Sheffield Hallam’s Tory PPC resigns after just 10 days!
It hasn’t been good being a Conservative in Sheffield Hallam for many years. Not only have they failed to make any significant progress in a General Election since they lost what was once one of their safest parliamentary seats back in 1997, but since then Nick Clegg has consolidated the party’s hold on the seat. He continues to work hard and stand up for local residents in parliament, and now has an even higher profile as party leader which was always going to make it difficult for the Conservatives to make progress. But even worse was to come when the Conservatives lost their last remaining councillor in the constituency in 2008 – an achievement which which I am proud to have played a large part in as constituency campaign organiser. This is the first time there haven’t been any Conservatives on the council in Sheffield since at least the 1870s.
After years 0f dithering, whilst any keen activists they had followed their former PPC Spencer Pitfield to the new Penistone & Stocksbridge seat, earlier this month the Conservatives finally selected a PPC in Daniel Gage. Despite starting off in a blaze of publicity saying how he’d moved to the seat and how he was working in a local pub and apparently receiving a warm welcome from local residents, the campaign has already come to a shuddering halt.
First, was the news that he had been kicked off Dronfield Town Council in Derbyshire for non-attendance, which he had good grace to admit was “obviously not the best timing”, but now after just 10 days he has been forced to resign as PPC too. It seems as though the local Conservatives didn’t take kindly to the bad publicity and there are allegations that the resignation letter was written for him and he was made him sign. He is now threatening to run as an Independent.
OK, so the Conservatives don’t stand a cat in hells chance of winning back Sheffield Hallam any time soon – they would have had to start campaigning and delivering leaflets to even start thinking about that one – but being back to having no PPC only around six months from a General Election and facing a long drawn out dispute about whether their candidate resigned or was pushed, is certainly not going to improve their chances.
Nick Clegg will be smiling today.
Firstly, may I introduce myself. My name is Daniel Gage, I’m 24 and until recently was the Public House manager of the Devonshire Arms in Dore village – for 5 years. I have been reading some of your comments with interest and, at time, dismay and deep disappointment. Allow me to explain why.
Firstly, I strongly believe that the fact that a 24 year old wants to get involved in politics and wants to serve and help his community is a truly great thing. And it should be encouraged more. Yes, I fully understand that to many of you, my age is a drawback. However, that does not prevent me from having the passion and enthusiasm and the belief that I can help the people of our country.
Secondly, I find the fact that some individuals seem to be mocking the fact that ‘I’m just a barman’. Well, Iv been involved in running the family business, for many years, and as a result, this 24 year old has an acute knowledge of how local, small business’ run and how they are struggling at the moment due to the economy. I believe that individuals with my background, as humble as one might view it, are exactly what the voter wants – and needs – at a time where our country is in such a state of disarray. It is imperative that our politicians keep their feet on the ground and stay in touch with ordinary voter to ensure they fulfil their job effectively.
Thirdly, and finally. I was a councillor in Dronfield since the age of 20. And since that time, I have been one of the most fearless, passionate and dedicated councillors there. I was the only councillor who, although up against strong opposition, who dared demand the police be more present on the streets. I was the only councillor who raised awareness of terrible anti social behaviour, and persisted to raise the issue until the council listened…and acted. I was the only councillor who warned of the Incinerator and it effects on the people of Dronfield.
I urge those of you who are forming opinions of me from snippets of quotes from the media to go to Dronfield and ask the residents yourself. I am confident they will confirm all that I have touched upon and more.
It is also worth noting that my role on the council is voluntry, and thus NOT paid. However, you are entitled to £250 expenses a year. And ever since I was elected at the age of 20, I never claimed any expenses. In addition, it is also worth me informing you that, yes, I did not attend 6 consecutive meeting in a row. And I accept full responsibility. However, it is incredibly difficult to run a business full time, along with my efforts to get selected for Sheffield Hallam. During that 6 month period, I actually attended over 15 meetings as councillor of Dronfield. Many of those meetings were regarding the incinerator and the action group opposing it. So whilst I did not attend the formalities of council work – I made the choice to get out there, working with the people and GETTING THINGS DONE.
I also sent a letter of resignation to the twon councill in October in preperation for events in Sheffield.
I could continue, suffice to say I have been a dedicated, hard working and passionate councillor, and I only wish I have the opportunity, whenever that may be, to put that enthusiasm to good use in Parliament.
I only ask that you don’t judge me on the basis of local media headlines. Judge me on my actions and on fact.
Regards
Daniel Gage
Sheffield Hallam
Daniel – I assume the comment you’ve made above is a general response to the criticisms that have been made elsewhere. After all, as someone who was a councillor at 24 and stood for parliament at 25 I am hardly going to criticise a candidate for being too young.
I accept to taking a certain amount of delight in the ongoing misfortunes of Hallam’s Conservatives (as I am sure the Tories would do towards the Lib Dems if it was the other way round), but please note that I haven’t made any judgement on whether the criticisms of you are fair as I don’t know if they are.
Daniel,
If your work commitments made it difficult for you to attend meetings of a town (parish) council, how on earth do you expect to fight a parliamentary constituency seriously.
And, if you do expect to be taken seriously as a parliamentary candidate, you may need to improve your written English.
But I certainly don’t consider your age or occupation to be a bar.