The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Labour won't implode to the Right, not while Kemi Kaze is spouting neo Reform posture politics and a lot of the grandees and one Nation Tories are plotting a coup to oust her for Cleverly to hold that baton until Penny can find a seat.
Then the Tories return to the centre right.
Labour needs to explode to the left, kick out 15 or so hard core corbynites, restore a centre soft left non zionist fiscally strong environmentally green agenda to hoover up staging LD and Green support especially in Midlands and North where they again become the go to anti Tory Reform Party.
Three years is plenty of time to achieve that.
I don't think any of the 5 main Party Leaders, Starmer, Kemi, Davey, Farage, Polanski will be leaders by 2030.
The most likely is Polanski.
I think they will fall Kemi, Starmer, Farage Davey in that order, first 2 ousted, Farage his own choice and Davey ousted.
Thank the Lord, Milliband is currently an also ran and Burnham isn't an MP. Too late for Cooper, too early for Mahmood. Rayner is in Zahawi- legal jeopardy which leaves Streeting.
I'd roll the dice on Rayner. It could go all Liz Truss, but it could work. Streeting is most likely continuity Sunak-Starmer.
I still favour Streeting as we speak but Rayner is in with a chance with me. Maybe it's time to bring the curtain down (and this time for good) on the Blair New Labour project. If that sort of politics, even well delivered, can't now beat Farage then we might have to look at something different.
That is my feeling. Mandelson has soiled New Labour to the point of extinction. He's Johnsoned the brand.
Ratner would be a better comparison.
The problem with the Mandelson scandal is that it reveals an essential truth about the New Labour project which there was previously a polite refusal to confront.
So how does Labour detoxify it. Simply throwing Mandelson to the Wolves and making out it’s just him won’t work.
I was very specific. The long term toxicity is in the New Labour brand.
Of course in the medium term Mandelson trashes Labour but by jettisoning the entire project they have a chance of repatriating the lefty vote. A tall order but possible. Remember Mandelson's treachery was aimed as much at his own Labour Government in Office as discrediting the nation.
You were very specific, but what if you're wrong? What if it's the Labiur brand rather than the new Labour brand he's trashed? Ask 100 people in the street for thoughta about Mandelson, I bet it's no more than 10 who identify him specifically with 'new labour' rather than just 'labour'. I'm certainly not hearing anyone say 'that new labour lot, they're dodgy as fuck, but the rest of the party is mustard'.
Some of you have your blue scarves tied so tightly around your necks it is cutting off the blood supply to your heads.
I have been remarkably circumspect. Of course Labour could be finished forever, a narrative which you are rooting for. I am suggesting that if they have any hope of survival they tack to the left.
Why do you assume anyone who doesn't support the Labour Party is a partisan Tory? Is it because you can't imagine any other reason for not being left wing but tribalism? I find this particularly strange for someone who I believe vites Lib Dem.
I only voted Lib Dem to mitigate Tory votes. Much the same as voting Labour, which I do here in the Vale. I will be voting Plaid in May to ensure Reform don't win in Wales. My scarf is anything but blue.
Well that is just as daftly tribal as what you are accusing others of. Most of us vote for whomever we perceive to be the beat option for each election.
I'm not sure you're right, particularly in what look, ATM, to be the circumstances of the next election. Take my case. I'm Lab/LibDem, definitely not, and never have been, a Conservative supporter. I've voted at every election...... Council, County, National ..... since May 1959, and only once have I voted Conservative; when my father stood for the county council in the v. early 60's. But, as things stand, at the next General Election, in this area it could well be Priti Patel or Reform, with Labour LibDem and Green very much also rans. Given that situation I might well feel it my duty to vote for Patel to try to stop Reform.
Yes, I'm in a similar situation. I've never voted Conservative, but I may well do if that's what it takes to keep Reform out. But if the Tories track too far to the right, that becomes less likely.
Yes, Badenoch has to tread carefully (as does Davey for other reasons) as the next GE approaches. Both are playing equidistance of a sort at this time but that only gets you so far.
I was travelling out in asia recently. People out there cant believe how far the west has fallen. People were actually saying to me so your govt is run by pedophiles then. Unbelievable.
I agree with you, that does sound unbelievable.
Not really. In my gym steam room a guy mentioned the uk govt is run by pedophiles. Of the ten there not one dissented. Times truly are changing.
I was travelling out in asia recently. People out there cant believe how far the west has fallen. People were actually saying to me so your govt is run by pedophiles then. Unbelievable.
‘Paedophiles’ not ‘pedophiles’
Give the lad a break, English ain't his first language.
Starmer's main threat is now Rayner after he managed to block a Burnham return to Parliament before the next general election. Clearly on the Survation poll Rayner would now beat Starmer in a vote of Labour members.
So Starmer will be focused on ensuring she cannot get the 81 Labour MPs she requires to nominate her to challenge him for the leadership. Given most new Labour MPs elected in 2024 had to be Starmer loyalists to get past the NEC that should not be impossible. Starmer will then hope Streeting can be prepared longer term to be his heir apparent given Streeting is second favourite amongst Labour members on first preferences to be next Labour leader after Burnham and as Starmer still beats Streeting with members not a threat to him unlike Rayner
I'm not 1000% sure Starmer will be focussed, for long anyway, on staying 'in power'. I don't think he went into politics either expecting or really wanting to be PM.
Across much of the world, there is a growing sense of shock at just how fragile American institutions appear to be, exposed by their apparent inability to contain or meaningfully respond to the chaos eroding the country from within.
From paralyzed legislatures to courts dragged into partisan warfare, the systems once held up as models of stability now look hesitant, slow, and strangely powerless. What is most unsettling to outside observers is not the existence of conflict or polarization, since those exist everywhere, but the visible lack of institutional muscle to restore order, enforce norms, or even agree on basic facts.
The result is a nation that seems trapped in permanent dysfunction, where crises pile up, accountability dissolves, and the very structures meant to protect democracy appear unable to do much of anything at all.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
Yet it's the Russians who send convicts, the wounded and the mentally ill to fight on the frontlines along with North Koreans while "good solid men" like you are in your steam rooms.
Let's be fair - the Russians are the ones who are morally decadent, economically bankrupt and politically corrupt, wouldn't you say?
Starmer's main threat is now Rayner after he managed to block a Burnham return to Parliament before the next general election. Clearly on the Survation poll Rayner would now beat Starmer in a vote of Labour members.
So Starmer will be focused on ensuring she cannot get the 81 Labour MPs she requires to nominate her to challenge him for the leadership. Given most new Labour MPs elected in 2024 had to be Starmer loyalists to get past the NEC that should not be impossible. Starmer will then hope Streeting can be prepared longer term to be his heir apparent given Streeting is second favourite amongst Labour members on first preferences to be next Labour leader after Burnham and as Starmer still beats Streeting with members not a threat to him unlike Rayner
I think Burnham will be counting his blessings Starmer did block him as in 3 weeks time he'd have lost his Mayoral position by choice and the by election due to Mandelson.
Rsyner showed on Wednesday intervention that she has a degree of loyalty to Starmer, it was a tactical intervention to get the Government to placate back benches and also to set a marker for the future. I don't believe for a few reasons she can move until the summer.
Streeting may have to move sooner if links to Mandelson are in his deep archives, but I think he's smart enough to know he can't win now and by trying he'd blow his chances for ever and probably be consigning himself to back benches for a very long time and in a highly marginal seat.
Cooper, Ed M and the likes of Healy and D Alexander would be the most credible with the aim of winning a GE and then handing over.
There are a core of competent in situ Ministers in their 50s and early 60s.They are perfectly capable of steadying the ship out performing their Shadows as most do now and forming a base for some from the next generation and 2024 intake can emerge
One other name not mentioned and a bit tied by Starmer but highly competent, good communicator and slightly younger is Darren Jones. If he's next Chancellor and Labour win next GE he could be a very strong contender.
BREAKING: US national security officials are reportedly raising the alarm that European prosecutors are already collecting confessions from rich pedophiles that implicate Donald Trump, and now a dozen new countries beyond Israel and Russia have major blackmail on him.
So what is clear by now from the Epstein files - 1. Epstein was a zionist jewish supremacist 2. Many of his powerful and rich associates were too 3. He was a Mossad Israeli asset 4. Zionists pushed the death jab 5. Epstein and his friends believe that Goyim are inferior and to be exploited
what else do we know? 6. Zionists pushed the Iraq wars 7. Zionists were pushing the Ukraine war 8. Zionists are the ones pushing for Iran war
Zionism is a threat to world peace and as Dan Cohen said on my podcast fundamentally anti-semitic
Across much of the world, there is a growing sense of shock at just how fragile American institutions appear to be, exposed by their apparent inability to contain or meaningfully respond to the chaos eroding the country from within.
From paralyzed legislatures to courts dragged into partisan warfare, the systems once held up as models of stability now look hesitant, slow, and strangely powerless. What is most unsettling to outside observers is not the existence of conflict or polarization, since those exist everywhere, but the visible lack of institutional muscle to restore order, enforce norms, or even agree on basic facts.
The result is a nation that seems trapped in permanent dysfunction, where crises pile up, accountability dissolves, and the very structures meant to protect democracy appear unable to do much of anything at all.
When English is not your first language, cut and paste is indeed a good way to avoid spelling mistakes.
Congratulations, you're up to 20 and have almost made it to noon (here in the UK.)
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
The problem is, as much as there is always an element of "wise after the event" about these things, it was a clanger of a mistake.
The appointment is only one small part of this though. The saga of Mandelson's dealings with Epstein looks like it has enough fuel to run and run. I don't think it's hyperbole to suggest that this certainly has the potential to be the biggest scandal since Profumo, and indeed it may yet exceed it.
Spot on Roger
They have been attacking him since day 1 at 10am!
He CAN help himself though by immediately removing McSweeney, informed sources believe he was moving back to Election Planning Role anyway in March. Move that forwards it takes a lot of heat out of the situation.
He needs individual Ministers too the FRONT UP ALL NEXT WEEK a day at a time to REFUTE the utter lies of the Tories that the Government is not doing or delivering anything because of this. THEY ARE and the only ones doing nothing and fixating on it are TORIES and LD. To be fair to Farage on this he is moving on with POLICY!
Gentle tip: any post like this with random shouty capitals in it will be ignored.
The missing ingredient in all this 'I support Starmer, it's all tory lies' is the voters
Apparently this has cut through to 95% of the public which is astonishing and had this been a conservative PM then Starmer would have gone for the jugular, as he did
It doesnt matter how tribal, or how bad the spelling, or shouting in capitals, the public will deliver their verdict in the ballot box in the next few months especially here in Wales
Starmer has to go a) because he is not up to the job rather than b) he made a particularly unwise appointment. When the two combine there is no alternative but to fall on his sword. I would hope Starmer realises this and is engaged this weekend with smoothing out his managed transition from the role of Prime Minister.
Very well put.
Starmer needed to be replaced with or without Mandygate.
The events of the past week are just a Brucie Bonus in getting the process in motion.
Incidentally, some of my younger colleagues were using the term Brucie Bonus without being aware of its origins. I fulfil an educational role in the office.
Having read many of the Epstein files, it clarifies what many people have known for quite some time - there are individuals within our ‘elite’ class who are sick and twisted psychopaths. The conspiracy theories are grotesque realities.
There is a collapse of legitimacy occurring at breakneck speed. The walls are closing in on the ruling classes. They are using their media organs to spin lies as fast as they can think them up. But nobody believes the lies.
Consensus seems to be forming within the Cabinet and PLP. Starmer cannot continue. But it is too soon for an immediate leadership contest. Suspect the resolution of the crisis rests in aligning these two realities.
The Labour party thanks you for your patience and invites you to enjoy the crumbling ruins of the nation whilst they wet nurse some utterly worthless spanners to complete the bodge.
The alternative of promoting a series of worthless spanners to PM in the hope that they'll learn on the job has already been tried and gave us the crumbling ruins. So at least they're trying something different ?
URGENT: Breaking reports state that Chinese intelligence is working to expose alleged connections between Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein regarding the origins of COVID-19, claiming that China was unfairly blamed while Western families, politicians, and billionaires benefited.
Reports further allege that China is considering retaliatory actions against Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and Jeffrey Epstein.
I remember when that bloke George Osborne got booed at the Olymipics. Whatever happened to him?
He was bullied out of politics by a woman with a personality problem and is no longer around when we need a competent PM to deal with our serious problems. Which, is unfortunate.
Consensus seems to be forming within the Cabinet and PLP. Starmer cannot continue. But it is too soon for an immediate leadership contest. Suspect the resolution of the crisis rests in aligning these two realities.
The Labour party thanks you for your patience and invites you to enjoy the crumbling ruins of the nation whilst they wet nurse some utterly worthless spanners to complete the bodge.
The alternative of promoting a series of worthless spanners to PM in the hope that they'll learn on the job has already been tried and gave us the crumbling ruins. So at least they're trying something different ?
As one of the lab rats I'm documenting my objection to this new experiment
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
What's a "midwit"?
Does he mean midwich cuckoo?
The PB midwit cuckoo might be our first sign of Spring ? Perhaps Lawson presages better weather ahead.
I remember when that bloke George Osborne got booed at the Olymipics. Whatever happened to him?
He was bullied out of politics by a woman with a personality problem and is no longer around when we need a competent PM to deal with our serious problems. Which, is unfortunate.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
Our gym correspondent does remind us of a point made here regarding PMQs.
Starmer is angry because Mandelson lied and leaked.
People are angry because Mandelson was BFF with a certified American nonce.
Look at Starmer's answers at PMQs:-
... the victims of Epstein. All our thoughts are with them. Our thoughts are also with all those who lost jobs, savings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash. To learn that there was a Cabinet Minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any Member of this House.
I intend to disclose to the House—the national security and prejudice to international relations on one side; I want to make sure that the House sees the full documentation so it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence.
And:-
I am as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to. The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing on sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash are utterly shocking and appalling. He has betrayed our country. He has lied repeatedly; he is responsible for a litany of deceit, but this moment demands not just anger but action...
Kemi asked repeatedly about the sex angle. Even then, through six questions, Starmer ignored this because he is a lawyer, not a politician. He has no feel for the public mood. The Prime Minister condemns Mandelson because he defied the vetting process, and for betraying confidential information but with no regard to whom Mandelson was betraying his country.
Similarly Ed Davey spoke about a paedophile sex trafficker but the answer was about passing information.
And with Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts who spoke of Epstein's imprisonment for child sex offences, to be answered with Starmer's complaint that Mandelson lied during vetting.
I could go on. Basically the Prime Minister and some pundits are looking at the lies, the leaks of market sensitive information, the political betrayal and even the possible involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. They are right to do so, but are wrong to ignore the visceral disgust most people feel at what was done to these young women by Epstein and his circle, even if not by Mandelson himself, although the pants in Paris picture needs some explanation.
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
What's a "midwit"?
Does he mean midwich cuckoo?
The PB midwit cuckoo might be our first sign of Spring ? Perhaps Lawson presages better weather ahead.
You will hear horseshit and rumours of horseshit, but do not be alarmed for these things must come to pass. And the end is not yet.
Our gym correspondent does remind us of a point made here regarding PMQs.
Starmer is angry because Mandelson lied and leaked.
People are angry because Mandelson was BFF with a certified American nonce.
Look at Starmer's answers at PMQs:-
... the victims of Epstein. All our thoughts are with them. Our thoughts are also with all those who lost jobs, savings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash. To learn that there was a Cabinet Minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any Member of this House.
I intend to disclose to the House—the national security and prejudice to international relations on one side; I want to make sure that the House sees the full documentation so it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence.
And:-
I am as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to. The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing on sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash are utterly shocking and appalling. He has betrayed our country. He has lied repeatedly; he is responsible for a litany of deceit, but this moment demands not just anger but action...
Kemi asked repeatedly about the sex angle. Even then, through six questions, Starmer ignored this because he is a lawyer, not a politician. He has no feel for the public mood. The Prime Minister condemns Mandelson because he defied the vetting process, and for betraying confidential information but with no regard to whom Mandelson was betraying his country.
Similarly Ed Davey spoke about a paedophile sex trafficker but the answer was about passing information.
And with Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts who spoke of Epstein's imprisonment for child sex offences, to be answered with Starmer's complaint that Mandelson lied during vetting.
I could go on. Basically the Prime Minister and some pundits are looking at the lies, the leaks of market sensitive information, the political betrayal and even the possible involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. They are right to do so, but are wrong to ignore the visceral disgust most people feel at what was done to these young women by Epstein and his circle, even if not by Mandelson himself, although the pants in Paris picture needs some explanation.
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
What's a "midwit"?
Does he mean midwich cuckoo?
The PB midwit cuckoo might be our first sign of Spring ? Perhaps Lawson presages better weather ahead.
URGENT: Breaking reports state that Chinese intelligence is working to expose alleged connections between Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein regarding the origins of COVID-19, claiming that China was unfairly blamed while Western families, politicians, and billionaires benefited.
Reports further allege that China is considering retaliatory actions against Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and Jeffrey Epstein.
Britain in 2026 is no longer being governed — it’s being run like a pilot episode that should’ve been quietly cancelled after the focus group burst out laughing.
We’re now at the stage where the country is led by press conferences, U-turns, and policies that last about as long as a British summer. Starmer is still clinging on, but Westminster currently has the structural integrity of wet cardboard in a thunderstorm.
And the rumour that David Lammy could be next in line feels less like succession planning and more like Britain spinning the “Are We Absolutely Sure About This?” wheel and hoping it lands on competence by accident.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is watching the UK like it’s a reality show called “Empire: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For.” Once feared, once respected… now reduced to explaining our own decisions to ourselves like we’re trying to justify buying a £300 air fryer at 2am.
The government keeps telling us everything is under control, which is political code for “please stop asking questions while we Google what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Public services wobble, borders wobble, confidence wobbles… but don’t worry — there’ll be another glossy speech explaining why the wobbling is actually progress.
At this point, Britain isn’t leading the world. We’re providing it with comedy material.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — countries don’t suddenly collapse overnight. They decline slowly while everyone politely pretends things are fine because making a fuss feels terribly un-British.
But if people don’t start saying “enough” to political theatre replacing actual leadership, we won’t just be a laughing stock… we’ll be the cautionary tale other countries point to and say, “Let’s not do that.”
The British public built an empire, survived world wars, rationing, blackouts and Eurovision voting scandals. We are not supposed to be defeated by mediocre management and PowerPoint politics.
Sooner or later, someone needs to stand up and remind Westminster that they work for the country… not the other way round.
Because right now Britain doesn’t look strong.
It looks like it’s waiting politely for permission to be taken seriously again.
I remember when that bloke George Osborne got booed at the Olymipics. Whatever happened to him?
He was bullied out of politics by a woman with a personality problem and is no longer around when we need a competent PM to deal with our serious problems. Which, is unfortunate.
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
Consensus seems to be forming within the Cabinet and PLP. Starmer cannot continue. But it is too soon for an immediate leadership contest. Suspect the resolution of the crisis rests in aligning these two realities.
The Labour party thanks you for your patience and invites you to enjoy the crumbling ruins of the nation whilst they wet nurse some utterly worthless spanners to complete the bodge.
The alternative of promoting a series of worthless spanners to PM in the hope that they'll learn on the job has already been tried and gave us the crumbling ruins. So at least they're trying something different ?
As one of the lab rats I'm documenting my objection to this new experiment
I'm with you there. But they did at least seek consent (if not informed) at the last election. So we must trundle on exercise wheel for a while longer.
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
You don't get far in politics by being "perfect" even if such a thing exists. You don't get far in politics without making enemies. There are always ifs, buts and maybes about any candidate in any leadership election.
The other iron law is nothing unites like success - when parties are doing well, in-fighting and factionalism gets buried.
Consensus seems to be forming within the Cabinet and PLP. Starmer cannot continue. But it is too soon for an immediate leadership contest. Suspect the resolution of the crisis rests in aligning these two realities.
The Labour party thanks you for your patience and invites you to enjoy the crumbling ruins of the nation whilst they wet nurse some utterly worthless spanners to complete the bodge.
The alternative of promoting a series of worthless spanners to PM in the hope that they'll learn on the job has already been tried and gave us the crumbling ruins. So at least they're trying something different ?
Inertia is not an option and needn't be.
A lot of new policy and planned policy coming close to implementing has occurred in the past few months.
Lots more to come.
Totally refuting Kemis lie the Government is going nothing, it's doing tons. Why else would we have 3 Inane tory urgent questions each day about new Labour policy
If I was running Labour Comms I'd have 5 or 6 ongoing and completing and starting projects as focus each day
Competent Ministers competent communicators of which there are plenty on the news wires each day setting the agenda.
Let the media focus on mandygate, answer each question with a stock answer
We're here to talk about Xxxx... If you haven't a question about Xxxx I'll move on... Right OK next... If you haven't a question about Xxxx (topic of the day) I'll move on... Have you, nope, next
Stick to it rigidly, they will tire before we do
Get it on the nres
Let Kemi drone on and on and on about mandygate, let her keep telling lies, the public aren't stupid they'll see through her
Give Met and Comms committee a few weeks to issue findings but FILL THAT bloody VACCUM
It's most interesting to me to give him credit, which doesn't come easy, that Farage is not wholly wasting his time on mandygate.... A wise move I think
I was travelling out in asia recently. People out there cant believe how far the west has fallen. People were actually saying to me so your govt is run by pedophiles then. Unbelievable.
I agree with you, that does sound unbelievable.
Not really. In my gym steam room a guy mentioned the uk govt is run by pedophiles. Of the ten there not one dissented. Times truly are changing.
Britain in 2026 is no longer being governed — it’s being run like a pilot episode that should’ve been quietly cancelled after the focus group burst out laughing.
We’re now at the stage where the country is led by press conferences, U-turns, and policies that last about as long as a British summer. Starmer is still clinging on, but Westminster currently has the structural integrity of wet cardboard in a thunderstorm.
And the rumour that David Lammy could be next in line feels less like succession planning and more like Britain spinning the “Are We Absolutely Sure About This?” wheel and hoping it lands on competence by accident.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is watching the UK like it’s a reality show called “Empire: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For.” Once feared, once respected… now reduced to explaining our own decisions to ourselves like we’re trying to justify buying a £300 air fryer at 2am.
The government keeps telling us everything is under control, which is political code for “please stop asking questions while we Google what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Public services wobble, borders wobble, confidence wobbles… but don’t worry — there’ll be another glossy speech explaining why the wobbling is actually progress.
At this point, Britain isn’t leading the world. We’re providing it with comedy material.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — countries don’t suddenly collapse overnight. They decline slowly while everyone politely pretends things are fine because making a fuss feels terribly un-British.
But if people don’t start saying “enough” to political theatre replacing actual leadership, we won’t just be a laughing stock… we’ll be the cautionary tale other countries point to and say, “Let’s not do that.”
The British public built an empire, survived world wars, rationing, blackouts and Eurovision voting scandals. We are not supposed to be defeated by mediocre management and PowerPoint politics.
Sooner or later, someone needs to stand up and remind Westminster that they work for the country… not the other way round.
Because right now Britain doesn’t look strong.
It looks like it’s waiting politely for permission to be taken seriously again.
I remember when that bloke George Osborne got booed at the Olymipics. Whatever happened to him?
He was bullied out of politics by a woman with a personality problem and is no longer around when we need a competent PM to deal with our serious problems. Which, is unfortunate.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
Yet it's the Russians who send convicts, the wounded and the mentally ill to fight on the frontlines along with North Koreans while "good solid men" like you are in your steam rooms.
Since the 2024 legislation 10,000 Ukrainian convicts got out of jail by joining the army in 'шквал' battalions. Lit. Squall Battalion, here's a rifle, go and get killed kind of deal.
Consensus seems to be forming within the Cabinet and PLP. Starmer cannot continue. But it is too soon for an immediate leadership contest. Suspect the resolution of the crisis rests in aligning these two realities.
The Labour party thanks you for your patience and invites you to enjoy the crumbling ruins of the nation whilst they wet nurse some utterly worthless spanners to complete the bodge.
The alternative of promoting a series of worthless spanners to PM in the hope that they'll learn on the job has already been tried and gave us the crumbling ruins. So at least they're trying something different ?
As one of the lab rats I'm documenting my objection to this new experiment
I'm with you there. But they did at least seek consent (if not informed) at the last election. So we must trundle on exercise wheel for a while longer.
Woe is this rat. Nobody knows the troubles ive seen!
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
I remember when that bloke George Osborne got booed at the Olymipics. Whatever happened to him?
He was bullied out of politics by a woman with a personality problem and is no longer around when we need a competent PM to deal with our serious problems. Which, is unfortunate.
Just looked at Facebook and discovered that we've a Reform candidate in our forthcoming Council by-election. So so far that's Independent, who doesn't live in the ward, and will sit with the Greens, Labour, who seems a very pleasant lady and lives in the ward, and now Reform, who looks to be about 20 and 'lives in the Council area'. Which he has to do anyway, IIRC. As yet no announcement about a Conservative; the party used to hold the seat until the Independent who has just resigned defeated them.
Britain in 2026 is no longer being governed — it’s being run like a pilot episode that should’ve been quietly cancelled after the focus group burst out laughing.
We’re now at the stage where the country is led by press conferences, U-turns, and policies that last about as long as a British summer. Starmer is still clinging on, but Westminster currently has the structural integrity of wet cardboard in a thunderstorm.
And the rumour that David Lammy could be next in line feels less like succession planning and more like Britain spinning the “Are We Absolutely Sure About This?” wheel and hoping it lands on competence by accident.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is watching the UK like it’s a reality show called “Empire: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For.” Once feared, once respected… now reduced to explaining our own decisions to ourselves like we’re trying to justify buying a £300 air fryer at 2am.
The government keeps telling us everything is under control, which is political code for “please stop asking questions while we Google what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Public services wobble, borders wobble, confidence wobbles… but don’t worry — there’ll be another glossy speech explaining why the wobbling is actually progress.
At this point, Britain isn’t leading the world. We’re providing it with comedy material.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — countries don’t suddenly collapse overnight. They decline slowly while everyone politely pretends things are fine because making a fuss feels terribly un-British.
But if people don’t start saying “enough” to political theatre replacing actual leadership, we won’t just be a laughing stock… we’ll be the cautionary tale other countries point to and say, “Let’s not do that.”
The British public built an empire, survived world wars, rationing, blackouts and Eurovision voting scandals. We are not supposed to be defeated by mediocre management and PowerPoint politics.
Sooner or later, someone needs to stand up and remind Westminster that they work for the country… not the other way round.
Because right now Britain doesn’t look strong.
It looks like it’s waiting politely for permission to be taken seriously again.
People like him are why ill never quit pb forever. Ive been here 20 years, im damned if im sharing the status of 'former poster' with a Saturday morning wonder
The occasional Russian troll does make you appreciate how corrupted many other more mainstream platforms must be where they are targeted more and are happy not to bother banning.
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
Oh good grief, what is it with certain lefties that are so conspiratorial and obsessed the media is out to get them?
Yes the media is negative against Starmer and you do not like that.
However the media was negative against Sunak, and Truss, and Boris, and May, and Cameron.
When the media is attacking Starmer its an outrage, but when the media is making lettuce comparisons you love it.
The media is negative against whoever is in power. It goes with the territory. Suck it up, buttercup.
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
The implosion of the Labour right will accelerate the realignment of two-party politics around the contest between Reform and the Tories. Maybe Labour can survive as a minor party and aim to play kingmaker.
Is it Saturday already? What's the weather like in St Petersburg this morning?
Your paranoia strikes again.
You've fucked this one, mate. But surely there's still time to regenerate and come back as someone new today?
I could come back as you and spout midwit nonsense all day.
"midwit"
Middlebrow was funny when first used. Midwit is in that vein, but lacks the construction.
"Medium talent!" of course was a famous putdown across the pond, on one memorable occasion.
Starmer's main threat is now Rayner after he managed to block a Burnham return to Parliament before the next general election. Clearly on the Survation poll Rayner would now beat Starmer in a vote of Labour members.
So Starmer will be focused on ensuring she cannot get the 81 Labour MPs she requires to nominate her to challenge him for the leadership. Given most new Labour MPs elected in 2024 had to be Starmer loyalists to get past the NEC that should not be impossible. Starmer will then hope Streeting can be prepared longer term to be his heir apparent given Streeting is second favourite amongst Labour members on first preferences to be next Labour leader after Burnham and as Starmer still beats Streeting with members not a threat to him unlike Rayner
I think Burnham will be counting his blessings Starmer did block him as in 3 weeks time he'd have lost his Mayoral position by choice and the by election due to Mandelson.
Rsyner showed on Wednesday intervention that she has a degree of loyalty to Starmer, it was a tactical intervention to get the Government to placate back benches and also to set a marker for the future. I don't believe for a few reasons she can move until the summer.
Streeting may have to move sooner if links to Mandelson are in his deep archives, but I think he's smart enough to know he can't win now and by trying he'd blow his chances for ever and probably be consigning himself to back benches for a very long time and in a highly marginal seat.
Cooper, Ed M and the likes of Healy and D Alexander would be the most credible with the aim of winning a GE and then handing over.
There are a core of competent in situ Ministers in their 50s and early 60s.They are perfectly capable of steadying the ship out performing their Shadows as most do now and forming a base for some from the next generation and 2024 intake can emerge
One other name not mentioned and a bit tied by Starmer but highly competent, good communicator and slightly younger is Darren Jones. If he's next Chancellor and Labour win next GE he could be a very strong contender.
Burnham was never that close to Mandelson and I expect would have held Gorton due to his Greater Manchester popularity.
Starmer had to block him in his view to remove his main rival, he now has to ensure Rayner can't get the 81 MPs nominations she needs.
The other names would likely only come into the frame if Starmer resigned so are less of a threat than Rayner who would be likeliest to challenge Starmer directly and win a members vote
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
The occasional Russian troll does make you appreciate how corrupted many other more mainstream platforms must be where they are targeted more and are happy not to bother banning.
Not to mention I don't think they're sending us their best.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
Yet it's the Russians who send convicts, the wounded and the mentally ill to fight on the frontlines along with North Koreans while "good solid men" like you are in your steam rooms.
Since the 2024 legislation 10,000 Ukrainian convicts got out of jail by joining the army in 'шквал' battalions. Lit. Squall Battalion, here's a rifle, go and get killed kind of deal.
I imagine the use of convicts as conscripts has happened throughout history.
I thought the "bargain" was - here's a rifle, if you get killed, bad luck but if you survive, you are released. I imagine not that many ever fell into the latter category.
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
John Healey could be a unifying figure with gravitas as the Defence Secretary but would likely need a coronation if Starmer went after May
I've suggested Healey in the past but the man has just turned 65 (young cardinals, old popes?) and the MoD has blotted Healey's copy book with Ajax.
For Labour moderates short term the best bet is Healey but longer term if they can keep Starmer going to near the next general election they would be looking for Streeting to come in afresh as the real 'heir to Blair'. Starmer was always really the 'heir to Brown' hence Brown sticking up for Sir Keir this morning while trashing Mandelson.
Rayner of course is now the closest thing Labour still have to an 'heir to Corbyn' and Ed Miliband is still vaguely in the frame, so doesn't need an heir. Burnham has been heir to Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn and Starmer depending on what suits him
Britain in 2026 is no longer being governed — it’s being run like a pilot episode that should’ve been quietly cancelled after the focus group burst out laughing.
We’re now at the stage where the country is led by press conferences, U-turns, and policies that last about as long as a British summer. Starmer is still clinging on, but Westminster currently has the structural integrity of wet cardboard in a thunderstorm.
And the rumour that David Lammy could be next in line feels less like succession planning and more like Britain spinning the “Are We Absolutely Sure About This?” wheel and hoping it lands on competence by accident.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is watching the UK like it’s a reality show called “Empire: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For.” Once feared, once respected… now reduced to explaining our own decisions to ourselves like we’re trying to justify buying a £300 air fryer at 2am.
The government keeps telling us everything is under control, which is political code for “please stop asking questions while we Google what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Public services wobble, borders wobble, confidence wobbles… but don’t worry — there’ll be another glossy speech explaining why the wobbling is actually progress.
At this point, Britain isn’t leading the world. We’re providing it with comedy material.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — countries don’t suddenly collapse overnight. They decline slowly while everyone politely pretends things are fine because making a fuss feels terribly un-British.
But if people don’t start saying “enough” to political theatre replacing actual leadership, we won’t just be a laughing stock… we’ll be the cautionary tale other countries point to and say, “Let’s not do that.”
The British public built an empire, survived world wars, rationing, blackouts and Eurovision voting scandals. We are not supposed to be defeated by mediocre management and PowerPoint politics.
Sooner or later, someone needs to stand up and remind Westminster that they work for the country… not the other way round.
Because right now Britain doesn’t look strong.
It looks like it’s waiting politely for permission to be taken seriously again.
Our gym correspondent does remind us of a point made here regarding PMQs.
Starmer is angry because Mandelson lied and leaked.
People are angry because Mandelson was BFF with a certified American nonce.
Look at Starmer's answers at PMQs:-
... the victims of Epstein. All our thoughts are with them. Our thoughts are also with all those who lost jobs, savings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash. To learn that there was a Cabinet Minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any Member of this House.
I intend to disclose to the House—the national security and prejudice to international relations on one side; I want to make sure that the House sees the full documentation so it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence.
And:-
I am as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to. The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing on sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash are utterly shocking and appalling. He has betrayed our country. He has lied repeatedly; he is responsible for a litany of deceit, but this moment demands not just anger but action...
Kemi asked repeatedly about the sex angle. Even then, through six questions, Starmer ignored this because he is a lawyer, not a politician. He has no feel for the public mood. The Prime Minister condemns Mandelson because he defied the vetting process, and for betraying confidential information but with no regard to whom Mandelson was betraying his country.
Similarly Ed Davey spoke about a paedophile sex trafficker but the answer was about passing information.
And with Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts who spoke of Epstein's imprisonment for child sex offences, to be answered with Starmer's complaint that Mandelson lied during vetting.
I could go on. Basically the Prime Minister and some pundits are looking at the lies, the leaks of market sensitive information, the political betrayal and even the possible involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. They are right to do so, but are wrong to ignore the visceral disgust most people feel at what was done to these young women by Epstein and his circle, even if not by Mandelson himself, although the pants in Paris picture needs some explanation.
The ptb care about money and the control of information.
While the rest of us are sickened by the casual abuse of vulnerable women. And I mean sickened. The photo of Mandelson and a girl in a dressing gown!
Starmer is fucking up and I hate to see it. It’s painful to watch. How do we end up being managed by people with so little imagination and empathy?
We need innovative thinkers, emotionally intelligent leadership.
At the risk of being seen to defend Sir Keir, this Mandelson thing is being a bit overblown isn't it? Yes, he appointed a friend of a paedophile to a prominent position, but he didn't appoint A PAEDOPHILE, the friend's job was nothing to do with access to young children, and Epstein was long dead anyway... Politics is a dirty game and Starmer played it by sending someone he knew was a bit crooked to deal with someone he thinks of as a bit crooked. If he'd sent the equivalent of Lisa Nandy and she had been chewed up and spat out by Trump and his team, we would be saying the PM had been naive, hence so many commentators saying Mandy was an inspired choice to deal with a unique case
Sienna Rodgers @siennamarla NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon — Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal — There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP — Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up — other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband — surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
John Healey could be a unifying figure with gravitas as the Defence Secretary but would likely need a coronation if Starmer went after May
I've suggested Healey in the past but the man has just turned 65 (young cardinals, old popes?) and the MoD has blotted Healey's copy book with Ajax.
For Labour moderates short term the best bet is Healey but longer term if they can keep Starmer going to near the next general election they would be looking for Streeting to come in afresh as the real 'heir to Blair'. Starmer was always really the 'heir to Brown' hence Brown sticking up for Sir Keir this morning while trashing Mandelson.
Rayner of course is now the closest thing Labour still have to an 'heir to Corbyn' and Ed Miliband is still vaguely in the frame, so doesn't need an heir. Burnham has been heir to Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn and Starmer depending on what suits him
They can’t really go with Rayner and keep a straight face.
Labour: “We are replacing the Prime Minister as he has had to step down for making an error of judgement that we think is a resigning matter.”
The UK: “ Who is replacing him?”
Labour: “ Someone who had to step down for making an error of judgement that we thought was a resigning matter.”
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
Oh good grief, what is it with certain lefties that are so conspiratorial and obsessed the media is out to get them?
Yes the media is negative against Starmer and you do not like that.
However the media was negative against Sunak, and Truss, and Boris, and May, and Cameron.
When the media is attacking Starmer its an outrage, but when the media is making lettuce comparisons you love it.
The media is negative against whoever is in power. It goes with the territory. Suck it up, buttercup.
lol - glossing over the entire tory press ejacualting over the whole 'finally a conservative budget' with Truss aren't we.
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
The problem is, as much as there is always an element of "wise after the event" about these things, it was a clanger of a mistake.
The appointment is only one small part of this though. The saga of Mandelson's dealings with Epstein looks like it has enough fuel to run and run. I don't think it's hyperbole to suggest that this certainly has the potential to be the biggest scandal since Profumo, and indeed it may yet exceed it.
Spot on Roger
They have been attacking him since day 1 at 10am!
He CAN help himself though by immediately removing McSweeney, informed sources believe he was moving back to Election Planning Role anyway in March. Move that forwards it takes a lot of heat out of the situation.
He needs individual Ministers too the FRONT UP ALL NEXT WEEK a day at a time to REFUTE the utter lies of the Tories that the Government is not doing or delivering anything because of this. THEY ARE and the only ones doing nothing and fixating on it are TORIES and LD. To be fair to Farage on this he is moving on with POLICY!
Gentle tip: any post like this with random shouty capitals in it will be ignored.
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
Oh good grief, what is it with certain lefties that are so conspiratorial and obsessed the media is out to get them?
Yes the media is negative against Starmer and you do not like that.
However the media was negative against Sunak, and Truss, and Boris, and May, and Cameron.
When the media is attacking Starmer its an outrage, but when the media is making lettuce comparisons you love it.
The media is negative against whoever is in power. It goes with the territory. Suck it up, buttercup.
lol - glossing over the entire tory press ejacualting over the whole 'finally a conservative budget' with Truss aren't we.
While the anti-Tory press hammered her.
Swings and roundabouts.
Whoever is in power always has people gunning after them. Especially the papers backed by their ideological opponents.
You can't legitimately complain about the Sun, Telegraph, Mail and Express going after Starmer if you were happy to see the Mirror, Guardian, Independent and Star going after Truss et al.
100s of thousands of ukrainians dead and people still dont want peace. Meantime in the west the leaders are too busy entertaining themselves on islands.
Peace is easily available.
Just set the Ukraine/Republic of China border, and all good.
The press largely antagonistic towards Starmer are minute by minute digging up stuff on Mandelson and putting it in the 'Starmer must' go column.
It is absurd and if they're not careful they'll face a backlash. The Telegraph and the Mail have completely lost the plot and the BBC are not far behind. Starmer is not Mandelson and he is certainly not Epstein though some are even blurring that
Starmer made one mistake and one only. And even that is not as obvious as the 'wise after the eventers' are making it
Oh good grief, what is it with certain lefties that are so conspiratorial and obsessed the media is out to get them?
Yes the media is negative against Starmer and you do not like that.
However the media was negative against Sunak, and Truss, and Boris, and May, and Cameron.
When the media is attacking Starmer its an outrage, but when the media is making lettuce comparisons you love it.
The media is negative against whoever is in power. It goes with the territory. Suck it up, buttercup.
lol - glossing over the entire tory press ejacualting over the whole 'finally a conservative budget' with Truss aren't we.
While the anti-Tory press hammered her.
Swings and roundabouts.
Whoever is in power always has people gunning after them. Especially the papers backed by their ideological opponents.
You can't legitimately complain about the Sun, Telegraph, Mail and Express going after Starmer if you were happy to see the Mirror, Guardian, Independent and Star going after Truss et al.
You can, though, when it's the same journalists who praised Mandelson's appointment as "brilliant".
Comments
https://x.com/i/status/2020091531919782213
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Then the Tories return to the centre right.
Labour needs to explode to the left, kick out 15 or so hard core corbynites, restore a centre soft left non zionist fiscally strong environmentally green agenda to hoover up staging LD and Green support especially in Midlands and North where they again become the go to anti Tory Reform Party.
Three years is plenty of time to achieve that.
I don't think any of the 5 main Party Leaders, Starmer, Kemi, Davey, Farage, Polanski will be leaders by 2030.
The most likely is Polanski.
I think they will fall Kemi, Starmer, Farage Davey in that order, first 2 ousted, Farage his own choice and Davey ousted.
It has to be Hartlepool, doesn't it.
According to a well respected source, it has been underestimated.
The main concert will now be in Durham Cathedral thanks to money from Sting...
From paralyzed legislatures to courts dragged into partisan warfare, the systems once held up as models of stability now look hesitant, slow, and strangely powerless. What is most unsettling to outside observers is not the existence of conflict or polarization, since those exist everywhere, but the visible lack of institutional muscle to restore order, enforce norms, or even agree on basic facts.
The result is a nation that seems trapped in permanent dysfunction, where crises pile up, accountability dissolves, and the very structures meant to protect democracy appear unable to do much of anything at all.
https://x.com/Microinteracti1/status/2019815236996682139?s=20
Let's be fair - the Russians are the ones who are morally decadent, economically bankrupt and politically corrupt, wouldn't you say?
Rsyner showed on Wednesday intervention that she has a degree of loyalty to Starmer, it was a tactical intervention to get the Government to placate back benches and also to set a marker for the future. I don't believe for a few reasons she can move until the summer.
Streeting may have to move sooner if links to Mandelson are in his deep archives, but I think he's smart enough to know he can't win now and by trying he'd blow his chances for ever and probably be consigning himself to back benches for a very long time and in a highly marginal seat.
Cooper, Ed M and the likes of Healy and D Alexander would be the most credible with the aim of winning a GE and then handing over.
There are a core of competent in situ Ministers in their 50s and early 60s.They are perfectly capable of steadying the ship out performing their Shadows as most do now and forming a base for some from the next generation and 2024 intake can emerge
One other name not mentioned and a bit tied by Starmer but highly competent, good communicator and slightly younger is Darren Jones. If he's next Chancellor and Labour win next GE he could be a very strong contender.
https://x.com/HalfwayPost/status/2019625738656166325?s=20
1. Epstein was a zionist jewish supremacist
2. Many of his powerful and rich associates were too
3. He was a Mossad Israeli asset
4. Zionists pushed the death jab
5. Epstein and his friends believe that Goyim are inferior and to be exploited
what else do we know?
6. Zionists pushed the Iraq wars
7. Zionists were pushing the Ukraine war
8. Zionists are the ones pushing for Iran war
Zionism is a threat to world peace and as Dan Cohen said on my podcast fundamentally anti-semitic
https://x.com/DocAhmadMalik/status/2019648627409289678?s=20
Congratulations, you're up to 20 and have almost made it to noon (here in the UK.)
Starmer needed to be replaced with or without Mandygate.
The events of the past week are just a Brucie Bonus in getting the process in motion.
Incidentally, some of my younger colleagues were using the term Brucie Bonus without being aware of its origins. I fulfil an educational role in the office.
Having read many of the Epstein files, it clarifies what many people have known for quite some time - there are individuals within our ‘elite’ class who are sick and twisted psychopaths. The conspiracy theories are grotesque realities.
https://x.com/JamesMelville/status/2019589154963877912?s=20
https://x.com/DanMKervick/status/2019587109997441168?s=20
So at least they're trying something different ?
Reports further allege that China is considering retaliatory actions against Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and Jeffrey Epstein.
https://x.com/A_M_R_M1/status/2019509843527365108?s=20
Perhaps Lawson presages better weather ahead.
Starmer is angry because Mandelson lied and leaked.
People are angry because Mandelson was BFF with a certified American nonce.
Look at Starmer's answers at PMQs:-
... the victims of Epstein. All our thoughts are with them. Our thoughts are also with all those who lost jobs, savings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash. To learn that there was a Cabinet Minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any Member of this House.
Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party. He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near Government.
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026-02-04/debates/C63E8C34-DFCA-499D-8E13-515C58BEA3DA/Engagements#contribution-9B7696A1-55E8-4B0A-8035-C2C244076F47
Then:-
I intend to disclose to the House—the national security and prejudice to international relations on one side; I want to make sure that the House sees the full documentation so it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence.
And:-
I am as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to. The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing on sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash are utterly shocking and appalling. He has betrayed our country. He has lied repeatedly; he is responsible for a litany of deceit, but this moment demands not just anger but action...
Kemi asked repeatedly about the sex angle. Even then, through six questions, Starmer ignored this because he is a lawyer, not a politician. He has no feel for the public mood. The Prime Minister condemns Mandelson because he defied the vetting process, and for betraying confidential information but with no regard to whom Mandelson was betraying his country.
Similarly Ed Davey spoke about a paedophile sex trafficker but the answer was about passing information.
And with Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts who spoke of Epstein's imprisonment for child sex offences, to be answered with Starmer's complaint that Mandelson lied during vetting.
I could go on. Basically the Prime Minister and some pundits are looking at the lies, the leaks of market sensitive information, the political betrayal and even the possible involvement of foreign intelligence agencies. They are right to do so, but are wrong to ignore the visceral disgust most people feel at what was done to these young women by Epstein and his circle, even if not by Mandelson himself, although the pants in Paris picture needs some explanation.
If so, time for TSE to get out of bed.
We’re now at the stage where the country is led by press conferences, U-turns, and policies that last about as long as a British summer. Starmer is still clinging on, but Westminster currently has the structural integrity of wet cardboard in a thunderstorm.
And the rumour that David Lammy could be next in line feels less like succession planning and more like Britain spinning the “Are We Absolutely Sure About This?” wheel and hoping it lands on competence by accident.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world is watching the UK like it’s a reality show called “Empire: The Reunion Tour Nobody Asked For.” Once feared, once respected… now reduced to explaining our own decisions to ourselves like we’re trying to justify buying a £300 air fryer at 2am.
The government keeps telling us everything is under control, which is political code for “please stop asking questions while we Google what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Public services wobble, borders wobble, confidence wobbles… but don’t worry — there’ll be another glossy speech explaining why the wobbling is actually progress.
At this point, Britain isn’t leading the world. We’re providing it with comedy material.
And here’s the uncomfortable truth — countries don’t suddenly collapse overnight. They decline slowly while everyone politely pretends things are fine because making a fuss feels terribly un-British.
But if people don’t start saying “enough” to political theatre replacing actual leadership, we won’t just be a laughing stock… we’ll be the cautionary tale other countries point to and say, “Let’s not do that.”
The British public built an empire, survived world wars, rationing, blackouts and Eurovision voting scandals. We are not supposed to be defeated by mediocre management and PowerPoint politics.
Sooner or later, someone needs to stand up and remind Westminster that they work for the country… not the other way round.
Because right now Britain doesn’t look strong.
It looks like it’s waiting politely for permission to be taken seriously again.
https://x.com/models_by_Russ/status/2019346143801397260?s=20
Sienna Rodgers
@siennamarla
NEW: Where potential successors stand at the end of a torrid week for PM
— Burnham supporters given up on him getting a seat under this leadership despite another GM one rumoured to become vacant soon
— Some still on the Wes train & insist he understands deep rethink required – but others say Streeting too damaged by Mandelson scandal
— There’s ‘Al-mentum’ behind Carns – but total lack of experience. He “would be a more right-wing PM than Thatcher” reckons one MP
— Rayner still in lead but frozen by HMRC & some supporters worry about her “credibility” even after it wraps up
— other options floated by soft left include Lucy Powell, Ed Miliband
— surprise idea: John Healey as a “unifying figure” post-May
https://x.com/siennamarla/status/2020073578582958519
Or given us some recipes.
But you'll only have to wait another day or two.
But they did at least seek consent (if not informed) at the last election. So we must trundle on exercise wheel for a while longer.
I think Mahmood would be more than capable, but too many of the membership would have palpitations.
The other iron law is nothing unites like success - when parties are doing well, in-fighting and factionalism gets buried.
The corollary is also true.
A lot of new policy and planned policy coming close to implementing has occurred in the past few months.
Lots more to come.
Totally refuting Kemis lie the Government is going nothing, it's doing tons. Why else would we have 3 Inane tory urgent questions each day about new Labour policy
If I was running Labour Comms I'd have 5 or 6 ongoing and completing and starting projects as focus each day
Competent Ministers competent communicators of which there are plenty on the news wires each day setting the agenda.
Let the media focus on mandygate, answer each question with a stock answer
We're here to talk about Xxxx... If you haven't a question about Xxxx I'll move on... Right OK next... If you haven't a question about Xxxx (topic of the day) I'll move on... Have you, nope, next
Stick to it rigidly, they will tire before we do
Get it on the nres
Let Kemi drone on and on and on about mandygate, let her keep telling lies, the public aren't stupid they'll see through her
Give Met and Comms committee a few weeks to issue findings but FILL THAT bloody VACCUM
It's most interesting to me to give him credit, which doesn't come easy, that Farage is not wholly wasting his time on mandygate.... A wise move I think
As yet no announcement about a Conservative; the party used to hold the seat until the Independent who has just resigned defeated them.
Yes the media is negative against Starmer and you do not like that.
However the media was negative against Sunak, and Truss, and Boris, and May, and Cameron.
When the media is attacking Starmer its an outrage, but when the media is making lettuce comparisons you love it.
The media is negative against whoever is in power. It goes with the territory. Suck it up, buttercup.
"Medium talent!" of course was a famous putdown across the pond, on one memorable occasion.
Starmer had to block him in his view to remove his main rival, he now has to ensure Rayner can't get the 81 MPs nominations she needs.
The other names would likely only come into the frame if Starmer resigned so are less of a threat than Rayner who would be likeliest to challenge Starmer directly and win a members vote
I thought the "bargain" was - here's a rifle, if you get killed, bad luck but if you survive, you are released. I imagine not that many ever fell into the latter category.
Rayner of course is now the closest thing Labour still have to an 'heir to Corbyn' and Ed Miliband is still vaguely in the frame, so doesn't need an heir. Burnham has been heir to Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn and Starmer depending on what suits him
The ptb care about money and the control of information.
While the rest of us are sickened by the casual abuse of vulnerable women. And I mean sickened. The photo of Mandelson and a girl in a dressing gown!
Starmer is fucking up and I hate to see it. It’s painful to watch. How do we end up being managed by people with so little imagination and empathy?
We need innovative thinkers, emotionally intelligent leadership.
Which of the alternatives would work?
https://x.com/hippyygoat/status/2020055926636491015?s=46&t=fJymV-V84rexmlQMLXHHJQ
Labour: “We are replacing the Prime Minister as he has had to step down for making an error of judgement that we think is a resigning matter.”
The UK: “ Who is replacing him?”
Labour: “ Someone who had to step down for making an error of judgement that we thought was a resigning matter.”
This is by far one of the largest missile and drone barrages since the onset of the full scale invasion.
I will release all the details when they come to light, we're into the 10th hour of non-stop explosions countrywide.
https://x.com/frontlinekit/status/2020029404160921898
Swings and roundabouts.
Whoever is in power always has people gunning after them. Especially the papers backed by their ideological opponents.
You can't legitimately complain about the Sun, Telegraph, Mail and Express going after Starmer if you were happy to see the Mirror, Guardian, Independent and Star going after Truss et al.
Just set the Ukraine/Republic of China border, and all good.
But the kind of fantasy number that appeals to Trump, and which he regularly comes out with.
President Zelenskyy says there's a rumored $12T US–Russia pact.
He says the draft “Dmitriev package,” cited by Ukrainian intelligence, may implicate Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
https://x.com/United24media/status/2020072122618445827
The idea that Trump wants to sell out Ukraine is solidly credible.