Why we need a Fair Deal for Housing and Communities
Ian Shires
Liberal DEMOCRAT Activist Learn more
Government childcare announcement: More Conservative chaos hurting families
The case for a radical, liberal left
Why we need a Fair Deal for Housing and Communities
Government childcare announcement: More Conservative chaos hurting families
The case for a radical, liberal left
Thank You – Freedom of the Borough
by Ian Shires on 19 November, 2021
I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone for all the messages of goodwill I have received. I really didn’t expect this. I feel very privileged. Thank you all for your kind words.
- YouTube recording of the special council meeting, including tributes from other councillors — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBeEZqmnHPo
2 Comments
I’m not a fan of ‘gongs’, local or national, but congratulations Ian! In your acceptance speech you said you won’t miss being a cllr. I’m not convinced? I’m minded of the Deputy Labour Group Leader’s praise for your advice. support and role in Overview & Scrutiny on the council. There’s no secret that as a Labour Party member I’ve repeatedly drawn attention to you being head and shoulders above other councillors. That’s a serious loss!
What I hope, like Tony Benn when he gave up being an MP, there will now be time for politics. Down the years we’ve crossed swords, had serious disagreements (always will?) but I welcomed opportunities in the past two years, to discuss, debate and share ideas about reconnecting the council with the people of Walsall,
I’ve had and still have ‘stick’ from ‘usual suspects’ about discussing this with you. I don’t believe anything meaningful will come out of a additional council process. Particularly in the Walsall context.
Because you’re no longer ‘on the council’ I hope this isn’t unfinished business?
Kind regards
Andy Boys
Hi Andy
Thanks for your comments, really appreciated. Not being a Councillor comes with its benefits. For one, I can say what I like to who I like and not think about the consequences. I am still a Governor of a local school. Now I have more time, I have taken a more active role in that I have taken on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Link Governor responsibilities.
The school already has a good reputation for SEN delivery, but it is very limited on space, so I have already begin seeking out the funding for an on-site Pod as a short term solution, with construction of a permanent space on site for meeting the needs of both the pupils and the parents long term.
I have also joined the Board of Frank F Harrison CA with the aim of developing The Hive on New Invention Square into the Sure Start provision that we used to be delivered from Beacon School by the Council before the school went over to Academy status.
I am still working to promote a Progressive Alliance on the Centre Left at local and more lately at Regional and National level. Still want to see People Assemblies devolved local budgets based on Marmot Objectives. They might regret getting me off the Council. At least they could see what I was up to then.
Happy to speak with you anytime over a pint maybe?
Kind regards
Ian