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I still think Johnson will survive – politicalbetting.com

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  • Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 5,288
    Scott_xP said:

    Its very lucky some unknown individual close to Boris has got covid today.

    The assumption is that this is a lie, but it's just possible the person with covid is BoZo himself
    No, Johnson confirms a positive test for COVID around day 7, giving him another length of time to hide, then fails to test negative until some time after days 5 and 6 of his own isolation.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,748
    This is getting so unfair.

    Is the concept of a late-night working dance really so difficult to grasp?
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Chris said:

    This is getting so unfair.

    Is the concept of a late-night working dance really so difficult to grasp?

    I didn't know it was a party... https://twitter.com/stimmo/status/1481658794438443012/video/1

    PSA. You CANNOT unsee that video
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    ...
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,748
    Scott_xP said:

    Chris said:

    This is getting so unfair.

    Is the concept of a late-night working dance really so difficult to grasp?

    I didn't know it was a party... https://twitter.com/stimmo/status/1481658794438443012/video/1

    PSA. You CANNOT unsee that video
    It got a bit steamier later, but unfortunately we have only stills:
    image
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Chris said:

    It got a bit steamier later, but unfortunately we have only stills:

    There goes my breakfast :(
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,633
    Andy_JS said:
    Credit to Gardiner to appear on the news and answer questions though. I hope he is helping Mi5 as much or more.

    There will be others.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 42,572
    Foxy said:

    Andy_JS said:
    Credit to Gardiner to appear on the news and answer questions though. I hope he is helping Mi5 as much or more.

    There will be others.
    Remember randy old Mike Hancock?
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146

    As distraction stories go... the Barry Gardiner case is hardly the Profumo Scandal... if thats the best the Conservatives can spin up, things must be bad.

    Agreed. Patel is pathetic.
    Forgot she existed. She’s been invisible lately
    On media last night spreading customary venom.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,633

    Foxy said:

    Andy_JS said:
    Credit to Gardiner to appear on the news and answer questions though. I hope he is helping Mi5 as much or more.

    There will be others.
    Remember randy old Mike Hancock?
    Yes, and plenty of Russian money sloshing round Parliament now. Not at all surprised that the Chinese are at it too.
  • jonny83jonny83 Posts: 1,270
    If anyone could survive it's him. I used to say the same about Teflon Tony during periods of his premiership, but Boris is on another level and there is more damaging stuff directly linked to him compared to Blair. Things do stick to Boris.

    It would be some turn around before May almost likely improbable but not entirely impossible. A week is a long time in Politics nevermind 4 months away.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    BREAKING: Alex Hawke has cancelled Novak Djokovic’s visa. @9NewsAUS @2GB873
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    edited January 2022
    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,376

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    The leave campaign was controlled migration not zero migration.

    Indeed Farage himself said he’d rather see skilled people from commonwealth nations come here than unskilled people from the EU.
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,376
    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,188
    kle4 said:

    BBC News - US Supreme Court blocks Biden's workplace vaccine mandate
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-59989476

    To be expected no doubt, but I hadn't seen an analysis before which put Kavanaugh as the 'ideological fulcrum'. Roberts, yes, on some issues at least.

    Once again, the current balance of the Supreme Court comes into sharp relief, with four reliably conservative justices, three reliable liberal ones and two - Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh - at the ideological fulcrum
    Thomas - Alito - Gorsuch - Barret - Kavanaugh - Roberts

    Conservative justices in order of conservativeness
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,376

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Well @TheScreamingEagles has likened Bojo to a stepmom on Pornhub....
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,633
    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    Well he did have false statements on his visa application form.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Jacob Rees-Mogg, Johnson’s most vigorous cabinet defender, has tried to revive that argument this week. He has been busy waving the bloody shirt of Brexit, pointing out that Johnson’s critics were on the other side of the Brexit debate. But in a sign of the reduced salience of the issue, this is not having the effect that it once would have done. One of those tasked with shoring up support for Johnson among his MPs says “this isn’t splitting on Leave/Remain lines”. One of the few to have actually called for him to go, William Wragg, was a Leaver.

    Indeed, one of Johnson’s problems is that the most ardent Brexiteers in the parliamentary party are not particularly enamoured of his leadership.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tory-mps-are-waiting-until-voters-boos-are-deafening-p58stz0d2
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
  • Foxy said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    Well he did have false statements on his visa application form.
    That was the fault of one of his team.
    Sounds familiar..
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,175
    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
    Alternatively, he’s a global superstar who might get special treatment in some countries. But it’s not certain.

    An enterprising bookmaker should set up a market on whether he plays Wimbledon.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    tlg86 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
    Alternatively, he’s a global superstar who might get special treatment in some countries. But it’s not certain.

    An enterprising bookmaker should set up a market on whether he plays Wimbledon.
    That might happen in a few places, but think of the Grand Slam events.

    Australia, USA, France and UK, all countries famous for their smooth border bureaucracy and waving people though with a friendly smile! < / sarcasm >

    But sure, he’ll have no problem appearing as the star of the Baku Invitational Tournament.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373
    Foxy said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    Well he did have false statements on his visa application form.
    I don't think they had much choice after that emerged. You can't let people in when their visa isn't in order, otherwise there's no point in having visas. Moreover, it would set a precedent that might easily cause more problems down the line.

    Leaving aside the fact that Djokovic is either (1) lying about a positive PCR test or (2) guilty of multiple breaches of isolation rules, both of which are sufficient grounds for denying him entry anyway.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    edited January 2022
    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    He's gone down. Haven't you looked?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373

    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    He's gone down. Haven't you looked?
    To be honest, I'm so busy at the moment I had actually forgotten they were playing. I gather Broad bowled him neck and crop.

    But it was a rather feeble pun on 'more positive.'
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    Thankfully bowled by Broad, after forgetting he was playing a Test match and not a one-dayer.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373
    Sandpit said:

    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    Thankfully bowled by Broad, after forgetting he was playing a Test match and not a one-dayer.
    You mean, he was batting like an Englishman?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    He's gone down. Haven't you looked?
    To be honest, I'm so busy at the moment I had actually forgotten they were playing. I gather Broad bowled him neck and crop.

    But it was a rather feeble pun on 'more positive.'
    4/10 Can do better, as earlier work shows.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,368
    Given the story yesterday that Boris is planning to have a purge at number 10 of those who are not “perfect”

    Should you or should you not have attended the parties in Number 10 on April 16th?

    And did Sue Grey attend or invited?
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,188
    Wonder if judge Kelly will claim juridistiction and overrule the govt on narrow technical grounds again. I'd hope not, but you never know.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,331
    edited January 2022
    Sandpit said:

    tlg86 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
    Alternatively, he’s a global superstar who might get special treatment in some countries. But it’s not certain.

    An enterprising bookmaker should set up a market on whether he plays Wimbledon.
    That might happen in a few places, but think of the Grand Slam events.

    Australia, USA, France and UK, all countries famous for their smooth border bureaucracy and waving people though with a friendly smile! < / sarcasm >

    But sure, he’ll have no problem appearing as the star of the Baku Invitational Tournament.
    Apparently, Australia places a three year ban on anyone who’s had their visa revoked. So it looks as if he’s won his last Australian open.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373
    Pulpstar said:

    Wonder if judge Kelly will claim juridistiction and overrule the govt on narrow technical grounds again. I'd hope not, but you never know.

    The situation appears to be sufficiently tense over this that for his own safety he would perhaps be wiser to leave Australia.* He would be better off building a challenge so he can compete next year.

    *Novak Djokovic not Anthony Kelly.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Minister, asked by @skynewsniall to accept that a leaving do with a suitcase of wine, music, dancing & damage to a child’s swing is a party, unable to do so because SueGray
    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481889162143883266
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    edited January 2022

    Sandpit said:

    tlg86 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
    Alternatively, he’s a global superstar who might get special treatment in some countries. But it’s not certain.

    An enterprising bookmaker should set up a market on whether he plays Wimbledon.
    That might happen in a few places, but think of the Grand Slam events.

    Australia, USA, France and UK, all countries famous for their smooth border bureaucracy and waving people though with a friendly smile! < / sarcasm >

    But sure, he’ll have no problem appearing as the star of the Baku Invitational Tournament.
    Apparently, Australia places a three year ban on anyone who’s had their visa revoked. So it looks as if he’s won his last Australian open.
    Yes, that’s their standard procedure. As others have suggested, he’s better off heading home now, and preparing a case as to why they should allow him in next year. But, of course, elite sportsmen don’t think like that, their brains are wired differently to most of us.

    Edit: do we know where he actually calls home? Presumably Monaco or Switzerland, same as most touring athletes?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    edited January 2022
    Scott_xP said:

    Minister, asked by @skynewsniall to accept that a leaving do with a suitcase of wine, music, dancing & damage to a child’s swing is a party, unable to do so because SueGray
    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481889162143883266

    Carrying wine in a suitcase sounds somewhat dodgy and devious to me.

    Man (assume) walks up Downing's Street with heavy suitcase ...... unusual perhaps but unremarkable. Man walks up Downing Street with heavy box clearly labelled Majestic ..... onlookers all over it.
    (Inc. Times and Telegraph who expect invite!)
  • HY has a simple job this morning. Remember that the government can ignore the opinion and feelings of people who didn't vote Tory last time or are judged not likely to be doing so next time.

    And its the Queen. So....
  • kamskikamski Posts: 5,190

    Sandpit said:

    tlg86 said:

    Sandpit said:

    Taz said:

    Aussies deny Djokovic entry. What a farce it has all been.

    That was always going to happen, his story was full of holes.

    He’s now going to have a very difficult life for the next few years, as every immigration officer he meets is going to have doubts about him - which is a pain in the arse when you’re a touring sportsman on a plane somewhere different every week.
    Alternatively, he’s a global superstar who might get special treatment in some countries. But it’s not certain.

    An enterprising bookmaker should set up a market on whether he plays Wimbledon.
    That might happen in a few places, but think of the Grand Slam events.

    Australia, USA, France and UK, all countries famous for their smooth border bureaucracy and waving people though with a friendly smile! < / sarcasm >

    But sure, he’ll have no problem appearing as the star of the Baku Invitational Tournament.
    Apparently, Australia places a three year ban on anyone who’s had their visa revoked. So it looks as if he’s won his last Australian open.
    No doubt if Alex Hawke has the discretion to throw him out, he also has the discretion to let him back in?
  • HeathenerHeathener Posts: 7,084
    Sandpit said:

    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    Thankfully bowled by Broad, after forgetting he was playing a Test match and not a one-dayer.
    Not so sure I agree. It would be easy to be ground down on this wicket and be bowled out for under 100. I think their tactics have been superb.

    And remember that the greatest batsman in test cricket history, averaging 100, scored at a run a minute.
  • Scott_xP said:

    Minister, asked by @skynewsniall to accept that a leaving do with a suitcase of wine, music, dancing & damage to a child’s swing is a party, unable to do so because SueGray
    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481889162143883266

    Carrying wine in a suitcase sounds somewhat dodgy and devious to me.

    Man (assume) walks up Downing's Street with heavy suitcase ...... unusual perhaps but unremarkable. Man walks up Downing Street with heavy box clearly labelled Majestic ..... onlookers all over it.
    (Inc. Times and Telegraph who expect invite!)
    Happily staffers were ordered to delete information on their phones related to this, so "don't carry booze openly, stick it inside something else" messages won't be found*

    *will be found. Someone will leak them
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Suitcases of wine. Underground DJs. Broken swings. Pandemic parties have changed a bit since this one https://twitter.com/SophyRidgeSky/status/1481893384616923138/photo/1
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    edited January 2022

    Scott_xP said:

    Minister, asked by @skynewsniall to accept that a leaving do with a suitcase of wine, music, dancing & damage to a child’s swing is a party, unable to do so because SueGray
    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481889162143883266

    Carrying wine in a suitcase sounds somewhat dodgy and devious to me.

    Man (assume) walks up Downing's Street with heavy suitcase ...... unusual perhaps but unremarkable. Man walks up Downing Street with heavy box clearly labelled Majestic ..... onlookers all over it.
    (Inc. Times and Telegraph who expect invite!)
    Happily staffers were ordered to delete information on their phones related to this, so "don't carry booze openly, stick it inside something else" messages won't be found*

    *will be found. Someone will leak them
    Guido keeps a list of staffers, and there’s quite a few youngsters who don’t make the £40k earnings threshold for declaration to authorities.

    I’m sure a friendly newspaper would pay a good few months’ salary, to anyone who has genuinely incriminating messages from senior politicians.

    I’m continually astonished at the lack of information security awareness among politicians and their staff. I do training courses on this stuff, it’s really not difficult. The politicians especially, should understand that everything they ever write down, in any medium or format, should be treated as public.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    Scott_xP said:

    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946

    One of my daughters-in-law is about to leave a firm where she has worked for many years, and indeed 'climbed the ladder'. She's not leaving on bad terms, there's no complaint; just feels she needs a change.

    She has asked for there NOT to be a party and is quite confident there won't be.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,957

    Scott_xP said:

    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946

    One of my daughters-in-law is about to leave a firm where she has worked for many years, and indeed 'climbed the ladder'. She's not leaving on bad terms, there's no complaint; just feels she needs a change.

    She has asked for there NOT to be a party and is quite confident there won't be.
    Thanks OKC keep us up to date on events.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,373
    Heathener said:

    Sandpit said:

    ydoethur said:

    I turned on Pb this morning and there was a large picture of the PM's grinning face. Flicked to the end and there was his torso.

    Is this in danger of becoming a porn site?

    So not a Good Morning; Hello!

    Edit. At least the cricket looks more positive!

    Why? Has Marnus Labushagne gone down with Covid?
    Thankfully bowled by Broad, after forgetting he was playing a Test match and not a one-dayer.
    Not so sure I agree. It would be easy to be ground down on this wicket and be bowled out for under 100. I think their tactics have been superb.

    And remember that the greatest batsman in test cricket history, averaging 100, scored at a run a minute.
    Given the over rates in those times, that would have been a strike rate of around 50-55. So not ridiculously different from a solid rather than aggressive test batsman now.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 5,035
    Aslan said:

    How should we predict the way forward of the Chinese money interfering in UK politics story? Grooming?
    The Labour Party wants to present itself as ready for power, will protect the realm, but is it denying it took £600K or more and allowed itself to be groomed? If there is no such thing as a free lunch, what is a no strings attached £600K?

    How big and damaging is the grooming story once more details emerge. Is it one of those story’s which start quietly but in few days will be huge with more and more individuals with questions to answer under huge pressure?

    And is it as Party Political and damaging to Labour as Daily Mail and Conservatives hope - the Indy has Cameron and Christine Lee on the front. Did she put any money at all into Cameron’s China fund? Has she met Boris and let him know she has plenty of cash to lend friends whenever their short but need to nip in B&Q

    I don't see why any individual should be able to give more than about 1000 GBP to an MP in any parliament. And it should be zero for non-individuals and non-citizens.
    I agree.

    And a limit of £5,000 for political parties.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    edited January 2022
    TOPPING said:

    Scott_xP said:

    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946

    One of my daughters-in-law is about to leave a firm where she has worked for many years, and indeed 'climbed the ladder'. She's not leaving on bad terms, there's no complaint; just feels she needs a change.

    She has asked for there NOT to be a party and is quite confident there won't be.
    Thanks OKC keep us up to date on events.
    Sarcasm noted! LOL! Actually the firm in question is one whose activities are frequently discussed here!

    I'm sure Mr Slack, Director of Communications at No 10, could have expressed the same wish. And must have had an idea of how it would look if there was one!
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    A significant development as this is an on the record -former senior No10 staffer going on the record, yes to apologise, but also to confirm that what happened that night was a party & shouldn't have happened.
    https://twitter.com/robpowellnews/status/1481894586150707202


    Still trying to deflect blame away from BoZo though
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,859
    Scott_xP said:

    Minister, asked by @skynewsniall to accept that a leaving do with a suitcase of wine, music, dancing & damage to a child’s swing is a party, unable to do so because SueGray
    https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481889162143883266

    The longer this goes on, the more inevitable his departure. A head of public discontent is building up such that trying to fob us off with a technical whitewash or dismissing a few junior staff will simply make things worse.

    Bozo to leave in 2022 is starting to look like it might be free money.

    The Tories might of course try and leave him hanging in office until May - looking more and more untenable (and potentially more and more damaging), but he’s a gonner this year either way.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    BREAKING: The Prime Minister’s former director of communications James Slack - whose leaving do in No 10 was on April 17th 2021 - “apologises unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused” and says it “should not have happened at the time that it did”.

    So the party is confirmed.

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481895687562346499
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,633
    edited January 2022
    Interesting thread on the career of Sue Gray, former pub landlady in bandit territory:

    https://twitter.com/castlvillageman/status/1481245316229836812?t=JAXh_I2NW8p1oUba9mvyyg&s=19
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 42,957

    TOPPING said:

    Scott_xP said:

    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946

    One of my daughters-in-law is about to leave a firm where she has worked for many years, and indeed 'climbed the ladder'. She's not leaving on bad terms, there's no complaint; just feels she needs a change.

    She has asked for there NOT to be a party and is quite confident there won't be.
    Thanks OKC keep us up to date on events.
    Sarcasm noted! LOL! Actually the firm in question is one whose activities are frequently discussed here!

    I'm sure Mr Slack, Director of Communications at No 10, could have expressed the same wish. And must have had an idea of how it would look if there was one!
    I wish her all the best. I think it only ever got to half a dozen people in the local bar for similar events where I was involved. Plus maybe someone standing on a chair for 2mins to say "they're going - thanks".
  • eekeek Posts: 28,368
    It's obvious and surely been posted before
    Ed Morrish
    @edmorrish
    Amazing to think The Sun missed out on this scoop despite the fact that THEIR FUCKING DEPUTY EDITOR WAS FUCKING THERE.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Pressure back on Met Police again.

    That’s two confirmed parties now. Will they have to revisit their decision not to investigate - again?

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481896358193901573
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    Jacob Rees-Mogg, Johnson’s most vigorous cabinet defender, has tried to revive that argument this week. He has been busy waving the bloody shirt of Brexit, pointing out that Johnson’s critics were on the other side of the Brexit debate. But in a sign of the reduced salience of the issue, this is not having the effect that it once would have done. One of those tasked with shoring up support for Johnson among his MPs says “this isn’t splitting on Leave/Remain lines”. One of the few to have actually called for him to go, William Wragg, was a Leaver.

    Indeed, one of Johnson’s problems is that the most ardent Brexiteers in the parliamentary party are not particularly enamoured of his leadership.

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tory-mps-are-waiting-until-voters-boos-are-deafening-p58stz0d2

    Brexiteers will *never* be happy. That is their tragic fate.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    BREAKING: The Prime Minister’s former director of communications James Slack - whose leaving do in No 10 was on April 17th 2021 - “apologises unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused” and says it “should not have happened at the time that it did”.

    So the party is confirmed.

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481895687562346499

    We’re moving from a scandal a week to a scandal a day. If this keeps up he won’t make it til May.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,424
    TOPPING said:

    TOPPING said:

    Scott_xP said:

    The PM's former director of communications James Slack has told PA he wants to "apologise unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused" by a party held to mark his leaving Downing Street

    He said "should not have happened at the time that it did"


    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-59989946

    One of my daughters-in-law is about to leave a firm where she has worked for many years, and indeed 'climbed the ladder'. She's not leaving on bad terms, there's no complaint; just feels she needs a change.

    She has asked for there NOT to be a party and is quite confident there won't be.
    Thanks OKC keep us up to date on events.
    Sarcasm noted! LOL! Actually the firm in question is one whose activities are frequently discussed here!

    I'm sure Mr Slack, Director of Communications at No 10, could have expressed the same wish. And must have had an idea of how it would look if there was one!
    I wish her all the best. I think it only ever got to half a dozen people in the local bar for similar events where I was involved. Plus maybe someone standing on a chair for 2mins to say "they're going - thanks".
    All I got at one place were abusive remarks from the boss over why I hadn't managed to recruit a successor!
    I think I was about the third person to leave on bad terms within two months.
  • eek said:

    It's obvious and surely been posted before
    Ed Morrish
    @edmorrish
    Amazing to think The Sun missed out on this scoop despite the fact that THEIR FUCKING DEPUTY EDITOR WAS FUCKING THERE.

    Ordinarily that would get you fired. BUT this isn't ordinary. The newspaper knew these were going on because the guy deciding what politics stories to run was (a) there and (b) the reason for at least one of the parties.

    The S*n has chosen not to be a newspaper, to actively participate in covering this up for political reasons. Which they are entitled to do - but they need to stop pretending they are a newspaper.

    Ooh Ah Daily Star has had better political coverage than they have.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Check out @skynewsniall shade at the end of this clip: a govt minister was unable to make a similar apology this morning. https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1481893761022050304
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Taz said:

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    The leave campaign was controlled migration not zero migration.

    Indeed Farage himself said he’d rather see skilled people from commonwealth nations come here than unskilled people from the EU.
    Very persuasive. Dog whistling ahoy!
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    FT View: The game is up for Boris Johnson
    https://on.ft.com/3qmNM81
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Wait til she hears about the Downing Street party the night before HM the Queen buried her husband. Beggars belief.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    The defining feature of the Johnson government’s culture war has always been its smirking insincerity. Fetishising flags, statues, portraits of the Queen etc to score anti-woke points, but precious little genuine respect.
    https://twitter.com/JeremyCliffe/status/1481897838443483136
    https://twitter.com/tony_diver/status/1481741337951195136
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    FT View: The game is up for Boris Johnson
    https://on.ft.com/3qmNM81

    Fuck Business responds Boris.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,454
    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,643

    eek said:

    It's obvious and surely been posted before
    Ed Morrish
    @edmorrish
    Amazing to think The Sun missed out on this scoop despite the fact that THEIR FUCKING DEPUTY EDITOR WAS FUCKING THERE.

    Ordinarily that would get you fired. BUT this isn't ordinary. The newspaper knew these were going on because the guy deciding what politics stories to run was (a) there and (b) the reason for at least one of the parties.

    The S*n has chosen not to be a newspaper, to actively participate in covering this up for political reasons. Which they are entitled to do - but they need to stop pretending they are a newspaper.

    Ooh Ah Daily Star has had better political coverage than they have.
    Tory Bear is not going to be objective.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,643
    The sight of the tory establishment circling the wagons is impressive. This whole issue clear as day being shrouded in fifty shades of Gray.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,785
    Mr. Gate, perhaps.

    The Conservatives need to decide whether they want to axe him, or take the pain when the electorate do it.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,368
    edited January 2022
    Scott_xP said:

    Pressure back on Met Police again.

    That’s two confirmed parties now. Will they have to revisit their decision not to investigate - again?

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481896358193901573

    Well they can't continually claim 1 rule for Boris and another for the citizens that live in London but they seem to wish to - this was the same day

    https://twitter.com/kirkkorner/status/1481789121798492165

    Tristan Kirk
    @kirkkorner
    A Met Police officer hit out at a woman who organised an illegal party on the day of Prince Phillip's funeral.

    "Disrespectful" "totally unacceptable"

    She was fined £12,000 for throwing the birthday party in Hackney.


    Tristan Kirk
    @kirkkorner
    ·
    7h
    Replying to
    @kirkkorner
    "There needed to be consequences for her actions", wrote the PC.

    She had a DJ set, food, and booze for more than 30 guests.

    To be fair, she also had a marquee and a bouncy castle, which no one has accused Downing St of yet.
  • TazTaz Posts: 14,376

    Taz said:

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    After shutting out Poles and other nasty foreigners, I wonder how Farage and other xenophobes are going to react to the India visa plan.

    The leave campaign was controlled migration not zero migration.

    Indeed Farage himself said he’d rather see skilled people from commonwealth nations come here than unskilled people from the EU.
    Very persuasive. Dog whistling ahoy!
    Yeah, that must be it. :smirk:
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,812

    What I'd like to know, as someone who is generally supportive (from afar) of the Labour Party, is WHY did a Labour MP accept £420,000 in donations from someone connected with the Chinese Communist government?

    Sounds like a hell of a lot of "research" to me.

    And, entirely coincidentally of course, decided that the son of the donor was the best person to work in his Parliamentary office.

    He's seriously lucky that the government (and Andrew) are laying down intense covering fire at the moment drowning out most other news.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,748
    The parliamentary Tory party. 360 characters in search of a backbone.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,368
    edited January 2022

    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo

    Yep - he's fatally wounded and the Tory party is morally destroyed but Boris and the party can keep going to 2024

    But every day that continues like this will cause the Tory party long term (possible irreparable) harm
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    The defining feature of the Johnson government’s culture war has always been its smirking insincerity. Fetishising flags, statues, portraits of the Queen etc to score anti-woke points, but precious little genuine respect.
    https://twitter.com/JeremyCliffe/status/1481897838443483136
    https://twitter.com/tony_diver/status/1481741337951195136

    Union flag = good
    Other flags = bad

    HM the Queen = good
    HM the Duke of Edinburgh deid = party!

    Statues of racists and slave traders = good
    Justice for Windrush victims = bad

    Respect for ordinary folk?! Forget it.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    “The next time he sees Her Majesty it should be to proffer his sincere apologies and also his resignation” Emily Thornberry tells @GMB.

    His next audience with the Queen is going to be incredibly awkward no matter what.

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481899789897940992
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,859
    Foxy said:

    Interesting thread on the career of Sue Gray, former pub landlady in bandit territory:

    https://twitter.com/castlvillageman/status/1481245316229836812?t=JAXh_I2NW8p1oUba9mvyyg&s=19

    That's one to flag for Leon, to stop him banging on about aliens.

    This one has a bit of credibility, it has to be said.
  • WhisperingOracleWhisperingOracle Posts: 9,133
    edited January 2022
    Scott_xP said:

    The defining feature of the Johnson government’s culture war has always been its smirking insincerity. Fetishising flags, statues, portraits of the Queen etc to score anti-woke points, but precious little genuine respect.
    https://twitter.com/JeremyCliffe/status/1481897838443483136
    https://twitter.com/tony_diver/status/1481741337951195136

    Absolutely. The smirking fashionable irony, as I've mentioned many many times on here.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,643
    edited January 2022

    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo

    Alas, yes. They don’t have the guts and some (my mp) lack capacity for independent thought.

    More importantly, the potential successors haven’t established enough of a committed following in the parliamentary party. They are not strong enough to issue a coup de grace with certainty.

    So Boris survives. A mistake for the Tories IMO, because he’s evidently lost his touch.

  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,785
    Mr. Jonathan, I think future PM contenders holding fire are miscalculating.

    Yes, this isn't an optimal time to take over. But the damage incurred during any interim to a potential future challenge is worse than axing Johnson quickly and stopping the rot.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,748
    edited January 2022
    eek said:

    Scott_xP said:

    Pressure back on Met Police again.

    That’s two confirmed parties now. Will they have to revisit their decision not to investigate - again?

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481896358193901573

    Well they can't continually claim 1 rule for Boris and another for the citizens that live in London but they seem to wish to - this was the same day

    https://twitter.com/kirkkorner/status/1481789121798492165

    Tristan Kirk
    @kirkkorner
    A Met Police officer hit out at a woman who organised an illegal party on the day of Prince Phillip's funeral.

    "Disrespectful" "totally unacceptable"

    She was fined £12,000 for throwing the birthday party in Hackney.


    Tristan Kirk
    @kirkkorner
    ·
    7h
    Replying to
    @kirkkorner
    "There needed to be consequences for her actions", wrote the PC.

    She had a DJ set, food, and booze for more than 30 guests.

    To be fair, she also had a marquee and a bouncy castle, which no one has accused Downing St of yet.
    Bouncy castles are ideal for brainstorming sessions.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Jonathan said:

    The sight of the tory establishment circling the wagons is impressive. This whole issue clear as day being shrouded in fifty shades of Gray.

    Nope. Not impressive at all. They are simply going to further infuriate people.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Jonathan said:

    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo

    Alas, yes. They don’t have the guts and some (my mp) lack capacity for independent thought.

    More importantly, the potential successors haven’t established enough of a committed following in the parliamentary party. They are not strong enough to issue a coup de grace with certainty.

    So Boris survives. A mistake for the Tories IMO, because he’s evidently lost his touch.

    My MP is a BoZo fanboi, but I have written to the local party asking them to pass a motion calling for BoZo to go like Sutton Coldfield did
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    “The next time he sees Her Majesty it should be to proffer his sincere apologies and also his resignation” Emily Thornberry tells @GMB.

    His next audience with the Queen is going to be incredibly awkward no matter what.

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481899789897940992

    Has HM ever had to deal with such an utter plonker before? Yes, occasionally, but she has to meet The Clown every week. Oh to be a fly on the wall at the next meeting.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 21,643
    edited January 2022

    Mr. Jonathan, I think future PM contenders holding fire are miscalculating.

    Yes, this isn't an optimal time to take over. But the damage incurred during any interim to a potential future challenge is worse than axing Johnson quickly and stopping the rot.

    From what I can see neither Truss, Sunak nor Hunt are strong enough to challenge.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Scott_xP said:

    Jonathan said:

    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo

    Alas, yes. They don’t have the guts and some (my mp) lack capacity for independent thought.

    More importantly, the potential successors haven’t established enough of a committed following in the parliamentary party. They are not strong enough to issue a coup de grace with certainty.

    So Boris survives. A mistake for the Tories IMO, because he’s evidently lost his touch.

    My MP is a BoZo fanboi, but I have written to the local party asking them to pass a motion calling for BoZo to go like Sutton Coldfield did
    Are you still a member Scott?
  • eek said:

    Claims of Johnson’s demise are greatly exaggerated imo

    Yep - he's fatally wounded and the Tory party is morally destroyed but Boris and the party can keep going to 2024

    But every day that continues like this will cause the Tory party long term (possible irreparable) harm
    The remaining Shagger / Liar / Peppa loyalists don't seem to get this rather simple point: the longer BJ stays in office, the harder it is for them to stay in office. He is doing serious damage to the party and politics as a whole, not just to himself. The excuses, the hand-wringing "wait for Sue Grey", ministers refusing to answer simple questions it just gets worse and worse.

    If they are still in government with this team and this PM, they lose. And it could be a significant loss if this keep going. Once a party breaks trust with its electorate it doesn't regain it - Major over Black Wednesday, Brown over the crash, Clegg over fees. There is no way back for BJ and the longer it goes on the harder the electoral punishment will be.

    I would love the Tories to take a beating, but the damage they are doing to the country means they have to go - we can't afford another almost 3 years of this.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146
    Jonathan said:

    Mr. Jonathan, I think future PM contenders holding fire are miscalculating.

    Yes, this isn't an optimal time to take over. But the damage incurred during any interim to a potential future challenge is worse than axing Johnson quickly and stopping the rot.

    From what I can see neither Truss, Sunak nor Hunt are strong enough to challenge.
    They’re waiting until after the May bloodbath. An error of gigantic proportions.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    The Morning Star
    Mirror
    New Statesman
    Guardian


    Daily Express

    Found out as a charlatan' UK voters turn on Boris as PM facing growing pressure to resign

    https://twitter.com/Daily_Express/status/1481897182064222209?s=20
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,990
    Emily Thornberry taking no prisoners - she says if the PM has a "scrap of human decency", he would resign and adds "how the hell can [the PM] possibly expect to go before her majesty again... and be able to look her in the eye".
    https://twitter.com/robpowellnews/status/1481901484346417152
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    Even if Partygate didn’t bump Prince Andrew off the top slot on last nights front pages, it’s leading R4’s Today.
  • StuartDicksonStuartDickson Posts: 12,146

    The Morning Star
    Mirror
    New Statesman
    Guardian


    Daily Express

    Found out as a charlatan' UK voters turn on Boris as PM facing growing pressure to resign

    https://twitter.com/Daily_Express/status/1481897182064222209?s=20

    First the Daily Telegraph and the Financial Times, now the Express. The end is surely nigh?

    What’s the Mail’s line?
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,582
    Jonathan said:

    Mr. Jonathan, I think future PM contenders holding fire are miscalculating.

    Yes, this isn't an optimal time to take over. But the damage incurred during any interim to a potential future challenge is worse than axing Johnson quickly and stopping the rot.

    From what I can see neither Truss, Sunak nor Hunt are strong enough to challenge.
    In theory, under the process in place, a minister can write a letter to the ‘22 without needing to resign.

    The only thing that will possibly get rid of the PM, is one or more cabinet-level resignations.
  • solarflaresolarflare Posts: 3,705
    edited January 2022

    Scott_xP said:

    BREAKING: The Prime Minister’s former director of communications James Slack - whose leaving do in No 10 was on April 17th 2021 - “apologises unreservedly for the anger and hurt caused” and says it “should not have happened at the time that it did”.

    So the party is confirmed.

    https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1481895687562346499

    We’re moving from a scandal a week to a scandal a day. If this keeps up he won’t make it til May.
    It's quite funny, it's as if someone is basically trying to condition the public with some sort of Pavlovian response:

    "News of a new Downing street party..."
    "Oh for fuck's sake Boris"

    Just a continual stream now.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 53,812
    Head once again putting England to the sword here. Game swinging back Australia's way by the over.
This discussion has been closed.