Blimey all the money is for Nandy. She seems pleasant, but looks too much like she should be knocking about with Lisa Simpson & is about to cry all the time
On topic if Labour are simply going to rush in to replace Corbyn with another Corbynista - a particularly charmless and not very bright one at that - they may as well not bother. There is an utter paucity of talent.
Frankly, anyone in the Shadow Cabinet should be ruled out since they were collectively responsible for:- (a) the manifesto; (b) putting Corbyn forward as a candidate for PM; (c) not doing anything about the anti-semitism issue.
That leaves Nandy, Phillips, Creasey (but only just a mother so most unlikely) or Hilary Benn, who might do the Kinnock role if that is what Labour wanted which, sadly, they don’t. The only senior person untainted by Corbynism is Sadiq Khan but he is not an MP and so-so.
They’re a bit stuffed, frankly. I don’t in any case really see why a party which has turned into a mixture of the SWP and Respect should survive.
With the Lib Dems unfortunately dead in the water, you propose the collapse of the Labour Party too. Who or what do you propose to call Boris to account? With Labour and the Lib Dems out of the picture I wonder what Britain will look like after 25 years of unfettered Johnson governments?
On topic if Labour are simply going to rush in to replace Corbyn with another Corbynista - a particularly charmless and not very bright one at that - they may as well not bother. There is an utter paucity of talent.
Frankly, anyone in the Shadow Cabinet should be ruled out since they were collectively responsible for:- (a) the manifesto; (b) putting Corbyn forward as a candidate for PM; (c) not doing anything about the anti-semitism issue.
That leaves Nandy, Phillips, Creasey (but only just a mother so most unlikely) or Hilary Benn, who might do the Kinnock role if that is what Labour wanted which, sadly, they don’t. The only senior person untainted by Corbynism is Sadiq Khan but he is not an MP and so-so.
They’re a bit stuffed, frankly. I don’t in any case really see why a party which has turned into a mixture of the SWP and Respect should survive.
With the Lib Dems unfortunately dead in the water, you propose the collapse of the Labour Party too. Who or what do you propose to call Boris to account? With Labour and the Lib Dems out of the picture I wonder what Britain will look like after 25 years of unfettered Johnson governments?
As a downside this is as nothing to a Momentum Govt. I do agree that Boris needs to be policed
On topic if Labour are simply going to rush in to replace Corbyn with another Corbynista - a particularly charmless and not very bright one at that - they may as well not bother. There is an utter paucity of talent.
Frankly, anyone in the Shadow Cabinet should be ruled out since they were collectively responsible for:- (a) the manifesto; (b) putting Corbyn forward as a candidate for PM; (c) not doing anything about the anti-semitism issue.
That leaves Nandy, Phillips, Creasey (but only just a mother so most unlikely) or Hilary Benn, who might do the Kinnock role if that is what Labour wanted which, sadly, they don’t. The only senior person untainted by Corbynism is Sadiq Khan but he is not an MP and so-so.
They’re a bit stuffed, frankly. I don’t in any case really see why a party which has turned into a mixture of the SWP and Respect should survive.
With the Lib Dems unfortunately dead in the water, you propose the collapse of the Labour Party too. Who or what do you propose to call Boris to account? With Labour and the Lib Dems out of the picture I wonder what Britain will look like after 25 years of unfettered Johnson governments?
As a downside this is as nothing to a Momentum Govt. I do agree that Boris needs to be policed
I am hoping that with Corbyn gone Momentum can shuffle back to the Students Union to sell their copies the the SWP paper.
When betting on next Labour Leader don't forget the composition of the membership is majority Socialist Londoners and a majority of London members are muslims.
It's an electorate that George Galloway would have had a serious chance with if he was still a Labour MP.
Again, you claim that more than one in four Labour members are muslim. And again I call bollocks.
It ain't my party, but let's try and keep some accuracy around.
If you have detailed membership breakdown figures, then let's see them.
If not, then why persist in this odd claim? It could lead to some rather unsavoury speculation about the reasons.
Speedy is simply wildly ill-informed on both counts.
I'm probably not that far off the mark, we will have a better picture of the 2019 results in a few weeks time, but the 2017 results do point towards it.
When betting on next Labour Leader don't forget the composition of the membership is majority Socialist Londoners and a majority of London members are muslims.
It's an electorate that George Galloway would have had a serious chance with if he was still a Labour MP.
Again, you claim that more than one in four Labour members are muslim. And again I call bollocks.
It ain't my party, but let's try and keep some accuracy around.
If you have detailed membership breakdown figures, then let's see them.
If not, then why persist in this odd claim? It could lead to some rather unsavoury speculation about the reasons.
Speedy is simply wildly ill-informed on both counts.
I'm probably not that far off the mark, we will have a better picture of the 2019 results in a few weeks time, but the 2017 results do point towards it.
On topic if Labour are simply going to rush in to replace Corbyn with another Corbynista - a particularly charmless and not very bright one at that - they may as well not bother. There is an utter paucity of talent.
Frankly, anyone in the Shadow Cabinet should be ruled out since they were collectively responsible for:- (a) the manifesto; (b) putting Corbyn forward as a candidate for PM; (c) not doing anything about the anti-semitism issue.
That leaves Nandy, Phillips, Creasey (but only just a mother so most unlikely) or Hilary Benn, who might do the Kinnock role if that is what Labour wanted which, sadly, they don’t. The only senior person untainted by Corbynism is Sadiq Khan but he is not an MP and so-so.
They’re a bit stuffed, frankly. I don’t in any case really see why a party which has turned into a mixture of the SWP and Respect should survive.
With the Lib Dems unfortunately dead in the water, you propose the collapse of the Labour Party too. Who or what do you propose to call Boris to account? With Labour and the Lib Dems out of the picture I wonder what Britain will look like after 25 years of unfettered Johnson governments?
As a downside this is as nothing to a Momentum Govt. I do agree that Boris needs to be policed
I am hoping that with Corbyn gone Momentum can shuffle back to the Students Union to sell their copies the the SWP paper.
I don't care where Momentum go so long as it's underground and painful
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
Having just checked out next labour leader odds, RLB is the only Momentum candidate in the top four. Laid on - you heard it here first - huzzah, huzzah, huzzah
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
You should take up science fiction for a living if you think Andrew Neil will be the BBC's lead political interviewer at the age of 74.
On topic if Labour are simply going to rush in to replace Corbyn with another Corbynista - a particularly charmless and not very bright one at that - they may as well not bother. There is an utter paucity of talent.
Frankly, anyone in the Shadow Cabinet should be ruled out since they were collectively responsible for:- (a) the manifesto; (b) putting Corbyn forward as a candidate for PM; (c) not doing anything about the anti-semitism issue.
That leaves Nandy, Phillips, Creasey (but only just a mother so most unlikely) or Hilary Benn, who might do the Kinnock role if that is what Labour wanted which, sadly, they don’t. The only senior person untainted by Corbynism is Sadiq Khan but he is not an MP and so-so.
They’re a bit stuffed, frankly. I don’t in any case really see why a party which has turned into a mixture of the SWP and Respect should survive.
With the Lib Dems unfortunately dead in the water, you propose the collapse of the Labour Party too. Who or what do you propose to call Boris to account? With Labour and the Lib Dems out of the picture I wonder what Britain will look like after 25 years of unfettered Johnson governments?
If we should be so lucky as to enjoy 25 years of Boris government, we would probably look like London after 8 years of Boris as mayor: i.e. rich, free, and happy, and the accepted centre of the world.
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
What a load of shit, written even worse than it sounded in your head
It appears that, from what has been written here, the key questions are (a) does the person have breasts (and that does not mean moobs); and (b) does the person have the IQ that just challenges an Irish Setter. There the answers have to be yes. Work from there.
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
You should take up science fiction for a living if you think Andrew Neil will be the BBC's lead political interviewer at the age of 74.
He'll hang around til 90 - if it finally got him his interview with Boris!
Having just checked out next labour leader odds, RLB is the only Momentum candidate in the top four. Laid on - you heard it here first - huzzah, huzzah, huzzah
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
What a load of shit, written even worse than it sounded in your head
God, you're a knackered old sheep's clit, Mr Mannion
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
You should take up science fiction for a living if you think Andrew Neil will be the BBC's lead political interviewer at the age of 74.
He'll hang around til 90 - if it finally got him his interview with Boris!
After 805 years, Boris is going to reissue Magna Carta with a new clause on the divine right of prime ministers to evade interrogation.
If Labour go all harakiri by choosing RLB, how many wets are left to spin off into a TIG v2.0? Who to lead it now? No Watson, no Chukka, no Flint, no Berger.
And what of the Lib Dems? Not much to choose from there either.
Seems to me the best bet for the centre left would be an En Marche to sweep up these rebel Labour wets and the 11 Lib Dems (including all their constituency data) and then appoint a non parliamentary apolitical figure as leader. Jo Rowling or Lord Sugar for example.
Dunno if it would work electorally or not but it’s worth a crack surely.
We said the same on here months ago: Boris has shot any number of Labour foxes, and arguably is running against his predecessor Conservative governments. (Of course, you could perhaps say the same was true of Labour, and certainly of Mrs Thatcher.)
If Labour go all harakiri by choosing RLB, how many wets are left to spin off into a TIG v2.0? Who to lead it now? No Watson, no Chukka, no Flint, no Berger.
And what of the Lib Dems? Not much to choose from there either.
Seems to me the best bet for the centre left would be an En Marche to sweep up these rebel Labour wets and the 11 Lib Dems (including all their constituency data) and then appoint a non parliamentary apolitical figure as leader. Jo Rowling or Lord Sugar for example.
Dunno if it would work electorally or not but it’s worth a crack surely.
Hasn't all that just happened, and failed even harder than the previous time it was tried with the SDP?
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
If Labour go all harakiri by choosing RLB, how many wets are left to spin off into a TIG v2.0? Who to lead it now? No Watson, no Chukka, no Flint, no Berger.
And what of the Lib Dems? Not much to choose from there either.
Seems to me the best bet for the centre left would be an En Marche to sweep up these rebel Labour wets and the 11 Lib Dems (including all their constituency data) and then appoint a non parliamentary apolitical figure as leader. Jo Rowling or Lord Sugar for example.
Dunno if it would work electorally or not but it’s worth a crack surely.
Hasn't all that just happened, and failed even harder than the previous time it was tried with the SDP?
Not really. If they could get 102 MPs in Parliament to move and become second party it might work. And it needs an inspiring leader. I’ve never really understood why HYFUD goes weak at the knees for Chukka.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
It’s quite intractable that Scots independence seems to have 40 something percent support. Enough for an overwhelming mandate under FPTP but perennially unable to clear the 50%+1 needed to win a referendum.
Perhaps the best thing would be if Scots Labour decides to back independence, splitting the nationalist vote. They couldn’t really do worse than their 1 Scottish MP anyway so they may as well play it for the team.
Feel your pain. Were it not for some longshot bets on Jess Phillips I would be well underwater also. Have been laying RLB for ages and her price just keeps dropping!
Surely the key question is whom gets appointed as leader of the PLP. Jezbollah claims to be staying on through into the spring. Surely Labour MPs cannot allow this to happen - they will vote to remove him today won't they? At which point it needs to be a senior calm figure who obviously doesn't want the job long term. Step forward Margaret Beckett.
Surely the key question is whom gets appointed as leader of the PLP. Jezbollah claims to be staying on through into the spring. Surely Labour MPs cannot allow this to happen - they will vote to remove him today won't they? At which point it needs to be a senior calm figure who obviously doesn't want the job long term. Step forward Margaret Beckett.
Too New Labour era for the current generation.
I think the party would beefit quickly from Rayner or Starmer, the others not so much.
This morning seemed like a good time to take some of my Rebecca Long-Bailey profit. I’ve laid two candidates for next Labour leader at or below 3 this weekend (her and Keir Starmer), which is nice. I also managed to lay Jess Phillips at 8.2 and she’s currently last traded at 15.
So, is the Labour party primarily interested in holding the government to account and looking like a government-in-waiting, or do they still care much more about their internal factionalism?
As others have said, Starmer is the candidate who would most scare the government. Which probably means he has no chance at all.
For what it’s worth I think Long Bailey is too short a favourite. My guess is that the far-left’s ridiculous reaction to Thursday’s humiliating defeat might be making a lot of noise on Twitter, but is alienating many inside the Labour movement - members, afiliates and unions. I suspect that over the next few weeks unity is going to become a clarion call. For me, that makes someone not identified with a specific side a strong contender - Nandy and Rayner both fit the bill.
As I’ve said before, a decent proportion of Corbyn’s support among the membership was personal, not political. His supposed attribute - so often championed by Nick Palmer on here - civility, lack of personal ambition, commitment to justice, championing of the oppressed etc, etc is how many members saw themselves. Obviously, it was all bollocks - but it was a sincere belief. Many members simply could not engage with Corbyn’s anti-Semitism because they could not believe it possible of themselves.
Anyway, the point is that it would be unwise to believe backing for pre-GE Corbyn will simply translate to support for the next far-left candidate. Especially given how the far-left has reacted to the election result. The EHRC report may also drop before the leadership contest takes place and that could also have an impact.
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
Very understandably, triumphant Tories have forgotten that Johnson has told a lot of people a lot of lies over the last few months. His ability to navigate a way out of the homes he has dug for himself are most likely what will decide the 2023 election. If the election is in 2024 we’ll know he’s in serious trouble.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Very understandably, triumphant Tories have forgotten that Johnson has told a lot of people a lot of lies over the last few months. His ability to navigate a way out of the homes he has dug for himself are most likely what will decide the 2023 election. If the election is in 2024 we’ll know he’s in serious trouble.
He got away with telling lies this time, very possible he'll do it again in 2024.
Also - mentioned this on a previous thread, I owe you 25 quid for a bet on Corbyn becoming prime minister. Let me know by message how you'd like me to pay.
Feel your pain. Were it not for some longshot bets on Jess Phillips I would be well underwater also. Have been laying RLB for ages and her price just keeps dropping!
I’m green on the four excepting Phillips, who I laid as she has the twin disadvantages of not being on the left and not seeming like a credible leader. I’m also green on Thornberry but would lay now except that at 90 it isn’t worth it. My big reds are Starmer, McDonnell and Miliband.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Claiming a mandate for things that weren’t mentioned during the election?
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
The Conservative manifesto was so gloriously unspecific they’ve got lots of room for manoeuvre! The Poll Tax was ushered in under a vague promise to “modernise the rates system”!
Feel your pain. Were it not for some longshot bets on Jess Phillips I would be well underwater also. Have been laying RLB for ages and her price just keeps dropping!
I’m green on the four excepting Phillips, who I laid as she has the twin disadvantages of not being on the left and not seeming like a credible leader. I’m also green on Thornberry but would lay now except that at 90 it isn’t worth it. My big reds are Starmer, McDonnell and Miliband.
Have a big red next to David Miliband - but also red on Starmer and RLB. The last is a big concern.
Very understandably, triumphant Tories have forgotten that Johnson has told a lot of people a lot of lies over the last few months. His ability to navigate a way out of the homes he has dug for himself are most likely what will decide the 2023 election. If the election is in 2024 we’ll know he’s in serious trouble.
He got away with telling lies this time, very possible he'll do it again in 2024.
Also - mentioned this on a previous thread, I owe you 25 quid for a bet on Corbyn becoming prime minister. Let me know by message how you'd like me to pay.
Thanks for reminding me. Can you donate it to the Salvation Army? Cheers!
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
It’s quite intractable that Scots independence seems to have 40 something percent support. Enough for an overwhelming mandate under FPTP but perennially unable to clear the 50%+1 needed to win a referendum.
Perhaps the best thing would be if Scots Labour decides to back independence, splitting the nationalist vote. They couldn’t really do worse than their 1 Scottish MP anyway so they may as well play it for the team.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
Daily Mail claiming Swinson wants a seat in the Lords. FFS!!!!
LOL, what's she done to deserve that? She's not even 40 yet, needs to get her ass back in the Commons if she wants a political career!
I think that she would do better in Holyrood. There is not likely to be a Scottish byelection for Westminster very soon, and 4 years is a long time to wait for an attempt to get in, and then what? Holyrood elections are 18 months away, and she is a staunch Unionist.
I quite like Jo, and she did add more to the LD vote than anyone in a generation, but she was a bit too naive. Ed Davey for me if he runs. He is a serious and combative character, who interviews well, also good at the organising and campaigning stuff.
Very understandably, triumphant Tories have forgotten that Johnson has told a lot of people a lot of lies over the last few months. His ability to navigate a way out of the homes he has dug for himself are most likely what will decide the 2023 election. If the election is in 2024 we’ll know he’s in serious trouble.
He got away with telling lies this time, very possible he'll do it again in 2024.
Also - mentioned this on a previous thread, I owe you 25 quid for a bet on Corbyn becoming prime minister. Let me know by message how you'd like me to pay.
Thanks for reminding me. Can you donate it to the Salvation Army? Cheers!
Mr. Divvie, given the state of Scottish Labour and the backwards movements of other parties, maybe there's something in a party whose raison d'etre is unionism in Scotland, a direct counterpart to the SNP.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'. twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
At first glance, that is not what they are doing. At least the advert I just watched did not mention the 2019 election. It looks to me all that has happened is the SNP has stopped pushing its general election adverts and has gone back to its default policy of independence.
It’s quite intractable that Scots independence seems to have 40 something percent support. Enough for an overwhelming mandate under FPTP but perennially unable to clear the 50%+1 needed to win a referendum.
Perhaps the best thing would be if Scots Labour decides to back independence, splitting the nationalist vote. They couldn’t really do worse than their 1 Scottish MP anyway so they may as well play it for the team.
I put a little on Albon at 131 (fifth the odds top 3) to win next year. I think he has an outside shot at being top 3. Unfortunately the market's now top 2 (third the odds) which is a lot less attractive as that requires both Ferrari going backwards *and* Red Bull being significantly faster than Mercedes.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Claiming a mandate for things that weren’t mentioned during the election?
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
The Conservative manifesto was so gloriously unspecific they’ve got lots of room for manoeuvre! The Poll Tax was ushered in under a vague promise to “modernise the rates system”!
The hubris of the Tories is rather reminiscent of the atmosphere after the 1987 General Election. There may well be a few Poll Tax moments, and also perhaps an equivalent of the Single European Act whipped through. Those new MPs are just cannon fodder. No one at the top is interested in their thoughts.
Very understandably, triumphant Tories have forgotten that Johnson has told a lot of people a lot of lies over the last few months. His ability to navigate a way out of the homes he has dug for himself are most likely what will decide the 2023 election. If the election is in 2024 we’ll know he’s in serious trouble.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Claiming a mandate for things that weren’t mentioned during the election?
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
The Conservative manifesto was so gloriously unspecific they’ve got lots of room for manoeuvre! The Poll Tax was ushered in under a vague promise to “modernise the rates system”!
SNP didn't mention indy enough = a grievous betrayal of trust, they've let themselves down, the Scottish people down and most importantly Scotch migrants who haven't had a vote in Scotland for decades.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Claiming a mandate for things that weren’t mentioned during the election?
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
The Conservative manifesto was so gloriously unspecific they’ve got lots of room for manoeuvre! The Poll Tax was ushered in under a vague promise to “modernise the rates system”!
The hubris of the Tories is rather reminiscent of the atmosphere after the 1987 General Election. There may well be a few Poll Tax moments, and also perhaps an equivalent of the Single European Act whipped through. Those new MPs are just cannon fodder. No one at the top is interested in their thoughts.
The 1987 election which was followed by another win five years later, and a decade more in government?
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
I put a little on Albon at 131 (fifth the odds top 3) to win next year. I think he has an outside shot at being top 3. Unfortunately the market's now top 2 (third the odds) which is a lot less attractive as that requires both Ferrari going backwards *and* Red Bull being significantly faster than Mercedes.
That was a good bet with two places, sadly not so much with only one available.
It's not difficult to imagine that the top three drivers next year could all be from different teams, as a couple of years of unchanging regulations lead to performance convergence at the head of the field.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign - some said 'lend us your vote, its not about independence'.
Claiming a mandate for things that weren’t mentioned during the election?
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
The Conservative manifesto was so gloriously unspecific they’ve got lots of room for manoeuvre! The Poll Tax was ushered in under a vague promise to “modernise the rates system”!
The hubris of the Tories is rather reminiscent of the atmosphere after the 1987 General Election. There may well be a few Poll Tax moments, and also perhaps an equivalent of the Single European Act whipped through. Those new MPs are just cannon fodder. No one at the top is interested in their thoughts.
The 1987 election which was followed by another win five years later, and a decade more in government?
Yes, that's the one. Also the poll tax riots, defenestration of the hubristic leader, and in 1997 a GE result that made Corbyns recent performance look good.
Mr. Sandpit, that's possible. I also think Ferrari might get in one another's way, which could help out Albon.
Mercedes/Red Bull have de facto number one drivers, so if they're the fastest cars it's a question of whether Albon can beat Bottas. The Finn's likelier to come off best, but it's not certain by any means.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
Does she know what a liberal is? For a start, it's not Momentum's little helper. I wouldn't have a problem with the LDs joining the Labour Party in coalition, but a centre party needs to be prepared to work with parties on both sides.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
I wonder which one the Tories fear the most. Will the pb Tories tell us?
My guess is Lisa Nandy.
Cooper is too tired and is tainted with Remain Chicanery, and Phillips is too divisive, empty-headed and opinionated.
Angela Rayner is good, but I think Lisa Nandy could be better.
(At the last Welsh Labour leadership elections, the potential leader and the potential deputy that the opposition parties feared the most both trailed in last).
Jess Phillips followed by Starmer, Nandy is not that bright and has no personality and despite supposedly being willing to accept Brexit consistently voted against the May and Boris Deal. Though Dawn Butler might be good but seems to me too London centric and tainted with Corbynism
Nandy is bright enough and charismatic enough. I think she comes across better (and is therefore more electable) than RLB. I think Butler would be great, though you have to ask why, compared to most of the other runners, you hardly ever see her on TV. Of course the obvious person to be the next leader is Charmer Starmer. But will he stand?
Starmer is the only one I could possibly actually see as PM, maybe Thornberry too but she has been brutally wounded by Flint.
However I don't think any of them could beat Boris, in fact given the current weak Labour field to succeed Corbyn and the fact Umunna and Berger failed to win their seats leaving a weak LD field to succeed Swinson too it looks like the Leader of the Opposition for the next 5 years in reality could well be Nicola Sturgeon
They are not selecting a future Prime Minister. The right choice and 2019 was 1987 to be followed by 1992. But the wrong choice and 2019 was 1979 and pretty well certain to be followed by 1983.
O/T, but I suspect we're going to see something very significant in N Ireland early next year, when they finally try to get their own Government again. First of all there are going to new new elections which will result in an increase in the Pro RoI/EU vote, especially as the impact of Boris' Deal becomes clear. Unless, of course, he tries to renege on what he's agreed to, on the grounds that what it says isn't what he meant. Of course to do so would have other consequences. As as result I think 'Norn' will move closer to the RoI and within three or four years will rejoin the EU as some sort of separate state, still with the Queen as titular head, and in the Commonwealth. Somewhat similar to Cyprus and Malta,
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
I wonder which one the Tories fear the most. Will the pb Tories tell us?
My guess is Lisa Nandy.
Cooper is too tired and is tainted with Remain Chicanery, and Phillips is too divisive, empty-headed and opinionated.
Angela Rayner is good, but I think Lisa Nandy could be better.
(At the last Welsh Labour leadership elections, the potential leader and the potential deputy that the opposition parties feared the most both trailed in last).
Jess Phillips followed by Starmer, Nandy is not that bright and has no personality and despite supposedly being willing to accept Brexit consistently voted against the May and Boris Deal. Though Dawn Butler might be good but seems to me too London centric and tainted with Corbynism
Nandy is bright enough and charismatic enough. I think she comes across better (and is therefore more electable) than RLB. I think Butler would be great, though you have to ask why, compared to most of the other runners, you hardly ever see her on TV. Of course the obvious person to be the next leader is Charmer Starmer. But will he stand?
Starmer is the only one I could possibly actually see as PM, maybe Thornberry too but she has been brutally wounded by Flint.
However I don't think any of them could beat Boris, in fact given the current weak Labour field to succeed Corbyn and the fact Umunna and Berger failed to win their seats leaving a weak LD field to succeed Swinson too it looks like the Leader of the Opposition for the next 5 years in reality could well be Nicola Sturgeon
They are not selecting a future Prime Minister. The right choice and 2019 was 1987 to be followed by 1992. But the wrong choice and 2019 was 1979 and pretty well certain to be followed by 1983.
Though I do see that you were wrong. Far from being out on his ear, Farron is back with an increased majority. I wouldn't be averse to him having another stint as leader.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
My hopes are that a future Labour party with a new leader could work with the Lib Dems.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
Hmmm, If there had been a coalition it might have helped in London but would they have got the seats they did in England outside London, err no.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
My hopes are that a future Labour party with a new leader could work with the Lib Dems.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
My hopes are that a future Labour party with a new leader could work with the Lib Dems.
I think though a tacit alliance like in 1997 works best. Apart from in West London, rarely are the two in head to head competition.
Fast forward some. It's the election debate, late April 2024. Boris has grown into the role of PM. Brexit had a few bumps but has been forgotten, as the UK weathered the world recession better than most. The trade agreements with the rest of the word proved a huge boon to that resilience.
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
Did you type this with your left hand, to leave your right one free? None of this will happen, but your naivety is touching.
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
My hopes are that a future Labour party with a new leader could work with the Lib Dems.
I think though a tacit alliance like in 1997 works best. Apart from in West London, rarely are the two in head to head competition.
So we will end up with a doubly weak opposition. LOL
Powerful article from Layla Moran. I think she's right that Lab and LD need to work together. What would be really effective is agreement to stand down in particular seats. I hope that those chosen as leaders of both parties are able to coordinate.
I don't think so. Indeed it makes me suspicious of her political antennae. The next few years need to be at ground level, building up councillors and organisation. We are going to be bystanders on Brexit and Parliament for the next few years, though being untainted by that may well be a good thing.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
That's all undoubtedly true. But ultimately, Lab/LD fighting has gifted Boris Johnson a certain number of seats (Kensington, Cities, Finchley probably others...). In a closer election that could make a big difference. Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
If the LDs had agreed an electoral pact with Labour, different people would have vote for them. How anyone calling themselves a liberal could vote for a Stalinist Labour party is beyond me.
My hopes are that a future Labour party with a new leader could work with the Lib Dems.
Like the SDP? The LD's are NOT a Socialist Party.
Labour has no future as a ‘socialist’ party. It needs to be about social democracy.
Any talk of Lab/LD coalition or electoral pact could send 30% of their voters back to Boris. Oh and RBL please for Labour leader with Burgon for added comedy value.
What am I missing? The election is over. The SNP wants independence for Scotland.
They are claiming a mandate - argued for on the basis of stopping the Tories for "independence" - they barely mentioned "independence" in their campaign '.
Absolute load of shit that you've got from yoons on Twitter. They mentioned independence all over their leaflets. Plus, you know, their manifesto.
Comments
https://www.runnymedetrust.org/uploads/2017 Election Briefing.pdf
The points based immigration system has ironed out the initial teething problems. The tax system has been hugely simplified. Chancellor Gove takes much credit for this, together with a radical overhaul of student loans. "Hard Hat" Boris has just been on the telly in a digger again, cutting the earth for the 40th new hospital. NHS waiting times finally started to come down in 2023.
Much of our power now comes from renewables. Urban crime is still a problem, but is reducing - knife crime especially with stringent but fairly-applied stop and search. MI5 and MI6 have proven quite brilliant at finding and "relocating" global proceeds of crime. These "privateer" operations have taken down many billionnaires who were involved in gangsterism and the drug trade. Allowed to reinvest all their gains back into the system, they are now renowned as the best in the world at preventing terrorism.
A pragmatic level of flexibility saw off the worst of the problems with Universal Credit, which is now working well and even its critics acknowledge has delivered support where needed. Food banks are well stocked and well used, after their rebranding as "Boris Banks".
Scotland had a second referendum in 2023. Boris fought like a demon to keep it part of the union. They voted 52 to 48 to stay. A new law provides for a further referendum on leaving the UK - in 2043.
Boris's performances at PMQs have become a thing of legend. Relaxed, withering, on top of his brief. He has clearly enjoyed being PM. However many he had before, Boris could hardly deny the two new children - both sons - he has had in Downing Street with Carrie.
Set against this background - and with the Conservatives on 52% in the polls - it was a nervous Rebecca Long-Bailey that walked to the podium for Question Time Interviews the Leaders. With Andrew Neil.....
Eleanor Roosevelt
Labour are discussing?
And what of the Lib Dems? Not much to choose from there either.
Seems to me the best bet for the centre left would be an En Marche to sweep up these rebel Labour wets and the 11 Lib Dems (including all their constituency data) and then appoint a non parliamentary apolitical figure as leader. Jo Rowling or Lord Sugar for example.
Dunno if it would work electorally or not but it’s worth a crack surely.
https://twitter.com/Mary_Galbraith/status/1206150495359905792?s=20
Out of multiple Facebook ads only 1 - on polling day - mentions independence. The rest are Toreees, Brexit, Boris, NHS, Waspi, Trident....
https://twitter.com/kevverage/status/1206148948618072066?s=20
Only 1 "It's time for independence". As the polls opened (and after they had closed).
https://www.snp.org/its-time-to-decide-our-own-future/
Incidentally, there was a documentary the other day about Maltese passports and how they are so easy to get. I'll try to find out how much it costs.
She doesn’t mention 45% of the votes - which hardly counts as an “overwhelming mandate” when you’re fighting a referendum!
Perhaps the best thing would be if Scots Labour decides to back independence, splitting the nationalist vote. They couldn’t really do worse than their 1 Scottish MP anyway so they may as well play it for the team.
I think the party would beefit quickly from Rayner or Starmer, the others not so much.
As others have said, Starmer is the candidate who would most scare the government. Which probably means he has no chance at all.
As I’ve said before, a decent proportion of Corbyn’s support among the membership was personal, not political. His supposed attribute - so often championed by Nick Palmer on here - civility, lack of personal ambition, commitment to justice, championing of the oppressed etc, etc is how many members saw themselves. Obviously, it was all bollocks - but it was a sincere belief. Many members simply could not engage with Corbyn’s anti-Semitism because they could not believe it possible of themselves.
Anyway, the point is that it would be unwise to believe backing for pre-GE Corbyn will simply translate to support for the next far-left candidate. Especially given how the far-left has reacted to the election result. The EHRC report may also drop before the leadership contest takes place and that could also have an impact.
Mr. Isam, could be worse. You could've backed Pidcock.
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of that.
Also - mentioned this on a previous thread, I owe you 25 quid for a bet on Corbyn becoming prime minister. Let me know by message how you'd like me to pay.
I’m green on the four excepting Phillips, who I laid as she has the twin disadvantages of not being on the left and not seeming like a credible leader. I’m also green on Thornberry but would lay now except that at 90 it isn’t worth it. My big reds are Starmer, McDonnell and Miliband.
The last is a big concern.
https://twitter.com/davieclegg/status/1205018483064528897?s=20
Split the vote you say?
https://twitter.com/Scottish_UParty/status/1205832701409927168?s=20
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/election-results-centre-left-progessive-lib-dems-labour-corbyn-a9247661.html
I quite like Jo, and she did add more to the LD vote than anyone in a generation, but she was a bit too naive. Ed Davey for me if he runs. He is a serious and combative character, who interviews well, also good at the organising and campaigning stuff.
https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1206243312363098115?s=20
https://twitter.com/F1/status/1206308211931914245
I put a little on Albon at 131 (fifth the odds top 3) to win next year. I think he has an outside shot at being top 3. Unfortunately the market's now top 2 (third the odds) which is a lot less attractive as that requires both Ferrari going backwards *and* Red Bull being significantly faster than Mercedes.
SNP didn't mention indy enough = a grievous betrayal of trust, they've let themselves down, the Scottish people down and most importantly Scotch migrants who haven't had a vote in Scotland for decades.
I like Jess Philips and she is the most centrist of the mooted candidates, but she did take Birmingham Yardley off the Lib Dems.
It's not difficult to imagine that the top three drivers next year could all be from different teams, as a couple of years of unchanging regulations lead to performance convergence at the head of the field.
As far as I can see she mouths off, is crude and talks about herself.
Contrast that with someone like Stella Creasy.
And yet she is a media darling - presumably because he makes good copy?
Mercedes/Red Bull have de facto number one drivers, so if they're the fastest cars it's a question of whether Albon can beat Bottas. The Finn's likelier to come off best, but it's not certain by any means.
Only much better at empathy, and willing to take the fight to the Trots.
Lab/LD coalition is probably the best to hope for in 2024.
As as result I think 'Norn' will move closer to the RoI and within three or four years will rejoin the EU as some sort of separate state, still with the Queen as titular head, and in the Commonwealth. Somewhat similar to Cyprus and Malta,
But the Twitter drone mind repeatedly forgets that it isn't representative of public opinion.
None of this will happen, but your naivety is touching.