Sign in

Cliff Waterman

@westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social
487 followers 406 following 277 posts

Labour councillor and Leader of West Suffolk Council. Residents of West Suffolk can email me on cliff.waterman@westsuffolk.gov.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Many thanks, Little Dictator Trump. Surely the voters of the USA have seen enough of the damage he's done by now? And even more reason to move Britain's and Europe's economies away from US influence. www.theguardian.com/money/2026/o...
theguardian.com
UK diesel price hits record high of £2 a litre
Motorists and small businesses struggle with costs as Iran war drives up cost of oil worldwide
120
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
The only ones on this (American biased) list that I've ever watched are Happy Valley at 45 and Planet Earth at 84. Perhaps I'm weird?
110
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Great to see the new community bus which was paid for by West Suffolk Council. Rural isolation is a real problem, and buses like this are a vital lifeline for people who can't otherwise get around.
142
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
According to OpenAI this was "misaligned model activity": to anyone else, it's hacking and theft and a blatant breach of the law. Clearly these "AI agents" are out of control. BBC News - OpenAI agent 'infiltrated' Australian government website, PM says www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
OpenAI agent 'infiltrated' Australian government website, PM says
Albanese said he expressed "concern" to OpenAI founder Sam Altman, after authorities were informed three months after the breach in June.
230
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Man in the street says he's tired of billionaires whingeing. BBC News - Billionaire Man United owner says he has lost confidence in the UK www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Billionaire Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe says he has lost confidence in UK
Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe tells the BBC he thinks the country is "on the slide" and calls for more investment in the North Sea.
100
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I don't think anyone born after 1970 will know what this orange car is.
351
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
It's amazing the odd things you stumble across in rural France.
130
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
They say money speaks: what does this say about Reform and where their priorities lie?
022
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Not a brilliant photo, but these are Christmas themed sweets on sale in Tesco's today. Bloomin' heck, it's still early September! At least they hadn't started the endless repeat of Christmas songs...
120
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
My press release regarding the news today about Local Government Reorganisation: Councils across Suffolk were working on delivering Local Government reorganisation within the county, following plans supported by residents and businesses to have 3 local unitary authorities covering Suffolk.
201
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Great to see this help from the government. It's a while since I had school aged kids, but I still recall the difficulties of finding money for all their needs, especially at the start of a new school year. My eldest still punishes me for making her start one school year wearing jelly shoes...
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Beautiful Sorbus berries in my garden this morning.
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Signing the steels - at the new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering unit West Suffolk Council is building in Bury St Edmunds. And it's not costing the council tax payer a single penny. In fact it is self financing and will bring well paid high-tech jobs to the area.
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Burnham to face pressure at Labour conference to recognise Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide
Grassroots groups to urge PM to break with Starmer policy and impose full arms embargo on Israel
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Very impressed by the Newmarket Community Diagnostic centre on my visit there today. Especially pleased to find there's ample free parking. But it does raise the question - Why are there such prohibitive parking charges at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds?
130
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Investing in Haverhill. Our second biggest town needs investment, and West Suffolk Council is leading the way. And there's more to come!
031
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Enjoying the (slightly) cooler weather at Bury St Eds market with my daughter Rebecca. There's a real buzz today - bought some lovely wild sea bass and fresh fruit and veg!
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
BBC News - Bury St Edmunds nesting birds delay £6m Olding Road redevelopment - BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Bury St Edmunds nesting birds delay £6m Olding Road redevelopment
Work is paused until next month on the multi-million pound redevelopment, a council says.
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The UK government shouldn't be using American AI companies which indulge in dodgy tax avoidance schemes. That definitely includes Palantir. www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Palantir paid just £2m corporation tax in UK in 2024 despite lucrative public sector contracts
Software group benefits from global systems and accounting practices ‘that enable tax to be shirked’, says union boss
020
Reposted by Cliff Waterman
magnetron21 @markwolves.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
'What was their crime?': BBC visits Iran school in Minab where strike killed 120 children
Nearly five months on, grief is still raw as a teacher and a mother recall the horror of the attack in Minab.
044
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
So you wreck the world's weather system, bringing unstable and dangerous heat waves, then you invent and market clothing that lowers skin temperature... Isn't late-model capitalism wonderful?
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
I'm proud of the work West Suffolk Council is doing to support our armed forces. That's why I'm very pleased that we've been awarded the Gold Armed Forces Covenant status.
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
This is genuinely appalling. Where's the international outrage? www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Israeli strike on Gaza funeral killed at least seven people, hospital says
Another 22 reportedly injured while mourning Palestinian killed in Israeli attack earlier in the day
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
There have been a few problems with delivery by the Post Office, so please do let me know if you don't get your copy delivered through your letter box.
011
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
The latest edition of Thriving West Suffolk magazine is being delivered this week and next. Lots for everyone in and around West Suffolk!
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Lovely scarecrow display in the Abbey Gardens. The gardens are looking really fabulous at the moment. And this feature and another one about bees, both provided by Crafty Foxes, bring even more to see! Thanks to the West Suffolk Council @westsuffolkcouncil.bsky.social gardening team too.
021
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
For fellow car nerds: this is a 100 M, a road going version of the cars which raced at Le Mans.
001
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Went to the Abbey Front to be in a photo with the Town of Culture postcard... but I was distracted by this beauty!
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The massive development that the Forest City represents would rip the heart out of rural communities and create a nightmare overdevelopment in the heart of some of the country’s best landscapes.
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Our flag is a proud symbol of the unity and diversity of our communities all coming together to support our national team.
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Disapponted that Bury St Edmunds didn't make it to the shortlist for Town of Culture. But massive congratulations to all the towns which will receive £60,000 each to develop their bids further. Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed - GOV.UK share.google/mQxpXlOoLSmv...
share.google
Shortlist for UK Town of Culture revealed
Fifteen towns shortlisted for the first UK Town of Culture competition
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
I almost don't believe this can be true. This man holds the American nuclear button? Please world leaders, don't feed his fantasies any more!
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Day 1 of the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth. I've learnt about Total Place ideas to make council services more adapted to what local people want, the Secretary of State for local government outline his ambitious plans and done a fair bit of networking. Beach looks nice...
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
I'll tell you what: if you haven't been to one of our markets recently in a town other than your own, give yourself a treat and visit a new one. And while you're there, check out all the other things the town has to offer! They're all different, all have their own identity: they're all wonderful!
011
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
One of the key aims of my leadership of West Suffolk is to open channels of communication. This is just one of many, so please have your say!
031
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
West Suffolk Council's markets are always a great way to spend a few hours and the makers markets are even better!
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
With the unanimous backing of council, I'm seeking urgent talks with the asylum minister to explain why the prposed use of RAF Barnham just isn't viable. This is in no way a criticism of the Home Office or the government, rather a rational consideration of the proposal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
RAF Barnham asylum plan meets local resistance
There is cross-party agreement that the proposal for the Suffolk/Norfolk border is inappropriate.
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Our case is based on evidence and analysis, not emotion or point scoring. Unlike some other local council leaders, I don't think standing on a soapbox and ranting through a megaphone is the best way to present your case.
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
I'm happy to report that my motion received unanimous support from council today. This means I can speak to the Border Security and Asylum minister, Alex Norris MP, about the challenges that would be caused by going ahead with the proposed asylum accommodation at RAF Barnham with authority.
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Wonderful music in St Edmundsbury Cathedral @stedscath.bsky.social this afternoon as part of the Civic Service for West Suffolk. The Anthem was a setting of the psalm 'Seek him that maketh the seven stars' by Jonathan Dove. Really did make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
011
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Down with the kids? Not really. My eldest granddaughter just got back from her third Saturday concert at Wembley listening to Harry Styles. So I'm catching up and listening to his album from 2022, Harry's House. Nice. I can see the attraction. Have a good Sunday!
021
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Golden beer in the heat. Sensibly, it's zero percent alcohol.
020
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Top hot weather tip for drivers: coming into Bury St Edmunds by car? Park in the underground car park under the arc shopping centre. It stays lovely and cool and your car won't feel like a furnace when you return.
000
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
35⁰C today on The Cornhill in Bury St Edmunds. Sensibly, the market has packed away early to keep stallholders and customers safe from the heat.
030
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I was delighted to hear two of the young people speak their proclamation on Angel Hill on Sunday. They stand as brilliant ambassadors for their contemporaries, both in Suffolk and across the country.
010
Reposted by Cliff Waterman
BladeoftheSun @bladeofthes.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Hilarious video that shows none of the Reform voters know any of Reform's policies.
24386176
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A good day for the country, a good day for Labour, and, dare I say it, a good day for Kier Starmer. He's been professional and statesmanlike to the end. Now a new chapter starts, with a new leader, and a renewed sense of optimism.
131
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
It's Suffolk Day today, and the host town this year is Bury St Edmunds. There's a real buzz around town, especially in the Abbey Gardens, where I bumped into Andrea from RWS FM. Events are on all day, you still have time to get down there!
011
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Opening of the new Keeping Tenants Cultivating area at Cotton Lane allotments. Brilliant community spirit, and thank you to the National Lottery for the funding!
010
Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Suffolk Labour MPs - it's your duty to make sure he understands and allows an orderly exit. @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social @jessasatomp.bsky.social @jackabbott.bsky.social @jenny4suffcoast.bsky.social
000