Ah, good old Chafford Hundred. All of Essex distilled down to a single housing estate.

Apparently he’s not a career politician so that’s alright ten!

Does anyone have a good version of the screenshot used to illustrate the BBC story – one of the commentators seems to speaking rubbish too

*then* not ten – my fault.

Full story broke on:

http://www.yourthurrock.com

I rather think that the larger point has been missed here. So a Tory MP is caught out saying something that might offend or doesn’t conform to modern PC standards, big deal.

The real story is that, if despite his public profile and position, he is moved to make such a comment, what do his constituents think?

My guess is that the vast majority of them didn’t bat an eyelid at the comment because it’s something they have all thought but generally don’t repeat in polite company.

My guess is that the vast majority of them didn’t bat an eyelid at the comment because it’s something they have all thought but generally don’t repeat in polite company.

And where would they find polite company in Essex? .

Sorry – couldn’t resist. However, if an elected politician wants to criticise his or her area (in this case presumably a ward) he or she does indeed have every right to do so. Sometimes I think the kneejerk reaction is to say ‘that’s terrible; he (or she) can’t do that.’ Well yes they can – we seem to have acquired free speech in the course of this country’s rather accidental history; if you live in a horrible area, why not admit it, although it might be better to suggest how you’d improve it at the same time. Remember, people living in bad conditions should not be insulated from the truth that their lives may suck – unless of course you don’t want anyone to have aspirations beyond a souped-up Renault or someone who sticks around to look after the baby.

“Sometimes I think the kneejerk reaction is to say ‘that’s terrible; he (or she) can’t do that.’ Well yes they can – we seem to have acquired free speech in the course of this country’s rather accidental history”

So if you slate an area you are meant to represent you are exercising “free speech”, if ou say that’s terrible it’s a “kneejerk reaction”.

Its another example of a politician representing people he doesn’t know and doesn’t like very much. Usually when some poor MP ends up in an area he feels is beneath him. That is terrible.

If the people of Chafford Hundred don’t like it they can vote him out at the next election. That’s called democracy. If they didn’t realise what sort of a guy he was before the election, well…..whose fault is that.

Um, he’s not an MP, he’s a local councillor. There’s generally something of a qualitative difference.

Terry @ 7

So if you slate an area you are meant to represent you are exercising “free speech”, if you say that’s terrible it’s a “kneejerk reaction”.

Of course, you are still exercising free speech. I just wish that people would consider why people say these things more – although in this case he would have been better off defending his arguments rather than claiming it was his garden. Knee-jerk reactions are still free-speech, just ones that I find a bit tiresome (apart from when I’m reacting to things of course…).

story updated

http://www.yourthurrock.com/2010/08/04/rockcliffe-suspended-over-chaffrica-comment/

Um, he’s not an MP, he’s a local councillor. There’s generally something of a qualitative difference

Why ?
I have met capable local councillors and useless MPs.
You are a bit of social snob Timmy boy.

Why ?
I have met capable local councillors and useless MPs.
You are a bit of social snob Timmy boy.

Because it’s much harder to get to be an MP than it is to be a councillor. That means that it is even easier to find amusing stories about comedy councillors than it is about comedy MPs. Neither is difficult. Nothing snobbish about it either. I know some extremely posh councillors.

Because it’s much harder to get to be an MP than it is to be a councillor. That means that it is even easier to find amusing stories about comedy councillors than it is about comedy MPs. Neither is difficult. Nothing snobbish about it either. I know some extremely posh councillors.
Difficult to be one.Yesssssssss
Son of an old megalomaniac
A mate of Cameron.
Running a right wing magazine
Been a chick flick writer
Old actress
Failed journalist or trades unionist
Also you cannot make a judgement about two individuals because you think it is harder to be an MP or councillor. How can that be a qualitative judgement.
Maybe the councillor, a top doctor or head teacher does not wish to become an MP.

I see Michael Casey has posted links to his website on here. This is all about publicity for his website, Casey is the one that reported Councillor Rockliffe in the fist place. If anyone would bother to ask the original residents of Chafford Hundred what they think about this story then you will find out that they will support the comments. The once nice area of Chafford Hundred has been ruined by African immigrants and the residents are furious about it, those that haven’t fled the area that is.

“The once nice area of Chafford Hundred has been ruined by African immigrants and the residents are furious about it, those that haven’t fled the area that is.”
Spoken like a true right wing blogger.

Spoken by someone that lives in the area and have witnessed it first hand. But obviously you lefties don’t want to hear the truth.

Perhaps the moral of the story is that even low brow politicos should avoid using both urban slang, and facebook – when will they learn that it tends to upset the public once our Lords & master deviate from their Stepford wives routine?

It certainly must have upset young ‘Rockers’
http://www.thurrock.gov.uk/councillors/content.php?page=councillor&ID=56

He has now been suspended ………..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/7928316/Tory-councillor-suspended-over-Chaffrica-Facebook-jibe.html

Garry Hague, leader of the Conservative group, said Cllr Rockcliffe’s comments were a “grave error” – he added, “we are extremely concerned over the potential offence that may have been caused” ……… yes, of course you are, Garry?

I am not a lefty but isn’t the reference also aimed at Chavs (white working classes) as well the obvious racial undertones.
Also most Africans, especially west Africans I know are hard working types.