Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Everyone seems to claim some indiscretions with drug taking, it's become expected and boring. Come back to me when one of them admits to dabbling in human trafficking or something.
Well he's right about the knifing Boris thing. Frankly I don't know what people have a problem with in him doing it, that's politics. Same with Ed M. And if Boris could not handle Gove knifing him then clearly he wasn't up to the job, so it is not as though we were denied something spectacular.
One of the few irrefutable arguments in his favour.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Everyone seems to claim some indiscretions with drug taking, it's become expected and boring. Come back to me when one of them admits to dabbling in human trafficking or something.
Given Leadsom's price on the exchange, she must have killed a guy
It's our last night in Vilnius, I've got the company gold card, there are about 7 of us left here and I'm easily the most senior.
Sh1t happens. I’m sure you can find somewhere with ladies dancing that will give you a receipt saying ‘meals’ to match your credit card charges.
That's not the worry, it's a company expensed night out in eastern Europe with a bunch of juniors and associates that has me extremely worried for my liver (and tomorrow's flight).
I remember my first business trip (about 40 years ago), staying in a hotel which offered dodgy movies on the room TV for a DM 20 surcharge, with a 10-minute free sample. Idly curious, I put Emanuelle on, glancing up from The Times at the topless bits but ultimately finding the newspaper more interesting (sad, eh?). I forgot to switch it off before the 10 minute break, so next day had a "Miscellaneous: DM 20" on my bill. Dilemma:
1. Do I claim this back as some unexplained expense, knowing it was very unlikely to be queried, but basically making my company pay for absent-minded sleaze? Or
2. Not claim it back, and explain to my boss why I had omitted it? Nowadays I'd see no problem, but back then it seemed incredibly embarrassing.
In the end I did claim it, but omitted claiming for a DM 25 taxi fare...
.
I always struggle with the compensation for delayed flights... Is it a refund for failure to provide the service promise or compensation got inconvenience...?
Some take the view that if you are delayed on the way to a work appointment then it is the company's loss, but if you are delayed on the way back home it is your loss.
This is where you get people booking a more expensive option just because they get a better personal benefit. You could use the word 'kickback', and if they were using the same approach with the choice of paperclip suppliers they'd be down the road.
Sometimes employees just get cash back via their own bank / creditcard and it’s still cheaper to the company than going via another supplier. In any case, it’s a grey area - no different I guess than air miles (which I suppose our sales team must cash in on, but at the cost of doing lots of business travel while their colleagues are in a cosy pub on terra firma). I do minimal business travel myself - to be honest I don’t begrudge it to those who do. Business travel is FHW.
Gove taking out the trash - must think he has a big chance.
The biggest surprise to me is that this made the front page. Does anyone give a shit?
The reason it makes the front page, is that someone else in the contest has not made a similar confession. Maybe a confession about much more recent events.
Course it is, don't worry. You have MPs all but admitting they think he is the only one who can win a GE even if they dislike him, or that the members will go nuts if he does not get to the final two - he'll make it.
Gove taking out the trash - must think he has a big chance.
The biggest surprise to me is that this made the front page. Does anyone give a shit?
The reason it makes the front page, is that someone else in the contest has not made a similar confession. Maybe a confession about much more recent events.
TBH I couldn’t care less if they did it yesterday. Cocaine is barely worse than alcohol.
Everyone seems to claim some indiscretions with drug taking, it's become expected and boring. Come back to me when one of them admits to dabbling in human trafficking or something.
Given Leadsom's price on the exchange, she must have killed a guy
I thought that was how Tories inducted people into the Cabinet.
I think the Gove admission is more curious than the Rory one. Whereas Rory was asked if he wanted a toot on a pipe, Gove in contrast might have actually purchased the Charlie. I can see the Rory case as not wanting to offend the host whereas Gove if he has done it on several occasions might have procured it himself. I suppose it depends when he did it and the circumstances of when the Cocaine was snorted. If he did it pre-Parliament then I don't think he has anything to fear. As an MP it might be embarrassing as he would be a law maker and as a Cabinet Minister I think he would be sunk below the water line. My take on it is they are lucky they have not induced a serious mental illness...
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
The Baker thing is no surprise. Boris seems to have inexplicable support from hardliners despite his woollyness on many issues, not least his own voting for the WA in a manner which was an admission of his own slowness. Given Boris is up against slippery Gove the traitorous brexiteer and the combination of Hunt and Javid, the blanditrons, and with Raab unlikely to progress, Boris is the best a Baker could get I think.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
It's our last night in Vilnius, I've got the company gold card, there are about 7 of us left here and I'm easily the most senior.
Sh1t happens. I’m sure you can find somewhere with ladies dancing that will give you a receipt saying ‘meals’ to match your credit card charges.
That's not the worry, it's a company expensed night out in eastern Europe with a bunch of juniors and associates that has me extremely worried for my liver (and tomorrow's flight).
I remember my first business trip (about 40 years ago), staying in a hotel which offered dodgy movies on the room TV for a DM 20 surcharge, with a 10-minute free sample. Idly curious, I put Emanuelle on, glancing up from The Times at the topless bits but ultimately finding the newspaper more interesting (sad, eh?). I forgot to switch it off before the 10 minute break, so next day had a "Miscellaneous: DM 20" on my bill. Dilemma:
1. Do I claim this back as some unexplained expense, knowing it was very unlikely to be queried, but basically making my company pay for absent-minded sleaze? Or
2. Not claim it back, and explain to my boss why I had omitted it? Nowadays I'd see no problem, but back then it seemed incredibly embarrassing.
In the end I did claim it, but omitted claiming for a DM 25 taxi fare...
My worst expenses dilemma was whether or not to claim for a room that I got refunded in the morning, because I complained that the shower was unserviceable at 11am. The hotel (a well known chain of inns) made a point of not asking me for the receipt when issuing the refund, and in the end I claimed it back.
A bit different to the expenses offered to MPs, where I believe you were very conservative (yes I know) in what you claimed back, so good on you.
I always struggle with the compensation for delayed flights... Is it a refund for failure to provide the service promise or compensation got inconvenience...?
I am having this issue repeatedly at the moment due to the reliability of British rail services. One of the perverse incentives is that it encourages me to book later as then the refund for a delay is larger, but this then makes the travel more expensive for my employer/client - but then if I book too far in advance I might cost them money anyway if they change plans and want me to travel on a different day.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
"Hi citizen, I'm Rory Stewart and I want to be Prime Minister, and I need to get to know the people of this fine nation face to face. Most importantly, what is your favourite means of getting, like, totally f*cked up?"
The Baker thing is no surprise. Boris seems to have inexplicable support from hardliners despite his woollyness on many issues, not least his own voting for the WA in a manner which was an admission of his own slowness. Given Boris is up against slippery Gove the traitorous brexiteer and the combination of Hunt and Javid, the blanditrons, and with Raab unlikely to progress, Boris is the best a Baker could get I think.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
The Spartans? WTF? Is this the new name for the ERG? A rebrand?
The Baker thing is no surprise. Boris seems to have inexplicable support from hardliners despite his woollyness on many issues, not least his own voting for the WA in a manner which was an admission of his own slowness. Given Boris is up against slippery Gove the traitorous brexiteer and the combination of Hunt and Javid, the blanditrons, and with Raab unlikely to progress, Boris is the best a Baker could get I think.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
The Spartans? WTF? Is this the new name for the ERG? A rebrand?
Yes, it is their own name for hardcore of the ERG who did not give in and vote for the WA (since the majority of the ERG actually did vote for it in the end). Gives you an indication of how they view themselves and why anyone getting their support is kidding themselves if they think they can sell the deal, or any deal, to them.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
Tbf he has the face for a partaker of a horse sedative.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
"Hi citizen, I'm Rory Stewart and I want to be Prime Minister, and I need to get to know the people of this fine nation face to face. Most importantly, what is your favourite means of getting, like, totally f*cked up?"
I presume that Gove's team got wind of an expose in the papers, probably Sunday, otherwise why even mention it.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
"Hi citizen, I'm Rory Stewart and I want to be Prime Minister, and I need to get to know the people of this fine nation face to face. Most importantly, what is your favourite means of getting, like, totally f*cked up?"
I’m hearing that Andrea Leadsom to believe she likes a couple of jack and jills after Friday surgery.
Though I dislike Corbyn his general manner of geniality and mildness is not without appeal, but I don't know that he is as well suited for the ranty stuff.
What's The Saj been up to anyway? He's been very quiet. Given in early, or working MPs hard behind the scenes to spring a surprise in the early voting?
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
"Hi citizen, I'm Rory Stewart and I want to be Prime Minister, and I need to get to know the people of this fine nation face to face. Most importantly, what is your favourite means of getting, like, totally f*cked up?"
I presume that Gove's team got wind of an expose in the papers, probably Sunday, otherwise why even mention it.
The only thing worse than people talking about you is people not talking about you.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
Tbf he has the face for a partaker of a horse sedative.
Rory has gauntness like Jim Murphy, neither of them look well. Rory at least seems to have some drive to him.
Yawn. Who cares? I’m looking forward to the day where a politician says s/he took drugs and doesn’t regret it. Alcohol is the worst drug out there, just about, it just happens to be legal.
Indeed. Where are the ones who smoked weed every day at university and occasionally dabbled in mushrooms and acid? Several of my friends who used to indulge in such things have gone on to be successful, (relatively) normal people. Maybe they all joined the Lib Dems and that's why they're so keen on legalising cannabis.
Can we expect an announcement from Rory the Tory that he starts each day with a cheeky gram of ketamine?
I think Rory's more of an MDMA kind of guy, with his talk of bringing people together and delivering peace and love to all
Its seriously hot in parts of central Europe right now. Maybe the heat just passed us by?
So I see, but I knew what would happen here when Southam posted this last week. The weatherman sounded happy when he announced at the end of the Six O'Clock News that it will get even colder next week.
Weathermen should be paid by results.
When they appear on TV, a little box should appear in the corner showing in percentage terms how accurate yesterday's forecast was and how they've done so far this year. Until this procedure is adopted they have all the credibility of Astrologers, and should be rewarded accordingly.
One wonders what it must have been like to be Captain Stagg giving his weather forecast to General Eisenhower the day before D-Day...
The truth is that it wasn't much better than informed guesswork then, and hasn't improved much since.
Dear Peter, It's not exactly difficult to look at a weather chart and work out from it what tomorrow's weather is going to be like. You must've missed that geography lesson at school. But the internet is good for filling in those lacunae in one's knowledge, so go away and do some studying and stop trolling us.
That's not the point though, Dadge. When I last looked at some decent statistics the accuracy rate for professional forecasters was about 78%. That sounds reasonable, but appears less so when you appreciate that if you simply guess every day that it won't rain tomorrow you will be right about 70% of the time. Is the extra 8% worth all the effort?
And is there anything wrong with asking forecasters to show their results?
You might have different costs to Type 1 and Type 2 errors. Forecasts for deciding whether to grit roads certainly do save councils a lot of money.
The Baker thing is no surprise. Boris seems to have inexplicable support from hardliners despite his woollyness on many issues, not least his own voting for the WA in a manner which was an admission of his own slowness. Given Boris is up against slippery Gove the traitorous brexiteer and the combination of Hunt and Javid, the blanditrons, and with Raab unlikely to progress, Boris is the best a Baker could get I think.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
The Spartans? WTF? Is this the new name for the ERG? A rebrand?
What's The Saj been up to anyway? He's been very quiet. Given in early, or working MPs hard behind the scenes to spring a surprise in the early voting?
Trying to cook up a drug to have taken when he was younger? Opium is out. As now is cocaine.
The Baker thing is no surprise. Boris seems to have inexplicable support from hardliners despite his woollyness on many issues, not least his own voting for the WA in a manner which was an admission of his own slowness. Given Boris is up against slippery Gove the traitorous brexiteer and the combination of Hunt and Javid, the blanditrons, and with Raab unlikely to progress, Boris is the best a Baker could get I think.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
The Spartans? WTF? Is this the new name for the ERG? A rebrand?
Yes, it is their own name for hardcore of the ERG who did not give in and vote for the WA (since the majority of the ERG actually did vote for it in the end). Gives you an indication of how they view themselves and why anyone getting their support is kidding themselves if they think they can sell the deal, or any deal, to them.
Sparta, of course, not being renowned for its fondness for democracy.
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
What's The Saj been up to anyway? He's been very quiet. Given in early, or working MPs hard behind the scenes to spring a surprise in the early voting?
Trying to cook up a drug to have taken when he was younger? Opium is out. As now is cocaine.
"Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit amphetamines"
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
Right or wrong they have identified backing that as the reason for their massive decline, rather than its failing being the reason for the decline, or at least the extend of the decline. It would take huge political courage for them to even attempt to pass the WA.
Why would SeanT be posting under a non de plume anyway?
Have I missed something? Has he been banned? Gone off in a huff again?
AFAICR, SeanT has admitted in the past to going onto websites (e.g. newspapers) and posting beneath the line 'in character' to provoke comment.
But if he was doing that on here, he'd be someone like @TheJezziah, not someone who could be mistaken for him. There'd be little sport in that ...
Sad though this may be, I can usually pick up who the poster is from reading the post without even looking at the name. This applies to some more than others, and to SeanT more than most because of his own special style. In fact I'd say only Ave It is more easily identifiable.
Byronic is definitely not SeanT, though why it should bother anybody is beyond me.
I make a real effort to use a different writing style for each of my six PB identities...
I’ve never been brave enough to claim a writing style.
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
Newsnight seems to be trying to talk up the "Farage destroying the Tories" theme, complete with an interview with a party member on deselections. Labour has barely been mentioned so far, beyond the dread of "letting Corbyn in"
It might not appeal to you but I think some Tory members would welcome such a move. National Citizen Service should not be confused with National Service in the Armed Forces. Its all about the discipline and social responsibility of such a scheme. I could see it as being a positive scheme and something that helps bring people together from all levels in society.
It might not appeal to you but I think some Tory members would welcome such a move. National Citizen Service should not be confused with National Service in the Armed Forces. Its all about the discipline and social responsibility of such a scheme. I could see it as being a positive scheme and something that helps bring people together from all levels in society.
It all sounds quite nice and not onerous, but I would have zero confidence in the government to deliver it well.
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
And the DUP?
Have been very quiet lately for some reason, which worries me. They must be planning some big new demand or dramatic grievance to whinge about.
All these young people coming together across the UK, get your umbrellas out people.
Why does he stress bringing people from Scotland and England together? Does he plan to identify Scottish youths with separatist tendencies and ship them to Berkshire for reeducation?
It might not appeal to you but I think some Tory members would welcome such a move. National Citizen Service should not be confused with National Service in the Armed Forces. Its all about the discipline and social responsibility of such a scheme. I could see it as being a positive scheme and something that helps bring people together from all levels in society.
At least it counts as "some kind of idea not related to Brexit". Exactly what Tory MPs don't want to hear. But you have to give Rory credit. He's not going down by pandering to their illusions.
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
And the DUP?
Not that many to find if you get every last Tory (Admittedly that's optimistic), Lady Hermon, Caroline Flint, John Mann and Kevin Baron. A few Lab abstentions and Boris is your uncle.
All these young people coming together across the UK, get your umbrellas out people.
Why does he stress bringing people from Scotland and England together? Does he plan to identify Scottish youths with separatist tendencies and ship them to Berkshire for reeducation?
All these young people coming together across the UK, get your umbrellas out people.
Why does he stress bringing people from Scotland and England together? Does he plan to identify Scottish youths with separatist tendencies and ship them to Berkshire for reeducation?
Tbf I think Rory's Unionism is genuine, whether that's any longer a genuine aspect of Toryism is another thing.
Perhaps some strenuous cairn building will be in order.
It might not appeal to you but I think some Tory members would welcome such a move. National Citizen Service should not be confused with National Service in the Armed Forces. Its all about the discipline and social responsibility of such a scheme. I could see it as being a positive scheme and something that helps bring people together from all levels in society.
It all sounds quite nice and not onerous, but I would have zero confidence in the government to deliver it well.
It would be the cost that might put the brakes on it. Governments always make mistakes hence the unpopularity derived from their poor decisions. Some Governments suffer more miscalculations than others. The current one it is true is worse than many of its predecessors but that is only because it has to grapple with such a massive set of issues connected to Brexit. If there were No Brexit, then I suspect given the Parliamentary arithmetic the Government would be under much tighter scrutiny which may or may not mean more balanced and sustainable legislation rather than rubberstamping.
I wonder if the Tory polling heading south of 20% with the prospect of wholesale replacement by Farage's team and a Corbyn Gov't is focusing minds on the only route out of this for the Tories... passing the WA.
And the DUP?
Have been very quiet lately for some reason, which worries me. They must be planning some big new demand or dramatic grievance to whinge about.
They have been talking about a “new” confidence and supply agreement. New red lines?
It might not appeal to you but I think some Tory members would welcome such a move. National Citizen Service should not be confused with National Service in the Armed Forces. Its all about the discipline and social responsibility of such a scheme. I could see it as being a positive scheme and something that helps bring people together from all levels in society.
At least it counts as "some kind of idea not related to Brexit". Exactly what Tory MPs don't want to hear. But you have to give Rory credit. He's not going down by pandering to their illusions.
Initially I was not a fan but I will give him something, he is the most dynamic of the field so far and he does not have the Brexit media artificially assisting his leadership profile. Rory is attracting attention on the merits of his ideas not the issues of Brexit.
Comments
The biggest surprise to me is that this made the front page. Does anyone give a shit?
"Wheeling and dealing" in the leadership race takes on a whole new meaning.
It’s really not going to be him.
https://twitter.com/SunPolitics/status/1137104445911764992
Because that went so well last time round...
I reckon he’s a diazepam and toast kinda guy.
If Boris gets the Spartans, add in many of Raab's, and consider that he has had plenty of loyalist backers already, he's closing in on 80+ pretty easily after only a round or two.
As for the plan not to go to the members, it would be an interesting study - I've seen plenty of Tories apoplectic they did not go to the members last time (whether they were angry at the time I do not recall), and it would be most amusing to see if such anger dissipated into hypocritical acceptance because their saviour Boris got the nod this time.
https://twitter.com/channel4news/status/1136985997227565056
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI-5uv4wryI
Now I find that most of the time
Gove's not enough in itself"
https://twitter.com/RoryStewartUK/status/1136999787167961088
I've not been well-disposed towards him for a little while now and things like that are really quite repellent.
And would still require Labour.
Dull dull dull dull Star Trek reference dull dull dull rudeword rudeword dull dull maths obscure reference dull.
e.g.
https://twitter.com/Rachael_Swindon/status/1137111135537307648
For a moment I read 'Prime Minister I' as Prime Minister the First, and wondered what he'd been smoking.
(Oddly enough, I really like her for that!)
But you have to give Rory credit. He's not going down by pandering to their illusions.
A few Lab abstentions and Boris is your uncle.
A.
Perhaps some strenuous cairn building will be in order.
https://twitter.com/libby_brooks/status/490850099518779392
https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/brexit/backstop-could-be-at-the-heart-of-renegotiated-duptory-pact-38176426.html
https://twitter.com/davidaxelrod/status/1136623057290838017
https://twitter.com/davidaxelrod/status/1136623111674179585