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SystemSystem Posts: 12,685
edited September 2017 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » Remembering Mark Senior – poster on PB 2004-2017

Last week, a couple of days before the end of my holiday, we had the sad news that ones of PB’s leading posters almost since the site started, Mark Senior, has died.

Read the full story here


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Comments

  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,715
    RIP Mark, a real shame.
  • CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,751
    I am really sorry to hear this news. A thoughtful poster, one of the best on here and a real loss.

    RIP and condolences to his family and friends.
  • YellowSubmarineYellowSubmarine Posts: 2,740
    Full results from Germany now in https://www.bundeswahlleiter.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2017/ergebnisse/bund-99.html

    Re Mark : I had a very tense relationship with him when I was posting regularly and before I left the Lib Dems. He was very much the loyalist. But I imagine he was the sort of person you wanted beside you in the trenches and which politics needs. There is *so* much work involved in keep political parties functioning at local level and that work is almost entirely thankless. We'd have a more expensive, more centralised, less personal politics if it wasn't for folk like Mark. RIP.
  • YellowSubmarineYellowSubmarine Posts: 2,740
    Nigel Farage to Campaign for Roy Moore in Alabama Senate Race https://nyti.ms/2jYhIaC
  • YellowSubmarineYellowSubmarine Posts: 2,740
    An interesting and new piece of economic populism from Labour. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/sep/24/labour-to-pledge-help-for-millions-trapped-by-credit-card-debt
  • YellowSubmarineYellowSubmarine Posts: 2,740
    A reminder Uber is fighting on two regulatory fronts. Arguably much more important than the TfL licensing decision is this week's appeal on the employment status of it's drivers. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/24/uber-faces-double-battle-against-ban-and-scrutiny-of-hiring-practices
  • surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    AfD in the end received 1% fewer votes [ 12.4% [. On the direct mandate [ FPTP ], they won 3 seats against 5 for the Left. All 3 seats came in the far east of Germany around Dresden. So we now which part of Germany is the most racist,
  • Robert_Of_SheffieldRobert_Of_Sheffield Posts: 207
    RIP Mark. You will be remembered well, even by many who crossed swords with you.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    Sad news, one of the most knowledgeable posters on PB. Thoughts to his family and friends. RIP.
  • DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    YellowSubmarine said:

    A reminder Uber is fighting on two regulatory fronts. Arguably much more important than the TfL licensing decision is this week's appeal on the employment status of it's drivers. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/24/uber-faces-double-battle-against-ban-and-scrutiny-of-hiring-practices

    Three and a half million Londoners depend on Uber? How many people do the Uber-tweeters think live in London? Uber does provide a good service and is particularly favoured by women, at least where I work, but it is easy to be disruptive when you do not follow any inconvenient laws or regulations. Black cabs are a red herring: Uber in London is mainly a great way to book minicabs.
  • DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    RIP Mark. Democracy depends on people like you.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    Sad news about Mark. It is an interesting phenomenon how close virtual communities can get. So many distinctive voices. Sliding up the thread it is common to be able to identify the poster before you get to the name. And Mark was certainly a distinctive voice with a remarkable knowledge of local government.
  • swing_voterswing_voter Posts: 1,466
    Mark Senior - I remember being corrected by him on a minor but still important detail (on a previous lost user name) in years past- he was polite, even courteous but to the point. Exactly the sort of poster that the internet so desperately needs.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    My bet with Wm Hill on CDU/CSU most seats is still open. Presumably this will be dealt with today. Have the others paid out?
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 52,835
    RIP Mark. I always got the impression he was an active armchair LibDem rather than politically active; certainly I never came across him inside the party. But his knowledge,recall, and contributions on this and other sites (he loved winding up the Tories on CH) will be remembered.

    On the previous topic, Germany seems to be continuing the move away from the two-party system even if the UK has, temporality or otherwise, seen the trend go into reverse.
  • logical_songlogical_song Posts: 10,087
    surbiton said:

    AfD in the end received 1% fewer votes [ 12.4% [. On the direct mandate [ FPTP ], they won 3 seats against 5 for the Left. All 3 seats came in the far east of Germany around Dresden. So we now which part of Germany is the most racist,

    So, Jamaica coalition 393 out of 709.
    All 4 minor parties within 4 percent, but big winners AfD on 94 and FDP on 80, both from nowhere having been below the threshold last time.
    Left and Greens edge up also.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 52,835
    Brave New World?: OT but worth a read: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/25/robots-taken-over-work-jobs-economy
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    logical_song said:

    surbiton said:

    AfD in the end received 1% fewer votes [ 12.4% [. On the direct mandate [ FPTP ], they won 3 seats against 5 for the Left. All 3 seats came in the far east of Germany around Dresden. So we now which part of Germany is the most racist,

    So, Jamaica coalition 393 out of 709.
    All 4 minor parties within 4 percent, but big winners AfD on 94 and FDP on 80, both from nowhere having been below the threshold last time.
    Left and Greens edge up also.
    The expectation is that this is going to take months to put together. Merkel is much weakened which is not necessarily good news for the UK. In negotiations an essential element is the ability of a party to say yes. AfD are opposed to ever closer Union, amongst other things of course.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 64,196
    RIP, Mark.
  • RoyalBlueRoyalBlue Posts: 3,223
    RIP Mark. A long-term and well-informed poster.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    RIP to mark. A real political scrapper.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 35,703
    Casino_Royale said:

    RIP, Mark.

    Indeed.
  • Scrapheap_as_wasScrapheap_as_was Posts: 10,069
    Sad news. An informed and often colourful character on PB. He'll be missed.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,895
    RIP, Mr. Senior.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    Ryanair pilots in talks with management this week about union recognition, also rumours around that lots are going to be calling in sick. Chickens coming home to roost for Michael O’Leary.
    https://amp.independent.ie/business/irish/thousands-of-ryanair-pilots-to-hold-crunch-meetings-across-europe-36163596.html
  • RogerRoger Posts: 21,076
    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    MTimT said:

    viewcode said:

    RobD said:

    viewcode said:

    I so hate to interrupt the merkelbashing, but the first series of "Star Trek: Discovery" is tonight, and the title sequence is online now (unless it's fake :( ). Have a butchers...

    www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9E2olGqUlU

    I still can't get over the fact that one of the cast members described herself as the first black lead in Star Trek, completely forgetting Avery Brooks as Sisko. Especially ironic given that star trek was supposed to be beyond all that stuff.
    Tuvok, Uhura, Worf, LaForge... Millennials have no memory, bless 'em. :)
    Has The Orville hit the UK? Mildly amusing for Trekkies ...
    Eh, a bit meh so far, but I hope it does well.

    Hasn't realised Merkel''s lot did so bad, worst since 1949. Wow. And yet still in charge, political systems and c electoral results can be funny.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,895
    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    https://twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    Sad news, RIP Mr Senior.
  • FloaterFloater Posts: 14,207
    Just on a drive by and saw the news.

    RIP Mark - condolences to the family.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,715
    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
  • SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    RIP Mark Senior . He called me out a few times about local election results. ;) From the little I knew about him, he was, IIRC, a keen numismatist and lived in W Sussex
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    https://twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    Where does this logically end up, with an all-black-muslim-trans-lesbian shortlist?

    Interesting that the Conservatives can find people like Kemi Badenoch without any discriminatory selection policies required.
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    You missed out transgender and lesbian. Re-education camp for you. :smiley:
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,715
    old_labour said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    You missed out transgender and lesbian. Re-education camp for you. :smiley:
    damn... I just got out.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    edited September 2017
    Shortlists? Prejudiced against us short people, eh?

    Anyway why need shortlists, as I recall during the campaign they said only labour could unlock BAME potential.

    More seriously I don't know the stats on representation, it feels like there are increasing BAME representation anyway, highest number of female mps ever and it's the gayest parliament in the world. Is the number seriously out of step?
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    Corrie star Melissa Johns says role as one-armed lesbian made her ‘proud’ of her disability
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,895
    Mr. D, when I was at university there was a fair bit of feminism or discussions about it. One bit, which amused me, was that feminism criticised 'mainstream' psychology for taking a white, middle class man as the norm. And then feminism was criticised by black feminism for taking a white, middle class woman as the norm :p
  • old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238
    RIP to Mark Senior and condolences to his family and friends.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 22,107
    RIP Mark

    Debating with him was like wrestling an electric eel. A great advocate for all things yellow.
  • YBarddCwscYBarddCwsc Posts: 7,172
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    The Welsh would be perfectly happy if Labour just chose good local candidates for their seats. Instead, the South Wales Valley seats have been used to parachute in candidates with no contact with & little interest in the area, the Hains and the Bryants and the Stephen Kinnocks.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    YBarddCwsc said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    The Welsh would be perfectly happy if Labour just chose good local candidates for their seats. Instead, the South Wales Valley seats have been used to parachute in candidates with no contact with & little interest in the area, the Hains and the Bryants and the Stephen Kinnocks.
    No party learns the lesson not to do that until they properly get punished for it
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,715
    kle4 said:

    YBarddCwsc said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    The Welsh would be perfectly happy if Labour just chose good local candidates for their seats. Instead, the South Wales Valley seats have been used to parachute in candidates with no contact with & little interest in the area, the Hains and the Bryants and the Stephen Kinnocks.
    No party learns the lesson not to do that until they properly get punished for it
    I could get behind all-local shortlists, but nothing more.

    Well, maybe all-PB Tory shortlists, for each party. :smiley:
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382
    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    edited September 2017
    Yes as said last week sad news about Mark, as OGH states he was a minefield of information about local government elections and committed LD. RIP

    Indeed his last post was to notify the board about my defeat in the Epping Hemnall town council by election, although as I am now on the list of candidates for the district council I will hope he keeps tabs on any of my future campaigns from above!
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,222
    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Bring back the War Department.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 22,107
    edited September 2017
    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Let's not forget Ministry of Defence is also a rebadge,the ministry of war is more accurate, but not politically correct these days.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 39,543
    RIP Mark Senior
  • RobDRobD Posts: 60,715
    Jonathan said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Let's not forget Ministry of Defence is also a rebadge,the ministry of war is more accurate, but not politically correct these days.
    Defence is more of a catch-all though.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 39,543
    DavidL said:

    logical_song said:

    surbiton said:

    AfD in the end received 1% fewer votes [ 12.4% [. On the direct mandate [ FPTP ], they won 3 seats against 5 for the Left. All 3 seats came in the far east of Germany around Dresden. So we now which part of Germany is the most racist,

    So, Jamaica coalition 393 out of 709.
    All 4 minor parties within 4 percent, but big winners AfD on 94 and FDP on 80, both from nowhere having been below the threshold last time.
    Left and Greens edge up also.
    The expectation is that this is going to take months to put together. Merkel is much weakened which is not necessarily good news for the UK. In negotiations an essential element is the ability of a party to say yes. AfD are opposed to ever closer Union, amongst other things of course.
    Added to which, the junior partner (s) in the Coalition get hammered at the next election
  • kjhkjh Posts: 13,166
    In the early days I was regular poster and remember Mark from those days well. For many years I then became a lurker reading Mark's posts. I now post infrequently. I tend to be fairly unaffected by death; it happens to everyone. However I was shocked by the announcement of Mark's death even though I had never met him. Truly sad lose to the site.

    It also brought back memories of another sad lose many, many years ago of another popular poster. So long ago I'm not even sure I remember the username, but I think it was SDS. Another superb poster.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,895
    Mr. kjh, SBS*. He was a good egg.
  • JonathanJonathan Posts: 22,107
    RobD said:

    Jonathan said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Let's not forget Ministry of Defence is also a rebadge,the ministry of war is more accurate, but not politically correct these days.
    Defence is more of a catch-all though.
    Not really. We definitely have and use offensive capabilities.

    Ministry of guns, military bands and other stuff that goes bang
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 123,792
    RIP Mark, you will be missed by many.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    edited September 2017
    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
  • DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Is it even a conference motion? Though at the rate the Conservatives have been slashing the armed forces, there might not be any left to disarm in 2022.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    edited September 2017
    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. kjh, SBS*. He was a good egg.

    Indeed.
    http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2009/07/12/the-7388-posts-of-samuel-best-shaw/
    Sadly the changes to the comment system over the years have removed what was said on that thread. ISTR Robert once saying that they were all archived on the server somewhere though.
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382
    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    DecrepitJohnL said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Is it even a conference motion? Though at the rate the Conservatives have been slashing the armed forces, there might not be any left to disarm in 2022.
    It came out of the pre-election discussions between Labour and the Civil Service. Emily Thornberry the culprit.
  • RhubarbRhubarb Posts: 359
    Sandpit said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. kjh, SBS*. He was a good egg.

    Indeed.
    http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2009/07/12/the-7388-posts-of-samuel-best-shaw/
    Sadly the changes to the comment system over the years have removed what was said on that thread. ISTR Robert once saying that they were all archived on the server somewhere though.
    Try: https://web.archive.org/web/20090721062820/http://www2.politicalbetting.com:80/index.php/archives/2009/07/12/the-7388-posts-of-samuel-best-shaw/
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    Yorkcity said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
    It turns you a little blue after a while, to be honest.
  • kjhkjh Posts: 13,166
    Sandpit said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Mr. kjh, SBS*. He was a good egg.

    Indeed.
    http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2009/07/12/the-7388-posts-of-samuel-best-shaw/
    Sadly the changes to the comment system over the years have removed what was said on that thread. ISTR Robert once saying that they were all archived on the server somewhere though.
    Thank you Morris Dancer and Sandpit, much appreciated for the memories. I would be keen to be able to go back to some of these earlier posts if possible as a remember some arguments and humour fondly.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,818
    Sandpit said:

    DecrepitJohnL said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    Is it even a conference motion? Though at the rate the Conservatives have been slashing the armed forces, there might not be any left to disarm in 2022.
    It came out of the pre-election discussions between Labour and the Civil Service. Emily Thornberry the culprit.
    The loony left is back with a force.

    Very sad to hear about Mark Senior. As said, he was complete lib dem loyalist and tribalist, and more importantly a good guy.
  • eekeek Posts: 31,304
    DecrepitJohnL said:

    YellowSubmarine said:

    A reminder Uber is fighting on two regulatory fronts. Arguably much more important than the TfL licensing decision is this week's appeal on the employment status of it's drivers. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/24/uber-faces-double-battle-against-ban-and-scrutiny-of-hiring-practices

    Three and a half million Londoners depend on Uber? How many people do the Uber-tweeters think live in London? Uber does provide a good service and is particularly favoured by women, at least where I work, but it is easy to be disruptive when you do not follow any inconvenient laws or regulations. Black cabs are a red herring: Uber in London is mainly a great way to book minicabs.
    London reconnections has a very complete article (as it always does) about the Uber issues from both sides see https://www.londonreconnections.com/2017/understanding-uber-not-app/
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,789
    HYUFD said:

    Yes as said last week sad news about Mark, as OGH states he was a minefield of information about local government elections and committed LD. RIP

    Indeed his last post was to notify the board about my defeat in the Epping Hemnall town council by election, although as I am now on the list of candidates for the district council I will hope he keeps tabs on any of my future campaigns from above!

    Nice post - and entirely agree.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 39,543
    Yorkcity said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
    Most are right-leaning, but few are pro-government loyalists.
  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 14,816
    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    The Ministry of Defeat is already working tirelessly to degrade the UK's military capabilities so this is just the next logical step.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    edited September 2017
    Yorkcity said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
    There was a site poll on how posters voted shortly after the 2015 general election which showed the number of Tory and Labour voting PBers almost exactly matched those in the UK as a whole.

    However PB had more LD voters and fewer UKIP voters than the national average
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    Dura_Ace said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    The Ministry of Defeat is already working tirelessly to degrade the UK's military capabilities so this is just the next logical step.
    The MoD is working to make our military capabilities sustainable and affordable. I don't see any other party proposing anything better than that.

    Better than the prior Labour government who wanted to repeatedly use the military on one "adventure" after another without providing the funding required to match.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,194
    HYUFD said:

    as OGH states he was a minefield of information about local government elections and committed LD. RIP

    Good Freudian slip if not intentional, Mark could get feisty.

    Anyway, farewell to a bonny fechter for his cause.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    NickPalmer said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yes as said last week sad news about Mark, as OGH states he was a minefield of information about local government elections and committed LD. RIP

    Indeed his last post was to notify the board about my defeat in the Epping Hemnall town council by election, although as I am now on the list of candidates for the district council I will hope he keeps tabs on any of my future campaigns from above!

    Nice post - and entirely agree.
    Thanks Nick
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    edited September 2017
    Sean_F said:

    Yorkcity said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
    Most are right-leaning, but few are pro-government loyalists.
    Certainly not the majority of Tory posters
  • stodgestodge Posts: 15,315
    Morning all :)

    I said a few words about Mark Senior yesterday morning. He beat me for LD poster of the year back in 2007. Like many, I never met him and even though we were of a like mind politically that didn't mean we always agreed.

    Mark's psephological and electoral knowledge was legendary not just on here but on UKPR and latterly Vote 2012 and no doubt elsewhere.

    I wish I could have met him to call him "friend".
  • Ishmael_ZIshmael_Z Posts: 8,981
    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 130,285
    Theuniondivvie said:

    HYUFD said:

    as OGH states he was a minefield of information about local government elections and committed LD. RIP

    Good Freudian slip if not intentional, Mark could get feisty.

    Anyway, farewell to a bonny fechter for his cause.
    Agreed he was certainly feisty at times but still polite
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    eek said:

    DecrepitJohnL said:

    YellowSubmarine said:

    A reminder Uber is fighting on two regulatory fronts. Arguably much more important than the TfL licensing decision is this week's appeal on the employment status of it's drivers. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/24/uber-faces-double-battle-against-ban-and-scrutiny-of-hiring-practices

    Three and a half million Londoners depend on Uber? How many people do the Uber-tweeters think live in London? Uber does provide a good service and is particularly favoured by women, at least where I work, but it is easy to be disruptive when you do not follow any inconvenient laws or regulations. Black cabs are a red herring: Uber in London is mainly a great way to book minicabs.
    London reconnections has a very complete article (as it always does) about the Uber issues from both sides see https://www.londonreconnections.com/2017/understanding-uber-not-app/
    That’s a very good article indeed, well researched and does a brilliant job of explaining what the debate is actually about.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    Surely there is no way that an all black shortlist is going to be acceptable in Wales?
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 22,983
    Sad to hear of Marks passing my thoughts go to his family and friends.

    RIP Mark Senior
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 56,936
    Ishmael_Z said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
    I’m sure Corbyn and friends think Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm were written by Orwell as instruction manuals.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,194
    Ishmael_Z said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
    There's already a fair bit of it about. Only last week our 'Defence' Secretary was attending the world's largest arms fair & outlining his vision for the UK to take a bigger share of the international 'defence' market. I'm sure Yemenis are philosophical about getting 'defended' into the ground.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    Sean_F said:

    DavidL said:

    logical_song said:

    surbiton said:

    AfD in the end received 1% fewer votes [ 12.4% [. On the direct mandate [ FPTP ], they won 3 seats against 5 for the Left. All 3 seats came in the far east of Germany around Dresden. So we now which part of Germany is the most racist,

    So, Jamaica coalition 393 out of 709.
    All 4 minor parties within 4 percent, but big winners AfD on 94 and FDP on 80, both from nowhere having been below the threshold last time.
    Left and Greens edge up also.
    The expectation is that this is going to take months to put together. Merkel is much weakened which is not necessarily good news for the UK. In negotiations an essential element is the ability of a party to say yes. AfD are opposed to ever closer Union, amongst other things of course.
    Added to which, the junior partner (s) in the Coalition get hammered at the next election
    Yes, that does seem the experience. I suspect we may not have seen peak AfD yet. A lot will depend on who Merkel hands over to and when. I suspect this poor result has brought that day forward a couple of years.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 45,194
    DavidL said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    Surely there is no way that an all black shortlist is going to be acceptable in Wales?
    Very good.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    Ishmael_Z said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
    More of a manifesto...
  • stodgestodge Posts: 15,315
    HYUFD said:



    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG

    There are posters and there are posts. Those who post 20-30 times a day create the impression of a site dominated by a clique of posters and if said posters constantly re-iterate a similar political line the impression of a narrow minded or focussed forum is created.

    I would agree there is a diversity of posters and there always has been. One thing I will say is the heretics have always been well represented and it's always interesting to see those who support one party agree with the policy of another or criticise their own party.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 55,898
    DavidL said:

    RobD said:

    Morris_Dancer said:

    Meanwhile, on planet Batshit Insane:
    twitter.com/jimwaterson/status/912029997879218177

    I'm waiting for the all-black welsh disabled woman trades unionist shortlist. :smiley:
    Surely there is no way that an all black shortlist is going to be acceptable in Wales?
    A dspute that will dragon and on and on....
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,799
    Sad to see MarkSenior has passed.
    Heartened to see this thread though - a nice gesture from Mike Smithson.
  • YorkcityYorkcity Posts: 4,382
    Sean_F said:

    Yorkcity said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG
    You are probably correct HYUFD and it is just my perception.However I think the majority on here are right leaning..
    Most are right-leaning, but few are pro-government loyalists.
    Yes Sean I think that is a fair assessment.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,984
    stodge said:

    HYUFD said:



    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'. Certainly there are numerous Labour supporters from Justin and Jonathan to Southam Observer even if they are not all Corbynistas, of the Tory posters you can count the May loyalists on one hand ie mainly BigG. Mark's passing means 1 less LD but OGH is one and runs the site and of course we even have our SNP backers like Scotslass and MalcG

    There are posters and there are posts. Those who post 20-30 times a day create the impression of a site dominated by a clique of posters and if said posters constantly re-iterate a similar political line the impression of a narrow minded or focussed forum is created.

    I would agree there is a diversity of posters and there always has been. One thing I will say is the heretics have always been well represented and it's always interesting to see those who support one party agree with the policy of another or criticise their own party.
    Hear, hear to the diversity of posters. Always a decent range imho.

    Morning all.
  • dr_spyndr_spyn Posts: 11,338
    I was sorry to read about Mark Senior's death. He was a valued contributor to PB for many years, unafraid to press his case and will be missed by all members of the PB community.
  • HarryHayfieldHarryHayfield Posts: 55
    A little bit of a history from a website in 2013 about Mark: "Having joined the Liberal Party in 1966 and supported them since the Blackpool North by election in 1962"
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 67,984
    DavidL said:

    Ishmael_Z said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
    More of a manifesto...
    Was this Labour policy in their manifesto?

    I really hope there is better scrutiny by media of what's in Labour's manifesto next time.

    Apart from anything else, any of the more 'extreme' ideas that aren't in the manifesto might struggle to pass the Lords. Although I personally suspect action on the Lords reform will be one of the first jobs of Corbyn's administration.
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 44,974
    HarryHayfield said:

    A little bit of a history from a website in 2013 about Mark: "Having joined the Liberal Party in 1966 and supported them since the Blackpool North by election in 1962"

    Must have went through a fair few pairs of sandals in that time
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 55,898
    Mark Senior had an extraordinary knowledge of local politics, enabling him to have a very good handle on local election outcomes - whilst being utterly blind-sided by the bigger picture. As when he famously lost a gold sovereign, betting with me that there would be no recession in 2008. But fair play to him, he paid the equivalent value of that sov over to an animal charity. That made him one of the good guys (not all of those losing a sov to me have paid it over....!)

    He was a coin dealer as I recall (which prompted the nature of our bet) and also a keen lepidopterist. He will be missed.

  • surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'.
    Sorry, I just choked on my porridge !

  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    edited September 2017
    malcolmg said:

    HarryHayfield said:

    A little bit of a history from a website in 2013 about Mark: "Having joined the Liberal Party in 1966 and supported them since the Blackpool North by election in 1962"

    Must have went through a fair few pairs of sandals in that time
    True believers go barefoot after they wear out the sandals or use makeshift ones from excess beard hair.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    surbiton said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'.
    Sorry, I just choked on my porridge !

    More blue on cerulean.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    Sandpit said:

    eek said:

    DecrepitJohnL said:

    YellowSubmarine said:

    A reminder Uber is fighting on two regulatory fronts. Arguably much more important than the TfL licensing decision is this week's appeal on the employment status of it's drivers. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/24/uber-faces-double-battle-against-ban-and-scrutiny-of-hiring-practices

    Three and a half million Londoners depend on Uber? How many people do the Uber-tweeters think live in London? Uber does provide a good service and is particularly favoured by women, at least where I work, but it is easy to be disruptive when you do not follow any inconvenient laws or regulations. Black cabs are a red herring: Uber in London is mainly a great way to book minicabs.
    London reconnections has a very complete article (as it always does) about the Uber issues from both sides see https://www.londonreconnections.com/2017/understanding-uber-not-app/
    That’s a very good article indeed, well researched and does a brilliant job of explaining what the debate is actually about.
    Agreed. A really excellent article. Khan's position seems much more comprehensible now.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 99,391
    rottenborough said:

    DavidL said:

    Ishmael_Z said:

    Sandpit said:

    Really?

    Labour wants to create a “Ministry for Peace and Disarmament”, to replace the MoD and FCO.

    https://order-order.com/2017/09/24/labour-civil-service-hailed-our-disarmament-plan-as-brilliant/

    So either they haven't read 1984, or they do not see it as a satire.
    More of a manifesto...
    Was this Labour policy in their manifesto?

    I really hope there is better scrutiny by media of what's in Labour's manifesto next time.

    Apart from anything else, any of the more 'extreme' ideas that aren't in the manifesto might struggle to pass the Lords. Although I personally suspect action on the Lords reform will be one of the first jobs of Corbyn's administration.
    A hung Commons is probably good news for those Lords who want no change.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 56,392
    kle4 said:

    surbiton said:

    HYUFD said:

    Yorkcity said:

    Roger said:

    A nice tribute Mike particularly reprinting his last post. Typically acerbic and witty. He did once post a photo of himself but it was some years ago. One of my favourite posters. Unshakeable in his beliefs and never posted just for effect but could be be very cutting towards (usually Tory) poseurs who did.

    As you say never afraid of a scrap and there was no one better to have on your side. A great pity that the last great political event that he witnessed was Brexit which he loathed.

    For his encyclopedic knowledge of local elections and for his rugged and unique posting style he'll be missed. Certainly by me.

    +1 I remember when I started posting back in 2005 under a different name, how much a stalwart he was to the Lib Dem cause , which offered balance when the site as now ,is dominated by blue on blue partisans in the main.Thanks
    I don't think the site is really dominated by 'blue on blue partisans'.
    Sorry, I just choked on my porridge !

    More blue on cerulean.
    A new word. Many thanks.
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