New transport minister was fined for running over cyclist

[muriel_volestrangler]

Via Liberal Conspiracy:

As part of David Cameron’s Cabinet ‘shuffle’ of ministers, Tory MP Simon Burns (Chelmsford, Essex) was moved from Health to the Department of Transport.

But is that wise?

In 2009, Simon Burns was merely fined for running over a cyclist on his 4×4, which broke his neck.

Simon Burns, a Tory Whip and MP for West Chelmsford, collided with Army Major Stuart Lane as he attempted to pull into Parliament Square in his Land Rover on the evening of April 3 last year on the way to pick up his son for a holiday.

Major Lane was thrown over the handlebars and broke two vertebrae, an injury that could hinder his military career, Westminster Magistrates Court was told.

Mr Burns, 56, pulled out of the Palace of Westminster exit gates with insufficient care even though he did not have a clear view of approaching traffic, the court heard.

Bonus: New Health Secretary objected to NHS references in Olympic opening ceremony:

Just before the Olympics, The Times’ Rachel Sylvester wrote this in a column about Jeremy Hunt:

When Danny Boyle first presented his plans for the Olympic opening ceremony to the Government there was some concern. The proposal to import live farmyard animals, simulate a rain cloud and recreate a village cricket match as part of his “Isles of Wonder” extravaganza passed without comment.

Then the director mentioned his desire to include a parade of nurses.

Jeremy Hunt looked worried. Was it really necessary, he asked, to include this tribute to the NHS — the subject of the Government’s most controversial reforms — in a show that will be watched by a billion people worldwide?

The matter was referred up to No 10 and David Cameron decided that the angels of mercy should be allowed in, so they will troop through the stadium in Stratford this week complete with hospital beds.

This minister, who is ashamed of the NHS and didn’t want it to appear in the Olympics opening ceremony, has now been put in charge of it.

http://liberalconspiracy.org/2012/09/05/when-jeremy-hunt-objected-to-nhs-at-olympics-ceremony

[T_i_B]

1. Once upon a time......

Simon Burns used to be my MP. Not for very long I admit, I moved into the neighbouring constituency before too much time had passed.

I still can't quite believe how shite he was as a health minister. It may shock some people but I do think that there are actually much worse Tory MP's in Essex then that!

[LeftishBrit]

2. This government has quite a history of picking foxes, and even Foxes, to guard henhouses

Ugh to both Hunt and Burns.