Butler tackles his party's big issues

4:51pm Thursday 4th October 2007

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Borehamwood councillor Ernie Butler returned to his Cowley Hill ward this week after a trip to Bournemouth to attend this year's Labour party conference.

Despite being a party member for more than 12 years, this was the first time Mr Butler had attended the annual event.

Although he was the only delegate invited from Hertsmere, he was joined by Borehamwood councillors Ann Harrison and Di Hoeksma.

Describing his experience, Mr Butler said: "The whole week was very intense. I was getting up at 7am and I wouldn't get to bed some nights until 12pm.

"It was a nice atmosphere and it was great because you were with people from all the other constituencies. I made a few friends and found out what was going on in other areas."

Mr Butler said he went to the conference with a clear agenda to raise the issue of youth provision in Borehamwood.

"The facilities for young people, especially in Borehamwood, are not good enough," he said. "I obviously had a particular interest in raising the issue of Brookside Boys' Club and what the closure of this would mean for our town."

Other issues including affordable housing also grabbed Mr Butler's attention.

He said: "To me the things discussed that were most important to Borehamwood were housing, health service, education, provision for carers and the environment.

"It was said that more money would be given to councils to provide affordable housing which is so important to our town. Also the issue of deep cleaning all hospitals to prevent infections was on the agenda which is important because Barnet hospital has been one of the worst affected."

As well as chatting to politicians such as Peter Hain, Harriet Harman and Dennis Skinner, Mr Butler also met journalists Andrew Neil and Jeremy Paxman.

He said: "It is so strange walking among people you see everyday on the TV."

On the big question of whether a General Election will be called, Mr Butler said: "I think an election now would be a bit premature, but I do understand that Mr Brown wants his own mandate and not just go in on the back of Tony Blair.

"I know I am a bit biased but Gordon Brown seems like a really genuine man. Although I didn't dislike Tony Blair he seemed to play up to the cameras but Gordon Brown didn't and I felt his intentions were really good.

"I definitely came back feeling a lot more positive than I did when I went."