Page 15 - br-aug-2022

August 2022 August 2022
NEWS FROM WESTMINSTER it into fresh air being drawn in not only potentially saving us money on heating but

providing regular air circulation and change that will also make the hall a safer
They say that a week is a long time in politics. It is as place should there be further airborne virus or variants of viruses around. I’d like us
true now as ever! As I write, the Prime Minister has just to look at our lighting systems and see what improvements can be made not only
resigned as leader of the Conservative Party, and we to the provision of light in here but also the method and type again with an
will be choosing a new leader. I am quite sure that environmental hat on.
what I am writing now will already be historic by the Alongside that it would be good to be able to do something about the acoustics
time you read it. in here and make the temporary provision of internet access a permanent fixture.
There is no doubt that a great many books will be To be able to do this and maintain the day to day running of the hall will require
written about this time in politics, all providing their more people’s involvement and so I’m hoping to make use of the provision of co-
view on what has gone well, and what could have opting three further trustees for the specific tasks of research into potential
been better. Hundreds of constituents have shared projects, seeking out available grants and helping to project manage these ideas
their views with me about the Prime Minister, both in favour of him and against into reality. I’m making these comments at this AGM because it’s one of the few
him; and both for and against him staying on as PM. As we are a Parliamentary opportunities we get to talk to a group of people outside the trustees who are
democracy, rather than a Presidential style of government, we do not directly interested in our village hall and maybe among you are those with the skills and
elect our Prime Minister. Instead, the Queen appoints the person who is the abilities to be one of those people and so hopefully I’m planting some seeds of
leader of the party that has won the most votes in an election. Several of my thought in your minds.
colleagues are putting themselves forward for the leadership. There will be an The other thing, should I be chairman next year, that I am very keen to see is even
initial series of votes by Conservative MPs, before a ballot of Conservative closer working relations between the village hall, the social club and the shop.
members. By the autumn and probably well before, we will have a new leader During the various lockdowns we all saw the benefits of supporting one another
and a new Prime Minister. and working together and as we enter this cost of living crisis and whatever else

I remain a member of the awaits us down the road we should actively look for opportunities to assist and
Government in the whips’ support one another in a common goal of providing for this our community.
office, albeit in a new role. Stuart Chorley, Chairman of Briantspuddle Village Hall
A significant part of my
duties as a whip is
administrative, for example
ensuring that there are BRIANTSPUDDLE VILLAGE SHOP - OUR
ministers for debates and
committees, and liaising VILLAGE SHOP
with MPs from all the other
parties. It is also a pastoral
role, providing support and Strawberries and cherries seemed to have been the hit
advice to other MPs (our during July – fresh in on a Saturday word soon got
“flock”), and also provide a round and stock disappeared on the day. It’s so good
line of communication from the backbenches to the Chief Whip and Prime that we can have fresh fruit and vegetables in twice a
Minister, about how MPs are feeling and any concerns or policy issues. week. We are thankful for those who turn out early to
collect from the market – without you we would not
Through these turbulent weeks, this continued support to my “flock” has been as be able to continue to sell the fresh produce which is
important as ever. It is also right that the government must continue to function. so popular.
In order for legislation to be properly scrutinised, debate must be facilitated, and
committees must continue to operate. Whips are a vital part of that process. As If you’re an early bird and wouldn’t mind a trip into
a member of the whips’ office, I have to remain neutral throughout the Dorchester or Wareham please let us know.
leadership race and I will not be promoting or publicly supporting any of the We have fitted a blind this month to the small window to keep the temperature

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