MICHAEL Johnson, kicked out of the For Darwen Party by the executive recently, may well hold the balance of power on Blackburn with Darwen Council after the May elections.
He'll be ploughing an independent, lone furrow.
It's likely to be some furrow. Perhaps more of a long, deep gouge.
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I'd asked around before we met up. Opinionated. Loud. Likes a pint. So far so good.
Daft as a brush, rough diamond and quite a handful went into the melting pot.
But most folk agreed on one thing - his heart seems to be in the right place: Darwen, his home town.
In a few weeks he could be the most powerful councillor on BwD Council.
And none of the other political parties will like that one little bit.
"They might all be queueing up to kiss my backside," he told me.
He's seen a bit of life and spent some time in the French Foreign Legion.
He told me: "I've been called a racist. But I'm not.
"I fought alongside all colours and creeds in the Legion.
"We were all pals. But I am a Darwener first and an Englishman second."
Michael Johnson is keen on the idea of a Darwen "town council".
He said: "It's time our Darwen representatives realised that they are not politicians; they're councillors.
"And they're there to represent the wishes of local folk.
"They should get together and work for their town as a Darwen council group instead of playing at being tinpot Caesars."
Coun. Johnson reckons that the Darwen councillors should decide on strictly Darwen issues while the Blackburn reps sort out their area.
"What do I know about Bank Top?" he says. "And what do they know about Sunnyhurst Woods, for instance?"
Why did he get the boot from the FDP? "They've been saying that I've been getting the party a bad name, getting into fights and being barred from pubs.
"But I've never raised my hand to anyone and I've not been barred and I've not been arrested.
"Ok. We had a fund-raising casino evening recently and I had a bit too much to drink.
"I admit that.."
Wasn't there some spat with Labour councillor Dave Smith in the bottom George?
"Nothing more than a heated exchange," says Johnson.
"I did intervene there on another occasion when a woman was being verbally abused.
"Tales don't lose anything in the telling, but I was never given a chance to put my case to the executive.
"I'd have said: 'Where is your evidence?' They didn't have any."
The main reason, he says, was that some members of the party executive were jealous of him.
"I'd seen it coming since election night last year," he says.
Looking ahead to the elections, he can't see Dave Smith or Lib-Dems Karimeh Foster and Paul Browne losing their seats.
Moira Barrett (Labour) should hang on to Earcroft, but the key battleground will be Marsh House. "It looks wide open.
Posted by: andrew baker, Darwen on 11:06am Mon 7 Apr 08
As Mr Johnson was voted in as a member of the For Darwen party, with a majority of only 45, does he not feel he should put himself up for re-election as an Independant.
I have never agreed with this being able to change parties, but retain your seat. Be it as PM, as the Tories and Labour have both done, or at local council level.
As Mr Johnson was voted in as a member of the For Darwen party, with a majority of only 45, does he not feel he should put himself up for re-election as an Independant.
I have never agreed with this being able to change parties, but retain your seat. Be it as PM, as the Tories and Labour have both done, or at local council level.
My apologies John Smith and also to Mick Johnson. I misread the information on the Council website, mick Johnson did get voted in as an England First candidate.
All this does is show me that Mick Johnson has changed/jumped/pushe
d twice from party to party since being elected in May 2006. My personal opinion still stands that if you change parties midterm then you should have to be re-elected at the earliest opportunity.
My apologies John Smith and also to Mick Johnson. I misread the information on the Council website, mick Johnson did get voted in as an England First candidate.
All this does is show me that Mick Johnson has changed/jumped/pushe
d twice from party to party since being elected in May 2006. My personal opinion still stands that if you change parties midterm then you should have to be re-elected at the earliest opportunity.
All parties applauded him when he stoped representing England First and he was not a member of England First Party.
He did not join the For Darwen party he started it with Tony Melia.
Johnson pushed Tony Melia to set it up with him stating that he would get him elected (which he did) then Maxfield came along and the others. It was johnson who pushed it with Melia, i know because i was in the shop when they did it.
These are the real facts.
Some people should shut their mouths when they are drinking.It seems that some of the future councilors have other ideas on how the Darwen party is run. Watch your back melia they did it to Johnson and word is they will do it to you.
Have a drink in the pubs they use and ask around you might end up regreting Johnson leaving. [bold]At least he was honest and loyal and would tell you to your face!!![/bold]
All parties applauded him when he stoped representing England First and he was not a member of England First Party.
He did not join the For Darwen party he started it with Tony Melia.
Johnson pushed Tony Melia to set it up with him stating that he would get him elected (which he did) then Maxfield came along and the others. It was johnson who pushed it with Melia, i know because i was in the shop when they did it.
These are the real facts.
Some people should shut their mouths when they are drinking.It seems that some of the future councilors have other ideas on how the Darwen party is run. Watch your back melia they did it to Johnson and word is they will do it to you.
Have a drink in the pubs they use and ask around you might end up regreting Johnson leaving. At least he was honest and loyal and would tell you to your face!!!
Interesting that Johnson doesn't think any of the handful of For Darwen candidates will win a seat at the elections on May 1. Johnson can be a bit of a loon but he's what we'd call "a reyt Darrener" and good luck to him, I say.
Interesting that Johnson doesn't think any of the handful of For Darwen candidates will win a seat at the elections on May 1. Johnson can be a bit of a loon but he's what we'd call "a reyt Darrener" and good luck to him, I say.
[quote][bold]JH[/bold] wrote:
All parties applauded him when he stoped representing England First and he was not a member of England First Party. He did not join the For Darwen party he started it with Tony Melia. Johnson pushed Tony Melia to set it up with him stating that he would get him elected (which he did) then Maxfield came along and the others. It was johnson who pushed it with Melia, i know because i was in the shop when they did it. These are the real facts. Some people should shut their mouths when they are drinking.It seems that some of the future councilors have other ideas on how the Darwen party is run. Watch your back melia they did it to Johnson and word is they will do it to you. Have a drink in the pubs they use and ask around you might end up regreting Johnson leaving. [bold]At least he was honest and loyal and would tell you to your face!!![/bold] [/quote] What crap! I take it this is M Johnson
JH wrote:
All parties applauded him when he stoped representing England First and he was not a member of England First Party. He did not join the For Darwen party he started it with Tony Melia. Johnson pushed Tony Melia to set it up with him stating that he would get him elected (which he did) then Maxfield came along and the others. It was johnson who pushed it with Melia, i know because i was in the shop when they did it. These are the real facts. Some people should shut their mouths when they are drinking.It seems that some of the future councilors have other ideas on how the Darwen party is run. Watch your back melia they did it to Johnson and word is they will do it to you. Have a drink in the pubs they use and ask around you might end up regreting Johnson leaving. At least he was honest and loyal and would tell you to your face!!!
Posted by: Between the lines, Darwen on 2:43pm Mon 7 Apr 08
It was only a couple of weeks ago in this very paper Mr Johnson was saying he had resigned, now he has admitted he was sacked.
The truth has seeked you out Mr Johnson.
A party with morals, now thats rare!
It was only a couple of weeks ago in this very paper Mr Johnson was saying he had resigned, now he has admitted he was sacked.
The truth has seeked you out Mr Johnson.
A party with morals, now thats rare!
I wouldn't know Johnson if I fell over him, but you've got to admit that he's no shrinking violet. How many of our expensive councillors never open their mouths and never have owt to say. Useless, mnost of 'em. Ok, some of Johnson's waffle may be crap, but at least he has a go.
I wouldn't know Johnson if I fell over him, but you've got to admit that he's no shrinking violet. How many of our expensive councillors never open their mouths and never have owt to say. Useless, mnost of 'em. Ok, some of Johnson's waffle may be crap, but at least he has a go.
Mick Johnson? Legend!!! Ask anyone who knows him. Mind you, in any type of politics any theres no such thing as bad publicity. I,d rather have a colourful character than a yes man any day.
Mick Johnson? Legend!!! Ask anyone who knows him. Mind you, in any type of politics any theres no such thing as bad publicity. I,d rather have a colourful character than a yes man any day.
Posted by: just the facts, Darwen on 7:00pm Mon 7 Apr 08
i know mick johnson from my local pub the george at hollins grove and regular see him in the pub when i am not working away from home. he means no harm to anyone but likes to make up stories thats why he is known as jackanory johnson. he was previously landlord of uncle jacks pub in lower darwen but lost money and his wife was under investigation for fraud from the brewery.
i know mick johnson from my local pub the george at hollins grove and regular see him in the pub when i am not working away from home. he means no harm to anyone but likes to make up stories thats why he is known as jackanory johnson. he was previously landlord of uncle jacks pub in lower darwen but lost money and his wife was under investigation for fraud from the brewery.
Posted by: Apolitical, Darwen on 12:36am Tue 8 Apr 08
Mike Johnson is one of the few councillors to back the residents of Darwen - many councillors including the For Darwen Party and the three other parties are anonymous. They appear to have nothing to say or any original ideas. We had the stagnancy of the Labour Party and this has been replaced by the lethargy of Rigby's rule. Johnson said he supported the residents of Redearth and gave evidence of their behalf, whilst others made excuses. Give us more independents like Johnson - let them have the balance of power. We will then see who are the backside kissers - I think that’s the expression
Mike Johnson is one of the few councillors to back the residents of Darwen - many councillors including the For Darwen Party and the three other parties are anonymous. They appear to have nothing to say or any original ideas. We had the stagnancy of the Labour Party and this has been replaced by the lethargy of Rigby's rule. Johnson said he supported the residents of Redearth and gave evidence of their behalf, whilst others made excuses. Give us more independents like Johnson - let them have the balance of power. We will then see who are the backside kissers - I think that’s the expression
Let's take party politics out of local councils, it only gets in the way of progress. Independant candidates who care for their ward and have no ties is surely the way forward.
Let's take party politics out of local councils, it only gets in the way of progress. Independant candidates who care for their ward and have no ties is surely the way forward.
Posted by: Confused of Darwen, Darwen on 7:55am Tue 8 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Between the lines[/bold] wrote:
It was only a couple of weeks ago in this very paper Mr Johnson was saying he had resigned, now he has admitted he was sacked. The truth has seeked you out Mr Johnson. A party with morals, now thats rare![/quote] Of course lets all vote for Mr Johnson (who seems to have a very bad memory for his own personal circumstances ie sacked/resigned) instead of all the hard-working and well-respected business people/people serving the community of Darwen that he is standing against. Yeah right!!
Between the lines wrote:
It was only a couple of weeks ago in this very paper Mr Johnson was saying he had resigned, now he has admitted he was sacked. The truth has seeked you out Mr Johnson. A party with morals, now thats rare!
Of course lets all vote for Mr Johnson (who seems to have a very bad memory for his own personal circumstances ie sacked/resigned) instead of all the hard-working and well-respected business people/people serving the community of Darwen that he is standing against. Yeah right!!
I have it on good authority that the Foreign Legion 'story' of Cllr Johnson is a complete and utter fabrication. also:
[quote]"I fought alongside all colours and creeds in the Legion"[/quote]
Where exactly did you 'fight' Cllr Johnson, and aren't you the same man who complained about immigrants coming to the UK and stealing jobs which should rightfully be yours? seems if the 'tales' are true, you skipped the country to serve in a foreign service, hmmmmmmmm, whats wrong with the UK services?
I have it on good authority that the Foreign Legion 'story' of Cllr Johnson is a complete and utter fabrication. also:
"I fought alongside all colours and creeds in the Legion"
Where exactly did you 'fight' Cllr Johnson, and aren't you the same man who complained about immigrants coming to the UK and stealing jobs which should rightfully be yours? seems if the 'tales' are true, you skipped the country to serve in a foreign service, hmmmmmmmm, whats wrong with the UK services?
Posted by: THE ORIGINAL REALIST, darwen on 11:20pm Tue 8 Apr 08
[bold]bold[/bold] The facts of the matter are that Darwen needs more councillors with the back bone to stand up and bring to light matters of national importance that are going to have very detrimental effects on our country such as immigration, without being labelled a racist by the labourites that have caused this problem.
The only reason for all these personal attacks on Councillor Michael Johnson is that certain councillors feel threatened and undermined by the way in which he speaks out for the people of Darwen.
Darwen needs more like Johnson, to champion the people. [bold][bold]bold]
bold The facts of the matter are that Darwen needs more councillors with the back bone to stand up and bring to light matters of national importance that are going to have very detrimental effects on our country such as immigration, without being labelled a racist by the labourites that have caused this problem.
The only reason for all these personal attacks on Councillor Michael Johnson is that certain councillors feel threatened and undermined by the way in which he speaks out for the people of Darwen.
Darwen needs more like Johnson, to champion the people. bold]
Posted by: Councillor Michael Johnson on 1:37pm Thu 10 Apr 08
Yet again the same old same old from some of the same old posters. I must admit that the information by some of the people posting is so far off the mark it makes me laugh.
I post under my own name and don’t need to use some one else’s blog name.
Once more Lee is throwing out the abuse yet has no proof to back up what he has to say. I fortunately do have the proof and the documents also the photographs to back up what I say and I suppose it would be hard for Lee to see the facts but then again I doubt that he would be able to accept that he is wrong.
My invite is still open to meet him and show him how far off the mark he is and I will also answer any questions he would like to ask me.
I find it strange that some people on this blog have missed the point, Harry Nuttall wrote the article and he stated that he asked around before he interviewed me. Harry is no fool and he would not print anything that was not covered by fact.
Darwen resident, it seems that you have all the answers so you must have all the facts. You are the one calling me yet I can back up all I have said. You question my position with the FDP and what I did with them. Just for your information have a look at the leaflets the FDP are putting out this time! You will find that not only are they my design but the information is also a carbon copy of what I published at the last election. The photographs are the property of my wife and can only be used with her permission. The format and the layout of all the leaflets was designed by me for the EFP and the design is the property of EFP by copyright.
The comments of JH are almost correct and the incident he is referring to dates back to the night of the last election and comments made over the following weeks. I will not lower myself to bring it up again nor put it on this blog. What I can do is stand face to face with anyone who calls me a liar that these events happened and I will do it with people who will tell them straight to their face as they were present. Like I have said I can prove what I have said and the people concerned know exactly to what I am referring too. As for confused yes you must be as I am not standing against anyone nor am I campaigning as I am not up for election. As for the good businessmen who are standing ect you need to ask who and why these people are attacking me and for what reason, it will all come out in the wash and then we will see who is doing what.
Yet again the same old same old from some of the same old posters. I must admit that the information by some of the people posting is so far off the mark it makes me laugh.
I post under my own name and don’t need to use some one else’s blog name.
Once more Lee is throwing out the abuse yet has no proof to back up what he has to say. I fortunately do have the proof and the documents also the photographs to back up what I say and I suppose it would be hard for Lee to see the facts but then again I doubt that he would be able to accept that he is wrong.
My invite is still open to meet him and show him how far off the mark he is and I will also answer any questions he would like to ask me.
I find it strange that some people on this blog have missed the point, Harry Nuttall wrote the article and he stated that he asked around before he interviewed me. Harry is no fool and he would not print anything that was not covered by fact.
Darwen resident, it seems that you have all the answers so you must have all the facts. You are the one calling me yet I can back up all I have said. You question my position with the FDP and what I did with them. Just for your information have a look at the leaflets the FDP are putting out this time! You will find that not only are they my design but the information is also a carbon copy of what I published at the last election. The photographs are the property of my wife and can only be used with her permission. The format and the layout of all the leaflets was designed by me for the EFP and the design is the property of EFP by copyright.
The comments of JH are almost correct and the incident he is referring to dates back to the night of the last election and comments made over the following weeks. I will not lower myself to bring it up again nor put it on this blog. What I can do is stand face to face with anyone who calls me a liar that these events happened and I will do it with people who will tell them straight to their face as they were present. Like I have said I can prove what I have said and the people concerned know exactly to what I am referring too. As for confused yes you must be as I am not standing against anyone nor am I campaigning as I am not up for election. As for the good businessmen who are standing ect you need to ask who and why these people are attacking me and for what reason, it will all come out in the wash and then we will see who is doing what.
Good for Michael Johnson, I say. I'd sooner have a bloke with a bit of fire in his belly than some of the miserable bunch who "represent" us. Not to mention the professional moaners. Ok, he might get a bit carried away but he's not frightened of opening his mouth. Good on yer! That's what I say.
Good for Michael Johnson, I say. I'd sooner have a bloke with a bit of fire in his belly than some of the miserable bunch who "represent" us. Not to mention the professional moaners. Ok, he might get a bit carried away but he's not frightened of opening his mouth. Good on yer! That's what I say.
With reference to the expelling of Cllr Johnson from The For Darwen Party I can confirm that the decision made by Cllr Melia at the bequest of the executive committee has my 100% unreserved backing.
Cllr Melia, the executive committee and the seven candidates standing this year have my complete backing and support.
Cllr T Maxfield
With reference to the expelling of Cllr Johnson from The For Darwen Party I can confirm that the decision made by Cllr Melia at the bequest of the executive committee has my 100% unreserved backing.
Cllr Melia, the executive committee and the seven candidates standing this year have my complete backing and support.
Posted by: Grandma, Darwen on 3:10pm Fri 11 Apr 08
There's nowt in the Telegraph about t' elections these days. Bit scared, I reckon. Anyway, here's as good a place as any to have our say. My Darwen forecast. Smith, Browne and Karimeh are shoe-ins. No problems. Moira looks dodgy and Meleady might just edge in here. Marsh House? I reckon Connor (K) will just hang on but I wouldn't risk more than a fiver on him. By the way, I see Libs and Tories are avoiding each other in Blackburn - and going hammer and tongs in Darren.
There's nowt in the Telegraph about t' elections these days. Bit scared, I reckon. Anyway, here's as good a place as any to have our say. My Darwen forecast. Smith, Browne and Karimeh are shoe-ins. No problems. Moira looks dodgy and Meleady might just edge in here. Marsh House? I reckon Connor (K) will just hang on but I wouldn't risk more than a fiver on him. By the way, I see Libs and Tories are avoiding each other in Blackburn - and going hammer and tongs in Darren.
Why does this paper insist on blanking out comments?And why is granma allowed to say CONNOR[k]as in Kevin.BUT you blank mine out because I put Connor [F] as in Frank,you took away the [F ] twice .It looks to me like you are taking sides in this election through your newspaper, you are guilty of abusing your media power.I am disgusted with you!!!!LETS SEE IF YOU PRINT THIS!!!!!
Why does this paper insist on blanking out comments?And why is granma allowed to say CONNORas in Kevin.BUT you blank mine out because I put Connor as in Frank,you took away the twice .It looks to me like you are taking sides in this election through your newspaper, you are guilty of abusing your media power.I am disgusted with you!!!!LETS SEE IF YOU PRINT THIS!!!!!
Posted by: just the facts, darwen on 11:11am Sun 13 Apr 08
come on jackanory tell us a story the one about your insurance claims you make especially the one about your arm that was in a sling one day out of it the next does not stop you raising your pint glass to your mouth in the george. how did you damage your arm again thats it something fell off blackpool tower and hit you. face the facts noone wants you to represent darwen do yourself a favour get a job
come on jackanory tell us a story the one about your insurance claims you make especially the one about your arm that was in a sling one day out of it the next does not stop you raising your pint glass to your mouth in the george. how did you damage your arm again thats it something fell off blackpool tower and hit you. face the facts noone wants you to represent darwen do yourself a favour get a job
Just the facts, why dont you use your own name or have the guts to say it to johnsons face.
I'm not a supporter of him but i do drink in the george and i can tell you that he never slags any one off behind their backs and never runs any one down.
I have heard Max running him down behind his back and i was in the pub when a few people had a go at him for doing so.
Funny isnt it that Max is seen in johnsons car almost every week.
Who is two faced then.
Just the facts, why dont you use your own name or have the guts to say it to johnsons face.
I'm not a supporter of him but i do drink in the george and i can tell you that he never slags any one off behind their backs and never runs any one down.
I have heard Max running him down behind his back and i was in the pub when a few people had a go at him for doing so.
Funny isnt it that Max is seen in johnsons car almost every week.
Who is two faced then.
[quote][bold]Confused[/bold] wrote:
Just the facts, why dont you use your own name or have the guts to say it to johnsons face. I'm not a supporter of him but i do drink in the george and i can tell you that he never slags any one off behind their backs and never runs any one down. I have heard Max running him down behind his back and i was in the pub when a few people had a go at him for doing so. Funny isnt it that Max is seen in johnsons car almost every week. Who is two faced then. [/quote] CONFUSED is the right name for you.if you have been in the george and not heard jackanory johnson slag any one off
Confused wrote:
Just the facts, why dont you use your own name or have the guts to say it to johnsons face. I'm not a supporter of him but i do drink in the george and i can tell you that he never slags any one off behind their backs and never runs any one down. I have heard Max running him down behind his back and i was in the pub when a few people had a go at him for doing so. Funny isnt it that Max is seen in johnsons car almost every week. Who is two faced then.
CONFUSED is the right name for you.if you have been in the george and not heard jackanory johnson slag any one off
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