As the Conservative Party reels from the shockwaves of the recent by-elections, Paul thinks we are a country in political limbo with no leadership nationally or locally..
Strayside Sunday: Was it Boris or was it local failure?
This Sunday Paul reflects on why the Conservatives lost councillors at the local elections in Harrogate. Was it Boris or what he considers to be the arrogance of the local leadership?
Strayside Sunday: Putin may end up with the upper hand
This Sunday Paul reflects on the conflict in Ukraine and his fear that Putin is “willing to play a game with the highest of all stakes, whilst the West is not”.
Strayside Sunday: It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to..
To say Paul is angry about the current state of the Conservative party is an understatement as he calls on local MPs to send in their letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson to the 1922 Committee..
Strayside Sunday: 2022 will see a changing of the guard in Harrogate
In his first Strayside Sunday of 2022, Paul Baverstock, reflects on the performance of our politicians and the big local governmental change that lies ahead ..
Strayside Sunday: I want to pay one council tax to a single and accountable body
It’s Yorkshire Day and Paul reflects on the recently announced shake-up of local government that will see Harrogate Borough Council no longer exist. Not many will be sorry to see it go he argues.
Strayside Sunday: Get a grip or election defeat looms
Strayside Sunday is our monthly political opinion column. It is written by Paul Baverstock, former Director of Communications for the Conservative Party.
Strayside Sunday: That sinking feeling in Ripon
This month, Paul reacts to Harrogate Borough Council’s overhaul of leisure, “voids” which have plagued Ripon and the long awaited reopening of Starbeck Baths.
Strayside Sunday: Harrogate Borough Council believes itself above scrutiny
This month Paul reacts to a Stray Ferret investigation into secrecy at Harrogate Borough Council and accuses the authority of considering itself beyond scrutiny and making “a mockery of our local democracy”.
Strayside Sunday: Low rent politics stinks
This month Paul looks at sleaze allegations facing the Conservative Party and at a “news” website locally that is run by the conservative party yet claims to be “non-political” and thinks who are they kidding…
Strayside Sunday: It’s Census Day – time to take stock
This week Paul reflects on a changing world and how the art of writing now requires “absolute precision and care in what we say” or we cause offence..