Why do some right wing Tory MPs want to overturn a democratic vote? – politicalbetting.com
EXC: A 'significant' number of Tory MPs will join Reform after the election if they don't get their preferred candidate in the final 2 for the next Tory leadership contest pic.twitter.com/196vN7D2xj
Not many MPs from the Red Wall? Not any MPs from the Red Wall most likely, and if they descend into civil war BEFORE the election, then not very many MPs from the Blue Wall either,
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
I don't see how the Tories and Reform merge. Tories are pro-Ukraine. Reform are pro-Russia.
I see Royal Ascot is this week, someone should do a straw poll, if the Tories can't even win with that crowd we know they are facing meltdown!
Is it a particularly Tory constituency? The ratio of poshos to proles at Ascot is very low. Most people there are ordinary joes on the piss for a grand day out (less so on the Tuesday, granted, but for most of the week). I reckon it would vote broadly in line with the national profile.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
I don't see how the Tories and Reform merge. Tories are pro-Ukraine. Reform are pro-Russia.
So was Corbyn and look how long he lasted as Labour leader.
I don't believe for one second that a significant number of Tory MPs will join Reform after the election.
For the first thing, that would require there to be a significant number of Tory MPs after the election.
Maybe statistically significant - afterall, if one does it we can reject the null hypothesis.
Mind you, I wouldn't want to make any assumptions about the normality of the Con MPs, although even if not a bell curve there are likely to be bell-ends.
If Reform-minded Tories leave and join Reform, that will be good news for the Conservatives. Sure, it'll be a bit of a ruck for a bit, but nothing saves the soul of a floundering party like a self-purge of the nutters. Bring it on.
We're already seeing signs that the destruction of the Tories will ultimately lead to the destruction of Labour too. Then we'll have a true realignment.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
I don't see how the Tories and Reform merge. Tories are pro-Ukraine. Reform are pro-Russia.
So was Corbyn and look how long he lasted as Labour leader.
Huh? Corbyn was gone as Labour leader before 2022.
If Reform-minded Tories leave and join Reform, that will be good news for the Conservatives. Sure, it'll be a bit of a ruck for a bit, but nothing saves the soul of a floundering party like a self-purge of the nutters. Bring it on.
We're already seeing signs that the destruction of the Tories will ultimately lead to the destruction of Labour too. Then we'll have a true realignment.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
I don't see how the Tories and Reform merge. Tories are pro-Ukraine. Reform are pro-Russia.
So was Corbyn and look how long he lasted as Labour leader.
Huh? Corbyn was gone as Labour leader before 2022.
Huh?
He was already still pro-Russia and pro-Putin and anti-West before then.
And Russia/Putin didn't only become a problem in 2022. Or with Salisbury either.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
You are thus in big trouble with HY. Do you really want to be accused of being an apologist for socialism over the next 27 years?
That would be the funniest of all outcomes, wouldn't it?:
1. The Cons scrape in ahead of the LibDems as official opposition 2. They have a fight over who the new leader is 3. Split 4. End up third and fourth (or fourth and fifth?) largest parties in the Commons.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
I don't see how the Tories and Reform merge. Tories are pro-Ukraine. Reform are pro-Russia.
So was Corbyn and look how long he lasted as Labour leader.
Huh? Corbyn was gone as Labour leader before 2022.
Huh?
He was already still pro-Russia and pro-Putin and anti-West before then.
And Russia/Putin didn't only become a problem in 2022. Or with Salisbury either.
On topic, isn't this just so many baldies fighting over the comb?
If Reform-minded Tories leave and join Reform, that will be good news for the Conservatives. Sure, it'll be a bit of a ruck for a bit, but nothing saves the soul of a floundering party like a self-purge of the nutters. Bring it on.
We're already seeing signs that the destruction of the Tories will ultimately lead to the destruction of Labour too. Then we'll have a true realignment.
What signs? I would like that to be true but I don't think it is.
If you extrapolate the Tory decline down to single figures, then it's already clear that Labour will be fighting on two fronts in England: against Reform in the Red Wall and against the Lib Dems in the south.
My hypothesis is that the anti-Labour vote is more efficient if you take the Tory party out of the equation.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
You are thus in big trouble with HY. Do you really want to be accused of socialism for the next 27 years?
What difference does it make when Sunak's Tories are increasing taxes, spending and redistribution to record levels?
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
If Reform-minded Tories leave and join Reform, that will be good news for the Conservatives. Sure, it'll be a bit of a ruck for a bit, but nothing saves the soul of a floundering party like a self-purge of the nutters. Bring it on.
We're already seeing signs that the destruction of the Tories will ultimately lead to the destruction of Labour too. Then we'll have a true realignment.
What signs? I would like that to be true but I don't think it is.
If you extrapolate the Tory decline down to single figures, then it's already clear that Labour will be fighting on two fronts in England: against Reform in the Red Wall and against the Lib Dems in the south.
My hypothesis is that the anti-Labour vote is more efficient if you take the Tory party out of the equation.
Against reform in the red wall - they top out at 25% because most people don’t want to vote for racist facists.
When reform have 1000s of councilors I will accept your argument but until then reform won’t be replacing the Tory party anywhere
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My 87 year old grandmother finds using an app nowadays easier than being mobile and getting anywhere.
I do quite like this dry comment from JV's brief in the original case:
Gervase de Wilde, representing Mr Vine, said: “Mr Barton had many options for engaging in the abuse of Mr Vine but he chose the one toxic word to do so, which means paedophile.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
You work at university - my last but one project was technical architect on the new counter service for a UK high street bank.
The demographic of people going into branches to get things done are old people going in to perform transactions that as a bank you don’t want employees doing
tl;dr Newcastle not expected to contesting quite so hard as financial and boundary changes not helpful to them. Sunderland still in the game but Ashington & Blyth a decent chance of declaring first, Northumbs having poached Sunderland's fast count guru, and only nobbled last time by a recount
Number crunchers, make sure Ashington is on your expected results lists.
Houghton and Sunderland South might give a good pointer to RFM fortunes early on.
Will be the second seat announced - think Blyth is aiming to be first (the head of elections in Northumberland previously did the job in Sunderland and wants the glory)
If you want an idea of how defensive the Tory campaign has become, Sunak has just been meeting fishermen in Geoffrey Cox’s constituency in West Devon, where he has a majority of 25,000
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My Dad (78) used to be elbows-deep with tinkering with various Amstrad parts in the late-80s. He'd be a liability trying to do banking in branch, because he refuses to have his hearing tested.
My father-in-law (70) still refuses to use a bank card. There will be fewer refuseniks as time goes on, though. Even in rural Ireland.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My mate recently fell for a phone scam but was saved by his incompetent attempts to transfer the money as instructed, succeeding only in locking his bank account.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My Dad (78) used to be elbows-deep with tinkering with various Amstrad parts in the late-80s.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
Hang on, we get it back after (at most) five years, don't we?
Although without interest and somewhat devalued given population inflation
If you want an idea of how defensive the Tory campaign has become, Sunak has just been meeting fishermen in Geoffrey Cox’s constituency in West Devon, where he has a majority of 25,000
Did Rishi remind said fishing folk how much they have benefited from Brexit or is that still the Tory achievement that dare not speak its name?
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My mate recently fell for a phone scam but was saved by his incompetent attempts to transfer the money as instructed, succeeding only in locking his bank account.
That's the one that nearly fooled me when I was in Tbilisi. They are REALLY good, it was only when the guy claimed he went to Sixth Form at "Queen Mary's College" that I started to suspect. They have names and numbers that check out when you Google, they can pass you to a manager who sounds super confident, and they're only going to get better
Four members of the UK's richest family are on trial in Switzerland amid allegations they spent more money caring for their dog than their servants. The Hinduja family, worth an estimated £37bn ($47bn), is accused of exploitation and human trafficking.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My Dad (78) used to be elbows-deep with tinkering with various Amstrad parts in the late-80s.
Hmm. Wonder if I knew him...
I doubt it. He's exceptionally socially maladroit, and the only social friend we ever knew he had at that time visited us only once. Most of the time spent debating whether my sister should take double award science GCSE (she didn't).
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
Of course I can, at the next election I get it back to vote for whomever I choose to vote for next time.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My mate recently fell for a phone scam but was saved by his incompetent attempts to transfer the money as instructed, succeeding only in locking his bank account.
My mates dad suffered similar, only saved when he phoned my mate from the cashpoint machine asking if he'd help him withdrawing 2 grand out of the cashpoint (his limit was 250) and sending it to "HMRC"! Luckily, he couldn't understand the scammers accent and thought they wanted cash not bank transfer. If he'd been a bit more competent in banking online, and wasn't stressed by an "HMRC" phonecall demanding 2 grand payment within the hour, he'd have paid them.
I don't believe for one second that a significant number of Tory MPs will join Reform after the election.
For the first thing, that would require there to be a significant number of Tory MPs after the election.
Well played.
In all seriousness I don't think it the most likely scenario, but I think it's possible.
I think it more likely that if the Tories are sub 100 seats that a leadership candidate advocating merger with Reform could emerge, off the threat of MPs jumping ship.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
Some people like to interact with actual people rather than doing everything on computers/phones.
To be fair, I remember in 1997 pre-election analysis trying to work out if a post-election Conservative rump would be more or less Eurosceptic (remember that?)
It was broadly assumed Portillo would be a leadership contender as would Clarke and it seems possible they would be the two runners but with Portillo losing in Enfield Southgate, Hague, Howard, Redwood and Lilley all joined the fight which ended with the notorious Clarke-Redwood Pact and Hague emerging as the new young hope for the stern, unbending Tories.
I don't think we're anythere near establishing the runners and riders - so much depends, as I often say at my favourite steakhouse, on the size of the rump and how well cooked it is (that's an analogy which started well but declined quickly).
If you want an idea of how defensive the Tory campaign has become, Sunak has just been meeting fishermen in Geoffrey Cox’s constituency in West Devon, where he has a majority of 25,000
The fishermen would be lucky to catch Geoffrey Cox, unless they're casting their nets out in the British Virgin Islands.
Yes I doubt if any of these redwall Tory MPs hold their seats anyway, so if they defect to Reform if the ERG do not get a candidate in the final 2 to the members in a likely post Rishi resignation leadership election so be it.
I would not be too complacent if I was Starmer though in an age where Trump and even Le Pen lead many polls, if the economy is poor midterm of a Labour government and immigration numbers remain high anything could happen at the next general election whoever the Conservative leader is. Reform have also showed themselves capable of picking up ex Labour working class Leave voters as much as Tory rightwingers
The polls seem to be herding the Tories to about 20%, catastrophic levels of support. Its all one way traffic. They are going to struggle to form the opposition, its happening!
Ooft. I've made my prediction now, and I'm sticking to it, but the last few polls have been awful for the Tories.
There have been eight polls since the YouGov crossover poll. Labour have been up in three, down in three, unchanged in two. The Tories have been down in six and unchanged in two.
Tories still 5% ahead of Reform and a clear second though. I agree however that the final Starmer v Sunak debate next week at 9pm on BBC1 is crucial for Rishi to close the gap with Labour before polling day
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Ooft. I've made my prediction now, and I'm sticking to it, but the last few polls have been awful for the Tories.
There have been eight polls since the YouGov crossover poll. Labour have been up in three, down in three, unchanged in two. The Tories have been down in six and unchanged in two.
Yes and big drops with some pollsters. They need some 'improving' polling or I think sub 20% is becoming likely. I think 25% looks realistically best expectation if the pollsters are getting turnout right
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
You are thus in big trouble with HY. Do you really want to be accused of being an apologist for socialism over the next 27 years?
Bart also voted for New Labour in 2001 when Tory loyalists like me were campaigning for Hague as I am now campaigning still for Sunak's Tories, voting Labour is not an entirely new thing for him
Tories still 5% ahead of Reform and a clear second though. I agree however that the final Starmer v Sunak debate next week at 9pm on BBC1 is crucial for Rishi to close the gap with Labour before polling day
HYUFD: Tories are clear second, still time to close the gap with Labour.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
You are thus in big trouble with HY. Do you really want to be accused of being an apologist for socialism over the next 27 years?
Bart also voted for New Labour in 2001 when Tory loyalists were campaigning for Hague as I am now campaigning still for Sunak's Tories, voting Labour is not an entirely new thing for him
Do you have a dossier on all of our past non-Tory votes, HY?
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My Dad (78) used to be elbows-deep with tinkering with various Amstrad parts in the late-80s.
Hmm. Wonder if I knew him...
I doubt it. He's exceptionally socially maladroit, and the only social friend we ever knew he had at that time visited us only once. Most of the time spent debating whether my sister should take double award science GCSE (she didn't).
That decryption may fit several people, however.
It may well. I knew a fair number of socially maladroit Amstrad tinkerers in the late 80s and early 90s!
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
You are thus in big trouble with HY. Do you really want to be accused of being an apologist for socialism over the next 27 years?
Bart also voted for New Labour in 2001 when Tory loyalists were campaigning for Hague as I am now campaigning still for Sunak's Tories, voting Labour is not an entirely new thing for him
Do you have a dossier on all of our past non-Tory votes, HY?
The "collaborators" will be first against the wall....
To be fair, I remember in 1997 pre-election analysis trying to work out if a post-election Conservative rump would be more or less Eurosceptic (remember that?)
It was broadly assumed Portillo would be a leadership contender as would Clarke and it seems possible they would be the two runners but with Portillo losing in Enfield Southgate, Hague, Howard, Redwood and Lilley all joined the fight which ended with the notorious Clarke-Redwood Pact and Hague emerging as the new young hope for the stern, unbending Tories.
I don't think we're anythere near establishing the runners and riders - so much depends, as I often say at my favourite steakhouse, on the size of the rump and how well cooked it is (that's an analogy which started well but declined quickly).
I don't believe for one second that a significant number of Tory MPs will join Reform after the election.
For the first thing, that would require there to be a significant number of Tory MPs after the election.
Well played.
In all seriousness I don't think it the most likely scenario, but I think it's possible.
I think it more likely that if the Tories are sub 100 seats that a leadership candidate advocating merger with Reform could emerge, off the threat of MPs jumping ship.
I think this is true, and was the point of my header the other day, that that's why the Conservative brand has to be Ratnered in the election, so Farage or Tory-Farage can't build off it.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
Hang on, we get it back after (at most) five years, don't we?
Although without interest and somewhat devalued given population inflation
No, that's a different one. This one you will never see again. If it's Labour it stays that way for all eternity. I just wanted to make sure Bart realized this*. I'm a Red through and through but we don't want to be getting votes under false pretences.
* Edit: I've seen his reply now and it appears he does.
Tories still 5% ahead of Reform and a clear second though. I agree however that the final Starmer v Sunak debate next week at 9pm on BBC1 is crucial for Rishi to close the gap with Labour before polling day
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
My mate recently fell for a phone scam but was saved by his incompetent attempts to transfer the money as instructed, succeeding only in locking his bank account.
My mates dad suffered similar, only saved when he phoned my mate from the cashpoint machine asking if he'd help him withdrawing 2 grand out of the cashpoint (his limit was 250) and sending it to "HMRC"! Luckily, he couldn't understand the scammers accent and thought they wanted cash not bank transfer. If he'd been a bit more competent in banking online, and wasn't stressed by an "HMRC" phonecall demanding 2 grand payment within the hour, he'd have paid them.
What was he going to do with the £2k cash, hand deliver it to the nearest HMRC office?
Yes I doubt if any of these redwall Tory MPs hold their seats anyway, so if they defect to Reform if the ERG do not get a candidate in the final 2 to the members in a likely post Rishi resignation leadership election so be it.
I would not be too complacent if I was Starmer though in an age where Trump and even Le Pen lead many polls, if the economy is poor midterm of a Labour government and immigration numbers remain high anything could happen at the next general election whoever the Conservative leader is. Reform have also showed themselves capable of picking up ex Labour working class Leave voters as much as Tory rightwingers
Well, of course and you could argue the National Government had a huge majority over Labour in 1931 yet within 14 years and one World War, it was Labour who won the landslide.
The wheel turns - the problem your party has is IF it is neither Government nor official Opposition it will be in a place where it has never been and people will justifiably ask what is the point of the Conservative Party?
I find it hard to even contemplate this having been in politics for over 40 years but the possibility of a Liberal Democrat as LOTO is now credible. There was much talk of re-alignment in the heady days of the Alliance but it was always about the Alliance replacing Labour and challenging the Conservatives - no one saw the opposite scenario and yet it is feasible if still unlikely.
I suspect both Davey and Farage will make strong appeals to the remaining Conservatives both at Westminster and locally to come across. The Conservatives risk being emasculated from two sides.
Tories still 5% ahead of Reform and a clear second though. I agree however that the final Starmer v Sunak debate next week at 9pm on BBC1 is crucial for Rishi to close the gap with Labour before polling day
1. Why, if Sunak has failed to close the gap following the previous debates, will he close the gap this time? (Spoiler: he won't) 2. 5% ahead, but in the previous Focaldata poll that 5% was 9%. The trend is not your friend.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
Hang on, we get it back after (at most) five years, don't we?
Although without interest and somewhat devalued given population inflation
No, that's a different one. This one you will never see again. If it's Labour it stays that way for all eternity. I just wanted to make sure Bart realized this*. I'm a Red through and through but we don't want to be getting votes under false pretences.
* Edit: I've seen his reply now and it appears he does.
Oh! How do I 'change' my vote then, if it's a brand spanking new one at each election and the old one is set forever?
Also TSE is normally sensible but in this post he's surely in the wrong?
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
Afternoon, Bart. Have you decided how you are voting?
Lending my vote to the Labour Party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
What's this "lending" business? You can't have it back, you know.
Hang on, we get it back after (at most) five years, don't we?
Although without interest and somewhat devalued given population inflation
No, that's a different one. This one you will never see again. If it's Labour it stays that way for all eternity. I just wanted to make sure Bart realized this*. I'm a Red through and through but we don't want to be getting votes under false pretences.
* Edit: I've seen his reply now and it appears he does.
Wait, so you are saying @HYUFD isn't getting his Plaid vote back.
Ooft. I've made my prediction now, and I'm sticking to it, but the last few polls have been awful for the Tories.
There have been eight polls since the YouGov crossover poll. Labour have been up in three, down in three, unchanged in two. The Tories have been down in six and unchanged in two.
Yes and big drops with some pollsters. They need some 'improving' polling or I think sub 20% is becoming likely. I think 25% looks realistically best expectation if the pollsters are getting turnout right
Focaldata are like Deltapoll - only recording falls in Tory support during the campaign. 26, 25, 24 and now 21.
At this stage it looks like only Theresa May stands between Rishi Sunak and the worst election campaign in history.
I think we need @Anabobazina's view on this banking hub policy announcement. Lab's one builds on one from the Cons earlier in the year. Are we really saying that "bankless towns" is an issue out there?
Yes especially for people who are 55+ and so not used to doing complex things online.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
You what? What age do you suppose a large chunk of the PB demographic is (clue: 55+). Are you really saying that such a vital part of PB's contributing force is unable to transfer money or, indeed, buy a Tesco's Meal Deal using the latest technology?
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
Some people like to interact with actual people rather than doing everything on computers/phones.
This is true. Eg I'll usually choose a manned checkout if the queue isn't too long. Little chinwag with the operative. It brightens their day.
Comments
With this platform, I would like to implore the Gods to please allow @CorrectHorseBattery back.
For the first thing, that would require there to be a significant number of Tory MPs after the election.
if the Tories and Reform remain fractured and trying to outdo each other on an extreme right wing agenda then Labour will easily win a second term.
Not on a second term, Labour will almost definitely easily win a second term either way, but on the implication of it being bad for the Tories for there to be a fracture between Tories and Reform.
Worst possible news is if that "fracture" is "healed" and the Tories and Reform merge. Best news is if Reform-leading extremists bugger off and leave the Tories and the Tories can focus on regaining the centre-ground and becoming a big tent once more.
Just as the Corbynites fracturing and heading to the Greens was good news for Labour.
But part of the PB stable, for sure
https://xkcd.com/936/
Mind you, I wouldn't want to make any assumptions about the normality of the Con MPs, although even if not a bell curve there are likely to be bell-ends.
Tory "Candidates" threatening all sorts after they are elected in July.
Flippin' hilarious.
Vast numbers of them will just be losers and will have no say in the leadership other than as an ordinary member of the party.
Only party pledging more housing and reform of our planning system. Though they're not remotely going far enough for me, they at least are grasping what the problem is.
Still don't like Labour economics and I expect the party will do many things I dislike, but so does what I still consider to be own party in the Tories so I'm not voting for them this year.
He was already still pro-Russia and pro-Putin and anti-West before then.
And Russia/Putin didn't only become a problem in 2022. Or with Salisbury either.
1. The Cons scrape in ahead of the LibDems as official opposition
2. They have a fight over who the new leader is
3. Split
4. End up third and fourth (or fourth and fifth?) largest parties in the Commons.
My hypothesis is that the anti-Labour vote is more efficient if you take the Tory party out of the equation.
The awkward bit is that many things will still be impossible because (for example) a big BACS transaction will require a secondary authorization that may not be possible in branch
When reform have 1000s of councilors I will accept your argument but until then reform won’t be replacing the Tory party anywhere
Perhaps 80+ and even then my 94-yr old mother has two banking apps on her phone and hasn't needed to go to a branch in years.
Gervase de Wilde, representing Mr Vine, said: “Mr Barton had many options for engaging in the abuse of Mr Vine but he chose the one toxic word to do so, which means paedophile.
The demographic of people going into branches to get things done are old people going in to perform transactions that as a bank you don’t want employees doing
BBC News - Who will be the first to return election result?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c100207p326o
tl;dr
Newcastle not expected to contesting quite so hard as financial and boundary changes not helpful to them.
Sunderland still in the game
but Ashington & Blyth a decent chance of declaring first, Northumbs having poached Sunderland's fast count guru, and only nobbled last time by a recount
Number crunchers, make sure Ashington is on your expected results lists.
My father-in-law (70) still refuses to use a bank card. There will be fewer refuseniks as time goes on, though. Even in rural Ireland.
Labour: 43% (+1)
Conservative: 21% (-3)
Reform UK: 16% (+1)
Liberal Democrats: 10% (+1)
Green: 5% (-)
Fieldwork conducted 14–17 June
2,604 respondents (GB)
They are so utterly fucked 42 polls since a like for like increase
https://x.com/focaldataHQ/status/1803059872390353022?s=19
Although without interest and somewhat devalued given population inflation
Four members of the UK's richest family are on trial in Switzerland amid allegations they spent more money caring for their dog than their servants. The Hinduja family, worth an estimated £37bn ($47bn), is accused of exploitation and human trafficking.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm55gzvv1dro
That decryption may fit several people, however.
In all seriousness I don't think it the most likely scenario, but I think it's possible.
I think it more likely that if the Tories are sub 100 seats that a leadership candidate advocating merger with Reform could emerge, off the threat of MPs jumping ship.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c722gne7qngo
I suspect the mistake you made their was buying IBM's shitty technology.
To be fair, I remember in 1997 pre-election analysis trying to work out if a post-election Conservative rump would be more or less Eurosceptic (remember that?)
It was broadly assumed Portillo would be a leadership contender as would Clarke and it seems possible they would be the two runners but with Portillo losing in Enfield Southgate, Hague, Howard, Redwood and Lilley all joined the fight which ended with the notorious Clarke-Redwood Pact and Hague emerging as the new young hope for the stern, unbending Tories.
I don't think we're anythere near establishing the runners and riders - so much depends, as I often say at my favourite steakhouse, on the size of the rump and how well cooked it is (that's an analogy which started well but declined quickly).
(I am re-assessing my mental models of economic vulnerability to trade/industrial/technological step changes.)
I would not be too complacent if I was Starmer though in an age where Trump and even Le Pen lead many polls, if the economy is poor midterm of a Labour government and immigration numbers remain high anything could happen at the next general election whoever the Conservative leader is. Reform have also showed themselves capable of picking up ex Labour working class Leave voters as much as Tory rightwingers
There have been eight polls since the YouGov crossover poll. Labour have been up in three, down in three, unchanged in two. The Tories have been down in six and unchanged in two.
Sir Keir Starmer has opened the door to tax rises for millions of Britons by defining a working person as someone who relies on public services and doesn’t have savings.
The Labour leader has repeatedly ruled out putting up taxes on what he calls “working people” who he says have borne the brunt of the cost of living crisis.
Asked what he meant by the term, he said it refers to “people who earn their living, rely on our services and don’t really have the ability to write a cheque when they get into trouble”.
His definition means millions of Britons including pensioners, savers, and those who use private services like healthcare may not be covered by his tax rise pledge.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/06/18/starmer-leaves-door-open-to-tax-rises-for-millions/
Everybody else: Tories are fucked.
Brilliant HYUFD, truly indefatigable.
There's a CGT increase about!
* Edit: I've seen his reply now and it appears he does.
The wheel turns - the problem your party has is IF it is neither Government nor official Opposition it will be in a place where it has never been and people will justifiably ask what is the point of the Conservative Party?
I find it hard to even contemplate this having been in politics for over 40 years but the possibility of a Liberal Democrat as LOTO is now credible. There was much talk of re-alignment in the heady days of the Alliance but it was always about the Alliance replacing Labour and challenging the Conservatives - no one saw the opposite scenario and yet it is feasible if still unlikely.
I suspect both Davey and Farage will make strong appeals to the remaining Conservatives both at Westminster and locally to come across. The Conservatives risk being emasculated from two sides.
Who will be left, Ben Houchen, Tim Oliver ?
2. 5% ahead, but in the previous Focaldata poll that 5% was 9%. The trend is not your friend.
To confuse those two demographics before an election is a very dangerous move. No matter your lead in the polls.
At this stage it looks like only Theresa May stands between Rishi Sunak and the worst election campaign in history.