Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
p.s. one of my abiding memories of 1997 was the 'Putting the Tat back in Tatton.' Anyone else remember that? British General Elections at their very, very, best
Good likeness of Hamilton Marf, I hope the kippers on here are reasonable in their comments.
Whilst I hold to the view that UKIP handled the Bird suspension as well as anyone can do, there are a number of issues that arise from the underlying causes of the whole debacle.
First, UKIP clearly have not improved their vetting processes, when a fake degree can creep through. No lessons learned from the Ashley Mote benefits fraud etc.
We have here the Central Leadership of a party deciding to impose from their shortlist a PPC onto a local association. Something that other parties have done but UKIP said it was different...
The Central Leadership also bowed down to pressure from the PC brigade for a candidate that ticked other boxes. Female and Ethnic. Something that Lab and Cons (not LDs) have done but UKIP said it was different...
The real surprise is how quickly UKIP joined in with the rest. "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
He shouldn't even be allowed to stand. Personally I think anyone found guilty of malfeasance in public office should be barred for life from standing again.
Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
He shouldn't even be allowed to stand. Personally I think anyone found guilty of malfeasance in public office should be barred for life from standing again.
If UKIP really did want to appear as a clean break from the current major parties, why on earth would they attach themselves to Neil Hamilton? UKIP said it was different...
I don't think UKIP have such a person, but the role of a UKIP election strategist could be very interesting now. The top of the range is perhaps 22% (just making these number up). The strategist has to hate that in parts - all those nutters he hasn't vetted. If they get near that sort of thing its clearly in bed with the Tories, and a referendum is certain. (I think it's impossible for UKIP to do better than this sort of level in 2015)
What though at lower shares? I think at 10% or above they really have to focus on banging the drum for their referendum. They are likely to get it eventually.
UKIP sub 10%? Unless the LDs poll worse and get more seats (a distinct possibility) then that's that for UKIP.
Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
He shouldn't even be allowed to stand. Personally I think anyone found guilty of malfeasance in public office should be barred for life from standing again.
I'm with you on this. Terrible choice if UKIP make it.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
How can a 1 point Labour lead be turned into a tie as happened with YOU GOV last night.To be trusted a poll must be statistically accurate.
What do you mean by "turned into"?
I doubt anyone reading this knows what you are talking about. Why not provide some more information and preferably a link in order to fill us in.
Are you suggesting the poll isn't statistically accurate? On what basis? YouGov has an extremely high reputation - it seems unlikely to me that they would have made an elementary mistake.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
He should obviously be allowed to stand. However, I very much doubt his presence on the ballot will do UKIP any good. (In fact, I'd go further and say that he damages the whole "UKIP is different" brand.)
The voters will get their say. If they prefer to be represented by someone with Neil Hamilton's reputation, that is their concern. (For that reason, I have no issue with prisoners choosing to stand - they just shouldn't be allowed to vote.)
The state cannot be involved in choosing who may or may not be an elected representative. That way leads - inevitably and inexorably, although hopefully only in the very long-term -to Iranian systems where every candidate is vetted for suitability.
Michael Crick@MichaelLCrick·1 hr1 hour ago Ukip Finance Cttee tells Neil Hamilton to explain expense claims, ahead of Hamilton contesting Ukip selection for Basildon South tonight.
So what enterprises will do well out of the low oil price ? Consumers will have extra disposable income to save, pay down debt or spend on VAT able activity.
Of more significance is that the fall in oil prices has the equivalent effect on the US economy of a $340bn tax cut or a $1000Tn stimulus.
As a result rapid interest rate rises may be needed soon to prevent the economy growing to fast and overheating.
So a cheaper pound - better for our exporters.
Still not seeing a downside.
The downside is that the UK will also have to raise interest rates, both to stop domestic overheat due to the fall in oil prices (just as in USA) and because if the USA raise their interest rates significantly we will have to as well to prevent a flight of capital out of the UK chasing higher dollar interest rates and the pound plummeting, ie the return of inflation.
UKIP would have to be out of their minds to select Neil Hamilton. Maybe they are.
I agree. I'd be gutted if Hamilton got selected for UKIP anywhere. Except maybe if he started again, stood as a local councillor and put a few years in building a new reputation. But I think he's missed that chance.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
Good likeness of Hamilton Marf, I hope the kippers on here are reasonable in their comments. ... We have here the Central Leadership of a party deciding to impose from their shortlist a PPC onto a local association. Something that other parties have done but UKIP said it was different... ... The real surprise is how quickly UKIP joined in with the rest. "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
Yes it is a good likeness but just to be consistent I am not sure I go with the theme.
I have some sympathies with any party trying to impose a candidate in a by-election because these are different animals. General elections are a bit different, no matter how frustrating the 'central command' might feel. They create a main list after all and candidates surely need to show some resilience. If UKIP really are trying to impose Hamilton then they must be terribly short of candidates. They seem to have no shortage of parachutes though.
Hamilton was the epitomy of sleaze during the Major years.
UKIP have lost the plot.
Part of me agrees with you and part of me also thinks that if we as a society cannot accept that someone (not convicted of anything) cannot work and atone for past mistakes and rejoin public life we are not a nice society.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
The people of North Devon saw fit to depose Jeremy Thorpe. It also feels inappropriate to speak ill of the dead.
I'm happy to make fun of Mark Oaten for hours at a time.
That being said: for a small political party, the LibDems seem to have their fair share of scandals.
Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
It seems rather hard to arrive at an un-equivocal list though. I personally think that Gordon Brown is a criminal. I don't think this about Tony Blair.
It's the BBC that push Hamilton and his wife.
If the BBC encapsulated themselves into a voter with their distilled opinions then common humanity would require at least a token shoeing. Quite how their output is so distinct from the wisdom of their input escapes me. If your economic input is essentially everyone how the hell do you finish up with Robert Peston airing his views,
Basically, it's good for consumers and for any businesses that use energy.
I've collated the benefit, in terms of the lower Saudi tax, for all the major economies in the world. Basically, it's negative for Canada, Russia, Saudi, etc., and good for the US and the UK (who are importers, but also have a significant amount of their production).
It's very good for major energy importers (i.e. those who have to import almost all their oil and gas), such as Spain, Italy, China and Japan.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
So you don't believe people should be allowed to vote for someone.
Wow. I really can't think of anything less democratic.
Imagine this:
MP warns that lead in paints in dangerous, and makes a big fuss. His opponent - backed by big paint makers - beats him. MP is vindicated. Lead in paints is dangerous.
Ban him from standing?
Absurd. Your suggestion is profoundly and dangerously anti-democratic.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
Neutral ? The site is whatever OGH wants it to be - it's his site, not yours.
As to the usual anti-LD baiting, perhaps Marf didn't draw any cartoons.
Basically, it's good for consumers and for any businesses that use energy.
I've collated the benefit, in terms of the lower Saudi tax, for all the major economies in the world. Basically, it's negative for Canada, Russia, Saudi, etc., and good for the US and the UK (who are importers, but also have a significant amount of their production).
It's very good for major energy importers (i.e. those who have to import almost all their oil and gas), such as Spain, Italy, China and Japan.
It must be disastrous for Canada, oil sands have a very high break even price this must be killing pretty much all investment there.
Michael Crick@MichaelLCrick·4 mins4 minutes ago Neil Hamilton tells c4 News Ukip letter "a dirty trick" to "disrupt hustings" in Basildon this evening
Basically, it's good for consumers and for any businesses that use energy.
I've collated the benefit, in terms of the lower Saudi tax, for all the major economies in the world. Basically, it's negative for Canada, Russia, Saudi, etc., and good for the US and the UK (who are importers, but also have a significant amount of their production).
It's very good for major energy importers (i.e. those who have to import almost all their oil and gas), such as Spain, Italy, China and Japan.
Only fifteen months late Junior! Welcome aboard...!
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
Neutral ? The site is whatever OGH wants it to be - it's his site, not yours.
As to the usual anti-LD baiting, perhaps Marf didn't draw any cartoons.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
So you don't believe people should be allowed to vote for someone.
Wow. I really can't think of anything less democratic.
Imagine this:
MP warns that lead in paints in dangerous, and makes a big fuss. His opponent - backed by big paint makers - beats him. MP is vindicated. Lead in paints is dangerous.
Ban him from standing?
Absurd. Your suggestion is profoundly and dangerously anti-democratic.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
Neutral ? The site is whatever OGH wants it to be - it's his site, not yours.
As to the usual anti-LD baiting, perhaps Marf didn't draw any cartoons.
You're right that Mike can do as he pleases, but you make it sound like he is intervening. If you want to post a cartoon lampooning whoever then it seems likely that you can do so here. Is PB perfect - no, not at all. Dreadful awful nonsense is posted every day (sometimes even without me - and clearly 'cos I'm hardly a regular). I know this, as do you, and yet we'll continue to visit.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
As I tend to repeat to what I am sure is an irritating degree, we get the politicians we deserve. If people are happy to elect someone who has been kicked out once, or twice, or however many times, that is their choice. If the public has a big enough problem with it, perhaps it can overcome out natural tribal instincts.
And that not even considering the other arguments raised, like someone losing but later being proved to have been morally in the right, or someone who has reformed and become a better prospective MP now than they once were.
I fear the gravy train seekers will never be got rid of, alas, but I guess we should keep looking for other potential ways to keep them to a minimum.
Neil Hamilton under investigation by Ukip for questions regarding his expenses.Good giggle from Marf which has now reached a full ho-ho-ho after Michael Crick revelations on Ch 4 news.
We have more than enough failed politicians as it is. I'm half of the mind that once you've been booted out as an MP, you shouldn't be allowed to stand for election again. You've had your shot, let someone else have a pop. Otherwise, it's just a merry go round of the same old faces chasing a slot on the gravy train.
...... Imagine this: MP warns that lead in paints in dangerous, and makes a big fuss. His opponent - backed by big paint makers - beats him. MP is vindicated. Lead in paints is dangerous. Ban him from standing? Absurd. Your suggestion is profoundly and dangerously anti-democratic.
We did have one infamous Liberal MP "co-operating" with a poisonous substance. Cyril Smith.
"In 2008, there were calls for Smith to be stripped of his knighthood after it was revealed that he had asked the asbestos company Turner & Newall to prepare a speech for him in 1981, in which he declared: "The public at large are not at risk". It was later revealed that Smith owned 1,300 shares in the company. In 2008 he said that 4,000 asbestos-related deaths a year in the UK was "relatively low"." wikipedia
I'm of the opinion that everyone is allowed another chance but surely it would be a bad political move by Ukip. It doesn't say much for the rest of the applications if he gets it.
Still, celebrities often do well even if they're infamous rather than famous.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
You're right that Mike can do as he pleases, but you make it sound like he is intervening. If you want to post a cartoon lampooning whoever then it seems likely that you can do so here. Is PB perfect - no, not at all. Dreadful awful nonsense is posted every day (sometimes even without me - and clearly 'cos I'm hardly a regular). I know this, as do you, and yet we'll continue to visit.
The point that those looking for "neutrality" have come to the wrong place. If Luton Paul or anyone else wants to set up their own forum to promulgate their view of the world, so be it.
I'm not saying that's what OGH does either but the perception among those not well disposed toward the LDs that this site is unable to be critical of the Party is misplaced. That said individuals would want it to be critical to the exclusion of everything else (including being critical of UKIP, the Tories or Labour) seems odd.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
Burnham could have cancelled the bidding process if he was so concerned about it going to an NHS bidder. But that would have been odd, as why invite private providers in the first place?
The fact he did not cancel the process indicates that either he was happy with private bidders at the time, or he knew the election was lost, and wanted to leave something they could throw at the Conservatives after the election.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
You get the feeling UKIP couldn't organise a pregnancy on a council estate.
@MichaelLCrick Neil Hamilton has just stood down from Ukip selection in Basildon S & endorsed local cllr Kerri Smith, reinstated by HQ as contender today
@ShippersUnbound Ukip really has come of age this week as a mainstream political party. Sex scandal. Check. Briefing against difficult candidates. Check.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
Burnham could have cancelled the bidding process if he was so concerned about it going to an NHS bidder. But that would have been odd, as why invite private providers in the first place?
The fact he did not cancel the process indicates that either he was happy with private bidders at the time, or he knew the election was lost, and wanted to leave something they could throw at the Conservatives after the election.
Very likely the latter but it has backfired splendidly.
@ShippersUnbound Ukip really has come of age this week as a mainstream political party. Sex scandal. Check. Briefing against difficult candidates. Check.
Dealing with difficulties far quicker than the other parties. Check.
"ComRes ITN poll that will terrify Labour. 33% support cutting spending to 1930's levels, 26% oppose. Lab praying it was the game changer."
LMAO at Hodges' outright lie. The question he's referring to doesn't ask whether they "support" or "oppose" it, it asks whether they think it will make themselves personally worse or better off (with a large % saying they have no idea).
I'm as against austerity as it's possible to be, but it probably wouldn't make me personally (financially) worse off since I don't rely on welfare. That's not in any sense the same as supporting it.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
@ShippersUnbound Ukip really has come of age this week as a mainstream political party. Sex scandal. Check. Briefing against difficult candidates. Check.
Dealing with difficulties far quicker than the other parties. Check.
The Bird affair has been quietly rumbling away for over a month now.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
What about when Burnham did it?
That was a good Labour one, totally different to evil, baby eating Tory privatisation.
"ComRes ITN poll that will terrify Labour. 33% support cutting spending to 1930's levels, 26% oppose. Lab praying it was the game changer."
Wonder what the response would have been if it said cutting to 1998 levels, because give or take a bit of rounding and cuts are never achieved as planned, even in Tories get in that is what they are aiming for.
I don't get this, where has Hamilton been claiming expenses FROM? He's not elected to the European Parliament is he? Or are these old claims from the 90s when he was in Westminster?
Just seen the UKIP expenses letter on Ch4 blog. Methinks if the big three parties had been as rigourous in making enquiries before paying they wouldnt be in the pickle they are now.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
Mike gives me complete editorial freedom, which is another way of saying the cartoons are my sole responsibility and do not represent the views of the site.
The truth is, any comedian will tell you that some words are funny, others are not - some stories are funny, some are not.
I don't touch sex abuse, or torture. Though I did write a graphic novel about sex abuse, called 'Runaway' (and I haven't found a publisher who hasn't found it too 'dark').
Not funny - Sir Cyril Smith, Jeremy Thorpe, Mark Oaten.
As for Lord Rennard, well, he IS a cartoon.
Huhne - you're wrong, I did do cartoons about Huhne at the time.
Anyway, you get the idea. It's not that cartoons on this site are passing over certain figures because Mike and I have colluded, and wish to be polite about one and rude about another, according to some party lines.
I didn't mean to give you a quick tutorial on cartooning. But you must watch 'Punchlines' with Tom Hanks and Sally Fields. I didn't appreciate them as actors until I saw this movie. It's a good script and it even features some grand old comedians. It really is a good film about writing, and about comedy. 'Funny/not funny' is all you need to know. Sounds simple, but comedians I love, like Woody Allen, work at it every day.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
What about when Burnham did it?
He didnt.
You might be thinking of Milburn the 2nd worst SOS in my 33 years in NHS
Lab had an NHS preferred provider policy under Burnham.
Scrapped by the coalition.
Lansley was the worst by the way with his flawed conflict of interest reforms.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
What about when Burnham did it?
That was a good Labour one, totally different to evil, baby eating Tory privatisation.
I look forward to seeing how Labour's cuts will be the good kind, vs the ideological evil cuts we currently face. At the least I look forward to seeing the arguments as to how that is the case.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
What about when Burnham did it?
He didnt.
You might be thinking of Milburn the 2nd worst SOS in my 33 years in NHS
Lab had an NHS preferred provider policy under Burnham.
Scrapped by the coalition.
Lansley was the worst by the way with his flawed conflict of interest reforms.
By the way Ken Clarke was one of the best.
Think you had better keep up with what has happened today before you look even more stupid.
Funny how I can't recall seeing any cartoon threads on this site involving or alluding to people like Thorpe, Smith, Rennard, Oaten and Huhne when they were in the news.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
Mike gives me complete editorial freedom, which is another way of saying the cartoons are my sole responsibility and do not represent the views of the site.
The truth is, any comedian will tell you that some words are funny, others are not - some stories are funny, some are not.
I don't touch sex abuse, or torture. Though I did write a graphic novel about sex abuse, called 'Runaway' (and I haven't found a publisher who hasn't found it too 'dark').
Not funny - Sir Cyril Smith, Jeremy Thorpe, Mark Oaten.
As for Lord Rennard, well, he IS a cartoon.
Huhne - you're wrong, I did do cartoons about Huhne at the time.
Anyway, you get the idea. It's not that cartoons on this site are passing over certain figures because Mike and I have colluded, and wish to be polite about one and rude about another, according to some party lines.
I didn't mean to give you a quick tutorial on cartooning. But you must watch 'Punchlines' with Tom Hanks and Sally Fields. I didn't appreciate them as actors until I saw this movie. It's a good script and it even features some grand old comedians. It really is a good film about writing, and about comedy. 'Funny/not funny' is all you need to know. Sounds simple, but comedians I love, like Woody Allen, work at it every day.
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
He won't care as long as taxpayers money carries on lining his golden pension pot.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about. - Oscar Wilde
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
What about when Burnham did it?
He didnt.
You might be thinking of Milburn the 2nd worst SOS in my 33 years in NHS
Lab had an NHS preferred provider policy under Burnham.
Scrapped by the coalition.
Lansley was the worst by the way with his flawed conflict of interest reforms.
By the way Ken Clarke was one of the best.
Think you had better keep up with what has happened today before you look even more stupid.
I have kept up to date. These things are important to me.
When Burnham left office an NHS hospital was still involved in the bidding process, Peterboro and Stamford.
Circle were appointed in 2011.
Are you stupidly taking the facts from the wrong source?
I wondered when someone would deploy this bombshell against Labour's Burnham. Clegg won this one. It should be used everytime Labour whinge about privatising the NHS.
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html "The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health. "It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
Burnham is an utter liar and typical Labour hypocrite.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
Well does that not sum Labour and their utter hypocrisy to a Tee. Burnham, the only man in the UK to ever have privatised an NHS hospital. Indeed i......
I agree this should be thrown at them relentlessly and if I were Clegg I would be demanding Burnham returns to the commons and corrects his misleading of the commons during his point of order.
Comments
http://goo.gl/EMMIIL
Whatever one's political affiliations I hope we can agree that there are certain figures so odious or toxic or, indeed, criminal that they should have no place in any party. Neil Hamilton ticks all three of those boxes and I wouldn't want him standing for the Conservatives.
The Machiavellian in me hopes UKIP select him. The moral in me says they should give him the boot.
Looks as if they're not happy chappies and chappesses in Basildon UKIP: http://order-order.com/2014/12/10/ukip-in-uproar-over-neil-hamilton-selection-stitch-up/
UKIP have lost the plot.
Whilst I hold to the view that UKIP handled the Bird suspension as well as anyone can do, there are a number of issues that arise from the underlying causes of the whole debacle.
First, UKIP clearly have not improved their vetting processes, when a fake degree can creep through. No lessons learned from the Ashley Mote benefits fraud etc.
We have here the Central Leadership of a party deciding to impose from their shortlist a PPC onto a local association. Something that other parties have done but UKIP said it was different...
The Central Leadership also bowed down to pressure from the PC brigade for a candidate that ticked other boxes. Female and Ethnic. Something that Lab and Cons (not LDs) have done but UKIP said it was different...
The real surprise is how quickly UKIP joined in with the rest. "The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”
The constituency literally starts at the end of my road. But it is one of the biggest around I think... covers places in Essex I have never heard of
EDIT: My road is actually in the constituency! v long road
Is this their brave new politics? Neil Hamilton? Is this a joke?
God give me strength (= outrage on behalf of Kippers everywhere). Is this how you see the future of your party?
oh yes and...hahahahahaha
What though at lower shares? I think at 10% or above they really have to focus on banging the drum for their referendum. They are likely to get it eventually.
UKIP sub 10%? Unless the LDs poll worse and get more seats (a distinct possibility) then that's that for UKIP.
None of that foreign muck on the night pls Sam.
I doubt anyone reading this knows what you are talking about. Why not provide some more information and preferably a link in order to fill us in.
Are you suggesting the poll isn't statistically accurate? On what basis? YouGov has an extremely high reputation - it seems unlikely to me that they would have made an elementary mistake.
It's in Canterbury and the panellists are Penny Mordaunt, Mary Creagh, Nigel Farage, Russell Brand and Camilla Cavendish.
He should obviously be allowed to stand. However, I very much doubt his presence on the ballot will do UKIP any good. (In fact, I'd go further and say that he damages the whole "UKIP is different" brand.)
The voters will get their say. If they prefer to be represented by someone with Neil Hamilton's reputation, that is their concern. (For that reason, I have no issue with prisoners choosing to stand - they just shouldn't be allowed to vote.)
The state cannot be involved in choosing who may or may not be an elected representative. That way leads - inevitably and inexorably, although hopefully only in the very long-term -to Iranian systems where every candidate is vetted for suitability.
http://www.ukip.org/people_key
Michael Crick@MichaelLCrick·1 hr1 hour ago
Ukip Finance Cttee tells Neil Hamilton to explain expense claims, ahead of Hamilton contesting Ukip selection for Basildon South tonight.
Mind you, I'd rather Brand kept his nose out.
I thought this site was supposed to be neutral?
I have some sympathies with any party trying to impose a candidate in a by-election because these are different animals. General elections are a bit different, no matter how frustrating the 'central command' might feel. They create a main list after all and candidates surely need to show some resilience.
If UKIP really are trying to impose Hamilton then they must be terribly short of candidates. They seem to have no shortage of parachutes though.
I'm happy to make fun of Mark Oaten for hours at a time.
That being said: for a small political party, the LibDems seem to have their fair share of scandals.
It's the BBC that push Hamilton and his wife.
If the BBC encapsulated themselves into a voter with their distilled opinions then common humanity would require at least a token shoeing. Quite how their output is so distinct from the wisdom of their input escapes me. If your economic input is essentially everyone how the hell do you finish up with Robert Peston airing his views,
Basically, it's good for consumers and for any businesses that use energy.
I've collated the benefit, in terms of the lower Saudi tax, for all the major economies in the world. Basically, it's negative for Canada, Russia, Saudi, etc., and good for the US and the UK (who are importers, but also have a significant amount of their production).
It's very good for major energy importers (i.e. those who have to import almost all their oil and gas), such as Spain, Italy, China and Japan.
Wow. I really can't think of anything less democratic.
Imagine this:
MP warns that lead in paints in dangerous, and makes a big fuss.
His opponent - backed by big paint makers - beats him.
MP is vindicated. Lead in paints is dangerous.
Ban him from standing?
Absurd. Your suggestion is profoundly and dangerously anti-democratic.
As to the usual anti-LD baiting, perhaps Marf didn't draw any cartoons.
Michael Crick@MichaelLCrick·4 mins4 minutes ago
Neil Hamilton tells c4 News Ukip letter "a dirty trick" to "disrupt hustings" in Basildon this evening
And that not even considering the other arguments raised, like someone losing but later being proved to have been morally in the right, or someone who has reformed and become a better prospective MP now than they once were.
I fear the gravy train seekers will never be got rid of, alas, but I guess we should keep looking for other potential ways to keep them to a minimum.
"In 2008, there were calls for Smith to be stripped of his knighthood after it was revealed that he had asked the asbestos company Turner & Newall to prepare a speech for him in 1981, in which he declared: "The public at large are not at risk". It was later revealed that Smith owned 1,300 shares in the company. In 2008 he said that 4,000 asbestos-related deaths a year in the UK was "relatively low"." wikipedia
Still, celebrities often do well even if they're infamous rather than famous.
What next? Russell Brand to stand for Labour?
"ComRes ITN poll that will terrify Labour. 33% support cutting spending to 1930's levels, 26% oppose. Lab praying it was the game changer."
http://www.politicshome.com/uk/story/45865/burnham_hits_out_at_clegg_over_nhs_privatisation_claim.html
"The NAO report of the bidding process published on 8 November 2012 clearly states that in December 2009 there were only 3 bidders left in the process - Circle Health, Ramsay Health Care UK and Serco Health.
"It says on page 20 that 'the two NHS trusts involved both withdrew at early stages of the process.'"
I'm not saying that's what OGH does either but the perception among those not well disposed toward the LDs that this site is unable to be critical of the Party is misplaced. That said individuals would want it to be critical to the exclusion of everything else (including being critical of UKIP, the Tories or Labour) seems odd.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-30411131
Edit: and they'd better not have a maintenance man called 'Jim'.
Wonder what Big John thinks of this?
The fact he did not cancel the process indicates that either he was happy with private bidders at the time, or he knew the election was lost, and wanted to leave something they could throw at the Conservatives after the election.
Including from 17 different species of whale. And a rogue polar bear.
@MichaelLCrick Neil Hamilton has just stood down from Ukip selection in Basildon S & endorsed local cllr Kerri Smith, reinstated by HQ as contender today
(Obv if you have tou wont see this!)
I'm as against austerity as it's possible to be, but it probably wouldn't make me personally (financially) worse off since I don't rely on welfare. That's not in any sense the same as supporting it.
There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is the Tories privatising the NHS - BJO
@TelegraphNews: Neil Hamilton is being questioned by Ukip over expenses he allegedly claimed for staying in his wife's flat http://t.co/6U8fmhZEoG
UKIP select Hamilton = Disaster..
They haven't = Disaster
Righto
Just be grateful I was around to tip them up at 20/1 and keep schtum I reckon
That should have had UKIP warning alarms going off.
something about a whelk stall..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11286494/Neil-Hamilton-questioned-by-Ukip-over-expenses-allegedly-claimed-for-wifes-flat.html
http://m.echo-news.co.uk/news/11543026.BREAKING__Ukip_s_candidate_for_Basildon_and_East_Thurrock_deselected_for__big_fish_/?ref=mr
Not the old politics at all, is it?
The truth is, any comedian will tell you that some words are funny, others are not - some stories are funny, some are not.
I don't touch sex abuse, or torture. Though I did write a graphic novel about sex abuse, called 'Runaway' (and I haven't found a publisher who hasn't found it too 'dark').
Not funny - Sir Cyril Smith, Jeremy Thorpe, Mark Oaten.
As for Lord Rennard, well, he IS a cartoon.
Huhne - you're wrong, I did do cartoons about Huhne at the time.
Anyway, you get the idea. It's not that cartoons on this site are passing over certain figures because Mike and I have colluded, and wish to be polite about one and rude about another, according to some party lines.
I didn't mean to give you a quick tutorial on cartooning. But you must watch 'Punchlines' with Tom Hanks and Sally Fields. I didn't appreciate them as actors until I saw this movie. It's a good script and it even features some grand old comedians. It really is a good film about writing, and about comedy. 'Funny/not funny' is all you need to know. Sounds simple, but comedians I love, like Woody Allen, work at it every day.
You might be thinking of Milburn the 2nd worst SOS in my 33 years in NHS
Lab had an NHS preferred provider policy under Burnham.
Scrapped by the coalition.
Lansley was the worst by the way with his flawed conflict of interest reforms.
By the way Ken Clarke was one of the best.
They just don't get 10% /15%/20% anymore
They'll fall back to 5%/7%/9%/11% at the GE?
They haven't got any seats/only got one/only got two/will lose them at the GE?
They're a one man band and that man is a drag on their appeal?
(Though probably NSFW!)
Yes. I certainly hope we have seen peak kipper and that they are being exposed.
Hamilton is a political joke, they might as well select Jeffrey Archer for a seat.
When Burnham left office an NHS hospital was still involved in the bidding process, Peterboro and Stamford.
Circle were appointed in 2011.
Are you stupidly taking the facts from the wrong source?
I think it is a bit embarrassing that Natasha Bolter was considered a possible candidate but its quite a small story in the grand scheme of things.
It also embarrassing the way that people like you get so excited every time you think its all gone wrong for UKIP, get over it!
I agree this should be thrown at them relentlessly and if I were Clegg I would be demanding Burnham returns to the commons and corrects his misleading of the commons during his point of order.