I see Resident Doctors have decided they want to become even more unpopular and have voted to strike again .
They almost didn't meet the turnout threshold this time so they might not get any more chances. I wonder if the unions will put pressure on Labour to get rid of the minimum turnout threshold for strikes in the coming year.
I thought that was already planned and part of a bill to be voted on soon?
I have to admit I think turnout threshold is a perfectly reasonable requirement.
Would you apply it to local elections? We’d save on councillor expenses as we’d have a lot fewer councillors. Not a single Police and Crime Commissioner would’ve been elected in 2024. Sarah Pochin wouldn’t be an MP.
First, I wouldn't have PCCs, and no i wouldn't, I don't see how seeking support for a specific industrial action and public apathy about who will be a political representative are really comparable.
I'd have a more proportional voting system.
One where the proportion of crooks in parliament was brought down to being proportional to the number of crooks in the wider population would be a start?
Don't 19% of the UK population have a criminal record? Parliament's rate seems lower than that.
In less disgraceful governance matters.. I’ve just booked my holiday!
Train to Paris on 17 April, whence I’ll get another train to Vannes. Hotel for a night in Vannes, then a return flight from Bordeaux (can’t get a sensible flight back from Biarritz) on 11 May
That should give me plenty of time to walk the circa 400 miles from Vannes to Biarritz. Everything else will be booked on the day
I love an adventure!
Holiday adventures have been central to our family for decades
Talking of which we have decided to have a two day rail trip
We are going from Colwyn Bay to Edinburgh next month and staying in the Premier Inn on Princess Street opposite the gardens where we got engaged 63 years ago then the next day, Edinburgh to Kings Cross via LNER and then home from Euston in the afternoon via WCML
We love train travel and look forward to watching the countryside slide by, especially as it doesn't affect my mobility
Fun fact Edinburgh to Kings Cross and back to Colwyn Bay takes 7.5 hours whereas Colwyn Bay to Cardiff and back is over 8 hours
Pleased to join this travellers group. In the last 18 months I managed
1. Plzen 2. Sicily 3. Ljubljana, Vienna and Amsterdam 4. Marrakesh
Lord Mandelson interview with @katyballs , who spoke to him both before and after the release of thousands of new Epstein emails
* On resigning from Labour. 'The decision wasn’t easy but I feel better for it as I need to reset. I am a New Labour person and always will be wherever the current party situates itself. But I think I want a sea change. I want to be more an outsider looking in than the other way round. I want to contribute ideas that enable Britain to strengthen and to work for all, in every part of the country'
He’s deluded if he thinks he can play that kind of role now.
There's more on the tweet.
On giving evidence to Congress: 'There is nothing I can tell Congress about Epstein they don’t already know. I had no exposure to the criminal aspects of his life'
He still thinks he can spin this as an ill-advised association with a sex offender, but that’s actually the least of it from his perspective.
Lord Mandelson interview with @katyballs , who spoke to him both before and after the release of thousands of new Epstein emails
* On resigning from Labour. 'The decision wasn’t easy but I feel better for it as I need to reset. I am a New Labour person and always will be wherever the current party situates itself. But I think I want a sea change. I want to be more an outsider looking in than the other way round. I want to contribute ideas that enable Britain to strengthen and to work for all, in every part of the country'
@JakeSherman Rep. JIM MCGOVERN, top Dem on House Rules Committee, in his opening remarks in today's hearing:
"I will be voting no on this funding package. I refuse to send another cent to Stephen Miller or Kristi Noem. They are undermining our Constitution and the department they run is murdering American citizens in the streets."
Labour MP: “Consistent failures by Morgan McSweeney have damaged our media operation and left the public unaware of much of what we’ve achieved in government.
“The Mandelson saga has only made things worse, and if Keir doesn’t make changes soon, the PLP will.
“We’ve had enough.”
Not applying enough polish to the turd.
It's possible that Labour are successfully delivering things - now I don't believe they are but if the excuse you are hearing is poor media communications you may want to give them a chance to fix that before sacking the manager.
Personally Starmer and Reeves arrived without a plan and that's utterly unacceptable...
Attacking McSweeney is just a way of attacking Starmer whilst endeavouring to appear loyal. These Labour MPs should grow some balls.
Maybe, or it is a way of resolving cognitive dissonance and staying loyal to the dear leader, like all those old Soviets convinced that Uncle Joe would see them right if only he knew how bad things were.
Either if those things may be true.
But it also seems true that McSweeney is a pretty toxic individual who contributes little that is positive to government.
So the applications from Lincoln, York, Edinburgh, Winchester, Arundel, Windsor, Stratford-upon-Avon, St Ives, Portmeirion, even Glasgow, just got lost in the post? That pesky Royal Mail.
There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that Blanche hid the letters from Lincoln, York, etc., in order to give Swindon a chance. 😄
In less disgraceful governance matters.. I’ve just booked my holiday!
Train to Paris on 17 April, whence I’ll get another train to Vannes. Hotel for a night in Vannes, then a return flight from Bordeaux (can’t get a sensible flight back from Biarritz) on 11 May
That should give me plenty of time to walk the circa 400 miles from Vannes to Biarritz. Everything else will be booked on the day
I love an adventure!
How many miles a day do you usually walk, roughly speaking?
If Swindon Town wins.. The place is utterly devoid of culture. Imagine winning a trip to the UK City of Culture and ending up in Swindon Town centre. There's a railway museum and an edge of town shit shopping village. The centre of town is mostly closed down
You could visit the Oasis centre in West Swindon, which apparently gave Oasis their name. It's shit
I thought that was the idea, though. This would be to revitalise. Like Liverpool under Thaatcher. I mean we’ve done Hull, haven’t we?
Lord Mandelson interview with @katyballs , who spoke to him both before and after the release of thousands of new Epstein emails
* On resigning from Labour. 'The decision wasn’t easy but I feel better for it as I need to reset. I am a New Labour person and always will be wherever the current party situates itself. But I think I want a sea change. I want to be more an outsider looking in than the other way round. I want to contribute ideas that enable Britain to strengthen and to work for all, in every part of the country'
Getting even more Margin Call memes than usual. “There are three ways to make a living in this business: be first, be smarter, or email Peter Mandelson”
I see Resident Doctors have decided they want to become even more unpopular and have voted to strike again .
They almost didn't meet the turnout threshold this time so they might not get any more chances. I wonder if the unions will put pressure on Labour to get rid of the minimum turnout threshold for strikes in the coming year.
I thought that was already planned and part of a bill to be voted on soon?
I have to admit I think turnout threshold is a perfectly reasonable requirement.
Would you apply it to local elections? We’d save on councillor expenses as we’d have a lot fewer councillors. Not a single Police and Crime Commissioner would’ve been elected in 2024. Sarah Pochin wouldn’t be an MP.
First, I wouldn't have PCCs, and no i wouldn't, I don't see how seeking support for a specific industrial action and public apathy about who will be a political representative are really comparable.
I'd have a more proportional voting system.
The choice of your MP seems more impactful than a specific industrial action, so why require a certain turnout for the less important one?
It's more general. A strike is something that you are basically doing a mini referendum on, to personally participate in, it is also immediate and specific, picking an MP is not anything like that even though it comes with power.
I get that both are important, but the comparison just doesn't seem valid to me.
In less disgraceful governance matters.. I’ve just booked my holiday!
Train to Paris on 17 April, whence I’ll get another train to Vannes. Hotel for a night in Vannes, then a return flight from Bordeaux (can’t get a sensible flight back from Biarritz) on 11 May
That should give me plenty of time to walk the circa 400 miles from Vannes to Biarritz. Everything else will be booked on the day
I love an adventure!
How many miles a day do you usually walk, roughly speaking?
At work ten to twelve, on holiday about twenty five, on days off about five
It's bad but I think it's too historical to be the biggest scandal. Mandelson is really yesterday's man. Starmer should have left him there - poor judgement to make him ambassador to Washington - but as far as we know the current government isn't implicated in anything that Mandelson has done.
My project will be complete when the Labour Party learns to love Peter Mandelson
T. Blair, 1996
For all his faults Mandelson was an asset for Labour behind the scenes, he helped resurrect the party under Kinnock, was a key architect of Blair and New Labour's 3 general election wins and helped Brown get more competent and a hung parliament in 2010 and advised Starmer pre the Labour win in 2024.
Corbyn and Ed Miliband rejected him and both ended up with Labour having fewer MPs when they resigned as leader than when they started as leader.
In terms of good governance though he should have been kept at a distance in terms of real government power
Jeffrey Donaldson's arrest on charges including rape and sexual assault -- trial set for May, we'll have to see where this one goes
Nathan Gill and Russian bribery -- was he the only one?
The Renewable Heat Incentive scandal in Northern Ireland -- somewhat overlooked by London-based journalism, but hugely impactful in Northern Ireland
Iris Robinson scandal -- so much in NI!
The expenses scandal -- arguably this was the biggest and has a long-lasting effect on the public's view of politicians
The death of David Kelly and the "sexed up" dossier
Alex Salmond and then Nicola Sturgeon arrested
Depends on how big this one turns out to be.
There's a minimal version (but still big) where it's limited to a too-clever-by-half gossiply old schemer, gossiping with state information because it makes him feel important but with huge consequences for the nation. At that end of the spectrum, the real question is why nobody seems to have picked up any of this for over fifteen years. Isn't it what we have spooks for? (That nobody seems to have properly checked his record at all, and just relied on a character reference from Peter Mandelson is both absurd and horribly plausible as how the nation runs and always has run.)
There's another version where Starmer was explicitly told, in short words, why Mandelson was unappointable. If that turns out to be true, it's curtains for him. I suspect that he wasn't, though.
There's a third version where Mandy isn't the only powerful Briton, Labour isn't the only party and politics isn't the only sector to be compromised by this scandal. In which case, good luck, everybody.
My project will be complete when the Labour Party learns to love Peter Mandelson
T. Blair, 1996
For all his faults Mandelson was an asset for Labour behind the scenes, he helped resurrect the party under Kinnock, was a key architect of Blair and New Labour's 3 general election wins and helped Brown get more competent and a hung parliament in 2010 and advised Starmer pre the Labour win in 2024.
Corbyn and Ed Miliband rejected him and both ended up with Labour having fewer MPs when they resigned as leader than when they started as leader.
In terms of good governance though he should have been kept at a distance in terms of real government power
Perhaps he will have to finally confront his ego and realise why Blair and Brown made it as political figures (for better and worse) and he did not, despite being given multiple chances to contribute. That despite his obvious intellect and ability he was not on a level with them or other top players after all. He's a footnote - an important one, but a footnote all the same.
Turns out he was just a dupe chasing after riches.
The NVIDIA-OpenAI deal has zero impact on our financial relationship with OpenAI. We remain highly confident in OpenAI’s ability to raise funds and meet its commitments.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
My project will be complete when the Labour Party learns to love Peter Mandelson
T. Blair, 1996
For all his faults Mandelson was an asset for Labour behind the scenes, he helped resurrect the party under Kinnock, was a key architect of Blair and New Labour's 3 general election wins and helped Brown get more competent and a hung parliament in 2010 and advised Starmer pre the Labour win in 2024.
Corbyn and Ed Miliband rejected him and both ended up with Labour having fewer MPs when they resigned as leader than when they started as leader.
In terms of good governance though he should have been kept at a distance in terms of real government power
Mandelson has always had a fatal attraction for people with lots of money and, shall we say politely, inadequate moral compasses. Geoffrey Robinson. Paul Allen. Simon of Highbury. The Hindujas. Oleg Deripaska. Lord Sainsbury.
Epstein is admittedly the worst of the lot, but let's not pretend he's some aberration (which I realise you're not, and would support your point).
The Daily Mail were, for once, right when they headlined his elevation to the peerage and return to the cabinet with 'Arise, Lord Sleaze.'
The people of Foy must be seriously pissed off with him.
Just imagine if Boris had personally picked the best bud of a paedo billionaire to be US Ambassador.. what would Sir Keir have said?
Do you honestly think Nigel Farage is a suitable ambassador?
Edit - incidentally one thing I haven't seen from these papers at least so far is any explanation of where Epstein's money first came from. Later, probably blackmail, but it seems unlikely to have started that way, and his financial performance in his job was less than stellar.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
If Swindon Town wins.. The place is utterly devoid of culture. Imagine winning a trip to the UK City of Culture and ending up in Swindon Town centre. There's a railway museum and an edge of town shit shopping village. The centre of town is mostly closed down
You could visit the Oasis centre in West Swindon, which apparently gave Oasis their name. It's shit
Isn't it the setting for The Office?
That's culture.
That's Slough I think you'll find, which does at least have the old Horlicks factory.
Yes, it was set in the old ICI building where I once worked.
Lord Mandelson interview with @katyballs , who spoke to him both before and after the release of thousands of new Epstein emails
* On resigning from Labour. 'The decision wasn’t easy but I feel better for it as I need to reset. I am a New Labour person and always will be wherever the current party situates itself. But I think I want a sea change. I want to be more an outsider looking in than the other way round. I want to contribute ideas that enable Britain to strengthen and to work for all, in every part of the country'
I expect you'll be becoming a podcast host, sir. That's what most of the gentlemen does, sir, that gets sent down for indecent behaviour.
“We class podcasts, you see, into four grades: Leading Podcast, First-rate Podcast, Good Podcast, and TikTok Influencer. Frankly," said Mr Levy, "TikTok Influencer is pretty bad...”
My project will be complete when the Labour Party learns to love Peter Mandelson
T. Blair, 1996
For all his faults Mandelson was an asset for Labour behind the scenes, he helped resurrect the party under Kinnock, was a key architect of Blair and New Labour's 3 general election wins and helped Brown get more competent and a hung parliament in 2010 and advised Starmer pre the Labour win in 2024.
Corbyn and Ed Miliband rejected him and both ended up with Labour having fewer MPs when they resigned as leader than when they started as leader.
In terms of good governance though he should have been kept at a distance in terms of real government power
Mandelson has always had a fatal attraction for people with lots of money and, shall we say politely, inadequate moral compasses. Geoffrey Robinson. Paul Allen. Simon of Highbury. The Hindujas. Oleg Deripaska. Lord Sainsbury.
Epstein is admittedly the worst of the lot, but let's not pretend he's some aberration (which I realise you're not, and would support your point).
The Daily Mail were, for once, right when they headlined his elevation to the peerage and return to the cabinet with 'Arise, Lord Sleaze.'
The people of Foy must be seriously pissed off with him.
Though one advantage of being in the Lords if you are a peer is even if the people of where they are a Lord of despise them they get no say in removing them, unlike MPs who if their constituents despise them will be thrown out at the next general election
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
Epstein survivor: We've only seen half of the 3 million documents. They're saying that the reason that they didn't release the other half was to protect survivors. Yet I've found all of my identifying information out there. It's not just my name, it's my birthday, my address. They really failed all of the survivors on this. https://x.com/factpostnews/status/2018403959140941854
Andrew looks happier than he has been for ages driving around in his landrover today, no doubt his thankyou letter to Mandy is on the way for taking the spotlight from him
Just imagine if Boris had personally picked the best bud of a paedo billionaire to be US Ambassador.. what would Sir Keir have said?
Do you honestly think Nigel Farage is a suitable ambassador?
Edit - incidentally one thing I haven't seen from these papers at least so far is any explanation of where Epstein's money first came from. Later, probably blackmail, but it seems unlikely to have started that way, and his financial performance in his job was less than stellar.
When he first went into finance, mathematics for pricing was in its infancy. Epstein was moderately good at maths. Probably, at first, he used his brains. But as the maths component rose, he was outclassed. So he probably turned to his skills as a manipulator and wheeler dealer.
In the end he seems to have turned to managing money - offering poor returns for heavy fees.
Another day of great political drama and while it's tempting to suggest Mandelson, who has made more comebacks than Sinatra and Lazarus combined, may yet return to prominence, it's very hard to see how.
The shadow of Epstein looms large and spreads far it would seem.
It speaks volumes to the nature of power and influence - it's less to do with ideology, democracy or accountability than many would think and probably hasn't changed much in four or five centuries. Indeed, those with genuine power and influence, you might argue, treat ideology with disdain. Whether the limit of it is money or something less tangible I don't know but there's the sneaking suspicion those we choose at the ballot box aren't the real "movers and shakers" and control of our lives, for all we might wish it otherwise, sits elsewhere.
I'd go further and suggest these networks of power are incredibly resistant to and adaptable to changes in Governments - for example, those hoping Reform will somehow "change things" may be in for a disappointment.
The events of the immediate post-election period in May 2010 have centred on the deal to create the coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats but it now seems much else was going on in that period of "transition" between administrations and an object lesson for such a scenario should it occur in 2029.
Epstein survivor: We've only seen half of the 3 million documents. They're saying that the reason that they didn't release the other half was to protect survivors. Yet I've found all of my identifying information out there. It's not just my name, it's my birthday, my address. They really failed all of the survivors on this. https://x.com/factpostnews/status/2018403959140941854
Narrator's voice: The reason that the other half of the documents wasn't released was not to protect the survivors.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
'@narendramodi Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
Jenrick: "Mandelson has clearly broken the law [he] stands now accused of serious misconduct in public office and should be tried for his offences"
At no point am I defending Epstein, but I am old enough to remember when Robert Jenrick used privileged information to save Dirty Desmond £50m in taxation to poor as a church mouse Tower Hamlets Council.
I meant Mandelson but being as they appear interchangeable I won't apologise for my Freudian slip.
Bobajob Jenrick as upstanding moral arbiter is a strange one even for these times.
'@narendramodi Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Apparently the aforementioned groundhog (known as Punxsutawney Phil) has decreed six weeks more of winter in his part of North America and to be honest in the 18th Century that was about the best weather forecast available.
In the 21st Century there is finally some warmth coming to the east of North America at the end of the week after a long cold period.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Apparently the aforementioned groundhog (known as Punxsutawney Phil) has decreed six weeks more of winter in his part of North America and to be honest in the 18th Century that was about the best weather forecast available.
In the 21st Century there is finally some warmth coming to the east of North America at the end of the week after a long cold period.
There is much talk in weather nerd circles of polar vortex and mid-Feb, so don't get too calm yet.
Labour MP: “Consistent failures by Morgan McSweeney have damaged our media operation and left the public unaware of much of what we’ve achieved in government.
“The Mandelson saga has only made things worse, and if Keir doesn’t make changes soon, the PLP will.
“We’ve had enough.”
Not applying enough polish to the turd.
It's possible that Labour are successfully delivering things - now I don't believe they are but if the excuse you are hearing is poor media communications you may want to give them a chance to fix that before sacking the manager.
Personally Starmer and Reeves arrived without a plan and that's utterly unacceptable...
Attacking McSweeney is just a way of attacking Starmer whilst endeavouring to appear loyal. These Labour MPs should grow some balls.
Maybe, or it is a way of resolving cognitive dissonance and staying loyal to the dear leader, like all those old Soviets convinced that Uncle Joe would see them right if only he knew how bad things were.
Which is, in turn, an ancient way of expressing dissatisfaction with the way the country is run without attacking The King.
“If only the Noble King knew what the Evil Vizier did in his name!”
The smarter kings would reduce headcount among their senior ministers when such complaints got too much. See Henry VIII and Cromwell.
There are two opposite possibilities. One is they believe in the leader so the blame must lie with the courtiers; the other is they fear but have no faith in the leader, so attack blameless courtiers.
Is it fair to say that it was personal ambition that got Mandelson?
He ended up wanting to move with the "international rich" (as Alan Clark used to term them) and thought that he was more important than his former peers.
Labour MP: “Consistent failures by Morgan McSweeney have damaged our media operation and left the public unaware of much of what we’ve achieved in government.
“The Mandelson saga has only made things worse, and if Keir doesn’t make changes soon, the PLP will.
“We’ve had enough.”
Not applying enough polish to the turd.
It's possible that Labour are successfully delivering things - now I don't believe they are but if the excuse you are hearing is poor media communications you may want to give them a chance to fix that before sacking the manager.
Personally Starmer and Reeves arrived without a plan and that's utterly unacceptable...
Attacking McSweeney is just a way of attacking Starmer whilst endeavouring to appear loyal. These Labour MPs should grow some balls.
Maybe, or it is a way of resolving cognitive dissonance and staying loyal to the dear leader, like all those old Soviets convinced that Uncle Joe would see them right if only he knew how bad things were.
Which is, in turn, an ancient way of expressing dissatisfaction with the way the country is run without attacking The King.
“If only the Noble King knew what the Evil Vizier did in his name!”
The smarter kings would reduce headcount among their senior ministers when such complaints got too much. See Henry VIII and Cromwell.
There are two opposite possibilities. One is they believe in the leader so the blame must lie with the courtiers; the other is they fear but have no faith in the leader, so attack blameless courtiers.
It's also about stability - over throw the King and you have full scale civil war. Get the King to reduce headcount on his First Minister, and it's a bit like an election - things change, but the system remains.
This is an interpretation of a poll which is already ancient history. The fieldwork for the poll was over a seven week period from 11th November to the 5th January - the YouGov poll (which showed very different and much less favourable numbers for Reform and the Conservatives and much better numbers for Plaid) had fieldwork from 5th to 12th January.
The poll also EXCLUDES Don't Knows which isn't standard methodology.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
People have estimated the time based on the events in the film, and it's lots...
'@narendramodi Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
This is an interpretation of a poll which is already ancient history. The fieldwork for the poll was over a seven week period from 11th November to the 5th January - the YouGov poll (which showed very different and much less favourable numbers for Reform and the Conservatives and much better numbers for Plaid) had fieldwork from 5th to 12th January.
The poll also EXCLUDES Don't Knows which isn't standard methodology.
Yes but Yougov also has ReformUK much lower than other pollsters UK wide as well.
The MIC poll was also all taken post the Plaid Caerphilly by election win
Is it fair to say that it was personal ambition that got Mandelson?
He ended up wanting to move with the "international rich" (as Alan Clark used to term them) and thought that he was more important than his former peers.
Pride goes before ...
... a lifetime of grift.
He is 72 years old, and is unashamedly filthy rich.
If he never works another day in his life, he is not exactly going to the poorhouse.
Not many of his ex constituents will be as secure as he is.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
I can’t remember - do we know how long he is stuck for.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Apparently the aforementioned groundhog (known as Punxsutawney Phil) has decreed six weeks more of winter in his part of North America and to be honest in the 18th Century that was about the best weather forecast available.
In the 21st Century there is finally some warmth coming to the east of North America at the end of the week after a long cold period.
There is much talk in weather nerd circles of polar vortex and mid-Feb, so don't get too calm yet.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Apparently the aforementioned groundhog (known as Punxsutawney Phil) has decreed six weeks more of winter in his part of North America and to be honest in the 18th Century that was about the best weather forecast available.
In the 21st Century there is finally some warmth coming to the east of North America at the end of the week after a long cold period.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
People have estimated the time based on the events in the film, and it's lots...
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
I can’t remember - do we know how long he is stuck for.
It is the source of much internet discussion, but there is no definitive answer.
Hiowever, nobody -I think- has suggested 10,000 years. 10,000 days perhaps, but not years.
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
People have estimated the time based on the events in the film, and it's lots...
Meanwhile, today is Groundhog Day in the United States, as made into a film starring Bill Murray.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Phil: Do you ever have déjà vu, Mrs. Lancaster? Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
In the original script, Bill Murray was stuck in the time loop for 10,000 years.
I can’t remember - do we know how long he is stuck for.
No, but you can infer a wild guesstimate from how long it takes to become proficient at things (such as playing the piano), and various things he says.
In less disgraceful governance matters.. I’ve just booked my holiday!
Train to Paris on 17 April, whence I’ll get another train to Vannes. Hotel for a night in Vannes, then a return flight from Bordeaux (can’t get a sensible flight back from Biarritz) on 11 May
That should give me plenty of time to walk the circa 400 miles from Vannes to Biarritz. Everything else will be booked on the day
I love an adventure!
How many miles a day do you usually walk, roughly speaking?
Is it fair to say that it was personal ambition that got Mandelson?
He ended up wanting to move with the "international rich" (as Alan Clark used to term them) and thought that he was more important than his former peers.
Pride goes before ...
... a lifetime of grift.
He is 72 years old, and is unashamedly filthy rich.
If he never works another day in his life, he is not exactly going to the poorhouse.
Not many of his ex constituents will be as secure as he is.
If he ends up.in clink, it won't matter how rich he is.
We've touched on the ongoing dramas in Australian politics and it seems the Liberal and National Parties remain split after the meeting between Liberal leader Sussan Ley and National leader David Littleproud on Tuesday morning (local).
The Liberals sit on the Opposition benches while the Nationals are now on the Crossbench with the other Independents.
The poll rise of Pauline Hanson's One Nation is another big factor - the latest Roy Morgan has them at 25% with the Liberals on 18%.
South Australia has a State election on March 21st and the question will be whether One Nation can emerge as the opposition to Labor. One to watch.
Comments
In the last 18 months I managed
1. Plzen
2. Sicily
3. Ljubljana, Vienna and Amsterdam
4. Marrakesh
All from Edinburgh
He still thinks he can spin this as an ill-advised association with a sex offender, but that’s actually the least of it from his perspective.
Rep. JIM MCGOVERN, top Dem on House Rules Committee, in his opening remarks in today's hearing:
"I will be voting no on this funding package. I refuse to send another cent to Stephen Miller or Kristi Noem. They are undermining our Constitution and the department they run is murdering American citizens in the streets."
This is presumably a euphemism for gold paint.
https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-kennedy-center-closing-2-years-complete-rebuilding/story?id=129764468
But it also seems true that McSweeney is a pretty toxic individual who contributes little that is positive to government.
Jeffrey Donaldson's arrest on charges including rape and sexual assault -- trial set for May, we'll have to see where this one goes
Nathan Gill and Russian bribery -- was he the only one?
The Renewable Heat Incentive scandal in Northern Ireland -- somewhat overlooked by London-based journalism, but hugely impactful in Northern Ireland
Iris Robinson scandal -- so much in NI!
The expenses scandal -- arguably this was the biggest and has a long-lasting effect on the public's view of politicians
The death of David Kelly and the "sexed up" dossier
Alex Salmond and then Nicola Sturgeon arrested
T. Blair, 1996
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20dgxyx41ko
Suppliers should be reminded that the host city doesn't guarantee the debts. The whole bang shoot is subbed out to a £100 start-up so-called charity.
I get that both are important, but the comparison just doesn't seem valid to me.
@DPJHodges
·
1h
Does anyone seriously think a Cabinet Office investigation is sufficient to get to the bottom of the Epstein scandal.
https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/2018417593837654219
Christ.
Corbyn and Ed Miliband rejected him and both ended up with Labour having fewer MPs when they resigned as leader than when they started as leader.
In terms of good governance though he should have been kept at a distance in terms of real government power
There's a minimal version (but still big) where it's limited to a too-clever-by-half gossiply old schemer, gossiping with state information because it makes him feel important but with huge consequences for the nation. At that end of the spectrum, the real question is why nobody seems to have picked up any of this for over fifteen years. Isn't it what we have spooks for? (That nobody seems to have properly checked his record at all, and just relied on a character reference from Peter Mandelson is both absurd and horribly plausible as how the nation runs and always has run.)
There's another version where Starmer was explicitly told, in short words, why Mandelson was unappointable. If that turns out to be true, it's curtains for him. I suspect that he wasn't, though.
There's a third version where Mandy isn't the only powerful Briton, Labour isn't the only party and politics isn't the only sector to be compromised by this scandal. In which case, good luck, everybody.
Aren't we due a moderator vacation soon?
All other considerations aside, most of the actually relevant stuff is in and about America.
And its President, who is now openly engaged in vote rigging (not that he was exactly subtle about it before).
Turns out he was just a dupe chasing after riches.
A memo just went out to employees at two of Musk's companies: SpaceX has acquired xAI.
https://x.com/oracle/status/2018368835363942668
The NVIDIA-OpenAI deal has zero impact on our financial relationship with OpenAI. We remain highly confident in OpenAI’s ability to raise funds and meet its commitments.
He clearly had some really strong visceral need to obtain the approval of Jeffrey Epstein.
The tale of an ambitous cynic who gets stuck in a time loop which causes him to believe that his actions have no consequences, the Mandelson scandal is likely to be the top story on tonight's news.
Epstein is admittedly the worst of the lot, but let's not pretend he's some aberration (which I realise you're not, and would support your point).
The Daily Mail were, for once, right when they headlined his elevation to the peerage and return to the cabinet with 'Arise, Lord Sleaze.'
The people of Foy must be seriously pissed off with him.
Edit - incidentally one thing I haven't seen from these papers at least so far is any explanation of where Epstein's money first came from. Later, probably blackmail, but it seems unlikely to have started that way, and his financial performance in his job was less than stellar.
For train connections I refer you to Network Rail
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEARinTUQEg
He said 'amount of people'.
Mrs. Lancaster: I don't think so, but I could check with the kitchen.
It's Groundhog's Day, which means I once again must honor the greatest lede in the history of journalism. RIP Charlotte.
https://x.com/AlbaneseLaura/status/2018356498653437956?s=20
https://x.com/factpostnews/status/2018403959140941854
https://x.com/Nigel_Farage/status/2018412398684574187?s=20
In the end he seems to have turned to managing money - offering poor returns for heavy fees.
Another day of great political drama and while it's tempting to suggest Mandelson, who has made more comebacks than Sinatra and Lazarus combined, may yet return to prominence, it's very hard to see how.
The shadow of Epstein looms large and spreads far it would seem.
It speaks volumes to the nature of power and influence - it's less to do with ideology, democracy or accountability than many would think and probably hasn't changed much in four or five centuries. Indeed, those with genuine power and influence, you might argue, treat ideology with disdain. Whether the limit of it is money or something less tangible I don't know but there's the sneaking suspicion those we choose at the ballot box aren't the real "movers and shakers" and control of our lives, for all we might wish it otherwise, sits elsewhere.
I'd go further and suggest these networks of power are incredibly resistant to and adaptable to changes in Governments - for example, those hoping Reform will somehow "change things" may be in for a disappointment.
The events of the immediate post-election period in May 2010 have centred on the deal to create the coalition between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats but it now seems much else was going on in that period of "transition" between administrations and an object lesson for such a scenario should it occur in 2029.
➡️Ref 30% (+29)
🏴Plaid 25% (+4)
🔴Lab 17% (-19)
🔵Con 14% (-11)
🟢Grn 7% (+3)
🟠Lib 7% (+3)
-- Seats --
➡️Ref 37 (+37)
🏴Plaid 27 (+5)
🔴Lab 16 (-28)
🔵Con 13 (-17)
🟠Lib 2 (+2)
🟢Grn 1 (+1)
https://x.com/LeftieStats/status/2018373531307069884?s=20
Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.
When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace.
I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights.'
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2018377090840830101?s=20
In the 21st Century there is finally some warmth coming to the east of North America at the end of the week after a long cold period.
REF: 39%
GRE: 34%
LAB: 21%'
https://x.com/GBPolitcs/status/2018420644971491416?s=20
He ended up wanting to move with the "international rich" (as Alan Clark used to term them) and thought that he was more important than his former peers.
Pride goes before ...
This is an interpretation of a poll which is already ancient history. The fieldwork for the poll was over a seven week period from 11th November to the 5th January - the YouGov poll (which showed very different and much less favourable numbers for Reform and the Conservatives and much better numbers for Plaid) had fieldwork from 5th to 12th January.
The poll also EXCLUDES Don't Knows which isn't standard methodology.
The MIC poll was also all taken post the Plaid Caerphilly by election win
He is 72 years old, and is unashamedly filthy rich.
If he never works another day in his life, he is not exactly going to the poorhouse.
Not many of his ex constituents will be as secure as he is.
'Just marry me '
Aliens (completely bewildered) so the groundhog
Me: is clairvoyant, yes
https://x.com/ItsMattsLaw/status/1753420541946462476?s=20
They decided 10,000 years was too dark.
Hiowever, nobody -I think- has suggested 10,000 years. 10,000 days perhaps, but not years.
The Liberals sit on the Opposition benches while the Nationals are now on the Crossbench with the other Independents.
The poll rise of Pauline Hanson's One Nation is another big factor - the latest Roy Morgan has them at 25% with the Liberals on 18%.
South Australia has a State election on March 21st and the question will be whether One Nation can emerge as the opposition to Labor. One to watch.