Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
Just as well no one submitted a film for you to judge consisting of a blue screen for its entirety.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge. They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness and the Tories will face a wipe out similar to 1997
He had a reputation for honesty and integrity? A man who has been sacked from every job he's had for either lying or refusing to take responsibility for the consequences of his incompetence? A man who has ratted on all his wives, repeatedly?
Rather, what's gone is the perception he was an amiable sort of person you'd like to have a pint with. Everyone can now see he's just a classic spiv and not a very competent one.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing him the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge.
They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness. In the meantime Starmer will become the finished article and the Tories will face a wipe out they haven't seen since 1997
Two and half more years of national drift.
Political tribalists are a strange creature for the rest of us to understand.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If they get rid now then you’re right. If they spend the rest of 2022 cheering him from the benches and twisting themselves in knots in bbc interviews then no.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
“Labour has changed. The Tories have changed too” stood out for me yesterday.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If they get rid now then you’re right. If they spend the rest of 2022 cheering him from the benches and twisting themselves in knots in bbc interviews then no.
Why would 2019-2023 be so different to 2019-2022? The voters know their Tory MPs are going to cheer a Tory Prime Minister. The people who watch BBC interviews have seen the BBC interviews.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
Yeah I've been wondering about this also. It may be tricky for say Sunak to escape association with Johnson. He will certainly have to have a good answer on how he didn't notice lots of parties downstairs.
But someone outside of Cabinet probably can just brush it off. Johnson himself wasn't tainted by May.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
“Labour has changed. The Tories have changed too” stood out for me yesterday.
Starmer had a very good writer this week, and sounds like he’s had some training from a comedian about timing and mannerisms.
A couple of good jokes yesterday - the impromptu one suggesting the chief whip told the Tories to bring their own boos to the chamber was very good, obviously scripted beforehand but still needed to be delivered well.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge. They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness and the Tories will face a wipe out similar to 1997
He had a reputation for honesty and integrity? A man who has been sacked from every job he's had for either lying or refusing to take responsibility for the consequences of his incompetence? A man who has ratted on all his wives, repeatedly?
Rather, what's gone is the perception he was an amiable sort of person you'd like to have a pint with. Everyone can now see he's just a classic spiv and not a very competent one.
You're right. He's also shot 'honesty and integrity' to the top of voters concerns. I don't think too many were bothered about it until it became centre stage.but that's now where it is.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
Ah, we're back to disparaging people by the uni they attended.
Roger is only succeeding in confirming himself as a journeyman film maker who looks in awe at those with actual creative gifts. Dismissing any art without understanding the motive and thought process behind its production is the biggest giveaway.
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
What a snotty and obviously inaccurate post.
And what do you mean, 'you were asked to judge'? You make it sound like a village hall vegetable contest. Or do you mean you were a University moderator? If so please elucidate.
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
What a snotty and obviously inaccurate post.
And what do you mean, 'you were asked to judge'? You make it sound like a village hall vegetable contest. Or do you mean you were a University moderator? If so please elucidate.
From the few exchanges I have had with this Rover chap I cannot say it is a shock.
Starmer has clearly had an excellent week and although Johnson did not do too badly yesterday the week is clearly Starmers and labours.
Labour are still very light on policy specifics and what they are going to offer the red wall. They do not need to offer them currently but will soon start having to flesh them out. If the labour view (it is certainly the view of some activists on social media) is the red wall are merely sinners who need to repent I think they will come unstuck.
Rachel Reeves was starting to get onto some themes on her interview on GMB, which was received to North Koreans level of sycophancy by all concerned which was a little OTT. I am no fan of Reeves but I thought it was a solid interview.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
He will be hated by labour part activists. Many 'good socialists' have been banned for various reasons, and this tory is allowed in. They still just aren't in the mindset of trying to win elections.
Interesting front page on the Mail. Back to the Thatcher days. Have they got Dacre back? I thought it had become a real newspaper again.. They're obviously after the Express's readership. It's seriously funny in a Churchillian sort of way
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
Are you strong on the civil war period of History Dr Y? Was Cromwell a Freemason? Part 2.
I havn’t much to go on. But my brother is obsessed with Templars. He says Cromwell was a Freemason 🤷♀️
It’s to do with those who love magnacarta. The night King John signed it he stayed with knight Templar. And at that time they wrote all the laws?
I know very little about the Civil War era (it's never been something I found interesting)
Where's a damn dislike button when you need one?
The only decent sex maniac among the whole lot of the Stuarts was Charles II.
His Scottish genes.
Didn't seem to work for his father and to a rather lesser extent his grandfather or brother.
I thought his brother also had mistresses. But he felt so guilty, he made sure they were all unattractive.
Like I said, the only *decent* sex maniac was Charles II.
Do you mean, out of only the ones in Whitehall? There were plenty in Scotland before them. And of course in France and Italy after, but I've never been interested in the Malignants enough to sniff their sheets so to speak. Though Chas II and Jas VII/II had some interesting nautical interests and Chas II in science.
Jamie Saxt liked a well turned out male leg. His strictures against sodomy are somewhat reminiscent of Southern US tv evangelists who recommend dancing away the gay..
Bit hard on the women. Especially the ones who got done for witchcraft. North Berwick has never been livelier.
Seriously: the dissonance between a douce family resort/commuterland and what happened then is astounding.
It is. I have some reservations about campaigns for antepost apologies but if the one concerning what was done to women accused of witchcraft brings the events to public attention, I'm all for it.
There's a website which has collated all the records, like the British Slavery one, in which you can look up your friendly local (or indeed any) Colston (it has proved extremely useful, if sobering, for some local historical research). This accused women one has a map so you can find out who got burnt alive down the road (almost literally so in my case).
IIRC from my university days the interesting thing about the witch trial craze was how different it panned out in different places. Some were much harsher on punishments than others, or even had acquittals, depending on how gung ho they were, some had a higher proportion of men as the target than others (though I cannot recall if anywhere actually had a majority, but in general nowhere near of course), but simplistic takes on it tend to make it seem uniform.
In the U.K. most ‘witches’* were hung, not burned.
*They were not witches of course.
The U.K. (sic) did not exist back then. Still doesn’t in terms of legal systems and law enforcement.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing him the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge.
They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness. In the meantime Starmer will become the finished article and the Tories will face a wipe out they haven't seen since 1997
I hate this "what's bad for the Conservatives is good for the country" attitude. It is exactly the same as "what's good for the Conservatives is good for the country" that you see on the other side.
This is about standards in public life. Which you might not care about, but you should, if you care about democracy. The sooner he's gone, the better.
A sure sign that Labour are doing well is just how p*ssed off the Left are. They will eventually I'm sure become a thorn in the side again but Starmer has dragged the party back to electability.
Smart move too from Rachel Reeves to say that under Labour she couldn't see the UK rejoining the EU in the next 50 years. No idea what Leon was so obsessing about over this. For good or ill, mostly the latter, the deed was done and we have to get on with it.
And great to see Yvette Cooper back in frontline politics.
Labour are starting to look like a Government in waiting.
Interesting front page on the Mail. Back to the Thatcher days. Have they got Dacre back? I thought it had become a real newspaper again.. They're obviously after the Express's readership. It's seriously funny in a Churchillian sort of way
Whatever you think of the Mail, love or hate, the flip-flopping is quite bewildering. They spend a week hammering Johnson, then when they see the fruits of their labour, flip-flop and suddenly start hammering the rebels.
There's just no consistency.
Which really makes it a joke these days, apart from its global online gossip which I never look at.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
Yep but it required a complete and instant rebranding of all UK stores to get back into a reasonable position.
John Crace in the Guardian suggests that 'Boris ........... even said he had no idea where such a famous quotation came from. '
Really? Is there a record of him REALLY saying that? Even though Davis didn't attribute it to the original!
Not only did the prime ministerial oaf explicitly say he didn't know what quotation Davis was alluding to, but Davis had already introduced it as "a quotation altogether too familiar to him, of Leo Amery to Neville Chamberlain"!
A sure sign that Labour are doing well is just how p*ssed off the Left are. They will eventually I'm sure become a thorn in the side again but Starmer has dragged the party back to electability.
Smart move too from Rachel Reeves to say that under Labour she couldn't see the UK rejoining the EU in the next 50 years. No idea what Leon was so obsessing about over this. For good or ill, mostly the latter, the deed was done and we have to get on with it.
And great to see Yvette Cooper back in frontline politics.
Labour are starting to look like a Government in waiting.
I agree that Labour are looking good and more promising, but I think too that figures like Yvette Cooper are going to have show a lot more than her "war on drugs" New Labour tunes from a couple of months back to show she understands current politics again. She has a lot of ability, but needs to move on from that authoritarian approach, as do several other Labour figures of that era.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
A strange post. If you think the Conservatives can change their name and ultimately become a completely different and successful Party I'm sure you're right. I wish they would.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
We always get these stories after a defection. I think the only time that we have ever had another defection following on was when Reckless followed Carswell's lead.
On the other hand, there's something about the pattern of events recently..
But nevertheless, that rule is probably right in this case.
It does seem that politics is on spectacularly fast forward at the moment, so you never know.
Anyway, I'm making the most of the early-mid 90s vibe by making Blur the soundtrack of my recent days.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing him the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge.
They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness. In the meantime Starmer will become the finished article and the Tories will face a wipe out they haven't seen since 1997
I hate this "what's bad for the Conservatives is good for the country" attitude. It is exactly the same as "what's good for the Conservatives is good for the country" that you see on the other side.
This is about standards in public life. Which you might not care about, but you should, if you care about democracy. The sooner he's gone, the better.
When you have a two party system decided every five years few of us have any power over what happens. If you get a crook like Johnson you can be as sanctimonious as you like but you cant make a difference. The most you can hope for is that like with Berlusconi the people eventually become so repulsed or get bitten so badly they make a better choice next time.
The current approach best described as “attack, damage, but do not challenge” is bizarre. Boris should force a “put up or shut up” vote now. Everyone is waiting for someone else to resolve it.
Never underestimate the ability of most people to be passive and go with the flow.
It's one reason why those with genuine ideas, or personal drive, can rise to the top and carry others along with them even when they seem an extreme minority. The certainty carries them through where others hesitate.
Its why the awkward squad remain awkward and most still dont act, and why Boria got the top job.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
As Ratner was summarily ditched, and the company then spent years as a penny stock shell of its former self, not really.
Mr. kle4, aye, inertia is a powerful force. So is hoping other people will take action (when there's a crowd, it's less likely someone will intervene to try and save someone from fire or drowning etc than if there's just one passerby).
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
“Labour has changed. The Tories have changed too” stood out for me yesterday.
Starmer had a very good writer this week, and sounds like he’s had some training from a comedian about timing and mannerisms.
A couple of good jokes yesterday - the impromptu one suggesting the chief whip told the Tories to bring their own boos to the chamber was very good, obviously scripted beforehand but still needed to be delivered well.
He had a few at conference as well, again obviously prepared to respond to hecking, but he took the moment well.
Rachael Swindon @Rachael_Swindon · 5h Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
A home for Tony Blair and a Tory MP.
But not a home for Jeremy Corbyn and Ken Loach.
The Twitter Corbynista are unintentionally hillarious.
I know it’s been 15 years (Quentin Davies) since a Tory last crossed the floor to Labour - but they have forgotten how defections work, and that it’s a good thing for their party when MPs defect to them. Even if Guido has quotes of him calling Labour a bunch of c***s.
Meanwhile, millions of centrist floating voters are thanking God these idiots are not in charge of Labour any more.
But how many other voters are now thinking this defection proves all politicians are the same? Surely that undermines Labour's message of the past several weeks that Boris is uniquely bad and must resign.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Dom will need to redouble his efforts.
Indeed. I'm beginning to wish Dom would back off now because I've decided I'd like Johnson to stay on until 2024. The Conservatives are going to be taken to the cleaners at the General Election under him, in my opinion. Things won't improve because Johnson is not fit to lead the country. He's chaotic and shambolic and that ain't gonna change.
However, I doubt Dom is done. I suspect he has several more cards to play and he will play them until he kills off his nemesis.
If by some chance Johnson survives the next few weeks then I reckon that's Sunak's goose cooked. He 'might' become leader after the tories lose in 2024 and he will just be another William Hague: LOTO for a few years as the tories try to rebuild their brand.
I'm pretty sure that defection was perfectly timed by Labour to keep Johnson in No. 10. And if that doesn't worry the tories I don't know what will.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
Yep but it required a complete and instant rebranding of all UK stores to get back into a reasonable position.
Indeed but it's doable. The core business survived and even thrived, but the name on the top changed.
One thing certain people get wrong is assigning fixed philosophy to the Conservatives, especially a fixed philosophy from hundreds of years ago.
The Party is so successful because it knows how to reinvent itself. When a leader goes, the party knows how to move on.
Today Boris is the leader, but in the future at some mathematically inevitable point he won't be, and the party will reinvent itself under future leaders.
At that point the Roger of the day will be bemoaning whoever is the new Tory leader. Not Boris. Unless Boris wins three elections like Thatcher and comes to really define an era.
My hope is that this slowly dissipates and Johnson plods on. His reputation for honesty and integrity is already in tatters and there is nothing he will ever be able to do to recover it. Then as his party lose its slot for replacing him the truth will dawn that they will have to face the election with him in charge.
They'll try to put make up on the pig but it wont work and he'll face the electorate is his full disgustingness. In the meantime Starmer will become the finished article and the Tories will face a wipe out they haven't seen since 1997
I hate this "what's bad for the Conservatives is good for the country" attitude. It is exactly the same as "what's good for the Conservatives is good for the country" that you see on the other side.
This is about standards in public life. Which you might not care about, but you should, if you care about democracy. The sooner he's gone, the better.
When you have a two party system decided every five years few of us have any power over what happens. If you get a crook like Johnson you can be as sanctimonious as you like but you cant make a difference. The most you can hope for is that like with Berlusconi the people eventually become so repulsed or get bitten so badly they make a better choice next time.
You are the one hoping he stays because you hope it will damage the Conservatives. It will be much better for everyone if the Conservative Party throws him out.
You are exactly like those idiot Democrat supporters who welcomed Trump's candidacy.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Dom will need to redouble his efforts.
Indeed. I'm beginning to wish Dom would back off now because I've decided I'd like Johnson to stay on until 2024. The Conservatives are going to be taken to the cleaners at the General Election under him, in my opinion. Things won't improve because Johnson is not fit to lead the country. He's chaotic and shambolic and that ain't gonna change.
Who knows? Perhaps Cummings wants the same thing, and really is the master games-player and has judged things to a nicety. Perhaps has an exquisitely calibrated timetable between now and the next election, of regular revelations that will be just sufficient to discredit Johnson without dislodging him?
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
To my mind, The Saj, whose having a couple of good days in front the media, just made clear, if it goes to a secret ballot the Prime Minister does not have his vote.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
While holding the Conservative whip.
Is he going to vote for such measures while holding the Labour one?
Rachael Swindon @Rachael_Swindon · 5h Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.
A home for Tony Blair and a Tory MP.
But not a home for Jeremy Corbyn and Ken Loach.
The Twitter Corbynista are unintentionally hillarious.
I know it’s been 15 years (Quentin Davies) since a Tory last crossed the floor to Labour - but they have forgotten how defections work, and that it’s a good thing for their party when MPs defect to them. Even if Guido has quotes of him calling Labour a bunch of c***s.
Meanwhile, millions of centrist floating voters are thanking God these idiots are not in charge of Labour any more.
But how many other voters are now thinking this defection proves all politicians are the same? Surely that undermines Labour's message of the past several weeks that Boris is uniquely bad and must resign.
How does it do that?
Some people think all politicians are the same and that cannot be changed no matter how different they might be. However many there are worried a defection means the parties are not distinct enough, I am very confident many more see it just as 'Party X has suffered a blow!'.
Not least since voters are much happier to switch between Lab and Con directly, and vice versa, than party members like to admit. Surprising numbers vote Con 1, Lab 2 in supplementary vote elections.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
After all, the Lib Dems had a pretty disastrous time a decade ago, but the leader moved on and the Lib Dems survived to become the gargantuan force they are today in British politics.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
No one is suggesting that there won't be a Conservative party in the future. The question is rather how much damage Johnson is allowed to do before being defenestrated.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Dom will need to redouble his efforts.
Indeed. I'm beginning to wish Dom would back off now because I've decided I'd like Johnson to stay on until 2024. The Conservatives are going to be taken to the cleaners at the General Election under him, in my opinion. Things won't improve because Johnson is not fit to lead the country. He's chaotic and shambolic and that ain't gonna change.
However, I doubt Dom is done. I suspect he has several more cards to play and he will play them until he kills off his nemesis.
If by some chance Johnson survives the next few weeks then I reckon that's Sunak's goose cooked. He 'might' become leader after the tories lose in 2024 and he will just be another William Hague: LOTO for a few years as the tories try to rebuild their brand.
I'm pretty sure that defection was perfectly timed by Labour to keep Johnson in No. 10. And if that doesn't worry the tories I don't know what will.
Are we sure that Dom wants Rishi to Replace Boris? After all, Dom wants Levelling Up (albeit powered by unicorns) and Rishi is trad Tory don't spend money.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
Of course, he voted with the Conservative whip when he held the Conservative whip. That doesn’t mean he’s evil, or shouldn’t be welcomed when he crosses the floor.
(Although, as others have said, the defection does appear to have rallied a few Tories if not behind Johnson, then at least not as openly critical).
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
...likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
While holding the Conservative whip.
Is he going to vote for such measures while holding the Labour one?
Probably not so what are Wakeford's beliefs and principles? If he can flit between parties, what is the point in voting for either one of them? The risk for Labour is by enabling and welcoming this defection, it might depress its own vote.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
The question is rather how much damage Johnson is allowed to do before being defenestrated.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
Ah, we're back to disparaging people by the uni they attended.
It depends so much on the subject/course anyway that the metric is almost useless unless one is concerned with checking whether X was a member of the Oxford Union, Oxford Univ Conservative Association and/or the Bullingdon and Piers Gaveston dining clubs. Which is a highly significant metric to score these days.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Not a particularly edifying spectacle for anyone looking on. It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Dom will need to redouble his efforts.
Indeed. I'm beginning to wish Dom would back off now because I've decided I'd like Johnson to stay on until 2024. The Conservatives are going to be taken to the cleaners at the General Election under him, in my opinion. Things won't improve because Johnson is not fit to lead the country. He's chaotic and shambolic and that ain't gonna change.
Who knows? Perhaps Cummings wants the same thing, and really is the master games-player and has judged things to a nicety. Perhaps has an exquisitely calibrated timetable between now and the next election, of regular revelations that will be just sufficient to discredit Johnson without dislodging him?
It's an entertaining idea.
Interesting!
Labour showed me yesterday that they're prepared to lose a battle to win a war.
I suppose the ultimate satisfaction for them all would be to keep Johnson limping on and watch him lose his seat on the night the tories take a drubbing?
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Yesterday's PMQs was something of a paradox for me.
Starmer was majestic, and one by one he slotted the balls into the back of the net past the hopeless Johnson, the rout was completed by a screamer own goal from one of his talisman defenders. And yet Johnson still won the game, and by a country mile.
I thought I had seen events with my own eyes, but sometimes we see what we want to see and our interpretation is faulty. I foolishly observed a fat, exposed liar, Conservative MPs like Conor Burns saw the reality, a convincing, articulate, handsome, magnificent Emperor in his finest new clothes.
I desired Johnson's defeat and that blinded me from viewing the impressive victory unfolding before my eyes.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
...likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
OTOH the brother in that instance (like the brothers and sisters today) was not impressed.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
...likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
OTOH the brother in that instance (like the brothers and sisters today) was not impressed.
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
Ah, we're back to disparaging people by the uni they attended.
Roger is only succeeding in confirming himself as a journeyman film maker who looks in awe at those with actual creative gifts. Dismissing any art without understanding the motive and thought process behind its production is the biggest giveaway.
I'm sure there were some videos in the course output. Would a teapot maker know what to make of the Rogerian oeuvre?
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
Yep but it required a complete and instant rebranding of all UK stores to get back into a reasonable position.
The Party is so successful because it knows how to reinvent itself. When a leader goes, the party knows how to move on.
In an otherwise good post this is a little too trite. They 'do' reinvent themselves but it can involve a lot of blood letting and being out of power. 1997 to 2010 felt like an awfully long time.
You're right though: there will always be a place for a party representing aspiration and low taxes with fiscally responsible government. Everything that the current Conservative government isn't!!!
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
...likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
OTOH the brother in that instance (like the brothers and sisters today) was not impressed.
Following your post I looked him up and his alma mater is Salford University where he got a first. I was once asked to judge the mixed arts course there and someone was given a first for getting a polka dot teapot and painting a small caravan in the same polka dot design inside and out. It is not a place for academics or art students I discovered!
Cool answer. 👍🏻 He is our Polka Dot Teapot man.
I made more sense on levelling up the red wall in my posts in the last thread and I’m just someone who fell off horses on my head too many times.
Morning all! Trot Twitter in absolute meltdown. Not only is Mr Wakeford the ANTICHRIST who voted to drown women and babies whilst cackling, he has been talking to Starmer since NOVEMBER whilst Kieth still hasn't spoken to true socialist Zarah Sultana who loves disabled transgender puppies rescued from Gaza.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Trot Twitter is right. Wakeford did vote for all those Conservative measures.
While holding the Conservative whip.
Is he going to vote for such measures while holding the Labour one?
Probably not so what are Wakeford's beliefs and principles? If he can flit between parties, what is the point in voting for either one of them? The risk for Labour is by enabling and welcoming this defection, it might depress its own vote.
I dont see the issue. Are you really suggesting anyone who changes political allegiance shouldn't be voted for?
He's been on a political journey, and he feels the tories have too, and he no longer feels at home with them (plus, yes, itll help save his seat).
Many people stick around in a party that has changed and doesn't really fit their beliefs anymore. We should have more movement.
And yes, fact is on a lot of issues there is not massive difference between our parties. So what? There are still plenty of differences, not least in leadership..
Given voters switch all the time I struggle to see why sniping an extra MP depresses a vote.
Does feel like the Wakeford defection was *perfect* for Starmer: 1. Puts the shits up the trots. The more hard left leave the party in disgust the more electable they are 2. Puts the willies up red wall Tory MPs. Seems like the revised plan is to leave Peppa in place to take the flack for the May locals massacre and then remove him
As BJ is like electoral kryponite and we know more damning revelations are coming the longer the Tory ranks are frit the better for those of us who want them gone.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
The bee is also the adopted logo for Manchester and Rayner is an MP for Manc-hinterland Ashton-under-Lyne
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
As Ratner was summarily ditched, and the company then spent years as a penny stock shell of its former self, not really.
That is not what our pirate colleague implied. What you are suggesting using the Rather example is totally different. Ditch Johnson, spend a decade in the wilderness and return refreshes as the New Conservatives. That would never work, there are donors to be rewarded and grifts to be executed.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
It says "I'm a Manc, me". Punto e basta.
This may not be a popular view on here but Angela Rayner is good value for Labour. When she spoke up last week about the PM's boozing and the indignation, hurt and anger we all felt, her northern roots and accent were perfect for the job.
Does feel like the Wakeford defection was *perfect* for Starmer: 1. Puts the shits up the trots. The more hard left leave the party in disgust the more electable they are 2. Puts the willies up red wall Tory MPs. Seems like the revised plan is to leave Peppa in place to take the flack for the May locals massacre and then remove him
As BJ is like electoral kryponite and we know more damning revelations are coming the longer the Tory ranks are frit the better for those of us who want them gone.
OTOH the Scots may not react so favourably as discussed yesterday - but what or rather who at Westminster has SKS got to lose? Mr Murray is the Member for Red Morningside, which is hardly likely to clutch its collective pearls at the defection.
Does feel like the Wakeford defection was *perfect* for Starmer: 1. Puts the shits up the trots. The more hard left leave the party in disgust the more electable they are 2. Puts the willies up red wall Tory MPs. Seems like the revised plan is to leave Peppa in place to take the flack for the May locals massacre and then remove him
As BJ is like electoral kryponite and we know more damning revelations are coming the longer the Tory ranks are frit the better for those of us who want them gone.
Does feel like the Wakeford defection was *perfect* for Starmer: 1. Puts the shits up the trots. The more hard left leave the party in disgust the more electable they are 2. Puts the willies up red wall Tory MPs. Seems like the revised plan is to leave Peppa in place to take the flack for the May locals massacre and then remove him
As BJ is like electoral kryponite and we know more damning revelations are coming the longer the Tory ranks are frit the better for those of us who want them gone.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Necklacegate!
It's the bee necklace, it is quite popular in Greater Manchester, especially after the Arena bombing, the bee became an even more popular symbol for Manchester.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
After all, the Lib Dems had a pretty disastrous time a decade ago, but the leader moved on and the Lib Dems survived to become the gargantuan force they are today in British politics.
And who can forget the Liberals, before them? It looked disastrous with Mr Lloyd-George and Mr Asquith tearing strips off each other, but the party eventually moved on and then it was just Liberal Government after Liberal Government...
Which means it's possible that Gas prices won't increase much from September onwards (remember the April and September price rises are almost baked in now) provided we can import enough from none Russian sources.
It appears that Boris did a Boris yesterday. As I noted at the time yesterday he gave a maximum bullish performance. He sold himself, his loveable, wot me guv, let's all be positive self to his MPs. And judging from today's Cons MP voxpops, it worked.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
Yesterday's PMQs was something of a paradox for me.
Starmer was majestic, and one by one he slotted the balls into the back of the net past the hopeless Johnson, the rout was completed by a screamer own goal from one of his talisman defenders. And yet Johnson still won the game, and by a country mile.
I thought I had seen events with my own eyes, but sometimes we see what we want to see and our interpretation is faulty. I foolishly observed a fat, exposed liar, Conservative MPs like Conor Burns saw the reality, a convincing, articulate, handsome, magnificent Emperor in his finest new clothes.
I desired Johnson's defeat and that blinded me from viewing the impressive victory unfolding before my eyes.
I mean I'd still 1,000 times rather go for a drink with Boris than SKS, although I would never in any way want to be beholden or rely upon Boris. But he is and remains showbiz. He has that X-Factor. Wholly unfit to be PM (as I noted, upon searching, in April 2018 on this very forum) but showbiz.
I don't think the Cons liked his "weakness" (thoroughly briefed to be "weak") with yesterday's facemask interview and were set about killing the wounded member of the pack. But he showed yesterday love or loathe him, that he was still leader of the pride.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
No what I'm saying is that Johnson will inevitably go. All leaders inevitably go.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
The question is rather how much damage Johnson is allowed to do before being defenestrated.
What is the gain to society of sending a troubled 22 year old to prison for something he did as a kid?
The gain is that he doesn't try to blow up a synagogue and is stopped, at least for a while, continuing with an incredibly dark and developing obsession.
His personal library was extremely troubling - huge amounts of neo-Nazi material and bomb making manuals. It wasn't historic either - he was back on the neo-Nazi stuff this month even after Prevent intervention, psychological intervention, and initial conviction.
I know it's hard not to feel some sympathy with a troubled individual with social problems who has gone down a really bad road. It's a failure of the system that he's not been put on a better track. But he's pretty clearly a genuinely dangerous individual - being a rather tragic, chinless oddball doesn't mean he's harmless.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Necklacegate!
It's the bee necklace, it is quite popular in Greater Manchester, especially after the Arena bombing, the bee became an even more popular symbol for Manchester.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
You need a drive to your nearest castle this morning!
A deadhead with wings is different than just a deadhead is how I understand the artistic iconography. But there is no way it’s special to her because it’s pretty, because it isn’t. It’s deep, and seriously suggests the wearer is too.
Give me strength what is the matter with these Tory MPs? Don’t they realise that every day and week that passes, the stench rubs off on them?
As for changing their mind because of the defector, he’s just done what millions of Tory voters are planning to do but haven’t had the chance yet.
Does it really rub off on them, though? I think Boris's failings are pretty firmly part Boris's personal brand. If they replace him someone suitably different, then that person calls an election, I don't think the voters are going to vote based on their opinion of what the last guy did.
If that had been true Ratner would have been able to sell his company. Johnson is now the Tory/UKIP brand.
Johnson is the leader, no more than that. Once Boris goes there'll be a new leader and people will move on.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
So what you are saying is, if Johnson changes his name, maybe to Big Dog, the reputation could be saved.
As Ratner was summarily ditched, and the company then spent years as a penny stock shell of its former self, not really.
That is not what our pirate colleague implied. What you are suggesting using the Rather example is totally different. Ditch Johnson, spend a decade in the wilderness and return refreshes as the New Conservatives. That would never work, there are donors to be rewarded and grifts to be executed.
I wasn't suggesting anything other than pointing out the foolishness of the comparison. Rayners the company was f*cked for a decade, and would have been in even worse straits had Ratner stayed in place.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
The bee is also the adopted logo for Manchester and Rayner is an MP for Manc-hinterland Ashton-under-Lyne
The worker bee never disappeared as a regular symbol of Manchester, but it's fashionability in the past few years, partly but not exclusively around the Arena Bombing, is at such a level now that it is as red double decker buses are to London.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Necklacegate!
It's the bee necklace, it is quite popular in Greater Manchester, especially after the Arena bombing, the bee became an even more popular symbol for Manchester.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Necklacegate!
It's the bee necklace, it is quite popular in Greater Manchester, especially after the Arena bombing, the bee became an even more popular symbol for Manchester.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
Necklacegate!
It's the bee necklace, it is quite popular in Greater Manchester, especially after the Arena bombing, the bee became an even more popular symbol for Manchester.
Imo. The dress was perfect, suited her and suited occasion, our top politician appearing on Peston. 10/10. The long hair style better suited for people half her age or Victorians. 2022 - dressing for boardroom or Preston, it’s a lob. She’ll know this in two years and regret her Lady Godiva look tonight.
🤷♀️ I’m just repeating the same thing over and over Anabob. No more till there’s a significant development.
The necklace Leapt out at me instantly. A Totenkopf with wings.
“A skull with wings comes from hundreds of years of art culture and represents the Latin saying “Memento Mori,” which translates to the remembrance of our own death. This can represent, once again, our mortality, also symbolize a sense of character growth. As in, the death of a bad habit or quality in ourselves.” I consider myself bohemian but I have never considered wearing one. The decision alone suggests she has more going on beneath the surface than people appreciate. Maybe a reminder to give up smoking? It’s January.
PS in the interview Rayner had a difficult time for taking this opinionated right wing twit into the Labour Party today, and having him breath his voting record and tweets of the worst of this governments right wing agenda down the back of her neck. I think Libdems would have been too sensible to accept him. If the guy had ever heard of the libdems as an option.
Before people join political parties are there no background checks? Joiners could have been all over social media talking about bombing mosques or synagogues? 😟
Looks more like a bee to me, the necklace. One of the workers of the world, no?
The bee is also the adopted logo for Manchester and Rayner is an MP for Manc-hinterland Ashton-under-Lyne
She might be the MP for Trashton but she's a Stockport girl at heart.
Comments
Rather, what's gone is the perception he was an amiable sort of person you'd like to have a pint with. Everyone can now see he's just a classic spiv and not a very competent one.
One minute in: 'I don't know what quotation he's alluding to.'
Political tribalists are a strange creature for the rest of us to understand.
However much I like what Starmer is doing - and I increasingly do - the mouth-foamers are always there to remind me why I left.
Either lying or totally forgetful then. Or so obsessed with the minute that he didn't think.
But someone outside of Cabinet probably can just brush it off.
Johnson himself wasn't tainted by May.
A couple of good jokes yesterday - the impromptu one suggesting the chief whip told the Tories to bring their own boos to the chamber was very good, obviously scripted beforehand but still needed to be delivered well.
The truism remains, er, true. Sincerity is the most important thing, once you can fake that you've got it made.
And what do you mean, 'you were asked to judge'? You make it sound like a village hall vegetable contest. Or do you mean you were a University moderator? If so please elucidate.
Labour are still very light on policy specifics and what they are going to offer the red wall. They do not need to offer them currently but will soon start having to flesh them out. If the labour view (it is certainly the view of some activists on social media) is the red wall are merely sinners who need to repent I think they will come unstuck.
Rachel Reeves was starting to get onto some themes on her interview on GMB, which was received to North Koreans level of sycophancy by all concerned which was a little OTT. I am no fan of Reeves but I thought it was a solid interview.
As for what became of Ratner's company - now known as Signet Jewelers it's a multi billion dollar business that is the number one jewelry retailer in the UK, USA and Canada and it's the number one diamond retailer in the world.
This is about standards in public life. Which you might not care about, but you should, if you care about democracy. The sooner he's gone, the better.
Smart move too from Rachel Reeves to say that under Labour she couldn't see the UK rejoining the EU in the next 50 years. No idea what Leon was so obsessing about over this. For good or ill, mostly the latter, the deed was done and we have to get on with it.
And great to see Yvette Cooper back in frontline politics.
Labour are starting to look like a Government in waiting.
There's just no consistency.
Which really makes it a joke these days, apart from its global online gossip which I never look at.
*sighs*
Tempted to either back Starmer as next PM or lay Sunak some more.
Ye Gods.
It's bought him at least a week from his MPs, but beyond that little has changed.
Anyway, I'm making the most of the early-mid 90s vibe by making Blur the soundtrack of my recent days.
It's one reason why those with genuine ideas, or personal drive, can rise to the top and carry others along with them even when they seem an extreme minority. The certainty carries them through where others hesitate.
Its why the awkward squad remain awkward and most still dont act, and why Boria got the top job.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/huge-concrete-viaducts-to-blight-22809125
However, I doubt Dom is done. I suspect he has several more cards to play and he will play them until he kills off his nemesis.
If by some chance Johnson survives the next few weeks then I reckon that's Sunak's goose cooked. He 'might' become leader after the tories lose in 2024 and he will just be another William Hague: LOTO for a few years as the tories try to rebuild their brand.
I'm pretty sure that defection was perfectly timed by Labour to keep Johnson in No. 10. And if that doesn't worry the tories I don't know what will.
@ydoethur
One thing certain people get wrong is assigning fixed philosophy to the Conservatives, especially a fixed philosophy from hundreds of years ago.
The Party is so successful because it knows how to reinvent itself. When a leader goes, the party knows how to move on.
Today Boris is the leader, but in the future at some mathematically inevitable point he won't be, and the party will reinvent itself under future leaders.
At that point the Roger of the day will be bemoaning whoever is the new Tory leader. Not Boris. Unless Boris wins three elections like Thatcher and comes to really define an era.
You are exactly like those idiot Democrat supporters who welcomed Trump's candidacy.
It's an entertaining idea.
A new name will appear at the top, instead of Johnson it might be Sunak or Truss or someone we haven't yet discussed.
At that point like Ratner himself Johnson will be gone. But the Party, like the business, will survive.
Any other take on this interview?
Is he going to vote for such measures while holding the Labour one?
Some people think all politicians are the same and that cannot be changed no matter how different they might be. However many there are worried a defection means the parties are not distinct enough, I am very confident many more see it just as 'Party X has suffered a blow!'.
Not least since voters are much happier to switch between Lab and Con directly, and vice versa, than party members like to admit. Surprising numbers vote Con 1, Lab 2 in supplementary vote elections.
(Although, as others have said, the defection does appear to have rallied a few Tories if not behind Johnson, then at least not as openly critical).
This is now equivalent to 1992-7.
Labour showed me yesterday that they're prepared to lose a battle to win a war.
I suppose the ultimate satisfaction for them all would be to keep Johnson limping on and watch him lose his seat on the night the tories take a drubbing?
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/01/ted-cruz-campaign-finance-supreme-court-loophole.html
Starmer was majestic, and one by one he slotted the balls into the back of the net past the hopeless Johnson, the rout was completed by a screamer own goal from one of his talisman defenders. And yet Johnson still won the game, and by a country mile.
I thought I had seen events with my own eyes, but sometimes we see what we want to see and our interpretation is faulty. I foolishly observed a fat, exposed liar, Conservative MPs like Conor Burns saw the reality, a convincing, articulate, handsome, magnificent Emperor in his finest new clothes.
I desired Johnson's defeat and that blinded me from viewing the impressive victory unfolding before my eyes.
You're right though: there will always be a place for a party representing aspiration and low taxes with fiscally responsible government. Everything that the current Conservative government isn't!!!
I made more sense on levelling up the red wall in my posts in the last thread and I’m just someone who fell off horses on my head too many times.
He's been on a political journey, and he feels the tories have too, and he no longer feels at home with them (plus, yes, itll help save his seat).
Many people stick around in a party that has changed and doesn't really fit their beliefs anymore. We should have more movement.
And yes, fact is on a lot of issues there is not massive difference between our parties. So what? There are still plenty of differences, not least in leadership..
Given voters switch all the time I struggle to see why sniping an extra MP depresses a vote.
1. Puts the shits up the trots. The more hard left leave the party in disgust the more electable they are
2. Puts the willies up red wall Tory MPs. Seems like the revised plan is to leave Peppa in place to take the flack for the May locals massacre and then remove him
As BJ is like electoral kryponite and we know more damning revelations are coming the longer the Tory ranks are frit the better for those of us who want them gone.
https://secure.manchester.gov.uk/info/100004/the_council_and_democracy/7580/the_manchester_bee
I bought my other half the Swarovski necklace version.
Simon Evans
@DrSimEvans
NEW
Analysis: Nearly 90% of the rise in UK household energy bills is due to wholesale gas prices
The rest is mainly paying for supplier failures, whereas climate policy costs are falling
https://carbonbrief.org/analysis-cutting-the-green-crap-has-added-2-5bn-to-uk-energy-bills
Which means it's possible that Gas prices won't increase much from September onwards (remember the April and September price rises are almost baked in now) provided we can import enough from none Russian sources.
I don't think the Cons liked his "weakness" (thoroughly briefed to be "weak") with yesterday's facemask interview and were set about killing the wounded member of the pack. But he showed yesterday love or loathe him, that he was still leader of the pride.
And yes some cracking mixed metaphors in there.
His personal library was extremely troubling - huge amounts of neo-Nazi material and bomb making manuals. It wasn't historic either - he was back on the neo-Nazi stuff this month even after Prevent intervention, psychological intervention, and initial conviction.
I know it's hard not to feel some sympathy with a troubled individual with social problems who has gone down a really bad road. It's a failure of the system that he's not been put on a better track. But he's pretty clearly a genuinely dangerous individual - being a rather tragic, chinless oddball doesn't mean he's harmless.
https://beeinthecitymcr.co.uk/manchester-bee/
A deadhead with wings is different than just a deadhead is how I understand the artistic iconography. But there is no way it’s special to her because it’s pretty, because it isn’t. It’s deep, and seriously suggests the wearer is too.
Rayners the company was f*cked for a decade, and would have been in even worse straits had Ratner stayed in place.
That said, she doesn't seem to be the Bvlgari type.
But you are another one who needs to drive to the nearest castle Eagles!