2 - Building A Better Sefton - Bobby Brennan - Writer and ex-Labour councillor

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Bobby Brennan – Former Mayor of Sefton and former Labour Councillor for Orrell and Netherton, Bootle. Bobby now works for Sefton Community and Voluntary Service and is about to publish his fourth book – A Time of Peace and War – a historical novel about the years of the Second World War from the perspective of Bootle. 

Here is the Amazon link. His other books – which are excellent – are also available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Peace-War-Robert-Brennan/dp/1918038457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DILJWMV443PD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZDp6ZZTPM1fEHh45qCtMDQ.y-A7teFBPZM0RclAn6pK6d5fRRnpjj3r_VaY3AUcxDo&dib_tag=se&keywords=robert+brennan+a+time+of+peace&qid=1754482991&sprefix=robert+brennan+a+time+of+peace%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-1

We chat about : - 
- The importance of creativity, culture and history. 
- His latest book – the historical novel – A Time of Peace and War. 
- Bootle, the Second World War and The Blitz.
- The regeneration of Bootle Strand Shopping Centre. 
- Children’s Services in Sefton. 
- The importance of scrutiny, transparency, meritocracy and working        with other parties. 
- Criticism of the Cabinet System of Local Government. 
- Issues in the Labour Party in Sefton – particularly South Sefton. 
- The threat of Populism and Reform U.K. 
- Public engagement and lack thereof – Orrell Mount Park.
- Standing down as a Labour Councillor and leaving the Party. 
- Magdalene Laundries in Sefton Area!
- The importance of libraries, literacy and learning.
- Southport and Community Cohesion. 
- His achievements as Mayor and Councillor. 
- Other interesting aspects of his book, local politics and history.  

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