A network of individuals, independent and alternative media activists and organisations, offering grassroots, non-corporate, non-commercial coverage of important social and political issues.

MP John Hemming and the Phoenix Vulture Consortium

Rovering Reporter | 17.07.2005 15:50 | Birmingham

A quick glance of the archived images and their relevant links below taken from Birmingham Yardley Liberal Democrats website reveals some very interesting changes.

archived link of Hemming's 'rover' page
archived link to Hemming's 'links page'
changed 'rover' page

As you can see the recently elected MP for Birmingham Yardley, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council and millionaire John Hemming, has changed his account of his involvement with the Phoenix Vulture Consortium.

Before the demise of Rover hit the headlines Hemming's page on Rover stated:

"Almost twelve months ago the people of the West Midlands rose as one to save Rover Cars, Charles Chinn was at the forefront of that fight. Here is what he has to say of the part John played in saving Rover"

"John Hemming was vital in saving Rover"
"John pulled togeather evryone concerned with saving Longbridge"
"John formally submitted the bid"
"John's tactics were wise and correct"
"John worked tirelesly with the media"
"Towers acknowledged Hemmings help"
"Hemming deserved his moment of glory"
"John proved to be a man of honour"

This page was then changed during the week that Rover's demise was announced to:

"In 2000 John Hemming brought together the community, the workforce and certain businesspeople to put together a consortium to rescue Rover. John made the mistake of trusting John Towers who went on to kick John Hemming and the community representatives from the consortium and ran the business in the way John Towers wished to run it.

In 2003 John Hemming, being aware of the way in which the directors were extracting money and assets, looked at taking legal action to remove them from overall control. The conclusion was that this would damage the business and hit the local economy were it to proceed.

In 2005 the business continued to lose money and as a result of the briefings of the Department of Trade and Industry suppliers refused to supply the company. It was then forced to bring in administrators on Friday 8th April at 2005."

Why was John Hemming so keen to change his account of his involvement with the Phoenix Vulture Consortium and why did he do so when the story about Rover's demise hit the headlines?

Archived page of Hemming's 'rover' page: