Given the policies, Benny Hill would be more appropriate
"There'll Always be an England" ?
Some PB Tory moron told us recently that “England doesn’t exist” (sic). Modern Tories are a very weird lot. Proud Englishman Winston would’ve been horrified.
How would you define England as a political entity?
Starting with the theory that Starmer wasn't really chosen to be the next Labour PM, but to.prepare the way for them, it's probably true that he's done a bloody good job... so good that the best thing would arguably be for him to make way for the next Labour PM now.
It would have been harsh if that had happened because of The Durham Incident, but is there a "nice" way for him to go? Sort of like Wallace and the NATO job? What do you give an ex-DPP?
Starting with the theory that Starmer wasn't really chosen to be the next Labour PM, but to.prepare the way for them, it's probably true that he's done a bloody good job... so good that the best thing would arguably be for him to make way for the next Labour PM now.
It would have been harsh if that had happened because of The Durham Incident, but is there a "nice" way for him to go? Sort of like Wallace and the NATO job? What do you give an ex-DPP?
It would still be a hell of a thing to take power from here, especially with their own majority. If I wanted to be the next Labour PM following Starmer, I reckon I’d still on balance want to leave him in place to get 280-300 seats next time and then take over idc.
Amazed to see Zahawi up to 10 declarations. He may play a part despite everything. They are going to have to up the threshold from 8 I reckon. Else we'll have 10 or 11 candidates depending on Patel. Even Shapps has 6 already.
Starting with the theory that Starmer wasn't really chosen to be the next Labour PM, but to.prepare the way for them, it's probably true that he's done a bloody good job... so good that the best thing would arguably be for him to make way for the next Labour PM now.
It would have been harsh if that had happened because of The Durham Incident, but is there a "nice" way for him to go? Sort of like Wallace and the NATO job? What do you give an ex-DPP?
"Bootsie 4h Hunt’s announcement that he’s teaming up with Esther McVey should be the final nail in his campaign, effectively turning off support from both wings of the party. Now if another 5 or 6 candidates would do something equally as stupid it might make the whole process move a bit faster.
Barbara Brown Bootsie 1h I could hardly believe my ears when I heard McVey say she now supported Hunt."
Cheers. From the exquisite Venetian village of Rose, on the Lusica Peninsula, Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Is this your first trip to Montenegro?
Yes, but not my last, God willing
As might be obvious, I really like it. Feels like Greece maybe 30-40 years ago. There is the odd pocket of intense tourism, and then swathes of mild tourism, but then huge chunks with no tourists at all. And it is beautiful, with cheery friendly people - and excellent Wi-Fi and 4G, so in that respect it isn’t like Greece in the 80s at all
Cheers. From the exquisite Venetian village of Rose, on the Lusica Peninsula, Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Is this your first trip to Montenegro?
Yes, but not my last, God willing
As might be obvious, I really like it. Feels like Greece maybe 30-40 years ago. There is the odd pocket of intense tourism, and then swathes of mild tourism, but then huge chunks with no tourists at all. And it is beautiful, with cheery friendly people - and excellent Wi-Fi and 4G, so in that respect it isn’t like Greece in the 80s at all
You’ve certainly sold it to me. Though perhaps not at this time of year. Would be nice for some late sun in September.
I presume you can easily get boats across to Italy too, and perhaps up/down the Adriatic?
Contenders seem to form four groups, although even within groups there are sometimes bitter enmities.
1. Britannia Unchained - Rishi, Truss, Javid
2. Hang and Flog - Braverman, Patel, Badenoch
3. Continuity Boris - Zahawi, Shapps
4. One Nationers - Hunt, Mordaunt, Tugendhat
I think 2 and 3 are right but I reckon 1 and 4 are hard to call. Hunt is a bit more “Singapore on Thames” and so “Britannia Unchained” I think, whereas I think Rishi is full on establishment.
Amazed to see Zahawi up to 10 declarations. He may play a part despite everything. They are going to have to up the threshold from 8 I reckon. Else we'll have 10 or 11 candidates depending on Patel. Even Shapps has 6 already.
Shapps played a key role in Boris's victory so it is probably safe to assume he knows how to keep track of who has promised what.
10 or 11 candidates seems like a lot but it would seem like the 1922 was putting its thumb on the scale were it to change the nomination threshold. And there is no need to because it can simply increase the thresholds of the voting rounds, which would have much the same effect without launching all manner of conspiracy theories.
I see that Mordaunt's video is going to need editing. Johnnie Peacock asks her to remove footage featuring him.
Hmm. I did wonder if she'd got permission from all those people featured in it (not least Boris Johnson), and had vaguely concluded that she must have. Bit of a rookie error if not.
Do you need every persons permission if you show a clip of a public event. I presumed it was just the rights holder of the video in question?
Maybe he's made his face a registered trademark or something. Seems a bit unwise for a politician, but who knows these days?
Nah. Confected argument. Probably helps them both. She now just needs Stonewall to call her a bigot. Often not hard to achieve.
Silly Peacocking from Johnnie.
I don't think that he holds a veto on stock footage of an Olympic final - which is what I think it is.
The PM4PM branding is quite neat.
I think the I Vow to Thee My Country music is laid on a bit thick.
Amazed to see Zahawi up to 10 declarations. He may play a part despite everything. They are going to have to up the threshold from 8 I reckon. Else we'll have 10 or 11 candidates depending on Patel. Even Shapps has 6 already.
Shapps played a key role in Boris's victory so it is probably safe to assume he knows how to keep track of who has promised what.
10 or 11 candidates seems like a lot but it would seem like the 1922 was putting its thumb on the scale were it to change the nomination threshold. And there is no need to because it can simply increase the thresholds of the voting rounds, which would have much the same effect without launching all manner of conspiracy theories.
Yes perhaps. Looking at Con Home dashboard it's really close from third to eleventh.
I see that Mordaunt's video is going to need editing. Johnnie Peacock asks her to remove footage featuring him.
Hmm. I did wonder if she'd got permission from all those people featured in it (not least Boris Johnson), and had vaguely concluded that she must have. Bit of a rookie error if not.
Do you need every persons permission if you show a clip of a public event. I presumed it was just the rights holder of the video in question?
Maybe he's made his face a registered trademark or something. Seems a bit unwise for a politician, but who knows these days?
Nah. Confected argument. Probably helps them both. She now just needs Stonewall to call her a bigot. Often not hard to achieve.
Silly Peacocking from Johnnie.
I don't think that he holds a veto on footage of an Olympic final.
The extra attention he's given her probably helps Penny
Contenders seem to form four groups, although even within groups there are sometimes bitter enmities.
1. Britannia Unchained - Rishi, Truss, Javid
2. Hang and Flog - Braverman, Patel, Badenoch
3. Continuity Boris - Zahawi, Shapps
4. One Nationers - Hunt, Mordaunt, Tugendhat
I think 2 and 3 are right but I reckon 1 and 4 are hard to call. Hunt is a bit more “Singapore on Thames” and so “Britannia Unchained” I think, whereas I think Rishi is full on establishment.
Rishi is a Britannia Unchainer that never managed to balance Johnsonian spending and Treasury balance-the-book caution. I don’t think he’s changed his mind, he just didn’t have the balls to do anything about it.
Cheers. From the exquisite Venetian village of Rose, on the Lusica Peninsula, Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Is this your first trip to Montenegro?
Yes, but not my last, God willing
As might be obvious, I really like it. Feels like Greece maybe 30-40 years ago. There is the odd pocket of intense tourism, and then swathes of mild tourism, but then huge chunks with no tourists at all. And it is beautiful, with cheery friendly people - and excellent Wi-Fi and 4G, so in that respect it isn’t like Greece in the 80s at all
You’ve certainly sold it to me. Though perhaps not at this time of year. Would be nice for some late sun in September.
I presume you can easily get boats across to Italy too, and perhaps up/down the Adriatic?
Definitely avoid August if you can, but that’s true of almost anywhere in Europe
September would be perfect, likewise May-June
However be warned that the mountainous interior, which is as sensational as the coast (and completely devoid of tourists) gets a ton of rain - but when it is sunny it is sublime
You can certainly get boats to Dubrovnik. And ferries ply the local coast
There isn’t that much to see culturally. It’s not Tuscany. But really it is the beautiful landscapes and seascapes. For its size it might be the most gorgeous country on earth - as in loveliness per sq km. Very restful on the eye
I’m determined to come back in Sept and see Durmitor National Park…
My south facing piano nobile Camden flat, with its floor to ceiling windows, can easily be 10C hotter than the temp outside, in hot sunny weather
So it could be 52C. With no aircon
Think I’ll be spending the weekend in Sainsburys
Sorry to sound like a stalker but from memory you live in a modern block with full-walled (or close) windows.
Doesn’t it get BLOODY hot, and why isn’t here aircon?
I see from US travel twitter that one of the main bitches about Europe (not England per se) is the lack of ubiquitous aircon.
No I live in a Grade II listed late Georgian terrace (converted) which is very handsome to look at but it impossible to keep cool. Maybe not allowed aircon because of the listing
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Contenders seem to form four groups, although even within groups there are sometimes bitter enmities.
1. Britannia Unchained - Rishi, Truss, Javid
2. Hang and Flog - Braverman, Patel, Badenoch
3. Continuity Boris - Zahawi, Shapps
4. One Nationers - Hunt, Mordaunt, Tugendhat
I think 2 and 3 are right but I reckon 1 and 4 are hard to call. Hunt is a bit more “Singapore on Thames” and so “Britannia Unchained” I think, whereas I think Rishi is full on establishment.
Rishi is a Britannia Unchainer that never managed to balance Johnsonian spending and Treasury balance-the-book caution. I don’t think he’s changed his mind, he just didn’t have the balls to do anything about it.
Hunt is continuity Cameron.
I wonder whether he and Tugenhat are both going to both be knocked out by perceived connection to other countries.
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Because he was/is delusional and in need of psychiatric intervention
My south facing piano nobile Camden flat, with its floor to ceiling windows, can easily be 10C hotter than the temp outside, in hot sunny weather
So it could be 52C. With no aircon
Think I’ll be spending the weekend in Sainsburys
Sorry to sound like a stalker but from memory you live in a modern block with full-walled (or close) windows.
Doesn’t it get BLOODY hot, and why isn’t here aircon?
I see from US travel twitter that one of the main bitches about Europe (not England per se) is the lack of ubiquitous aircon.
No I live in a Grade II listed late Georgian terrace (converted) which is very handsome to look at but it impossible to keep cool. Maybe not allowed aircon because of the listing
Oh now I get the piano nobile reference. I thought you were just talking yourself up.
In my experience those Georgian terraces are nice and cool in the basement flat, but less so upstairs.
I think this shows that Penny was wise to put Boris in her video. The best strategy looks to be to stay out of the bunfights and try to be transfer friendly
New Portland Communications poll for the Sunday Times finds Starmer now with a clear lead over all Tory leadership candidates in the redwall.
In terms of public net approval in redwall seats, Starmer is on +8%, Truss -8%, Javid is on -9%, Hunt on -17%, Sunak on -6%, Mordaunt-6%, Tugendhat on -6% and Zahawi on -9%.
However in the bluewall seats the Tory candidates fare better. Mordaunt is on +1%, Tugendhat on 0% and Truss on -4%, all better or equal to Sir Keir on -4%. Javid is on -5%, Sunak on -7% and Zahawi on -8%, all better than Sir Ed Davey on -11%. Only Hunt does worse in blue wall seats than Sir Keir and Sir Ed on -12%
Sunak screams Brown to me i.e. plotted for the job more than others and so won't have anything radical he wants to do when he gets it. He'll bring risk-aversion and hence indecision, weakness and division. The time until an autumn 2024 GE will be like 2007-2010 all over again.
I think this shows that Penny was wise to put Boris in her video. The best strategy looks to be to stay out of the bunfights and try to be transfer friendly
I think her video is going to be pulled, but perhaps it has already served its purpose
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Wasn’t it to make him homeless?
A pyrrhic victory if it also has made Boris homeless.
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Wasn’t it to make him homeless?
A pyrrhic victory if it also has made Boris homeless.
I think the writing was long on the wall for Boris by then. And he must have known it, even though he pretended that he didn’t
I’ve recently noticed EU politicians - eg Ursula Von D L - using the phrase “European Dream”, in direct contrast to “American Dream”
Sitting here in Rose, Montenegro, i am certainly looking at the European Dream. A handsome historic Venetian village by the Adriatic. Lots of people enjoying their sunny Sunday, eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing. Big family groups,. Boating and paddleboarding. Almost no obesity, because the food is good and wholesome (if basic) and everyone walks the walkable old towns and villages
Pretty much zero crime. No guns. Decent local wine
I honestly doubt if there are many humans enjoying life more than Montenegrins right here right now, in their unpretentious but beautiful country. This despite them having a GDP per capita of just $25k
The EU is on to something with this “European Dream” thing. Tho, ironically, Montenegro is not in the EU
Penny Mordaunt's leadership campaign off to a shaky start after she is forced to re-issue her launch video, cutting out the footage which featured convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius https://twitter.com/PennyMordaunt/status/1546125105960558593
Rishi Sunak has evidently agreed to make Mark Spencer the next DEFRA Sec of State. Mark was the biggest blocker of measures to protect nature, biodiversity, animal welfare. He will be our very own little Bolsonaro. Grim news for nature. But great news for political opponents 11:30 AM · Jul 10, 2022·Twitter Web App
Take this to be some sort of Carrie related snakedom. Hard to keep up.
Tory member here again. A shame Wallace isn't standing. I want someone honest who can actually make decisions and who will boldly tackle domestic productivity and economic growth whilst being strong on foreign affairs, and push these things to win the next GE. The less candidates talk about Brexit or trans stuff the more I'll like them. Tugendhat top of my list right now, Badenoch I'd definitely like to hear more from. Sunak talks cautious finances but splurged billions on fraudsters and was a feeble chancellor, but I'd vote for him over the others: Javid nice but weak, Braverman an ERG-loon trans-war obsessive, Hunt a China dove and Mordaunt just plain dim. Shapps I love because I'm convinced he's an under-cover comedian.
I agree with you on Tugendhat but he's far too sensible for the current Tory membership. Beyond him I don't think the opposition have much to worry about. Bit harsh on Mordaunt but I admit I don't know too much about her, she could surprise or just flop catastrophically.
Big bustling (excellent) seafood restaurant in a pretty seaside village. Hundreds of people nearby
The group next to me - late 20s, jolly - have all, in sequence, stood up and walked away. Temporarily leaving behind 2 phones, a purse, several bags, sunglasses, car keys
My housemate who rarely engages politically caught a bit of Starmer being interviewed on the news and she immediately picked up on his lack of charisma in the way he speaks, his tendency to repeat himself and the lack of substance in what he actually said
She is someone who regularly votes Green or LD and so not completely against left of centre candidates.
But she was less than impressed by the way he comes across on screen.
If you can't persuade people to listen to you because of the way you present yourself through the media, they are never going to bother to hear what you have to say.
Setting aside the lack of policy clarity, it is this presentational issue that will continue to hamper Starmer.
We all have anecdotes with invariably support our own agendas and prejudices. They are really a complete waste of time.
https://twitter.com/ZacGoldsmith/status/1546079326923362305 Rishi Sunak has evidently agreed to make Mark Spencer the next DEFRA Sec of State. Mark was the biggest blocker of measures to protect nature, biodiversity, animal welfare. He will be our very own little Bolsonaro. Grim news for nature. But great news for political opponents
I think this shows that Penny was wise to put Boris in her video. The best strategy looks to be to stay out of the bunfights and try to be transfer friendly
I think her video is going to be pulled, but perhaps it has already served its purpose
Yet when you factor the considerations from the lead in with the Tories needing to choose someone who backed Leave and the hugely greater ability of a woman to draw a line under Johnson's amoral public schoolboy persona, everything points to Mordaunt as the obvious choice.
But I have been stung before by betting on what the Tories should do, rather than what they will do, and have to read a batch of HY posts before bedtime to keep my feet off the ground.
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Wasn’t it to make him homeless?
A pyrrhic victory if it also has made Boris homeless.
I think the writing was long on the wall for Boris by then. And he must have known it, even though he pretended that he didn’t
Maybe not on the Wednesday. My take was that Boris was concentrating on PMQs, then The Saj's resignation statement, then the Liaison Committee, and may have been too busy and/or tired to appreciate the size of the hole he was in, as he vowed to fight on, but after a night's sleep and reflection, it became obvious by Thursday morning that he would have to step down. But I cannot rationalise the Wednesday night sacking of Gove.
New Portland Communications poll for the Sunday Times finds Starmer now with a clear lead over all Tory leadership candidates in the redwall.
In terms of public net approval in redwall seats, Starmer is on +8%, Truss -8%, Javid is on -9%, Hunt on -17%, Sunak on -6%, Mordaunt-6%, Tugendhat on -6% and Zahawi on -9%.
However in the bluewall seats the Tory candidates fare better. Mordaunt is on +1%, Tugendhat on 0% and Truss on -4%, all better or equal to Sir Keir on -4%. Javid is on -5%, Sunak on -7% and Zahawi on -8%, all better than Sir Ed Davey on -11%. Only Hunt does worse in blue wall seats than Sir Keir and Sir Ed on -12%
I’ve recently noticed EU politicians - eg Ursula Von D L - using the phrase “European Dream”, in direct contrast to “American Dream”
Sitting here in Rose, Montenegro, i am certainly looking at the European Dream. A handsome historic Venetian village by the Adriatic. Lots of people enjoying their sunny Sunday, eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing. Big family groups,. Boating and paddleboarding. Almost no obesity, because the food is good and wholesome (if basic) and everyone walks the walkable old towns and villages
Pretty much zero crime. No guns. Decent local wine
I honestly doubt if there are many humans enjoying life more than Montenegrins right here right now, in their unpretentious but beautiful country. This despite them having a GDP per capita of just $25k
The EU is on to something with this “European Dream” thing. Tho, ironically, Montenegro is not in the EU
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Wasn’t it to make him homeless?
A pyrrhic victory if it also has made Boris homeless.
I think the writing was long on the wall for Boris by then. And he must have known it, even though he pretended that he didn’t
Maybe not on the Wednesday. My take was that Boris was concentrating on PMQs, then The Saj's resignation statement, then the Liaison Committee, and may have been too busy and/or tired to appreciate the size of the hole he was in, as he vowed to fight on, but after a night's sleep and reflection, it became obvious by Thursday morning that he would have to step down. But I cannot rationalise the Wednesday night sacking of Gove.
I believe Gove gave Johnson an ultimatum of Wednesday 21:00 to resign. Johnson sacked Gove at 20:58.
I’ve recently noticed EU politicians - eg Ursula Von D L - using the phrase “European Dream”, in direct contrast to “American Dream”
Sitting here in Rose, Montenegro, i am certainly looking at the European Dream. A handsome historic Venetian village by the Adriatic. Lots of people enjoying their sunny Sunday, eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing. Big family groups,. Boating and paddleboarding. Almost no obesity, because the food is good and wholesome (if basic) and everyone walks the walkable old towns and villages
Pretty much zero crime. No guns. Decent local wine
I honestly doubt if there are many humans enjoying life more than Montenegrins right here right now, in their unpretentious but beautiful country. This despite them having a GDP per capita of just $25k
The EU is on to something with this “European Dream” thing. Tho, ironically, Montenegro is not in the EU
Big bustling (excellent) seafood restaurant in a pretty seaside village. Hundreds of people nearby
The group next to me - late 20s, jolly - have all, in sequence, stood up and walked away. Temporarily leaving behind 2 phones, a purse, several bags, sunglasses, car keys
Incredible. Was Britain once like this?
I regularly do that in places that aren't London. Maybe I'm a trusting fool.
New Portland Communications poll for the Sunday Times finds Starmer now with a clear lead over all Tory leadership candidates in the redwall.
In terms of public net approval in redwall seats, Starmer is on +8%, Truss -8%, Javid is on -9%, Hunt on -17%, Sunak on -6%, Mordaunt-6%, Tugendhat on -6% and Zahawi on -9%.
However in the bluewall seats the Tory candidates fare better. Mordaunt is on +1%, Tugendhat on 0% and Truss on -4%, all better or equal to Sir Keir on -4%. Javid is on -5%, Sunak on -7% and Zahawi on -8%, all better than Sir Ed Davey on -11%. Only Hunt does worse in blue wall seats than Sir Keir and Sir Ed on -12%
Why did Boris sack Michael Gove? At a time when Boris was struggling (unsuccessfully as it turned out) to fill empty government roles, why shoot himself in the foot by creating yet another vacancy?
Most obviously, revenge, but I think it was also Johnson trying to look strong and recover some control of a situation where in reality he had none.
I also think he broods over a view of alternative history where he brushed off Gove's criticisms in 2016, beat May for leader on a Brexit ticket, defeated Corbyn in 2017 and would now be heading toward a further term.
At the time, it did seem that Johnson folded very quickly when Gove laid into him - AIR speculation at the time ranged from more dirt on him that he feared would come out to a lack of courage knowing that losing a leadership election once is usually terminal (as Hunt will shortly demonstrate)
Big bustling (excellent) seafood restaurant in a pretty seaside village. Hundreds of people nearby
The group next to me - late 20s, jolly - have all, in sequence, stood up and walked away. Temporarily leaving behind 2 phones, a purse, several bags, sunglasses, car keys
Incredible. Was Britain once like this?
I regularly do that in places that aren't London. Maybe I'm a trusting fool.
I left my phone on the tube and my wallet on a train, and they both turned up.
Comments
There will always be an England
(again, this is not a metaphor)
You are Carrie Johnson and I claim my £5.
It would have been harsh if that had happened because of The Durham Incident, but is there a "nice" way for him to go? Sort of like Wallace and the NATO job? What do you give an ex-DPP?
He may play a part despite everything.
They are going to have to up the threshold from 8 I reckon. Else we'll have 10 or 11 candidates depending on Patel.
Even Shapps has 6 already.
Thankfully, my worst fears weren't realised.
"Bootsie 4h
Hunt’s announcement that he’s teaming up with Esther McVey should be the final nail in his campaign, effectively turning off support from both wings of the party. Now if another 5 or 6 candidates would do something equally as stupid it might make the whole process move a bit faster.
Barbara Brown
Bootsie 1h
I could hardly believe my ears when I heard McVey say she now supported Hunt."
https://conservativehome.com/2022/07/10/next-tory-leader-whos-backing-whom-our-working-list/
Contenders seem to form four groups, although even within groups there are sometimes bitter enmities.
1. Britannia Unchained - Rishi, Truss, Javid
2. Hang and Flog - Braverman, Patel, Badenoch
3. Continuity Boris - Zahawi, Shapps
4. One Nationers - Hunt, Mordaunt, Tugendhat
As might be obvious, I really like it. Feels like Greece maybe 30-40 years ago. There is the odd pocket of intense tourism, and then swathes of mild tourism, but then huge chunks with no tourists at all. And it is beautiful, with cheery friendly people - and excellent Wi-Fi and 4G, so in that respect it isn’t like Greece in the 80s at all
Though perhaps not at this time of year.
Would be nice for some late sun in September.
I presume you can easily get boats across to Italy too, and perhaps up/down the Adriatic?
So it could be 52C. With no aircon
Think I’ll be spending the weekend in Sainsburys
10 or 11 candidates seems like a lot but it would seem like the 1922 was putting its thumb on the scale were it to change the nomination threshold. And there is no need to because it can simply increase the thresholds of the voting rounds, which would have much the same effect without launching all manner of conspiracy theories.
I don't think that he holds a veto on stock footage of an Olympic final - which is what I think it is.
The PM4PM branding is quite neat.
I think the I Vow to Thee My Country music is laid on a bit thick.
Doesn’t it get BLOODY hot, and why isn’t here aircon?
I see from US travel twitter that one of the main bitches about Europe (not England per se) is the lack of ubiquitous aircon.
Looking at Con Home dashboard it's really close from third to eleventh.
Fairly sensational attack from someone within the Conservative Party on the party’s own record in government. https://twitter.com/hoffman_noa/status/1546130680018518017
Great find by our colleagues at @ITNProductions in our @GettyImages archive:
The Chancellor and PM contender @nadhimzahawi being interviewed by @nightingaleitv on ITV London Tonight with his old boss Jeffrey Archer about his Teletubbies business (you heard all those things right) https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1546043499631591426/video/1
Hunt is continuity Cameron.
September would be perfect, likewise May-June
However be warned that the mountainous interior, which is as sensational as the coast (and completely devoid of tourists) gets a ton of rain - but when it is sunny it is sublime
You can certainly get boats to Dubrovnik. And ferries ply the local coast
There isn’t that much to see culturally. It’s not Tuscany. But really it is the beautiful landscapes and seascapes. For its size it might be the most gorgeous country on earth - as in loveliness per sq km. Very restful on the eye
I’m determined to come back in Sept and see Durmitor National Park…
https://twitter.com/davide_melia/status/1545430542241304577?s=21&t=9vNMjuk1t_3uyJlRF4XaUQ
Aircon has been on pretty much every day since June 1 and I’m told to expect this will remain the case until Aug 31.
No wonder Modi declared a day of mourning.
The weird thing is the eulogies from Hilary Clinton, who risibly called him a champion for women.
Late-capitalist Democrat politics is insane.
I thought you were just talking yourself up.
In my experience those Georgian terraces are nice and cool in the basement flat, but less so upstairs.
In terms of public net approval in redwall seats, Starmer is on +8%, Truss -8%, Javid is on -9%, Hunt on -17%, Sunak on -6%, Mordaunt-6%, Tugendhat on -6% and Zahawi on -9%.
However in the bluewall seats the Tory candidates fare better. Mordaunt is on +1%, Tugendhat on 0% and Truss on -4%, all better or equal to Sir Keir on -4%. Javid is on -5%, Sunak on -7% and Zahawi on -8%, all better than Sir Ed Davey on -11%. Only Hunt does worse in blue wall seats than Sir Keir and Sir Ed on -12%
https://twitter.com/TomTugendhat/status/1546055540618407936?s=20&t=6s-mAMl327v6ChyfYsFZWA
Ego meum petasum et tunica
I’ve recently noticed EU politicians - eg Ursula Von D L - using the phrase “European Dream”, in direct contrast to “American Dream”
Sitting here in Rose, Montenegro, i am certainly looking at the European Dream. A handsome historic Venetian village by the Adriatic. Lots of people enjoying their sunny Sunday, eating, drinking, swimming, sunbathing. Big family groups,. Boating and paddleboarding. Almost no obesity, because the food is good and wholesome (if basic) and everyone walks the walkable old towns and villages
Pretty much zero crime. No guns. Decent local wine
I honestly doubt if there are many humans enjoying life more than Montenegrins right here right now, in their unpretentious but beautiful country. This despite them having a GDP per capita of just $25k
The EU is on to something with this “European Dream” thing. Tho, ironically, Montenegro is not in the EU
Others have also complained
Rishi Sunak has evidently agreed to make Mark Spencer the next DEFRA Sec of State.
Mark was the biggest blocker of measures to protect nature, biodiversity, animal welfare.
He will be our very own little Bolsonaro. Grim news for nature. But great news for political opponents
11:30 AM · Jul 10, 2022·Twitter Web App
Take this to be some sort of Carrie related snakedom. Hard to keep up.
Big bustling (excellent) seafood restaurant in a pretty seaside village. Hundreds of people nearby
The group next to me - late 20s, jolly - have all, in sequence, stood up and walked away. Temporarily leaving behind 2 phones, a purse, several bags, sunglasses, car keys
Incredible. Was Britain once like this?
We all have anecdotes with invariably support our own agendas and prejudices. They are really a complete waste of time.
https://twitter.com/ZacGoldsmith/status/1546079326923362305
Rishi Sunak has evidently agreed to make Mark Spencer the next DEFRA Sec of State.
Mark was the biggest blocker of measures to protect nature, biodiversity, animal welfare.
He will be our very own little Bolsonaro. Grim news for nature. But great news for political opponents
But I have been stung before by betting on what the Tories should do, rather than what they will do, and have to read a batch of HY posts before bedtime to keep my feet off the ground.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accession_of_Montenegro_to_the_European_Union
If not it is the perfect time to buy Montenegrin property
It's too hot. And some misfortune in the race, but an interesting end.
(So when's our day of mourning? )
2.92 Rishi Sunak
4.2 Penny Mordaunt
6.8 Liz Truss
16 Jeremy Hunt
21 Tom Tugendhat
22 Sajid Javid
34 Dominic Raab
34 Nadhim Zahawi
36 Kemi Badenoch
38 Suella Braverman
80 Priti Patel
I also think he broods over a view of alternative history where he brushed off Gove's criticisms in 2016, beat May for leader on a Brexit ticket, defeated Corbyn in 2017 and would now be heading toward a further term.
At the time, it did seem that Johnson folded very quickly when Gove laid into him - AIR speculation at the time ranged from more dirt on him that he feared would come out to a lack of courage knowing that losing a leadership election once is usually terminal (as Hunt will shortly demonstrate)
Tom Pursglove
Scott Benton
Anna Firth
Greg Smith
Kevin Foster
Ian Levy
Simon Baynes
Ian Liddell-Grainger
Andrea Jenkyns
Laurence Robertson
Personally, I like him but no-one else seems to agree - he's unpopular with the Tory base and, it seems, target voters in both the north and south.
https://enormo-haddock.blogspot.com/2022/07/austria-post-race-analysis-2022.html
The man’s a menace.
I just watched the Tugendhat interview.
A bit clunky, but he’s totally sound.
"There's no other bigger occasion and they did it again and it nearly cost me the point.
"She's drunk out of her mind so kick her out.
"I know exactly who it is - she's the one who looks like she's had about 700 drinks."