Jonathan Chatfield

Jonathan Chatfield Winning here

About Me

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About Me

Jonathan lives in the heart of the South East Cambridgeshire constituency in the beautiful village of Impington. He is married to Doris, who is a Research Nurse at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and they have a young son called Samuel.

Jonathan is a Commercial Manager in the rail industry and has held several posts within his career, including Station Manager at Cambridge and Sales and Marketing Manager for Stansted Express. He is currently with Network Rail working on major investment projects in the London area.

Jonathan studied Economics, Politics and History at the University of Bradford. Upon graduating he became the first ever Liberal Democrat to be elected President of the University Students' Union. He was involved in several National Union of Students committees and campaigns concerning student finance and housing.

Jonathan was elected as a councillor on South Cambridgeshire District Council in 2002 and has been re-elected twice, each time with an increased majority. He has also been a Parish Councillor on Histon Parish Council for 5 years. In recent years, Jonathan has organised local campaigns on 'Axe the Tax', door-step recycling, improvements to local bus services, reductions in traffic speed limits and many other issues. These campaigns have included petitions, High Street stalls, letter writing and local media involvement. He is particularly passionate about transport, education and environmental issues.

Jonathan is a fluent French speaker, having spent eight months in Bordeaux. He has recently graduated with a Masters Degree (MBA) from Warwick Business School. In his spare time Jonathan is actively involved in his local village church and he and his wife also enjoy cycling, coastal and hill walking.

Education

10 GCE 'O' Levels, Weymouth Grammar School 1981-86; 3 GCE 'A' Levels, Weymouth College 1986-88; BSc.(Hons), University of Bradford 1988-91; Masters in Business Administration, Warwick Business School 2008

Experience

President, Students' Union, University of Bradford 1991-92; Graduate Training Scheme then Station Manager, Enfield 1992-94, Station Manager, Cambridge 1994-96, Sales and Marketing Manager, Stansted Express 1996-2000, Business Manager, Network Rail 2000-06, Commercial Advisor 2006-present

Council experience

Member Histon Parish Council 2001-05; South Cambridgeshire District Council 2002-present

Parliamentary experience

PPC, South East Cambridgeshire 2005

Occupation

Commercial Manager

Memberships

Histon Parish Church, University of Bradford Graduates Association

Latest Articles

• Mar 3, 2010:
  • Regulation is the Answer to Burwell's Bus Problems
    Some readers may remember that just over 30 years ago Burwell had its very own bus company - Burwell and District Motor Services. The brown and cream buses linked Burwell to Cambridge and Newmarket, Soham and Ely and many of the villages around it. Then in 1979 the brothers who owned it wanted to retire and sold it to Eastern Counties the then nationalised bus company. In those days local bus services were highly regulated, with the onus on those wanting to run a new service having to prove to the local traffic commissioner there was a need for it, while existing operators, even the national bus company, had to seek the traffic commissioner's approval for any changes, including fares. There was no such thing as a "commercial"service and pirate operators couldn't undermine socially necessary services. Of course this very restrictive regime prevented innovation and gave a monopoly to existing operators, most of whom were nationalised or council owned. But in their haste to privatise everything the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher threw out the baby with the bath water. The Conservatives brought in deregulation and privatisation of local buses. But as usual with the Tories their purpose wasn't so much to improve services, but to allow business people to exploit the market. A free for all ended with five big multi national transport companies running nearly all our local buses, beyond the reach of local democracy. In London, mainly due to the fact that they wanted to ensure the iconic red London bus was preserved, a form of privatised regulation was kept, with control of all services resting with the elected Mayor. Needless to say, while bus patronage has declined in the rest of country, it has actually increased in London, despite a falling population, due mainly to the fact that the buses are run for the community and not for profit. That's why a Liberal Democrat government would impose bus regulation similar to the London model on the rest of the country. So instead of Burwell residents being at the mercy of Stagecoach and its shareholders, Stagecoach would have to run buses when we want them. And if they didn't want to, there'd be someone else who would. And they won't be allowed to undermine the socially needed services, which they can do at present. The county council has now taken £1 million from its transport pot for the mis-guided busway and the cuts Stagecoach is making to its commercial routes is also linked to the delay in the opening of the busway. With less money available for local rural bus services there is no way that the commercial journeys dropped by Stagecoach can now be picked up by the county council, without someone else losing out. When the Labour government came to power in 1997 it said it would sort out the Tory transport mess, but as we can all see 13 years on its only got worse and the only people benefiting are the shareholders of Stagecoach. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 16, 2008:
  • Parliamentary Column Autumn 2008
    Tough economic times are upon us again. Food prices are going up in the shops. Petrol prices have never been higher. Houses are not selling. Mortgages are unavailable. It is hard to find many reasons to be cheerful. So what should be happening? How must our Government respond? Well, in Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrats have an economic expert who knows what he is talking about. He predicted the current problems in the global economy. He has the experience of a life in the business world. Over several years, he warned the Government about the dangers of building an economy on the back of unsustainable debt. There are several practical steps that can be taken. We need to be honest about the situation we are in. We need to step in to help people in danger of losing their homes through re-possession. We must end the City's culture of paying huge bonuses for short term results. And we must help people struggling to pay their weekly bills. Will Labour listen to us? After 11 disappointing years, they must act decisively, before it is too late. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 8, 2008:
  • Parliamentary Column April 08
    What is it that makes a community? How often do you stop and think about the difference between a housing estate, a beautiful village and a thriving community? Here in South East Cambridgeshire, we have many beautiful villages, but it is a sense of community that really makes a place special. A community is a complex mix of people, place and purpose. It is the church, the village pub, the clubs and societies. It is neighbours looking out for each other and people stopping to chat or just say 'Good Morning' as they pass by. It is the corner shop, the newsagent, the post office. Seen in this light, the current threat to post offices becomes a threat to our communities as well. Without playing too much party politics, it is worth noting that 3,500 post offices closed under the last Conservative Government (1979 - 1997) and 4,000 have closed so far under the Labour Government (1997 - 2008). This is not surprising as both red and blue parties have failed to see the real importance of the post office. Instead, they have chipped away at the facilities and services offered through the local post office - the renewal of your TV licence being an obvious example. But it is not only post offices, have you ever felt that Britain is becoming more impersonal by the year? The internet and telephone both have their uses, but sometimes you just need a real person to meet face-to-face or speak to on the telephone. Instead, we "Press 1 for …. and press 2 for…" interspersed with never ending music and "your call is important to us". 'Faceless Britain' is how it has been phrased and I don't think we much like it. So let's start a campaign to bring back real people. Let's spend some of our money in local shops where the staff know our name. And let's take every opportunity to value, cherish and build up our local communities. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 14, 2008:
  • Parliamentary Column Feb 08
    Jonathan Chatfield says: It is madness to force people to sell their homes. There should be few things more obvious in a modern and caring society than our need to look after older people, as they reach their later years. That is why the Liberal Democrats are proposing a Care Guarantee. Not only that, we are prepared to put two billion pounds behind it, to show how serious we are about this commitment. If you live in Scotland, you are not charged for either nursing care or personal care. However, in England (and here in South East Cambridgeshire), you will face a tough means-tested assessment and personal care (help with feeding, bathing and dressing) can cost you up to 161 pounds for ten hours. This inequality has led to real injustice and is a real worry to the oldest members of our community. There is a crisis looming. The number of older people receiving help at home has actually fallen in the last three years despite a 3% increase in the number of people over 75 (source: Age Concern website). We believe there must be an assessment based on need, not on the ability to pay. One in four of the population will require some form of long-term care in their lifetime. The allocation of this must not be dependent upon the size of your bank account. It is madness to force people to sell their homes or use up life savings when personal and nursing care is needed. It makes sense, wherever possible, for this care to be provided in the comfort of people's own homes. The personal care payment and Care Guarantee would do just that. We want to end the injustice and ensure a fair deal for all elderly people who need personal care. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 8, 2007:
  • Jonathan Chatfield calls for Fixed Term Parliament
    Following the recent speculation and then subsequent 'cancellation' of the autumn General Election, Jonathan Chatfield has joined other Liberal Democrats in calling for 4-year fixed term parliaments in the UK. This would prevent the endless speculation and uncertainty over the date of the election and would place the whole process on a sound and stable footing. Such a decision to elect a national government should not rest solely with the UK Prime Minister who can then manipulate events and stage manage announcements, whilst analysing the latest results from opinion polls and focus groups. It does not make for good government and turns the electoral process into one dominated by sectional party interest. Other European countries have a fixed term parliament and now is the time for us to modernise our democracy in this way as well. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 1, 2007:
  • Conference Report
    Jonathan Chatfield welcomed Ming Campbell's speech at Conference Ming Campbell closed a successful Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton with an attack on "the cosy consensus" between Labour and the Conservatives. In a passionate and powerful speech he committed the Liberal Democrats to 'rattling the cage' of British politics. Ming also used his speech to launch a sustained attack on Gordon Brown's record, arguing that despite all the talk of change very little has actually changed. "Brown hasn't taken the tough decisions to tackle climate change, he hasn't scrapped ID cards, he hasn't brought the troops home from Iraq," said Ming. He went on to set out a personal credo influenced by his experience over the last year visiting some of the most disadvantaged people in Britain. He set out how, under his leadership, the Liberal Democrats will confront the difficult issues and take the tough decisions that are necessary to create a country that is free, fair and green. He also proposed a new initiative for constitutional environment rights drawing on examples such as Spain where the citizen's environmental rights are guaranteed in the constitution. SE Cambs Parliamentary Candidate Jonathan Chatfield said: "This was an inspiring speech. Everyone in the hall was impressed by its strength and passion. And the positive response of the media shows Ming Campbell's stature is recognised outside the party as well. The speech was a great boost for the party and it rounded off a conference that put the Liberal Democrats way ahead of the others on tackling pollution and poverty." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY

Campaigns

Jonathan Chatfield campaiging with Ely Lib Dems

Jonathan Chatfield campaigning to Axe the Tax

Jonathan Chatfield talking to a local resident about speeding in local villages

Jonathan Chatfield campaigning for improved cycling facilities

Latest Stories

• May 4, 2010:
  • VOTE4ANIMALS 2010 Candidate Endorsement
    Protecting Animals in Democracy have endorsed Jonathan Chatfield as their recommended candidate Dear Jonathan Thank you very much for responding to the Protecting Animals in Democracy policy questionnaire. We are pleased to inform you that we have decided to endorse you as the best voting option in your constituency to protect millions of animals from the cruelty of bloodsports, intensive farming and painful experiments. You can view our endorsement by visiting our website (link below) and clicking on your constituency. We believe that the way we treat animals is a fundamental indication of the state of our society, and 87% of the public agree, according to a YouGov opinion poll. Your support for measures to protect animals is, therefore, a positive sign that you have the character and values much needed to stand in Parliament and help restore the integrity of our political system. We wish you the very best of luck in the General Election, and we hope we can work with you in the next Parliament to build a more compassionate society where animals are treated as individuals worthy of respect rather than expendable objects to be exploited and abused. Kind regards Dr Dan Lyons Protecting Animals in Democracy Related Links Protecting Animals in Democracy's endorsement Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Labour Candidate Suspended
    Labour candidate John Cowan has been suspended after boasting about his sexual exploits online. He also admitted illegally paying his cleaner cash-in-hand and said he would not want his children to marry a Muslim. In the 2005 General Election, the gap between Conservative and Jonathan Chatfield was just over 8,000 and the Labour Party came in third place, but with just under 12,000 votes. What you need to know - According to Election Law, the suspended Labour candidate will still appear on the ballot paper even though Labour are no longer actively contesting the election Labour received almost 12,000 votes in SE Cambs in 2005. Many Labour voters have moved over to the Lib Dems since then Now that it's a straight fight, Lib Dem Jonathan Chatfield has a real chance to beat the sitting Conservative MP Related Links Daily Mail Article 27 April 2010 Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 2, 2010:
  • Someone's nicked our boards!
    Edd Stonham has called for the return of stakeboards We've been quite excited during this campaign about the number of people who've volunteered to help, to put posters in their windows and stakeboards in their gardens. Then last night someone nicked 8 of our stakeboards along Park Lane and Impington Lane in Histon. We understand that the Tories have lost some of theirs as well. There's a certain honour amongst thieves and that applies to politicians as well. We attack each other in our literature and on the door step but we don't engage in 'dirty tricks'. We don't nick each others posters. So whoever did this is not from one of the major parties, he or she may simply be anti-politics. Who ever it is the action doesn't achieve much. Edd Stonham, Lib Dem candidate for Histon and Impington in the local election, said: 'this is disappointing. It's not just an affront to the Lib Dems (and the Tories) but it's also a denial of the right of free expression of political opinion to the people who chose to display the posters. I'm more concerned about the latter than the former.' If anyone knows where the errant stakeboards are perhaps he or she could contact us. info@secambslibdems.org.uk Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 28, 2010:
  • Jonathan Chatfield pledges to take Action for Children in South East Cambs
    Jonathan Chatfield has backed ssential early intervention services that offer vulnerable children and families the support they need to stop problems being passed down through generations Jonathan Chatfield, Liberal Democrat candidate for South East Cambridgeshire has pledged to take his action for children to help break cycles of deprivation and help generations to come. With around a million of today's children facing being in trapped in the same cycle of deprivation as their parents, in the run up to the General Election, leading children's charity Action for Children is calling on politicians to take action now and pledge their support for the vital services that provide early targeted assistance for struggling families. The charity is calling on the next Government to back essential early intervention services that offer vulnerable children and families the support they need to break free from the challenges they face and stop problems being passed down through generations. Signing Action for Children's Pledge, Jonathan Chatfield said: "I am delighted to give my support and make a commitment to take action for children at this election. Targeted early intervention in these situations is so important to help families give their children the best start in life." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 27, 2010:
  • Lib Dems Surge Ahead with All Out Offensive in SE Cambs
    Jonathan Chatfield is ramping up his campaign to be South East Cambs next MP Battling Liberal Democrats are surging ahead with an all-out offensive in South East Cambridgeshire after the Labour opposition candidate was thrown out of his party for discussing his sexual exploits on the Internet. They have called in leading strategists to discuss new election tactics to get Jonathan Chatfield elected as the new MP. The move came after John Cowan was dismissed from the Labour Party; but his name will still appear on the ballot papers. In the 2005 General Election Labour polled 12,000 votes; the Tories have a majority of just 8,000. Jonathan said: "The decision by Labour to dismiss its candidate has left the contest wide open. "We are picking up Labour voters across South East Cambridgeshire and seriously challenging the Tory's majority. Any voter putting a cross again Cowan's name on the ballot party will not be voting for Labour because he is no longer backed by the national party. It will be a wasted vote." Orange Liberal Democrat flag boards are going up across South East Cambridgeshire as the party ramps up its efforts with just days to go until voters go to the polls. Posters have been reprinted and an extra 500 have been added to the print run to meet demand. "There is everything to play for in this election," said Jonathan. "Both nationally and locally people are realising that the Lib Dems offer a real alternative to the old party politics." A spokesman for the Lib Dems nationally said: "This is a real indication that the Lib Dems are the progressive party for change." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 26, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire Signs Volunteering Pledge
    Jonathan Chatfield has signed up to the Volunteering Pledge Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for South East Cambridgeshire has signed up to Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire's volunteering pledge. Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire is the "one-stop-shop" for local voluntary, community and charitable groups who need information and/or guidance about how to improve the service or activities they deliver to their communities. The volunteering pledge commits Jonathan to recognising the value of volunteering in building a strong society, promoting positive messages about volunteering, encouraging people to give their time by helping free volunteers from red tape and supporting the organisations who support volunteers. Jonathan visited the Ely Volunteering Centre on Friday April 23 Jonathan where he met Avril Hayter-Smith the project and development manager for Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire and other volunteers. Jonathan said: "Voluntary and Community Action East Cambridgeshire do tremendous work including taking elderly people to hospital appointments, helping look after local gardens and much much more. "Liberal Democrats take the issue of volunteering very seriously and over the next year we will be consulting with the sector on a new policy paper for volunteering." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 7, 2010:
  • Jonathan Chatfield Announces Hustings Dates
    15 April Soham Pavilion 7.30pm 21 April Impington Village College 8pm 22 April Haddenham Baptist Church 7.30pm 26 April St Marys Ely 7pm 27 April Impington Village College 7.30pm (Environment) 30 April Bottisham (TBC) Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Lib Dem Jonathan Chatfield Starts Election Campaign outside Ely Station
    Jonathan Chatfield with a flying start to the General Election Campaign Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire kicked off his election campaign meeting commuters outside Ely Station this morning - Wednesday April 7. Jonathan and his team gave out over 250 SNAP magazines to rail passengers. The magazine highlights Jonathan's campaigning and his family and was very well received. Jonathan has also confirmed that he will be attending six husting events across the South East Cambridgeshire Parliamentary Constituency over the coming weeks at Soham, Impington, Haddenham, Ely and Bottisham. Jonathan Chatfield said: "I'm fighting this election by meeting as many people as I possibly can. I've had a tremendously positive response. "Its clear that a great many previous Conservative voters aren't happy with David Cameron's PR antics and that Labour voters see me as having the best chance of beating the Tory candidate in the South East Cambridgeshire seat." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 6, 2010:
  • Response to the General Election announcement from Jonathan Chatfield Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire.
    Jonathan Chatfield is ready to represent South East Cambs in Parliament "Based on the result from the last General Election, as well as votes from last year's county council elections, the forthcoming South East Cambridgeshire contest will be a close race between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Voters in this constituency have a clear choice to make. "A clear choice on taxes. Fairer taxes under the Lib Dems - with most people paying £700 less in taxes than they do now. Paid for by removing tax breaks and loopholes for the very wealthy. "A clear choice on steering the UK economy back to good health - with our universally respected shadow chancellor Vince Cable giving you the detail about how we will do it. "A clear choice on education - we commit to investing £2.5bn to help reduce class sizes and give all children the best start in life. "A clear choice on cleaning up Parliament - we will campaign for fair votes and greater transparency on MPs expenses. "I am local and live in the heart of the constituency in Impington. I have spent 20 years working in industry. With a young family, I know the value and importance of good local services. My family have benefited from the excellent care provided by the NHS locally. I also want first class schools for all local families. "I am ready for the challenge of representing South East Cambridgeshire in Parliament and look forward to meeting as many electors as I can over the coming weeks." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 24, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Candidate Calls for Action on Busway Frogs
    Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrats' candidate for South East Cambridgeshire in the forthcoming General Election has called on Cambridgeshire County Council to explain how hundreds of frogs became trapped on the guided busway at Histon over the weekend and to be reassured that the busway has been designed to allow the migration of frogs across its tracks. Jonathan explained: "On Sunday morning I witnessed hundreds of frogs attempting to cross the guided busway to reach the lake behind the Holiday Inn hotel at Histon and Impington, but they had to be rescued by onlookers as they became trapped in the concrete tracks. "Local volunteers told me they had saved over seven hundred the previous day too. "There is plastic sheeting along the busway at this point. But in many places this sheeting has been ripped down by the wind and fails to provide a barrier against small animals crossing the track. "The county council makes great play that the busway is designed not to disrupt wildlife, but this incident suggest that frogs, other amphibians and even reptiles find it impossible to cross the tracks. "If the buses had been running it would have been carnage." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Mar 10, 2010:
  • Lib Dems Demand Answers to Guided Bus Farce
    Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats are calling on the Tories to give total clarity to the catalogue of defects facing the controversial guided bus project. They want to know when the problems were first flagged up and how they were allowed to drag on until the guided bus was heading seriously off track. A year after the busway was scheduled to open, a report has revealed that there are design faults with the construction which could affect the quality of the ride. Flooding at a Park and Ride site and on the maintenance track and water leaking from a bridge threatening its long-term future are also delaying the project. Despite the fact that the opening of the guided bus is a year behind schedule, Cambridgeshire County Council and the contractors are arguing over how to finish the work; and the council has accepted it will take legal action to settle the dispute. Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Cambridge said: "This is a farcical situation which should never have been allowed to happen. The guided bus was a bad idea from the start which has been poorly managed throughout by the Tories. "Now we have both sides locked in disagreement with no sign of an early end to this dispute. In the meantime, people living near the guided bus tracks have suffered severe disruption and bus services have been altered to accommodate a guided bus which is no nearer to being launched." Martin Land, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Huntingdon, said: "We need answers. We need to know who knew about these defects, why they were not addressed sooner and why we have got to a position which has to be deal with by the lawyers. "At the end of the day, it will be the taxpayer who will have to pick up the bill for the Tories' mistakes - whether the money comes from government or local taxes. This is a totally unacceptable situation which should never have gone this far." Jonathan Chatfield, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire said: "This project is already over budget and with no end in sight the immense final cost will just keep on rising" "The Tories have a great deal of explaining to do as to how this project was allowed to go so badly wrong. The public deserve answers." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 27, 2010:
  • County Council Plan Threatens Villagers with 1,000 Lorries a Day
    Villagers are warned they could face up to 1,000 lorries a day going past their homes if plans to extract 1.4 million tons of sand and gravel from nearby pits is given the go-ahead. Liberal Democrats fear the villages could become main routes for heavy lorries travelling from the pits in Mepal, Block Fen and Needingworth onto the A14 and A10. The materials excavated would be used to supply major building projects around Cambridge such as Northstowe and the Addenbrooke's Hospital extension. Lib Dem Transport Spokesman, Ian Allen, who represents Haddenham, said: "This cannot be allowed to happen. Our villages already suffer from heavy lorries rat running to the major roads; this plan will make the problem far worse. "This is an ill-thought out project. The impact on the residents of Haddenham, Wilburton, Stretham and Earith has not been taken into account. I would urge everyone to object to these proposals." The plans, being discussed by Cambridgeshire County Council, would mean lorries collecting gravel and sand from the pits until 2026 and bringing over 700,000 tons of waste each year back to the pits. Jonathan Chatfield, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire said: "Heavy lorries are already taking short cuts through our villages putting our children's lives at risk and shaking our homes. Our villages were never intended to be extensions of the A10 and A14. "Recently, we fought and won the right to keep our village roads from being designated as strategic freight routes on the county freight map. If this plan goes ahead it will mean that fight was for nothing. "The county council must be made to see sense over this issue. It cannot sanction this level of heavy traffic through village communities where there are narrow pavements used by children going to school." The county council's public consultation on the plans will take place at the Over Community Centre on March 2, Arkenstall Centre, Haddenham on March 4 and Cottenham Primary School on March 10. All events will be held between 4pm and 8pm. Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Lib Dem Candidate Delighted at Council U turn over Ely Market
    Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat general election candidate for South East Cambridgeshire welcomes East Cambridgeshire district council's change of mind over Ely Market at its full council meeting last night (23 February 2010), with its decision to consult traders, residents and shoppers over its intention to stop providing stalls for the Saturday market. Jonathan who had called on the Local Government minister to intervene to force the Conservative run council to consult on its plans said: "I am delighted that Conservative councillors saw sense and backed Lib Dem councillors in calling for a halt to the proposal to allow consultation to take place. "I pay tribute to the traders and the nearly 6,000 people who signed the petition against the council's plan. "I and my Lib Dem councillor colleagues will be keeping a close eye on this to ensure the consultation is adequate, extensive and fair." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 23, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Candidate asks Minister to act over Ely Market
    Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat General Election candidate for South East Cambridgeshire has written to the local government minister Rosie Winterton MP asking her to intervene in East Cambridgeshire district council's decision not to supply stalls for Ely market traders. Jonathan Chatfield is backing local Lib Dem councillors, stall holders and local residents in their efforts to over turn the decision of the Conservative controlled council. He is also calling on South East Cambridgeshire's current MP Conservative James Plaice to publicly support a Liberal Democrat motion to East Cambridgeshire's full council, to apply pressure on his Conservative colleagues to change their minds. Jonathan will be joining protesters outside the district council offices before the meeting of the full council on February 23 to urge Conservative councillors to support the following motion being proposed by Liberal Democrat council leader Gareth Wilson: "This Council supports Ely Market as a vibrant, profitable and successful attraction for visitors and shoppers to the City of Ely. We recognise the concerns of thousands of petitioners who are worried about the proposals to reduce the support to the traders. We therefore instruct the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to investigate how the market could be strengthened, improved and expanded with full consultation with the market traders. During this investigation period, no changes should be made to the current terms and conditions of the market traders and market stalls should continue to be provided. The recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Committee should be reported to the Community Services Committee". Jonathan said: "It is clear from the stall holders themselves that the future of Ely market is now in doubt. "It is bizarre that the Conservative run council wants to put the market in jeopardy when last year the market traders contributed £135,000 to council coffers and the council made a £25,000 profit from them. "I hope Conservative councillors will see sense and back the Lib Dem motion. If not, then I hope the government minister will intervene to make the council consult traders, shoppers and residents." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 19, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Candidate is Backing The Pub
    Jonathan Chatfield met Mick Rayment of The Bell Balsham to discuss how Mick copes with the red tape Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrats' candidate for South East Cambridgeshire in the General Election is supporting the "I'm backing the pub" campaign, by the British Beer & Pub Association and the Society of Independent Brewers which is also supported by the CBI, Visit Britain and the Campaign for Real Ale. Jonathan Chatfield said: "I have already met a number of local publicans to hear how they are coping with the current difficult times and in particular the bureaucracy and red tape hoisted on them by the Labour government. "I agree with the British Beer & Pub Association and the Society of Independent Brewers that pubs are an essential part of the social and economic heart of local communities. "And I share their concern that dozens of rural pubs are closing every week. "I should urge everyone to give their support to the "I'm backing the pub" campaign." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 1, 2010:
  • Projects Cancelled to Bail out Guided Bus
    Ely safety projects have been indefinitely postponed as Cambridgeshire Tories struggle to pay for the guided bus. The projects, which include cycling and walking initiatives designed to encourage people from driving into the city centre, were included in a £1 million package of transport plan money. But they have been put on hold after the guided bus, which will take commuters from St Ives into Cambridge, busted its budget. The decision to use taxpayers' money to pay for the bus comes after Cambridgeshire Conservatives promised that public money would not be used for the project. Ely County Councillor Nigel Bell said: "These cuts to the Market Town Strategy Fund have hit East Cambs particularly hard. The whole programme has practically ground to a halt, as the money is no longer there." "The guided busway will bring little benefit to this part of the county. Why on earth should our community be footing the bill for it?" Ely projects cut to cover the overspend include: -The A142/Lancaster Way survey -Ely, Cycling & walking: High Barns to Lynn Road improvement -Ely, Walking: Pedestrian accessibility survey -Ely, Cycling: Western boundary improvements -Ely, Cycling: Publicity map -Ely, Public transport: Infrastructure/Real Time Bus Information improvements. South East Cambs Lib Dem parliamentary candidate, Jonathan Chatfield said: "It is completely unacceptable that people from these parts should be paying through the nose for a busway which has no relevance to them. The projects being postponed although small, matter to local people. Pedestrian accessibility matters. "The safety improvements on the A142 are urgently needed, as is improved Real Time information on our bus services. But all of these are being set aside to pay for the blundering busway. The Conservative county council has a lot to answer for. After all, three Tory leaders promised not to do this." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 22, 2010:
  • Taxpayers should not fund Cadbury takeover say Lib Dems
    Local Liberal Democrats are fuming about the takeover of Cadbury by US company Kraft being part financed by the state owned Royal Bank of Scotland . Commenting, Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat's prospective parliamentary candidate for South East Cambridgeshire said: "There is a real danger based on Kraft's treatment of Terrys and the comments of the Cadbury chairman that the Kraft takeover will lead to hundreds if not thousands of job losses in the UK . "It is particularly galling then that state-owned RBS should part fund this takeover when it is clearly not in the interests of the UK economy. "This takeover also raises broader questions about how hedge funds, out to make a quick buck, can destabilise even the most established companies. "We have seen Cadbury shares rapidly bought up by hedge funds that are keen to accept the Kraft takeover regardless of whether it is in the long-term interests of the company. "The City minister Lord Myners himself notes that it is becoming too easy for good British companies to be taken over by foreign predators. "It is also interesting how quiet the Conservatives have been on this. No doubt they do not wish to upset their big city backers. "Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg raised this during Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions and our shadow chancellor, Vince Cable has written to Lord Mandelson to ask him to intervene." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 16, 2010:
  • Liberal Democrats put fairness at the heart of General Election campaign
    The Liberal Democrats have announced they will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Britain a fairer place. Jonathan Chatfield the Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for South East Cambridgeshire where the party is the challenger to the sitting Tory MP said the campaign priorities were: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Jonathan Chatfield said: "People in South East Cambridgeshire have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election with a clear direction and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. "We will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. "If your child is at primary school we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. "We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150. "And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure businesses can find the money they need to grow. "The coming months are a crucial time for politics and Lib Dems will be using them to focus on these four priorities and delivering real change for South East Cambridgeshire." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 11, 2009:
  • Call to Government to help councils achieve carbon emissions targets
    As world leaders try to reach agreement on reducing green house gases at the Copenhagen climate change conference, leading Liberal Democrat Jonathan Chatfield points to the woeful local reductions in carbon emissions and calls for more government support for district councils for their efforts to get people to reduce their CO2 emissions. Figures published by the Office of National Statistics in November showed that in the period from 2005 to 2007 the level of emissions from households fell only slightly in four of the five council districts in Cambridgeshire and that in South Cambridgeshire there was no reduction at all. Jonathan Chatfield the Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for South East Cambridgeshire said: "It is clear that our district councils need far greater help from central government if they are to get anywhere near the level of reduction in carbon emissions needed to meet even current targets. "It is particularly disappointing that South Cambs failed to record any fall in emissions. "With households producing over a quarter of all carbon emissions in the UK, the Government has to bring in much tougher standards for new house building and the insulation of existing homes, with support for existing homeowners." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 4, 2009:
  • Farmers' massive data loss another nail in the ID card coffin
    Liberal Democrats are pointing to yet another catastrophic loss of personal data by the Government to support its opposition to ID cards. The National Audit Office has just revealed that thousands of farmers' bank account details have been lost by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) after the Government body lost two back-up tapes of confidential data belonging to all English farmers. Computer tapes containing the bank details, addresses, passwords and security questions of more than 100,000 farmers were discovered missing in May this year, at which point DEFRA was alerted and then it took six months for the affected farmers to be notified. Commenting on the loss Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for South East Cambridgeshire Jonathan Chatfield said: "Yet again the Government has shown it cannot be trusted to keep our personal details safe. "It beggars belief that civil servants took six months to inform farmers affected by this staggering loss. "Ministers' reassurances won't wash with farmers' families already suffering under the chaotic payments regime. "The Agency's bungling reinforces Liberal Democrat opposition to ID cards." Published and promoted by South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats, 16 Signet Court, Swann's Road, Cambridge Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY