> @KentRising said: > > @Pro_Rata said: > > Lab gain Elland from Con: 1 gain short of control in Calderdale > > > > Meanwhile lose 3 in Kirklees in first 9 declared: 1 more loss will cede to NOC. > > > > Swapsies? > > Could it be that some voters are just giving who was in possession a kicking, even at lowly council level? Meaning no real pattern and just churn for churn's sake in some areas.
For sure that is the case.
4th Lab loss now being reported in Kirklees, not sure where. Would mean NOC.
Another 3 Con 2015, Lab 2018 wards to declare in Calderdale, but also a Lab/LD marginal.
> @isam said: > If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
They interviewed someone like that on the radio this morning. She voted Green, but plans to vote for the Brexit Party in the European elections.
> @isam said: > If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
Probably an Independent if one were available - and many people have done that.
New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down.
Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route.
He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops.
So no one should run for the leadership ?
Anybody can run, deluded or not, I personally think he has no idea how crap he is but you always need some cannon fodder and if he wants to make a fool of himself , why not.
> @Xtrain said: > It's touching to see people on Twitter all claiming the results confirm their views
Heidi Allen, Ben Bradshaw etc are setting themselves up for a fall. It shows a complete lack of foresight and they'll deserve all the crap they get later this month if the Brexit Party win. It's a shame there are not more measured responses like those from Lisa Nandy. It's a good day for 'remain' but far from being a national cry for a People's Vote.
> New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down.
>
>
>
> Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route.
>
> He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops.
What does this even mean? I'm not a Tory, but Stewart has been noticeably cooler under fire than most of the Cabinet and he has also demonstrated a much greater degree of loyalty. TBH the Tories could do a lot worse and in fact Stewart by being sane and loyal has actually earned his stripes. So don't let loathing of the Tories get in the way of a sober assessment of political reality.
He has done nothing , an empty suit, talentless. Name me one thing he has done , pontificated about etc, he was shambles in the lowly prison job he had and it is hard to be duff at DFID as all you do is give shedloads of money away to crooks and chancers.
> @AndyJS said: > The same political parties are getting hammered for being thought of as in favour of a soft Brexit in some areas and a hard Brexit in others. Somerset voted Leave in the referendum and the Tories are doing badly. Bath voted Remain and the Tories are doing badly. But the same thing is also true of Labour in many areas, such as Sunderland and Reading
Most areas were 55/45 to 45/55 with few outside 40-60. It is simplistic to treat areas as one of the other. The same dissatisfactions are everywhere.
> @malcolmg said: > New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down. > > > > Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route. > > He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops. > > So no one should run for the leadership ? > > Anybody can run, deluded or not, I personally think he has no idea how crap he is but you always need some cannon fodder and if he wants to make a fool of himself , why not.
The talent bar in the Tory Party to considering yourself leadership material is hardly high.
Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
> @Selebian said: > > Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
> @Pro_Rata said: > > @KentRising said: > > > @Pro_Rata said: > > > Lab gain Elland from Con: 1 gain short of control in Calderdale > > > > > > Meanwhile lose 3 in Kirklees in first 9 declared: 1 more loss will cede to NOC. > > > > > > Swapsies? > > > > Could it be that some voters are just giving who was in possession a kicking, even at lowly council level? Meaning no real pattern and just churn for churn's sake in some areas. > > For sure that is the case. > > 4th Lab loss now being reported in Kirklees, not sure where. Would mean NOC. > > Another 3 Con 2015, Lab 2018 wards to declare in Calderdale, but also a Lab/LD marginal.
Lab fingertip hold Kirklees after 1 last gasp gain from Con.
If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
This Green surge is all very well, but what does it mean for them nationally? In the 2017 GE, they effectively campaigned for Labour across much of the country, under the banner of the "Progressive Alliance", and consequently saw their vote share plummet (relative to 2015). So what do they do in the next GE? Most of their (relatively speaking) realistic targets are Labour held, or else Tory marginals where they risk splitting the left-wing vote just by standing.
They can't just stand 200 candidates in safe Tory seats and still claim to be a competitive national party, especially if thy have another few years of progress in the locals between now and then. And they can't oppose Labour/LDs without risking helping the Tories. So what do they do?
Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
> @isam said: > If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
You wouldn't. As I said yesterday my choice for 2 seats was 2 Tory, 2 Labour or 1 Green. I spoilt my ballot rather than support any of them.
If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
Everyone has to make compromises and in this case UKIP would be the option. If Brexit mattered that much.
2 Green gains from Lab: Gleadless Valley, Nether Edge & Sharrow 3 LD gains from Lab: Beighton, Mosborough, East Ecclesfield (sitting as Independent) 1 Lib Dem gain from UKIP: West Ecclesfield 1 Labour gain from UKIP: Stocksbridge & Upper Don
New council: Lab 49 (-3 or -4 depending on how you count the defector) Lib Dem 26 (+4) Green 8 (+2) UKIP 1 (-2) Ind 0 (-1)
Labour lost the ward of Angela Smith's husband who was deselected. He stood as Independent and got something like 100 votes (in big ward where you lose with 1,000 votes)
> @Endillion said: > This Green surge is all very well, but what does it mean for them nationally? In the 2017 GE, they effectively campaigned for Labour across much of the country, under the banner of the "Progressive Alliance", and consequently saw their vote share plummet (relative to 2015). So what do they do in the next GE? Most of their (relatively speaking) realistic targets are Labour held, or else Tory marginals where they risk splitting the left-wing vote just by standing. > > They can't just stand 200 candidates in safe Tory seats and still claim to be a competitive national party, especially if thy have another few years of progress in the locals between now and then. And they can't oppose Labour/LDs without risking helping the Tories. So what do they do?
The Green 'surge' in context; (results as currently standing) Green 70 councillors elected, Independents 406 councillors elected.
> @TOPPING said: > If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections? > > Everyone has to make compromises and in this case UKIP would be the option. If Brexit mattered that much.
the problem is atm it's always the other side people are expecting to do the compromising
> @isam said: > If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
I'm more disappointed that disgusted. I voted for an ex-labour independent. she came 2nd but well adrift of Lab.
What a fake. Tories also struggling to get 200 at their conference, why do they persist in booking large halls knowing they have no hope of filling them , looks about 5 rows at best. BBC will manage to manipulate the shots for them to kid on it was busy.
Believe it or not TM is not the main problem here. Yes she has made mistakes but brexit is slipping away because of the ERG hard line position. Brexit will be lost altogether if the WDA is not passed in the next few weeks
Boris or Rabb or any other brexiteer will not be able to change this narrative
I am content forTM to stand down but you need to accept she is not the only reason for todays results
While Craven is officially Tory loss to NOC, one of the Independents officially caucuses with the Tories, so they're still in charge. The other Independents are basically closet Tories too. Greens gained one of the Skipton wards.
> New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down.
>
>
>
> Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route.
>
> He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops.
>
> So no one should run for the leadership ?
>
> Anybody can run, deluded or not, I personally think he has no idea how crap he is but you always need some cannon fodder and if he wants to make a fool of himself , why not.
The talent bar in the Tory Party to considering yourself leadership material is hardly high.
> @dyedwoolie said: > The Tory vote seems to be completely cratering in very safe leafy southern areas - is thus a fundamental shift or safe hand sitting?
Short memories. LDs always used to be a strong second (well, since the 90s!). How people have forgotten.
Believe it or not TM is not the main problem here. Yes she has made mistakes but brexit is slipping away because of the ERG hard line position. Brexit will be lost altogether if the WDA is not passed in the next few weeks
Boris or Rabb or any other brexiteer will not be able to change this narrative
I am content forTM to stand down but you need to accept she is not the only reason for todays results
You made it home quick after getting chucked out G
> @dyedwoolie said: > The Tory vote seems to be completely cratering in very safe leafy southern areas - is thus a fundamental shift or safe hand sitting?
Most of them will return to voting Tory at a general election.
> @Big_G_NorthWales said: > > @AmpfieldAndy said: > > > @CarlottaVance said: > > > https://twitter.com/nickeardleybbc/status/1124276457977647106 > > > > > > > > > > > > https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328 > > > > Shame May didn’t take his advice. > > Believe it or not TM is not the main problem here. Yes she has made mistakes but brexit is slipping away because of the ERG hard line position. Brexit will be lost altogether if the WDA is not passed in the next few weeks > > Boris or Rabb or any other brexiteer will not be able to change this narrative > > I am content forTM to stand down but you need to accept she is not the only reason for todays results
I think she actually is the root cause of all the Tory problems. Her deal has been rejected 3 times; she won’t move away from it; she has no political agenda apart from Brexit that is at all relevant to Britain; and she lacks any campaigning ability or political charisma.
I am less preoccupied with whom the next leader is than the fact we get one who will give the party a chance to find some unity and some political relevance away from Brexit.
The header is spot on. As a Labour supporter it pains me to say it but what a great day for the Lib Dems. They are surely the big story here. All the chatter about Vince Cable not cutting through as leader, being 'invisible' and 'low energy' etc etc, turns out to be bollox. These results are a triumph for his party and a vindication of the man. He can go out on a high now, assuming he does not change his mind about standing down this summer, and I'm pleased about that. As the only serious politician in the Western Hemisphere to predict the Great Financial Crash of 2008, he deserves no less.
> New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down.
>
>
>
> Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route.
>
> He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops.
What does this even mean? I'm not a Tory, but Stewart has been noticeably cooler under fire than most of the Cabinet and he has also demonstrated a much greater degree of loyalty. TBH the Tories could do a lot worse and in fact Stewart by being sane and loyal has actually earned his stripes. So don't let loathing of the Tories get in the way of a sober assessment of political reality.
He has done nothing , an empty suit, talentless. Name me one thing he has done , pontificated about etc, he was shambles in the lowly prison job he had and it is hard to be duff at DFID as all you do is give shedloads of money away to crooks and chancers.
*) Walking 6,000 miles from Pakistan to Nepal over two years, staying mainly with locals. whilst a lightweight distance-wise (*), that's one heck of a learning experience. He's also done long walks in this country.
*) I haven't read his books, but they've been quite well received in reviews I've seen, and I thought his TV proggies excellent. even if you disagree with him, he's certainly got a mind.
*) He set up a charity, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, and ran it through its formative years.
*) He was involved in governing two Iraqi provinces after the Iraq War. Whether you think he did a good job or not, it was not an easy place or task to do. IMO he deserves credit for even trying.
So in summation: he observes, learns, thinks and tries. He puts in effort.
If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
No Ind here so probably Green as long as they were local environmentalist and not Corbyn-lite type.
Comments
> It's touching to see people on Twitter all claiming the results confirm their views
Lab northern heartlands want out the EU and Oxford-CotswoldRemainshire wants to stay in is my big picture take.
> > @Pro_Rata said:
> > Lab gain Elland from Con: 1 gain short of control in Calderdale
> >
> > Meanwhile lose 3 in Kirklees in first 9 declared: 1 more loss will cede to NOC.
> >
> > Swapsies?
>
> Could it be that some voters are just giving who was in possession a kicking, even at lowly council level? Meaning no real pattern and just churn for churn's sake in some areas.
For sure that is the case.
4th Lab loss now being reported in Kirklees, not sure where. Would mean NOC.
Another 3 Con 2015, Lab 2018 wards to declare in Calderdale, but also a Lab/LD marginal.
> If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
They interviewed someone like that on the radio this morning. She voted Green, but plans to vote for the Brexit Party in the European elections.
> If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
Probably an Independent if one were available - and many people have done that.
Lab lose NE Derbyshire to NOC
Lab (probably) lose Darlington to NOC
> It's touching to see people on Twitter all claiming the results confirm their views
Heidi Allen, Ben Bradshaw etc are setting themselves up for a fall. It shows a complete lack of foresight and they'll deserve all the crap they get later this month if the Brexit Party win. It's a shame there are not more measured responses like those from Lisa Nandy. It's a good day for 'remain' but far from being a national cry for a People's Vote.
>
>
>
>
> Lab (probably) lose Darlington to NOC
Labour are seemingly dead meat in the Northeast.
2015
Con 62.4%
Lab 37.6%
2019
Con 43.4%
Ind 36.9%
Lab 19.6%
So small swing from Con to Lab. Big indie surge.
> https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
No, they'd all be saying it's 'the scary rise of the far right', and equating that with Brexit, and saying Brexit therefore shouldn't happen.
> The same political parties are getting hammered for being thought of as in favour of a soft Brexit in some areas and a hard Brexit in others. Somerset voted Leave in the referendum and the Tories are doing badly. Bath voted Remain and the Tories are doing badly. But the same thing is also true of Labour in many areas, such as Sunderland and Reading
Most areas were 55/45 to 45/55 with few outside 40-60. It is simplistic to treat areas as one of the other. The same dissatisfactions are everywhere.
No LD or Green here
> https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
The Lib Dems are in clear third place. They're winning back some of the seats they lost in 2011 and 2015.
> New International Development Secretary Rory Stewart has said he intends to stand for the Conservative leadership after Theresa May steps down.
>
>
>
> Given he gets overlooked time and time again for a big job, supposed the only way to get one is via this route.
>
> He should take the hint and realise he is at least as crap as the rest of the donkeys, and given where he is the top brass think he is even worse, what a slap in the chops.
>
> So no one should run for the leadership ?
>
> Anybody can run, deluded or not, I personally think he has no idea how crap he is but you always need some cannon fodder and if he wants to make a fool of himself , why not.
The talent bar in the Tory Party to considering yourself leadership material is hardly high.
> > @williamglenn said:
> > https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
>
> No, they'd all be saying it's 'the scary rise of the far right', and equating that with Brexit, and saying Brexit therefore shouldn't happen.
Indeed. Believe it or not, there are Brexiteers who are happy for the Lib Dems to organize bin collections.
Maj of 24.
>
> Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
They're out of the closet now.
> https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
>
>
>
> Possibly low UKIP vote due to candidates being "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists" (and not having enough even of those to stand everywhere), rather than lack of Brexit enthusiasts?
Estimates differ between there being only 1 UKIP candidate for every 6 or 9 races last night.
https://twitter.com/BBCPolitics/status/1124151438261702657
> https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
Because the LibDems campaigned on dog mess and potholes, rather than Brexit.
> > @KentRising said:
> > > @Pro_Rata said:
> > > Lab gain Elland from Con: 1 gain short of control in Calderdale
> > >
> > > Meanwhile lose 3 in Kirklees in first 9 declared: 1 more loss will cede to NOC.
> > >
> > > Swapsies?
> >
> > Could it be that some voters are just giving who was in possession a kicking, even at lowly council level? Meaning no real pattern and just churn for churn's sake in some areas.
>
> For sure that is the case.
>
> 4th Lab loss now being reported in Kirklees, not sure where. Would mean NOC.
>
> Another 3 Con 2015, Lab 2018 wards to declare in Calderdale, but also a Lab/LD marginal.
Lab fingertip hold Kirklees after 1 last gasp gain from Con.
Leavers don’t believe Labour will deliver Brexit.
Remainers don’t believe Labour will stop Brexit.
> https://twitter.com/guyverhofstadt/status/1124007330977394688
What empires are these?
https://twitter.com/MariaHutchings/status/1124266573332717568
https://twitter.com/AshfieldInds/status/1124151938378031104
https://twitter.com/mattwardman/status/1124275031398285312
They can't just stand 200 candidates in safe Tory seats and still claim to be a competitive national party, especially if thy have another few years of progress in the locals between now and then. And they can't oppose Labour/LDs without risking helping the Tories. So what do they do?
> Ashfield Independents:
>
> https://twitter.com/AshfieldInds/status/1124151938378031104
>
> https://twitter.com/mattwardman/status/1124275031398285312
They are the former LibDems, before the Jason affair, after all
Labour being almost wiped off that council is just desserts
https://twitter.com/AaronBastani/status/1124276160492445701
> Labour leadership challenge this summer?
Not unless Momentum and McCluskey lose faith which doesn’t seem likely.
> > @williamglenn said:
> > https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1124267419034431491
>
> Because the LibDems campaigned on dog mess and potholes, rather than Brexit.
Lots of people just saying the results prove their view on Brexit is correct.
> If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
You wouldn't. As I said yesterday my choice for 2 seats was 2 Tory, 2 Labour or 1 Green. I spoilt my ballot rather than support any of them.
2 Green gains from Lab: Gleadless Valley, Nether Edge & Sharrow
3 LD gains from Lab: Beighton, Mosborough, East Ecclesfield (sitting as Independent)
1 Lib Dem gain from UKIP: West Ecclesfield
1 Labour gain from UKIP: Stocksbridge & Upper Don
New council: Lab 49 (-3 or -4 depending on how you count the defector) Lib Dem 26 (+4) Green 8 (+2) UKIP 1 (-2) Ind 0 (-1)
Labour lost the ward of Angela Smith's husband who was deselected. He stood as Independent and got something like 100 votes (in big ward where you lose with 1,000 votes)
About half the results in.
> This Green surge is all very well, but what does it mean for them nationally? In the 2017 GE, they effectively campaigned for Labour across much of the country, under the banner of the "Progressive Alliance", and consequently saw their vote share plummet (relative to 2015). So what do they do in the next GE? Most of their (relatively speaking) realistic targets are Labour held, or else Tory marginals where they risk splitting the left-wing vote just by standing.
>
> They can't just stand 200 candidates in safe Tory seats and still claim to be a competitive national party, especially if thy have another few years of progress in the locals between now and then. And they can't oppose Labour/LDs without risking helping the Tories. So what do they do?
The Green 'surge' in context; (results as currently standing) Green 70 councillors elected, Independents 406 councillors elected.
https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328
> Liz Warren in 2nd in recent Quinnipac poll, narrowly ahead of Sanders.
Nice, shes a few hundred quid better result than him for me.
> Rofl, our new councillor is 18 years old
The age limit shouldn't have been lowered from 21 IMO.
Lisabela Zxywhiddm Marschild, Space Navies Party, 133 (6.7%)
Impressive!
> Is quoting back to normal?
No.
> > @Pulpstar said:
> > Rofl, our new councillor is 18 years old
>
> The age limit shouldn't have been lowered from 21 IMO.
https://twitter.com/JohnMannMP/status/1124248373316530176
I've kept his literature, he's going to limit the number of trucks passing through the village apparently...
Will have to ask him how he's going to do that.
https://twitter.com/UKGenElect/status/1124278162328838144
>>>>>>>>>>>> Is quoting back to normal?
Take a guess?
> If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
>
> Everyone has to make compromises and in this case UKIP would be the option. If Brexit mattered that much.
the problem is atm it's always the other side people are expecting to do the compromising
> https://twitter.com/nickeardleybbc/status/1124276457977647106
>
>
>
> https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328
Shame May didn’t take his advice.
> Trouble oop North....
>
> https://twitter.com/UKGenElect/status/1124278162328838144
Darlington council is about as popular as Sunderland.
> https://twitter.com/nickeardleybbc/status/1124276457977647106
>
>
>
> https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328
Is Tessy going up to Aberdeen to sprinkle some of her inimitable fairy dust over the SCon conference? She won't get any hecklers there.
Well, not now Boris has been banned.
> If you were a Leave voter disgusted with the Tories handling of Brexit, who didn't like Corbyn and doesn't like the latest version of UKIP, who would you have voted for in these local elections?
I'm more disappointed that disgusted. I voted for an ex-labour independent. she came 2nd but well adrift of Lab.
53% turnout!
> Trouble oop North....
>
> https://twitter.com/UKGenElect/status/1124278162328838144
Completely expected - in fact I'm surprised it's not worse - I'm actually surprised at some of the seats Labour won
> > @CarlottaVance said:
> > https://twitter.com/nickeardleybbc/status/1124276457977647106
> >
> >
> >
> > https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328
>
> Shame May didn’t take his advice.
Believe it or not TM is not the main problem here. Yes she has made mistakes but brexit is slipping away because of the ERG hard line position. Brexit will be lost altogether if the WDA is not passed in the next few weeks
Boris or Rabb or any other brexiteer will not be able to change this narrative
I am content forTM to stand down but you need to accept she is not the only reason for todays results
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/ceeqy0e9894t/england-local-elections-2019
> The Tory vote seems to be completely cratering in very safe leafy southern areas - is thus a fundamental shift or safe hand sitting?
Short memories. LDs always used to be a strong second (well, since the 90s!). How people have forgotten.
> The Tory vote seems to be completely cratering in very safe leafy southern areas - is thus a fundamental shift or safe hand sitting?
Most of them will return to voting Tory at a general election.
https://electionleaflets.org/leaflets/14770/
> > @AmpfieldAndy said:
> > > @CarlottaVance said:
> > > https://twitter.com/nickeardleybbc/status/1124276457977647106
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > https://twitter.com/BBCHelenaLee/status/1124277258116579328
> >
> > Shame May didn’t take his advice.
>
> Believe it or not TM is not the main problem here. Yes she has made mistakes but brexit is slipping away because of the ERG hard line position. Brexit will be lost altogether if the WDA is not passed in the next few weeks
>
> Boris or Rabb or any other brexiteer will not be able to change this narrative
>
> I am content forTM to stand down but you need to accept she is not the only reason for todays results
I think she actually is the root cause of all the Tory problems. Her deal has been rejected 3 times; she won’t move away from it; she has no political agenda apart from Brexit that is at all relevant to Britain; and she lacks any campaigning ability or political charisma.
I am less preoccupied with whom the next leader is than the fact we get one who will give the party a chance to find some unity and some political relevance away from Brexit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1985_United_Kingdom_local_elections
when both Labour and the Conservatives lost out in their strongholds.
> .Just noticed this candidate in Blaydon:
>
>
>
> Lisabela Zxywhiddm Marschild, Space Navies Party, 133 (6.7%)
>
>
>
> Impressive!
>
> Her leaflet is quite magnificent:
>
> https://electionleaflets.org/leaflets/14770/
“War is always wrong but sometimes necessary so we would use drone strikes on Alqueada [sic] leaders”
Will council tax need to go up to pay for that?
> It looks like Darlington is a Conservative gain from Labour.
I'll wait for the Bastani Tweet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rory_Stewart
IMV the highlights are:
*) Walking 6,000 miles from Pakistan to Nepal over two years, staying mainly with locals. whilst a lightweight distance-wise (*), that's one heck of a learning experience. He's also done long walks in this country.
*) I haven't read his books, but they've been quite well received in reviews I've seen, and I thought his TV proggies excellent. even if you disagree with him, he's certainly got a mind.
*) He set up a charity, the Turquoise Mountain Foundation, and ran it through its formative years.
*) He was involved in governing two Iraqi provinces after the Iraq War. Whether you think he did a good job or not, it was not an easy place or task to do. IMO he deserves credit for even trying.
So in summation: he observes, learns, thinks and tries. He puts in effort.
It makes an MP such as, say, Gavin Newlands appear an empty vessel:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gavin_Newlands
(*) Not really ...
Bad for Tories
Woeful for the main opposition