Brian Coleman sends Labour into a panic

The friends of Mike Freer were rather amused to see that our article concerning the Labour party and its choice of candidate has caused panic in the local Labour party ranks. Responding to the charge that selecting Andrew Dismore Ex MP proved that it was same old Labour in Barnet, they had a flurry of activity. To prove that they have changed, they wheeled out none other than Ken Livingstone to visit East Finchley on a walkabout with Andrew Dismore. Nice to see they've freshened up the team !

Andrew Dismore claimed he was “not going to get into a personal slanging match” with Councillor Coleman. Of course not, he left that to Ken Livingstone who told the Times : “He represents everything that’s wrong about the way City Hall works".

Clearly the points we raised about Mr Dismore stung as both Mr Dismore and Mr Livingstone said they also recognised a need for school places as well as housing development in the borough. I wonder why Mr Dismore has not been supporting Etz Chaim, if this is the case. Surely he recognises that there is a chronic lack of places in Mill Hill.

He also responded to our comments about living in the Notting Hill champagne socialist belt by making the following comment “There is far too little in terms of affordable housing, particularly affordable housing for rent, and this is something which needs to be worked on.”

Strangely, the pair were rather quiet about the other issue we raise. Andrew Dismore and his expenses as an MP.

Brian Coleman congratulates Andrew Dismore on his selection as Labour GLA Candidate

The friends of Mike Freer caught up with an old friend of ours recently. Brian Coleman is our larger than life GLA representive for Barnet and Camden. Brian is well known as one of the most hard working politicians in London. He is also well known for his other work, recently co-hosting a show on LBC with his old adversary, ex Mayor Ken Livingstone.

We asked him what he thought of Labour selecting Andrew Dismore to face him in the GLA elections in 2012. Brian told us he was thrilled. Brian said "The selection of Dismore has conclusively shown everybody that it's the same old Labour party". Brian will be keen to highlight the fact that before Matthew Offord beat him in Hendon, Dismore was the MP with one of the highest expense bills in the country. Despite living in London, Dismore claimed allowances for a second home. Unlike Brian, Dismore doesn't even live in Barnet, his main home being in the champagne socialist belt in Notting Hill. Recently Andrew Dismore has been leading opposition to the Etz Chaim Jewish free school in Mill Hill, despite a desperate need for school places for Jewish children in Mill Hill.

It should be an interesting battle and we look forward to Brian being re-elected with a much increased majority.