I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
You are a legend in all ways sir, and following your career from not too far away has been interesting.
Good morning everyone. 18th Anniversary; a tribute to the Smithson family is in order. Not sure how long I've been posting; certainly not for the whole time. Whatever happened to HurstLama; he and I used to cross swords now and again. And, on knowing who people are, there are a couple of people I've come across on other sites who've realised who I was own real life. Lurk here, but appear elsewhere.
I started posting in 2005. I still read the site almost every day, though recently haven't been able to post as often as I used to - but hope I will be able to post more again in the future.
I know most posters know far more than me but I think I have three proud moments posting on PB:
- Spotting and posting about Brown's abolition of the 10p tax band in running during that budget, approx an hour before the BBC spotted it.
- Suggesting the idea of a benefits cap. It was claimed that David Cameron was a regular reader of the site and Cameron then came up with the idea several months later.
- Winning the PB annual forecasting competition.
I also remember many overnight exchanges with fitalass.
Many thanks to Mike for running the site and maintaining its outstanding quality and reputation. And thanks to everyone who posts.
JOB VACANCIES: Several exciting opportunities have arisen for talented individuals interested in working at the heart of government for anything up to a week.
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
Slightly ironic that Silverwood *and* Langer have both been sacked (de facto in Langer's case) over the Ashes series. One for losing it, and one for winning it in a way his captain seems to disapprove of.
The betting is very close in the Calcutta Cup match: both hovering about EVS (but no arb).
A former centre/winger, I lost interest in rugby well over 3 decades ago, but better informed people can probably help: is that not highly unusual? Are the English not usually very clear FAV?
Glad that @MrEd is back. I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news. I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns. Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
The betting is very close in the Calcutta Cup match: both hovering about EVS (but no arb).
A former centre/winger, I lost interest in rugby well over 3 decades ago, but better informed people can probably help: is that not highly unusual? Are the English not usually very clear FAV?
I can understand the reasons for the rule changes, but IMHO they've slowed the game down too much. Prefer the League version these days, although I was amused to hear the RFL's CEO talking about co-operation between the two codes in an interview the other day. When I was a lad they were were at daggers drawn.
The betting is very close in the Calcutta Cup match: both hovering about EVS (but no arb).
A former centre/winger, I lost interest in rugby well over 3 decades ago, but better informed people can probably help: is that not highly unusual? Are the English not usually very clear FAV?
They are. But the Scots are much improved. Still think England will take them, mind.
Mr. L, the odds were good, but not amazing, but one of my favourite betting moments was tipping Perez to be top 6 at a certain race at surprisingly good odds.
I subsequently discovered he had a grid penalty... but the bet came off anyway
Liam Fox refuses to say he has confidence in the prime minister.
If he loses the bampots, Johnson’s had it.
He's already lost David Davis and Nick Gibb, how much more 'bampot' can you get than that?
Fair comment.
Fox is a pet hate of mine. However, shortly after refusing the invitation to express confidence in the prime minister, he received a strong puff piece on his Down’s syndrome legislation. So, not as evil as my distorted brain likes to categorise him. (The Treasury is going to hate it.)
Baxter gives Fox a 70% chance of holding North Somerset (caricature: “Kind Yuppies”?!?), on the new boundaries.
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
Glad that @MrEd is back. I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news. I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns. Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
Mr Ed is mediocre, at best. I’ve seen hundreds, probably thousands, of members of the Herd over the years. Mr Ed is definitely in the bottom 20% of the genre.
Comes across as a blind sycophant, in his twenties, in the employment of the Conservative Party; never had a proper job. Girlfriend never reaches orgasm while he’s in the room.
Glad that @MrEd is back. I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news. I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns. Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
I think quite a lot of us like Johnson because he got us out of the endless cycle of 'Brexit but not this Brexit', and well... got Brexit done.
But just as Dr Crippen occasionally administered the correct antibiotic, we've come to realise that this - on its own - is not enough.
Maybe I dream too much, but I'd quite like a PM with at least a passing acquaintance with the truth.
Happy birthday, PB, and well done to Mike, Rob, and latterly all the header contributors who have made this site with visiting. Can't remember exactly when I came across the site, but it was early on when there weren't many comments below the line on most days. Haven't really contributed s huge amount because the comment system doesn't make it easy to have sensible discussions without them getting lost in the blizzard of banter, but still enjoy reading every day.
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
She's his biographer. I read her biography of him years ago and strongly recommend it. As a result I have never been taken in by him. He is a very dangerous man.
Liam Fox refuses to say he has confidence in the prime minister.
If he loses the bampots, Johnson’s had it.
He's already lost David Davis and Nick Gibb, how much more 'bampot' can you get than that?
Fair comment.
Fox is a pet hate of mine. However, shortly after refusing the invitation to express confidence in the prime minister, he received a strong puff piece on his Down’s syndrome legislation. So, not as evil as my distorted brain likes to categorise him. (The Treasury is going to hate it.)
Baxter gives Fox a 70% chance of holding North Somerset (caricature: “Kind Yuppies”?!?), on the new boundaries.
Like many humans beings, Fox is complex.
He was overpromoted, and dreadful at International Trade.
But he's not a bad human being. And he is compassionate and (occasionally) thoughtful.
He would have been best as a backbencher who never got a chance to prove his worth.
He's fired all his assistants, proven repeatedly he isn't up to the job, is making a lot of inane promises about how to solve the problems his own total incompetence created, and has come up with a financial solution to a shortage of money largely caused by his own self-aggrandising spending that will do much more damage in the long run. Yet he's still there.
Honestly, what would it take to get that dull fucker Tom Harrison out of the ECB?
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
I understand: the last thing you would want would be for people to know your true feelings about Boris Johnson to be known.
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
I understand: the last thing you would want would be for people to know your true feelings about Boris Johnson to be known.
He made a fine contribution at that PMQs. Moving, robust, devastating.
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
He is no Obama or Blair no, he is no Ed Miliband or Corbyn either agreed.
He is a UK Francois Hollande, dull as ditchwater and with no real vision but might be able to win 1 election as the more charismatic conservative incumbent and his government have become unpopular after a long period in power. Hollande however did not run for re election and was succeeded by the more dynamic Macron
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
I concur. However, there is something a wee bit whiney and annoying in his tone of voice. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but I wonder if that’s why he’s at -10 in the Scottish net favourability table? He can sound like a know-it-all twat, which is likely to become worse as he becomes electorally successful, which is now inevitable.
But he’ll never be remotely as irritating as the Unflushable Turd (-62).
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
He is no Obama or Blair no, he is no Ed Miliband or Corbyn either.
He is a UK Francois Hollande, dull as ditchwater and with no real vision but might be able to win 1 election as the more charismatic incumbent and his government have become more unpopular after a long period in power. Hollande however did not run for re election and was succeeded by the more dynamic Macron
Ed Milliband and Hollande are the better compare, no?
No great achievements outside politics. Narrow left of their party factional winner.
The final update from Flo on the comparison of vaccination rates between France & England - France is changing what counts as "fully vaccinated" so the numbers are becoming increasingly difficult to compare accurately:
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
He is no Obama or Blair no, he is no Ed Miliband or Corbyn either.
He is a UK Francois Hollande, dull as ditchwater and with no real vision but might be able to win 1 election as the more charismatic incumbent and his government have become more unpopular after a long period in power. Hollande however did not run for re election and was succeeded by the more dynamic Macron
Ed Milliband and Hollande are the better compare, no?
No great achievements outside politics. Narrow left of their party factional winner.
No, Ed Miliband was always seen as a weird geek like Hague and also got the job after their party had just lost power.
Starmer like Hollande has more stature and both took over as leader of the main left of centre party after a long period in opposition. Hollande also was the more moderate of the 2 Socialist primary candidates in 2011, Aubry was the leftwinger
The final update from Flo on the comparison of vaccination rates between France & England - France is changing what counts as "fully vaccinated" so the numbers are becoming increasingly difficult to compare accurately:
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
The final update from Flo on the comparison of vaccination rates between France & England - France is changing what counts as "fully vaccinated" so the numbers are becoming increasingly difficult to compare accurately:
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
The final update from Flo on the comparison of vaccination rates between France & England - France is changing what counts as "fully vaccinated" so the numbers are becoming increasingly difficult to compare accurately:
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
And... If he'd memorized the speech, rather than reading it, he could have managed a 9/10 rather than a 6/10.
Agreed, that speech changed my opinion of him. And I suspect Johnson realised what he’d just witnessed, which was what rattled him into the ill fated Savile jibe.
Glad that @MrEd is back. I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news. I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns. Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
I think quite a lot of us like Johnson because he got us out of the endless cycle of 'Brexit but not this Brexit', and well... got Brexit done.
But just as Dr Crippen occasionally administered the correct antibiotic, we've come to realise that this - on its own - is not enough.
Maybe I dream too much, but I'd quite like a PM with at least a passing acquaintance with the truth.
As recent events have only made clearer, Johnson got Brexit done by lying about (and to) Northern Ireland.
"@SebastianEPayne NEW: PM's loyalists have "safety mechanism" on no confidence letters:
"5 or 10 of the letters are submitted by loyalists. When Brady hits the magic number, he calls around everyone to ask if they wish to withdraw. At that point, we know we’re in trouble""
Does he have to call round? A signed letter seems as good a signal of intent as any.....
Yeah, I've seen this mentioned before. Letters stand until they are rescinded, so it makes sense to check.
Glad Brady is taking it seriously. If the Johnsonian's are playing with the process its a slimy way to treat the rules of their party.
When has Boris Johnson ever shown any respect for rules? He lied to the monarch, and was eager to break his own Covid rules and expose her to Covid infection.
biography of Boris Johnson's wife by Tory peer Lord Ashcroft says 'mesmerised and lonely' PM is surrounded by HER friends and she 'used his mobile to direct events'
I think he is very lonely, week and unfit for office
He's always been lonely.
That's part of the tragedy of it all.
And needs to be liked
Well he's comprehensively failing on that metric these days.
Having spent one's life conniving and backstabbing, it should come as scant surprise to him when the chickens come home to roost. What goes around comes around.
"@SebastianEPayne NEW: PM's loyalists have "safety mechanism" on no confidence letters:
"5 or 10 of the letters are submitted by loyalists. When Brady hits the magic number, he calls around everyone to ask if they wish to withdraw. At that point, we know we’re in trouble""
Does he have to call round? A signed letter seems as good a signal of intent as any.....
Yeah, I've seen this mentioned before. Letters stand until they are rescinded, so it makes sense to check.
Glad Brady is taking it seriously. If the Johnsonian's are playing with the process its a slimy way to treat the rules of their party.
When has Boris Johnson ever shown any respect for rules? He lied to the monarch, and was eager to break his own Covid rules and expose her to Covid infection.
He lies to everyone. Starting with his godfather who gave him his first job.
It's worth remembering Boris Johnson and Johann Hari are guilty of much the same offence. One was disgraced and now writes fictional self-help books he tries to pass off as fact while working a series of jobs to make ends meet. And Johnson's future career may be similar...
Mr. Doethur, I suspect not. He's an entertaining clown and will be well-remunerated, I would expect.
It's not what he deserves, of course, but such is life.
Possibly, but I don't think he'll manage it in the UK. He may have to go to the country of his birth to make money, like his fellow right wing liar and shill David Irving.
Glad that @MrEd is back. I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news. I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns. Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
I think quite a lot of us like Johnson because he got us out of the endless cycle of 'Brexit but not this Brexit', and well... got Brexit done.
But just as Dr Crippen occasionally administered the correct antibiotic, we've come to realise that this - on its own - is not enough.
Maybe I dream too much, but I'd quite like a PM with at least a passing acquaintance with the truth.
As recent events have only made clearer, Johnson got Brexit done by lying about (and to) Northern Ireland.
Not to mention he was pretty much the one who stopped Brexit getting done, by torpedoing May's deal within minutes of it being announced, well before he had a chance to read any of it (which he probably never bothered anyway).
I've loved it when PBers over the years have made extraordinary efforts to get more attention for the site. Special mention on this must go to Martin Coxall who in 2010 got himself arrested by knocking over an old lady just to get into the papers.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
I've loved it when PBers over the years have made extraordinary efforts to get more attention for the site. Special mention on this must go to Martin Coxall who in 2010 got himself arrested by knocking over an old lady just to get into the papers.
Long enough ago that the Daily Mail report had to explain what Twitter was! How venerable we are...
He appears to be Head of Marketing for the Bitcoin Association now.
I think we are fast approaching the point where responsible media outlets should turn down / not bid for interviews with the Secretary of State for Media Sport, Nadine Dorries. https://twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1489871675609030656
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Johnson’s very public failure to be monogamous is his Achilles’ heel.
Would he chuck his wife and young children out on the streets in order to say his premiership?
I leave that question as an exercise for the reader.
I get the feeling that some people are deliberately orchestrating a campaign to force him to try precisely that (to try and create a vacuum to fill, or to discredit him in the public eye, I am not sure). Or at least to get him out of No 10 if he remains loyal.
The Graun had a piece last night - not so much an attack on her but a more detached assessment of the anti-Mrs Johnson campaigning. The ending in particular is pro-Mrs Johnson.
The final update from Flo on the comparison of vaccination rates between France & England - France is changing what counts as "fully vaccinated" so the numbers are becoming increasingly difficult to compare accurately:
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
TBF, we're guilty of that too for younger cohorts, where we said a single dose was fine.
My personal view is that the zero (no vaccine) number is they key.
Different approaches.
England counts a single dose as a single dose.
France counts two doses plus infection as three doses.
I think both are accurate, after all what is a vaccine but contact with viral antigens?
Day 9 today and finally testing negative, though still with some cough and feeling very washed out. Despite being boosted it has been a rough 9 days, never ill enough for hospital or even close but a miserable time. Brain fog lifting a bit now, but going to be a week or two more before firing on all cylinders.
I think we are fast approaching the point where responsible media outlets should turn down / not bid for interviews with the Secretary of State for Media Sport, Nadine Dorries. https://twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1489871675609030656
Really? I would have thought the sheer comedy value would be making them up their offers.
I just watched the Starmer speech, and (after a very slow start) I must confess he was excellent.
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
And... If he'd memorized the speech, rather than reading it, he could have managed a 9/10 rather than a 6/10.
Agreed, that speech changed my opinion of him. And I suspect Johnson realised what he’d just witnessed, which was what rattled him into the ill fated Savile jibe.
Not actually noticed that much on the day, I think it’s a speech that will be remembered, and quoted, for years to come: ‘honesty and decency matters’ will resonate when we look back with a shudder at the memory of the Johnson premiership. Hopefully, whatever party is in power, we will never again elect such a moral degenerate.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Johnson’s very public failure to be monogamous is his Achilles’ heel.
Would he chuck his wife and young children out on the streets in order to say his premiership?
I leave that question as an exercise for the reader.
I get the feeling that some people are deliberately orchestrating a campaign to force him to try precisely that (to try and create a vacuum to fill, or to discredit him in the public eye, I am not sure). Or at least to get him out of No 10 if he remains loyal.
The Graun had a piece last night - not so much an attack on her but a more detached assessment of the anti-Mrs Johnson campaigning. The ending in particular is pro-Mrs Johnson.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Johnson’s very public failure to be monogamous is his Achilles’ heel.
Would he chuck his wife and young children out on the streets in order to say his premiership?
I leave that question as an exercise for the reader.
I get the feeling that some people are deliberately orchestrating a campaign to force him to try precisely that (to try and create a vacuum to fill, or to discredit him in the public eye, I am not sure). Or at least to get him out of No 10 if he remains loyal.
The Graun had a piece last night - not so much an attack on her but a more detached assessment of the anti-Mrs Johnson campaigning. The ending in particular is pro-Mrs Johnson.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Cummings war on Carrie is quite distasteful. She does rather lay herself open to the Carrie Antoinette jibe by her actions, and has done rather well for a political groupie.
It wouldn't matter much if Boris wasn't as easily influenced, as changeable or had a single political principle of his own.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Cummings war on Carrie is quite distasteful. She does rather lay herself open to the Carrie Antoinette jibe by her actions, and has done rather well for a political groupie.
It wouldn't matter much if Boris wasn't as easily influenced, as changeable or had a single political principle of his own.
I think it would be better actually if he had a principle of staying single.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
I am very much looking forward to this and hope to be able to make it. I have been a part of this site since the very earliest days and a regular contributor both below and (later) above the line. Although in recent times I have returned to lurking for fairly obvious reasons.
Congratulations to Mike and Robert on the anniversary and thanks to everyone who helps make this site what it is.
And thank you to everyone who has posted kind words about me in recent months.
You are a legend in all ways sir, and following your career from not too far away has been interesting.
He doesn't need to worry about posting upsetting his bosses anymore either.
Mr. Doethur, I suspect not. He's an entertaining clown and will be well-remunerated, I would expect.
It's not what he deserves, of course, but such is life.
Possibly, but I don't think he'll manage it in the UK. He may have to go to the country of his birth to make money, like his fellow right wing liar and shill David Irving.
And good riddance if he does.
Does the bumbling oaf, scruffy schoolboy act work in America? So far as I can see it doesn't even work in the UK outside England, and looking a bit over exposed even here.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Cummings war on Carrie is quite distasteful. She does rather lay herself open to the Carrie Antoinette jibe by her actions, and has done rather well for a political groupie.
It wouldn't matter much if Boris wasn't as easily influenced, as changeable or had a single political principle of his own.
Rats fighting in a sack is quite distasteful, and it seems a bit futile to try to apportion blame.
After the crushing Tory general election victory that December, the PM's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was approached by a colleague for a congratulatory chat. But Cummings, convinced that Carrie had a dangerous hold over his boss, was downbeat.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
Cummings war on Carrie is quite distasteful. She does rather lay herself open to the Carrie Antoinette jibe by her actions, and has done rather well for a political groupie.
It wouldn't matter much if Boris wasn't as easily influenced, as changeable or had a single political principle of his own.
While she is involved in politics so to a degree fair game many of the comments from Cummings come across as obsessed. It makes him come across as a jilted lover upset Boris picked someone else.
I think we are fast approaching the point where responsible media outlets should turn down / not bid for interviews with the Secretary of State for Media Sport, Nadine Dorries. https://twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1489871675609030656
That interview is one of those where the interviewee says nothing but reveals everything
I remember Ave it, and also when Newbies were alerted not to confuse Peter from Putney with Peter the Punter. When was this? Thank you OGH for this great site.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
There's a lot of anti-Carrie stuff on ConHome and below the line in the Mail, mostly from pro-Boris Tories looking for an excuse for the flaws of their hero. The penny doesn't seem to drop that the problem isn't her principles and views but his lack of them.
I think we are fast approaching the point where responsible media outlets should turn down / not bid for interviews with the Secretary of State for Media Sport, Nadine Dorries. https://twitter.com/Haggis_UK/status/1489871675609030656
That interview is one of those where the interviewee says nothing but reveals everything
Absolutely - if Dorris (and JRM) is all he has left, then god help us all
I was against at first, thinking it would criminalise routine if unpleasant expressions of abusive opinions ("X is a twat"), but the list of specific content - "a threat of serious harm, sending a communication with the intent of causing psychological harm or serious emotional distress, and deliberately sending a false message with the intention of causing harm" - doesn't seem to include that. The "intent to cause serious distress" bit is still a bit liable to interpretation, though.
Also, apparently FB and Twitter are supposed to stop people posting things like that before they've done so ("Previously, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had to take such content down if it was flagged to them but now they would be legally required to prevent users from being exposed to them in the first place"). How are they supposed to do that??
Mr. Palmer, I don't mind Carrie Johnson liking animals. I do mind if that means we end up leaving behind Afghans who helped us because the limited capacity of the airport found space for dogs that could have been used for humans.
Mr. Doethur, I suspect not. He's an entertaining clown and will be well-remunerated, I would expect.
It's not what he deserves, of course, but such is life.
Possibly, but I don't think he'll manage it in the UK. He may have to go to the country of his birth to make money, like his fellow right wing liar and shill David Irving.
And good riddance if he does.
Does the bumbling oaf, scruffy schoolboy act work in America? So far as I can see it doesn't even work in the UK outside England, and looking a bit over exposed even here.
In retrospect the now almost-forgotten Peppa Pig episode may come to be seen as of greater significance. At the time I saw some pollsters saying that it was being raised in focus groups surprisingly often. It may indeed be the moment when for many voters his amusing-couldn't-give-a-toss shtick turned from asset to liability.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
There's a lot of anti-Carrie stuff on ConHome and below the line in the Mail, mostly from pro-Boris Tories looking for an excuse for the flaws of their hero. The penny doesn't seem to drop that the problem isn't her principles and views but his lack of them.
Well, quite. Even if it's true that she has too much influence, whose fault is that?
In 'other media" news, Starmer's speech on the Sue Gray report now has a startling 1.5 million views (politicsJOE). It's described as "extraordinary oratory" in the title.
As I've said before, I think 90% of public opinion for people my age is derived from BBC News app push notifications. They have been plentiful during this farce.
I just checked PoliticsJoe and I came across an interview with a very nice ex colleague of Johnson's. She hates him but she's a very entertaining interviewee
An absolutely devastating interview. I recommend every single contributor to this site, your family and friends, watch it.
Just watched it. Agree 100%.
And another 100%. I read her book years ago, at a time when I was coming across Johnson in RL reasonably frequently. The picture she paints in the book is both credible and horrifying, and her point in the interview at being staggered he has subsequently fooled so many people is the nub of the matter.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
I'm not hugely impressed with Carrie Johnson.
But she's a vast improvement on Dominic Cummings. And I think that's what hurts him the most.
Mad Nad truly is bonkers. Putting her in cabinet is as crazy as putting lalaland people like Shapps Green or Gavin Williamson in cabinet. And even Liar isn't that stupid.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
Yes for all her foibles over interior design and love of socialising, Carrie does bring something useful to the Tories.
Her concerns over green issues, animal welfare etc and being a couple of decades younger do match a demographic that Tories are usually anathema too. She is rather a prosecco environmentalist, but does match a younger female demographic that the Tories poll extremely badly with. The flexitarian yummy mummy vote is one the Tories need.
I was against at first, thinking it would criminalise routine if unpleasant expressions of abusive opinions ("X is a twat"), but the list of specific content - "a threat of serious harm, sending a communication with the intent of causing psychological harm or serious emotional distress, and deliberately sending a false message with the intention of causing harm" - doesn't seem to include that. The "intent to cause serious distress" bit is still a bit liable to interpretation, though.
Also, apparently FB and Twitter are supposed to stop people posting things like that before they've done so ("Previously, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had to take such content down if it was flagged to them but now they would be legally required to prevent users from being exposed to them in the first place"). How are they supposed to do that??
Sounds like a job for a decent AI, training itself up to spot anything potentially abusive and blocking it before it gets published?
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
I'm not hugely impressed with Carrie Johnson.
But she's a vast improvement on Dominic Cummings. And I think that's what hurts him the most.
His pieces are too long for me, but has he explained why people he thinks are so useless were able to outmanuevere and sack him? I believe he attempted to explain why he was there for as long as he was when he says they were obviously so bad, but it wasn't very persuasive.
Ashcroft plugging his book on his website which claims to be about polling - naughty. It's quite a character assassination of Carrie, with a toxic mixture of unattributed comments, unproven allegations and mealy-mouthed assertions that he wants all the best for the Johnsons and the party.
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
There's a lot of anti-Carrie stuff on ConHome and below the line in the Mail, mostly from pro-Boris Tories looking for an excuse for the flaws of their hero. The penny doesn't seem to drop that the problem isn't her principles and views but his lack of them.
Well, quite. Even if it's true that she has too much influence, whose fault is that?
Someone once said that Boris Johnson is most influenced by the last person to have talked to him. Carrie just happens to always be the last person he talks to
I was against at first, thinking it would criminalise routine if unpleasant expressions of abusive opinions ("X is a twat"), but the list of specific content - "a threat of serious harm, sending a communication with the intent of causing psychological harm or serious emotional distress, and deliberately sending a false message with the intention of causing harm" - doesn't seem to include that. The "intent to cause serious distress" bit is still a bit liable to interpretation, though.
Also, apparently FB and Twitter are supposed to stop people posting things like that before they've done so ("Previously, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had to take such content down if it was flagged to them but now they would be legally required to prevent users from being exposed to them in the first place"). How are they supposed to do that??
I get banned off Twitter quite regularly. It's obviously all automatically driven by algorithms as I always get sprung out of Twitter jail after exactly 24 hours.
A photograph of Boris Johnson drinking a beer at a birthday event held for him in No 10 is among the 300 images handed to the Metropolitan Police, it has been reported. The prime minister was pictured standing next to Rishi Suank and raising a can of Estrella towards the camera in a photo allegedly taken by the official Downing Street photographer during the first national coronavirus lockdown. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-latest-sunak-savile-rebellion-b2008274.html
Suppose I'm having DMs with someone who mentions they're scared of buttons (a rare but real phobia). If, three years later, I forget this fear and send them a photo of my snazzy new cardigan, complete with buttons, is that a criminal act?
What if I do it the very next day, but either in a drunken stupor, or when very tired, or because I thought the button fear comment was not serious?
Edited extra bit: in this examples there's no intention but my query regards how this can be proven, and upon whom is the burden of proof.
Comments
Not sure how long I've been posting; certainly not for the whole time. Whatever happened to HurstLama; he and I used to cross swords now and again.
And, on knowing who people are, there are a couple of people I've come across on other sites who've realised who I was own real life. Lurk here, but appear elsewhere.
I know most posters know far more than me but I think I have three proud moments posting on PB:
- Spotting and posting about Brown's abolition of the 10p tax band in running during that budget, approx an hour before the BBC spotted it.
- Suggesting the idea of a benefits cap. It was claimed that David Cameron was a regular reader of the site and Cameron then came up with the idea several months later.
- Winning the PB annual forecasting competition.
I also remember many overnight exchanges with fitalass.
Many thanks to Mike for running the site and maintaining its outstanding quality and reputation. And thanks to everyone who posts.
Several exciting opportunities have arisen for talented individuals interested in working at the heart of government for anything up to a week.
https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson_MP/status/1489733922141388805
An absolutely devastating interview. I recommend every single contributor to this site, your family and friends, watch it.
If he loses the bampots, Johnson’s had it.
Slightly ironic that Silverwood *and* Langer have both been sacked (de facto in Langer's case) over the Ashes series. One for losing it, and one for winning it in a way his captain seems to disapprove of.
A former centre/winger, I lost interest in rugby well over 3 decades ago, but better informed people can probably help: is that not highly unusual? Are the English not usually very clear FAV?
I've followed this website since early 2015/2016. It's actually my main source of news.
I do remember over the years that the comments sometimes have a tendency to lean in a certain direction - at one point they swayed heavily in favour of Brexit, and more recently there is a dislike of Johnson. The danger is always that it becomes an echo chamber, but that hasn't ever actually happened, the balance always returns.
Congratulations on the 18 years - a brilliant achievement - and lets all hope it keeps going.
Prefer the League version these days, although I was amused to hear the RFL's CEO talking about co-operation between the two codes in an interview the other day. When I was a lad they were were at daggers drawn.
I subsequently discovered he had a grid penalty... but the bet came off anyway
Fox is a pet hate of mine. However, shortly after refusing the invitation to express confidence in the prime minister, he received a strong puff piece on his Down’s syndrome legislation. So, not as evil as my distorted brain likes to categorise him. (The Treasury is going to hate it.)
Baxter gives Fox a 70% chance of holding North Somerset (caricature: “Kind Yuppies”?!?), on the new boundaries.
Comes across as a blind sycophant, in his twenties, in the employment of the Conservative Party; never had a proper job. Girlfriend never reaches orgasm while he’s in the room.
But just as Dr Crippen occasionally administered the correct antibiotic, we've come to realise that this - on its own - is not enough.
Maybe I dream too much, but I'd quite like a PM with at least a passing acquaintance with the truth.
Can't remember exactly when I came across the site, but it was early on when there weren't many comments below the line on most days. Haven't really contributed s huge amount because the comment system doesn't make it easy to have sensible discussions without them getting lost in the blizzard of banter, but still enjoy reading every day.
He was overpromoted, and dreadful at International Trade.
But he's not a bad human being. And he is compassionate and (occasionally) thoughtful.
He would have been best as a backbencher who never got a chance to prove his worth.
Honestly, what would it take to get that dull fucker Tom Harrison out of the ECB?
There's a moment about a minute in when he drops out of 'speech' mode and moves to a more conversational tone that was absolutely spot on.
You know what, he's no Obama or Blair. But he's also no Milliband or Corbyn. For the first time in a decade, I saw a potential Labour Prime Minister.
He is a UK Francois Hollande, dull as ditchwater and with no real vision but might be able to win 1 election as the more charismatic conservative incumbent and his government have become unpopular after a long period in power. Hollande however did not run for re election and was succeeded by the more dynamic Macron
But he’ll never be remotely as irritating as the Unflushable Turd (-62).
No great achievements outside politics. Narrow left of their party factional winner.
So here is the last frame of the animation, and the last update of this figure.
And many thanks to @VictimOfMaths & @PaulMainwood for inspiration and discussions.
https://twitter.com/flodebarre/status/1489683010140131334?s=20&t=mUDFtkgD_8EXRxsvwebWxA
Starmer like Hollande has more stature and both took over as leader of the main left of centre party after a long period in opposition. Hollande also was the more moderate of the 2 Socialist primary candidates in 2011, Aubry was the leftwinger
My personal view is that the zero (no vaccine) number is they key.
'This is a disaster,' he said. 'Watch Carrie go to work on [Boris] now. I give it six months before we're out of a job.'
In fact, Cummings lasted 11 months, but throughout that time Johnson grew increasingly exasperated with Carrie's meddling.
Today, the police are investigating Partygate, in which she seems to have been a player. This comes after Wallpapergate, in which she was instrumental.
It also follows the scandal over animals from Pen Farthing's charity being rescued from Afghanistan when human lives were at stake. Some who lobbied for this have spoken openly of her involvement.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10478349/LORD-ASHCROFT-Carrie-Johnsons-behaviour-preventing-Prime-Minister-leading-Britain.html
Honestly, he has even less shame than he has sense.
England counts a single dose as a single dose.
France counts two doses plus infection as three doses.
Johnson’s very public failure to be monogamous is his Achilles’ heel.
Having spent one's life conniving and backstabbing, it should come as scant surprise to him when the chickens come home to roost. What goes around comes around.
Absolutely no sympathy whatsoever.
It's worth remembering Boris Johnson and Johann Hari are guilty of much the same offence. One was disgraced and now writes fictional self-help books he tries to pass off as fact while working a series of jobs to make ends meet. And Johnson's future career may be similar...
It's not what he deserves, of course, but such is life.
And good riddance if he does.
Even his "ultimate boss" knows this is over.
I leave that question as an exercise for the reader.
He appears to be Head of Marketing for the Bitcoin Association now.
The Graun had a piece last night - not so much an attack on her but a more detached assessment of the anti-Mrs Johnson campaigning. The ending in particular is pro-Mrs Johnson.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/feb/04/carrie-boris-johnson-pm-wife-downing-street
Day 9 today and finally testing negative, though still with some cough and feeling very washed out. Despite being boosted it has been a rough 9 days, never ill enough for hospital or even close but a miserable time. Brain fog lifting a bit now, but going to be a week or two more before firing on all cylinders.
https://twitter.com/KeejayOV3/status/1489871498051473409?s=20&t=JkqotxgahgT8ijimr6dowQ
It wouldn't matter much if Boris wasn't as easily influenced, as changeable or had a single political principle of his own.
https://mailchi.mp/lordashcroftpolls/new-research-from-lord-ashcroft-polls-449037?e=99cd3aa6df
tldr - he dislikes Carrie. I approve of her because of the animal welfare/environment angle, and understand that there are Tories who dislike her for the same reason, as well as the usual reservations about PMs' partners having an influence. But if it was someone I disliked, I hope I'd still be against this kind of stuff, which basically just reinforces the ferrets-in-a-sack impression of the tories.
He (and she) need to be put out their misery, just embarrassing now
Or at least to get his name associated with the great works of others.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/feb/04/sending-threatening-posts-among-offences-in-revised-online-safety-bill
I was against at first, thinking it would criminalise routine if unpleasant expressions of abusive opinions ("X is a twat"), but the list of specific content - "a threat of serious harm, sending a communication with the intent of causing psychological harm or serious emotional distress, and deliberately sending a false message with the intention of causing harm" - doesn't seem to include that. The "intent to cause serious distress" bit is still a bit liable to interpretation, though.
Also, apparently FB and Twitter are supposed to stop people posting things like that before they've done so ("Previously, platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had to take such content down if it was flagged to them but now they would be legally required to prevent users from being exposed to them in the first place"). How are they supposed to do that??
But she's a vast improvement on Dominic Cummings. And I think that's what hurts him the most.
No, wait...
Her concerns over green issues, animal welfare etc and being a couple of decades younger do match a demographic that Tories are usually anathema too. She is rather a prosecco environmentalist, but does match a younger female demographic that the Tories poll extremely badly with. The flexitarian yummy mummy vote is one the Tories need.
DG of the BBC?
Editor of the Telegraph?
Secretary General of the UN?
Trumps running mate?
The prime minister was pictured standing next to Rishi Suank and raising a can of Estrella towards the camera in a photo allegedly taken by the official Downing Street photographer during the first national coronavirus lockdown.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/boris-johnson-latest-sunak-savile-rebellion-b2008274.html
Switch on and there is Nadine Dorries doing her sycophantic tribute act for Boris and it just grates
For goodness sake Boris go, and take her with you along with JRM
Suppose I'm having DMs with someone who mentions they're scared of buttons (a rare but real phobia). If, three years later, I forget this fear and send them a photo of my snazzy new cardigan, complete with buttons, is that a criminal act?
What if I do it the very next day, but either in a drunken stupor, or when very tired, or because I thought the button fear comment was not serious?
Edited extra bit: in this examples there's no intention but my query regards how this can be proven, and upon whom is the burden of proof.