Monday, 30 November 2009

Why is DEFRA Stalling?

TB has put some very simple questions to the DEFRA press office.

Firstly is Miss Quigley's role political?

If yes, then fine, move along. Nothing to see here.

But if not, as inferred by the press officer this morning, then how is her position as a regional office holder, not local, but regional office holder of the Labour Party acceptable as a non-partisan civil servant?

Secondly how does the fervent anti-Tory rhetoric on
her blog
fit into to the idea that she would be able to establish the "same relationship with those whom you may be required to serve in some future Government"? These aren't private political views when she is actively campaigning and promoting them online and around the country.

DEFRA claim to still be "looking into the matter". How long can it take?

Is she political or not?

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

TB, why are you hell bent on seeing someone lose their job in the current economic situation? It seems petty, nasty and cruel.

Tory Bear
said...

i'm not. i just think it's ridiculous she can be chairman of young labour at the same time..not calling for her to be fired from DEFRA.

Anonymous said...

actually in the London Young Labour constitution the post is 'Chair' without the 'man' bit on the end...

Rupert Matthews
said...

I am with TB on this one. There are rules for a reason, and people need to stick to them - unless there is a very good reason why not. If I have a contract that says the work needs to be delivered by 10 December then I deliver by 10 December.

And the good lady does not need to lose her job, she could simply stand down as chair(man) of London Young Labour. Easy.

Irene
said...

I'm with TB also - she should decide - she can't do both IMO

Irene
said...

She should decide which side her bread is buttered IMO

James Goldstone said...

Ok. Three posts in one day. What exactly are you trying to achieve?

To me this looks like a campaign with the aim to get someone you don't even know fired.

Tory Bear
said...

i'm not trying to get her fired.

i think she should stand down from London Young Labour chairman.

Anonymous said...

It is a bit rich anon I relinquished my Conservative party membership and stopped campaigning when I joined the ranks of faceless Gov' drones.

titus-aduxas
said...

"Anonymous
actually in the London Young Labour constitution the post is 'Chair' without the 'man' bit on the end..."

Oh, how very Harriet Har.

Anonymous said...

TB - normally like your stuff but this does seem a bit excessive.

If you are honestly concerned that she has conflicts of interest, why not complain to the labour party? Let them ask her whether she wishes to continue.

That way you leave her employment out of it.

It appears that your emotion has the better of you on this one!

Thatsnews
said...

Anonymous. I can't agree.

You said: If you are honestly concerned that she has conflicts of interest, why not complain to the labour party? Let them ask her whether she wishes to continue.

That way you leave her employment out of it.


You overlook the fact that the concern is not with her membership of the Labour party but how her election to an extremely important and high profile role within the Labour Party might impact on her role as a civil servant.

It obviously has no meaning or relevance for the Labour Party, but it does have meaning and relevance for her employer, DEFRA/the Civil Service.

In her position, her very well paid position, she cannot serve two masters.

I agree with Tory Bear.

Richard said...

Shouldn't she be fired for poor dress sense?

Ean Craigie
said...

Gee the blog has gone naughty nasty people obviously interferred with the right to free speach who did this we must be told (;-0)

Nice work TB

Houdini
said...

Hmmmm, I wonder if all those anons would be calling for someone not to lose their jobs if they were a member of another legal political party? Say, the BNP?

It seems fine to be partisan, despite the rules, but depending on which party you belong to.

Don't you just love how socialists always make themselves a victim and champion of free speech and rights, as long as they agree with it?

Anonymous said...

"Anonymous said...
It is a bit rich anon I relinquished my Conservative party membership and stopped campaigning when I joined the ranks of faceless Gov' drones"

I suppose your Conservative views / support vanished along with your membership card?

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