I gave up trying to catch up on them. I'm sure I missed lots of brilliant commentary, but after scrolling through what felt like an interminable discussion about @MoonRabbit being banned or not banned and Horse going off on one, I decided life was too short.
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic. The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years. https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
If Boris resigns the Queen should send for a long serving MP with Cabinet experience and the ability to build coalitions - step forward Sir Ed Davey. He would then appoint the following cabinet; Lord President and Deputy PM Starmer; Foreign Secretary Tugendhat; Home Secretary Cooper; Chancellor of Exchequer Reeves; Health and Social Care Hunt; Scotland Blackford; Wales Saville Roberts; Ni Farry; Education Halfon; Defence Elwood; Transport Merriman; Energy and Climate Change Lucas;Chief Whip Carmichael; Work and Pensions Raynor; Defra Farron. Leader of the Opposition Dorries.
People laughed when a trade envoy was the first out the door after Sunak and Javid, but in hindsight he was right to do so before the rush so at least it got some attention.
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic. The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years. https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic. The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years. https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
Only one PM has left at the time of an election in the last 25 years. And only four in the last fifty.
If that's the best they can do his cause is even more hopeless than I thought, which I would willingly have sworn was impossible.
In a parallel universe, David Cameron returns from another boring EU summit to take a call from President Hillary Clinton about the issues of the newly independent Scotland on Trade issues....
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic. The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years. https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
Another pathetic Bozo arse licker. Funny how his protestations didn’t appear when May was forced out .
I do think the party is now in a position where they are screwed whatever they do. Serves them right for inflicting a man they all knew was a wrong un on the country, as well as their stupid Brexit. They deserve everything coming their way. Everything.
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Danny Kruger, who was loyal to the prime minister throughout, has told Downing Street that he thinks the game is up and he wants Boris Johnson to quit with dignity this eve - same as Michael Gove earlier today.
This is all getting a bit silly. However there is an opportunity for a new government to try and resolve the protocol issue, improve our trading relations with the continent and actually start think about what Brexit Britain will look like.
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic. The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years. https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
Thatcher, Blair, May would all like a word…
Not to mention how do they think Boris became Prime Minister in the first place? Oh.
All this is a great proof of concept of our democracy and unwritten constitution. The reason why we’re better than Russia is we can humiliate and defenestrate our leaders to casually.
Precisely, our unwritten constitution is our greatest strength and also why we're better than America too.
In America it is much harder to humiliate and defenestrate poor leaders so casually.
Counting chickens before eggs hatch unwise when dealing with likes of Boris Johnson.
BTW, what great British lawyer could best (or rather worst) perform the Rudy G role for BoJo?
I do think the party is now in a position where they are screwed whatever they do. Serves them right for inflicting a man they all knew was a wrong un on the country, as well as their stupid Brexit. They deserve everything coming their way. Everything.
It's true they have few good options now. They could switch and still not win the next election - as we will hear, the polling for mid term was not itself irreversible.
But they clearly felt things were only going to get worse, and taking action to attempt to fix the problem, rather than just firefight from now until 2025, had to be done.
I don't like 'reflect on whether to run' type statements. If that support has tempted you, just take the plunge. I liked when Kendall didn't equivocate on the question when she ran for Labour leader.
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Effectively he would be threatening to suicide bomb his own party. It's not surprising if it hasn't been tried before.
“At some basic level, almost anybody in parliament would be a better prime minister than Boris Johnson. Larry the Downing Street cat, at the moment, would be a better prime minister,” says former Tory MP @RoryStewartUK. “He simply can’t govern.” https://twitter.com/amanpour/status/1544732459262251010/video/1
MP very close to PM says: "It’s over.. [but] he thinks in classical terms, for him there is no greater honour in resigning than being killed... if you are going to die, go down fighting" https://twitter.com/Smyth_Chris/status/1544734594821398531
Right, I think I've constructed the scenario where by 11am tomorrow Ian Blackford is Prime Minister.
It does rely on Boris Johnson and the Conservative party being a pile of clown shoes buffoons so highly unlikely I know...
Heavens above. I think I'd rather keep Johnson.
74 Secretaries of State for Independence would certainly make for an unorthodox cabinet
On the other hand one couldn't accuse them of not having clear policy ideas to solve every single problem the country faces. Granted, it is the same policy idea for all of them, but still.
“At some basic level, almost anybody in parliament would be a better prime minister than Boris Johnson. Larry the Downing Street cat, at the moment, would be a better prime minister,” says former Tory MP @RoryStewartUK. “He simply can’t govern.” https://twitter.com/amanpour/status/1544732459262251010/video/1
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Effectively he would be threatening to suicide bomb his own party. It's not surprising if it hasn't been tried before.
They've never made anyone this mad and deluded leader before basically.
First job for the new (or interim) PM - invite the photographers in to show the world their hideous(ly expensive) wallpaper? A true 'Ceaucescu's gold bath taps' moment...
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Effectively he would be threatening to suicide bomb his own party. It's not surprising if it hasn't been tried before.
PM Taro Aso in Japan 2009 is the only example anywhere I can think of out of all the 40 or so countries I try and follow, called GE before being ousted as LDP leader, landslide defeat at the election.
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Effectively he would be threatening to suicide bomb his own party. It's not surprising if it hasn't been tried before.
They've never made anyone this mad and deluded leader before basically.
British Trump.
In some ways, not the differences are still pretty stark. Boris is thoroughly an establishment figure for one. He's not extreme.
MP very close to PM says: "It’s over.. [but] he thinks in classical terms, for him there is no greater honour in resigning than being killed... if you are going to die, go down fighting" https://twitter.com/Smyth_Chris/status/1544734594821398531
What utter tosh. Why do many suckers keep covering for him, I don’t know.
MP very close to PM says: "It’s over.. [but] he thinks in classical terms, for him there is no greater honour in resigning than being killed... if you are going to die, go down fighting" https://twitter.com/Smyth_Chris/status/1544734594821398531
That's odd. Slitting your wrists in a bath and making wisecracks while having a friend read some Stoic philosophy was the done thing. Or falling on your sword, if at all martial. (Not that I am suggesting these, of course.)
Genuinely surprising nearly all the Cabinet still in post. Sure, a few of them are now trying to get him to go, but technically nearly all of them retain their support through their positions. I don't buy it is a sense of duty.
Tories will need to join Opposition in a full VONC across the House at this rate as the only way - so that Queen then "accepts" his instant resignation, whether he wants it or not.
Right, I think I've constructed the scenario where by 11am tomorrow Ian Blackford is Prime Minister.
It does rely on Boris Johnson and the Conservative party being a pile of clown shoes buffoons so highly unlikely I know...
Heavens above. I think I'd rather keep Johnson.
74 Secretaries of State for Independence would certainly make for an unorthodox cabinet
On the other hand one couldn't accuse them of not having clear policy ideas to solve every single problem the country faces. Granted, it is the same policy idea for all of them, but still.
The Queen's Speech would be quite something as well. Even if forcing Her Maj to travel to the Palace of Westminster just to repeat the word "Independence" 374 times might be regarded as a cruel and unwarranted punishment.
Right, I think I've constructed the scenario where by 11am tomorrow Ian Blackford is Prime Minister.
It does rely on Boris Johnson and the Conservative party being a pile of clown shoes buffoons so highly unlikely I know...
Heavens above. I think I'd rather keep Johnson.
74 Secretaries of State for Independence would certainly make for an unorthodox cabinet
On the other hand one couldn't accuse them of not having clear policy ideas to solve every single problem the country faces. Granted, it is the same policy idea for all of them, but still.
The Queen's Speech would be quite something as well. Even if forcing Her Maj to travel to the Palace of Westminster just to repeat the word "Independence" 374 times might be regarded as a cruel and unwarranted punishment.
Nice try at an argument, Boris. But just fuck off and leave us to worry about how we play your departure with the voters. (I'm thinking tea, cakes and bunting for most of them....)
“At some basic level, almost anybody in parliament would be a better prime minister than Boris Johnson. Larry the Downing Street cat, at the moment, would be a better prime minister,” says former Tory MP @RoryStewartUK. “He simply can’t govern.” https://twitter.com/amanpour/status/1544732459262251010/video/1
Larry's been saying that for ages on his Twitter feed.
Iain Martin @iainmartin1 · 56m Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
Effectively he would be threatening to suicide bomb his own party. It's not surprising if it hasn't been tried before.
They've never made anyone this mad and deluded leader before basically.
British Trump.
In some ways, not the differences are still pretty stark. Boris is thoroughly an establishment figure for one. He's not extreme.
Kwasi Kwarteng has told the chief whip that he believes Boris Johnson has to go for the good of the country
Final straw was said to be a story from @MrHarryCole - which I'm told was impeccably sourced - naming Kwarteng as one of three Cabinet ministers facing axe in reshuffle
Comments
SO what would be the appropriate tune to be whistling outside the PM's window right now?
Surely that must be the tipping point
Where are we on Mr Ross?
The one worry for Tory MPs tonight is that forcing out a sitting Prime Minister between general elections could appear anti-democratic.
The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years.
https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
Yes, it’s Fuel Duty.
The new Chancellor should have announced it this morning, and let it dominate the day’s news outside of the Westminster Bubble.
Do we know what the record is? Surely the might and day after a GE?
Also, I am finally discovering a use for all those Geography lessons on oxbow lakes
If that's the best they can do his cause is even more hopeless than I thought, which I would willingly have sworn was impossible.
The Conservative Party might not recover from this for years.
https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/1544731656606597122
What an absolute fucking peasant.
On a day of shocks none can be bigger than this one
PMs get forced out one way or another between elections all the time. You think Australians for one give a damn about that?
By the way, are you planning to visit Serbia? Where they REALLY know how to defenestrate!
With King Alexander Obrenović in role of Boris, and Queen Draga playing part of Carrie.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Coup_(Serbia)
@iainmartin1
·
56m
Is there any parallel in the history of the Tory party of a leader threatening to spring a general election - in which his party would get smashed - to frighten his colleagues and cling on to power? Queen wouldn't let him have an election BTW, though.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10988049/Tory-leadership-jostling-begins-Boris-Johnson-teeters-brink-exit-Number-10.html
Kruger was No10 political secretary before becoming an MP in 2019.
https://twitter.com/SebastianEPayne/status/1544733339369734144
Steven Swinford
@Steven_Swinford
· 18m
BREAKING:
Told that Graham Brady is in the Cabinet Office *now*
He's expected to see the prime minister shortly
But he may have to join the queue given the sheer number of Cabinet ministers who also want to see Boris Johnson
But they clearly felt things were only going to get worse, and taking action to attempt to fix the problem, rather than just firefight from now until 2025, had to be done.
"I respect that @ConHome readers consistently put me in the top 10 for next leader," he said.
“So in the event that Boris resigns I will have to reflect seriously on whether to run."
Cont ...
https://twitter.com/latikambourke/status/1544732763063975938
Besides, Baker backed BLM, he must be super woke.
https://youtu.be/9Eont_yEGZs
https://twitter.com/Smyth_Chris/status/1544734594821398531
California?
His office said to have been a revolving door today with people handing in letters every 5 minutes
Brady will tell PM but there's no guarantee he will go
Tory MP: 'He's like a cockroach in a nuclear apocalypse'
https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford/status/1544734724412870658
British Trump.
Love my Emma Bridgewater mugs.
#Champagne Socialism
Counting chickens before eggs hatch unwise when dealing with likes of Boris Johnson.
BTW, what great British lawyer could best (or rather worst) perform the Rudy G role for BoJo?
SKS
Why do many suckers keep covering for him, I don’t know.
Have him at ...checks...65s.
He's now ...checks... 70s!
Oh.
But two years to become utterly Downfall-level bunker insane must be a record surely?
Kwasi Kwarteng has told the chief whip that he believes Boris Johnson has to go for the good of the country
Final straw was said to be a story from @MrHarryCole - which I'm told was impeccably sourced - naming Kwarteng as one of three Cabinet ministers facing axe in reshuffle
https://twitter.com/Steven_Swinford/status/1544735490825457673