packages for the aged! I'll tell you why, to fund happy little jaunts like this one! His title ought to be amended to
Lording it
!
And he ought to pay it back from his own funds! Posted by: Jane, Basildon on 12:42pm Tue 25 Mar 08
[quote][bold]russ[/bold] wrote:
this is just typical of the self-centered parasites who run our local authorities. perhaps a change in procedures is needed, they pay for the trip out of their own pockets, then put in a claim for expenses. these should be examined by independant auditors who's decision is final. shortly these bloodsuckers will be knocking on my door begging me to vote for them, so that they can continue to squander the public purse on freebies like this one. guess what the answer will be?[/quote] I'd like the job of independent auditor! Business class for a 6 1/2 hour flight, particularly when it is paid for by the public purse, is completely unnecessary. I'd also like to know if the airmiles they claim for these flights are offset against future business travel, or do their families and friends get the benefit?
russ wrote:
this is just typical of the self-centered parasites who run our local authorities. perhaps a change in procedures is needed, they pay for the trip out of their own pockets, then put in a claim for expenses. these should be examined by independant auditors who's decision is final. shortly these bloodsuckers will be knocking on my door begging me to vote for them, so that they can continue to squander the public purse on freebies like this one. guess what the answer will be?
I'd like the job of independent auditor! Business class for a 6 1/2 hour flight, particularly when it is paid for by the public purse, is completely unnecessary. I'd also like to know if the airmiles they claim for these flights are offset against future business travel, or do their families and friends get the benefit?
Posted by: piano hinges on 1:17pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Snouts at the trough. Why am I not surprised.
Snouts at the trough. Why am I not surprised.
Posted by: john, southend on 4:16pm Wed 26 Mar 08
i think there should be an investigation into this clear abuse of position.
why is it we are hounded for our taxes and they are completely unaccountable. Its just so one sided.
Having met some of these people, the thing that always stands out.
Is their clear attitude that essex isnt good enough and they will make it better. But they never have any tangible plans.
Its just one jolly.
Have you ever seen how contracts throughout essex are awarded.
Have you noticed whose friends seem to get the contracts.
i think there should be an investigation into this clear abuse of position.
why is it we are hounded for our taxes and they are completely unaccountable. Its just so one sided.
Having met some of these people, the thing that always stands out.
Is their clear attitude that essex isnt good enough and they will make it better. But they never have any tangible plans.
Its just one jolly.
Have you ever seen how contracts throughout essex are awarded.
Have you noticed whose friends seem to get the contracts.
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 6:50am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Paul Myleg[/bold] wrote:
[bold]I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs.[/bold] [/quote] Ah diddums. Poor things. Stressful eh? I've been a town councillor and on a twinning committee and on a "friendly" visit to a twin town in France, myself and other councillors paid our own way.
We were put up as guests of our French counterparts - and we returned the compliment.
No taxpayers lost out.
As for "change your job to one like theirs", what planet are you on? Councilors have to be elected or co-opted. It's not a "job" in the respect you think it is. It is something you do over and above your own job.
I intend to stand for election in May and not for one of the main parties. I am standing because I am very passionate about the way this country is deteriorating and I want to be a voice for ordinary people.
I am NOT a politician, just a working mother, so I would say to "voter" above that your comments are not helpful.
The way to protest is to vote for anybody who isn't from the mainstream parties.
Or stand yourself - and vote for yourself.
Writing on ballot forms helps nobody and counts as a spoiled vote. In the end, the usual "snouts in the trough" win through, so I don't go with that kind of thinking.
You need to treat voting as a very serious issue. Look at all your candidates and vote for the one whose values you most agree with, NOT on tradition because your dad voted Labour or whatever.
Paul Myleg wrote:
I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs.
Ah diddums. Poor things. Stressful eh? I've been a town councillor and on a twinning committee and on a "friendly" visit to a twin town in France, myself and other councillors paid our own way.
We were put up as guests of our French counterparts - and we returned the compliment.
No taxpayers lost out.
As for "change your job to one like theirs", what planet are you on? Councilors have to be elected or co-opted. It's not a "job" in the respect you think it is. It is something you do over and above your own job.
I intend to stand for election in May and not for one of the main parties. I am standing because I am very passionate about the way this country is deteriorating and I want to be a voice for ordinary people.
I am NOT a politician, just a working mother, so I would say to "voter" above that your comments are not helpful.
The way to protest is to vote for anybody who isn't from the mainstream parties.
Or stand yourself - and vote for yourself.
Writing on ballot forms helps nobody and counts as a spoiled vote. In the end, the usual "snouts in the trough" win through, so I don't go with that kind of thinking.
You need to treat voting as a very serious issue. Look at all your candidates and vote for the one whose values you most agree with, NOT on tradition because your dad voted Labour or whatever.
Posted by: Jo, Southend on 12:52pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Disgraceful.... especially as the article just the other side of this one was "no funding for pier for 3 years" When oh when will these free-loaders be taken to task?
Disgraceful.... especially as the article just the other side of this one was "no funding for pier for 3 years" When oh when will these free-loaders be taken to task?
Posted by: Votes for Women on 8:16pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Kim Gandy,
Patronising as usual. I'll write what I like on my ballot paper.
Kim Gandy,
Patronising as usual. I'll write what I like on my ballot paper.
Posted by: JJ, 923-307 on 8:27pm Thu 27 Mar 08
"I've been a town councillor.."
Was this the same council you got thrown out of for not turning up?
"I've been a town councillor.."
Was this the same council you got thrown out of for not turning up?
Posted by: I hate politicians on 9:24pm Thu 27 Mar 08
What a digrace seems like the gravy train runs all the way through westminster to the ghettos the breadth and length of this country
Firts we here about the scandals of spend spend spend by MP'S now the councils do this and then increase the Essex council tax by 4.25% to justify the spend for the next year. The sooner we get rid of this Governement and these gravy train loading councillors the better. Well it is all in our hands the next round of voting so vote them all out. There also should be a vetting proceddure to review what these clowns are able to use our money prior to getting there hands on it. All business have procedures to do this so why not government and councils. Finally can they reveal the benefits actually achieved and the growth to essex business considering they were already here in the first place. I'll answer that one zero. Words cannot be written how we hard working tax payers feel when they spend our money like this F******* T****** come to mind.
What a digrace seems like the gravy train runs all the way through westminster to the ghettos the breadth and length of this country
Firts we here about the scandals of spend spend spend by MP'S now the councils do this and then increase the Essex council tax by 4.25% to justify the spend for the next year. The sooner we get rid of this Governement and these gravy train loading councillors the better. Well it is all in our hands the next round of voting so vote them all out. There also should be a vetting proceddure to review what these clowns are able to use our money prior to getting there hands on it. All business have procedures to do this so why not government and councils. Finally can they reveal the benefits actually achieved and the growth to essex business considering they were already here in the first place. I'll answer that one zero. Words cannot be written how we hard working tax payers feel when they spend our money like this F******* T****** come to mind.
Posted by: Steve on 9:42pm Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Kim Gandy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Paul Myleg[/bold] wrote: [bold]I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs.[/bold] [/quote] Ah diddums. Poor things. Stressful eh? I've been a town councillor and on a twinning committee and on a "friendly" visit to a twin town in France, myself and other councillors paid our own way. We were put up as guests of our French counterparts - and we returned the compliment. No taxpayers lost out. As for "change your job to one like theirs", what planet are you on? Councilors have to be elected or co-opted. It's not a "job" in the respect you think it is. It is something you do over and above your own job. I intend to stand for election in May and not for one of the main parties. I am standing because I am very passionate about the way this country is deteriorating and I want to be a voice for ordinary people. I am NOT a politician, just a working mother, so I would say to "voter" above that your comments are not helpful. The way to protest is to vote for anybody who isn't from the mainstream parties. Or stand yourself - and vote for yourself. Writing on ballot forms helps nobody and counts as a spoiled vote. In the end, the usual "snouts in the trough" win through, so I don't go with that kind of thinking. You need to treat voting as a very serious issue. Look at all your candidates and vote for the one whose values you most agree with, NOT on tradition because your dad voted Labour or whatever. [/quote] [quote]You need to treat voting as a very serious issue.[/quote]
And not vote for those that don't bother to answer your questions when the going gets tough.
Kim Gandy wrote:
Paul Myleg wrote: I think you are all being too had on the politicians. They have a rough and stressful job everyday and so what if they fly business class. They are great business heads arent they. Give em a break. If your that jealous then change your job to one like theirs.
Ah diddums. Poor things. Stressful eh? I've been a town councillor and on a twinning committee and on a "friendly" visit to a twin town in France, myself and other councillors paid our own way. We were put up as guests of our French counterparts - and we returned the compliment. No taxpayers lost out. As for "change your job to one like theirs", what planet are you on? Councilors have to be elected or co-opted. It's not a "job" in the respect you think it is. It is something you do over and above your own job. I intend to stand for election in May and not for one of the main parties. I am standing because I am very passionate about the way this country is deteriorating and I want to be a voice for ordinary people. I am NOT a politician, just a working mother, so I would say to "voter" above that your comments are not helpful. The way to protest is to vote for anybody who isn't from the mainstream parties. Or stand yourself - and vote for yourself. Writing on ballot forms helps nobody and counts as a spoiled vote. In the end, the usual "snouts in the trough" win through, so I don't go with that kind of thinking. You need to treat voting as a very serious issue. Look at all your candidates and vote for the one whose values you most agree with, NOT on tradition because your dad voted Labour or whatever.
You need to treat voting as a very serious issue.
And not vote for those that don't bother to answer your questions when the going gets tough.
Posted by: ricky, southend on 11:59pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Not only in this area do we have Dr Bob Spink spending his"Allowances " on what we all no is crooked stuff.His x wife keep his diary from 200 miles away,But now we have do gooders nicking our money at local level.How many of this lot would pay and go business class on holiday with their families if they were paying.May bee this investigative journalism should ask Mr Castle this question.Also Southend council only spent about 40K on a bash at the Cliffs Pavilion last week.How many old people or hip opps would all this sort out.They make me reallyu sick.....
Not only in this area do we have Dr Bob Spink spending his"Allowances " on what we all no is crooked stuff.His x wife keep his diary from 200 miles away,But now we have do gooders nicking our money at local level.How many of this lot would pay and go business class on holiday with their families if they were paying.May bee this investigative journalism should ask Mr Castle this question.Also Southend council only spent about 40K on a bash at the Cliffs Pavilion last week.How many old people or hip opps would all this sort out.They make me reallyu sick.....
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 6:14pm Tue 1 Apr 08
[quote][bold]JJ[/bold] wrote:
"I've been a town councillor.." Was this the same council you got thrown out of for not turning up?[/quote] Wrong, idiot. Get your facts right. I turned up at most meetings. Towards the end I missed a few because of personal circumstances and I actually QUIT because I couldn't stand some of the personalities that were emerging.
So get your facts right before you make comments.
And let's have your real name so we can see HOW much courage YOU have of your own convictions.
Don't criticise others for what you have not the guts to do yourself.
JJ wrote:
"I've been a town councillor.." Was this the same council you got thrown out of for not turning up?
Wrong, idiot. Get your facts right. I turned up at most meetings. Towards the end I missed a few because of personal circumstances and I actually QUIT because I couldn't stand some of the personalities that were emerging.
So get your facts right before you make comments.
And let's have your real name so we can see HOW much courage YOU have of your own convictions.
Don't criticise others for what you have not the guts to do yourself.
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 6:16pm Tue 1 Apr 08
Oh and one of those circumstances was that I moved to Wickford, which meant I had to relinquish my seat anyway as it was outside the boundary.
So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Oh and one of those circumstances was that I moved to Wickford, which meant I had to relinquish my seat anyway as it was outside the boundary.
So stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 6:38pm Tue 1 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Votes for Women[/bold] wrote:
Kim Gandy, Patronising as usual. I'll write what I like on my ballot paper. [/quote] Then you will get what you deserve. In which case, don't come here moaning about it unless you're prepared to do something.
Votes for Women? People were killed and injured fighting for your right to vote.
Still, if you want to let the side down by behaving like an airhead, that's your business.
Votes for Women wrote:
Kim Gandy, Patronising as usual. I'll write what I like on my ballot paper.
Then you will get what you deserve. In which case, don't come here moaning about it unless you're prepared to do something.
Votes for Women? People were killed and injured fighting for your right to vote.
Still, if you want to let the side down by behaving like an airhead, that's your business.
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