This site is designed to stimulate political debate amongst readers and discuss a variety of local and national policy issues. I do not believe anyone should hold back on their political views, as the joy that binds most decent politicians and pundits in to the political world is the robust and frank debate of the way we governed and how resources are distributed in our society.

I am very proud to be the only local politician in Twickenham with an interactive site like this that takes in the views of all readers and I am determined to keep it an open forum for all.

I therefore want to keep comment moderation to a bare minimum, which should be an easy task, if the generally-accepted rules of “Netiquette” are adhered to.

People often assume that they put on the internet what they could never say in person, which is not just incorrect, but potentially illegal.

My workload in controlling content has also increased substantially recently, meaning that a new policy is required. In addition, there have been complaints and allegations of slander regarding some comments, which I take very seriously.

I (not any political party) own and finance this site exclusively and want readers to stick to my basic rules of etiquette. Those who do not like this are free to start their own blogs and take the risk on themselves.

In addition, a blog is not a conversation. I will always respond to genuine constituents who e-mail or write to me and will pass on your question to the relevant Conservative contact, be they Candidate or elected official if I am unable to deal personally with your query.

Therefore the following comments will not be accepted on this site:

• Potentially defamatory or libellous Comments;
• Racist Comments;
• Swearing (other than when quoting in context);
• Comments designed to personally insult me, my family, friends or employers;
• Comments that are designed to ruin any person’s livelihood or business;
• Comments that contain specific threats to anyone, including my political opponents;
• Comments designed for financial gain to an individual’s business or enterprise;
• SPAM;
• Comments of a sexually lewd nature;
• Comments designed to promote other political parties’ campaigning activities;
• Weblinks within comments to pornographic, terrorist or racist sites.

I will delete any comment without explanation or notice from this site, or prevent individuals from posting future comments and will proactively “name and shame” bloggers who break the rules.

To make comments like these, you do so at your own risk.I have taken the “Red” and “Yellow” card system from Iain Dale, which is listed below.

Three yellow cards and you will be permanently excluded, although the most serious breeches will be Red Carded immediately.

Yellow Card

Tom (1), Annie H (1), Eleanor Hodges (2)

Red Card

Justine McGuinness

Where a red card is issued, the blogger name, IP address and e-mail address of the offender will be shared with other selected bloggers and/or web hosts to help prevent the offender from repeating their behaviour elsewhere in the blogosphere.

In addition, by submitting a comment or post on my website, you are consenting to me quoting or using your words for my Party political purposes, including publishing on other websites, campaign literature, press releases or other open quotation.

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. Let’s all use it responsibly.

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Conservative Party readers: let me reiterate the following message - I am confident that our political arguments are the best in British politics today. That is why I am your PPC. We should not need to resort to low politics, just because our opponents and their members are. Attacking the record of a person and whatever is in the public interest is fine, but no more, regardless of whose blog you are contributing on; this will ensure that as many political sites as possible remain open for all of our enjoyment. ________________________________________________

Policy Updated on October 1st 2008