Is it just me, or is the Gray report completely meh?
Sometimes things are sexier when you leave something to the imagination.
After all the hype of the past six months, no report could live up to expectations, unless there was a photo of Boris and Gove snorting crack off a hooker.
Is that in the Appendix to the Report? Haven't got that far yet....
If people think there is nothing doing with the report, it speaks that the most marvellous frog boiling operation has been performed by No 10 on the collective minds of the public.
They were all at work is going to be the defence. Ham & Cheese sandwiches and booze notwithstanding.
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
And yet you support Boris who’s tendency to say the wrong thing surpasses anyone and has caused all sorts of problems. It doesn’t add up.
If people think there is nothing doing with the report, it speaks that the most marvellous frog boiling operation has been performed by No 10 on the collective minds of the public.
It does. But am wondering if everyone has been following the twists and turns quite as closely as we have on here?
Is it just me, or is the Gray report completely meh?
Sometimes things are sexier when you leave something to the imagination.
After all the hype of the past six months, no report could live up to expectations, unless there was a photo of Boris and Gove snorting crack off a hooker.
This report needed a sequinned g string. It’s so meh as Z put it, when history books cover Partygate they probably won’t even mention Sue Gray report 😕
What a let down for our excite buds.
However, good news for excite buds, I reckon MET will reopen the case and give doggy another FPN, based on so many senior MET officers in media expecting this now. So easily done too “we didn’t see that bit of significant new evidence”
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
As i said down thread i thought that was a can of coke, but it is a beer.
If this had been the extent of the rule breaking it would have been a massive nothing....which begs the question, how he got fined for this (and Sunak), but not the other events.
Is it just me, or is the Gray report completely meh?
One entirely unsurprising detail in the report - the disrespectful treatment of cleaners and security staff. I first came up against this kind of attitude when I went to Cambridge, the attitudes of some of the posh kids to the "staff" was a sight to behold. I guess they never grow out of it.
Agree with this sentiment. Worked as cleaner, porter and bar staff while at Oxford and routinely took nonsense in the first couple of weeks.
Note that the big Cameroon 'scandal'* involved alleged mistreatment of security.
*well, unless you count pasties and lies about dead politicians.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
And yet he won an election campaign from starting third. How does a crap politician manage that?
The report will have no serious impact. Johnson will not resign, his MPs will not force him out and no-one in the wider country will change their minds. All of which is very bad news for the Tories.
It would certainly be interesting to discover that some European politicians who sniffed at allowing Ukraine into the European club because of concerns about corruption had their own rather interesting relationship with Russia.
The photos with Simon Case & Sunak look to my mind like a "working lunch" (Daylight lighting, office apparel about). Sunak even looks 2 metres from big dog
The photos where it's only Boris unblurred... definite "party" vibes (Booze everywhere, people standing round, Boris giving it the big'un as he's walking through the door)
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
And yet he won an election campaign from starting third. How does a crap politician manage that?
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to.
But always in a way that Russia and Putin would nod approvingly towards.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
As i said down thread i thought that was a can of coke, but it is a beer.
If this had been the extent of the rule breaking it would have been a massive nothing....which begs the question, how he got fined for this (and Sunak), but not the other events.
You are not alone in this country asking that question 🤣 Unfortunately for Boris is the number of senior police officers asking the same question.
Expect the investigation reopened and Boris FPNs to increase
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
I thought that was a can of coke. You are right. However, that really is the least bad of all of the photos, it doesn't look like a "party". As i said down thread, i think it is problematic for other reaons, if that is the bar for a fine, 10 people standing apart while.there are 4 cans of beers and a few sandwiches, all the other events surely should have been fines for Boris.
Sunak has got very unlucky here.
As an individual photo it's not a huge gotcha. But it does reveal the lies that have been told about that gathering.
My point has always been from the start arguing about the individual events, how many minutes Boris was here, how many cans of beers, etc are irreverent. He fostered a culture where there was widespread regular breaking of the rules, for that he should go.
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
And yet he won an election campaign from starting third. How does a crap politician manage that?
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Mr. Sandpit, Bottas is 1.57 for a top 6 finish. Given the chance of crashing or rain (or unlucky pit stop leading to traffic), that's too short for me.
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
They both have a deep history in East Politics.
This is the belief that Germany needs to a have a close and peaceful relationship with Russia. Post WWII, this became "we must pay nearly any price for this". It's a fundamental part, for those who believe in it, of The Never Again nature of Modern Germany.
To give up on we-must-have-peace-with-Russia, is for them, to renounce a part of their identity. To unmake Modern Germany and let lose the possibility of a return to the past.
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
And yet you support Boris who’s tendency to say the wrong thing surpasses anyone and has caused all sorts of problems. It doesn’t add up.
I've said about a thousand times now, that Boris has gravely disappointed in office, and should go (but he probably won't)
I also believe he could still win, but that's not a value judgement, just how I see it
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
I thought that was a can of coke. You are right. However, that really is the least bad of all of the photos, it doesn't look like a "party". As i said down thread, i think it is problematic for other reaons, if that is the bar for a fine, 10 people standing apart while.there are 4 cans of beers and a few sandwiches, all the other events surely should have been fines for Boris.
Sunak has got very unlucky here.
We obviously don't know the facts and the reason behind the fines and non fines, BUT on the face of it I agree Sunak seems very unlucky.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
Mr. Sandpit, Bottas is 1.57 for a top 6 finish. Given the chance of crashing or rain (or unlucky pit stop leading to traffic), that's too short for me.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Well it looks like everyone round the table is working and the PM is their boss so I think there is a strong case for saying it could be reasonably necessary for work. Is that the one he got fined for?
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
They both have a deep history in East Politics.
This is the belief that Germany needs to a have a close and peaceful relationship with Russia. Post WWII, this became "we must pay nearly any price for this". It's a fundamental part, for those who believe in it, of The Never Again nature of Modern Germany.
To give up on we-must-have-peace-with-Russia, is for them, to renounce a part of their identity. To unmake Modern Germany and let lose the possibility of a return to the past.
Indeed it is. It is interesting that the Union +SPD vote is hovering at 50% now. It's a generational thing. The post-Berlin Wall generation simply aren't buying it or voting for it.
It's clear from the evidence presented by Sue Gray that everyone at No. 10 knew the gatherings being organised were contrary to the regulations, and that the PM was not ignorant of what happened.
It's impossible for me not to conclude that he knowingly misled the House when he feigned outrage at learning of these gatherings, and insisted that all regulations had been followed.
If the House does not want Ministers of the Crown looting to it with impunity in future then they must insist on the resignation of the Prime Minister.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
the frog-boiling comment from before seems more appropriate here.
I understand the notion of "lets list all we have done" as a political defence. But saying "we're bloody brilliant" as people really start to panic about paying for food and electricity seems beyond tone deaf.
They can hit targets 42 km away with high accuracy, important for targeting 🇷🇺 command points. Macron announced 12 Caesars would go to Ukraine on 22 Apr
The German government’s attitude - or at least that of Scholz and his party - seems to be that Ukraine should be forced to capitulate.
Scholz, at the very least, is an absolute ass. There are also some serious questions to be asked about the links he has with Russia.
It's always hard to judge foreign politicians, but the problem with Scholz seems to be that he is simply a crap politician. Always saying the wrong thing, making blundering mis-statements, riling people up - even when he doesn't have to. Amateur hour
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
They both have a deep history in East Politics.
This is the belief that Germany needs to a have a close and peaceful relationship with Russia. Post WWII, this became "we must pay nearly any price for this". It's a fundamental part, for those who believe in it, of The Never Again nature of Modern Germany.
To give up on we-must-have-peace-with-Russia, is for them, to renounce a part of their identity. To unmake Modern Germany and let lose the possibility of a return to the past.
Indeed it is. It is interesting that the Union +SPD vote is hovering at 50% now. It's a generational thing. The post-Berlin Wall generation simply aren't buying it or voting for it.
Yes. The previous generation(s) believed that if they didn't follow a set of nostrums, Hitler & Co. would be back in 5 minutes.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
I don't think that is true. Everyone commented that it was the most minor event, hence surprise this got a fine and nothing else. Also the term 'ambushed by a cake ' implies the same.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
Err, at least on pb, the people pointing out that it was about being essential for work purposes have consistently been critics of the PM, and the people conflating with parties his supporters to create doubt.
There is a strange silence on Tory benches as Bonzo tries to claim that its not 15 Tory tax rises but its actually him being absolutely brilliant and everyone feels well off.
(((Dan Hodges))) @DPJHodges · 51s If I was a Tory MP I’d be a lot more worried about the way Keir Starmer is taking Boris and the Government apart on tax and the economy than anything Sue Gray has to say…
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
I don't think that is true. Everyone commented that it was the most minor event, hence surprise this got a fine and nothing else. Also the term 'ambushed by a cake ' implies the same.
It’s been leading the news on and off for six months now, all the stories of the PM, ministers and staff “Partying”.
Yet we see the photos, and it’s a group of colleagues around a boardroom table, with the boss standing up and saying thanks to everyone. They even had the photographer there, and it was reported in the Times the next day.
To those who have been following only the hyperbolic media and opposition outrage, it looks like a total damp squib.
It's clear from the evidence presented by Sue Gray that everyone at No. 10 knew the gatherings being organised were contrary to the regulations, and that the PM was not ignorant of what happened.
It's impossible for me not to conclude that he knowingly misled the House when he feigned outrage at learning of these gatherings, and insisted that all regulations had been followed.
If the House does not want Ministers of the Crown looting to it with impunity in future then they must insist on the resignation of the Prime Minister.
There is a strange silence on Tory benches as Bonzo tries to claim that its not 15 Tory tax rises but its actually him being absolutely brilliant and everyone feels well off.
Looking like the end of the road for Boris looking at the parliamentary faces 🤔
There is a strange silence on Tory benches as Bonzo tries to claim that its not 15 Tory tax rises but its actually him being absolutely brilliant and everyone feels well off.
Looking like the end of the road for Boris looking at the parliamentary faces 🤔
"I’m looking at the faces of Conservative MPs and they look like those of Burnley fans last Sunday…"
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
I don't think that is true. Everyone commented that it was the most minor event, hence surprise this got a fine and nothing else. Also the term 'ambushed by a cake ' implies the same.
It’s been leading the news on and off for six months now, all the stories of the PM, ministers and staff “Partying”.
Yet we see the photos, and it’s a group of colleagues around a boardroom table, with the boss standing up and saying thanks to everyone.
Wilfs broken swing, suitcases of booze etc. The media overplayed it early hoping for the scalp and now we have photos showing a work meeting with booze, at a work location, the very thing Starmer said was beyond reproach. Boz should have gone over all this, the idiot media have saved him
How dare they have these insane booze-soaked, coke and Ecstasy fuelled, pet-play hookers-on-trampolines midget sex Korean dwarf ice skating free love dope-on-motorbike orgies when the rest of us were….
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
How dare they have these insane booze-soaked, coke and Ecstasy fuelled, pet-play hookers-on-trampolines midget sex Korean dwarf ice skating free love dope-on-motorbike orgies when the rest of us were….
Oh.
I'm looking at the photos in the report, and all I can think is "why on earth was any of this ever illegal?"...
How dare they have these insane booze-soaked, coke and Ecstasy fuelled, pet-play hookers-on-trampolines midget sex Korean dwarf ice skating free love dope-on-motorbike orgies when the rest of us were….
Oh.
Not even a cheeky Korma and Mary Foy doing high kicks.
How dare they have these insane booze-soaked, coke and Ecstasy fuelled, pet-play hookers-on-trampolines midget sex Korean dwarf ice skating free love dope-on-motorbike orgies when the rest of us were….
Oh.
I'm looking at the photos in the report, and all I can think is "why on earth was any of this ever illegal?"...
How dare they have these insane booze-soaked, coke and Ecstasy fuelled, pet-play hookers-on-trampolines midget sex Korean dwarf ice skating free love dope-on-motorbike orgies when the rest of us were….
Oh.
The funny thing is in these photos that were never meant to make it to the public is just how professional Boris looks compared to normal. His hair isn't scruffed up, he's wearing his suit properly, as he has lunch at work.
As has often been said before, Boris deliberately scruffs himself up before the cameras turn on when he's in public. In private, he actually looks somewhat presentable, which is the polar opposite of what you'd expect in a "party".
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones on BBC website that specifically say birthday just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches. They actually don't look bad at all. Sunak seems very unlucky to get fined.
From the report - Page 43
Is that it? By no stretch of the imagination is that a "party"
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
It doesn't need to be a party. It needs to be a gathering that is not reasonably necessary for work purposes. Which it self-evidently isn't.
Those opposed to the government, have been for several months using language that might have suggested to the average person who doesn’t follow these things, that everyone was dancing on tables, throwing up in the plant pot and shagging in the toilet - that the Cabinet Office was turned into the Ministry of Sound for the PM’s birthday.
I don't think that is true. Everyone commented that it was the most minor event, hence surprise this got a fine and nothing else. Also the term 'ambushed by a cake ' implies the same.
It’s been leading the news on and off for six months now, all the stories of the PM, ministers and staff “Partying”.
Yet we see the photos, and it’s a group of colleagues around a boardroom table, with the boss standing up and saying thanks to everyone. They even had the photographer there, and it was reported in the Times the next day.
To those who have been following only the hyperbolic media and opposition outrage, it looks like a total damp squib.
All of it has been leading the news, not just cakegate. I even posted earlier today and before today that Sunak seems to have got a raw deal. Everyone thought this was the most minor incident. I don't know whether it was within the rules or not, but it appears to only become an issue because a birthday cake was present which seems silly. If this had been the only event all of this would have been a non issue. But it wasn't.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
Keep spinning Bart. You want your idol to remain in place. No-one believes your protestations about no longer supporting him anymore than any of us believed your post yesterday about having an "employee" that you had to fire.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
Keep spinning Bart. You want your idol to remain in place. No-one believes your protestations about no longer supporting him anymore than any of us believed your post yesterday about having an "employee" that you had to fire.
No one believed his posts yesterday about his employee?
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
The police do not agree. Because the regulations at the time did not agree.
Sandwiches available for people who are working? Sure. But it wasn't lunch. "For the PM's birthday today we are having sandwiches and cake in the Cabinet room so do come along and wish the PM happy birthday."
It really doesn't matter what you think should have been "reasonably necessary for work purposes". This wasn't billed by the organisers as such and not deemed as such by the police who looked at it, nor accepted as such by the Cabinet Office looking at the detail.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
Keep spinning Bart. You want your idol to remain in place. No-one believes your protestations about no longer supporting him anymore than any of us believed your post yesterday about having an "employee" that you had to fire.
I don't give a shit what you think, you're a one-tracked obsessive who can't see past your European obsessions.
The rest of us are multidimensional and not as simplistic as you.
Yes Boris should go, and I've said why. I stand by that 100%. Not because he had lunch at work, and for the avoidance of any doubt I have always said that Starmer shouldn't go because he had dinner at work either, though he must feel uncomfortable given his hypocrisy on this issue.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
Keep spinning Bart. You want your idol to remain in place. No-one believes your protestations about no longer supporting him anymore than any of us believed your post yesterday about having an "employee" that you had to fire.
No one believed his posts yesterday about his employee?
I did. Seemed like a perfectly rational action to take.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
Keep spinning Bart. You want your idol to remain in place. No-one believes your protestations about no longer supporting him anymore than any of us believed your post yesterday about having an "employee" that you had to fire.
No one believed his posts yesterday about his employee?
It was a Walter Mitty post. He was having a funny five minutes. I wasn't the only person to notice the inconsistencies. Pretty odd really.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
The police do not agree. Because the regulations at the time did not agree.
Sandwiches available for people who are working? Sure. But it wasn't lunch. "For the PM's birthday today we are having sandwiches and cake in the Cabinet room so do come along and wish the PM happy birthday."
It really doesn't matter what you think should have been "reasonably necessary for work purposes". This wasn't billed by the organisers as such and not deemed as such by the police who looked at it, nor accepted as such by the Cabinet Office looking at the detail.
It really does matter. If this was illegal, then everyone responsible for the regulations that made it illegal should go, because they were preposterous.
So, we now know that all the government ministers who said the PM was ambushed by cake and no alcohol was consumed at his birthday party were not telling the truth.
Are you sure? The ones i have seen just show orange and apple juice and a tray of sandwiches.
You've not seen the one of the PM raising a toast with a can of Estrella then?
My first thought was "Its a can of coke, no?" but its so blurred it could be a 330 ml Estrella.
I thought it was, too, at first, but it isn't. If you zoom in you can see the star:
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
There's a "substantial meal" on the table though. Sandwiches have been legally a "substantial meal" since 1955.
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
The police do not agree. Because the regulations at the time did not agree.
Sandwiches available for people who are working? Sure. But it wasn't lunch. "For the PM's birthday today we are having sandwiches and cake in the Cabinet room so do come along and wish the PM happy birthday."
It really doesn't matter what you think should have been "reasonably necessary for work purposes". This wasn't billed by the organisers as such and not deemed as such by the police who looked at it, nor accepted as such by the Cabinet Office looking at the detail.
It really does matter. If this was illegal, then everyone responsible for the regulations that made it illegal should go, because they were preposterous.
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner.
If that was the rule then Boris should go because he made this a rule, far more than because he broke it.
What a preposterous and absurd rule. Utterly ridiculous and the buck stops with Boris, so that doesn't get him off, but its about having the right priorities. I prioritise our civil liberties higher than what specific food and drink Boris and Starmer chose to have at dinner time.
Comments
It is my firm belief, however, that these events did not reflect the prevailing culture in Government and the Civil Service at the time.
He's a reminder that Merkel, for all her failings - now painfully exposed - was a real pro. Diplomatic, adroit, cunning
But am wondering if everyone has been following the twists and turns quite as closely as we have on here?
I am not tribal but do seek fairness
What a let down for our excite buds.
However, good news for excite buds, I reckon MET will reopen the case and give doggy another FPN, based on so many senior MET officers in media expecting this now. So easily done too “we didn’t see that bit of significant new evidence”
If this had been the extent of the rule breaking it would have been a massive nothing....which begs the question, how he got fined for this (and Sunak), but not the other events.
Note that the big Cameroon 'scandal'* involved alleged mistreatment of security.
*well, unless you count pasties and lies about dead politicians.
It's an informal, and really rather crappy working lunch, of supermarket sandwiches and readymade salads etc, with one man - the leader - trying to inspire his team by waving his Coke can in the air, because it's his birthday. That's it. That really is it
Bunga Bunga it ain't
How does a crap politician manage that?
The photos where it's only Boris unblurred... definite "party" vibes (Booze everywhere, people standing round, Boris giving it the big'un as he's walking through the door)
And Coke hasn't been sold in packaging like this for a long time, if ever:
Expect the investigation reopened and Boris FPNs to increase
This is the belief that Germany needs to a have a close and peaceful relationship with Russia. Post WWII, this became "we must pay nearly any price for this". It's a fundamental part, for those who believe in it, of The Never Again nature of Modern Germany.
To give up on we-must-have-peace-with-Russia, is for them, to renounce a part of their identity. To unmake Modern Germany and let lose the possibility of a return to the past.
I also believe he could still win, but that's not a value judgement, just how I see it
So, fair enough.
It is interesting that the Union +SPD vote is hovering at 50% now.
It's a generational thing.
The post-Berlin Wall generation simply aren't buying it or voting for it.
It's impossible for me not to conclude that he knowingly misled the House when he feigned outrage at learning of these gatherings, and insisted that all regulations had been followed.
If the House does not want Ministers of the Crown looting to it with impunity in future then they must insist on the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Bit like this - https://youtu.be/z77JFw2D6f8?t=35
The younger generation(s) go, "I am a cosmopolitan European. Why should I worry about suddenly turning into a Nazi?"
Edit: badly.
@DPJHodges
·
51s
If I was a Tory MP I’d be a lot more worried about the way Keir Starmer is taking Boris and the Government apart on tax and the economy than anything Sue Gray has to say…
I wonder if they now thinking if they change leader they at least get this lame tune changed at PMQs to something fresh and more effective.
Yet we see the photos, and it’s a group of colleagues around a boardroom table, with the boss standing up and saying thanks to everyone. They even had the photographer there, and it was reported in the Times the next day.
To those who have been following only the hyperbolic media and opposition outrage, it looks like a total damp squib.
He will also tell anyone who was rude to them or left a mess/sick to apologise in person too.
https://twitter.com/MrHarryCole/status/1529418646996586497
My sides have split.
Waiting for the Met/Gray was always about procrastination not information.
If Tory MPs think 'Getting Brexit done' will matter a jot at GE 2024 after the economic hurricane that is coming then they are as deluded as Johnson.
(((Dan Hodges)))
@DPJHodges
·
1m
That was Boris’s worst PMQs performance for several months. Literally no comeback on the economy.
I cannot see 180 of them voting him out at present
https://twitter.com/timfarron/status/1529421575421837313
Boz should have gone over all this, the idiot media have saved him
That's why he's always skint.
Oh.
Best PMQs ever
That's a lunch at work. How the f**k is that an illegal gathering?
Preposterous.
If that's it, that's a less damning photo than Starmer with his beer, but that shouldn't get a fine either.
As has often been said before, Boris deliberately scruffs himself up before the cameras turn on when he's in public. In private, he actually looks somewhat presentable, which is the polar opposite of what you'd expect in a "party".
Sandwiches available for people who are working? Sure. But it wasn't lunch. "For the PM's birthday today we are having sandwiches and cake in the Cabinet room so do come along
and wish the PM happy birthday."
It really doesn't matter what you think should have been "reasonably necessary for work purposes". This wasn't billed by the organisers as such and not deemed as such by the police who looked at it, nor accepted as such by the Cabinet Office looking at the detail.
The rest of us are multidimensional and not as simplistic as you.
Yes Boris should go, and I've said why. I stand by that 100%. Not because he had lunch at work, and for the avoidance of any doubt I have always said that Starmer shouldn't go because he had dinner at work either, though he must feel uncomfortable given his hypocrisy on this issue.
If that was the rule then Boris should go because he made this a rule, far more than because he broke it.
What a preposterous and absurd rule. Utterly ridiculous and the buck stops with Boris, so that doesn't get him off, but its about having the right priorities. I prioritise our civil liberties higher than what specific food and drink Boris and Starmer chose to have at dinner time.