The age of Westminster politics is over
THE age of Westminster-centred politics is over, says the Liberal Democrat chosen to challenge Tory MP Gary Streeter at the next General Election.
Anna Pascoe, a hotelier from St Ives, was selected this week by the South West Devon Liberal Democrats.
"Being a Liberal Democrat is all about ensuring that ordinary people have a real say in how their communities should be run," Ms Pascoe, aged 27, said.
"I've been touched by the warmth and openness of South West Devon residents since I've started working for the constituency in the summer.
"The age of Westminster-centred politics is coming to an end.
"People know what is right for their own area and should be the ones coming up with the ideas and the solutions for their community instead of politicians deciding what is best without proper consultation and engagement."
Ms Pascoe was born and educated in Cornwall. She studied German and politics at Southampton University and manages the Primrose Valley Hotel in St Ives.
Stephen Kearney, chairman of the South West Devon Liberal Democrats, said: "Anna has her feet firmly on the ground, understanding business, the community and people's lack of trust in the political system.
"She will fundamentally challenge worn-out, divisive and rotten politics. She knows that I expect Liberal Democrat politicians to build, trust, respect and relationships and that means deep engagement with people on their terms.
"She has been meeting people from all walks of life and of all ages in their homes and on the street. She is listening to them in a very detailed way.
"She is finding individuals that want to join our growing team of SW Devon Ambassadors and facilitators. These are people who will feed local concerns and aspirations into MPs' and councillors' daily work schedule.
"They want to take action and will be supported by Anna to tackle our most intractable problems in the South Hams and Plympton and Plymstock."
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by Yesterday I was Ming, but at party time I am Charl, Ford, or Mannamead, sometimes Laira
Thursday, November 12 2009, 7:29PM
“Anna says:
"if the other commenters have no intention ever of changing their minds about me it's a bit silly to endlessly trade in cyber-potshots."
Fair point, but if you are going to enter Westminster you need to expect some joshing. I think you have had it easy here, watch out next Spring.”
by Anna Pascoe, Devon and Cornwall
Thursday, November 12 2009, 8:22AM
“Charles, Jeremy etc.,
I have answered the questions as well as making the fairly valid point that if the other commenters have no intention ever of changing their minds about me it's a bit silly to endlessly trade in cyber-potshots.
I tjhought your original comment was pretty funny and if you fancy a change from Crownhill, Greenbank etc, I can recommend Plympton and Plymstock and look forward to knocking on your door there and having a proper debate about it all.”
by Today I am Charles or Jeremy, but tomorrow I may be Paddy
Wednesday, November 11 2009, 10:41PM
“Anna says
"but I see no point in anonymous commenters criticising and making assumptions about a young woman they have never even met."
Er.......it's called having a debate. If you are unable to answer the questions then stick to being a hotelier........and stay away from politics.”
by Anna Pascoe, Devon and Cornwall
Monday, November 09 2009, 9:52PM
“Dear Dismayed by it all,
You have the opportunity to contact me as I offered my email address in a previous comment.
As with one of the previous anonymous commenters, you are not interested in actually finding out answers from me as you are making allegations on a website about me instead of simply getting in touch.
Clearly you have not followed the leaflet comment story to its conclusion, as you have missed the fact that The Guardian recently concluded that I was not responsible for the comment, as did the Lib Dem internal investigation.
I only have one webpage, which contains no reference to this person "Margaret Hodges", to whom you refer.
As I underlined to Enemy of the EU State, I am happy to meet up/email/engage in discussion with you, but I see no point in anonymous commenters criticising and making assumptions about a young woman they have never even met.
In contrast, the real people I have met so far across South West Devon have been friendly and open to dialogue and I would like to thank them for their welcome.”
by Dismayed by it all!!, Plymouth
Sunday, November 08 2009, 4:39PM
“So a party and candidate who still not explained how a past personal insult on another candidate occurred? Didnt Anna Pascoe also start a webpage up as well relating to her view of Margaret Hodges? Does this move out of the Duchy mean all can be forgotten.......until another incident happens which cannot be explained! I used to believe that the LD's were the best option for the South West but now I can see their just like the rest.”