Join the celebrations for PB’s 18th anniversary – politicalbetting.com
Next month this site, politicalbetting.com will be 18 years old and to celebrate there is to be a party at the headquarters of Smarkets near Tower Bridge in London.
Several days ago a source said they'd heard the PM's photographer might have taken at least some of the photos the Gray inquiry has now handed to the police. We weren't able to confirm but theoretically it makes a lot of sense. Would explain why there are so many photos...
...and yet at the same time why almost none have leaked. They also couldn't be deleted because they're official government photographs, now stored by Sue Gray.
If true, as the source told remarked to us, it added "a Nixonian air" to the entire episode.
This alleged photograph potentially undermines the argument employed by Boris Johnson’s allies that this was simply a quick gathering like anyone else would do for a colleague’s birthday. Who else drank beer at 2pm in the office with dozens of colleagues during the pandemic? https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1489723496385191938
Fireworks tonight but Tory source comes out swinging: “Carrie has for some time been the target of an increasingly brutal briefing campaign to attack and discredit her. It is deeply unpleasant.”
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
Congratulations. I've been a lurker on this site for many years now as I find it by far the friendliest forum to see what other people are thinking about a particular issue. Also the random conversations can be fascinating. Would I be able to drop in despite having a very poor post count? I work fairly close by.
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Congratulations. I've been a lurker on this site for many years now as I find it by far the friendliest forum to see what other people are thinking about a particular issue. Also the random conversations can be fascinating. Would I be able to drop in despite having a very poor post count? I work fairly close by.
I can’t see how Boris escapes this slow drip of MPs putting in letters amidst the background of more party revelations.
The government is quite clearly paralysed until he goes
The real fun and games start, of course, when sufficient letters are finally received, only for the wazzocks to vote to keep Johnson in place. They do have previous, after all.
Congratulations. I've been a lurker on this site for many years now as I find it by far the friendliest forum to see what other people are thinking about a particular issue. Also the random conversations can be fascinating. Would I be able to drop in despite having a very poor post count? I work fairly close by.
You're good to go! And if not (for some obscure reason) you can be my proxy.
I'm aiming to be there on March 2nd. It may not be the terrace of the National Liberal Club but it looks like being an excellent evening.
Perhaps a Cheltenham Preview thought or two may be on offer if you ask nicely though if you follow my normal racing tips probably not.
Thanks for the kind word @Cookie - I must confess I consider anyone who started posting after the 2005 GE a "newbie" but re-assuring to see a few of the "old guard" still around and perhaps we can raise a glass to those who aren't.
On topic, it will be very difficult for me to get down to London on a Wednesday evening. A shame. Enjoy everyone.
They should definitely hold this in Fraserburgh.
HMP Grampian would be a suitable venue for certain PBers. For quite a long stay.
Peterhead? Are you sick or something? That's not a fate I'd wish on anyone.
Do south of the wall punters appreciate the beauty of the place? Pronounced Pee'a'heed, with the be great size of fishing boats in a harbour literally built by convicts
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Andy Cooke dates from those days too, I think, and Stuart Dickson - and possibly malcolmg? Anyone else from back then? There must be loads of names knocking around the back of my mind.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
ColinW and his mum. Mark Senior. Andrea. 'Ave It. Snowflake and SeanT.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
The cabinet descended into rancour over Boris Johnson’s future last night after both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak rebuked the prime minister.
One cabinet minister called for Johnson to dismiss Sunak, and two others accused the chancellor of being “on manoeuvres” after he criticised the prime minister for a personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Andy Cooke dates from those days too, I think, and Stuart Dickson - and possibly malcolmg? Anyone else from back then? There must be loads of names knocking around the back of my mind.
Andrea? Now a very infrequent poster.
(I’m pretty sure I first started posting in 2004.)
Idea of simultaneous PB gatherings on The Day is interesting. Not sure I have savvy to pull it off on my end (so to speak) but reckon that is NOT an issue for most.
Perhaps have a Big Board up at Smarkets to show Zooms from the ends of the earth, from Bangkok to Budapest to Bognor and back? With prize for furthest distance (as crow flies) from Charing Cross?
Several days ago a source said they'd heard the PM's photographer might have taken at least some of the photos the Gray inquiry has now handed to the police. We weren't able to confirm but theoretically it makes a lot of sense. Would explain why there are so many photos...
...and yet at the same time why almost none have leaked. They also couldn't be deleted because they're official government photographs, now stored by Sue Gray.
If true, as the source told remarked to us, it added "a Nixonian air" to the entire episode.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
Who's SeanT?
Who isn’t? Sometimes, in the darker parts of the night, with sleep hard to find, I think we all wonder if we are just another SeanT creation...
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
Who's SeanT?
Who isn’t? Sometimes, in the darker parts of the night, with sleep hard to find, I think we all wonder if we are just another SeanT creation...
I'm a bit surprised you think of that when suffering from insomnia. I would have thought it more likely you dreamed about it when you dropped off for a knap.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
Who's SeanT?
Who isn’t? Sometimes, in the darker parts of the night, with sleep hard to find, I think we all wonder if we are just another SeanT creation...
I may have had tongue in cheek.
Anyway, it's academic. We're all just computer simulations created by members of a hyper-advanced civilization with way too much time on their hands, after all.
Several days ago a source said they'd heard the PM's photographer might have taken at least some of the photos the Gray inquiry has now handed to the police. We weren't able to confirm but theoretically it makes a lot of sense. Would explain why there are so many photos...
...and yet at the same time why almost none have leaked. They also couldn't be deleted because they're official government photographs, now stored by Sue Gray.
If true, as the source told remarked to us, it added "a Nixonian air" to the entire episode.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
Who's SeanT?
Who isn’t? Sometimes, in the darker parts of the night, with sleep hard to find, I think we all wonder if we are just another SeanT creation...
I'm a bit surprised you think of that when suffering from insomnia. I would have thought it more likely you dreamed about it when you dropped off for a knap.
The cabinet descended into rancour over Boris Johnson’s future last night after both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak rebuked the prime minister.
One cabinet minister called for Johnson to dismiss Sunak, and two others accused the chancellor of being “on manoeuvres” after he criticised the prime minister for a personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
I think that I'm the "oldest" poster - lots of LD posters in the early days - I enjoyed taking the mick out of them - claim to fame I started the "first" - October 2008
I can’t wait until paratroopers finally make their way into the 10 Downing Street apartment to find a “Moorish style” champagne fountain, the walls covered in actual gold leaf, and the ground littered with beer cans and discarded nappies.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
First encountered PB sometime in 2007, not long before the 2008 Iowa caucuses & New Hampshire primary.
The cabinet descended into rancour over Boris Johnson’s future last night after both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak rebuked the prime minister.
One cabinet minister called for Johnson to dismiss Sunak, and two others accused the chancellor of being “on manoeuvres” after he criticised the prime minister for a personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
I think that I'm the "oldest" poster - lots of LD posters in the early days - I enjoyed taking the mick out of them - claim to fame I started the "first" - October 2008
LDs are a bit thin on the ground nowadays. Mark Senior was the king of LD ramping. He had an astonishing ability to twist absolutely anything into fantastic news for the Lib Dems. He made HY look like an amateur. Oh…
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
I think that I'm the "oldest" poster - lots of LD posters in the early days - I enjoyed taking the mick out of them - claim to fame I started the "first" - October 2008
LDs are a bit thin on the ground nowadays. Mark Senior was the king of LD ramping. He had an astonishing ability to twist absolutely anything into fantastic news for the Lib Dems. He made HY look like an amateur. Oh…
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
In my case, May 2007. For the Assembly elections of that year.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
I've long forgotten exactly when and why I first began to haunt this place (I've had one regeneration so far,) but it does sometimes help to pass the time. And to remind me, despite my casual interest in matters political, how little I understand. My predictions are almost invariably wrong.
Who's SeanT?
Who isn’t? Sometimes, in the darker parts of the night, with sleep hard to find, I think we all wonder if we are just another SeanT creation...
I'm a bit surprised you think of that when suffering from insomnia. I would have thought it more likely you dreamed about it when you dropped off for a knap.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
I will be there. It will be my first event. I have been here pretty much since the beginning. I don't know how I found the site. It would be fun to see some of the threads from the beginning. Fond memories from the early days of Augustus Carp (spelling?), JackW and others.
In what Universe was that notorious purveyor of endless tact, Boris Johnson "rebuked" by Sunak? He merely said he wouldn't have said the boundlessly stupid thing he said. As wouldn't anyone with half a Braincell.
Several days ago a source said they'd heard the PM's photographer might have taken at least some of the photos the Gray inquiry has now handed to the police. We weren't able to confirm but theoretically it makes a lot of sense. Would explain why there are so many photos...
...and yet at the same time why almost none have leaked. They also couldn't be deleted because they're official government photographs, now stored by Sue Gray.
If true, as the source told remarked to us, it added "a Nixonian air" to the entire episode.
The cabinet descended into rancour over Boris Johnson’s future last night after both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak rebuked the prime minister.
One cabinet minister called for Johnson to dismiss Sunak, and two others accused the chancellor of being “on manoeuvres” after he criticised the prime minister for a personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Andy Cooke dates from those days too, I think, and Stuart Dickson - and possibly malcolmg? Anyone else from back then? There must be loads of names knocking around the back of my mind.
Andrea? Now a very infrequent poster.
(I’m pretty sure I first started posting in 2004.)
Andrea, yes, of course. The surrealism of an affable Italian student with an Alan Duncan obsession.
On topic, it will be very difficult for me to get down to London on a Wednesday evening. A shame. Enjoy everyone.
They should definitely hold this in Fraserburgh.
HMP Grampian would be a suitable venue for certain PBers. For quite a long stay.
Peterhead? Are you sick or something? That's not a fate I'd wish on anyone.
Do south of the wall punters appreciate the beauty of the place? Pronounced Pee'a'heed, with the be great size of fishing boats in a harbour literally built by convicts
Or Peterboro in a Govian accent, to go with Fraserhead.
Edit: given Leon's reaction to Wick, I wonder what he would make of Peterheid. Or the Broch.
18 years. Bloody Hell. I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses. Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories? How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once. And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years. Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
First encountered PB sometime in 2007, not long before the 2008 Iowa caucuses & New Hampshire primary.
Great post, Cookie!
I have been here far too long. I think in the end we all just become another incarnation of the SeanTs, drinking in the darkness, where the shadows lie...
“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Farmer Tupac railing at Osborne. I watched polls being Baxtered in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. Rod Crosby swinging back. Resolver Systems selling Python to the masses. Jack W consulting the Great Arse. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the afternoon rain at Bognor Regis Pier. Time for tea...."
Congratulations to PB on reaching adulthood. I’ve largely lurked on here over the years but retain considerable affection for the site. Not least because, back in the sites early days it helped me make a nice profit on my first venture into political gambling. In the 2008 Presidential Election, someone on here (are they still around?) noticed that no-one (in the UK at least) had clocked that Nebraskan electoral college votes are split and as a consequence the electoral college votes markets were awash with free money just waiting to be collected. Of course I have more than made up for it with losses since…
LDs are a bit thin on the ground nowadays. Mark Senior was the king of LD ramping. He had an astonishing ability to twist absolutely anything into fantastic news for the Lib Dems. He made HY look like an amateur. Oh…
I've been around since 2008. First post not until 2016. I'm a closet LD. Don't agree with their Europe policy (well, EU policy) so drifted a bit in 2015-2018, but I'll vote for them as long as they push my all time number 1 priority..... voting reform.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Andy Cooke dates from those days too, I think, and Stuart Dickson - and possibly malcolmg? Anyone else from back then? There must be loads of names knocking around the back of my mind.
Andrea? Now a very infrequent poster.
(I’m pretty sure I first started posting in 2004.)
Andrea, yes, of course. The surrealism of an affable Italian student with an Alan Duncan obsession.
On of my first PB memories, is of the howls of outrage erupting, when someone posted that Andrea had no business as a foreigner commenting on UK politics (or to this effect).
Though the proto-woke and kind hearted were in evidence, at the core of the backlash were PB punters who'd personally profited from Andrea's perceptive analysis.
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
What happened to MrsB? I can't recall anything from her in a year or two?
Perhaps she just quietly wandered off rather than indulging in the more traditional "flounce"
I have no idea when I started hanging out on PB, but Fitalass used to post in the midnight shift as did a LibDem MrsB IIRC. And, of course, my old comrade-in-shoes... Plato
Fitalass was not my taste at all, but she did at least have a basic understanding of Scottish electoral behaviour, which was like gold dust in the early years.
She changed username and then diasappeared, although I’m fairly sure I saw her posting late one night not so long ago.
Easterross much missed. A proper Highland Tory. Hate to think what he makes of the current bunch of chancers denigrating the name of his party. Mike banned him. Forgotten why. When you see the scumbags that are allowed to post filth you have to wonder what a kindly old gentleman like Easterross did wrong.
Congratulations to PB on reaching adulthood. I’ve largely lurked on here over the years but retain considerable affection for the site. Not least because, back in the sites early days it helped me make a nice profit on my first venture into political gambling. In the 2008 Presidential Election, someone on here (are they still around?) noticed that no-one (in the UK at least) had clocked that Nebraskan electoral college votes are split and as a consequence the electoral college votes markets were awash with free money just waiting to be collected. Of course I have more than made up for it with losses since…
Welcome! Are you green, with a highly domed forehead?
Hello. I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
Hello tpfkar! Glad to see you. SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
Andy Cooke dates from those days too, I think, and Stuart Dickson - and possibly malcolmg? Anyone else from back then? There must be loads of names knocking around the back of my mind.
Andrea? Now a very infrequent poster.
(I’m pretty sure I first started posting in 2004.)
Andrea, yes, of course. The surrealism of an affable Italian student with an Alan Duncan obsession.
On of my first PB memories, is of the howls of outrage erupting, when someone posted that Andrea had no business as a foreigner commenting on UK politics (or to this effect).
Though the proto-woke and kind hearted were in evidence, at the core of the backlash were PB punters who'd personally profited from Andrea's perceptive analysis.
He's also been possibly the nicest single contributor to the site. You take on Andrea, you take on everyone.
Comments
NOTE The date is Wednesday March 2nd
Larry the Cat
@Number10cat
Replying to
@PippaCrerar
If it’s Carling then he’ll be gone within the hour
https://twitter.com/Number10cat/status/1489701515262582785
Beware. You might get some rambling, rageful incoherent posts for once.
...and yet at the same time why almost none have leaked. They also couldn't be deleted because they're official government photographs, now stored by Sue Gray.
If true, as the source told remarked to us, it added "a Nixonian air" to the entire episode.
https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1489721930429124616
“It was back to maximum Boris, election-winning Boris.”
You don’t need a director of communications when you’ve got Wickham fearlessly reporting these truth bombs
HE WON THE ROOM ROUND
Hours after the Gray/Savile shambles
https://twitter.com/MattChorley/status/1489722987947470851/photo/1
Wish Tory MPs would get on with it
https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1489723496385191938
Senior minister accusing critics of playing “the wife not the ball.”
https://twitter.com/mrharrycole/status/1489721942009593862
And invite the local MP so we could all laugh at him...
I wasn't here from the start. I arrived when looking for some information about the Cheadle by-election - what, June 2005? I remember a conversation in so much more detail than is ever given to these things. Absolutely amazing that here were people who enjoyed the minutiae that I did. Discussion of the electoral geography of the Cheadle constituency quickly segued - indeed, ran alongside - a conversation about the merits of British cheeses.
Lots of names from those days still with us. OGH and Robert, of course. Roger. Stodge (with whom, I remember, very early on, a detailed conversation about the EU - how wonderful to find a place where such things can be explored in such detail without rancour), Nick Palmer (myMP at the time - how amazing to be discussing politics with my MP) - even Jack W still puts in the odd appearance. Who else from those days? Sean Fear, Alistair Matlock, Woody 662, Stuart Penketh. Seems I only remember lapsed Tories?
How have I been hanging around here for 16 years? Since when I have found a wife, had three daughters, changed career twice and home city once.
And ah, pb, we have been through such a lot together. Especially the last two years.
Well done Mike and Robert for running such a remarkable corner of the internet.
I haven’t posted since GE2019 as the prospect of Boris Johnson with a majority was just too ghastly to spend time discussing. Seems like a few more have now come to the same view!
As a 2005-er I’m delighted to see PB going strong and I will see if March 2nd is possible. We’ve just had a new baby so will depend on how things are at home.
Glad to see so many posters I remember on good form. And that list from Cookie brought back memories. I particularly remember the likes of SBS and Mark Senior no longer with us.
On and off since. Two moves and three identities.
By that way, does anyone know what happened to the Tap? I enjoyed his nonsense.
There was also a very funny drunk bloke called SeanT, has anyone seen him around recently?
The government is quite clearly paralysed until he goes
SBS no longer with us? I don't think I knew that. That's sad. I was thinking about Mark Senior the other day, oddly. Remembering that he chose to celebrate winning a prediction competition with a picture of his son smashing him over the head with a chair.
I'm aiming to be there on March 2nd. It may not be the terrace of the National Liberal Club but it looks like being an excellent evening.
Perhaps a Cheltenham Preview thought or two may be on offer if you ask nicely though if you follow my normal racing tips probably not.
Thanks for the kind word @Cookie - I must confess I consider anyone who started posting after the 2005 GE a "newbie" but re-assuring to see a few of the "old guard" still around and perhaps we can raise a glass to those who aren't.
Hope everyone enjoys it
NOM EVS
Con Maj 9/4
Lab Maj 4/1
Who's SeanT?
The cabinet descended into rancour over Boris Johnson’s future last night after both Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak rebuked the prime minister.
One cabinet minister called for Johnson to dismiss Sunak, and two others accused the chancellor of being “on manoeuvres” after he criticised the prime minister for a personal attack on Sir Keir Starmer.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/civil-war-in-cabinet-as-boris-johnson-told-to-sack-rishi-sunak-hgdfjtdjj
(I’m pretty sure I first started posting in 2004.)
Perhaps have a Big Board up at Smarkets to show Zooms from the ends of the earth, from Bangkok to Budapest to Bognor and back? With prize for furthest distance (as crow flies) from Charing Cross?
There was some kind of spontaneous get together after work (ie 2pm in afternoon) and YET the official photographer was hanging around?
Feck me we are being taken for fools again and again and again.
Nick Gibb = letter.
Bugger Bognor.
Anyway, it's academic. We're all just computer simulations created by members of a hyper-advanced civilization with way too much time on their hands, after all.
Great post, Cookie!
Nailed on contest within hours.
Tragically I fear I shall be otherwise engaged that evening.
The simulation hypothesis.
He merely said he wouldn't have said the boundlessly stupid thing he said. As wouldn't anyone with half a Braincell.
Except Sue Gray.
There were so many parties that we are entering the realm of uncountable infinities.
Jimmy Carr condemned for ‘truly disturbing’ joke about travellers in Netflix special"
Could this Blabbering or Backbiting Cabinet be the handwriting on the wall for Boris Johnson?
Edit: given Leon's reaction to Wick, I wonder what he would make of Peterheid. Or the Broch.
“I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Farmer Tupac railing at Osborne. I watched polls being Baxtered in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. Rod Crosby swinging back. Resolver Systems selling Python to the masses. Jack W consulting the Great Arse. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in the afternoon rain at Bognor Regis Pier. Time for tea...."
I'm a closet LD.
Don't agree with their Europe policy (well, EU policy) so drifted a bit in 2015-2018, but I'll vote for them as long as they push my all time number 1 priority..... voting reform.
Oddly enough,I find his twitter persona nowadays much more akin to his old antifrank persona.
Though the proto-woke and kind hearted were in evidence, at the core of the backlash were PB punters who'd personally profited from Andrea's perceptive analysis.
She changed username and then diasappeared, although I’m fairly sure I saw her posting late one night not so long ago.
Easterross much missed. A proper Highland Tory. Hate to think what he makes of the current bunch of chancers denigrating the name of his party. Mike banned him. Forgotten why. When you see the scumbags that are allowed to post filth you have to wonder what a kindly old gentleman like Easterross did wrong.
Young reserve player blasted the ball over the bar.