It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Lots of late goals. The "hydration" breaks are completely changing the momentum of games.
Yes I could do without that aspect. Halves not quarters for football please. But what a great tournament so far.
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
I'm just not sure that is in any way true Lucky. Look at this exchange, for example:
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
Really.
He never visits his constituency. I know this because lots of people who don’t live there and don’t know the area keep saying this is the case.
Do you live there?
I don’t offer a view whether or not he visits the constituency.
I just find it comical plenty of others who don’t seem to know his every move 😂😂😂😂
Despite his £5 million for security he is yet to hold a constituency surgery.
The only ones actually providing any facts are Reform's opponents.
In my view what is actually happening is that Farage is offering one of the most extreme forms of political hypocrisy: on the one hand he claims to be offering a real voice and proper democracy; on the other hand he structures Reform like a personal fiefdom and stinks of corruption.
I'd say the level of respect for debate about Reform on PB is just about right. My one caveat is that they are rather popular and therefore we ought to take them seriously. But then so is the World Cup, and rightly people give Infantino about the same level of respect as they do Farage.
Plenty of Farage fans on here. Plenty. More Farage fans than SKS fans to be sure
Cmon, one yearns for the glory days of all that very thoughtful and mature "Starmer is shite" commentary.
PB Faragists seem to be as brittle as the man himself. Bit of transference maybe. It's a known phenomenon.
All the cool aid drinkers praise their brand of cool aid. And rubbish the others.
This was one of the stories I was expecting, forget the Parliamentary angle, the court of public opinion cannot stop this.
Revealed: Farage’s £5m gift reported to UK crime agency over money laundering concerns
Exclusive: Latest Guardian revelation about gift from cryptocurrency tycoon comes as Reform UK leader forces byelection
The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money, the Guardian can reveal.
The disclosure will put further pressure on the Reform UK leader, who is awaiting a decision by the standards commissioner over whether his failure to declare the money breached parliamentary rules.
Farage was given a deadline of 1pm on Tuesday to respond to the Guardian about this article. He gave a video address at 2pm announcing he would force a byelection in his seat of Clacton-on-Sea.
That attempt to shake off the deepening scandal over his finances appeared to have backfired on Tuesday night as the Conservatives, Labour, Restore Britain and the Lib Dems all announced that they would not stand candidates in a contest described as a “media circus” and “vanity project”.
Although NF is doubtless being advised by Trumpian Americans, I suspect their grasp of the nuances is insufficient, and hence this attempt to show boat their way out of trouble.
I'll assume no laws have been broken until proven otherwise, but a lot of people, not just politicians, are convinced their personal view that they cannot do anything wrong is bulletproof as legal argument, and lean toward any advice which tells them that is the case.
As a final step they will say anything that is against a rule is a really technical affair, or just unfair even if it isn't technical.
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
I'm just not sure that is in any way true Lucky. Look at this exchange, for example:
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
Really.
He never visits his constituency. I know this because lots of people who don’t live there and don’t know the area keep saying this is the case.
Do you live there?
I don’t offer a view whether or not he visits the constituency.
I just find it comical plenty of others who don’t seem to know his every move 😂😂😂😂
Despite his £5 million for security he is yet to hold a constituency surgery.
The only ones actually providing any facts are Reform's opponents.
In my view what is actually happening is that Farage is offering one of the most extreme forms of political hypocrisy: on the one hand he claims to be offering a real voice and proper democracy; on the other hand he structures Reform like a personal fiefdom and stinks of corruption.
I'd say the level of respect for debate about Reform on PB is just about right. My one caveat is that they are rather popular and therefore we ought to take them seriously. But then so is the World Cup, and rightly people give Infantino about the same level of respect as they do Farage.
Plenty of Farage fans on here. Plenty. More Farage fans than SKS fans to be sure
Are there? Take Taz, for example (I hope you don't mind, Taz). He'll often defend Farage and Reform in ways that add value to debate, but I'm pretty certain he's not a Reform voter. Perhaps I'm wrong. I think there are plenty on here who will seek to give Reform a hearing, but not many actual fans of Farage. Happy to be proved wrong...
Thanks maxh,
I’m not a Reform voter. No.
I’d consider them but there’s always something that comes along and puts me off. Like Matt Goodwin attacking the British Somali Mayor in Bristol.
Although, bizarrely, the independent candidate I voted for, Paul Sexton, did switch after the election to Reform.
I don’t think there are any fans of Farage himself here.
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Lots of late goals. The "hydration" breaks are completely changing the momentum of games.
Yes I could do without that aspect. Halves not quarters for football please. But what a great tournament so far.
They'll be at the next 2 world cups for certain, at the very least, and probably other tournaments - too much money to throw away.
Only question really is who breaks first and admits hydration has nothing to do with it.
“Prince Harry wrote a sad book which boasted about his killing of 25 Taliban, his drug-taking and, in cringe-making detail, how he lost his virginity. There isn’t a laundry in the cosmos big enough to wash all the dirty linen he has aired about his own family. For him, to complain about HIS privacy being invaded takes, not just the biscuit, but the whole tin. Poor Harry. I feel sorry for the way a confused and angry young man has been drawn into this case. The bitter irony is that his mother, Diana, liked the Mail. We were her paper. We took her side in her acrimonious break up with Charles. She and I would speak and meet. The Mail’s superb royal reporter was her friend and confidante. The truth is that this trumped-up action – which has cost well over £50 million and wasted a huge amount of valuable court time – should never have been brought to trial. That it did, raises profoundly disturbing questions about the conduct of elements of the legal profession. Today’s verdict is not just a victory for Associated’s magnificent journalists – several of whom have had a terrible toll imposed on their health and lives – but a free press generally. Make no mistake. This was a conspiracy, supported by Hacked Off, to destroy a paper. Financed by the orgy-loving, racist Max Mosley and involving the actor Hugh Grant, it was also a sinister bid to resuscitate Leveson Two and impose statutory regulation on the press which, even now, is rearing its ugly head in Labour’s Media Green Paper.”
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
I don’t think Farage gamed calling a by-election and no one came. I don’t think he’s thinking straight.
This is a not entirely farfetched explanation.
A Farage reset will mean the clock on his declarations also resets - so if there are other declarable "gifts" he received in the year before the 2024 election that we don't know about he will no longer have to tell anyone. The inquiry into the £5 million - when it resumes - could ask him direct questions about that - but he may or may not answer https://x.com/krishgm/status/2074497321316884529
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Lots of late goals. The "hydration" breaks are completely changing the momentum of games.
Yes I could do without that aspect. Halves not quarters for football please. But what a great tournament so far.
What a shame the games are mainly on at an awkward time for us.
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
So when Farage wins he stands up and says "This proves that there was nothing untoward about my finances"? Or "This proves no one cares about stories about my financial affairs"?
And then when no one stops talking about it, what is the next step?
Prince Harry has attacked the judge who dismissed his £50m privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and accused him of a “whitewash”.
Harry is someone else who has lost the plot.
Unlike Farage, I do feel sorry for him though, as I think he's completely screwed up by his odd family and losing his lovely mum at such a young age...
Hopefully he'll be OK... But probably he won't be..
Do not mourn the loss of Diana for we have the new Princess of Hearts we needed and deserved.
I don’t think Farage gamed calling a by-election and no one came. I don’t think he’s thinking straight.
This is a not entirely farfetched explanation.
A Farage reset will mean the clock on his declarations also resets - so if there are other declarable "gifts" he received in the year before the 2024 election that we don't know about he will no longer have to tell anyone. The inquiry into the £5 million - when it resumes - could ask him direct questions about that - but he may or may not answer https://x.com/krishgm/status/2074497321316884529
He needs to explain everything from 5th July 2023 to 7th July 2026 (when he was an MP) and then everything from the date of by-election less 1 year to now...
that doesn't given him any get out clause as we are in the same Parliament.
Now were there a general election on September 30th 2026 he could get away with everything prior to October 1st 2025 because it's a new Parliament but that's not going to happen
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
Polanski (like Farage) benefits from a polarised environment and for a polarised environment you need both poles to be radiating. The big fear of both is of a slide back to the mainstream parties.
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
Polanski (like Farage) benefits from a polarised environment and for a polarised environment you need both poles to be radiating. The big fear of both is of a slide back to the mainstream parties.
Also a complete lack of humour. Come on, the Count v Farage is going to be great fun.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
I get that logic but the risk is the voters of Clacton are forced to have two by-elections and they won't thank the Tories for giving them no choice in the first.
I'd fight it on an honest basis and, if another is triggered, fight it again.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
The constituents of Clapton are going to have 2 byelections in very short succession - I can see why the other parties wants to completely ignore the utterly pointless one - and watch Farage desperately getting people to vote to avoid an embarrassment...
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Lots of late goals. The "hydration" breaks are completely changing the momentum of games.
Yes I could do without that aspect. Halves not quarters for football please. But what a great tournament so far.
What a shame the games are mainly on at an awkward time for us.
Yes that's been a challenge. I've done lots of next day iplayer.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
I will say, if Con were the only credible candidate to stand against him, he would probably lose the seat, as you would get loads of tactical voting with Lab, Lib, Green voters all voting Con...
So in a one on one "head to head" Ref Vs Con, I can see where you are coming from... But unfortunately that would never happen in our system, because as soon as Con announce they are fielding a candidate, everyone else would pile in...
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
The constituents of Clapton are going to have 2 byelections in very short succession - I can see why the other parties wants to completely ignore the utterly pointless one - and watch Farage desperately getting people to vote to avoid an embarrassment...
Surprised Bardella hasn't taken her aside and told her it is not worth it. Or is he too young to run himself?
Great thing about French politics is sometimes you only need around 18-22% to get into the second round. 4th time the charm for Marine to get beyond 41% this time? Keiki Fujimori finally one on her 4th attempt.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
I get that logic but the risk is the voters of Clacton are forced to have two by-elections and they won't thank the Tories for giving them no choice in the first.
I'd fight it on an honest basis and, if another is triggered, fight it again.
You might be right, Casino (not for the first time) We'll see...
Whatever happens. I think Nigel is imploding and he won't lead REF into the next election....
If there is a God then Farage will lose either in August to Count Binface or to a proper candidate in the autumn after the dodgy donations inquiry and then Robert Jenrick will become Reform leader and we can watch him and the whole of the Sky News team arguing every evening all evening about the rights of journalists.
This was one of the stories I was expecting, forget the Parliamentary angle, the court of public opinion cannot stop this.
Revealed: Farage’s £5m gift reported to UK crime agency over money laundering concerns
Exclusive: Latest Guardian revelation about gift from cryptocurrency tycoon comes as Reform UK leader forces byelection
The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money, the Guardian can reveal.
The disclosure will put further pressure on the Reform UK leader, who is awaiting a decision by the standards commissioner over whether his failure to declare the money breached parliamentary rules.
Farage was given a deadline of 1pm on Tuesday to respond to the Guardian about this article. He gave a video address at 2pm announcing he would force a byelection in his seat of Clacton-on-Sea.
That attempt to shake off the deepening scandal over his finances appeared to have backfired on Tuesday night as the Conservatives, Labour, Restore Britain and the Lib Dems all announced that they would not stand candidates in a contest described as a “media circus” and “vanity project”.
Harborne’s involvement with cryptocurrencies also makes him higher risk in banking terms, as it is harder to track the wealth of individuals who transfer sums in and out of cryptocurrencies.
In this case, the Guardian understands bankers raised a suspicious activity report (SAR) over the gift on 16 May 2024 with the NCA. An SAR is not proof of wrongdoing – rather it is an invitation for the agency to examine the transaction to decide whether there are grounds to investigate it further. It is not the same as a crime report.
By mid-May, Farage had not received the full £5m, according to sources, and transfers were still not completed by 22 May, when he publicly ruled himself out of standing for parliament.
My vague understanding is SARs are meant to be very confidential, someone has been naughty in leaking that.
Tipping off is a criminal offence, so yes potentially someone could be in trouble. It wouldn't help Farage avoid a criminal conviction if that's the direction itt goes in however.
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
There's an amount of flippancy to be sure, but extraordinary claims do require backing up, so it would be interesting to know what it is about Farage's schedule that is indeed so punishing.
I have no idea what his schedule is, so leaving aside any quips around surgeries or time he spends in Clacton (the people there truly probably do not care), what information is there about his schedule that is so extraordinary compared to his contemporary party leaders?
He spent the entirety of last year's summer recess doing press conferences and touring the country while other party leaders were relaxing at home. The web gives only one record of a holiday post his re-entry into politics, which Farage said was his first since the jungle, and there is no record of one since. Look at the recent furore - he's registered 140 days of outside work in addition to his political duties. This is not me making some moral claim that he's out saving puppies, I merely suggest the man should take a holiday as he's spent, and it's not surprising.
Sadly, even this rather bland and I think self-evident observation gets leaped on by the low wattage brigade and rather than debating actual issues I then have to go on a fact-finding mission to defend my point. Mission accomplished I suppose from the idiots on campaign mode, but hardly enjoyable from an adult conversation perspective.
If there is a God then Farage will lose either in August to Count Binface or to a proper candidate in the autumn after the dodgy donations inquiry and then Robert Jenrick will become Reform leader and we can watch him and the whole of the Sky News team arguing every evening all evening about the rights of journalists.
Good times are coming kids.
It will be fun seeing Kemi crush that little shit Jenrick with her size nine stilettos...
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
Polanski (like Farage) benefits from a polarised environment and for a polarised environment you need both poles to be radiating. The big fear of both is of a slide back to the mainstream parties.
Yes, and in a way we had that in GE2017.
The poles were radiating Corbynism and Brexit, and that was enough of an environment for almost all support to coalesce around the mainstream parties.
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
Polanski (like Farage) benefits from a polarised environment and for a polarised environment you need both poles to be radiating. The big fear of both is of a slide back to the mainstream parties.
Yes I see that - and in that sense a by-election with only Greens and Reform standing is gold dust.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
I get that logic but the risk is the voters of Clacton are forced to have two by-elections and they won't thank the Tories for giving them no choice in the first.
I'd fight it on an honest basis and, if another is triggered, fight it again.
You might be right, Casino (not for the first time) We'll see...
Whatever happens. I think Nigel is imploding and he won't lead REF into the next election....
Thanks. He can definitely play the anti-establishment card, and they're all out to get me, but that has to resonate to win with it.
I don't think it does if his stuff doesn't pass the sniff test and he is nasty and unpleasant about it.
This isn't America and he isn't Trump, so he might be misreading Britons.
In other news, i am getting spammed like crazy about tickets being available for something called The Hundred starting soon. Never heard of it personally.
It's the number of spectators expected to watch Rory win the Open golf on the day of the World Cup final.
If there is a God then Farage will lose either in August to Count Binface or to a proper candidate in the autumn after the dodgy donations inquiry and then Robert Jenrick will become Reform leader and we can watch him and the whole of the Sky News team arguing every evening all evening about the rights of journalists.
Good times are coming kids.
It will be fun seeing Kemi crush that little shit Jenrick with her size nine stilettos...
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
There's an amount of flippancy to be sure, but extraordinary claims do require backing up, so it would be interesting to know what it is about Farage's schedule that is indeed so punishing.
I have no idea what his schedule is, so leaving aside any quips around surgeries or time he spends in Clacton (the people there truly probably do not care), what information is there about his schedule that is so extraordinary compared to his contemporary party leaders?
He spent the entirety of last year's summer recess doing press conferences and touring the country while other party leaders were relaxing at home. The web gives only one record of a holiday post his re-entry into politics, which Farage said was his first since the jungle, and there is no record of one since. Look at the recent furore - he's registered 140 days of outside work in addition to his political duties. This is not me making some moral claim that he's out saving puppies, I merely suggest the man should take a holiday as he's spent, and it's not surprising.
Sadly, even this rather bland and I think self-evident observation gets leaped on by the low wattage brigade and rather than debating actual issues I then have to go on a fact-finding mission to defend my point. Mission accomplished I suppose from the idiots on campaign mode, but hardly enjoyable from an adult conversation perspective.
That's a bit self pitying, how are people supposed to know he does a lot of press conferences and outside work unless someone tells us, just take it on faith? We may follow political minutiae but I certainly don't get a sense of what party leaders, other than the PM, get up to on a day to day basis.
Do Polankski or Badenock work hard? I have no idea, if someone said they did I'd not be able to judge.
People aren't inclined to give Farage any credit, but if the facts are he's very active, fine.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
I will say, if Con were the only credible candidate to stand against him, he would probably lose the seat, as you would get loads of tactical voting with Lab, Lib, Green voters all voting Con...
So in a one on one "head to head" Ref Vs Con, I can see where you are coming from... But unfortunately that would never happen in our system, because as soon as Con announce they are fielding a candidate, everyone else would pile in...
But I'm ok with that because it's not the sort of seat where they'd make much hay.
It's a straight Tory-Reform fight. And Andy Burnham has shown (admittedly for very different reasons) that fortune can favour the bold there.
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Totally disagree. Least interested I've ever been in a world cup. Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, but the VAR is rubbish, many of the players are clearly knackered from too much football and now we have the corruption of the US president tainting the whole thing.
Time for UEFA to break away and try to set up a rival world cup imo.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
I will say, if Con were the only credible candidate to stand against him, he would probably lose the seat, as you would get loads of tactical voting with Lab, Lib, Green voters all voting Con...
So in a one on one "head to head" Ref Vs Con, I can see where you are coming from... But unfortunately that would never happen in our system, because as soon as Con announce they are fielding a candidate, everyone else would pile in...
But I'm ok with that because it's not the sort of seat where they'd make much hay.
It's a straight Tory-Reform fight. And Andy Burnham has shown (admittedly for very different reasons) that fortune can favour the bold there.
Tories want - need - to take Reform on if they are going to reclaim their position as the primary right wing political force in this country. That will require taking some chances. But nervousness is understandable given the shellacking they've taken over the last few years.
In other news, i am getting spammed like crazy about tickets being available for something called The Hundred starting soon. Never heard of it personally.
It's the number of spectators expected to watch Rory win the Open golf on the day of the World Cup final.
I think it's a type of cricket limited to 100 overs each. Sort of between a 20-20 and a proper test match.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
If that is likely he might as well have sat it out, as he could additionally use the argument all the non-Reform parties ganged up to kick him out.
If the only other candidates are from the fringe with Binface as the candidate likely to come second, then Farage spends some weeks looking like a joke. My sense of Farage is that while he is fond of dishing stuff out, and being laughed with, he may be less fond of being laughed at. This has potential to be a little humiliating for him, not sufficient to show this to the true believers, but everyone else will know, and Farage will know.
The greatest risk to Farage's self esteem was that the other main parties would collectively take their bat home and play the offside trap. They took no time at all in doing so.
Farage's choices: looking silly for a few weeks; changing his mind and not resigning and looking silly; or deciding someone else can stand instead for Reform which would be a free seat, and looking silly.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
You are more confident of how that will play out than the Tories themselves perhaps.
I am, I think they have to take the fight to them and take some risks.
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
The constituents of Clapton are going to have 2 byelections in very short succession - I can see why the other parties wants to completely ignore the utterly pointless one - and watch Farage desperately getting people to vote to avoid an embarrassment...
So when Farage wins he stands up and says "This proves that there was nothing untoward about my finances"? Or "This proves no one cares about stories about my financial affairs"?
And then when no one stops talking about it, what is the next step?
If no one cares then why make it the subject of a byelection? Surely it will feature in every interview until there are credible answers.
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Totally disagree. Least interested I've ever been in a world cup. Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, but the VAR is rubbish, many of the players are clearly knackered from too much football and now we have the corruption of the US president tainting the whole thing.
Time for UEFA to break away and try to set up a rival world cup imo.
I get bored after too many games because the universal play acting and referees, clearly on instruction, ignoring certain rules (on the basis if you gave fouls for pushing and shirt tugging in the box you'd give 50 penalties a game) wears me down.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
The calculation appears to be that they will have a better chance in a recall by-election if they don't contest this one now. So it's a matter of choosing the optimal conditions for the contest.
Nigel has put the voters of Clacton in an impossible situation: vote him out and they're endorsing Green Marxism; vote him in an they're excusing the murky world of foreign crypto villainy and politicians on the make. Neither of which, I'd suggest, they'd ordinarily be comfortable doing. Nigel is morally blackmailing them. Poor show on his part.
In other news, i am getting spammed like crazy about tickets being available for something called The Hundred starting soon. Never heard of it personally.
It's a game played by MPs in the Chilterns and the loser has to resign his seat.
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
It's marginal but I think CON are right to sit it out... As it's just an endorsement of Farages Trumpian distraction tactics.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
I get that logic but the risk is the voters of Clacton are forced to have two by-elections and they won't thank the Tories for giving them no choice in the first.
I'd fight it on an honest basis and, if another is triggered, fight it again.
You might be right, Casino (not for the first time) We'll see...
Whatever happens. I think Nigel is imploding and he won't lead REF into the next election....
Thanks. He can definitely play the anti-establishment card, and they're all out to get me, but that has to resonate to win with it.
I don't think it does if his stuff doesn't pass the sniff test and he is nasty and unpleasant about it.
This isn't America and he isn't Trump, so he might be misreading Britons.
He's brought into his own hype. He thinks he delivered Brexit (he didn't, it was about 50% Dom, 30% Boris, 10% Jezza, 5% Gove, 5% Farage)
If only he'd said "job done" and retired gracefully after 2016 (or maybe 2019) he could have spun his own narrative as truly the "godfather" of Brexit.... Unfortunately his vanity got in the way and now looks likely to destroy his legacy completely...
His failure will eventually be up there with "The Tragedy Of Darth Plagueis The Wise" ....
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
There's an amount of flippancy to be sure, but extraordinary claims do require backing up, so it would be interesting to know what it is about Farage's schedule that is indeed so punishing.
I have no idea what his schedule is, so leaving aside any quips around surgeries or time he spends in Clacton (the people there truly probably do not care), what information is there about his schedule that is so extraordinary compared to his contemporary party leaders?
He spent the entirety of last year's summer recess doing press conferences and touring the country while other party leaders were relaxing at home. The web gives only one record of a holiday post his re-entry into politics, which Farage said was his first since the jungle, and there is no record of one since. Look at the recent furore - he's registered 140 days of outside work in addition to his political duties. This is not me making some moral claim that he's out saving puppies, I merely suggest the man should take a holiday as he's spent, and it's not surprising.
Sadly, even this rather bland and I think self-evident observation gets leaped on by the low wattage brigade and rather than debating actual issues I then have to go on a fact-finding mission to defend my point. Mission accomplished I suppose from the idiots on campaign mode, but hardly enjoyable from an adult conversation perspective.
That's a bit self pitying, how are people supposed to know he does a lot of press conferences and outside work unless someone tells us, just take it on faith? We may follow political minutiae but I certainly don't get a sense of what party leaders, other than the PM, get up to on a day to day basis.
Do Polankski or Badenock work hard? I have no idea, if someone said they did I'd not be able to judge.
People aren't inclined to give Farage any credit, but if the facts are he's very active, fine.
He has only made a third of House of Commons votes this year.
I expect his outside interests take up a lot of time pumping gold, crypto, and redecorating his 5 mansions must take a lot of time too.
If he is finding this all a bit much then is he up to being minister, let alone PM?
Omsk oil refinery, Russia's largest, has stopped operations following the Ukrainian drone attack, Reuters reports.
Russia is entering very dangerous territory- fuel shortages in major cities.
That's been the case for a while. The greater danger that may now be starting is a shortage of diesel, which has major implications for road freight and farming - possibly a failure to bring in the harvest and a shortage of food and major economic damage as freight transport collapses.
They seem to be completely in denial about the scale of the problem. They're still putting a lot of effort into trying to prevent prices rising consequent to the shortages, which is missing the point completely.
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Totally disagree. Least interested I've ever been in a world cup. Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, but the VAR is rubbish, many of the players are clearly knackered from too much football and now we have the corruption of the US president tainting the whole thing.
Time for UEFA to break away and try to set up a rival world cup imo.
While I am not a fan of VAR, compared to the Premiership they seem to get to an answer much quicker, and generally correctly.
If the Greens stand a candidate then they really are pathetic.
The Greens are populist, in case you hadn't noticed.
Why does that make it a sensible choice for them to stand? I would have thought everyone dropping out would make the whole thing seem farcical and weaken Farage, which is Polanski's most clearly stated aim (one can debate whether his strategy is the most effective to achieve that aim).
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
I hope Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem supporters go out and vote for Count Binface. Even if he doesn’t beat Farage, it would be so funny to see him beat the Greens.
(((Dan Hodges))) @DPJHodges This gives today's events fresh context. Farage knew this story was dropping today. And wanted to deflect by it. Also tried to spike the Guardian by passing to another paper. Even more serious questions for Reform to answer. Especially because the phrase "money laundering" keeps popping up.
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
Nigel has put the voters of Clacton in an impossible situation: vote him out and they're endorsing Green Marxism; vote him in an they're excusing the murky world of foreign crypto villainy and politicians on the make. Neither of which, I'd suggest, they'd ordinarily be comfortable doing. Nigel is morally blackmailing them. Poor show on his part.
A chance for Binface to squeeze through the middle. The Uxbridge hand dryer won't move itself.
It's going to Messi vs Bellingham isn't it for a game of the ages?
Maybe maybe not. Several teams can win this, inc us. If things break for us - ie the underestimated randomness factor rewards rather than punishes - we'll do it.
Best WC ever imo. Trump and Infantino have tried their best to shit all over it but they have failed. The football has prevailed.
Totally disagree. Least interested I've ever been in a world cup. Maybe I'm just getting old and grumpy, but the VAR is rubbish, many of the players are clearly knackered from too much football and now we have the corruption of the US president tainting the whole thing.
Time for UEFA to break away and try to set up a rival world cup imo.
What this World Cup has shown is that it shouldn’t be held on corrupt countries like the USA, though unless corrupt FIFA is cleaned up, corrupt countries will be favourites to host it every time.
Also for additional context, serious though today's Guardian allegations are, my understanding is they only represent the tip of the iceberg over what's to come.
Do we think Reform expected this response from the other parties? Difficult to see what Farage gains from a byelection against Binface
I think they can't really do anything right at present.
This move seems to be jumping the gun. He hasn't been suspended or recalled yet.
I've heard rumblings of Farage going out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE. I'm not sure how viable a strategy that is, though there's absolutely no doubt the man needs a break.
Why does he need a break? What has he been doing?
I think he's probably got the most punishing schedule in politics.
PMSL. 🤣
Turning up at a pub every now and then is more punishing than being Prime Minister?
Or any other Minister?
The infantile level of debate here concerning Reform issues is quite extraordinary.
There's an amount of flippancy to be sure, but extraordinary claims do require backing up, so it would be interesting to know what it is about Farage's schedule that is indeed so punishing.
I have no idea what his schedule is, so leaving aside any quips around surgeries or time he spends in Clacton (the people there truly probably do not care), what information is there about his schedule that is so extraordinary compared to his contemporary party leaders?
He spent the entirety of last year's summer recess doing press conferences and touring the country while other party leaders were relaxing at home. The web gives only one record of a holiday post his re-entry into politics, which Farage said was his first since the jungle, and there is no record of one since. Look at the recent furore - he's registered 140 days of outside work in addition to his political duties. This is not me making some moral claim that he's out saving puppies, I merely suggest the man should take a holiday as he's spent, and it's not surprising.
Sadly, even this rather bland and I think self-evident observation gets leaped on by the low wattage brigade and rather than debating actual issues I then have to go on a fact-finding mission to defend my point. Mission accomplished I suppose from the idiots on campaign mode, but hardly enjoyable from an adult conversation perspective.
That's a completely different train of thought to what was posited before.
Yes he's absolutely entitled to a holiday, everyone is. However that is not the same thing as having the most punishing schedule in politics.
Yes he may do a lot of press conferences, and tour the country. No that does not make it the most punishing schedule in politics either.
You did not just say he needs a holiday, that was not the claim. The claim was that he might go 'out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE' and 'needs a break' due to 'the most punishing schedule in politics'.
Have a holiday sure, but don't need to quit leading the party only to sweep back in before the GE in order to do that. Nor does he have, nor need to have, the most punishing schedule in politics.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
The calculation appears to be that they will have a better chance in a recall by-election if they don't contest this one now. So it's a matter of choosing the optimal conditions for the contest.
There will be no recall by-election if Binface wins.
Someone who turfs up to every by election going is in it for the long haul.
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
Also for additional context, serious though today's Guardian allegations are, my understanding is they only represent the tip of the iceberg over what's to come.
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
The calculation appears to be that they will have a better chance in a recall by-election if they don't contest this one now. So it's a matter of choosing the optimal conditions for the contest.
There will be no recall by-election if Binface wins.
Someone who turfs up to every by election going is in it for the long haul.
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our @Annaisaac
Comments
It's the ultimate Reform seat, they're the only serious alternative, and it's a direct fight: testing their messages and strength is of real benefit.
Twas ever thus
See supporters of Alcibiades, Clodius etc.
EnglandIndia bat deep.As a final step they will say anything that is against a rule is a really technical affair, or just unfair even if it isn't technical.
I’m not a Reform voter. No.
I’d consider them but there’s always something that comes along and puts me off. Like Matt Goodwin attacking the British Somali Mayor in Bristol.
Although, bizarrely, the independent candidate I voted for, Paul Sexton, did switch after the election to Reform.
I don’t think there are any fans of Farage himself here.
Only question really is who breaks first and admits hydration has nothing to do with it.
Sit out his vanity election and make him look foolish by going up against Count Binface and MRLP and get ready for the *real* by election, after he's censured by Parliamentary authorities....
Will Your Party stand.
A Farage reset will mean the clock on his declarations also resets - so if there are other declarable "gifts" he received in the year before the 2024 election that we don't know about he will no longer have to tell anyone. The inquiry into the £5 million - when it resumes - could ask him direct questions about that - but he may or may not answer
https://x.com/krishgm/status/2074497321316884529
The Greens will surely lose, and lose badly. Sure they get a bit of press attention, but the narrative they can spin on populist surges in by-elections is currently pretty good. Visibly losing big to Farage, whether in Clacton or not, seems to puncture that bubble somewhat.
You clearly have an alternative take - could you explain it?
And then when no one stops talking about it, what is the next step?
Owen Jones
@owenjonesjourno
·
44m
The Greens should stand against Nigel Farage in Clacton.
They're the only major party willing to take on the substance of Farage.
The other parties built up Farage by copying his toxic agenda.
The Greens should use the by-election as a national platform to make that case.
https://x.com/owenjonesjourno/status/2074557736554041511
I would do it positively though. Otherwise Farage can just play the Anti-Establistment card.
that doesn't given him any get out clause as we are in the same Parliament.
Now were there a general election on September 30th 2026 he could get away with everything prior to October 1st 2025 because it's a new Parliament but that's not going to happen
https://www.france24.com/en/france/20260707-live-french-far-right-leader-marine-le-pen-faces-key-ruling-in-race-for-president?arena_mid=ve3KphjKSepAwtAbOfDz
I'd fight it on an honest basis and, if another is triggered, fight it again.
So in a one on one "head to head" Ref Vs Con, I can see where you are coming from... But unfortunately that would never happen in our system, because as soon as Con announce they are fielding a candidate, everyone else would pile in...
The poster boy , good looking and charismatic without a direct link to the vile Jean Marie Le Pen now having to play second fiddle .
Great thing about French politics is sometimes you only need around 18-22% to get into the second round. 4th time the charm for Marine to get beyond 41% this time? Keiki Fujimori finally one on her 4th attempt.
Whatever happens. I think Nigel is imploding and he won't lead REF into the next election....
And as we’ve seen in the UK will vote even if there’s a hurricane .
Good times are coming kids.
Sadly, even this rather bland and I think self-evident observation gets leaped on by the low wattage brigade and rather than debating actual issues I then have to go on a fact-finding mission to defend my point. Mission accomplished I suppose from the idiots on campaign mode, but hardly enjoyable from an adult conversation perspective.
The poles were radiating Corbynism and Brexit, and that was enough of an environment for almost all support to coalesce around the mainstream parties.
I see it...but I don't like it.
Rick Wilson
@TheRickWilson
#TeamBinface #BinItToWinIt
https://x.com/TheRickWilson/status/2074552028496384370
I don't think it does if his stuff doesn't pass the sniff test and he is nasty and unpleasant about it.
This isn't America and he isn't Trump, so he might be misreading Britons.
Where Your Party leads, others follow.
But when Lowe and his blackshorts are taking the moral high ground, you know that Farage is having a bad day.
Do Polankski or Badenock work hard? I have no idea, if someone said they did I'd not be able to judge.
People aren't inclined to give Farage any credit, but if the facts are he's very active, fine.
It's a straight Tory-Reform fight. And Andy Burnham has shown (admittedly for very different reasons) that fortune can favour the bold there.
Time for UEFA to break away and try to set up a rival world cup imo.
@CountBinface
Ding Ding Round 2.
https://x.com/CountBinface/status/2074575016511832353
The greatest risk to Farage's self esteem was that the other main parties would collectively take their bat home and play the offside trap. They took no time at all in doing so.
Farage's choices: looking silly for a few weeks; changing his mind and not resigning and looking silly; or deciding someone else can stand instead for Reform which would be a free seat, and looking silly.
Do keep up
Pippa Crerar
@PippaCrerar
EXCL: The £5m gift to Nigel Farage by a cryptocurrency billionaire was reported to the National Crime Agency by bankers who were concerned it may have been laundered money - another big scoop by our
@Annaisaac
https://x.com/PippaCrerar/status/2074565363656757570
If only he'd said "job done" and retired gracefully after 2016 (or maybe 2019) he could have spun his own narrative as truly the "godfather" of Brexit.... Unfortunately his vanity got in the way and now looks likely to destroy his legacy completely...
His failure will eventually be up there with "The Tragedy Of Darth Plagueis The Wise" ....
I expect his outside interests take up a lot of time pumping gold, crypto, and redecorating his 5 mansions must take a lot of time too.
If he is finding this all a bit much then is he up to being minister, let alone PM?
They seem to be completely in denial about the scale of the problem. They're still putting a lot of effort into trying to prevent prices rising consequent to the shortages, which is missing the point completely.
(((Dan Hodges)))
@DPJHodges
This gives today's events fresh context. Farage knew this story was dropping today. And wanted to deflect by it. Also tried to spike the Guardian by passing to another paper. Even more serious questions for Reform to answer. Especially because the phrase "money laundering" keeps popping up.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/07/revealed-farages-5m-gift-reported-to-uk-agency-over-money-laundering-concerns
The question is whether it fucks their nationwide polling even by a bit. Even a couple of % gives Andy B a bounce and he is on a roll.
https://x.com/telegraph/status/2074507670732644684?s=61
* on the somewhat weird reasoning that nations are competing but it's not fair to punish that nation's citizens.
Also for additional context, serious though today's Guardian allegations are, my understanding is they only represent the tip of the iceberg over what's to come.
https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/2074574698214498432
Yes he's absolutely entitled to a holiday, everyone is. However that is not the same thing as having the most punishing schedule in politics.
Yes he may do a lot of press conferences, and tour the country. No that does not make it the most punishing schedule in politics either.
You did not just say he needs a holiday, that was not the claim. The claim was that he might go 'out of politics again to come sweeping back in again before the GE' and 'needs a break' due to 'the most punishing schedule in politics'.
Have a holiday sure, but don't need to quit leading the party only to sweep back in before the GE in order to do that. Nor does he have, nor need to have, the most punishing schedule in politics.
Someone who turfs up to every by election going is in it for the long haul.
(((Dan Hodges)))
@DPJHodges
Also for additional context, serious though today's Guardian allegations are, my understanding is they only represent the tip of the iceberg over what's to come.
https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/2074574698214498432
Get ahead of the game.