Writing a post like this is liable to inflame some of my fellow Liberal Democrats and other friends who simply dislike Tories, but the results of Thursday’s elections to the Scottish Parliament deserve comment, not least because of the extraordinary revival of the Scottish Conservatives under their leader Ruth Davidson. I am proud and fortunate to… Continue reading Ruth Davidson – a new kind of politician, a new kind of politics
Diversity Champion: It is time for me to ‘come out’ – I am a Freemason
I like to think of my life as being an open book. Whether it be my membership of the Liberal Democrats (or even that I used to be a Tory), my passion for Rochdale Football Club, or my sexual orientation; it is all out there clearly on public display. I’m even reasonably open that I… Continue reading Diversity Champion: It is time for me to ‘come out’ – I am a Freemason
Delighted to see so many friends and colleagues in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
The UK’s honours system sometimes comes in for criticism, (not least when I received an OBE for public service four years ago!) but today’s list yet again recognised people from every station in society including school crossing attendants, teachers, carers, and community activists. I was particularly delighted to see so many friends and colleagues listed… Continue reading Delighted to see so many friends and colleagues in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List
The ASA: I’m standing down as Chairman
This afternoon the following statement will be issued by the ASA press office, announcing my decision to stand down from the role of Chairman of the Amateur Swimming Association Group Board with effect from the end of this month. I came to the ASA for a very specific purpose, to lead it through a process of… Continue reading The ASA: I’m standing down as Chairman
Labour leadership: Dan Jarvis, a loss to his party and to the nation
I’m not a supporter of the Labour Party and, other than a brief flirtation in those heady days of optimism of the first Blair term of office, never have been. It is therefore surprising that I choose to comment on the forthcoming leadership election in the Labour Party. I was however moved to write by… Continue reading Labour leadership: Dan Jarvis, a loss to his party and to the nation
General Election 2015: good luck to candidates – and their constituents
With three days to go until polling day in what is likely to be the tightest and most unpredictable election in living memory, my thoughts go out to all candidates and their campaign teams as they approach the big day. They also extend to the electors, especially in highly marginal constituencies, who will have been bombarded… Continue reading General Election 2015: good luck to candidates – and their constituents
Inclusion in Football: Fans must demand better of the FA
On the eve of one of the most important days in the history of women’s football in England, the game’s governing body is yet again mired in a discrimination related scandal. A Championship club chairman is facing an investigation for making racist and antisemitic statements whilst defending his decision to appoint Malky Mackay, a manager… Continue reading Inclusion in Football: Fans must demand better of the FA
Football Governance: time for an independent commission
Speaking at the Liberal Democrat conference in Glasgow, I called for the establishment of an independent commission, representative of the whole game, to comprehensively review football’s governance to make it more effective, inclusive, and no longer subject to conflicting vested interests. Moving an amendment to the party’s policy on football, I focused my fire particularly on the FA… Continue reading Football Governance: time for an independent commission
FA dismissal: Edward Lord will still lead the way in UK sport
Letter of support which appeared in the Daily Telegraph on 23 September 2014 following my removal from the FA Inclusion Advisory Board. My thanks go to all those who signed it. SIR – Having known and worked with Edward Lord, the inclusion adviser dismissed by the Football Association last week, we are surprised by the FA’s… Continue reading FA dismissal: Edward Lord will still lead the way in UK sport
Promoting Inclusion in Football: My response to The FA IAB Statement
I am mystified and shocked by the FA’s vituperative statement regarding my removal from its Inclusion Advisory Board, which seems to impugn my personal integrity. As an experienced non-executive director, I have always sought to work in an open and collaborative way with my colleagues both within the FA and beyond. To say otherwise is… Continue reading Promoting Inclusion in Football: My response to The FA IAB Statement
C. E. Lord OBE 