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Join the celebrations for PB’s 18th anniversary – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 12,151
edited February 2022 in General
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.

Read the full story here

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Comments

  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,157
    First!
  • PB Bottle Bus!
  • dr_spyndr_spyn Posts: 11,300
    first
  • dr_spyn said:

    first

    dr_spyn said:

    first

    Eat my dust!
  • Mail on Sunday journo saying the pic of Johnson on the ale in lockdown includes Sunak.
  • 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
  • Congratulations, Mike!
  • Happy Birthday PB
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,958
    🔴 New headache for PM as it is alleged an image of him enjoying a pint with Rishi Sunak is among hundreds being investigated over ‘partygate’ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/02/04/police-looking-photo-boris-johnson-holding-beer-lockdown-birthday/?utm_content=politics&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1644012228-2
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,386
    Thought Sunak was teetotal?
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,958
    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.


    https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1489721930429124616
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,958
    Sorry. I can’t help going back to this tosh.

    “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
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,437
    edited February 2022
    Another exciting twist in this fucking boring scandal

    Wish Tory MPs would get on with it
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,437
    On topic, it will be very difficult for me to get down to London on a Wednesday evening. A shame. Enjoy everyone.
  • geoffwgeoffw Posts: 8,702
    Good that it's a milestone, not a millstone.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,958
    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
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 35,958
    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.”

    Senior minister accusing critics of playing “the wife not the ball.”

    https://twitter.com/mrharrycole/status/1489721942009593862
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,327
    Farooq said:

    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.
    Northern pb to hold a breakaway party? Splitters...
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340

    On topic, it will be very difficult for me to get down to London on a Wednesday evening. A shame. Enjoy everyone.

    It's the week after half term, so it's out for me as well. But I hope those who can go enjoy it.
  • Won’t be able to make it over on that date. Have fun.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340
    Farooq said:

    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.
    No, Lichfield.

    And invite the local MP so we could all laugh at him...
  • pigeonpigeon Posts: 4,836
    Farooq said:

    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.
    Liberal metropolitan elitist.
  • Farooq said:

    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.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340
    edited February 2022
    Cookie said:

    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?
  • NOTE The date is Wednesday March 2nd

    I WILL BE IN TOWN
  • RazedabodeRazedabode Posts: 3,027
    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
  • 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.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734
    tpfkar said:

    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.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340
    Stereodog said:

    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.

    Well, as I can't go you could represent me...
  • dr_spyn said:

    first

    dr_spyn said:

    first

    Eat my dust!
    That was meant in entirely friendly way!!
  • Farooq said:

    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.
    A terrifying museum to wander round. Screw makes the place look almost Human
  • pigeonpigeon Posts: 4,836

    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.
  • Stereodog said:

    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.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 13,842
    Late evening all :)

    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.
  • Farooq said:

    Farooq said:

    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
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,089
    On topic - probably won't be down for this one, need to save my pennies & holiday for Jr coming along later in the year.
    Hope everyone enjoys it
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734
    Cookie said:

    tpfkar said:

    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.
  • Next UK GE:

    NOM EVS
    Con Maj 9/4
    Lab Maj 4/1
  • TresTres Posts: 2,694
    Cookie said:

    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.
  • pigeonpigeon Posts: 4,836
    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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?
  • WOW

    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 don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?
  • Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    tpfkar said:

    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?
  • Scott_xP said:

    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.


    https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1489721930429124616

    Hold on.

    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.

  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,327
    pigeon said:

    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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...
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340

    pigeon said:

    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,502
    Nick Gibb.

    Nick Gibb = letter.

    Bugger Bognor.
  • pigeonpigeon Posts: 4,836

    pigeon said:

    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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.
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 21,295


    Scott_xP said:

    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.


    https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1489721930429124616

    Hold on.

    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.

    Is this the birthday party / COBRA-with-beers meet that Lulu Lytle somehow attended?
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 17,327
    ydoethur said:

    pigeon said:

    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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.
    It’s a worry.
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 21,295
    edited February 2022

    WOW

    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

    Were the three cabinet ministers, Nadine Dorries, Dadine Norries, and Enidan Seirrod?
  • I don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?

    Just turn up! It's like the masked orgy in Eyes Wide Shut - can't recognise anyone apart from @TSE in those epic sandals...
  • vinovino Posts: 169
    Cookie said:

    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
  • GardenwalkerGardenwalker Posts: 21,295
    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.
  • Cookie said:

    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!
  • WOW

    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

    Were the three cabinet ministers, Nadine Dorries, Dadine Norries, and Enidan Seirrod?
    Oh please, please, please listen to Nad and sack Sunak.

    Nailed on contest within hours.
  • vino said:

    Cookie said:

    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…
  • vinovino Posts: 169
    I remember Tabman with fondness
  • pigeonpigeon Posts: 4,836

    I don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?

    Just turn up! It's like the masked orgy in Eyes Wide Shut - can't recognise anyone apart from @TSE in those epic sandals...
    With a generously donated box of artisanal flint dildos for all the guests to enjoy?

    Tragically I fear I shall be otherwise engaged that evening.
  • vinovino Posts: 169

    vino said:

    Cookie said:

    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…
    So true
  • ydoethur said:

    pigeon said:

    ydoethur said:

    Cookie said:

    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.
    It’s a worry.
    Maybe we are all living in a SeanT virtual world?

    The simulation hypothesis.


  • Beibheirli_CBeibheirli_C Posts: 8,163
    edited February 2022
    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
  • kjhkjh Posts: 11,773
    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.
  • El_CapitanoEl_Capitano Posts: 4,239
    So @ydoethur , how do we get out of Ash Wednesday services to get to this?
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,386
    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.
  • Surely David Herdson and Antifrank were fairly early? Or maybe they only turned up 2 or 3 years in?
  • vinovino Posts: 169
    There was talk of creating an East Midland branch of PB

  • Scott_xP said:

    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.


    https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1489721930429124616

    Hold on.

    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.

    Is this the birthday party / COBRA-with-beers meet that Lulu Lytle somehow attended?
    Who knows anymore.

    Except Sue Gray.

    There were so many parties that we are entering the realm of uncountable infinities.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,340

    So @ydoethur , how do we get out of Ash Wednesday services to get to this?

    It's not the Ash Wednesday services, it's Year 7 on Thursday morning that might be a slight problem...
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 32,502
    "@IndyArts
    Jimmy Carr condemned for ‘truly disturbing’ joke about travellers in Netflix special"
  • WOW

    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

    William Gladstone's political career ended with (or rather just after) the Blubbering Cabinet.

    Could this Blabbering or Backbiting Cabinet be the handwriting on the wall for Boris Johnson?
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734

    Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    tpfkar said:

    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.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 42,738
    edited February 2022

    Farooq said:

    Farooq said:

    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.
  • TheValiantTheValiant Posts: 1,874


    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.

  • pigeon said:

    I don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?

    Just turn up! It's like the masked orgy in Eyes Wide Shut - can't recognise anyone apart from @TSE in those epic sandals...
    With a generously donated box of artisanal flint dildos for all the guests to enjoy?

    Tragically I fear I shall be otherwise engaged that evening.
    What is the PB obsession with flint dildos?
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734

    Surely David Herdson and Antifrank were fairly early? Or maybe they only turned up 2 or 3 years in?

    Antifrank was certainly there when I arrived.
    Oddly enough,I find his twitter persona nowadays much more akin to his old antifrank persona.
  • vinovino Posts: 169
    Cookie - didn't you have a relation who worked at East Midlands?
  • 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?
  • Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    tpfkar said:

    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 don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?

    Just turn up! It's like the masked orgy in Eyes Wide Shut - can't recognise anyone apart from @TSE in those epic sandals...
    Wow you're painting an interesting picture. I can't not go now! 😂
  • BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 34,648

    pigeon said:

    I don't post a huge amount but I love reading the articles/comments and posting occasionally. I'd love to drop in. How do you sign up?

    Just turn up! It's like the masked orgy in Eyes Wide Shut - can't recognise anyone apart from @TSE in those epic sandals...
    With a generously donated box of artisanal flint dildos for all the guests to enjoy?

    Tragically I fear I shall be otherwise engaged that evening.
    What is the PB obsession with flint dildos?
    It's SeanT's latest fictional persona's, er, trade.
  • 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"
  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734
    vino said:

    I remember Tabman with fondness

    Yes, Tabman! He made a brief reappearance a year or so back, I think, and has done from time to time.
  • 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.
  • VogonJ said:

    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?
  • TresTres Posts: 2,694
    Easterross is here with a new username I thought.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,386
    Ha ha Man United.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 26,157
    Poor Man Utd
  • PB Bottle Bus! Worked For Boris/Brexit! So Why Not Us?
  • dr_spyndr_spyn Posts: 11,300
    POMUWAS

    Young reserve player blasted the ball over the bar.

  • CookieCookie Posts: 13,734

    Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    Cookie said:

    tpfkar said:

    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.
This discussion has been closed.