Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Options

politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Playing it long. When will this Parliament end?

SystemSystem Posts: 11,700
edited June 2017 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Playing it long. When will this Parliament end?

This Parliament likely to go full 5 year distance. Only 2 by elections in Tory seats in 2010-2015 Parliament, excluding UKIP defectors. 1/2

Read the full story here


«134567

Comments

  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    I agree
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,691
    edited June 2017
    Second is the new first.

    Well it is for us Labourites.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,408
    edited June 2017
    Third!

    Apparently today is Have a Bath Day.

    I don't know why we need a 'have a bath' day, or why it only comes around once a year, but nevertheless trust that all PB'ers will be suitably clean by the end of the day.

    My bet is that May goes in the summer but the next election won't be until 2019 at the earliest.
  • Options

    12:24PM
    JosiasJessop said:
    » show previous quotes
    Earlier in this thread, LadyBucket said:
    I'm ashamed to say this was one of my first thoughts that it would be blamed on "Tory cuts." Labour won't come out and say it directly but I see social media is well and truly up and running on this.

    You replied:
    Because it is true.

    Or have I got the wrong end of t'stick?
    I am on my phone and was skimming the thread, I meant it's true that there are cuts to operational firefighting, but not specifically related to this case, although that may turn out differently once the inquiry is done! The perils of a fast moving thread and using a phone to post, I guess. I can see how you interpreted​ that comment, tho
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    I would disagree with point 4 slightly.

    I can see several Tory, Remainers and Leavers, who could protest at the actions of the government on Brexit and quit the whip and sit as Independents.
  • Options
    DanSmithDanSmith Posts: 1,215
    Everything you write here is true Alastair. But, I just think Brexit is such an utterly unpredictable curveball it's very hard to make any predictions regarding UK politics for the next year, let alone 5.
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760
    Good stuff Mr Meeks. Although I love an election at the moment I hope you are correct. Some instability > complete instability.
  • Options
    I just can't see May going the distance, and if she gets replaced, there'll be a clamour against an "unelected" PM. For me, it looks like PM Jezza and payrise all around for us! Huzzah!
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760

    I would disagree with point 4 slightly.

    I can see several Tory, Remainers and Leavers, who could protest at the actions of the government on Brexit and quit the whip and sit as Independents.

    That would not be the end of the world, I'm sure they would vote with the government on all non Brexit issues. Someone like Wollaston defecting to the Lib Dems would be a bigger problem.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,986
    A good header, but May got me off to a poor start in this GE with her snap call. I'm staying out personally :>
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    Excellent article, Alastair, I agree.

    On balance (though you can never rule anything out with my party) I think the memories of what happened in 1997 should largely bind it together.
  • Options
    logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,727
    The factor that Alastair didn't mention, is that some Tory MPs prioritise the Brexit above all else and could be willing to abstain or vote against their party on this point.
    So for example if the DUP push for a soft Brexit and get their way, would the awkward squad of Tory MPs meekly go along with it?
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    Brom said:

    I would disagree with point 4 slightly.

    I can see several Tory, Remainers and Leavers, who could protest at the actions of the government on Brexit and quit the whip and sit as Independents.

    That would not be the end of the world, I'm sure they would vote with the government on all non Brexit issues. Someone like Wollaston defecting to the Lib Dems would be a bigger problem.
    Heidi Allen and Sarah Wollaston could both be defection risks.

    Clarke, Soubry, Morgan etc. never would.
  • Options
    PolruanPolruan Posts: 2,083
    I agree that party discipline is better, but am not sure it is good enough. Like all parties, the Conservatives are a coalition of many views and factions which holds together more or less successfully... until it doesn't. The maths is such that any slight unravelling could be enough to bring down the government unless it's politically possible for (e.g.) the SNP to save it in order to avoid an election. This could arise from any small faction digging its heels in on a pet issue in order to exploit that power - whether that's Frother Brexit, Remain Actually, No To Dup, Scotland Over All.., even a bloc vote of the Cornwall MPs could do it.

    A zero failure rate on discipline for 5 years doesn't seem plausible.

    Admittedly, you can apparently maintain a conspiracy of 2,521 people for 5 years, and here it only needs to be about 325 - but it's a tough ask.

    https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jan/26/secret-success-equations-give-calculations-for-keeping-conspiracies-quiet

    I'm on another 2017 GE at about 3.85.
  • Options
    SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 20,691
    Having two elections in quick succession may be OK for younger PBers, but for some of us it presents a challenge...
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    Brom said:

    I would disagree with point 4 slightly.

    I can see several Tory, Remainers and Leavers, who could protest at the actions of the government on Brexit and quit the whip and sit as Independents.

    That would not be the end of the world, I'm sure they would vote with the government on all non Brexit issues. Someone like Wollaston defecting to the Lib Dems would be a bigger problem.
    I'm more concerned about the Brexiteers who get the wood at the prospect of Hard Brexit.
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    England in danger of blowing this match.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited June 2017
    Indeed unlike February 1974 the Tories have most seats as well as having won the popular vote and May is better doing the day to day business of government than she is a campaigner. In recent years the likes of Stephen Harper in Canada and Julia Gillard in Australia have kept minority governments in office for years in Westminster style systems, in Gillard's case with the support of the Greens and independents on confidence and supply much as May is relying on the DUP and there is no reason the Tories could not do the same

    As for Yougov Survation at the weekend had voters opposing another election by 49% to 40% and once Brexit talks get underway the likelihood of another election recedes further while they are ongoing
  • Options
    YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382

    I just can't see May going the distance, and if she gets replaced, there'll be a clamour against an "unelected" PM. For me, it looks like PM Jezza and payrise all around for us! Huzzah!

    With inflation at 2.9% and rising many in the public sector will be requiring a wage rise. Do not see them getting one though.However surely interest rates will rise causing a never ending squeeze on incomes for many.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    The other point to make is just what sort of legislation will this parliament pass?

    I'd say, very little other than Finance and Brexit bills. The former will be negotiated heavily pre-vote, the latter during the votes.

    Possibly a Heathrow bill and a heavily watered down Education bill as well.
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760

    Brom said:

    I would disagree with point 4 slightly.

    I can see several Tory, Remainers and Leavers, who could protest at the actions of the government on Brexit and quit the whip and sit as Independents.

    That would not be the end of the world, I'm sure they would vote with the government on all non Brexit issues. Someone like Wollaston defecting to the Lib Dems would be a bigger problem.
    I'm more concerned about the Brexiteers who get the wood at the prospect of Hard Brexit.
    I think largely they will have to fall in line. A soft Brexit will be infinitely preferable to none at all. Hopefully Mr Baker and Mr Brady can help spell this point out.
  • Options
    ArtistArtist Posts: 1,882
    "3) Conservative discipline is likely to hold far better than in the mid-1990s."

    Well it'll need to be close to 100% on every single vote. It may not be such a big problem for the next two years when domestic policy is put on the back burner whilst the government deals with Brexit but I can't see a government which struggles to pass anything remotely divisive lasting five years.

    I see a late 2019/early 2020 election with each party campaigning on their post Brexit vision.
  • Options
    swing_voterswing_voter Posts: 1,435
    Ill health and even a pregnancy at the wrong time could place real pressure on the govt at the time of a crucial vote, so a byelection esp with unhappy MPs (from either wing) is not to be underestimated.
    I imagine certain Tory MPs will be wined and dined by all factions on issues such as the customs union, SEM, professional lobbyists representing banks, euro focussed big business etc I reckon have already got a list of favourable MPs from all parties who will be ruthlessly targetted - and not just Ken Clarke who is now enjoying an Osborne type Springtime.
  • Options
    I agree with Mr Meeks for once.

    I think May will have less trouble from the hard brexiteers than expected as they know that if the government collapses, there is the prospect of the LDs and SNP being in coalition with Lab and watering Brexit down
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534

    The factor that Alastair didn't mention, is that some Tory MPs prioritise the Brexit above all else and could be willing to abstain or vote against their party on this point.
    So for example if the DUP push for a soft Brexit and get their way, would the awkward squad of Tory MPs meekly go along with it?

    My reading of the Tory party at the moment is that they want a meaningful Brexit, rather than one labelled as either hard or soft.

    A full clean break won't work. Neither will a Brexit in name only.
  • Options
    JasonJason Posts: 1,614
    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.
  • Options
    Andy_CookeAndy_Cooke Posts: 4,818

    The other point to make is just what sort of legislation will this parliament pass?

    I'd say, very little other than Finance and Brexit bills. The former will be negotiated heavily pre-vote, the latter during the votes.

    Possibly a Heathrow bill and a heavily watered down Education bill as well.

    Oh, hell, I'm going to have to book train tickets to Richmond again, am I?
  • Options
    felixfelix Posts: 15,125
    As one of the few direct losers from the sterling fall post Brexit I live in hope of a soft one and maybe at least the £ holding steady for a while. but I wouldn't bet on it!
  • Options
    SandraMSandraM Posts: 206
    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Will that keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street?

  • Options
    jonny83jonny83 Posts: 1,261
    edited June 2017
    i'll be shocked if it goes the 5 years, but then I never thought the Conservative/Lib Dem coalition would survive that long and it did (really liked that government btw).

    Now seems far more unstable potentially than that situation. You had the Conservatives and Lib Dems united in trying to cope after the financial collapse, this time you have Brexit and the splits in the Conservative party and the country at large over what type of Brexit it has to be.

    How well Brexit is going will dictate how long it lasts.
  • Options
    Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,820
    Artist said:

    "3) Conservative discipline is likely to hold far better than in the mid-1990s."

    Well it'll need to be close to 100% on every single vote.

    No it doesn't. Governments lose votes all the time, sometimes even when they have substantial majorities.
  • Options
    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548

    England in danger of blowing this match.

    Cricket, Football or Brexit?
  • Options
    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,420
    All of this assumes that the Tories stay in government, which is, admittedly, the plan at the moment. I don't think that it can wholly be relied upon though.
  • Options
    619619 Posts: 1,784
    The SNP would not vote against a new election. Theyd be absolutely slaughtered in scotland if they voted to keep in a Tory govt.

    A lot depends how long May stays in power. If she falls soonish, then the new leader will prob have to call an election. If she can last until 2022sh then maybe.
  • Options
    619619 Posts: 1,784
    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Yup, nailed on Labour landslide govt.

    Boris the liar vs Corbyn the sincere? wont go well.
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563

    England in danger of blowing this match.

    Cricket, Football or Brexit?
    Cricket.

    This is their Zama.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534

    The other point to make is just what sort of legislation will this parliament pass?

    I'd say, very little other than Finance and Brexit bills. The former will be negotiated heavily pre-vote, the latter during the votes.

    Possibly a Heathrow bill and a heavily watered down Education bill as well.

    Oh, hell, I'm going to have to book train tickets to Richmond again, am I?
    Shit. Good point.

    Please don't tell me he's going to pull that stunt again?
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,988
    619 said:

    The SNP would not vote against a new election. Theyd be absolutely slaughtered in scotland if they voted to keep in a Tory govt.

    A lot depends how long May stays in power. If she falls soonish, then the new leader will prob have to call an election. If she can last until 2022sh then maybe.

    "If she can last until 2022sh then maybe"

    eh?
  • Options
    JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534

    All of this assumes that the Tories stay in government, which is, admittedly, the plan at the moment. I don't think that it can wholly be relied upon though.

    The 318 Tory MPs can't be unelected though, won't dissolve, and are very unlikely to die out or quit in significant numbers.

    So, they stay - to bedblock out Labour, if nothing else - unless the DUP pull the plug *and* no confidence them, together with everyone else.

    I think this Parliament lasts for as long as Corbyn or McDonnell lead the opposition.
  • Options
    nunununu Posts: 6,024
    Pulpstar said:

    A good header, but May got me off to a poor start in this GE with her snap call. I'm staying out personally :>

    Fixed Term Parliament Act!
  • Options
    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    edited June 2017
    To run a minority government for a full 5 years takes a party absolutely united on policy and with complete faith in their leader. I cannot see it myself.

    It is also much easier to keep a minority together coming from opposition, rather than from a majority position.

    If it makes it through 2018, then I will be surprised.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.
  • Options

    I agree with Mr Meeks for once.

    I think May will have less trouble from the hard brexiteers than expected as they know that if the government collapses, there is the prospect of the LDs and SNP being in coalition with Lab and watering Brexit down

    Just to add that there is a much larger number of highly marginal seats than last time so there will be, I expect, little appetite for an early election amongst backbenchers of any party.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    Eww.
  • Options
    Andy_CookeAndy_Cooke Posts: 4,818

    England in danger of blowing this match.

    Cricket, Football or Brexit?
    Yes.
  • Options
    PolruanPolruan Posts: 2,083

    All of this assumes that the Tories stay in government, which is, admittedly, the plan at the moment. I don't think that it can wholly be relied upon though.

    The 318 Tory MPs can't be unelected though, won't dissolve, and are very unlikely to die out or quit in significant numbers.

    So, they stay - to bedblock out Labour, if nothing else - unless the DUP pull the plug *and* no confidence them, together with everyone else.

    I think this Parliament lasts for as long as Corbyn or McDonnell lead the opposition.
    Are you saying that the Tories would be more willing to let an election occur if Labour had a less "unelectable" leadership?
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    619 said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Yup, nailed on Labour landslide govt.

    Boris the liar vs Corbyn the sincere? wont go well.
    Nothing is "nailed on".
  • Options
    Andy_CookeAndy_Cooke Posts: 4,818

    The other point to make is just what sort of legislation will this parliament pass?

    I'd say, very little other than Finance and Brexit bills. The former will be negotiated heavily pre-vote, the latter during the votes.

    Possibly a Heathrow bill and a heavily watered down Education bill as well.

    Oh, hell, I'm going to have to book train tickets to Richmond again, am I?
    Shit. Good point.

    Please don't tell me he's going to pull that stunt again?
    It would be ridiculous, politically blind, and require a hopelessly self-indulgent person to even...

    You're right, there's a real risk of it.
  • Options
    JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,988
    edited June 2017

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up. The public ALWAYS want less immigration. Even the people you think might not want less, do

    "According to the survey, 39% of Asian Britons, 34% of white Britons and 21% of black Britons wanted all immigration into the UK to be stopped permanently, or at least until the economy improved. And 43% of Asian Britons, 63% of white Britons and 17% of black Britons agreed with the statement that "immigration into Britain has been a bad thing for the country". Just over half of respondents – 52% – agreed with the proposition that "Muslims create problems in the UK"."

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/feb/27/support-poll-support-far-right

    I bang on about Enoch, but the Tories won the 1970 election because of his speech. Contemporary opinion polls showed massive majority for his view

  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.
  • Options
    TheValiantTheValiant Posts: 1,714
    IanB2 said:

    Third!

    Apparently today is Have a Bath Day.

    I don't know why we need a 'have a bath' day, or why it only comes around once a year, but nevertheless trust that all PB'ers will be suitably clean by the end of the day.

    My bet is that May goes in the summer but the next election won't be until 2019 at the earliest.

    Presumably to remind Dave Lister.

    (Great quote by Rimmer - "Why are you depressed? Ahhhh... it's November isn't it. Nearly time for your bath")
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    Polruan said:

    All of this assumes that the Tories stay in government, which is, admittedly, the plan at the moment. I don't think that it can wholly be relied upon though.

    The 318 Tory MPs can't be unelected though, won't dissolve, and are very unlikely to die out or quit in significant numbers.

    So, they stay - to bedblock out Labour, if nothing else - unless the DUP pull the plug *and* no confidence them, together with everyone else.

    I think this Parliament lasts for as long as Corbyn or McDonnell lead the opposition.
    Are you saying that the Tories would be more willing to let an election occur if Labour had a less "unelectable" leadership?
    I'm saying Corbyn means they will stick together far more so than if it were a Blairite.

    I'm also saying the DUP will be very unlikely to pull the plug if it leads to a Corbyn-led Labour Government, from which they might expect to reap the whirlwind, but might do so if a mainstream Labour leader were elected instead.
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,792
    It's not really up to him, though, is it ?
  • Options
    BromBrom Posts: 3,760
    edited June 2017

    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.

    I should think Labour will fancy their chances of coming down the middle if they can shut up about Brexit.
  • Options
    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    If the Tories do a long game Hammond could be John Major, do a compromise deal with the EU and if the Tories are lucky keep Corbyn out of No 10 at the next general election as Major kept Kinnock out in 1992
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,792
    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    By putting their own dangerous lunatic in there and hoping no one notices the difference ?
  • Options
    YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382

    All of this assumes that the Tories stay in government, which is, admittedly, the plan at the moment. I don't think that it can wholly be relied upon though.

    There would have been more principle for the Conservatives to rule as a minority government.The DUP would not have voted them down.This tawdry deal demeans many conservative supporters .
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
  • Options
    NormNorm Posts: 1,251
    Five years will take the momentum out of momentum
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,314
    Nigelb said:

    It's not really up to him, though, is it ?
    Harsh.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534

    The other point to make is just what sort of legislation will this parliament pass?

    I'd say, very little other than Finance and Brexit bills. The former will be negotiated heavily pre-vote, the latter during the votes.

    Possibly a Heathrow bill and a heavily watered down Education bill as well.

    Oh, hell, I'm going to have to book train tickets to Richmond again, am I?
    Shit. Good point.

    Please don't tell me he's going to pull that stunt again?
    It would be ridiculous, politically blind, and require a hopelessly self-indulgent person to even...

    You're right, there's a real risk of it.
    ;-)
  • Options
    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548

    IanB2 said:

    Third!

    Apparently today is Have a Bath Day.

    I don't know why we need a 'have a bath' day, or why it only comes around once a year, but nevertheless trust that all PB'ers will be suitably clean by the end of the day.

    My bet is that May goes in the summer but the next election won't be until 2019 at the earliest.

    Presumably to remind Dave Lister.

    (Great quote by Rimmer - "Why are you depressed? Ahhhh... it's November isn't it. Nearly time for your bath")
    Wasn't it Queen Elizabeth Tudor who had a bath every year, whether she needed it or not?
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    Yorkcity said:

    I just can't see May going the distance, and if she gets replaced, there'll be a clamour against an "unelected" PM. For me, it looks like PM Jezza and payrise all around for us! Huzzah!

    With inflation at 2.9% and rising many in the public sector will be requiring a wage rise. Do not see them getting one though.However surely interest rates will rise causing a never ending squeeze on incomes for many.
    May is already talking about easing up on austerity, public sector pay rises in line with inflation but not above it is possible
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,314
    Is it safe to conclude that MI5 were thwarted in their election rigging by the mass adoption of pens by Corbyn supporters?

    Or is this actually the result needed for the defence of the realm?
  • Options
    NormNorm Posts: 1,251
    edited June 2017
    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
    Lady Hermon has said exactly the same thing so that adds another MP to pro-government forces.
  • Options
    nunununu Posts: 6,024
    edited June 2017

    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
    Apperently half of UKIPpers were closet socialists that don't much mind mass migration. Who knew.

    Infact many were ex-libdems.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDMzaa3msrY
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,988
    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up. The public ALWAYS want less immigration. Even the people you think might not want less, do

    "According to the survey, 39% of Asian Britons, 34% of white Britons and 21% of black Britons wanted all immigration into the UK to be stopped permanently, or at least until the economy improved. And 43% of Asian Britons, 63% of white Britons and 17% of black Britons agreed with the statement that "immigration into Britain has been a bad thing for the country". Just over half of respondents – 52% – agreed with the proposition that "Muslims create problems in the UK"."

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/feb/27/support-poll-support-far-right

    I bang on about Enoch, but the Tories won the 1970 election because of his speech. Contemporary opinion polls showed massive majority for his view

    "Another of Powell's biographers (there is no shortage of them!), Patrick Cosgrave, in his The Lives of Enoch Powell, gives us some figures and statistics for the sudden British popularity of Powell following this speech,


    "...four different opinion polls, Gallup, ORC, NOP and Daily Express, all recorded overwhelming public support for him. Gallup recorded 74%, ORC 82%, NOP 67% and the Express 79%. The corresponding opinion figures against were 15%, 12%, 19% and 17%. On the question of whether Heath had been right to dismiss him, three of the same polls, in the same order, gave the figures for Heath as 20%, 18% and 25% and against him 69%, 73% and 61%. The Daily Express poll did not ask about the dismissal."

    http://www.ukapologetics.net/11/powell.htm
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    Steve Scalise, a high-ranking member of the House of Representatives, was shot at a baseball field in suburban Washington, D.C. as an active shooter opened fire, according to reports.

    Scalise, the House Majority Whip, was at the field with other House Republicans when the gunman opened fire on the 400 block of East Monroe St., police in Alexandria, Va., said.

    He and other Congress members were practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game, which is scheduled for Thursday night at Nationals Park.

    Congressional aides were also shot, Fox News reported.

    Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, was shot in the hip, according to reports.

    The shooter is believed to be in custody, police said.

    http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/house-majority-whip-steve-scalise-shot-va-baseball-field-article-1.3246505
  • Options
    JackWJackW Posts: 14,787
    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    If the Tories do a long game Hammond could be John Major, do a compromise deal with the EU and if the Tories are lucky keep Corbyn out of No 10 at the next general election as Major kept Kinnock out in 1992
    There's lies part of the problem. The Conservatives are no longer master of events but completely at the mercy of events and the DUP.

    As for Hammond, he seems like John Major but without the charisma !! .. :smile:
    Nigelb said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    By putting their own dangerous lunatic in there and hoping no one notices the difference ?
    Hhhmmm .... Boris a shrinking violet ....

    The computer it says "no" .
  • Options
    rural_voterrural_voter Posts: 2,038
    nunu said:

    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
    Apperently half of UKIPpers were closet socialists that don't much mind mass migration. Who knew.
    It's funny, isn't it ...

    Capitalism by definition can only work with the free movement of capital and labour. The party of capitalism now wants only free movement of capital, not of labour. Meanwhile, the party of socialism wants the free movement of labour.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,988

    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
    Not really, they barely mentioned it.
  • Options
    HaroldOHaroldO Posts: 1,185
  • Options
    MortimerMortimer Posts: 13,956
    Yup. Agree with Alastair here. Thanks as ever for the piece.
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,314
    Norm said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
    Lady Hermon has said exactly the same thing so that adds another MP to pro-government forces.
    Will Sinn Fein be tempted to take their seats?
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    JackW said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    If the Tories do a long game Hammond could be John Major, do a compromise deal with the EU and if the Tories are lucky keep Corbyn out of No 10 at the next general election as Major kept Kinnock out in 1992
    There's lies part of the problem. The Conservatives are no longer master of events but completely at the mercy of events and the DUP.

    As for Hammond, he seems like John Major but without the charisma !! .. :smile:
    Nigelb said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    By putting their own dangerous lunatic in there and hoping no one notices the difference ?
    Hhhmmm .... Boris a shrinking violet ....

    The computer it says "no" .
    Indeed but as long as Corbyn leads Labour the DUP will back the Tories and if the choice is 'John Major without the charisma' or Corbyn and McDonnell socialism the middle class may stick with Hammond in the end, especially if he dumps the dementia tax and eases off a little on austerity
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,986

    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.

    Nige wouldn't be able to resist it would he ?
    I don't think the Tories would win it to be perfectly honest. Corbyn vs Farage.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    Norm said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
    Lady Hermon has said exactly the same thing so that adds another MP to pro-government forces.
    Yes it is block Corbyn at all costs
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,792
    JackW said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    If the Tories do a long game Hammond could be John Major, do a compromise deal with the EU and if the Tories are lucky keep Corbyn out of No 10 at the next general election as Major kept Kinnock out in 1992
    There's lies part of the problem. The Conservatives are no longer master of events but completely at the mercy of events and the DUP.

    As for Hammond, he seems like John Major but without the charisma !! .. :smile:
    Nigelb said:

    JackW said:

    Jason said:

    Agreed, Alastair. People are under estimating the Tories' will to survive. And their will to keep a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street.

    May will be gone, then Boris takes over, and everything changes.

    Your post is gobbledygook.

    How do you reconcile keeping "a dangerous lunatic away from 10 Downing Street" and then assert "Boris takes over .." ?

    Bizarre.
    By putting their own dangerous lunatic in there and hoping no one notices the difference ?
    Hhhmmm .... Boris a shrinking violet ....

    The computer it says "no" .
    I refer you to S. Pepys... “..my Lord Mayor I find to be a talking, bragging Bufflehead…”
  • Options
    TheValiantTheValiant Posts: 1,714
    On topic:

    I can see a route to the next General Election being in every year between now and 2022 (consulting tea leaves - far better than polls you see).

    An Autumn election - easy - DUP deal collapses. Corbyn goes for no-confidence motion and gets it.
    2018 election - As above, albeit the DUP deal lasts a few months into next year.
    A 2019 election - Brexit happens and the government, barely able to hold it together just let it go and hold an October 2019 election.
    A 2020 election - Brexit happens, new Conservative leader in September 2019 and they go to the country in May 2020 (ironic).
    A 2021 election - somehow the government get all the above done, before by-election defeats just do them in by 2021.
    A 2022 election - Government manage to go the whole distance and restrict by-election defeats.

    I agree by-election defeats are unlikely, but we are potentially starring at one already. Craig MacKinley in South Thanet. Labour are in second place now again and could take the seat. We could see the Conservative seat total down to 316 before the autumn.

    A deal with the DUP is likely to only be Confidence and Supply, and whilst that is enough for that sort of thing, can you see the endless comedy of MPs debating stuff but not voting on anything because it might be defeated. A yearly vote on the budget and nothing else?

    I agree an early election is unlikely... but I doubt the next General Election will happen in May 2022. I suspect the government will be forced to go in either 2020 or 2021.

    Of course, I'm probably talking a whole load of rubbish. What do we really know anyway?
  • Options
    619619 Posts: 1,784
  • Options
    619619 Posts: 1,784
    Tories closed THREE fire stations near #Grenfell - and resisted sprinkler installation

    https://t.co/G20RHOE5vH
  • Options
    HYUFD said:

    Norm said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
    Lady Hermon has said exactly the same thing so that adds another MP to pro-government forces.
    Yes it is block Corbyn at all costs
    Irony is Corbyn's IRA support didn't hinder him with the electorate anywhere near as much as the Tories had hoped and expected but it will mean he's unlikely to get a shot at No. 10 for five years at least
  • Options
    nunununu Posts: 6,024
    isam said:

    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
    Not really, they barely mentioned it.
    How can they mention it? They have nothing to show after 7 years and 3 elections promising to bring it down to the "tens of thousands", this strategy needs to go in the bin now.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131
    edited June 2017
    Pulpstar said:

    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.

    Nige wouldn't be able to resist it would he ?
    I don't think the Tories would win it to be perfectly honest. Corbyn vs Farage.
    The Tories got 51% in Thanet South last Thursday, Labour 38% and UKIP 6% so there is no reason the Tories could not hold it even if there is a swing to Labour
  • Options
    TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 114,563
    Pulpstar said:

    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.

    Nige wouldn't be able to resist it would he ?
    I don't think the Tories would win it to be perfectly honest. Corbyn vs Farage.
    Indeed.

    Alien v Predator. Whoever wins, we lose.
  • Options
    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,131

    HYUFD said:

    Norm said:

    HYUFD said:

    JackW said:

    The timing of the next general election is almost entirely dependent of the electoral heath and well being of the DUP.

    As soon as the DUP feel that they are tainted by their pact with the Conservatives they will dump on the Tories quicker than party games at a Mark Oaten appreciation meeting. At which point the sh*t will truly hit the fan.

    The DUP will back the Tories as long as the Sinn Fein loving Corbyn stays Labour leader
    Lady Hermon has said exactly the same thing so that adds another MP to pro-government forces.
    Yes it is block Corbyn at all costs
    Irony is Corbyn's IRA support didn't hinder him with the electorate anywhere near as much as the Tories had hoped and expected but it will mean he's unlikely to get a shot at No. 10 for five years at least
    Yes, it has cemented the Unionists in NI behind the Tories
  • Options
    Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,820
    edited June 2017
    Looking at this from the point of view of Conservative MPs, what would they regard as the best outcome? I'd have thought their thinking would be something like this:

    1. Theresa May is an electoral disaster, there's no way we want to go into another election under her leadership.

    2. However, there's no obvious replacement, so a swift defenestration isn't on the cards. In any case, we need her to remain so she can take all the blame.

    3. Things are hugely complicated by the Article 50 ticking clock, so we have to grit our teeth and carry on until May 2019.

    4. Once we pass that milestone, ditch Theresa and hold a proper leadership election. With a bit of luck, someone will emerge who can plausibly be presented to the electorate as a new direction, and all the opprobium can be left attached to the outgoing management. By then also with a bit more luck the Corbyn project will be falling apart under the weight of its own absurdities.

    So, a leadership election in 2019, and an election a few months after that would seem a reasonable outline plan for Tory MPs.

    Of course, this might all be overtaken by events, and it does depend on the DUP being content with such Danegeld as can be decently shoved in their direction. It's also optimistic in the sense that it requires everything to go right. and things might go very wrong indeed. But you can see that something along the above lines would be what they'd be hoping to engineer.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,988

    nunu said:

    isam said:

    isam said:

    Possible black swan.. I see Rebecca L-B is now reverse ferreting on free movement.

    Possibly meme for the Tories to play that they stayed true to the referendum result, and it was Labour who reneged on their word and prevented it.

    That could help them with ex-UKIP voters who voted Labour thinking it was "safe" to do so, because they'd promised to end free movement in the manifesto.

    If the Tories went draconian on immigration they'd piss up
    Thats what they thought last time...
    Not really, they barely mentioned it.
    How can they mention it? They have nothing to show after 7 years and 3 elections promising to bring it down to the "tens of thousands", this strategy needs to go in the bin now.
    Well it did come down a chunk the last time the figures were released. That was during the campaign I think. They could have paraded them but barely mentioned them.

    The public have always wanted less immigration, when they got a referendum they voted for it. Madness not to major on it, esp against hard left.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,534
    619 said:

    Tories closed THREE fire stations near #Grenfell - and resisted sprinkler installation

    https://t.co/G20RHOE5vH

    Very disappointing the first instinct of many is to play party politics with this tragedy.
  • Options
    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    calum said:
    Eh , what ? Another goat has to be sacrificed ?
  • Options
    madmacsmadmacs Posts: 75
    I can see the Tories surviving for some time, but achieving very little apart from some form of brexit. Is survival a success in itself, we will see.
  • Options
    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    HYUFD said:

    Pulpstar said:

    If it does happen (and I'm not presuming the guilt of Craig Mackinlay) I suspect the Thanet South might be the most important by election in history.

    Farage might stand on a hard Brexit platform, and break the habit of a lifetime and win that's going to shake up the Tory party (I suspect he's more likely to do what he did in 2010, and finish third in a two horse race)

    If everything follows the usual pattern said by election might take place late this year/earlier next year.

    Nige wouldn't be able to resist it would he ?
    I don't think the Tories would win it to be perfectly honest. Corbyn vs Farage.
    The Tories got 51% in Thanet South last Thursday, Labour 38% and UKIP 6% so there is no reason the Tories could not hold it even if there is a swing to Labour
    If Farage stands, Labour wins.
This discussion has been closed.