James Caan has died. Don’t know if it was down to bad elf or just natural old age. There should be no misery about his passing but rejoicing in his Sonny disposition.
Misery at the news.
Rollerball is probably the most influential movie in my life. A friend's father worked at Pinewood. We replayed Rollerball. I've thus been knocked senseless by the strike of a real Rollerball glove.
(Edit: not totally sure it was Pinewood - lot's of film stuff in the family, and no before you ask my mother's just no vinyl)
Rollerball is a fantastic film. Haven't watched it for a bit.
Bits of it are outstanding. When it was so influential in my life I couldn't actually go to the cinema and see it. I wasn't 15.
Now I look at it as a really good film. Not so rewatchable (although I have done so and will do so many times), but unforgettably intense.
I sneaked in.
My first introdution to the music of JS Bach. A music to have your bones shake to. I guess now I've got all flash and I might prefer Faure.
Yes, I’d no idea what it was at the time, either. Flash or not, Bach is still the best.
If I recall correctly, Sunak succeeded Javid as Chancellor because Javid had a spine. And yes, the Rees-Mogg critique is factually accurate. Javid might just be strictly better than Sunak, but Sunak was the one who actually got his hosepipe out and pumped magical money into wallets.
I just wonder if some of the potential front runners, particularly the younger ones, might see this winter’s shitstorm coming at them and decide to sit this one out.
on other hand, possible that in 2025 Labour will win a two term majority if things are so bad and so you run now or the moment has passed.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Yep, this is it. Makes you proud to be British!
Boris Johnson loyalist Chris Philp MP on College Green being accompanied involuntarily by the Benny Hill theme tune while commenting on the unfolding fiasco is just perfect. #BorisJohnsonResign https://t.co/dTg8n2oSGl
I just wonder if some of the potential front runners, particularly the younger ones, might see this winter’s shitstorm coming at them and decide to sit this one out.
on other hand, possible that in 2025 Labour will win a two term majority if things are so bad and so you run now or the moment has passed.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Hugh's just bitter that Divine Brown's jobs were worse than the ones Boris has been getting.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Most political protest is asinine and Hugh Grant is something of a prick. But on this occasion, both funny and effective. Well done sir.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
I know he's played Jeremy Thorpe, but surely Boris is just a bit too evil for him?
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Hugh's just bitter that Divine Brown's jobs were worse than the ones Boris has been getting.
Hugh Grant's lifetime relationship with the media has been frustration that he's been found out.
Shots fired in the Tory leadership contest already.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tears into Rishi Sunak: “Rishi Sunak was not a successful Chancellor. He was a high tax Chancellor, and he was a Chancellor who was not alert to the inflationary problem."
So who is the continuity Bojo that RM is rooting for?
Nad is assembling her team at a hotel as we speak.
Truss is the obvious continuity candidate.
I posted about this on previous thread. Starting from a conversation with my dad, he said Major got the backing of Kady Thstcher and her supporters mainly to stop Hessle on Tyne getting the crown and this election could be similar in a favourite losing to someone else as Boris backers seek to stop someone else. This is what Was posted on previous thread
“ Betting Post. I would think the scenario is more similar to following Thatcher than after May, because May’s government was paralysed by inability to get Brexit done, it was an ideological split over type of Brexit, there was a clear leader and way forward waiting to take over. My Dad tells me Major won because he had the blessing of Lady Thatcher and her supporters, which may have been to stop the candidates those supporters didn’t like. This election could come down to something similar - continuity v change in direction.
Now we are here and it is happening, if you havn’t held great office of state for long, or a Mayor or LOTO, being an unknown quantity might be more handicap than advantage imo. Those who like the Boris Brexit brand and promises might pile in behind Liz Truss as “continuity candidate” putting her into last two and most likely winner. Pile in behind her in much same way Major got it to stop others getting it. if you are candidate for a brand change from Boris and his positions and policies - is the Blukipper membership really up for brand change?
Right now I would have Truss favourite. But it will be interesting to see what sort of roll bookies favourite Mourdant can get on.”
Welcome back Moon Rabbit.
I love the idea of 'Hessle on Tyne.' That's brilliant.
I'm guessing dictation function? It made 'Wallace's' into 'Wallace is' for me but was otherwise not nearly so creative.
Michael Heseltine. Sorry. 🤦♀️
The central point of him is Lady Thatcher supporters on John Major to stop Heseltine coming through, so this race might be Boris supporters on [best placed to stop Rishi] I sense with things like “it’s not a remark I would have made” onwards the Boris fans blame Rishi for all this. Something to bear in mind?
Difference this time is I don’t think there are Boris fans as such. Not enough of them. He isn’t an ism. There are hard Brexiteers, libertarians and Thatcherite deregulators, religious authoritarians, red wall pork barrellers, a few remnant wets and then lots of people who are just there for the ride.
It doesn’t really matter who Nadine and Jacob vote for.
It does; it's two votes. The electorate isn't huge.
Oh fucking brilliant we all get to hear about how much each cundidate is a loving father/mother/wife/husband. Next up they'll all be snapped going for a jog or chatting jovially with local business owners. Fuck this.
I applaud the sentiment, but parties have to select leaders somehow.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Most political protest is asinine and Hugh Grant is something of a prick. But on this occasion, both funny and effective. Well done sir.
The centrist Dads of Led By Donkeys missed a trick there.
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Hugh's just bitter that Divine Brown's jobs were worse than the ones Boris has been getting.
Hugh Grant's lifetime relationship with the media has been frustration that he's been found out.
Shots fired in the Tory leadership contest already.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tears into Rishi Sunak: “Rishi Sunak was not a successful Chancellor. He was a high tax Chancellor, and he was a Chancellor who was not alert to the inflationary problem."
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
They need a steady hand - even if it is just to manage the ship until the reckoning with electorate in 2024/5.
I humbly suggest that allowing candidates to be put to the membership would be a mistake on that score and so MPs need to engineer a coronation somehow.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
Isn't he, er, a little petit?
Round the waist, I mean.
Yes, he would need to put on a good deal of muscle to be realistic in the role.
Shots fired in the Tory leadership contest already.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tears into Rishi Sunak: “Rishi Sunak was not a successful Chancellor. He was a high tax Chancellor, and he was a Chancellor who was not alert to the inflationary problem."
So who is the continuity Bojo that RM is rooting for?
Nad is assembling her team at a hotel as we speak.
Truss is the obvious continuity candidate.
I posted about this on previous thread. Starting from a conversation with my dad, he said Major got the backing of Kady Thstcher and her supporters mainly to stop Hessle on Tyne getting the crown and this election could be similar in a favourite losing to someone else as Boris backers seek to stop someone else. This is what Was posted on previous thread
“ Betting Post. I would think the scenario is more similar to following Thatcher than after May, because May’s government was paralysed by inability to get Brexit done, it was an ideological split over type of Brexit, there was a clear leader and way forward waiting to take over. My Dad tells me Major won because he had the blessing of Lady Thatcher and her supporters, which may have been to stop the candidates those supporters didn’t like. This election could come down to something similar - continuity v change in direction.
Now we are here and it is happening, if you havn’t held great office of state for long, or a Mayor or LOTO, being an unknown quantity might be more handicap than advantage imo. Those who like the Boris Brexit brand and promises might pile in behind Liz Truss as “continuity candidate” putting her into last two and most likely winner. Pile in behind her in much same way Major got it to stop others getting it. if you are candidate for a brand change from Boris and his positions and policies - is the Blukipper membership really up for brand change?
Right now I would have Truss favourite. But it will be interesting to see what sort of roll bookies favourite Mourdant can get on.”
Welcome back Moon Rabbit.
I love the idea of 'Hessle on Tyne.' That's brilliant.
I'm guessing dictation function? It made 'Wallace's' into 'Wallace is' for me but was otherwise not nearly so creative.
Michael Heseltine. Sorry. 🤦♀️
The central point of him is Lady Thatcher supporters on John Major to stop Heseltine coming through, so this race might be Boris supporters on [best placed to stop Rishi] I sense with things like “it’s not a remark I would have made” onwards the Boris fans blame Rishi for all this. Something to bear in mind?
Difference this time is I don’t think there are Boris fans as such. Not enough of them. He isn’t an ism. There are hard Brexiteers, libertarians and Thatcherite deregulators, religious authoritarians, red wall pork barrellers, a few remnant wets and then lots of people who are just there for the ride.
It doesn’t really matter who Nadine and Jacob vote for.
It does; it's two votes. The electorate isn't huge.
If they wanted to be Machiavellian they should announce they are supporting or at least happy with the candidates they actually don't want to win. Something like:
'Well, actually, Sunak served Johnson with distinction and was a great Chancellor. Javid shows he's a person of integrity. Wallace has always been loyal to Johnson and a is a truly lovely person with sensible views.'
Causing the PCP to panic and rally behind just about any other candidate, on the basis if Nad and Moggster like someone they must be mind-bendingly shit.
Fortunately, in addition to being hypocritical, vile and stupid, they also have the political skills of a below average woodlouse, so they're trashing them instead.
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
It’s not Mordaunt that’s the problem, it’s the fuckwits that she will have to manage and the fact they will not fear her. When something goes wrong (as it inevitably will) they will call her experience into question.
Whoever becomes leader will have to deal with a big bunch of people whose personal ambition would be advanced if the new leader did not succeed at the GE.
Sunak , non dom wife , FPN , so rich he makes most Tories look like big issue sellers .
Am I missing something that he would be a good candidate against Labour ?
I really think his time has come and gone .
He is just the man for the job when many people will be choosing between heating and eating this winter.
I just don't get this stuff. Yeh, he might poll badly on the 'does he understand people like me?' question but he makes up in other ways.
He's a billionaire (in dollar terms, at least).
And as chancellor, he has presided over an enormous drop in living standards for ordinary people.
Secondly, what is required for the top job is a sense of empathy or, at the very least, a sense by ordinary people that "he understands people like me" - for some inconceivable reason, Boris seemed to have this. Sunak does not.
There are some people who, despite being born into privilege, have a man-of-the-people quality about them. Sunak does not.
Him not knowing how to use a contactless card in a shop sums it up for me:
For decades, Boris Johnson has managed to barrel his way through scandals of every stripe. Where colleagues and contemporaries would fold under the weight of disgrace, he somehow managed to withstand it. Yet now he finds himself wiped out by the sort of scandal he once would have easily brushed off with an idle hand. So what happened?
There's a rumour going around about that sinus operation he reportedly had under general anaesthetic. There was a fair bit of suspicion surrounding it at the time, seeing as ops like that generally require the patient to take a week or two off work to recuperate, but Boris was present at both Rupert Murdoch's summer party and a Tory donor bash that same night.
The talk is that Boris wasn't getting his sinuses seen to at all. He was getting the snip.
And if there's any truth to that, then the timing of this recent run of bad luck is really going to prey on the mind of a Classics scholar like him...
Didn't think that was news. The official story was laughable bullshit.
Shots fired in the Tory leadership contest already.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tears into Rishi Sunak: “Rishi Sunak was not a successful Chancellor. He was a high tax Chancellor, and he was a Chancellor who was not alert to the inflationary problem."
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
I know he's played Jeremy Thorpe, but surely Boris is just a bit too evil for him?
Ben Wallace would appear to be perhaps the best choice (out of a poor selection) for caretaker Prime Minister.
Especially IF he were to disavow any intention to run for the leadership (this time) AND remain serving as Minister of Defense, as Big Dog's (alleged) role model, Winston Churchill.
Given numbers posted at top of this thread, reckon that he could be put in and Boris tipped out, with amazing speed . . . even for Tory MP slugs . . .
Question NOW is NOT the ideology or personality or electablity of next PM. It is getting BJ-Exit DONE. ASAP.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The historical rule that an incoming PM has experience of a Great Office or being LotO is a bit pompous, but it's also expressing a fair point... Being Prime Minister is a big job that most people fail at, so some assertive screening is a really good idea. But then the Conservative shortlist comes down to:
Truss (too shameless) Sunak (too unpopular, now he wants his money back) Patel (too right-wing, even for the modern Conservative party) Raab (too grey) Javid (too drippy) Zahawi (too only qualifies on a technicality) Hunt (too admits that Boris was a huge mistake) May (too bantertastic)
hence the scrabbling round for alternatives who are much much too green.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The historical rule that an incoming PM has experience of a Great Office or being LotO is a bit pompous, but it's also expressing a fair point... Being Prime Minister is a big job that most people fail at, so some assertive screening is a really good idea. But then the Conservative shortlist comes down to:
Truss (too shameless) Sunak (too unpopular, now he wants his money back) Patel (too right-wing, even for the modern Conservative party) Raab (too grey) Javid (too drippy) Zahawi (too only qualifies on a technicality) Hunt (too admits that Boris was a huge mistake) May (too bantertastic)
hence the scrabbling round for alternatives who are much much too green.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
She's a military reservist. She will have some expertise in telling those under her command to do as they are fucking told.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Are you suggesting we consider Mordaunt without her swimsuit?
(But yes, the swimsuit thing and the "cock" speech are a large part of the appeal. Though to be fair, Portsmouth is a northern city stuck on the wrong bit of coastline, and I think most people get that. Maybe she has what it takes... but not immediately.)
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The historical rule that an incoming PM has experience of a Great Office or being LotO is a bit pompous, but it's also expressing a fair point... Being Prime Minister is a big job that most people fail at
I'm intrigued. Who would you say *hadn't* failed at it?
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
What about Penny?
I get a strong sense the Tory party wants to swing to the right.
Where are you getting it from Jon? Is the climate change policy such as green taxes really a policy difference between candidates in this election?
Even the median Tory MP would be quite some way to the right of Boris, so a swing to the right should be expected.
In actuality rather than rhetoric what might a 'swing to the right' mean?
Does it mean less state money to pensioners or more. Does it mean fewer police powers or more. Does it mean less authoritarianism or more. Does it mean fewer undergraduates properly funded or a free market in degrees for everyone who wants to borrow the money. Does it cut state expenditure and by how much and, exactly, where.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
I know he's played Jeremy Thorpe, but surely Boris is just a bit too evil for him?
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
If I were the Conservatives I'd forget hair and gender and new and exciting and and and..
Just focus on doing a bloody good job, and pick an experienced candidate.
Wallace. Javid. Saj. Hunt. Maybe Tugendhat if they want to roll the dice on someone sensible.
Shots fired in the Tory leadership contest already.
Jacob Rees-Mogg tears into Rishi Sunak: “Rishi Sunak was not a successful Chancellor. He was a high tax Chancellor, and he was a Chancellor who was not alert to the inflationary problem."
So who is the continuity Bojo that RM is rooting for?
Nad is assembling her team at a hotel as we speak.
Truss is the obvious continuity candidate.
I posted about this on previous thread. Starting from a conversation with my dad, he said Major got the backing of Kady Thstcher and her supporters mainly to stop Hessle on Tyne getting the crown and this election could be similar in a favourite losing to someone else as Boris backers seek to stop someone else. This is what Was posted on previous thread
“ Betting Post. I would think the scenario is more similar to following Thatcher than after May, because May’s government was paralysed by inability to get Brexit done, it was an ideological split over type of Brexit, there was a clear leader and way forward waiting to take over. My Dad tells me Major won because he had the blessing of Lady Thatcher and her supporters, which may have been to stop the candidates those supporters didn’t like. This election could come down to something similar - continuity v change in direction.
Now we are here and it is happening, if you havn’t held great office of state for long, or a Mayor or LOTO, being an unknown quantity might be more handicap than advantage imo. Those who like the Boris Brexit brand and promises might pile in behind Liz Truss as “continuity candidate” putting her into last two and most likely winner. Pile in behind her in much same way Major got it to stop others getting it. if you are candidate for a brand change from Boris and his positions and policies - is the Blukipper membership really up for brand change?
Right now I would have Truss favourite. But it will be interesting to see what sort of roll bookies favourite Mourdant can get on.”
Welcome back Moon Rabbit.
I love the idea of 'Hessle on Tyne.' That's brilliant.
I'm guessing dictation function? It made 'Wallace's' into 'Wallace is' for me but was otherwise not nearly so creative.
Michael Heseltine. Sorry. 🤦♀️
The central point of him is Lady Thatcher supporters on John Major to stop Heseltine coming through, so this race might be Boris supporters on [best placed to stop Rishi] I sense with things like “it’s not a remark I would have made” onwards the Boris fans blame Rishi for all this. Something to bear in mind?
Difference this time is I don’t think there are Boris fans as such. Not enough of them. He isn’t an ism. There are hard Brexiteers, libertarians and Thatcherite deregulators, religious authoritarians, red wall pork barrellers, a few remnant wets and then lots of people who are just there for the ride.
It doesn’t really matter who Nadine and Jacob vote for.
It does; it's two votes. The electorate isn't huge.
If they wanted to be Machiavellian they should announce they are supporting or at least happy with the candidates they actually don't want to win. Something like:
'Well, actually, Sunak served Johnson with distinction and was a great Chancellor. Javid shows he's a person of integrity. Wallace has always been loyal to Johnson and a is a truly lovely person with sensible views.'
Causing the PCP to panic and rally behind just about any other candidate, on the basis if Nad and Moggster like someone they must be mind-bendingly shit.
Fortunately, in addition to being hypocritical, vile and stupid, they also have the political skills of a below average woodlouse, so they're trashing them instead.
I don't agree. I don't know how popular Reese Mogg and Dorries are with their parliamentary colleagues, or how good they are at their Ministerial roles, but I do know they have both mastered the memorable political attack. Dorries' broadside on Hunt as good as finished his pretensions to the role, and this is pretty damaging to Sunak.
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
If I were the Conservatives I'd forget hair and gender and new and exciting and and and..
Just focus on doing a bloody good job, and pick an experienced candidate.
Wallace. Javid. Saj. Hunt. Maybe Tugendhat if they want to roll the dice on someone sensible.
Yes but they need to try to win the next General Election.
Bald and fat does not attract voters. Sorry but it's true.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Yes but popular with the Blue Wall ones, including being socially Liberal, and there are more of them.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
Isn't he, er, a little petit?
Round the waist, I mean.
Yes, he would need to put on a good deal of muscle to be realistic in the role.
Yep, really get with the Charles Atlas springy thing. Or just get him to do a remake of the Frank Launder film Wee Geordie. All the muscle needed to do a Boris!
Two days now of EUR/GBP weakening quite badly. The news that the UK will have a new government plus noises from big players in the BoE around higher rates seems to have helped sterling decouple from the Euro as it approaches parity with USD.
There's still a near terms future where sterling recovers to something like $1.25-1.27 which takes the edge off commodity price inflation leaving us with some domestic inflation to handle.
Have to say this Eurozone crisis may end up being worse than the last one, simply because the monetary road has run out. We may need for real German and Dutch taxpayer money to be spent buying Italian and Greek debt. I have no idea how realistic that is, I'd guess at low.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The historical rule that an incoming PM has experience of a Great Office or being LotO is a bit pompous, but it's also expressing a fair point... Being Prime Minister is a big job that most people fail at
I'm intrigued. Who would you say *hadn't* failed at it?
Fair point, sloppy language on my part. They nearly all fail in the end, because even the successes don't get out while the going is good.
So second draft- some PMs have a period of success followed by failure (Thatcher, Blair, I'd say Coalition Cameron and Major as well), but others (May, Brown, Johnson) never really get off the ground at all.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Yes but popular with the Blue Wall ones, including being socially Liberal, and there are more of them.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
I am getting a Zaharwi dark horse kind of feeling this evening.
It seems he has the Australian master of the dark arts on his team.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
Yep, this is it. Makes you proud to be British!
Boris Johnson loyalist Chris Philp MP on College Green being accompanied involuntarily by the Benny Hill theme tune while commenting on the unfolding fiasco is just perfect. #BorisJohnsonResign https://t.co/dTg8n2oSGl
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
She's a military reservist. She will have some expertise in telling those under her command to do as they are fucking told.
Yes, but it is a different era now, in contrast to that of a previous blonde lady PM. Ms M's cabinet would largely lack military experience in doing as t.a.f.told. You'd be lucky if more than one or two had been in the Boys' Brigade or the Guides.
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Of all the candidates, the one where you can see them winning and then something going badly wrong within 12 months because of inexperience would be Penny Mordaunt.
If I were the Conservatives I'd forget hair and gender and new and exciting and and and..
Just focus on doing a bloody good job, and pick an experienced candidate.
Wallace. Javid. Saj. Hunt. Maybe Tugendhat if they want to roll the dice on someone sensible.
Yeah that is what I was thinking. Its a bit like the situation that Labour were in post Corbyn, where they had to get Starmer in to sort out the mess.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
She's a military reservist. She will have some expertise in telling those under her command to do as they are fucking told.
If she’s anything like the dads army reservists I know, I would bank on it. She has to control Truss, Patel, and the other egos. It’s a big ask,
Nothing is ever as good as you expect it to be. 10 mins rejoicing at pig dog's demise segues into days of appalled contemplation of the diadochoi who look like the extra party guests in the RHPS.
Ben Wallace would appear to be perhaps the best choice (out of a poor selection) for caretaker Prime Minister.
Especially IF he were to disavow any intention to run for the leadership (this time) AND remain serving as Minister of Defense, as Big Dog's (alleged) role model, Winston Churchill.
Given numbers posted at top of this thread, reckon that he could be put in and Boris tipped out, with amazing speed . . . even for Tory MP slugs . . .
Question NOW is NOT the ideology or personality or electablity of next PM. It is getting BJ-Exit DONE. ASAP.
That may be your priority, but it certainly isn't the priority of anyone living in the UK - surprisingly we actually give a shit who we get as next PM.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Yes but popular with the Blue Wall ones, including being socially Liberal, and there are more of them.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
I am getting a Zaharwi dark horse kind of feeling this evening.
It seems he has the Australian master of the dark arts on his team.
So much dodginess to come out on him though. The question is whether it gets prominence in the next weeks, but if not then Labour will have a field day.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
Isn't he, er, a little petit?
Round the waist, I mean.
Yes, he would need to put on a good deal of muscle to be realistic in the role.
Yep, really get with the Charles Atlas springy thing. Or just get him to do a remake of the Frank Launder film Wee Geordie. All the muscle needed to do a Boris!
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Yes but popular with the Blue Wall ones, including being socially Liberal, and there are more of them.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
Thanks Foxy. I get re the Blue Wall MPs but my gut feel is that there will be several candidates vying for the BW MP vote - Hunt, Tuggy, maybe Rishi etc. Not many of the names mentioned so far will have much appeal to the RW MPs. She risks being knocked out surprisingly early if her natural BW base is fragmented by others.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Are you suggesting we consider Mordaunt without her swimsuit?
(But yes, the swimsuit thing and the "cock" speech are a large part of the appeal. Though to be fair, Portsmouth is a northern city stuck on the wrong bit of coastline, and I think most people get that. Maybe she has what it takes... but not immediately.)
Yes, I guess I could see Percy down the Conservative Club in Walsall getting rather 'titillated' by Penny in a swimsuit....
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
Isn't he, er, a little petit?
Round the waist, I mean.
Yes, he would need to put on a good deal of muscle to be realistic in the role.
Yep, really get with the Charles Atlas springy thing. Or just get him to do a remake of the Frank Launder film Wee Geordie. All the muscle needed to do a Boris!
Charles Atlas?
Would need less korma and more Tim Curry.
CA is this chap here. Obvs the guru for your hero Boris. Solid muscle, all the way round the 44" waist.
Do we think Barclay will run? Done lots of mid ranking jobs without making a particular meds or indeed doing anything in particular, seems affable, well.presentef, very loyal to various PMs. Brexity. Like a male Mordaumt, a lot of projection could be done onto him.
If he went for it, could be the closest facsimile to a Major type candidate?
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Yes but popular with the Blue Wall ones, including being socially Liberal, and there are more of them.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
I am getting a Zaharwi dark horse kind of feeling this evening.
It seems he has the Australian master of the dark arts on his team.
So much dodginess to come out on him though. The question is whether it gets prominence in the next weeks, but if not then Labour will have a field day.
Probably the same for Javid and Sunak at the very least. Also, not the best time to be appointing anyone who appears vaguely wealthy personally.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Are you suggesting we consider Mordaunt without her swimsuit?
(But yes, the swimsuit thing and the "cock" speech are a large part of the appeal. Though to be fair, Portsmouth is a northern city stuck on the wrong bit of coastline, and I think most people get that. Maybe she has what it takes... but not immediately.)
Yes, I guess I could see Percy down the Conservative Club in Walsall getting rather 'titillated' by Penny in a swimsuit....
Bit hard on the ladies - they didn't get to see pics of Mr J in his speedos. Equal opportunities.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Boris isn't available. Look at Boris's CV and it's hard to say why he was so popular with this group. Eton? Balliol? 10 wives? 15 Concubines? Red Wall's famous love of the Odes of Pindar? Rubbishy pot boiler books? Fondness for pheasant shooting?
Of the current runners she is OK; Mordaunt is mildly amusing, attractive, likes cats, has Forces background, has a back story with interesting features, has a degree which means she can talk about Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus in the pub but won't, is unlikely to tolerate much from sexual predators, can speak and make you listen, she isn't a man, will beat the other women easily.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
Does Mordant have the experience and authority to control the big egos in the party, whilst making the tough calls required resolve the current economic catastrophe? My hunch is no, she will be eaten alive by Forces within the party that see themselves as better leaders.
The historical rule that an incoming PM has experience of a Great Office or being LotO is a bit pompous, but it's also expressing a fair point... Being Prime Minister is a big job that most people fail at
I'm intrigued. Who would you say *hadn't* failed at it?
Fair point, sloppy language on my part. They nearly all fail in the end, because even the successes don't get out while the going is good.
So second draft- some PMs have a period of success followed by failure (Thatcher, Blair, I'd say Coalition Cameron and Major as well), but others (May, Brown, Johnson) never really get off the ground at all.
The only PMs in the twentieth century who resigned at apparently the top of their form with the crowd wanting more were arguably Wilson, Salisbury and Baldwin.
Wilson and Salisbury were putting brave fronts on serious personal problems. Baldwin's glow of goodwill didn't survive Appeasement.
Palmerston might come into the equation, but he didn't leave office, he died.
I wondered about Grey, but he quit after his cabinet collapsed over Ireland.
So I find I am unable to think of a PM who left office in a glow of goodwill whose reputation rises as the years go on. Perhaps Churchill would be nearest, but given how ill he was he should have resigned long before he did.
The Benny Hill theme tune has been blasted outside Parliament live on TV ahead of Boris Johnson's resignation – and it turns out Hugh Grant was behind it"
What price Hugh Grant playing Boris in a biopic (and in a wig)?
Isn't he, er, a little petit?
Round the waist, I mean.
Yes, he would need to put on a good deal of muscle to be realistic in the role.
Yep, really get with the Charles Atlas springy thing. Or just get him to do a remake of the Frank Launder film Wee Geordie. All the muscle needed to do a Boris!
Charles Atlas?
Would need less korma and more Tim Curry.
CA is this chap here. Obvs the guru for your hero Boris. Solid muscle, all the way round the 44" waist.
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, that will speed things up.....
If neither Sunak nor Wallace run, then I can’t see it goes to anyone but Truss.
Some weeks back, I said Boris would go - and the members would have the choice between Truss and Mordaunt. Which Mordaunt would win.
I think Mordaunt should be the front runner now. It is arguable that regardless of starting numbers it is as likely to be a woman as a man. If it is it will be Mordaunt. Truss won't survive the scrutiny.
The election system matters a lot. Assuming that the members vote for the ranting extreme if given a choice, the MPs will want, if they have the numbers, to ensure two appointable people remain for the final. Otherwise the unappointable one gets it.
Could someone explain to me the appeal Mordaunt has for Red Wall Conservative MPs who are worried about losing their seats? Sits for a southern constituency, never showed much interest in the Midlands and North, not much Cabinet experience. The swimsuit doesn't count.
Are you suggesting we consider Mordaunt without her swimsuit?
(But yes, the swimsuit thing and the "cock" speech are a large part of the appeal. Though to be fair, Portsmouth is a northern city stuck on the wrong bit of coastline, and I think most people get that. Maybe she has what it takes... but not immediately.)
Yes, I guess I could see Percy down the Conservative Club in Walsall getting rather 'titillated' by Penny in a swimsuit....
Bit hard on the ladies - they didn't get to see pics of Mr J in his speedos. Equal opportunities.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
He's even more nailed on to lose his seat than Boris Johnson.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
He's even more nailed on to lose his seat than Boris Johnson.
Do we think Barclay will run? Done lots of mid ranking jobs without making a particular meds or indeed doing anything in particular, seems affable, well.presentef, very loyal to various PMs. Brexity. Like a male Mordaumt, a lot of projection could be done onto him.
If he went for it, could be the closest facsimile to a Major type candidate?
I don't think Barclay would make a John Major tribute band in an Accrington pub on a wet Thursday.
If he ran, how would you tell? Can you be sure he actually exists. Could he be a Tibetan tulpa or thought form?
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
He's even more nailed on to lose his seat than Boris Johnson.
But at least Baker would know whether something was oven ready.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
He's even more nailed on to lose his seat than Boris Johnson.
But at least Baker would know whether something was oven ready.
Do we think Barclay will run? Done lots of mid ranking jobs without making a particular meds or indeed doing anything in particular, seems affable, well.presentef, very loyal to various PMs. Brexity. Like a male Mordaumt, a lot of projection could be done onto him.
If he went for it, could be the closest facsimile to a Major type candidate?
I don't think Barclay would make a John Major tribute band in an Accrington pub on a wet Thursday.
If he ran, how would you tell? Can you be sure he actually exists. Could he be a Tibetan tulpa or thought form?
Can I remind people that as we are not Yanks, we do not run? We stand.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
He's even more nailed on to lose his seat than Boris Johnson.
But at least Baker would know whether something was oven ready.
I'm not going to engage much in debating this leadership pageant on here. It interests me very little. The Conservatives have dug themselves into this hole and they have to sort it out.
As a left-of-centre voter I'm glad to have seen Johnson felled and I don't fear any of the other candidates (apart from Penny). I suspect that after a honeymoon they will do far worse in the polls than Boris Johnson.
For all his many, many, faults Boris did appeal to red wall voters. They will now be lost again to the party.
If the Tories want a principled leader who understands politics and is not tarnished by association with the Borisian shambles they need look no further than Steve Baker. There, I've said it.
Why do I keep feeling I shall have to emigrate to North Korea to be sure of having someone sensible in charge?
The mind boggles at the thought of having this fundamentalist pre Victorian intensely neurotic unstable idealist anywhere near the levers of power.
Comments
Flash or not, Bach is still the best.
I think 3 months as defence secretary was as high as she went.
Round the waist, I mean.
Boris Johnson loyalist Chris Philp MP on College Green being accompanied involuntarily by the Benny Hill theme tune while commenting on the unfolding fiasco is just perfect. #BorisJohnsonResign https://t.co/dTg8n2oSGl
His politics reflect this.
It’s a big blow for the tournament and the spectators who will only have one semi final match .
I humbly suggest that allowing candidates to be put to the membership would be a mistake on that score and so MPs need to engineer a coronation somehow.
Onside of most vociferous plurality in party - those at conference in kill net zero 50 t-shirts. But completely offside with voters.
https://www.ukonward.com/reports/taking-the-temperature/
Let’s listen out for Net Zero 50 questions on the hustings for clear blue water 👂
'Well, actually, Sunak served Johnson with distinction and was a great Chancellor. Javid shows he's a person of integrity. Wallace has always been loyal to Johnson and a is a truly lovely person with sensible views.'
Causing the PCP to panic and rally behind just about any other candidate, on the basis if Nad and Moggster like someone they must be mind-bendingly shit.
Fortunately, in addition to being hypocritical, vile and stupid, they also have the political skills of a below average woodlouse, so they're trashing them instead.
Whoever becomes leader will have to deal with a big bunch of people whose personal ambition would be advanced if the new leader did not succeed at the GE.
And as chancellor, he has presided over an enormous drop in living standards for ordinary people.
Secondly, what is required for the top job is a sense of empathy or, at the very least, a sense by ordinary people that "he understands people like me" - for some inconceivable reason, Boris seemed to have this. Sunak does not.
There are some people who, despite being born into privilege, have a man-of-the-people quality about them. Sunak does not.
Him not knowing how to use a contactless card in a shop sums it up for me:
https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/rishi-sunak-contactless-fail-video-b2043035.html
Thatcher knew the price of a pint of milk. Is Sunak the man we want at the helm in the midst of a cost of living crisis?
Time to switch off the cricket. Only red ball exists at the minute.
Throw out your hands
Stick out your tush
Hands on your hips
Give them a push
You'll be surprised
You're doing the French Mistake
VOILA!
Especially IF he were to disavow any intention to run for the leadership (this time) AND remain serving as Minister of Defense, as Big Dog's (alleged) role model, Winston Churchill.
Given numbers posted at top of this thread, reckon that he could be put in and Boris tipped out, with amazing speed . . . even for Tory MP slugs . . .
Question NOW is NOT the ideology or personality or electablity of next PM. It is getting BJ-Exit DONE. ASAP.
Truss (too shameless)
Sunak (too unpopular, now he wants his money back)
Patel (too right-wing, even for the modern Conservative party)
Raab (too grey)
Javid (too drippy)
Zahawi (too only qualifies on a technicality)
Hunt (too admits that Boris was a huge mistake)
May (too bantertastic)
hence the scrabbling round for alternatives who are much much too green.
(But yes, the swimsuit thing and the "cock" speech are a large part of the appeal. Though to be fair, Portsmouth is a northern city stuck on the wrong bit of coastline, and I think most people get that. Maybe she has what it takes... but not immediately.)
Does it mean less state money to pensioners or more.
Does it mean fewer police powers or more.
Does it mean less authoritarianism or more.
Does it mean fewer undergraduates properly funded or a free market in degrees for everyone who wants to borrow the money.
Does it cut state expenditure and by how much and, exactly, where.
Just focus on doing a bloody good job, and pick an experienced candidate.
Wallace. Javid. Saj. Hunt. Maybe Tugendhat if they want to roll the dice on someone sensible.
Bald and fat does not attract voters. Sorry but it's true.
Yes, she has not held any of the great offices, but have the candidates who have done so actually demonstrated ability at them?
My parents will vote Wallace if he gets that far, though my Dad also mentioned Zaharwi.
There's still a near terms future where sterling recovers to something like $1.25-1.27 which takes the edge off commodity price inflation leaving us with some domestic inflation to handle.
Have to say this Eurozone crisis may end up being worse than the last one, simply because the monetary road has run out. We may need for real German and Dutch taxpayer money to be spent buying Italian and Greek debt. I have no idea how realistic that is, I'd guess at low.
Not quite fuck off.
So second draft- some PMs have a period of success followed by failure (Thatcher, Blair, I'd say Coalition Cameron and Major as well), but others (May, Brown, Johnson) never really get off the ground at all.
It seems he has the Australian master of the dark arts on his team.
Would need less korma and more Tim Curry.
https://reprobatepress.com/2018/06/18/dynamic-tension-the-charles-atlas-story/
If he went for it, could be the closest facsimile to a Major type candidate?
Of the current runners she is OK; Mordaunt is mildly amusing, attractive, likes cats, has Forces background, has a back story with interesting features, has a degree which means she can talk about Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus in the pub but won't, is unlikely to tolerate much from sexual predators, can speak and make you listen, she isn't a man, will beat the other women easily.
Worth a tiny flutter.
Wilson and Salisbury were putting brave fronts on serious personal problems. Baldwin's glow of goodwill didn't survive Appeasement.
Palmerston might come into the equation, but he didn't leave office, he died.
I wondered about Grey, but he quit after his cabinet collapsed over Ireland.
So I find I am unable to think of a PM who left office in a glow of goodwill whose reputation rises as the years go on. Perhaps Churchill would be nearest, but given how ill he was he should have resigned long before he did.
If he ran, how would you tell? Can you be sure he actually exists. Could he be a Tibetan tulpa or thought form?
As a left-of-centre voter I'm glad to have seen Johnson felled and I don't fear any of the other candidates (apart from Penny). I suspect that after a honeymoon they will do far worse in the polls than Boris Johnson.
For all his many, many, faults Boris did appeal to red wall voters. They will now be lost again to the party.
The mind boggles at the thought of having this fundamentalist pre Victorian intensely neurotic unstable idealist anywhere near the levers of power.