Birmingham Mail - Birmingham Mail Columnists - Jon Walker

Birmingham's big decision lacks choice

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:31:00 GMT

THERE are fewer than 80 days to go before Birmingham makes the big decision – whether or not to switch to a new system of local government by creating a directly-elected mayor to run the city.

MP John Hemming still in race to be Mayor of Birmingham

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:33:00 GMT

LIBERAL Democrat MP John Hemming (Yardley) has said in the past that he might be interested in standing for the post of mayor of Birmingham.

Euro vote with People's Pledge

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:21:00 GMT

EUROPE is an issue that just won’t go away for David Cameron as MPs step up demands for a referendum on whether to leave the EU.

Tough workout on benefits cap

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:19:00 GMT

LABOUR’S Liam Byrne has perhaps the toughest job in politics at the moment, as he struggles to come up with a response to the Coalition’s plans to cap benefits.

Election bonanza comes at a cost

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:21:00 GMT

I HOPE you like voting if you live in Birmingham – because you’re going to have plenty of opportunities to cast your ballot this year.

Make EU talks transparent

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:54:00 GMT

DESPITE all the interest in last week’s European summit, some mystery still surrounds exactly what the French, Germans and others were proposing and exactly what the Prime Minister said “no” to.

MP told off for seeing red

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:45:00 GMT

THE House of Commons is changing – as shown by the fact that MPs are now free to use mobile phones and other electronic devices in the Chamber.

School funding in spotlight

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:46:00 GMT

IS THE Government planning to cut funding for Birmingham schools?

Shabana set to put up a fight

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:54:00 GMT

High-flying Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood has been reflecting on her difficult battle to become Labour’s candidate in the run-up to last year’s General Election.

Minister reply bordering on the bizarre...

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:43:00 GMT

A CITY MP demanded the resignation of Theresa May, the Home Secretary, as it emerged border controls had been relaxed at Birmingham Airport.

Unions' fury as MP's take break

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:03:00 GMT

MPS SEEM only just to have returned to the House of Commons, after the long summer recess ended on October 10.

Roger hits out at Europe poll

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:46:00 GMT

The House of Commons can rise to the occasion when major debates take place, and West Midlands MPs had plenty to say during the historic debate about whether to hold a referendum on the EU.

Gisela goes into bat for historic name

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:58:00 GMT

Top marks to Birmingham Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to promoting the city far and wide.

Pickles: Let's play it straight

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:13:00 GMT

WHILE Home Secretary Theresa May got in a flap over her claim that an illegal immigrant avoided deportation because of his pet cat, Cabinet colleague Eric Pickles was on safer ground with his speech.

Walker's verdict on Clegg's plans

Birmingham Mail — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

BIRMINGHAM City Council and its business leaders have always claimed they could do great things if London let the city make its own decisions.

Members fear being unseated

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:48:00 GMT

PLANNED changes to Birmingham’s Parliamentary constituencies have left MPs fuming.

Members fear being unseated

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

PLANNED changes to Birmingham’s Parliamentary constituencies have left MPs fuming.

All power to first mayor

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 13:36:00 GMT

LOCAL Government Secretary Eric Pickles is to receive a high-powered delegation from Birmingham this week – to discuss the thorny topic of elected mayors.

Sion: We’re all Brummies now

Birmingham Mail — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:58:00 GMT

Sion Simon, the former MP who wants to be mayor of Birmingham, wants everyone who considers Birmingham their home to come out and call themselves a Brummie.

Jon Walker's political diary

Birmingham Mail — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

SION Simon, the former MP who wants to be mayor of Birmingham, wants everyone who considers Birmingham their home to come out and call themselves a Brummie.