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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Local By-Election Preview: April 24th 2014

Blackwood on Caerphilly (Labour Defence)
Result of last election to council (2012): Labour 50, Plaid Cymru 20, Independents 3 (Labour majority of 27)
Result of last election in ward (2012): Emboldened denotes elected
Labour 1,116, 966, 946 (51%)
Independents 833, 719 (26%)
Plaid Cymru 352, 253, 235 (14%)
Conservatives 182, 148, 144 (8%)
Candidates duly nominated:

Read the full story here

Morris_Dancer

Thanks, Mr. Hayfield.

Had a quick check for the Question Time guest list, but I think it's not on this week.

anotherDave

Labour PEB

http://youtu.be/41_zFHcG1R0

TGOHF

Horn castle looks ripe for a Kipper surge to let the euro phile LDs in.

anotherDave

TGOHF said:

Horn castle looks ripe for a Kipper surge to let the euro phile LDs in.

? There's no LD candidate.

"Candidates duly nominated: Richard Avison (Con), Mike Beecham (UKIP), David Roark (Ind)"

Danny565

I'm always bemused that these council byelections get as many voters as they do. I feel I'm much more clued up about politics than the average person (obviously, because I wouldn't indulge in the political-geekery that is this site if I wasn't), but I honestly wouldn't have a clue if there was a byelection going on for my council.

Morris_Dancer

Voice volume's a little lower than it should be in the PEB.

Brave of them to go for such a positive vision. Ahem.

Average family £450 due to the VAT rise? Hmm. Does the rise count as 2.5% or 5% (as it was due to return to 17.5% anyway).

If it's 2.5% then that means VAT-subject spending of £1,175 would rise to £1,200, an increase of £25. To get it up to £450 I think it'd need to be (without the rise) £21,150. Given VAT doesn't apply to quite a lot of food, books (NB real books, e-books are subject to VAT), or children's clothing that's quite a large amount of spending.

If it's 5%, which is disingenuous, that would mean VAT-subject spending of £1,150 rising to £1,200, a rise of £50. To get to £450 it'd need to start as £10,350.

I'm reasonably sure that the fruit in the background of the screen when "£450 added to family shopping bills" is put up is not subject to VAT.

Smart to attack the Lib Dems on tuition fees, but worth recalling Labour introduced them, and then top-up fees despite apparently 'legislating against them', as they said in their manifesto.

Labour policies:
Freezing energy bills - freezing commodity prices was rightly denounced by Ammianus Marcellinus in the 4th century AD. Labour are over 16 centuries out of date.
Free childcare - nice idea [perhaps, given children get VAT-free clothes, free healthcare and free schooling we might ask where the line is to be drawn]. Where's the funding coming from?
Tax bankers' bonuses - could be wrong, but I think they are already. Also, make-work jobs is an idiotic policy. If it's private sector the jobs will be made or they won't, so these will end up being pointless public sector non-jobs that serve sod all purpose.
200,000 family homes a year - can't have single people having a house. More seriously, this is taking the piss given the building rates of all modern governments, including Labour.

anotherDave

Morris_Dancer said:

Voice volume's a little lower than it should be in the PEB.

Brave of them to go for such a positive vision. Ahem.

Average family £450 due to the VAT rise? Hmm. Does the rise count as 2.5% or 5% (as it was due to return to 17.5% anyway).

If it's 2.5% then that means VAT-subject spending of £1,175 would rise to £1,200, an increase of £25. To get it up to £450 I think it'd need to be (without the rise) £21,150. Given VAT doesn't apply to quite a lot of food, books (NB real books, e-books are subject to VAT), or children's clothing that's quite a large amount of spending.

If it's 5%, which is disingenuous, that would mean VAT-subject spending of £1,150 rising to £1,200, a rise of £50. To get to £450 it'd need to start as £10,350.

I'm reasonably sure that the fruit in the background of the screen when "£450 added to family shopping bills" is put up is not subject to VAT.

Smart to attack the Lib Dems on tuition fees, but worth recalling Labour introduced them, and then top-up fees despite apparently 'legislating against them', as they said in their manifesto.

Labour policies:
Freezing energy bills - freezing commodity prices was rightly denounced by Ammianus Marcellinus in the 4th century AD. Labour are over 16 centuries out of date.
Free childcare - nice idea [perhaps, given children get VAT-free clothes, free healthcare and free schooling we might ask where the line is to be drawn]. Where's the funding coming from?
Tax bankers' bonuses - could be wrong, but I think they are already. Also, make-work jobs is an idiotic policy. If it's private sector the jobs will be made or they won't, so these will end up being pointless public sector non-jobs that serve sod all purpose.
200,000 family homes a year - can't have single people having a house. More seriously, this is taking the piss given the building rates of all modern governments, including Labour.

But there was no mention of the EU. This is an EU Parliament election.

Richard_Tyndall

Danny565 said:

I'm always bemused that these council byelections get as many voters as they do. I feel I'm much more clued up about politics than the average person (obviously, because I wouldn't indulge in the political-geekery that is this site if I wasn't), but I honestly wouldn't have a clue if there was a byelection going on for my council.

Surely you would know when the polling card dropped through your letterbox.

Morris_Dancer

Mr. Dave, I missed that. Good job you're paying attention!

I'm sure Ed Miliband still has the same feeling of fraternité towards Hollande as he did in the past.

Richard_Tyndall

Every once in a while Nick Clegg says something I agree with. Since I spend so much time attacking him it is nice to be able to say that sometimes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/nick-clegg/10784676/Break-Church-and-State-link-says-Clegg.html

Morris_Dancer

Mr. Tyndall, I must disagree with you, and Clegg.

If we start pulling at the threads of our unwritten constitution it may unravel entirely. Labour's idiotic meddling with devolution is a sound example.

MonikerDiCanio

anotherDave said:

Morris_Dancer said:

Voice volume's a little lower than it should be in the PEB.

Brave of them to go for such a positive vision. Ahem.

Average family £450 due to the VAT rise? Hmm. Does the rise count as 2.5% or 5% (as it was due to return to 17.5% anyway).

If it's 2.5% then that means VAT-subject spending of £1,175 would rise to £1,200, an increase of £25. To get it up to £450 I think it'd need to be (without the rise) £21,150. Given VAT doesn't apply to quite a lot of food, books (NB real books, e-books are subject to VAT), or children's clothing that's quite a large amount of spending.

If it's 5%, which is disingenuous, that would mean VAT-subject spending of £1,150 rising to £1,200, a rise of £50. To get to £450 it'd need to start as £10,350.

I'm reasonably sure that the fruit in the background of the screen when "£450 added to family shopping bills" is put up is not subject to VAT.

Smart to attack the Lib Dems on tuition fees, but worth recalling Labour introduced them, and then top-up fees despite apparently 'legislating against them', as they said in their manifesto.

Labour policies:
Freezing energy bills - freezing commodity prices was rightly denounced by Ammianus Marcellinus in the 4th century AD. Labour are over 16 centuries out of date.
Free childcare - nice idea [perhaps, given children get VAT-free clothes, free healthcare and free schooling we might ask where the line is to be drawn]. Where's the funding coming from?
Tax bankers' bonuses - could be wrong, but I think they are already. Also, make-work jobs is an idiotic policy. If it's private sector the jobs will be made or they won't, so these will end up being pointless public sector non-jobs that serve sod all purpose.
200,000 family homes a year - can't have single people having a house. More seriously, this is taking the piss given the building rates of all modern governments, including Labour.

But there was no mention of the EU. This is an EU Parliament election.

Well spotted. Labour living in its own narrative bubble and unwilling to face reality. Irrelevant.

Richard_Tyndall

I am afraid the idea that we should stick with something as outdated as the established church simply because we fear some spurious consequences is not one I can agree with.

Morris_Dancer

Mr. Tyndall, I strongly suspect it would be as part of a campaign to axe the Lords (probably why Clegg has raised it).

What's the benefit of disestablishment, beside suiting Clegg?

TheScreamingEagles

Richard_Tyndall said:

I am afraid the idea that we should stick with something as outdated as the established church simply because we fear some spurious consequences is not one I can agree with.

I agree with you.

That said, I do like our monarch having the title of Fidei Defensor.

Morris_Dancer

Mr. Eagles, Charles' insane desire (reportedly) to have it changed to Defender of Faith should be stamped on. I don't mind the monarch, head of the Church, being its Defender, but if it changes to 'Defender of Faith' [rather than 'the Faith]' it'd specifically include all religions and exclude atheists and agnostics.

JohnLilburne

Morris_Dancer said:

Mr. Eagles, Charles' insane desire (reportedly) to have it changed to Defender of Faith should be stamped on. I don't mind the monarch, head of the Church, being its Defender, but if it changes to 'Defender of Faith' [rather than 'the Faith]' it'd specifically include all religions and exclude atheists and agnostics.

Of course you can already translate Fidei Defensor either way, Latin not having definite articles.

MikeL

Of course it's all totally absurd and farcical but the Monarch being Head of the C of E is quite an important part of the justification for the Monarchy.

Don't forget that the Queen actually thinks she was appointed by God (source - BBC1 - Andrew Marr documentary).

Danny565

YouGov/Sun poll tonight - Labour lead up one to six points: CON 32%, LAB 38%, LD 8%, UKIP 14%

Tykejohnno

Sun Politics ‏@Sun_Politics · 26 secs
YouGov/Sun poll tonight - Labour lead up one to six points: CON 32%, LAB 38%, LD 8%, UKIP 14%

TheScreamingEagles

Sun Politics ‏@Sun_Politics 39s
YouGov/Sun poll tonight - Labour lead up one to six points: CON 32%, LAB 38%, LD 8%, UKIP 14%

MikeL

I wouldn't be surprised if one reason for scrapping the next Census will be to avoid the embarrassment of the % of people saying Christian falling below 50%.

It fell from 72% to 59% last time - good chance it goes below 50% next time.

If that happens it makes justification for the whole charade much more difficult.

So scrapping the Census makes it much easier to keep the pantomime rolling on.

anotherDave

@TSE
Looks like the UKIP people in Manchester were there for a public meeting at the Free Trade Hall.

https://twitter.com/ukip

slade

I have already received a leaflet from my Yorkshire and Humber Lib Dem MEPs ( on the Euro-Jobs issue). Today I got a UKIP leaflet. I noticed that is is published in Torquay and printed in Bodmin. I assume this will be a centralised effort for the whole of the UK.

HurstLlama

Morris_Dancer said:

Mr. Tyndall, I strongly suspect it would be as part of a campaign to axe the Lords (probably why Clegg has raised it).

What's the benefit of disestablishment, beside suiting Clegg?

I don't think there is a benefit, Mr. D.. It is just one of those trendy ideas that the rich(ish) buggers who don't understand the UK come up with from time to time and which other rich(ish) people trying to be clever and trendy instantly think is a good idea.

The title Defender of the Faith was conferred by the Pope on Henry VIII as a signal of papal approval of a tract the King wrote pillorying Luther's ideas. That the said King told the Pope to stuff his church and every English monarch since has used the title, is neither here nor there. If we were to throw overboard everything that had come down to us from history just because it was obsolete where would we be? Probably living in a region of the EU governed by unelected bureaucrats from Brussels. with our own regional government able to make its own decisions about such matters as how to implement EU directive 3498/2014 Dog Shit on the Pavement.

TheScreamingEagles

anotherDave said:

@TSE
Looks like the UKIP people in Manchester were there for a public meeting at the Free Trade Hall.

https://twitter.com/ukip

Ah that's why they were all loitering near the Radisson.

BobaFett

Privatise the monarchy.
Privatise all parks.
And cemeteries.

Have we privatised the air that we breathe yet? ;-)

Privatise crossover...

BobaFett

Morris_Dancer said:

Mr. Tyndall, I must disagree with you, and Clegg.

If we start pulling at the threads of our unwritten constitution it may unravel entirely. Labour's idiotic meddling with devolution is a sound example.

Let's face it, Richard is right - the entire idea that we have the CoE embedded into the State is bonkers.

Smarmeron

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

BobaFett

MikeL said:

I wouldn't be surprised if one reason for scrapping the next Census will be to avoid the embarrassment of the % of people saying Christian falling below 50%.

It fell from 72% to 59% last time - good chance it goes below 50% next time.

If that happens it makes justification for the whole charade much more difficult.

So scrapping the Census makes it much easier to keep the pantomime rolling on.

Interesting conspiracy theory Mike, although I think any government would be mad to hi the census.
Thankfully, religiosity is on the wane. I say this not because I dislike the religious but because I think atheism is generally a good balancing force in society.

TheScreamingEagles

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

BobaFett

Smarmeron said:

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

Funny should say that. I have always been a pragmatic monarchist.
But, as I have got older and more senior, I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it.

Smarmeron

@TheScreamingEagles

There is no need to disband the Monarchy, just a repositioning of it in the fabric of the country.

BobaFett

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

Anything has got to be better than Wills and Kate. We'll all die of boredom.

HurstLlama

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

HurstLlama

BobaFett said:

Smarmeron said:

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

Funny should say that. I have always been a pragmatic monarchist.
But, as I have got older and more senior, I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it.

Which industry is it that you work in, Mr. Fett?

TheScreamingEagles

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

Richard_Tyndall

MikeL said:

Of course it's all totally absurd and farcical but the Monarch being Head of the C of E is quite an important part of the justification for the Monarchy.

Don't forget that the Queen actually thinks she was appointed by God (source - BBC1 - Andrew Marr documentary).

I feel the existence of an unelected head of state separate from politics who can represent the while country and who the police and armed forces swear allegiance to rather than to a politician is justification enough for the monarchy. Disestablishment would, to my mind, strengthen rather than reduce that role.

TheWatcher

HurstLlama said:

BobaFett said:

Smarmeron said:

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

Funny should say that. I have always been a pragmatic monarchist.
But, as I have got older and more senior, I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it.

Which industry is it that you work in, Mr. Fett?

The Fantasy Industry.

HurstLlama

@TSE

" And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years."

What?!!!! This a massive change! A dictator up for election every five years, we already have that. Your unique selling point was that you would be dictator for life and therefore could take the long term view and do what is best for the country, and shoe suppliers. If you are going to revert to some silly so-called democratic nonsense I shall stop my very careful and quiet campaigning on your behalf.

MikeL

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

TheScreamingEagles

HurstLlama said:

@TSE

" And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years."

What?!!!! This a massive change! A dictator up for election every five years, we already have that. Your unique selling point was that you would be dictator for life and therefore could take the long term view and do what is best for the country, and shoe suppliers. If you are going to revert to some silly so-called democratic nonsense I shall stop my very careful and quiet campaigning on your behalf.

Okay, re-election every 15 years?

BobaFett

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Great theory but there's a World Cup in the way...

TheScreamingEagles

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Please, please, please do not talk about Liverpool winning the Premier League.

It ain't going to happen.

Quincel

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Surely Moyes is a shoe-in? All Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Everton fans will vote for him.

Joking aside, good post.

foxinsoxuk

I am a Non-Conformist Christian, and cannot say that I have ever been bothered that the CofE is established.

Indeed it is that tension between the establishment and the anti-establishment that keeps Britain interesting. Anglicans vs Non-Conformists, Monarchy vs roundheads, Aristocrats vs trade unionists etc.

compouter2

BobaFett said:

Privatise the monarchy.
Privatise all parks.
And cemeteries.

Have we privatised the air that we breathe yet? ;-)

Privatise crossover...

YOU WHAT....PRIVATISE CROSSOVER!!!

You mean me and Basil have been carrying this crossbar for 18 months for some company that ploughs money into the Tory Party to rip it to pieces and make profit from it.

Me and Basil will go on strike.

MonikerDiCanio

TheWatcher said:

HurstLlama said:

BobaFett said:

Smarmeron said:

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

Funny should say that. I have always been a pragmatic monarchist.
But, as I have got older and more senior, I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it.

Which industry is it that you work in, Mr. Fett?

The Fantasy Industry.

Garbage Collection and Waste Management.

Quincel

BobaFett said:

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Great theory but there's a World Cup in the way...

If we win or beat expectations Gerrard will probably be boosted further, if we don't then it probably won't hurt him much.

TGOHF

Boba - are there any non public sector aspects of Britain that you don't hate ?

HurstLlama

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

@TSE

" And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years."

What?!!!! This a massive change! A dictator up for election every five years, we already have that. Your unique selling point was that you would be dictator for life and therefore could take the long term view and do what is best for the country, and shoe suppliers. If you are going to revert to some silly so-called democratic nonsense I shall stop my very careful and quiet campaigning on your behalf.

Okay, re-election every 15 years?

Suppose we split the difference. You put yourself up for re-election every 30 years but the constitution makes you Guardian of the People with a right to veto any legislation if you lose the vote.

TheScreamingEagles

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

@TSE

" And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years."

What?!!!! This a massive change! A dictator up for election every five years, we already have that. Your unique selling point was that you would be dictator for life and therefore could take the long term view and do what is best for the country, and shoe suppliers. If you are going to revert to some silly so-called democratic nonsense I shall stop my very careful and quiet campaigning on your behalf.

Okay, re-election every 15 years?

Suppose we split the difference. You put yourself up for re-election every 30 years but the constitution makes you Guardian of the People with a right to veto any legislation if you lose the vote.

That works for me.

BobaFett

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

At least Charles has something to say. 'Wills' and Kate are the real risk - the monarchy becomes so dull everyone ignores it.

BobaFett

People trying to defend a nutty faith school on Newsnight.

HurstLlama

@foxinsox

"I am a Non-Conformist Christian..."

No wonder you are having such difficulty in the Diplomacy games.

HurstLlama

BobaFett said:

People trying to defend a nutty faith school on Newsnight.

Which industry do you work in?

BobaFett

TGOHF said:

Boba - are there any non public sector aspects of Britain that you don't hate ?

I love lots of the private sector and have worked in the private sector all my life. The private sector has paid for my home and the wealth of my family.

I just don't think it's the best option for all industries and services.

Horses for courses.

Your privatise everything ideology, to me, is very, very misguided.

BobaFett

Quincel said:

BobaFett said:

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Great theory but there's a World Cup in the way...

If we win or beat expectations Gerrard will probably be boosted further, if we don't then it probably won't hurt him much.

Agreed. I think he's a decent bet. But we may yet see a star come through (I hope).
International football will always trump club football in terms of audience so we have to factor that in.
He is quite short priced...

foxinsoxuk

In PB 2014 2 I am doing rather well as the perfidious Turk. My Fleet threatens Venice, and occupies Sevastapol. Less well in the Death Match as Italy, but Italy is always a tough one to play.

Oliver Cromwell is my inspiration.

HurstLlama said:

@foxinsox

"I am a Non-Conformist Christian..."

No wonder you are having such difficulty in the Diplomacy games.

Socrates

England, then Britain, then the UK have collectively been at the forefront of religious liberty for centuries. Neutrality between religions would be the logical conclusion of that. It would liberate the state from the church and liberate the church from the state. You only need to look at the USA to see how religion can flourish in an environment where it's less dragged down by the anti-political establishment mentality.

Charles

BobaFett said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

At least Charles has something to say. 'Wills' and Kate are the real risk - the monarchy becomes so dull everyone ignores it.

There is one woman in the world that my wife warms to less than Samantha Cameron...

BobaFett

MonikerDiCanio said:

TheWatcher said:

HurstLlama said:

BobaFett said:

Smarmeron said:

@BobaFett

The monarchy must be preserved.
Otherwise unearned wealth, power, and privilege, would come under closer scrutiny.
The insanity must continue.

Funny should say that. I have always been a pragmatic monarchist.
But, as I have got older and more senior, I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it.

Which industry is it that you work in, Mr. Fett?

The Fantasy Industry.

Garbage Collection and Waste Management.

Professional agent provocateur.
I see I am worth the salary.

BobaFett

Charles said:

BobaFett said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

At least Charles has something to say. 'Wills' and Kate are the real risk - the monarchy becomes so dull everyone ignores it.

There is one woman in the world that my wife warms to less than Samantha Cameron...

I don't blame her. Intensely dull woman is Kate.

BobaFett

Socrates said:

England, then Britain, then the UK have collectively been at the forefront of religious liberty for centuries. Neutrality between religions would be the logical conclusion of that. It would liberate the state from the church and liberate the church from the state. You only need to look at the USA to see how religion can flourish in an environment where it's less dragged down by the anti-political establishment mentality.

That's the worry!...

TheWatcher

BobaFett said:

Charles said:

BobaFett said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

At least Charles has something to say. 'Wills' and Kate are the real risk - the monarchy becomes so dull everyone ignores it.

There is one woman in the world that my wife warms to less than Samantha Cameron...

I don't blame her. Intensely dull woman is Kate.

Have you met her? Being in your company would have a numbing effect on most people.

HurstLlama

@BobaFett

You obviously have missed my question to you, let me try again.

Earlier you posted:

" I have seen the massive advantages the privileged have in my industry, to the detriment of my industry. I have become much less monarchist as a result, worrying that it simply embeds the idea that you don't need to work to get on, if you can marry into it"

What industry do you work in? Not asking for detail, not asking for anything that might identify you, I am just asking for the industry's name.

MarkSenior

Candidates known to me so far for around one third of the seats

Con 1072
Lab 1092
LDem 768
UKIP 590
Green 425
TUSC 149
Liberal 30
BNP 26
Eng Dem 10
Respect 2
Ind 91
Other minor parties 45

MikeK

The Columnist Elects ‏@ColumnistElects 2m
LAB HOLD Blackwood on Caerphilly Council.

Quincel

BobaFett said:

Quincel said:

BobaFett said:

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Great theory but there's a World Cup in the way...

If we win or beat expectations Gerrard will probably be boosted further, if we don't then it probably won't hurt him much.

Agreed. I think he's a decent bet. But we may yet see a star come through (I hope).
International football will always trump club football in terms of audience so we have to factor that in.
He is quite short priced...

The short price has stopped me from betting so far, as well as the feeling Gerrard hasn't been that prominent in the press and public during the title run all things considered. Plus he isn't the most personality option around there. Tough call though, he's got a lot going for him.

Danny565

Sigh. Newsnight reporting on Ed Miliband "cracking down on" zero-hour contracts. Only in practice it's not cracking down on them at all. It's just a lot of woolly words and caveats about how employers would be "encouraged" to not put people on zero-hour contracts, how people on those contracts will have the right to "request" a permanent contract. It's yet another example of Labour being so cautious and watering down a policy so much (so as not to offend big businesses who want to exploit people on these contracts, presumably) that it's so weak that it doesn't make any impression at all on the public. It's the same as their "pledge" on the living wage where they came out with a load of waffle that employers would be "incentivised" to pay people it.

The reason the energy price freeze was a hit was because it was clear and unequivocal: all energy firms would be freezing their prices, no ifs, no buts, no matter how much they protested. If they'd just said they'd give "incentives" to energy firms or they'd "encourage" them to freeze their prices, no-one would've been talking about it after a couple of days.

Smarmeron

@HurstLlama
I thought he worked in womens lingerie, Well, not exactly IN it......But you never know?

Charles

TheWatcher said:

BobaFett said:

Charles said:

BobaFett said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

HurstLlama said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

1) I don't like the concept of Divine Rights of Kings

2) I adore her Majesty

I'm conflicted.

Directly Elected Monarch?

I thought you already had your name down for the post of Elected Dictator for Life. Not taht need to conflict with preserving the monarchy.

P.S. England did away with the divine right of kings stuff about 300 years ago. Therefore you need not feel conflicted in your adoration of HMtQ, which I share (dunno about her boy though).

As Directly Elected Dictator, I would keep a Monarch, possibly.

I also believe Charles will be a disaster for the country and the monarchy.

Edit: And I wouldn't be Dictator for Life, I would seek re-election every 5 years.

At least Charles has something to say. 'Wills' and Kate are the real risk - the monarchy becomes so dull everyone ignores it.

There is one woman in the world that my wife warms to less than Samantha Cameron...

I don't blame her. Intensely dull woman is Kate.

Have you met her? Being in your company would have a numbing effect on most people.

Camilla is a blast, and I have a lot of time for Harry. William is trying his hardest to do a difficult job - hopefully he will get more relaxed with time. Catherine, nah, not so much.

Smarmeron

@Charles
"Catherine, nah, not so much"

Is her blood a little too red perhaps?

MarkSenior

Caerphilly Blackwood Labour hold

Lab 620 Ind 477 Plaid 349 Con 68

AndreaParma_82

Caerphilly (ward in Islwyn constituency)
Lab 620 Ind 477 Plaid 349 Con 68

anotherDave

MarkSenior said:

Candidates known to me so far for around one third of the seats

Con 1072
Lab 1092
LDem 768
UKIP 590
Green 425
TUSC 149
Liberal 30
BNP 26
Eng Dem 10
Respect 2
Ind 91
Other minor parties 45

Is this for the May local elections?

AndreaParma_82

East Cambridgeshire - Sutton

LD 523
Con 280
UKIP 162
Lab 63

LD gain from Con

AndreaParma_82

Ward is in Cambridgeshire North East constituency

Smarmeron

Given the mudslinging by the various players over the Ukraine, Is it worth investing in arms manufacturers?

foxinsoxuk

Great campaign video for the Natrass splitters here: giant octopuss attacks westminster and some red hot dutch as well.
http://order-order.com/2014/04/24/watch-giant-eu-octopus-destroys-britains-democracy/

No comment on allowing africans to kill each other. Thats the other party.

AndyJS

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

MarkSenior

anotherDave said:

MarkSenior said:

Candidates known to me so far for around one third of the seats

Con 1072
Lab 1092
LDem 768
UKIP 590
Green 425
TUSC 149
Liberal 30
BNP 26
Eng Dem 10
Respect 2
Ind 91
Other minor parties 45

Is this for the May local elections?

Yep

NickPalmer

AndreaParma_82 said:

Caerphilly (ward in Islwyn constituency)
Lab 620 Ind 477 Plaid 349 Con 68

Decent Plaid result there, keeping their vote while every else well down.

Nice YouGov for Lab, though. 54 weeks to go to the GE - will poor Basil ever shed his burden?

Richard_Nabavi

foxinsoxuk said:

Great campaign video for the Natrass splitters here: giant octopuss attacks westminster and some red hot dutch as well.

It's great, particularly the strapline 'Our own decisions... Our own laws... Our own octopi'

anotherDave

AndyJS said:

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

Communist?????

AndyJS

AndreaParma_82 said:

East Cambridgeshire - Sutton

LD 523
Con 280
UKIP 162
Lab 63

LD gain from Con

Clement Freud would be pleased with that result, assuming the area used to be in his Isle of Ely constituency.

MonikerDiCanio

AndreaParma_82 said:

East Cambridgeshire - Sutton

LD 523
Con 280
UKIP 162
Lab 63

LD gain from Con

Labour vote vanishes. Shocking performance by Ed's woman.

compouter2

MonikerDiCanio said:

AndreaParma_82 said:

East Cambridgeshire - Sutton

LD 523
Con 280
UKIP 162
Lab 63

LD gain from Con

Labour vote vanishes. Shocking performance by Ed's people.

You win squirrel post of the night. Tory Party lose seat.....look at the Labour Party vote. LOLAMUNDOS!

Smarmeron

@MonikerDiCanio

"Labour vote vanishes. Shocking performance by Ed's woman."

I prefer "Anti Tory votes coalesce .
Dave has to make a tactical underwear change""

AndyJS

anotherDave said:

AndyJS said:

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

Communist?????

Yep, they've got a candidate standing in East Ham North in Newham, Rod Finlayson:

http://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Election-candidates.aspx

Tim_B

Where does a bee go to the bathroom?

- the BP station :-)

Lennon

AndyJS said:

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

Sorry to screw up your spreadsheet Andy, but there is a Pirate standing in Lambeth. (Vassall ward)

MarkSenior

Horncastle Con hold

Con 38.4%
Ind 31.4%
UKIP 30.2%

AndyJS

Lennon said:

AndyJS said:

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

Sorry to screw up your spreadsheet Andy, but there is a Pirate standing in Lambeth. (Vassall ward)

Thanks, I was hoping people could point out other parties.

old_labour

BobaFett said:

Privatise the monarchy.
Privatise all parks.
And cemeteries.

Have we privatised the air that we breathe yet? ;-)

Privatise crossover...

Westminster cemeteries scandal

old_labour

Cheers, AndyJS.

AndyJS said:

Well I've got my London elections 2014 spreadsheet ready for the results:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0At91c3wX1Wu5dFBKVmJGYkhwYTRFeGpVZlg2bTRIZUE#gid=0

Scott_P

@bbclaurak: Interesting Plaid claiming Labour voted against attempts to crackdown on zero hours contracts in Wales - one for Miliband to answer tmrw?

Financier

MikeL said:

Of course it's all totally absurd and farcical but the Monarch being Head of the C of E is quite an important part of the justification for the Monarchy.

Don't forget that the Queen actually thinks she was appointed by God (source - BBC1 - Andrew Marr documentary).

This latter statement is incorrect.

JohnLoony

Danny565 said:

I'm always bemused that these council byelections get as many voters as they do. I feel I'm much more clued up about politics than the average person (obviously, because I wouldn't indulge in the political-geekery that is this site if I wasn't), but I honestly wouldn't have a clue if there was a byelection going on for my council.

Yes you would, because you would get the poll card telling you where the polling station is.

Monksfield

MikeL said:

Just checked SPOTY betting.

Gerrard is now 1.9.

Liverpool are 1.2 to win PL.

If they win the PL, he surely must win SPOTY. Remember, you don't need many votes to win SPOTY. If all Liverpool fans vote for him, he wins by a landslide.

Driving to work yesterday, the same thought hit me... There's hardly any credible alternative? Froome doesn't quite have the same profile Brad or Cav did; boxing is very minority? No major athletics this year, Murray won it last year, golfer?

If Westwood or Poulter won the Open? Otherwise Stevie G is a universally respected one club player who looks like finally leading the team to a championship. Nailed on.