They (because it applies to most of them) are simply deluded if they think the EU is about to make some substantial concession, that Parliament will rally behind a minority govnerment trying to push Hard Brexit through, and that No Deal* is even an option.
It's genuinely disturbing to see people who could be PM in a few weeks time talking such utter bollocks about Brexit, and other things to.
What ARE the options in that case?
(I don't think most of them are deluded. They are in denial, which is different)
I am surprised at IDS, maybe he has one eye on who will help him keep his seat as it is within the win zone for Labour.
That’s the same IDS who had tea with Trump and Owen Paterson last week, days before Owen Paterson also came out for Bozza? No further questions, your honour.
Smells a bit like Boris is being lined up as the useful and malleable one who has the balls and charisma to carry off what their chums want. Gove’s too clever (by half, some might say), and most of the others don’t have the chutzpah to convince a population of 66 million voters that a tax cut for 4 million of them is “for the middle classes”, and all the other nonsense which makes sense on the side of a bus.
By the time Bozo is finished we’ll be discussing the wonder years of May .
I have no time for May but when the chips were down she at least thought about the national interest and realized no deal would be a disaster for the country .
The comments in this thread about Leadsom are ridiculous. She's not remotely loathsome or witchy - she doesn't have a Thatcheresque demeanour, not that it would be reprehensible of she did. I can only conclude that she's the one people are scared will actually succeed in securing Brexit and a thriving UK.
Just because people dislike soemone does not mean they are scared of them.
That said, I don't recall why people think she is especially loathsome.
Is it a sort of pun on her name - Leadsom?
I meant besides that reason. I assume there has to be more of a reason than just the pseudo-pun.
Give her her due, she was very prescient about Brexit back in 2013, stating that: "it would be a disaster for our economy and it would lead to a decade of economic and political uncertainty".
Shame she didn't pay attention to herself.
Gosh, changing her mind, what a truly foul individual.
Why is someone who allegedly changed their mind before 2016 sound on Europe, but someone who changed their mind after 2016 is a traitorous Remoaner?
I wouldn't call anyone traitorous, I prefer the word treacherous.
Regarding people who've gone Remain since the referendum, I wouldn't call them treacherous, I'd call them credulous, skittish and easily demoralised. Not much else you can call people repenting something that hasn't even happened.
"hasn't even happened."
Your case three years ago was that you could bring about a good brexit. It transpires that you are too fecking useless to bring about any sort of brexit at all either now or in the foreseeable, and you are presenting that as a point in your favour. I salute your indefatigability.
Who is this 'you' of whom you speak? My case as a voter was that leaving the EU was a good idea. It is still my view that leaving the EU is a good idea, and I have seen nothing to remotely dissuade me.
In fact it may still be a very good idea, but what if it cannot be implemented?
If you read the Communist Manifesto, you may well come to the conclusion Communism is quite a good idea. Practical results to date have however been a little disappointing.
The Communist Manifesto didn't suggest it would get everything wrapped up in two years with a specific date in the calendar ear-marked.
Immediate resignation from the party probably applies from here on, although I might wait to see if Johnson betrays the right supporters first
Johnson Raab Mcvey
I've missed out Rory Stewart because I think he'd be a superb leader of another party, yet to be formed. Hancock is a good guy but not for the current mess.
Immediate resignation from the party probably applies from here on, although I might wait to see if Johnson betrays the right supporters first
Johnson Raab Mcvey
I've missed out Rory Stewart because I think he'd be a superb leader of another party, yet to be formed. Hancock is a good guy but not for the current mess.
You are very generous to Harper there. Gave the impression on Newsnight that he would be a decent backbench MP you could rely on not to embarrass the Party, by not saying or doing anything egregiously stupid, but not put in charge of much more than the photocopier.
Immediate resignation from the party probably applies from here on, although I might wait to see if Johnson betrays the right supporters first
Johnson Raab Mcvey
I've missed out Rory Stewart because I think he'd be a superb leader of another party, yet to be formed. Hancock is a good guy but not for the current mess.
You are very generous to Harper there. Gave the impression on Newsnight that he would be a decent backbench MP you could rely on not to embarrass the Party, but not put in charge of much more than the photocopier.
Well, yes, but look at the three I've put lower down. At least he's not actively trying to crash us out in chaos in a few weeks' time.
Can I just say that passport control at JFK airport is the absolute pits. Awful. A form of purgatory. Over 2 hours to get through.
US customer service - pah!!!!
Flying on BA? T7 is pretty much the worst of the terminals for arrivals. If it’s any consolation, it usually takes so long for them to get the luggage unloaded that it’s barely any faster for US passport holders with checked bags.
Pretty much. Anyone who thinks Boris should be running the country wants locking up if you ask me.
The recent Time Magaine cover was cutting precisely because it was true. We have become an international laughing stock. Boris however can, I am sure, take us beyond ridicule.
Its only a laughing stock to arrogant and small-minded individuals who think that Brexit is moronic and can't look past their nose. Other countries have had to face far greater sacrifices to ensure their country was independent than any trials or tribulations Britain will face.
Strangely I don't remember hearing that from the Leave camp during the referendum campaign.
Or seeing the slogan "Trials and Tribulations" on the side of a bus.
I remember the game Stop Boris as a kid where you had to shoot a battery powered spider between the eyes to stop him crawling along the floor. Someone really needs to re-release that game for amusement value right now.
As for who will really stop him? Its Raab or Hunt, the former if Johnson's gaffes or history catch up with him, the latter if it doesn't.
Personal ranking (sometime member of the Conservative Party, sometime Conservative candidate in council election)
Plausible PM material STEWART
Deranged, chancer, or fraud
Gove, Johnson, Hunt, Raab
deluded
Sajid Hancock Leadsom
Who?
McVey, and the other bloke
But that's just my opinion
As a Deputy Council leader who’s authority is a big chunk of Rory’s constituency, I agree about Rory, but not sure that feeling is currently shared by his colleagues or the wider membership. I like his attempts to strip away the hyperbole and keep to calm facts and genuinely listening to the point of view of others.
Immediate resignation from the party probably applies from here on, although I might wait to see if Johnson betrays the right supporters first
Johnson Raab Mcvey
I've missed out Rory Stewart because I think he'd be a superb leader of another party, yet to be formed. Hancock is a good guy but not for the current mess.
You are very generous to Harper there. Gave the impression on Newsnight that he would be a decent backbench MP you could rely on not to embarrass the Party, but not put in charge of much more than the photocopier.
Well, yes, but look at the three I've put lower down. At least he's not actively trying to crash us out in chaos in a few weeks' time.
If Boris gets the same percentage support from the remaining MPs, he'd get 95 votes in the first ballot. (Assumes everyone votes in line with their public endorsement).
If you don't like Boris the move is to endorse him. People will will assume he has the votes in the bag for the first round and use their vote to help some other favoured candidate against a candidate they don't like. If everyone does that he gets knocked out in the first round.
If you don't like Boris the move is to endorse him, people will will assume he has the votes in the bag for the first round and use their vote to help some other favoured candidate against a candidate they don't like. If everyone does that he gets knocked out in the first round.
The more MPs publicly endorse a candidate, the easier it will be to tell if anyone's been telling porkies when the votes are counted. That's why I'm interested in seeing just how many of them back a candidate before Thursday.
If you don't like Boris the move is to endorse him. People will will assume he has the votes in the bag for the first round and use their vote to help some other favoured candidate against a candidate they don't like. If everyone does that he gets knocked out in the first round.
I suspect Boris will end up with rather fewer votes than endorsements.
All this fuss over which Captain will be at the helm as the SS Brexit hits the iceberg .
The Tories psychodrama over Europe is now becoming extremely tiresome . They really need to be removed as they’re a clear and present danger to the UK .
There is one massive difference.
Some of them believe we have absolutely no need of lifeboats.
Some of them think we shouldn't even try to avoid the iceberg, but instead sail at full speed towards it, without raising any alarm.
"Ejaculate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!"
Sikhs don't really stick to the whole no drinking thing. The ones I know anyway. It's completely forbidden in the Gurdwaras though - Boris was guilty of crossing a taboo there !
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
What about the Iron Saj, Mark Harper or Hancock ?
I didn't join the Liberal Democrats.
Also, Happy (late) 98th Birthday to Prince Philip.
Its only a laughing stock to arrogant and small-minded individuals who think that Brexit is moronic and can't look past their nose. Other countries have had to face far greater sacrifices to ensure their country was independent than any trials or tribulations Britain will face.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
Wouldn't you say Raab is more likely to do what you want compared to Boris?
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
The irony is that Stewart is the person most likely to take the UK out the EU on our before the deadline, and Johnson the least likely.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
It makes sense. If one candidate promises No Deal and the other doesn't, the one who does will win. But if the winner then proceeds to keep their promise, they will destroy the party, the economy or both. The solution is to support an audacious liar.
"Ejaculate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!"
I think your recording of "Star Wars: A New Hope" is slightly different to mine...
I hated it when they released an updated version of A New Hope with new graphics. The original 1977 version was just fine as it was.
Oooh, now there's a debate. If memory serves (and it might be a bit garbled), due to previous releases being sold out and the original version not being deposited, the original 1977 version effectively disappeared. Some fans had to go thru all the various footages and reconstruct it. Here's the details:
Looking at all the leadership claims etc...have any come up with a sensible way forward for Northern Ireland (always a tricky one)? It seems that chit chat about drugs and taxes are simply a diversion from the large elephant (orange or green depending on your view) that is sitting in the room. The clock is ticking, Rome is burning and yet we are sitting through a bizarre Tory beauty contest.
Looking at all the leadership claims etc...have any come up with a sensible way forward for Northern Ireland (always a tricky one)? It seems that chit chat about drugs and taxes are simply a diversion from the large elephant (orange or green depending on your view) that is sitting in the room. The clock is ticking, Rome is burning and yet we are sitting through a bizarre Tory beauty contest.
This is true, OTOH the core skill needed to get through the crisis is the ability to bamboozle Conservative Party members.
Looking at all the leadership claims etc...have any come up with a sensible way forward for Northern Ireland (always a tricky one)? It seems that chit chat about drugs and taxes are simply a diversion from the large elephant (orange or green depending on your view) that is sitting in the room. The clock is ticking, Rome is burning and yet we are sitting through a bizarre Tory beauty contest.
The idea now is to hoodwink the Tory party members by saying whatever is necessary. Thereafter, the backsliding can start.
Johnson is the finest snake oil salesman. Ironically, the one who is totally honest and means what she says is McVey. Of course, she is completely barmy.
Boris Johnson has been more categorical than Dominic Raab so far, and is the frontrunner. If Boris does backslide, it really will be the end of the Tory Party. They're currently polling 20% - if the great Eurosceptic hope Boris turns out to be a liar, they'll sink faster than the Titanic and so will his premiership. It would only take a handful of the ERG to go on 'strike' and the government wouldn't be able to pass any legislation. Then they would face Farage and a Brexit Party on steroids. Much of my family and social circle voted Tory in 2017 - continued support is now hanging by a thread.
As for Rory Stewart being able to take us out, erm what? The man sits on BBC Question Time telling us "love" is the answer to this impasse. His speeches sound like extracts lifted from a Miss World speech, that's why he appeals to Remainer Liberal Democrats on the Twittersphere. This surrender treaty will not get through Parliament, how many times must it be demonstrated?
It is this Deal or No Deal. And the Tories have to deliver by October.
Would Boris prefer to get 100 or 75 votes in the first round? He might prefer 75 counterintuitively. With 100 his supporters might get complacent, or start to think they could support other candidates for a round or two.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
"Take back control" of the Conservative Party for what purpose?
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
"Take back control" of the Conservative Party for what purpose?
Electoral oblivion ?
‘Take control’ would surely be more accurate than ‘take back control’, too.
Can I just say that passport control at JFK airport is the absolute pits. Awful. A form of purgatory. Over 2 hours to get through.
US customer service - pah!!!!
Flying on BA? T7 is pretty much the worst of the terminals for arrivals. If it’s any consolation, it usually takes so long for them to get the luggage unloaded that it’s barely any faster for US passport holders with checked bags.
Things have got considerably worse at Dulles in recent months. A two-hour wait for US passport holders is now not uncommon. This follows a period were every US citizen used a passport reading machine, in the same manner as global entry. But all those machines have been pulled. Who knows what's going on and why it has become so much worse.
Can I just say that passport control at JFK airport is the absolute pits. Awful. A form of purgatory. Over 2 hours to get through.
US customer service - pah!!!!
Flying on BA? T7 is pretty much the worst of the terminals for arrivals. If it’s any consolation, it usually takes so long for them to get the luggage unloaded that it’s barely any faster for US passport holders with checked bags.
Things have got considerably worse at Dulles in recent months. A two-hour wait for US passport holders is now not uncommon. This follows a period were every US citizen used a passport reading machine, in the same manner as global entry. But all those machines have been pulled. Who knows what's going on and why it has become so much worse.
Trump’s determination to go back to the steam age ?
However deluded, that sounds like the authentic voice of a significant section of the Tory party, recent import or not.
How can a Kipper who recently joined be " the authentic voice of a significant section of the Tory party"?
The inauthentic voice, perhaps.
If it were only UKIP/Faragist entryism, that might be true. To claim those types of views haven’t been significant (albeit not dominant) in the party for many years is ridiculous.
Boris Johnson has been more categorical than Dominic Raab so far, and is the frontrunner. If Boris does backslide, it really will be the end of the Tory Party. They're currently polling 20% - if the great Eurosceptic hope Boris turns out to be a liar, they'll sink faster than the Titanic and so will his premiership. It would only take a handful of the ERG to go on 'strike' and the government wouldn't be able to pass any legislation. Then they would face Farage and a Brexit Party on steroids. Much of my family and social circle voted Tory in 2017 - continued support is now hanging by a thread.
As for Rory Stewart being able to take us out, erm what? The man sits on BBC Question Time telling us "love" is the answer to this impasse. His speeches sound like extracts lifted from a Miss World speech, that's why he appeals to Remainer Liberal Democrats on the Twittersphere. This surrender treaty will not get through Parliament, how many times must it be demonstrated?
It is this Deal or No Deal. And the Tories have to deliver by October.
Any new leader will have to successfully negotiate with the DUP and keep all Tory MPs on board.
He /she then needs to get things agreed by Parliament by October and any election before then will destroy the party - put simply nothing is going to work the way the candidates hope
However deluded, that sounds like the authentic voice of a significant section of the Tory party, recent import or not.
How can a Kipper who recently joined be " the authentic voice of a significant section of the Tory party"?
The inauthentic voice, perhaps.
If it were only UKIP/Faragist entryism, that might be true. To claim those types of views haven’t been significant (albeit not dominant) in the party for many years is ridiculous.
Oh, they've been significant. But they're just part of the party. I get the impression that some ERG-leaning fellows almost want a cleansing of the party, a process that will lead to purity.
None of the ten is suitable for the job but if I had to list them in order of merit, starting with the least disastrous and working my way down I'd go...:
Gove Hunt Stewart Hancock Leadsome Harper Javid Raab McVey Johnson
I see Team Leadsom are playing the woman card. "We must have a woman in the final two."
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
Ether McVey is probably a woman...
Still not convinced re Leadsom but I can see a way through for her if BoJo's campaign goes off the rails and leavers are left in a situation with Hunt in the lead and a choice between her, Raab and McVey for the Leaver vote.
On Stewart, much of him just radiates a traditional pragmatic Conservative. He has, for example, railed against rhetoric on ‘equality’ and ‘sustainability’ where these are just buzz words thrown around by MPs with no reflection on what they might mean in terms of achievable policy. He’s also talked practically about foreign policy, and Brexit.
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
As a Ukipper turned Tory member since 2016 (I knew I had to join as the next mission was to take back control of the Conservative Party), I will be using my vote for whoever pledges to pull us out as soon as possible. And at the moment of the frontrunners, Boris is the man. Last chance saloon for the Tories now.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
I think there are some holdouts in the Conservative Party who think competence, common sense and, um, conservatism are a thing and haven't gone full UKIP fruitcake. You are no doubt seeing to that.
I see Team Leadsom are playing the woman card. "We must have a woman in the final two."
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
Ether McVey is probably a woman...
Still not convinced re Leadsom but I can see a way through for her if BoJo's campaign goes off the rails and leavers are left in a situation with Hunt in the lead and a choice between her, Raab and McVey for the Leaver vote.
Yes, Gove should have been in pole position to mop that up, but isn’t anymore.
I think McVey just comes across as too fierce and aggressive to get through too.
Can I just say that passport control at JFK airport is the absolute pits. Awful. A form of purgatory. Over 2 hours to get through.
US customer service - pah!!!!
The mistake was flying to JFK in the first place.
Newark passport control is always much quicker. Just as easy for NYC.
Annoyingly when I'm going later this year JFK was the only sane choice I had - mind you it's my first visit in years - I avoid the USA like the plague...
I see Team Leadsom are playing the woman card. "We must have a woman in the final two."
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
Ether McVey is probably a woman...
Still not convinced re Leadsom but I can see a way through for her if BoJo's campaign goes off the rails and leavers are left in a situation with Hunt in the lead and a choice between her, Raab and McVey for the Leaver vote.
Yes, Gove should have been in pole position to mop that up, but isn’t anymore.
I think McVey just comes across as too fierce and aggressive to get through too.
I don’t think Raab is going anywhere.
I agree you on Raab. If his personality was better, he would be in a real chance.
I get the point on McVey. But I think many Conservative MPs also realise they are in the last chance saloon and that JC could easily get in on the back of the Brexit Party eating into their vote and letting Labour in on a reduced share of the vote a la Peterborough. I don't see how Leadsom would win those people back but I can see how McVey would.
On Stewart, much of him just radiates a traditional pragmatic Conservative. He has, for example, railed against rhetoric on ‘equality’ and ‘sustainability’ where these are just buzz words thrown around by MPs with no reflection on what they might mean in terms of achievable policy. He’s also talked practically about foreign policy, and Brexit.
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
If a situation is mostly a problem for women, it gets gendered a lot (domestic abuse, for example), if it's mostly a male problem (homelessness, suicide) it's less likely to get a gendered report/response. It's also disturbing that the hundreds of male victims in Rotherham barely ever get acknowledged.
My favourite "Think of the women" line was with apocalyptic climate change warnings. "World about to end - women most affected!"
Anyway, back on topic: I agree with you. If Leadsom's line is "We need someone with ovaries. I have ovaries" it's not a good look.
On Stewart, much of him just radiates a traditional pragmatic Conservative. He has, for example, railed against rhetoric on ‘equality’ and ‘sustainability’ where these are just buzz words thrown around by MPs with no reflection on what they might mean in terms of achievable policy. He’s also talked practically about foreign policy, and Brexit.
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
Stewart appears to be in the wrong party.
Easy strap line. Did you even read my post?
Like I said, I don’t think he is, but he’s enjoying being the outsider far too much without realising he has to lead the inside.
None of the ten is suitable for the job but if I had to list them in order of merit, starting with the least disastrous and working my way down I'd go...:
Gove Hunt Stewart Hancock Leadsome Harper Javid Raab McVey Johnson
A PB poll on this would be fun.
I'd switch Javid and Leadsom. Otherwise, I agree.
Switch Gove and Hunt as well, and I could live with that list.
Given the Raab bullying case was settled by means of an NDA, is there any justification at all for his surrogate Maria Miller to claim, as she did on R4 this morning, that the original claim against him was ‘vexatious’ ? And might this indicate a potential breach of the NDA on Raab’s part ?
Miller’s claim appears to be potentially libellous.
None of the ten is suitable for the job but if I had to list them in order of merit, starting with the least disastrous and working my way down I'd go...:
Gove Hunt Stewart Hancock Leadsome Harper Javid Raab McVey Johnson
A PB poll on this would be fun.
I'd switch Javid and Leadsom. Otherwise, I agree.
The more important switch is Gove with the blank space at the bottom.
I see Team Leadsom are playing the woman card. "We must have a woman in the final two."
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
Ether McVey is probably a woman...
Still not convinced re Leadsom but I can see a way through for her if BoJo's campaign goes off the rails and leavers are left in a situation with Hunt in the lead and a choice between her, Raab and McVey for the Leaver vote.
Yes, Gove should have been in pole position to mop that up, but isn’t anymore.
I think McVey just comes across as too fierce and aggressive to get through too.
I don’t think Raab is going anywhere.
Raab is the purest Leaver of the top tier and I suspect McVey will endorse Raab when she is eliminated, maybe Javid too.
I think both Raab and Hancock will do better than expected and Hancock might pick up votes from Stewart and Gyimah
Boris Johnson has been more categorical than Dominic Raab so far, and is the frontrunner. If Boris does backslide, it really will be the end of the Tory Party. They're currently polling 20% - if the great Eurosceptic hope Boris turns out to be a liar, they'll sink faster than the Titanic and so will his premiership. It would only take a handful of the ERG to go on 'strike' and the government wouldn't be able to pass any legislation. Then they would face Farage and a Brexit Party on steroids. Much of my family and social circle voted Tory in 2017 - continued support is now hanging by a thread.
As for Rory Stewart being able to take us out, erm what? The man sits on BBC Question Time telling us "love" is the answer to this impasse. His speeches sound like extracts lifted from a Miss World speech, that's why he appeals to Remainer Liberal Democrats on the Twittersphere. This surrender treaty will not get through Parliament, how many times must it be demonstrated?
It is this Deal or No Deal. And the Tories have to deliver by October.
The irony is that the more maniacal a Leaver the Tories choose, the less likely that we actually leave at all.
Can I just say that passport control at JFK airport is the absolute pits. Awful. A form of purgatory. Over 2 hours to get through.
US customer service - pah!!!!
The mistake was flying to JFK in the first place.
Newark passport control is always much quicker. Just as easy for NYC.
Isn’t it going to the USA in general?
They seem to view being rude and curt to non-US citizens as a sign of professionalism.
It's 3-4 years since we went to the USA, but I don't recall either Honolulu or San Francisco as being worse than anywhere else. Maybe, as a European, sneaking round the back helps! Hawaiian Airlines website was dire, though.
And, unless one's over 70, Bangkok can be tedious.
On Stewart, much of him just radiates a traditional pragmatic Conservative. He has, for example, railed against rhetoric on ‘equality’ and ‘sustainability’ where these are just buzz words thrown around by MPs with no reflection on what they might mean in terms of achievable policy. He’s also talked practically about foreign policy, and Brexit.
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
Rory Stewart is the Liz Kendall of this race, his problem is most of his most prominent supporters are from the opposition parties
I see Team Leadsom are playing the woman card. "We must have a woman in the final two."
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
Ether McVey is probably a woman...
Still not convinced re Leadsom but I can see a way through for her if BoJo's campaign goes off the rails and leavers are left in a situation with Hunt in the lead and a choice between her, Raab and McVey for the Leaver vote.
Leadsom I think goes out first on Thursday unfortunately, she has only 2 backers compared to over 60 in 2016. She probably then backs Boris
On Stewart, much of him just radiates a traditional pragmatic Conservative. He has, for example, railed against rhetoric on ‘equality’ and ‘sustainability’ where these are just buzz words thrown around by MPs with no reflection on what they might mean in terms of achievable policy. He’s also talked practically about foreign policy, and Brexit.
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
Stewart appears to be in the wrong party.
Easy strap line. Did you even read my post?
Like I said, I don’t think he is, but he’s enjoying being the outsider far too much without realising he has to lead the inside.
I read your post. I get the impression that he would be far happier and more at home as a Lib Dem. He is not cut from the same ideological cloth as the likes of Raab or the flamboyance for flamboyance sake Johnson. At best the sort of thoughtful, wet Tory that Thatcher did away with
Comments
(I don't think most of them are deluded. They are in denial, which is different)
Smells a bit like Boris is being lined up as the useful and malleable one who has the balls and charisma to carry off what their chums want. Gove’s too clever (by half, some might say), and most of the others don’t have the chutzpah to convince a population of 66 million voters that a tax cut for 4 million of them is “for the middle classes”, and all the other nonsense which makes sense on the side of a bus.
It is, and will remain, ‘anyone rather than the orange tw@t’.
In blunt policy terms, can they afford to lose narrowly again, and have Trump replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a 45 year old anti-abortionist?
IMO the best chance they have against Trump is to go with Biden, who will most likely stand down after a single term anyway.
I have no time for May but when the chips were down she at least thought about the national interest and realized no deal would be a disaster for the country .
Hunt
Javid
Gove
Leadsom .. getting desperate now..,
Hancock
Harper
Immediate resignation from the party probably applies from here on, although I might wait to see if Johnson betrays the right supporters first
Johnson
Raab
Mcvey
I've missed out Rory Stewart because I think he'd be a superb leader of another party, yet to be formed. Hancock is a good guy but not for the current mess.
Johnson 65, Hunt 36, Gove 35, Raab 24, Javid 19,
Hancock 16, Harper 7, McVey 6, Stewart 6, Leadsom 5.
https://twitter.com/jamesmelville/status/1138176573121716224
Plausible PM material
STEWART
Deranged, chancer, or fraud
Gove, Johnson, Hunt, Raab
deluded
Sajid Hancock Leadsom
Who?
McVey, and the other bloke
But that's just my opinion
Or seeing the slogan "Trials and Tribulations" on the side of a bus.
As for who will really stop him? Its Raab or Hunt, the former if Johnson's gaffes or history catch up with him, the latter if it doesn't.
https://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2019/06/robert-buckland-and-justin-tomlinson-why-johnson-is-the-best-choice-for-the-party-for-our-town-swindon-and-for-the-country.html
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-KczH9LmgjPjvosBcads2AqlcTEZNg0i2MadKTK2j8A/edit?usp=sharing
35 GOVE
16 HANCOCK
7 HARPER
36 HUNT
19 JAVID
69 JOHNSON
5 LEADSOM
6 McVEY
24 RAAB
6 STEWART
I think 2 of Leadsom's additional backers are Chris Davies and Glyn Davies (Who has also indicated he won't stay with her)
Mcvey's extras possibly Rowley, Redwood, Hollobone, Spencer
Stewart - Benyon/Newton perhaps.
On the leavery side:
Leadsom -> Boris
Mcvey -> Boris
Mcvey -> Raab -> Boris
Raab -> Boris
Remain side:
Stewart -> Hunt
Javid -> Hunt
Javid -> Gove
Stewart -> Gove
Stewart -> Hancock -> Hunt
Hancock -> Hunt
Are some potential ones. I have no idea where Haper's support might go - I also think Boris could pick up some more remain transfers potentially.
Favoured: Boris, Raab, McVey, Leadsom.
Never: Stewart, Gove, Hunt.
Also, Happy (late) 98th Birthday to Prince Philip.
* Jeremy Jahns: Star Wars Despecialized Edition is Awesometacular!
* Harmy: Introducing the Despecialized Edition and Its Sources
Johnson is the finest snake oil salesman. Ironically, the one who is totally honest and means what she says is McVey. Of course, she is completely barmy.
As for Rory Stewart being able to take us out, erm what? The man sits on BBC Question Time telling us "love" is the answer to this impasse. His speeches sound like extracts lifted from a Miss World speech, that's why he appeals to Remainer Liberal Democrats on the Twittersphere. This surrender treaty will not get through Parliament, how many times must it be demonstrated?
It is this Deal or No Deal. And the Tories have to deliver by October.
However deluded, that sounds like the authentic voice of a significant section of the Tory party, recent import or not.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/06/11/business/economy-business/trump-signals-frustration-feds-independent-policies-says-xi-full-control/#.XP8u_crTWhA
Electoral oblivion ?
“I don’t want Albert Einstein reading my passport...”
https://www.ccn.com/donald-trumps-wacky-solution-boeing-737-max-8-crash-get-rid-of-computers
Perhaps the mystery backer is a woman not a man...
The inauthentic voice, perhaps.
To claim those types of views haven’t been significant (albeit not dominant) in the party for many years is ridiculous.
He /she then needs to get things agreed by Parliament by October and any election before then will destroy the party - put simply nothing is going to work the way the candidates hope
Oh Man !!!!!!!
I wonder if anyone will drop out ahead of/immediately after* the first round.
*Beyond the one who gets officially eliminated, of course.
Purity with a side-effect of electoral oblivion.
But that's another tabloid story on the editors desk ....
But what lets him down is going so vociferously against the “horror” of tax cuts and his rhetoric that “love” is part of the answer. Quite aside from sounding a little bit too Jesus/John Lennon for many people’s liking he risks giving the impression he’s running against his own party.
He needs to be much more careful, define his own Conservativism and put his own stamp on it if he’s going to lead the party.
Newark passport control is always much quicker. Just as easy for NYC.
I think McVey just comes across as too fierce and aggressive to get through too.
I don’t think Raab is going anywhere.
It’s telling, though. If she’s playing that card now then she’s running short on ammunition for her USP.
They seem to view being rude and curt to non-US citizens as a sign of professionalism.
I get the point on McVey. But I think many Conservative MPs also realise they are in the last chance saloon and that JC could easily get in on the back of the Brexit Party eating into their vote and letting Labour in on a reduced share of the vote a la Peterborough. I don't see how Leadsom would win those people back but I can see how McVey would.
If a situation is mostly a problem for women, it gets gendered a lot (domestic abuse, for example), if it's mostly a male problem (homelessness, suicide) it's less likely to get a gendered report/response. It's also disturbing that the hundreds of male victims in Rotherham barely ever get acknowledged.
My favourite "Think of the women" line was with apocalyptic climate change warnings. "World about to end - women most affected!"
Anyway, back on topic: I agree with you. If Leadsom's line is "We need someone with ovaries. I have ovaries" it's not a good look.
Like I said, I don’t think he is, but he’s enjoying being the outsider far too much without realising he has to lead the inside.
The desperation of being in a deep hole of one’s own creation. Cf. HY’s recent posts.
And might this indicate a potential breach of the NDA on Raab’s part ?
Miller’s claim appears to be potentially libellous.
I think both Raab and Hancock will do better than expected and Hancock might pick up votes from Stewart and Gyimah
Hawaiian Airlines website was dire, though.
And, unless one's over 70, Bangkok can be tedious.
Gove
gap
Javid
McVey
Raab
gap
Boris
Hunt
gap
Stewart
The other one
Handcock
Leadsom