My final thoughts as Chair of Universities Scheme: Freemasonry needs to ditch 1950s attitudes

Today’s Universities Scheme conference at Freemasons’ Hall in London saw the end of my eight year tenure as Chairman of the Scheme, and provided an opportunity to reflect on the Craft and its future. In my valedictory address, I set out some thoughts about Freemasonry and the ongoing need for change, to better reflect modern… Continue reading My final thoughts as Chair of Universities Scheme: Freemasonry needs to ditch 1950s attitudes

Why today’s #LGBTQ+ #PrideinLondon is a day of mixed emotions for me and for many

Today is Pride in London, the United Kingdom’s largest gathering of Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, and Queer people together with their allies and friends and others whose life, love, or identity is marked in some way by difference. For me and for many it is a day of great celebration for the achievements of equality… Continue reading Why today’s #LGBTQ+ #PrideinLondon is a day of mixed emotions for me and for many

Attacked by Guido – a political rite of passage?

This morning I had the dubious privilege of being ‘done over’ by the Guido Fawkes political blog order-order.com. Some friends have suggested that I should wear it as a badge of honour, almost a rite of passage in my political career. I’m generally an admirer of the Guido blog, indeed I link to it directly… Continue reading Attacked by Guido – a political rite of passage?

‘Standing Up’ has fallen down – some thoughts on the City elections

This year’s City of London elections have been the hardest fought in living memory with 21 out of the 25 Wards being contested by over 150 candidates. The polls took place on March 21st and the results are now in. In my own Ward, I and two of my One Farringdon team colleagues – Wendy Mead… Continue reading ‘Standing Up’ has fallen down – some thoughts on the City elections