markmcdonald's Blog

Thanks Ken

markmcdonald Sun May 04, 2008 at 06:13:22 PM GMT Facebook

Over the last 24 hours we have spent much time analysing and discussing the future of the Party. But I just want to say a thank you to Ken.

Justice in modern Russia

markmcdonald Mon Feb 04, 2008 at 10:30:26 AM GMT Facebook

I have written a piece on the Guardian’s Commentisfree (CiF) site criticising the Russian state’s treatment of Vasily Alexanyan, a former executive of the oil giant, Yukos.

Alexanyan may or may not be a pawn of the oligarchs who profited from Boris Yeltsin’s economic upheaval, but he is a prisoner in pretrial detention in Moscow. He has Aids and he has been refused medical treatment unless he gives evidence against his former employer Mikhail Khordokovsky. Evidence Alexanyan says he does not have.

Mark McDonald: A new treasurer

markmcdonald Fri Jan 18, 2008 at 06:22:34 PM GMT Facebook

Readers may be aware that I am seeking nominations from CLPs, unions and affiliates for the position of Labour Party treasurer.

A correspondent on a previous Labourhome article suggested I post some details of my experience, so I have drawn together those details below. Please do get in touch if you are willing to support my candidacy or if you would like to ask me any further questions.

Many thanks,

Mark McDonald
markpaul.mcdonald@gmail.com
A703973

A New Treasurer

markmcdonald Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 02:49:09 PM GMT Facebook

Labourhome.org Editor Alex Hilton in December challenged the grassroots to find a candidate for the role of Treasurer of the Labour Party and I have decided to respond to that challenge. I believe that there is a need for change; not just a change in the position itself but a new approach to governance and accountability in the Labour Party.

Should General Richard Dannatt Resign?

markmcdonald Fri Oct 13, 2006 at 07:41:10 AM GMT Facebook

The Chief of the General Staff Sir Richard Dannatt told the Daily Mail that British troops should "get out soon" and that the presence of troops exacerbates the security problem.

New rules will mean innocent defendants will go to prison!

markmcdonald Mon Oct 09, 2006 at 10:04:03 PM GMT Facebook

The Government has passed more than 40 pieces of criminal legislation since 1997.

David Cameron - Foreign Policy

markmcdonald Tue Sep 12, 2006 at 05:03:41 PM GMT Facebook

Colour-Blind Affirmative Action

markmcdonald Thu Jun 29, 2006 at 02:28:57 AM GMT Facebook

We need to have a better way of selecting our candidates. My biggest concern with the current system is the affirmative action selection process for women. Let me start by saying that there is a need to have more women in Parliament and we still don't have enough.