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  • SouthCoastKevinSouthCoastKevin Posts: 158
    edited November 2013
    Mick_Pork said:


    Is there some part of "drug and porn claims", "nightmare" or "disbelief" that eludes you?

    The only reason there is any story whatsoever is because of what Flowers has been exposed to have done in his private life. So if Cammie wants to make this all about Flowers and his links to labour and it's leadership then he'd best be prepared for the consequences.

    'Nightmare' - at the Co-operative Bank, not in Paul Flowers' private life.

    'Disbelief' - that someone with so little banking experience and knowledge was appointed chair of the bank.

    Yes, maybe the current events were triggered (at least in part) by Flowers' private activities. But the issues of real significance revolve around his appointment as Bank chair and his links with Labour, and those are what the Tories seem to be focusing on. We'll see how things pan out; but in the meantime shall we just agree to differ?
  • fitalassfitalass Posts: 4,320
    Twitter
    Mark Textor ‏@markatextor 1m
    Yes. Australia win toss = bat. #Ashes
  • OmniumOmnium Posts: 10,908
    Cameron is wrong to be pressing the Flowers issue. The government didn't own or run Co-op bank and therefore has an interest at arms length only. As far as I'm aware there are no regulations (nor should there be) about the way in which executives of private companies conduct their lives. There are certain rules in place with regards to prior convictions and the like which the regulator enforces. I don't think there are question marks there.

    Therefore as far as I can see this is not a matter for government involvement. One of the primary reasons I vote Tory is because they tend to be the party of less state involvement rather tan more. I'm not going to abandon that theme just because it may suit party politics in the short term.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,411
    It's ok guys, no need to worry about the first test. I've backed Australia and laid England (I'd have done the opposite if we'd won the toss).

    Expect a clatter of wickets by tea :D
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530
    edited November 2013

    'Nightmare' - at the Co-operative Bank, not in Paul Flowers' private life.

    Sorry??? Run that past me again while explaining how Flowers isn't the "nightmare" at the Co-op bank they are quite obviously referring to?

    'Disbelief' - that someone with so little banking experience and knowledge was appointed chair of the bank.

    Again, what has that to do with anything unless Flowers behaviour is central which it self-evidently is.

    'Yes, maybe the current events were triggered (at least in part) by Flowers' private activities. But the issues of real significance revolve around his appointment as Bank chair and his links with Labour, and those are what the Tories seem to be focusing on. We'll see how things pan out; but in the meantime shall we just agree to differ?

    Either this is a story about Flowers and his links to labour or it's just a story about Flowers private life and the bank. There is no process or questions and links to labour/little Ed without what Flowers has done in his private life. That is the story. Everything is concomitant on Flowers having done something wrong in his private life. Which he has. The point you are also missing is that while there are clearly questions to be asked about Flowers some people are more suited to ask those questions than others.
  • Hope England can wreck the Warner call very quickly.
  • Scott_P said:

    Neil said:


    Hang around here for a few more days if you want to see dozens of posters desperately try to make a connection.

    Labour councillor not connected to Labour Party.

    Unspoofable...
    When will these people grow up?

    Just realise Labour are up to their necks in this one, deal with it and move on
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,411

    Thanks Fitalass. Though I prob won't be back as much as I was. Not until I'm betting regularly again, anyway. That will be for Cheltenham.

    Hurdle looks the most intriguing race of Cheltenham to me.
  • Pulpstar said:

    It's ok guys, no need to worry about the first test. I've backed Australia and laid England (I'd have done the opposite if we'd won the toss).

    Expect a clatter of wickets by tea :D

    I've sold Carberry runs at 63 (both innings), also backed over Broad's playing performance at 108.5 at 1.83, Swann at 105.5 is also a decent shout
  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    Flowers colourful private life has drawn attention to the Co-op bank and its relationships, but the serious business is its overall governance, both in terms of how it mishandled its finances, and the web of connections around these finances. Bearing in mind how misgovernment of banks has landed our government with some very expensive obligations, I think it an entirely reasonable area for a proper open enquiry. Dodgy bank practices need exposure.

    Mick_Pork said:

    'Nightmare' - at the Co-operative Bank, not in Paul Flowers' private life.

    Sorry??? Run that past me again while explaining how Flowers isn't the "nightmare" at the Co-op bank they are quite obviously referring to?

    'Disbelief' - that someone with so little banking experience and knowledge was appointed chair of the bank.

    Again, what has that to do with anything unless Flowers behaviour is central which it self-evidently is.

    'Yes, maybe the current events were triggered (at least in part) by Flowers' private activities. But the issues of real significance revolve around his appointment as Bank chair and his links with Labour, and those are what the Tories seem to be focusing on. We'll see how things pan out; but in the meantime shall we just agree to differ?

    Either this is a story about Flowers and his links to labour or it's just a story about Flowers private life and the bank. There is no process or questions and links to labour/little Ed without what Flowers has done in his private life. That is the story. Everything is concomitant on Flowers having done something wrong in his private life. Which he has. The point you are also missing is that while there are clearly questions to be asked about Flowers some people are more suited to ask those questions than others.
  • Mick_Pork said:

    Either this is a story about Flowers and his links to labour or it's just a story about Flowers private life and the bank. There is no process or questions and links to labour/little Ed without what Flowers has done in his private life. That is the story. Everything is concomitant on Flowers having done something wrong in his private life. Which he has. The point you are also missing is that while there are clearly questions to be asked about Flowers some people are more suited to ask those questions than others.

    Yes, but it's the fact that Flowers' private conduct casts doubt on his suitability as chair of the bank. And also whether Labour ignored / hushed up concerns over his private conduct. See, for example, the Telegraph website:

    "Labour's 'cover-up' over Co-op bank chief

    Independent inquiry ordered into how Rev Paul Flowers was appointed chairman of a major British bank, amid allegations Labour Party covered up concerns about his conduct"
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530

    Mick_Pork said:

    Either this is a story about Flowers and his links to labour or it's just a story about Flowers private life and the bank. There is no process or questions and links to labour/little Ed without what Flowers has done in his private life. That is the story. Everything is concomitant on Flowers having done something wrong in his private life. Which he has. The point you are also missing is that while there are clearly questions to be asked about Flowers some people are more suited to ask those questions than others.

    Yes, but it's the fact that Flowers' private conduct casts doubt on his suitability as chair of the bank. And also whether Labour ignored / hushed up concerns over his private conduct. See, for example, the Telegraph website:

    "Labour's 'cover-up' over Co-op bank chief

    Independent inquiry ordered into how Rev Paul Flowers was appointed chairman of a major British bank, amid allegations Labour Party covered up concerns about his conduct"
    Exactly. It's all about what Flowers has done in his private life. THEN you can start pointing fingers if you choose to. If Flowers was just another banker then it's self-evidently not a story.
  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    Flowers is not just another banker though, he was a Labour councillor, gave advice to senior Labour politicians and was ultimately in charge of Labours overdraft.

    As they say: Follow the money...

    Mick_Pork said:

    Mick_Pork said:

    Either this is a story about Flowers and his links to labour or it's just a story about Flowers private life and the bank. There is no process or questions and links to labour/little Ed without what Flowers has done in his private life. That is the story. Everything is concomitant on Flowers having done something wrong in his private life. Which he has. The point you are also missing is that while there are clearly questions to be asked about Flowers some people are more suited to ask those questions than others.

    Yes, but it's the fact that Flowers' private conduct casts doubt on his suitability as chair of the bank. And also whether Labour ignored / hushed up concerns over his private conduct. See, for example, the Telegraph website:

    "Labour's 'cover-up' over Co-op bank chief

    Independent inquiry ordered into how Rev Paul Flowers was appointed chairman of a major British bank, amid allegations Labour Party covered up concerns about his conduct"
    Exactly. It's all about what Flowers has done in his private life. THEN you can start pointing fingers if you choose to. If Flowers was just another banker then it's self-evidently not a story.
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530

    Flowers is not just another banker though, he was a Labour councillor, gave advice to senior Labour politicians and was ultimately in charge of Labours overdraft.

    As they say: Follow the money...

    None of which matters unless Flowers and his private life is the story. Which it is.
  • 1 down!
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    edited November 2013
    Well, as someone who has part of their savings with the Co-op I sure as hell want to know what's been going on! I'm sorry it's someone who is supposed to be on my side of the political divide who is in the brown stuff (and apparently the white stuff) but that doesn't alter my feelings.

    How the whatsit did they manage to manage so badly?
  • Huzzah! 12/1. Broady. A third of the way to a great first session.
  • I should go to bed but I'm listening to a sneaky few overs of the cricket, and... Rogers is out! Bowled Broad (ha ha), caught Bell at midwicket, I think it was. Woo-hoo!
  • Warner top scoring with about 30 would be just nice.
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530

    Well, as someone who has part of their savings with the Co-op I sure as hell want to know what's been going on!

    So do some of those at the co-op bank seemingly. I'll reiterate it again. Flowers behaviour merits serious questions for the bank that they will have to answer. Turning it into a political football with Cammie leading the charge trying to link little Ed and labour to Flowers and his behaviour however.. Not very wise, not very wise at all.

    Even Clegg would be a better choice, which is saying something.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    edited November 2013
    Looking at the Rochdale connection, Flowers held a similar position on the Counci to the late Cyril Smith, when the latter was a Labour councillor.

    What did Oscar Wilde (ahem) say about losing two?

    I think Simon Danczuk MP should have a good look at his organisation.
  • February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016
  • The Bank of England has launched an inquiry into how the £1.5bn capital black hole at the Co-operative Bank came to be discovered in May this year.

    The Sunday Telegraph reports the Prudential Regulation Authority is carrying out the review to assess whether the PRA and the FSA could have done more in their roles as supervisors of the Co-op Bank, and whether the capital shortfall should have been revealed sooner.

    The review will look at correspondence including letters, emails and telephone calls, and look at how regulators assessed the Co-op’s books. The review is expected to date back to before the Co-op merged with Britannia Building Society in January 2009.

    Regulators will also examine what changed between March this year when the Co-op Bank published its 2012 accounts citing a tier one capital ratio of 9.2 per cent, and June when it was revealed the bank has a £1.5bn shortfall.
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530

    February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016

    This won't backfire horribly at all.

    LOL

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712

    February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016

    Presumably Flowers was on the board of the Co-op Bank before he was appointed Chair? If so it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to be at a reception at the same time as EdM.

    I think one of the first "political"things, apart from elections, I recall is my parents and grandparents talking about the collapse of my grandparents local co-op, due to sexual shenanigans, this time by the CEO. That was around 60 years ago. The personal ramifications for several people not directly associated were huge.
  • Warner looking good.....
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,411
    I'll leave for the night with my

    Australia
    £39.52
    England
    -10.50
    Draw
    -26.70

    book for the night ;)
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    Useless fact: JF Kennedy, Aldous Huxley and CS Lewis all died on the same day, 22nd November 1963.
  • fitalassfitalass Posts: 4,320
    "1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016"

    I knew that the Labour party had outstanding loan with the Co-op Bank from a while back, but I didn't know about this new loan from earlier this year?

    February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    71-2 at lunch. Broad's been expensive, but he's got the wickets.
  • 71-2 at lunch. Broad's been expensive, but he's got the wickets.

    Expensive is a strong word. He's gone for a few, but not overly so. That was a shocker of a shot in the circumstances from Watson. The Warner pick offers a profit but I would really like England to whip him out before tea or he'll have done some damage.

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    Point taken about Broad. Should have said comparatively expensive. Or perhaps least economical. He's conceded a no-ball as well, though.
    I'm not watching …… can't get sky here ……. so can't comment on shot, but do agree about Warner. It's time he was out!
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    "Pup" Clarke gone now. Broad again.
  • SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    edited November 2013
    Omnium said:

    It's hard to see Flowers as having any relevance to Labour. Who cares frankly.

    Time will tell. - However, after all the faux outrage generated over various political party donors in the past, I don’t think we’ve ever had serially inept, bank busting, coke snorting pill popping, rent boy abusing, convicted cottage loiterer before.

    The shadow chancellor has out down himself - Ed Balls, take a bow.
  • I'm enjoying the cricket muchly. 83/4
  • Point taken about Broad. Should have said comparatively expensive. Or perhaps least economical. He's conceded a no-ball as well, though.
    I'm not watching …… can't get sky here ……. so can't comment on shot, but do agree about Warner. It's time he was out!

    England are all over them. They were saying England might struggle with a short bouncing ball. Well it sure looks like the Aussies are.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    Another catch for Cook. 6 down now!
  • the pitch was a road before lunch, aussies making it look full of pot holes now!!
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,712
    33 so far for the 7th wicket, inc. 2 x 6's.
  • compouter1compouter1 Posts: 642
    edited November 2013
    So we could find out that when Hodges says "a source close to", it could actually mean the voices in his head OR the sources he has are taking him for a fool and are feeding him crap OR there is a poll that the Tories have which has changed the marginal results from a 14% Labour lead to a 2% Tory lead when you mention the incumbent MP.

    If it is the second one, Hodges will look pretty silly. Not that he doesn't anyway. If it is the first one he will look a bit of a loon. If it is the third one, most people including the person who funded the original poll will be very surprised.

    Even if it is the second one, the Tories will say they did nothing of the sort and most people will think it was the voices in his head.

    So, barring the third option....Hodges to loonsville.

    Also, do you not think it strange that he releases that article when the Labour lead falls to 4%. Must have been waiting ages for that to come along.
  • felixfelix Posts: 15,173

    So we could find out that when Hodges says "a source close to", it could actually mean the voices in his head OR the sources he has are taking him for a fool and are feeding him crap OR there is a poll that the Tories have which has changed the marginal results from a 14% Labour lead to a 2% Tory lead when you mention the incumbent MP.

    If it is the second one, Hodges will look pretty silly. Not that he doesn't anyway. If it is the first one he will look a bit of a loon. If it is the third one, most people including the person who funded the original poll will be very surprised.

    Even if it is the second one, the Tories will say they did nothing of the sort and most people will think it was the voices in his head.

    So, barring the third option....Hodges to loonsville.

    Also, do you not think it strange that he releases that article when the Labour lead falls to 4%. Must have been waiting ages for that to come along.

    Maybe Hodges was high as a kite.... oh wait!
  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    taxes versus spending cuts

    http://yougov.co.uk/news/2013/11/20/public-tend-prefer-status-quo-taxation/

    For next budget, Labour and LD VI wish to increase taxes to reduce spending cuts. Cons and UKIP want to reduce taxes funded by spending cuts.
  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    Latest YouGov / The Sun results 20th November - Con 32%, Lab 40%, LD 9%, UKIP 12%; APP -28
  • compouter1compouter1 Posts: 642
    edited November 2013
    Todays Yougov:

    Labour - 40%
    Tory - 32%
    Ukip - 12%
    L Dem - 9%

    or in Dan Hodges head via a nameless source:

    Labour 30%
    Tory - 42%
    Lib Dem - 18%
    Ukip - 4%
  • Mick_Pork said:

    February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016

    This won't backfire horribly at all.

    LOL

    Impressive that timeline. Full of coincidences.
  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    Yet more and more

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken.

    Mr Wardle described the money as a ‘significant sum’ which required a ‘lengthy and thorough investigation’.

    The revelations will only reinforce concerns that City regulators, the Co-op board and Labour failed to adequately investigate the past of the drug-taking minister who was once invited to Ed Miliband’s office for private talks.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2510897/Co-op-chief-Paul-Flowers-quit-charity-150-000-false-expenses-claims.html#ixzz2lG3zRkPY
    Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
  • compouter1compouter1 Posts: 642
    edited November 2013
    When Labour win the next election and Cameron is given the royal order of the boot, Lord Ashcroft will give the Tory Party an "I told you so" and will be in a strong position when the next leader takes over. Will the next leader take him back on board or will he take the Cameron approach?
  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530
    edited November 2013

    Mick_Pork said:

    February 2010 - Paul Flowers attends Downing Street reception, with Ed Miliband present
    April 2010 - Flowers appointed chairman of Co-op Bank and vice-chairman of Co-op Group
    September 2011 - Flowers resigns as Labour councillor in Bradford after pornography is found on his council laptop
    31 March 2012 - Co-op Group donates £50,000 through Labour Party to support shadow chancellor Ed Balls' office
    6 March 2013 - Ed Miliband meets Flowers to discuss banking reform
    1 April 2013 - Labour takes out £1.2m loan from Co-op Bank, to be repaid by 2016

    This won't backfire horribly at all.

    LOL

    Impressive that timeline. Full of coincidences.
    Which Cameron is utterly well placed to take full advantage of with his Back to Basics campaign to rid public life of morally unfit people like Flowers.

    NannyCam will make John Major proud.

  • Financier said:

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken...

    Good grief. I really hope the allegations were judged to be unfounded, as £150,000 is an awful lot of money for a charity not get the police involved over.

    And this Ian Wardle fellow is presumably related to Len Wardle, the now former chair of the Co-operative Group? That's interesting as well...
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    Watching the cricket bleary eyed. What's this nonsense about the Aussie press not mentioning Broad's name? Five-for LOL
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited November 2013
    Listening to the cricket on Five Live Sports Extra.
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    AndyJS said:

    Listening to the cricket on Five Live Sports Extra.

    Be great to remove Haddin now- but usually you need a restart to get him once he has got himself in

  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,568
    YG continuing its long period of essential stability - today's poll is nice but I genuinely don't think anything is really happening at the moment to voting intention. The separate YG poll on preferences on tax and spending illustrates the reason - the Tory/UKIP responses and Lab/LibDem responses are entirely different, as though taken from different tribes. If you think that it's time to raise taxes so as to restore spending cuts, you're really not up for voting Tory because, wow, GDP is up 1% or a Coop banker is found to have a dodgy past.

    Hope DD went well - sorry to miss it.
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    Yes!!!
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    Two overs left, two wickets left...
  • Melanie get something off her chest:

    The Revd Paul Flowers ticked all the right 'progressive' boxes — that's why he could get away with anything
    Sustainability. Tick! Inclusivity. Tick! Fairtrade. Tick! All that mattered to Labour was the Crystal Methodist's show of liberal piety


    http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/9082571/an-icon-of-our-time/
  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    It is a lot of expenses. No matter what happened in a job it seems that nothing could hold up Flowers career in the Co-op or stop him being selected as Labour councillor.

    What did he bring to the party that couldnt be found elsewhere?

    Financier said:

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken...

    Good grief. I really hope the allegations were judged to be unfounded, as £150,000 is an awful lot of money for a charity not get the police involved over.

    And this Ian Wardle fellow is presumably related to Len Wardle, the now former chair of the Co-operative Group? That's interesting as well...
  • PlatoPlato Posts: 15,724

    It is a lot of expenses. No matter what happened in a job it seems that nothing could hold up Flowers career in the Co-op or stop him being selected as Labour councillor.

    What did he bring to the party that couldnt be found elsewhere?

    Financier said:

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken...

    Good grief. I really hope the allegations were judged to be unfounded, as £150,000 is an awful lot of money for a charity not get the police involved over.

    And this Ian Wardle fellow is presumably related to Len Wardle, the now former chair of the Co-operative Group? That's interesting as well...
    Rev Flowers seems to have managed all the Deadly Sins by himself. I'm astonished about his alleged expenses - that's a mind boggling sum.
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    We had a brief interlude last night talking about politics. Fenster's post last night well worth reading.
  • tim said:

    Significant and right.

    Hallelujah

    Bet you cheered "Pathfinder" too........
  • Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    That's weird, because I've seen posts this morning about allegations of false expenses claims; i.e. allegations of impropriety (financial this time) at another organisation Paul Flowers was involved with in the past. You think that's dreary spam?
  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    tim said:


    Clinging to YouGov one day a month, the PB Tories



    Keep preparing the ground Financier, you don't understand at all do you, lol


    I was just reporting facts.

    Your creativity and ignorance of the subject you frequently exhibit as an expert is nearly as good as that of the Rev Flowers
  • tim said:

    tim said:

    Significant and right.

    Hallelujah

    Bet you cheered "Pathfinder" too........
    You know nothing.
    Reflex opposition to this to please your NIMBY's won't be good enough.
    That's a "yes" then - and the comment was about Labour's failure to deliver on grand sounding policies - which of course you'd rather not address.

    The fact that Balls new towns will be proposed for areas that will not come at political cost to Labour is an added bonus for you.

    So much for the "cross party consensus" needed to address the issue,

  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530
    edited November 2013
    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbehaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    The one good thing about the Rev is he's stopped Team Spam banging on about Falkirk.
    Give praise!
  • Financier said:

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken...

    Good grief. I really hope the allegations were judged to be unfounded, as £150,000 is an awful lot of money for a charity not get the police involved over.

    And this Ian Wardle fellow is presumably related to Len Wardle, the now former chair of the Co-operative Group? That's interesting as well...
    It will be interesting to find out if this charity every received government money.
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536
    Mick_Pork said:

    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbahaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
    And self-righteous social conservatism back in vogue for the Tories. How depressing.
  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    Oh if bank managers would take such advice:

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/matt/
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,471
    tim said:

    Significant and right.

    Ed Balls outlines plans to build wave of new towns

    http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/21/ed-balls-labour-new-towns-housing?CMP=twt_gu

    Balls will say: "We should draw on the lessons from the past of how the new towns were developed after the second world war by development corporations, which had the powers to acquire, own, manage and dispose of land and property; undertake building operation; provide public utilities; and do anything else necessary to develop the new town.

    "These corporations generated revenue by selling land and housing, receiving rental income and receiving commercial income. However, they needed upfront funding to build the infrastructure and housing which could later be sold at a profit."

    He argues that Treasury guarantees may be essential for development corporations if they are to have the confidence to start large-scale growth programmes.

    "We cannot afford to dither any longer, and I cannot see a stronger case for the full-throated backing of the chancellor than a step change in housing supply," he will say. "Unless we build more affordable homes, house prices relative to earnings will remain high, houses will remain unaffordable, and many people will never realise their dream of owning their own home."


    Hallelujah

    Tim, do you really believe it? Do you believe Labour have learnt the mistakes they made from 1997 to 2010, and are willing to act?

    Labour's track record on housing is exceptionally poor. Do you really think that they've changed, and are willing to put in the money needed to form good, quality communities?
  • Bobajob said:

    Mick_Pork said:

    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbahaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
    And self-righteous social conservatism back in vogue for the Tories. How depressing.
    like opposing gay marriage....

  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    tim said:

    Financier said:

    tim said:


    Clinging to YouGov one day a month, the PB Tories



    Keep preparing the ground Financier, you don't understand at all do you, lol


    I was just reporting facts.

    Your creativity and ignorance of the subject you frequently exhibit as an expert is nearly as good as that of the Rev Flowers
    Keep it up Financier, you're preparing the ground magnificently.

    "There are none so blind as those who will not see."
    See what?

  • Mick_PorkMick_Pork Posts: 6,530
    Bobajob said:

    Mick_Pork said:

    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbahaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
    And self-righteous social conservatism back in vogue for the Tories. How depressing.
    The word you are actually searching for is hilarious. As you and so many others will find out.

    :)
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536

    Bobajob said:

    Mick_Pork said:

    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbahaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
    And self-righteous social conservatism back in vogue for the Tories. How depressing.
    like opposing gay marriage....

    Many of the curtain twitchers did just that. Sad.

  • Financier said:

    The scandal surrounding former Co-op Bank chief Paul Flowers deepened last night after it was revealed he quit a drugs charity over allegations of up to £150,000 in false expenses claims.

    The Methodist minister – under police investigation for buying crystal meth and crack cocaine – was suspended by the Lifeline Project after allegedly lodging ‘significant’ false claims between 1992 and 2004.

    The Manchester-based charity conducted a full investigation, but former Co-op chairman Flowers, who was its chairman of trustees, resigned before its conclusion.

    Last night, charity chief executive Ian Wardle confirmed the Charity Commission was informed of the findings but it is not thought any action was taken...

    Good grief. I really hope the allegations were judged to be unfounded, as £150,000 is an awful lot of money for a charity not get the police involved over.

    And this Ian Wardle fellow is presumably related to Len Wardle, the now former chair of the Co-operative Group? That's interesting as well...
    It will be interesting to find out if this charity every received government money.
    Of course if it did receive government funding, and it sounds exactly like the sort of 'charity' which would have done, then a nasty corruption scandal might have put that funding in doubt. Perhaps even had further political ramifications.

  • Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328
  • @another_richard - the Lifeline Project's details and accounts can be found here by searching for charity number 515691. The accounts for 2011-12 (the latest available) show income in the £millions from Kirklees Primary Care Trust, the Prison Service, and Hackney Council, with income of smaller amounts from many other public bodies. All stated in the accounts as 'for delivering a service to assist persons and their families and dependants affected by the misuse of drugs'. So they're a major deliverer of public services and receive fees accordingly.
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,471
    Bobajob said:

    Mick_Pork said:

    Bobajob said:

    Another day, more reams of dreary spam about "man buys drugs/shags man"

    I fear you severely underestimate the moral righteousness and power of Cameron and the PB Tories extremely wise Back to Basics campaign.

    Having rid the internet of porn NannyCam will rid public and political life of drugtakers, those involved in sexual misbahaviour, but most importantly of all now, alleged expenses cheats.

    That's right, according to the political geniuses who cheered on Osbrowne's omnishambles Cameron is now going to go full on John Major Back to Basics on alleged expenses cheats.

    One last time for those who still don't get it, that's alleged expenses cheating now in the frame.

    *tears of laughter etc.* ;^ )
    And self-righteous social conservatism back in vogue for the Tories. How depressing.
    And lying, scheming, smearing, and promising the Earth just to get their grubby mitts on power is back in vogue for Labour.

    How utterly depressing.
  • BobajobBobajob Posts: 1,536

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

  • norman smith‏@BBCNormanS12m
    Labour say the Chancellor has "serious questions" to answer over reports he called for more lenient treatment of Co-op bank by EU

    Andrew Neil said on the DP that the Co-op Bank board didn't realise they had a black hole at all - it was only Lloyds's people doing their due diligence on the potential branches sale who identified it.

    Given the seeming level of incompetence of the Co-Op's board, risk committees, accountants (?), Regulator as well - trying to blame the Chancellor for not spotting this issue is a 'squirrel'.
    Not even Labour are being accused of covering up the black-hole I should add are they?

    The issues relating to how someone like Flowers got to his position however is a totally different matter.
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,736
    Falkirk and Flowers labour really are fooked.

    Why do You Gov only get one poll right with 19 outliers
  • Blue_rogBlue_rog Posts: 2,019
    I don't think the mods would allow some of the opinions expressed in this article to be posted on here!

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/10462871/Its-no-coincidence-the-MPs-found-guilty-of-fiddling-are-all-Labour.html

    BTW how did Dirty Dick's go last night?
  • Bobajob said:

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

    It's a fun story. It will be providing tabloid fodder for some time yet, so get used to it. The only thing wrong with it is that it isn't about an actual politician. Could Michael Gove or Andy Burnham please step up to the plate?

    Everyone would rather hear about debauched sex and hard drugs than about the intricacies of pension reform.
  • @another_richard - the Lifeline Project's details and accounts can be found here by searching for charity number 515691. The accounts for 2011-12 (the latest available) show income in the £millions from Kirklees Primary Care Trust, the Prison Service, and Hackney Council, with income of smaller amounts from many other public bodies. All stated in the accounts as 'for delivering a service to assist persons and their families and dependants affected by the misuse of drugs'. So they're a major deliverer of public services and receive fees accordingly.

    As I expected its a 'charity' which is effectively part of the public sector.

    What we have now is possibly a massive corruption scandal and coverup.

    Now we need to know who arranged for Flowers to get his jobs after he left the 'charity'.
  • Bobajob said:

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

    It's not me talking about it - it's the Daily Mirror.

    Oh for the sensible days when our friends on the left didn't mention Plebgate once. No siree! Not never, no-how!

    As antifrank points out its a gold plated, copper bottomed scandal - sex, drugs, bankers, politics, friends in high places, religion......

    Of course if it involved a Tory........

  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    Perhaps Ed Balls could save some time by dusting off this similar sounding project:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6650639.stm

    After all, those Eco towns are all built and functioning as beacons of green industry now, aren't they?

    Colour me a little sceptical at Labours ability to organise a bunfight in a bakery.

    tim said:

    Significant and right.

    Ed Balls outlines plans to build wave of new towns

    http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/21/ed-balls-labour-new-towns-housing?CMP=twt_gu

    Balls will say: "We should draw on the lessons from the past of how the new towns were developed after the second world war by development corporations, which had the powers to acquire, own, manage and dispose of land and property; undertake building operation; provide public utilities; and do anything else necessary to develop the new town.

    "These corporations generated revenue by selling land and housing, receiving rental income and receiving commercial income. However, they needed upfront funding to build the infrastructure and housing which could later be sold at a profit."

    He argues that Treasury guarantees may be essential for development corporations if they are to have the confidence to start large-scale growth programmes.

    "We cannot afford to dither any longer, and I cannot see a stronger case for the full-throated backing of the chancellor than a step change in housing supply," he will say. "Unless we build more affordable homes, house prices relative to earnings will remain high, houses will remain unaffordable, and many people will never realise their dream of owning their own home."


    Hallelujah

    Tim, do you really believe it? Do you believe Labour have learnt the mistakes they made from 1997 to 2010, and are willing to act?

    Labour's track record on housing is exceptionally poor. Do you really think that they've changed, and are willing to put in the money needed to form good, quality communities?
  • PlatoPlato Posts: 15,724
    Европейский комиссар @MoodySlayerUK
    Ed Miliband seems to have gone off calling for inquiries every five minutes. I wonder why?
    #Falkirk #CoOp #Flowers #Grangemouth #Unite
  • Bobajob said:

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

    Getting worried about what might be revealed ?

  • FinancierFinancier Posts: 3,916
    Amid rumours that the hedge fend/s may be getting a bit apprehensive of filling the £1.5bn hole found in the Co-op Bank's accounts, they could of course foreclose on what is left of Labour's borrowings (at below market rates) of £18m (including £1.2m in March after EdM made his confession to the Reverend Chairman or should it have been the other way round?).

    How would Labour repay that large sum? Would they go the Unity Trust (the Trade Unions Bank) - that secretive 'bank' owned by the Co-op Bank and other shareholders that include Unite, Unison and NUT? Would the Brothers and Sisters bail out EdM?

    Apparently the Unity Trust has 84 staff, no branches and its board is stacked with union barons who have no banking experience.

    Bit of a pattern emerging here?

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2510913
  • Perhaps Ed Balls could save some time by dusting off this similar sounding project:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6650639.stm

    After all, those Eco towns are all built and functioning as beacons of green industry now, aren't they?

    Colour me a little sceptical at Labours ability to organise a bunfight in a bakery.

    tim said:

    Significant and right.

    Ed Balls outlines plans to build wave of new towns

    http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/21/ed-balls-labour-new-towns-housing?CMP=twt_gu

    Balls will say: "We should draw on the lessons from the past of how the new towns were developed after the second world war by development corporations, which had the powers to acquire, own, manage and dispose of land and property; undertake building operation; provide public utilities; and do anything else necessary to develop the new town.

    "These corporations generated revenue by selling land and housing, receiving rental income and receiving commercial income. However, they needed upfront funding to build the infrastructure and housing which could later be sold at a profit."

    He argues that Treasury guarantees may be essential for development corporations if they are to have the confidence to start large-scale growth programmes.

    "We cannot afford to dither any longer, and I cannot see a stronger case for the full-throated backing of the chancellor than a step change in housing supply," he will say. "Unless we build more affordable homes, house prices relative to earnings will remain high, houses will remain unaffordable, and many people will never realise their dream of owning their own home."


    Hallelujah

    Tim, do you really believe it? Do you believe Labour have learnt the mistakes they made from 1997 to 2010, and are willing to act?

    Labour's track record on housing is exceptionally poor. Do you really think that they've changed, and are willing to put in the money needed to form good, quality communities?
    Labour's 'New Towns' aren't meant to be built they're meant to be talking points at Primrose Hill dinner parties and gullible fools on the internet.

    And to provide amusement for us when tim falls for them every time.
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382
    In a reference to former Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers, the prime minister had joked Michael Meacher must have been taking "mind-altering substances"

    The PM and the chancellor should be careful about such accusations .
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @GuidoFawkes: When they say "pledge" they mean "borrow". >> @GMBLondonRegion: Labour pledges billions to build 200,000 new homes per year
  • JosiasJessopJosiasJessop Posts: 43,471
    edited November 2013

    Perhaps Ed Balls could save some time by dusting off this similar sounding project:
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6650639.stm

    After all, those Eco towns are all built and functioning as beacons of green industry now, aren't they?

    Colour me a little sceptical at Labours ability to organise a bunfight in a bakery.



    Tim, do you really believe it? Do you believe Labour have learnt the mistakes they made from 1997 to 2010, and are willing to act?

    Labour's track record on housing is exceptionally poor. Do you really think that they've changed, and are willing to put in the money needed to form good, quality communities?

    These things take time. My own village of Cambourne was started in 1997, and is still not complete. The nearby new village of Northstowe was first mooted in 2006; work has still not started on it.

    I know I keep on wittering on about this, but it is important: the developers who built Cambourne got many things right (and some things wrong); things that will not necessarily happen on other new developments, because they cost money and/or space.

    We need to build communities, not houses.

    Let's not repeat the mistakes of the 1930s, 1960s and 1970s.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambourne
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northstowe
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eco-towns
  • PlatoPlato Posts: 15,724
    Blimey

    Mark Sparrow @MarkGSparrow
    Some 23.8% of the world's female millionaires are from Portugal. Philippines, Peru, Hong Kong and Turkey have next most female millionaires
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Bobajob said:

    The one good thing about the Rev is he's stopped Team Spam banging on about Falkirk.
    Give praise!

    Same topic isnt it - labour sleaze and corruption.


    Glad Cameron has finally wised up to "Green crap".
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Yorkcity said:

    In a reference to former Co-op bank boss Paul Flowers, the prime minister had joked Michael Meacher must have been taking "mind-altering substances"

    The PM and the chancellor should be careful about such accusations .

    Why ? Spit it out then.
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382

    Bobajob said:

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

    Getting worried about what might be revealed ?

    Obviously if Ed Milliband appointed or put undue influence for him to lead the bank , it would show bad judgement,a bit like a high profile appointment the current PM made in opposition, then confirmed when arriving at Downing Street.
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Yorkcity said:

    Bobajob said:

    Sleazy right wing press now speculating on Flowers current whereabouts:

    Paul Flowers may have fled to THAILAND after his sleazy past caught up with him
    The Methodist minister and shamed ex-chairman of Co-op bank has not been seen since allegations of his drug taking were made public


    http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/paul-flowers-fled-thailand-after-2814328

    Talk about something else.

    Getting worried about what might be revealed ?

    Obviously if Ed Milliband appointed or put undue influence for him to lead the bank , it would show bad judgement,a bit like a high profile appointment the current PM made in opposition, then confirmed when arriving at Downing Street.
    Who ? The plebgate cops ?? They haven't been charged yet.
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,568
    Why aren't Flowers and Falkirk impacting voting intention despite best efforts from many sides? Mainly, I think, because nobody in ordinary life has ever heard of any of the people involved. Flowers does sound dodgy and it's a pity that he was able to get as far as he did, but sometimes people with a confident front do make a good impression (David Herdson gave what sounded like a very fair assessment of him), and it's impractical to launch a full-scale investigation of the past life of everyone you encounter. The Mail is also suffering from being a busted flush as overworked Witchfinder in Chief on Labour stories - it's getting like the Express and Diana, more a source of amusement than interest.

    Fenster's thoughtful post yesterday and Hopi Sen's blog are right. People will vote on the basis of much more deep-rooted preferences and antipathies, and pursuing each others' fringe issues is fun but ultimately a distraction from actually persuading anyone. People have lost track of what the Government thinks it's about, and unless a confident narrative is re-established, their prospects remain dim.
  • The PB Kinnocks really are rattled this morning aren't they...
  • CD13CD13 Posts: 6,366

    Labour are lucky that the media, as usual, concentrate on the sex and drugs aspect pf the Flowers' scandal. I bet the LDs are jealous. Come on, Cleggie, get your lads up to the mark.

    The dangerous bit would be if the inquiry shows that Labour helped to appoint a nincompoop to a top job just because he was one of theirs. It may happen with all parties but Labour seem to corner the market in this sort of thing.

    Never mind the brain cells, look at the voting record.

This discussion has been closed.