Labour Group Elections

I notice that various runners and riders in the Brent Labour Group elections have been made public. Nothing substantial is likely to change however, especially as the governance mechanisms of the Labour Group remain the same. There will however be a series of extremely brutal changes to Brent Council services as the Councils finances collapse.

Harlesden and Kingsbury Libraries

I am told that Harlesden and Kingsbury Libraries have reopened, although I have been to them myself. I hope all Brent libraries extend their hours soon.

2019 Election Retrospective

I have just been reading today's Sunday Times on the 2019 election, and it is the weirdest account I have ever read. The Corbyn's hatred for everyone else was always plain, but their deep loathing for each other less so. The sheer unprofessionLism of these who refused to speak to one another, accept basic facts, even share details of events is indezcrible. A slogan was even rejected because Tony Blair had used it more than twenty years before. There really is no need to believe in conspiracies to sabotage people who are doing so much to destroy themselves.

Poor Housing and More Covid19 infection

The media is reporting that Brent's poor housing is a key part of why we are a Covid19 hot spot. No surprise. The real question is how do we improve the housing?

Exam Disaster

The size and scale of the English exam disaster is stunning even by the standards of the Johnson government. Whereas I have no doubt Williamson will swing for It, it is worth recalling Michael Gove contributed by downgrading coursework and imposing the lowering grades dogma. His great guru in this was of course Dominic Cummings; now the most powerful man in the government.

Harlesden and Kingsbury Libraries Still Closed

Harlesden and Kingsbury Libraries remain closed although we were told that all Brent libraries would open in July. Interestingly, the various objectors to the Libraries Transformation in 2011 don't seem bothered by this, but it leaves the North of the Borough with very little coverage. What is the reason?

Kilburn Library Services

Yesterday I happened to be in Kilburn Library where a staff member told me that most of the chairs had been removed in order to discourage people from using the library in the name of making the space safer. Presumably it also allows everyone more time to contemplate the futility of human existence.

Brent Museum Reopens

Brent Museum's permanent exhibition appears to be open to viewing again. The interactive bits remain closed, but it is good to see some further progress at Wìllesden Library.

Brent Labour Group Democracy

I have glanced at the Labour Group's Democracy Review, and found it disappointing. Some points at a inaccurate, for instance the Whip can suspend Group members under the existing rules and this has been done in the recent past. Councillors have willingly surrendered their ability to vote nominees to committees and posts, largely because that is what the Leader told them. Most glaringly, only twenty odd actually responded to the opinion survey. It brings to mind the old joke the meeting on combating political apathy has been cancelled because of lack of interest.

Police Stops

Brent Central MP Dawn Butler was reportedly stopped at lunchtime on Sunday. Although the incident appears to have been sorted out fairly swiftly on the spot, it is a reminder that the whole justice system fails to deliver, well, justice.

Restricting Movements by Age

There have been reports that the government ask all those over 50 to shield. I find this very unlikely as 338 MPs in the current Parliament are fifty or above.

The End of the Planning System

Simon Jenkins suggests that the Tories are effectively ending planning in England altogether.  This is in some ways a natural development of modern Toryism.

The effect would be so disastrous however that I suspect even the Tory core voters will rise up against It, in a way that makes the Poll Tax look a picnic.  Jenrick's head would then roll.

Furness Road Dig

I see that Furness Road is being dug up north of Wrottesley Road. This is to install some new fibre optic cable.  Let us hope that the contractors leave it in as good a state as when they found it.

Wìllesden Art Gallery Reopening?

Yesterday I noticed that the Art Gallery at Wìllesden Library appears to being prepared for reopening.

The artist charges 100 pounds and more his paintings.

Libraries and Lockdown

Public libraries news has an interesting piece on different libraries and lockdown.  The effect on usage will be dire and many authorities may cut funding permantly.

Ealing Road and Kilburn Libraries Open Tomorrow

Ealing Road and Kilburn libraries will open troops from 10.30am to 2.30pm.  It seems they will a solar model to Wìllesden Library.

Railways Renationalised

Railways have been renationalised, and by a Tory government.  The policy that Ed Miliband advocated several years and was denounced for is now officially recognised as a simple fact by the ONS as they are now classifying the railways as part of the public sector.