Government is running the country like a mafia, says Bill Esterson MP

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson has described as:- "disgraceful" reports that the Conservative Government threatened to withhold funding from communities if MPs didn't vote yes in the controversial:- "corruption" vote.  It was reported that in order to persuade Conservative MPs to back the Government on a controversial vote to save the MP Owen Paterson from suspension and the potential loss of his seat in a lobbying scandal, Government whips said money awarded to constituencies under the:- "Towns Fund" could be withheld. In total, 39 of the 45 towns selected to receive funds from the:- "Towns Fund" were in Parliamentary constituencies which voted Conservative or were in target areas for the Conservatives. For example, Southport, with a newly elected Conservative MP, was selected to benefit, whereas Crosby, represented by Labour's Bill Esterson, was rejected.

The Government performed a humiliating u-turn the day after the Owen Paterson vote, accepting it was wrong to try to change the rules to save the MP.  Mr Esterson said:- "The Conservative Government is running the country like a Mafia. This was confirmed with the revelation that they threatened to withhold money from parts of the country which voted for them, if Conservative MPs didn't vote to protect 1 of their own who had been found guilty of corruption. Of course those parts of the country which didn't vote for them have already been starved of investment. This includes Sefton Central. Labour run Sefton Council has excellent plans to revitalise Crosby Town Centre which I fully support. Sefton's bid for funds from the Government has been turned down twice, but I'm pleased to say that Labour will look for alternative ways to implement the plan. In contrast to the Conservative Government, we will invest in all Towns and Villages, prioritising those that need investment the most, not those most loyal to the 'Boss' and his courtiers."

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Halloween 2021 in Southport

DUE to our computer issues we are sorry for the delay in publishing these photos.... These are our Halloween photos taken in 3 of the best Southport venues. The photos where taken at the Ship and Anchor Pub, Sacrebleu Southport, and Skies.