If this is true, Obama's looking at prison time. An enormous scandal.
What do you mean - IF it's true?
Surely you're not suggesting that Donald Trump would tweet anything but God's honest truth? :-)
Trump would have to be insane to issue that explosive tweet unless he had absolute proof. I don't believe he's insane.
Sounds as if Trump's proof is an article on Breitbart:
the Obama administration sought, and eventually obtained, authorization to eavesdrop on the Trump campaign; continued monitoring the Trump team even when no evidence of wrongdoing was found; then relaxed the NSA rules to allow evidence to be shared widely within the government, virtually ensuring that the information, including the conversations of private citizens, would be leaked to the media.
Mrs May’s speech was mostly boilerplate but parse a word here and a clause there and you have the makings of a fresh approach to devolution. Mr Cameron’s respect agenda — which involved him being respectful to the SNP and them respectfully telling him to b****r off — has been replaced by a mutual respect agenda. Downing Street would seek to work with the devolved administration but the good of the Union, not appeasement of the Nationalists, would be the priority.
The Prime Minister was relaxed, even allowing herself the odd smile. She looks less apprehensive when speaking in Scotland than her old boss did; her shoulders are less hunched, her words less halted by fear of saying the wrong thing. Every few months, Mr Cameron would come north to deliver a ‘defence’ of the Union and every time it would fall flat. By seeking to defend the United Kingdom, he accepted that it was on trial. Mrs May celebrated our shared values and prosecuted a strong case against separatism.
She gets what Mr Cameron seemed not to: Scotland is her country too, and she needn’t be afraid to talk about it.
Cameron went to Scotland pleaded and begged that the Scottish people save the Union they did .He was successful in that regard.
He was - but I'm not sure he connected in the same way May does:
The hall loved it. Conservative conferences are a tale of two Tories. The mini-Mogg — suit from John Lewis, politics from John Redwood — and the No-Nonsense Auntie: A doughty, reliable type who knocks the doors, bakes the scones, and handbags Central Office when it gets too carried away with itself. The libertarian mini-Moggs set aside their iffiness about collectivism to rah-rah the Prime Minister’s words while the Aunties, terribly proud to be British but one doesn’t go on about it, thundered in applause.
May certainly connects better with the Unionists and Conservatives.However I have my doubts she can convince the uncommited who might switch and get Scottish Independence over the 50%.
That job is for Ruth Davidson complimented by Theresa May
What's your prediction for the Scottish council elections, the ones that Tessy wants to be a poll on whether there should be an Indy ref II?
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
This could be the lifeline we Remainers have been yearning for - Tories lose their majority and parliament scuppers Brexit with a spoiling motion. Well done Michael Crick! Well done Channel 4! The plebs thought they had the pro-European liberal elite bested, but we were only biding our time.
Huge amounts of ifs there and if may loses her majority you don't think she will go for a GE...Given she is only 14 points ahead.
If she loses her majority she can't orchestrate an early election.
Don't you need 2/3 to vote to call an early election? Having a slim majority or not wouldn't factor into that would it, they still need Labour to play ball? And the more convoluted vote of no confidence route would be on the table still, if still problematic for different reasons?
A simple majority will do - a government can not be bound by its predecessors.
But the Government does need to first repeal the FTPA, which will require some dedicated effort.
Other wise yes a (Frankly unahcievable) 2/3 majority is needed.
Do you think the DUP or the UUP will support them now ? What about boundary changes ?
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
We will see but there is no appetite for a second referendum in Scotland at present but then with your blind devotion to Independence you are unlikely to accept that.
If this is true, Obama's looking at prison time. An enormous scandal.
What do you mean - IF it's true?
Surely you're not suggesting that Donald Trump would tweet anything but God's honest truth? :-)
Trump would have to be insane to issue that explosive tweet unless he had absolute proof. I don't believe he's insane.
It's a diversionary tactic. Attack is the best defence [ or, should I have written "defense" ].
It's a very silly diversionary tactic. It will do the opposite of what he wants.
What I can't believe is that there are people on this site actually entertaining it. I'm not surprised that his claims may be based upon a Breitbart article at all - he's made several tweet related to matters discussed on FOX news before.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
This could be the lifeline we Remainers have been yearning for - Tories lose their majority and parliament scuppers Brexit with a spoiling motion. Well done Michael Crick! Well done Channel 4! The plebs thought they had the pro-European liberal elite bested, but we were only biding our time.
Huge amounts of ifs there and if may loses her majority you don't think she will go for a GE...Given she is only 14 points ahead.
If she loses her majority she can't orchestrate an early election.
Don't you need 2/3 to vote to call an early election? Having a slim majority or not wouldn't factor into that would it, they still need Labour to play ball? And the more convoluted vote of no confidence route would be on the table still, if still problematic for different reasons?
A simple majority will do - a government can not be bound by its predecessors.
But the Government does need to first repeal the FTPA, which will require some dedicated effort.
Other wise yes a (Frankly unahcievable) 2/3 majority is needed.
Do you think the DUP or the UUP will support them now ? What about boundary changes ?
Doubt it, I don't think the government will go to the bother personally. A view I've backed up on Betfair.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
We will see but there is no appetite for a second referendum in Scotland at present but then with your blind devotion to Independence you are unlikely to accept that.
If only I could have your clear eyed, open mided, unbiased adoration of Tessy, Brexit and the Union.
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
@Roger, not sure if you caught this FPT, but would you care to offer your professional opinion? For anyone tempted to move to Canberra to work for the Australian Department of Finance, their graduate applications are opening soon. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, this is $37,400 of recruitment campaign right here.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
We will see but there is no appetite for a second referendum in Scotland at present but then with your blind devotion to Independence you are unlikely to accept that.
If only I could have your clear eyed, open mided, unbiased adoration of Tessy, Brexit and the Union.
I voted remain, have many family connections in Scotland, most of whom value the Union, and so far Theresa May has provided a competent hand on the tiller in difficult times. There are over 1 million Scots who voted for Brexit and deserve a voice.
From a LibDem perspective, I can assure you that when we travel to help other constituency campaigns our members are willing to pay their own expenses. We don't expect our party to lay on free coach transport and free bed and board, as Tory HQ provided to its activists. The question is how on Earth the Tories thought that spending lots of money transporting activists to Thanet or Torbay, or wherever, and accommodating and feeding them while they were there, could possibly be passed off as "national" campaign expenditure?
And from a Conservative perspective, as somebody who received e-mails inviting me to go on the "battle bus", I can assure you that the accommodation costs had to be met by those volunteering.
And as a LibDem, you really want to delve into Torbay election expenses?
Not looking good for Vauxhall workers in the UK in the long term .I am sure the French will be looking to secure their own plants. Whether Brexit will have an impact either way on there location is hard to say at the moment.
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
Which ex PBer is that?
I thought it was Stuart, former member of this parish. Swedish wife IIRC..?
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
I'll offer a bet that pro Indy Ref II (SNP & Green) will beat anti Indy Ref II (SCon, SLab, SLD, UKIP), since that's the way Tessy has framed these elections. £10 at evens, which I think is a fair price?
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
Which ex PBer is that?
I thought it was Stuart, former member of this parish. Swedish wife IIRC..?
No, different Stuarts. Don't think the rev has ever posted here.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
Which ex PBer is that?
I thought it was Stuart, former member of this parish. Swedish wife IIRC..?
No, different Stuarts. Don't think the rev has ever posted here.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe but they have not helped themselves and even without Brexit change is needed
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
Which ex PBer is that?
I thought it was Stuart, former member of this parish. Swedish wife IIRC..?
No, different Stuarts. Don't think the rev has ever posted here.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe but they have not helped themselves and even without Brexit change is needed
I find that quite rich coming from someone who supports the party that was a happy to have a HoL with a permanent Tory majority composed of aristocratic hereditaries until less than 20 years ago !
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe, but it's just another one of those things that Brexit has turned upside down.
The people that used to loathe it now cheer-lead for it and those who advocated for it now want it reformed or abolished.
It's like the oft mentioned fruit pickers on low wages. They used to be described as a symbol of low wage oppression, now they are a true wonder of the european ideal.
Genuine proportional representation is another. It used to be the aim, now it should be banned because the people don't know what they are voting for or against.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Let's face it, such is their soaring sense of entitlement that the Brexit elite would like to do away with parliament, the judiciary and the media and have us ruled by the verbal decree of Theresa May or Nigel Farage or Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin - whichever one is deemed sufficiently Brexity at the time.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe but they have not helped themselves and even without Brexit change is needed
I find that quite rich coming from someone who supports the party that was a happy to have a HoL with a permanent Tory majority composed of aristocratic hereditaries until less than 20 years ago !
I have never supported the HOL but that does not stop me being a conservative and seeking change
Claims of homophobia are over egging it somewhat, it was an unpleasant thing to say, but that’s all imo. - Always nice to catch up on what former PBers are now doing.
Which ex PBer is that?
I thought it was Stuart, former member of this parish. Swedish wife IIRC..?
No, different Stuarts. Don't think the rev has ever posted here.
Neither resident in Scotland, Strangely.
Chust like your good self, mo ghradh.
How your ever pissed feeble fifty must dread a second referendum and the risk of returning to penury,unemployment and buckfast.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Let's face it, such is their soaring sense of entitlement that the Brexit elite would like to do away with parliament, the judiciary and the media and have us ruled by the verbal decree of Theresa May or Nigel Farage or Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin - whichever one is deemed sufficiently Brexity at the time.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Quite so. Good that it will be discussed, but a lot of it seems to be people being rapidly converted to the cause, which may not bode well if such people among MPs try to come up with solutions to complex issues.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No. But I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
Fighting yesterday's battles. On current polling the Scot conservatives will do well in May and would increase seats if a GE was held
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe but they have not helped themselves and even without Brexit change is needed
I find that quite rich coming from someone who supports the party that was a happy to have a HoL with a permanent Tory majority composed of aristocratic hereditaries until less than 20 years ago !
I have never supported the HOL but that does not stop me being a conservative and seeking change
Changing HoL now is going to open an absolute stinking can of worms. For example, elections via PR, thereby flooding the HoL with a load of populist nutjobs who people vote in because they think HoL isn't that important and not the proper government.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
This could be the lifeline we Remainers have been yearning for - Tories lose their majority and parliament scuppers Brexit with a spoiling motion. Well done Michael Crick! Well done Channel 4! The plebs thought they had the pro-European liberal elite bested, but we were only biding our time.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Let's face it, such is their soaring sense of entitlement that the Brexit elite would like to do away with parliament, the judiciary and the media and have us ruled by the verbal decree of Theresa May or Nigel Farage or Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin - whichever one is deemed sufficiently Brexity at the time.
Altogether now after Stark Dawning
'Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad. Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad. Four legs good, two legs bad. Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad.'
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
She did well picking up the Unionist pieces after SLab exploded at the SNP's hands. Prior to SLab's implosion her most notable contributions to Scottish politics was sitting on things and watching SCon go backwards.
On topic. - If maximum expense limits have been exceeded, then the Electoral Commission should impose fines on those found guilty. I doubt the electoral results in the six unnamed constituencies will be overturned however, the whole issue will be treated just as with the Lib Dems and their 20K maximum fine. - Not that we know much of the who, what ands where’s.
I understand the Representation of the People Act to be very prescriptive. If an MP is found to have been elected improperly he is barred from public office for a period, so there will necessarily be a new election where be won't be allowed to stand.
They will want to make sure any misdemeanor is pinned on the party or the agent, and not the MP. The party would get a fine; the agent would be barred from acting I the future, but that doesn't matter. If the MP is found to be responsible he will have to resign and a new election will be called
Hardly an expert on the subject, but I’m not sure the Representation of the People Act applies in this case, this looks like a simple case of electoral funding irregularities rather than what Phil Woolas did, to be stripped of his MP status.
On topic. - If maximum expense limits have been exceeded, then the Electoral Commission should impose fines on those found guilty. I doubt the electoral results in the six unnamed constituencies will be overturned however, the whole issue will be treated just as with the Lib Dems and their 20K maximum fine. - Not that we know much of the who, what ands where’s.
I understand the Representation of the People Act to be very prescriptive. If an MP is found to have been elected improperly he is barred from public office for a period, so there will necessarily be a new election where be won't be allowed to stand.
They will want to make sure any misdemeanor is pinned on the party or the agent, and not the MP. The party would get a fine; the agent would be barred from acting I the future, but that doesn't matter. If the MP is found to be responsible he will have to resign and a new election will be called
The MP signs the expenses declaration alongside his agent.
I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
Might it be your assessment is less than disinterested ?
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Maybe but they have not helped themselves and even without Brexit change is needed
I find that quite rich coming from someone who supports the party that was a happy to have a HoL with a permanent Tory majority composed of aristocratic hereditaries until less than 20 years ago !
I have never supported the HOL but that does not stop me being a conservative and seeking change
Changing HoL now is going to open an absolute stinking can of worms. For example, elections via PR, thereby flooding the HoL with a load of populist nutjobs who people vote in because they think HoL isn't that important and not the proper government.
I agree now is not the time to change the HOL but change must be included in the 2020 manifestos
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
As someone who helped draft the constitutional reform package, I wouldn't get too excited by these 100K signature debates - like the one on Trump, they make good copy but the government shrugs and moves on. Unless they want to do whatever it is, of course, but I doubt if May will feel that things are so wonderfully stable that it's a good moment for a constitutional upheaval.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
Seven is a lot.
I take it the large number of Russian diplomat/official type people croaking it is just one of those coincidence things?
I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
Might it be your assessment is less than disinterested ?
I remain, as ever, scrupulously unbiased in my assesment.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No. But I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
Fighting yesterday's battles. On current polling the Scot conservatives will do well in May and would increase seats if a GE was held
Alistair does have a point though.
People are only predicting 5-6 SCON MPs at the next general election even with the disasters that have befallen SLAB and SLD.
Compare that with the 10MPs SCON won in 1987 or the 11 MPs the Welsh Conservatives won in 2015.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
As someone who helped draft the constitutional reform package, I wouldn't get too excited by these 100K signature debates - like the one on Trump, they make good copy but the government shrugs and moves on. Unless they want to do whatever it is, of course, but I doubt if May will feel that things are so wonderfully stable that it's a good moment for a constitutional upheaval.
I have said that now is not the time but 2020 most certainly is - the expense and troughing of most members is outrageous
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
You mean getting less than lamentable SLab in the constitiuency vote, and 22.9% on the List? A performance even Corbyn Labour might baulk at.
The problem for Mrs May is that she can't pin this on the ancien régime given how much her Chief of Staff is implicated in all of this.
Nice try.
The problem for the Cameroons is they can't blame shift given how long and how often they have told us how brilliant Dave and George were on winning seats.
The Cameroons having problems doesn't matter because they are not in situ, so it doesn't work as a distraction.
But any re-habilitation of Osborne has surely been put off?
Why does Osborne need to be rehabilitated, the state of the UK economy and his focus on a Northern Powerhouse suggests he has every right to be relaxed about his Cabinet legacy? The way that May sacked Osborne, and the subsequent briefing from No10 making that clear remains one of her earliest political errors. May might think that she can get away with leaving a political talent like Osborne sitting on the backbenches when she is facing a Labour party in complete dissaray under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
Might it be your assessment is less than disinterested ?
I remain, as ever, scrupulously unbiased in my assesment.
The problem for Mrs May is that she can't pin this on the ancien régime given how much her Chief of Staff is implicated in all of this.
Nice try.
The problem for the Cameroons is they can't blame shift given how long and how often they have told us how brilliant Dave and George were on winning seats.
The Cameroons having problems doesn't matter because they are not in situ, so it doesn't work as a distraction.
But any re-habilitation of Osborne has surely been put off?
Why does Osborne need to be rehabilitated, the state of the UK economy and his focus on a Northern Powerhouse suggests he has every right to be relaxed about his Cabinet legacy? The way that May sacked Osborne, and the subsequent briefing from No10 making that clear remains one of her earliest political errors. May might think that she can get away with leaving a political talent like Osborne sitting on the backbenches when she is facing a Labour party in complete dissaray under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
Osborne was a good chancellor in parts but he is not the right person for Brexit. David Davis has done well so far and Boris, is just Boris, but he is out there and apparently meeting the Russian Foreign Minister in Moscow shortly
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
Seven is a lot.
I take it the large number of Russian diplomat/official type people croaking it is just one of those coincidence things?
In some but not all cases, you cannot rule out a link.
The problem for Mrs May is that she can't pin this on the ancien régime given how much her Chief of Staff is implicated in all of this.
Nice try.
The problem for the Cameroons is they can't blame shift given how long and how often they have told us how brilliant Dave and George were on winning seats.
The Cameroons having problems doesn't matter because they are not in situ, so it doesn't work as a distraction.
But any re-habilitation of Osborne has surely been put off?
Why does Osborne need to be rehabilitated, the state of the UK economy and his focus on a Northern Powerhouse suggests he has every right to be relaxed about his Cabinet legacy? The way that May sacked Osborne, and the subsequent briefing from No10 making that clear remains one of her earliest political errors. May might think that she can get away with leaving a political talent like Osborne sitting on the backbenches when she is facing a Labour party in complete dissaray under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
Osborne was a near perfect Chancellor but his hyperbole during the referendum campaign about a DIY recession and a punishment budget were major mistakes that were rejected not just by a majority of the nation but an even larger majority of the parties supporters. His talks of any immediate recession after the vote (not actual Brexit or A50 but after the vote) have been shown to. Be false.
Ironically one could argue that because he did such a good job before the vote we were able to make either choice with confidence. Sadly he didn't and he burnt his own bridge and his own legacy.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
You mean getting less than lamentable SLab in the constitiuency vote, and 22.9% on the List? A performance even Corbyn Labour might baulk at.
In the context of Scon performance in recent times it was a very good performance. Since the then poll ratings have continued to grow so the direction of travel is positive.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
The problem for Mrs May is that she can't pin this on the ancien régime given how much her Chief of Staff is implicated in all of this.
Nice try.
The problem for the Cameroons is they can't blame shift given how long and how often they have told us how brilliant Dave and George were on winning seats.
The Cameroons having problems doesn't matter because they are not in situ, so it doesn't work as a distraction.
But any re-habilitation of Osborne has surely been put off?
Why does Osborne need to be rehabilitated, the state of the UK economy and his focus on a Northern Powerhouse suggests he has every right to be relaxed about his Cabinet legacy? The way that May sacked Osborne, and the subsequent briefing from No10 making that clear remains one of her earliest political errors. May might think that she can get away with leaving a political talent like Osborne sitting on the backbenches when she is facing a Labour party in complete dissaray under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
May had to put the leading Brexiteers in charge of the exit. Otherwise, when it all goes tits up, Brexiteers would have blamed the remainers, like Osborne, for sabotage.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
You mean getting less than lamentable SLab in the constitiuency vote, and 22.9% on the List? A performance even Corbyn Labour might baulk at.
Corbyn's Labour got 19.1% in the list so why would they baulk at 22.9%?
Oh and that was an increase of over 10% in the list share.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
I'll offer a bet that pro Indy Ref II (SNP & Green) will beat anti Indy Ref II (SCon, SLab, SLD, UKIP), since that's the way Tessy has framed these elections. £10 at evens, which I think is a fair price?
No bet. She framed it as a way to boost Tory votes specifically not just any anti Indyref votes.
On topic. - If maximum expense limits have been exceeded, then the Electoral Commission should impose fines on those found guilty. I doubt the electoral results in the six unnamed constituencies will be overturned however, the whole issue will be treated just as with the Lib Dems and their 20K maximum fine. - Not that we know much of the who, what ands where’s.
I understand the Representation of the People Act to be very prescriptive. If an MP is found to have been elected improperly he is barred from public office for a period, so there will necessarily be a new election where be won't be allowed to stand.
They will want to make sure any misdemeanor is pinned on the party or the agent, and not the MP. The party would get a fine; the agent would be barred from acting I the future, but that doesn't matter. If the MP is found to be responsible he will have to resign and a new election will be called
Hardly an expert on the subject, but I’m not sure the Representation of the People Act applies in this case, this looks like a simple case of electoral funding irregularities rather than what Phil Woolas did, to be stripped of his MP status.
On topic. - If maximum expense limits have been exceeded, then the Electoral Commission should impose fines on those found guilty. I doubt the electoral results in the six unnamed constituencies will be overturned however, the whole issue will be treated just as with the Lib Dems and their 20K maximum fine. - Not that we know much of the who, what ands where’s.
I understand the Representation of the People Act to be very prescriptive. If an MP is found to have been elected improperly he is barred from public office for a period, so there will necessarily be a new election where be won't be allowed to stand.
They will want to make sure any misdemeanor is pinned on the party or the agent, and not the MP. The party would get a fine; the agent would be barred from acting I the future, but that doesn't matter. If the MP is found to be responsible he will have to resign and a new election will be called
The MP signs the expenses declaration alongside his agent.
I'm sure they could claim they were acting as advised by an expert.
So the trail will lead higher up the food chain - it will be interesting to see who made the decisions.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
The problem for Mrs May is that she can't pin this on the ancien régime given how much her Chief of Staff is implicated in all of this.
Nice try.
The problem for the Cameroons is they can't blame shift given how long and how often they have told us how brilliant Dave and George were on winning seats.
The Cameroons having problems doesn't matter because they are not in situ, so it doesn't work as a distraction.
But any re-habilitation of Osborne has surely been put off?
Why does Osborne need to be rehabilitated, the state of the UK economy and his focus on a Northern Powerhouse suggests he has every right to be relaxed about his Cabinet legacy? The way that May sacked Osborne, and the subsequent briefing from No10 making that clear remains one of her earliest political errors. May might think that she can get away with leaving a political talent like Osborne sitting on the backbenches when she is facing a Labour party in complete dissaray under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
Rather like the polititian who "died" on the set of Not the Nine O'Clock News George Osbourne's sacking has given a vitality to him and the Northern Powerhouse which it never had before.
We had the dubious entertainment at South Lakeland's annual budget meeting of the Lib Dem Leader, the Yesmen and even chief nodder, Matt Severn praising the Northern Powerhouse. Apparently it is to be centred on Kendal - by Timmy's orders.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
These debates are meaningless in terms of legislation.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
You mean getting less than lamentable SLab in the constitiuency vote, and 22.9% on the List? A performance even Corbyn Labour might baulk at.
Corbyn's Labour got 19.1% in the list so why would they baulk at 22.9%?
Oh and that was an increase of over 10% in the list share.
If you think SLab is 'Corbyn's' Labour, you haven't been paying attention. They're so not Corbynite they were even willing to have the dire Owen Smith as leader.
Trump's morning ranting regarding wire tapping (in fact its a FISA warrant, no small thing) are indicative of many things in the man's personality but no one this side of the Atlantic has mentioned the biggest one:
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't some substance to the Russia/Trump allegations after all.
Rubbish. You aren't some reluctant deep-thinking convert to the conspiracy theories. You've been an advocate of the smears all along.
That there's been smoke has been obvious to all but the most one eyed observers. The probability that there is genuine combustion is increasing.
That Trump is a narcissistic scofflaw, massively ignorant of the US Constitution is also pretty clear. That he actually collaborated with the Russians in subverting the electoral process would nonetheless be a surprise.
A quick vacation question for any rail buffs out there - in addition to planning a trip to the UK next year, this year I'm pondering something I haven't done since I was a teenager - ride the train.
There are essentially 2 - possibly 3 - options. They're all about 2300-2500 miles
1. The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
2. The California Zephyr - Chicago to San Francisco.
3. The Texas Eagle - Chicago to Texas to Los Angeles
The first two have observation dome cars etc, not sure about the Texas Eagle.
Does anyone have experience of any of these? - or suggestions?
I suspect the Canadian might have the most stunning scenery.
On topic... It does feel to me something of an overreaction to require by elections for this... But then I suppose any punishment less than that is an insufficient deterrent to stay within the rules.
A quick vacation question for any rail buffs out there - in addition to planning a trip to the UK next year, this year I'm pondering something I haven't done since I was a teenager - ride the train.
There are essentially 2 - possibly 3 - options. They're all about 2300-2500 miles
1. The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
2. The California Zephyr - Chicago to San Francisco.
3. The Texas Eagle - Chicago to Texas to Los Angeles
The first two have observation dome cars etc, not sure about the Texas Eagle.
Does anyone have experience of any of these? - or suggestions?
I suspect the Canadian might have the most stunning scenery.
I've done some the Canadian route, and most of it is across the plains provinces and it's actually very boring.
I expect Scot Conservatives to take seats from the SNP and labour in May. The obsession with another referendum by Nicola will be her downfall as it will be lost
But surely a second referendum won't happen because 'voters across Scotland will have the chance to send a clear message to the SNP that they do not want a second independence referendum, by voting Scottish Conservative and Unionist on 4 May'?
Indeed I suspect that in this year's election there will be a relative swing from SNP to the Tories compared to last time. £10 if you want a bet?
Ruth Davidson, along with presiding over the Conservatives worst ever vote share at a general election, is also the only Tory leader in 22 years to have lost seats at Scottish council elections.
Are you predicting net losses for Scot conservatives in May
No given their low,low base to work with. I find the hagiography of Ruth Davidson rather strange given the series of electoral disaster she presided over before (and during) SLab completely imploded and she picked up the scraps.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
You seem happy to gloss over Ms Davidson's performance in the Scottish parliament elections just last year. Funny that.
You mean getting less than lamentable SLab in the constitiuency vote, and 22.9% on the List? A performance even Corbyn Labour might baulk at.
Corbyn's Labour got 19.1% in the list so why would they baulk at 22.9%?
Oh and that was an increase of over 10% in the list share.
If you think SLab is 'Corbyn's' Labour, you haven't been paying attention. They're so not Corbynite they were even willing to have the dire Owen Smith as leader.
Corbyn is more unpopular than May in Scotland. And more unpopular than Kezia Dugdale. SLab policies are well to the left of the SNP.
The political committee of French party The Republicans will meet on Monday to discuss the situation of its presidential candidate Francois Fillon, the party said in a statement on Saturday.
"Given the evolution of the political situation just seven weeks from the presidential election ... the political committee, which includes notably the candidates of the (party) primaries, has been brought forward by 24 hours to Monday March 6," the statement said.
I know it's off topic but the e petition to replace the unelected HOL is within 500 votes of 100,000 requiring it to be considered by the HOC
Now past 99900
Oh dear God, we need the chaos of a major constitutional change like this at this time like we need a hole in the head. Hopefully, May will bat this away immediately.
Not upto TM. Now passed 100,000 will be debated by MP's
Presumably this is a load of Brexit obsessives who think HoL is blocking their dream, when it is not and cannot.
Let's face it, such is their soaring sense of entitlement that the Brexit elite would like to do away with parliament, the judiciary and the media and have us ruled by the verbal decree of Theresa May or Nigel Farage or Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin - whichever one is deemed sufficiently Brexity at the time.
"Sense of entitlement" is as often as not a fail as an insult, because it turns out to be uncontroversially true. The Brexit elite are not really a thing as far as I can see, but if they are, they are 100% entitled to insist on the UK's exit from the EU. So where's the problem in their having a sense that that is the case?
Comments
Soviet Union? I thought you guys broke up?
Yes that's what we wanted you to think *evil laugh*
https://twitter.com/JamieRoss7/status/838050435130863616
https://heatst.com/world/exclusive-fbi-granted-fisa-warrant-covering-trump-camps-ties-to-russia/
https://stv.tv/news/politics/1382250-prominent-pro-independence-blogger-accused-of-homophobia/
"My accountant was concerned people would be scared venturing into the West Bank. I reminded him my last show got people to Weston Super Mare"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-39156386
@eyespymp
Last night @Ed_Miliband and his wife were mobbed by over 30 intoxicated teenagers screaming "ED WE LOVE YOU!!" #Milifandom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvrcEjlSDvA
I particularly enjoyed this scene-by-scene analysis.
I'm beginning to grasp why folk like you get paid the big bucks...
And as a LibDem, you really want to delve into Torbay election expenses?
Whether Brexit will have an impact either way on there location is hard to say at the moment.
The people that used to loathe it now cheer-lead for it and those who advocated for it now want it reformed or abolished.
It's like the oft mentioned fruit pickers on low wages. They used to be described as a symbol of low wage oppression, now they are a true wonder of the european ideal.
Genuine proportional representation is another. It used to be the aim, now it should be banned because the people don't know what they are voting for or against.
A scant 400 votes different in 2015 and there would be no Tory MPs in Scotland.
As did betting on Ed's return.......
Fear.
Seven associates in the Trump campaign had more than one private contact Russian government and/or intelligence cut outs during that election.
Seven is a lot.
'Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad. Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad. Four legs good, two legs bad. Euro elite good, Brexit elite bad.'
People are only predicting 5-6 SCON MPs at the next general election even with the disasters that have befallen SLAB and SLD.
Compare that with the 10MPs SCON won in 1987 or the 11 MPs the Welsh Conservatives won in 2015.
I was a Remain voter, but now we have voted for Brexit, I just want the Government to get on with delivering it and getting the best possible deal for the UK. And while I don't doubt May's commitment on this, I remain utterly uninspired by her choice of Boris Johnson and David Davis in the two key posts in charge of delivering that Brexit deal.
If I was a totally ruthless Leader who recognised that my whole premiership was going to be judged through the prism of Brexit, I would want the A team in charge. And while unpalatable to No10 and some other senior politicians, Osborne and Gove would have been a far tougher, more experienced and effective team when faced with the intransigence of the EU when it comes to those Brexit negotiations.
Ironically one could argue that because he did such a good job before the vote we were able to make either choice with confidence. Sadly he didn't and he burnt his own bridge and his own legacy.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_Intelligence_Surveillance_Act
I'm beginning to wonder if there isn't some substance to the Russia/Trump allegations after all.
It's your mess, Boris, you fix it.
Oh and that was an increase of over 10% in the list share.
So the trail will lead higher up the food chain - it will be interesting to see who made the decisions.
You've been an advocate of the smears all along.
We had the dubious entertainment at South Lakeland's annual budget meeting of the Lib Dem Leader, the Yesmen and even chief nodder, Matt Severn praising the Northern Powerhouse. Apparently it is to be centred on Kendal - by Timmy's orders.
That Trump is a narcissistic scofflaw, massively ignorant of the US Constitution is also pretty clear. That he actually collaborated with the Russians in subverting the electoral process would nonetheless be a surprise.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/mar/04/unite-explains-decision-to-suspend-10000-pound-donation-to-sion-simon?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
There are essentially 2 - possibly 3 - options. They're all about 2300-2500 miles
1. The Canadian - Toronto to Vancouver
2. The California Zephyr - Chicago to San Francisco.
3. The Texas Eagle - Chicago to Texas to Los Angeles
The first two have observation dome cars etc, not sure about the Texas Eagle.
Does anyone have experience of any of these? - or suggestions?
I suspect the Canadian might have the most stunning scenery.
But then I suppose any punishment less than that is an insufficient deterrent to stay within the rules.
Annoyingly, I got off before the Rockies.
"Given the evolution of the political situation just seven weeks from the presidential election ... the political committee, which includes notably the candidates of the (party) primaries, has been brought forward by 24 hours to Monday March 6," the statement said.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-election-party-idUSKBN16B0IB?feedType=RSS&feedName=worldNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Reuters/worldNews+(Reuters+World+News)&&rpc=401