What kind of song do Britons think should win Eurovision? The one that is technically best, or the one that is the most fun?Among all BritonsBest song: 51%Most fun: 18%Eurovision fansBest song: 57%Most fun: 36%yougov.co.uk/entertainmen…
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
There is a BF market for Eurovision on who will finish last - I've bet a pound on the favourite for that. (I think we all know who the favourite is, but the shortness of the odds surprised me!)
There is a BF market for Eurovision on who will finish last - I've bet a pound on the favourite for that. (I think we all know who the favourite is, but the shortness of the odds surprised me!)
There is a BF market for Eurovision on who will finish last - I've bet a pound on the favourite for that. (I think we all know who the favourite is, but the shortness of the odds surprised me!)
There is a BF market for Eurovision on who will finish last - I've bet a pound on the favourite for that. (I think we all know who the favourite is, but the shortness of the odds surprised me!)
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Ed Davey is now significantly more popular with Labour voters than Starmer too.
It's a shame to talk politics on Eurovision Day, but it is extraordinary that Starmers relaunch as Farage-light has simultaneously cratered his support amongst Labour voters and halved it amongst Reform voters, albeit with the latter from a very low base.
Keir Starmer's net favourability rating has dropped 12pts in a month to -46, his lowest level ever, including a 34pt drop among Labour voters
All Britons: -46 net rating (down 12 from 13-14 Apr)
The puerile story of the week comes courtesy of Addleshaw Goddard's intranet.
A source at the firm sent RollOnFriday this image from AG's new BD Hub, suggesting it's a "bit of a design fail..."
On the face of it, it's a depiction of someone stacking blocks, perhaps to convey team-building or some other corporate message. But looking at it from a certain angle, and it appears to be a hand shandy.
An Addleshaw Goddard spokesman sought to clear things up by sending the actual image, stating: "It is clearly building blocks."
"We can see how the out of focus screenshot can be viewed in a different light," the spokesman added. "We'll take note and update the graphic." Presumably the new image will be something that can no longer be mistaken for someone indulging in the pleasures of the palm, under any light.
It's not the first time that staff at a firm have been hit with phallic imagery.
Another of those ideas where someone tries to recreate an episode of a memorable TV series set in the future, but forgets that the series was called "The Bad Future".
The puerile story of the week comes courtesy of Addleshaw Goddard's intranet.
A source at the firm sent RollOnFriday this image from AG's new BD Hub, suggesting it's a "bit of a design fail..."
On the face of it, it's a depiction of someone stacking blocks, perhaps to convey team-building or some other corporate message. But looking at it from a certain angle, and it appears to be a hand shandy.
An Addleshaw Goddard spokesman sought to clear things up by sending the actual image, stating: "It is clearly building blocks."
"We can see how the out of focus screenshot can be viewed in a different light," the spokesman added. "We'll take note and update the graphic." Presumably the new image will be something that can no longer be mistaken for someone indulging in the pleasures of the palm, under any light.
It's not the first time that staff at a firm have been hit with phallic imagery.
I do read the headers but don't watch telly. It rather surprised me the the UK wasn't ousted from Eurovision song contest when we Brexited.
Given that Israel and Australia take part, that would have been harsh. Apart from Spaceman guy, we haven't done well for ages, but that was the case before 2016 as well.
I do read the headers but don't watch telly. It rather surprised me the the UK wasn't ousted from Eurovision song contest when we Brexited.
Given that Israel and Australia take part, that would have been harsh. Apart from Spaceman guy, we haven't done well for ages, but that was the case before 2016 as well.
We did very well in 2022, thank Allah the Ukrainians I didn't end up in the poorhouse
Good morning from glorious Glasgow on this blessed Eurovision day! As is my tradition I haven't watched the semis, haven't heard the songs or read opinions - I want to go into this blind.
Unlike previous contests I am not planning to drink - which is an intriguing idea. I hope it as much fun sober as it is drunk...
Meanwhile, Glasgow appears to have been music city yesterday. I went to the Steven Wilson show and was blown away for two and a half hours. Wondered who was on at the SEC going off the people I saw heading back from it last night and realise it was the Goddess Kylie.
The puerile story of the week comes courtesy of Addleshaw Goddard's intranet.
A source at the firm sent RollOnFriday this image from AG's new BD Hub, suggesting it's a "bit of a design fail..."
On the face of it, it's a depiction of someone stacking blocks, perhaps to convey team-building or some other corporate message. But looking at it from a certain angle, and it appears to be a hand shandy.
An Addleshaw Goddard spokesman sought to clear things up by sending the actual image, stating: "It is clearly building blocks."
"We can see how the out of focus screenshot can be viewed in a different light," the spokesman added. "We'll take note and update the graphic." Presumably the new image will be something that can no longer be mistaken for someone indulging in the pleasures of the palm, under any light.
It's not the first time that staff at a firm have been hit with phallic imagery.
There is a BF market for Eurovision on who will finish last - I've bet a pound on the favourite for that. (I think we all know who the favourite is, but the shortness of the odds surprised me!)
It's a 300 per cent market. That's betting jargon for shockingly bad value.
That's almost as bad as betting at a point to point.
I went to one in Oxfordshire a few years ago - met some members of the Bullingdon Club who couldn't put up a gazebo between them. That, by the way, was the point when I knew Britain was finished.
The Club put their name to a race on the card - whether they put up any money now I don't know but the Cup was large enough. Four went to post and one of the on course books went, I kid you not:
1/2, 10/11, Evens, 6/4
I decided to head for the sanctuary of the refreshment tent...
The puerile story of the week comes courtesy of Addleshaw Goddard's intranet.
A source at the firm sent RollOnFriday this image from AG's new BD Hub, suggesting it's a "bit of a design fail..."
On the face of it, it's a depiction of someone stacking blocks, perhaps to convey team-building or some other corporate message. But looking at it from a certain angle, and it appears to be a hand shandy.
An Addleshaw Goddard spokesman sought to clear things up by sending the actual image, stating: "It is clearly building blocks."
"We can see how the out of focus screenshot can be viewed in a different light," the spokesman added. "We'll take note and update the graphic." Presumably the new image will be something that can no longer be mistaken for someone indulging in the pleasures of the palm, under any light.
It's not the first time that staff at a firm have been hit with phallic imagery.
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Ed Davey is now significantly more popular with Labour voters than Starmer too.
It's a shame to talk politics on Eurovision Day, but it is extraordinary that Starmers relaunch as Farage-light has simultaneously cratered his support amongst Labour voters and halved it amongst Reform voters, albeit with the latter from a very low base.
Keir Starmer's net favourability rating has dropped 12pts in a month to -46, his lowest level ever, including a 34pt drop among Labour voters
All Britons: -46 net rating (down 12 from 13-14 Apr)
And Badenoch struggles to make a ripple. I didn't expect much from her, but she has surprised on the downside.
I don’t think it is extraordinary. Predictable.
Reform is far better at being Reform than any other party. Many Reform voters are motivated by anger at the traditional parties. Merely putting on Reform’s coat is barely going to scratch that.
They should ditch the Jury vote in the Final, and just have that part of the qualification or semi-final rounds.
I fully expect all sorts of shenanigans take place on the Jury vote, and it's as straight as a nine-bob note.
Back in Boris's day and peak Ukraine we were briefly top dogs again. With Starmer's dereliction of duty over Gaza, his fellating Trump and Ukrainians now setting fire to everything associated with our Prime Minister don't expect anything other than nil points.
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
I'm with Celia Imrie, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding and Tom Daley. My reserve is probably Alan Carr.
There are two or three I would relocate to St Helena.
Alan Carr, David Olusoga (I could teach him a few things about history), Stephen Fry, and Celia Imrie.
What sins has Olusoga committed?
No idea who Celia Imrie is, or quite a few others on the list.
She’s a very talented actress.
I admit I had to check, but just for starters films:
Bridget Jones film series, Calendar Girls (2003), Nanny McPhee (2005), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
TV:
Upstairs, Downstairs, Bergerac, The Nightmare Man, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Casualty, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Darling Buds of May.
I do read the headers but don't watch telly. It rather surprised me the the UK wasn't ousted from Eurovision song contest when we Brexited.
We pay a lot into it.
It's also got nothing to do with the EU.
We do it for the comedy. It's also kinda fun.
Do we get any BBC money back for selling it to other European countries like Australia and Israel?
It's much bigger than it was back in Katie Boyle's day.
The Australian broadcaster SBS is a member of the European Broadcasting Union, so I would think it would get its live feed directly from the EBU, without the BBC being involved ?
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
I'm with Celia Imrie, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding and Tom Daley. My reserve is probably Alan Carr.
There are two or three I would relocate to St Helena.
Alan Carr, David Olusoga (I could teach him a few things about history), Stephen Fry, and Celia Imrie.
What sins has Olusoga committed?
No idea who Celia Imrie is, or quite a few others on the list.
She’s a very talented actress.
I admit I had to check, but just for starters films:
Bridget Jones film series, Calendar Girls (2003), Nanny McPhee (2005), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
TV:
Upstairs, Downstairs, Bergerac, The Nightmare Man, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Casualty, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Darling Buds of May.
And plenty of stage.
She was also one of Victoria Wood's ensemble.and a doyen of BBC costume dramas, back in the day when those were properly lit and not filmed in 80% darkness.
I do read the headers but don't watch telly. It rather surprised me the the UK wasn't ousted from Eurovision song contest when we Brexited.
We pay a lot into it.
It's also got nothing to do with the EU.
We do it for the comedy. It's also kinda fun.
Do we get any BBC money back for selling it to other European countries like Australia and Israel?
It's much bigger than it was back in Katie Boyle's day.
The Australian broadcaster SBS is a member of the European Broadcasting Union, so I would think it would get its live feed directly from the EBU, without the BBC being involved ?
Fair enough, but do we get a fee back from the European Broadcasting Union for our investment or is it another one of those Keir Starmer deals?
I certainly didn’t think Starmer’s moves on immigration would make a short term difference.
But medium to longer term immigration will fall and if he’s lucky waiting lists will also come down, economy might grow a bit and things might look very different.
I stand by my predictions but very happy to reassess where things are in 2028.
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
SLab got the day release lad on the editing of this one. Shame that we're denied the totality of the effortless fluency of their candidate for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by election.
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Yes. It's all relative change. It seems to me (perhaps I have not been paying attention) that the LDs don't clearly stand for much that is very distinctive except that they are not Reform and not the parties tarnished by governing.
This may be enough for now to progress towards a possible outcome that by 2029 there will be two main camps rather than two main parties. One camp is Reform; the other camp is everyone else (Scotland, Wales and NI are different). And the rule will be simple: Everyone who is going to vote in England will either vote Reform or anti-Reform.
This could give tactical voting, Bar Charts, 'Winning here' and 'One More heave' a completely new lease of life, shifting LD hopes from 100 seats max to being a national party. 'The only party that isn't Reform, isn't actually certifiable and hasn't trashed the country'. Yet.
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
I’m struggling with the idea that Green and Lib Dem voters are going to vote against Labour.
They're virtue signalling. Come the GE, plenty will return to Labour to keep the ReFukkers and Tories out.
I voted tactically for Labour last year. Until this week, if it looked like Reform vs Labour at the next GE, I reckon I'd have found a way to hold my nose and do the same. After this week, especially Island of Strangers which felt as much an attack on our family as anything else, no chance.
I'm sure I'm unusual (not least as I'm posting here) but if I'm not, Labour are in trouble indeed.
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Yes. It's all relative change. It seems to me (perhaps I have not been paying attention) that the LDs don't clearly stand for much that is very distinctive except that they are not Reform and not the parties tarnished by governing.
This may be enough for now to progress towards a possible outcome that by 2029 there will be two main camps rather than two main parties. One camp is Reform; the other camp is everyone else (Scotland, Wales and NI are different). And the rule will be simple: Everyone who is going to vote in England will either vote Reform or anti-Reform.
This could give tactical voting, Bar Charts, 'Winning here' and 'One More heave' a completely new lease of life, shifting LD hopes from 100 seats max to being a national party. 'The only party that isn't Reform, isn't actually certifiable and hasn't trashed the country'. Yet.
The political cards have fallen well for the LibDems; Reform is pulling all the other parties over to the right, and with the SNP eclipsed at Westminster, Davey is able to challenge Labour from the centre-left on everything from social care through standing up against Trump. So the LDs become attractive to moderate Tories appalled at the Tories vying to be more extreme than Reform and also attractive to Labour folk unhappy at the government's timidity and triangulation.
I’m struggling with the idea that Green and Lib Dem voters are going to vote against Labour.
They're virtue signalling. Come the GE, plenty will return to Labour to keep the ReFukkers and Tories out.
I voted tactically for Labour last year. Until this week, if it looked like Reform vs Labour at the next GE, I reckon I'd have found a way to hold my nose and do the same. After this week, especially Island of Strangers which felt as much an attack on our family as anything else, no chance.
I'm sure I'm unusual (not least as I'm posting here) but if I'm not, Labour are in trouble indeed.
On current trajectory the next election, at least in England, will be some version of Reform v Everyone Else, with by then Tories splitting to join the Reform camp or the Everyone Else camp; or ceasing to matter at all.
Very large numbers of people will vote along the lines of that binary division, with massive effort going into making it a uniquely tactical election. LDs have the most to gain. Tories already lost it, so Labour have most still to lose.
Bet according. DYOR. Shares can go down as well as up.
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
I’m struggling with the idea that Green and Lib Dem voters are going to vote against Labour.
They're virtue signalling. Come the GE, plenty will return to Labour to keep the ReFukkers and Tories out.
I voted tactically for Labour last year. Until this week, if it looked like Reform vs Labour at the next GE, I reckon I'd have found a way to hold my nose and do the same. After this week, especially Island of Strangers which felt as much an attack on our family as anything else, no chance.
I'm sure I'm unusual (not least as I'm posting here) but if I'm not, Labour are in trouble indeed.
On current trajectory the next election, at least in England, will be some version of Reform v Everyone Else, with by then Tories splitting to join the Reform camp or the Everyone Else camp; or ceasing to matter at all.
Very large numbers of people will vote along the lines of that binary division, with massive effort going into making it a uniquely tactical election. LDs have the most to gain. Tories already lost it, so Labour have most still to lose.
Bet according. DYOR. Shares can go down as well as up.
I can't see it. You're suggesting that Labour and Conservative voters would switch to the other to block Reform. German Gro-Ko style perhaps but I can't see it here - Reform aren't established enough to drive that level of change in 1 parliament, and the emnity between Lab and Con ain't going anywhere fast.
More likely to me is that the votes split everywhere and 30% becomes enough to win many seats, with voters having to guess who's in play in their area. I agree the LDs have plenty to gain in that scenario, but they don't have many second places and don't have the muscle to break into weak areas the way Reform do.
The EU is preparing to apply much higher tariffs on Ukrainian imports within weeks, hitting Kyiv’s economy at a crucial time in its fight against Russian aggression.
The decision to abruptly end special trade arrangements — which allowed most Ukrainian goods to enter the EU duty free — came after Poland led a push to protect the bloc’s farmers, according to diplomats.
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Yes. It's all relative change. It seems to me (perhaps I have not been paying attention) that the LDs don't clearly stand for much that is very distinctive except that they are not Reform and not the parties tarnished by governing.
This may be enough for now to progress towards a possible outcome that by 2029 there will be two main camps rather than two main parties. One camp is Reform; the other camp is everyone else (Scotland, Wales and NI are different). And the rule will be simple: Everyone who is going to vote in England will either vote Reform or anti-Reform.
This could give tactical voting, Bar Charts, 'Winning here' and 'One More heave' a completely new lease of life, shifting LD hopes from 100 seats max to being a national party. 'The only party that isn't Reform, isn't actually certifiable and hasn't trashed the country'. Yet.
The political cards have fallen well for the LibDems; Reform is pulling all the other parties over to the right, and with the SNP eclipsed at Westminster, Davey is able to challenge Labour from the centre-left on everything from social care through standing up against Trump. So the LDs become attractive to moderate Tories appalled at the Tories vying to be more extreme than Reform and also attractive to Labour folk unhappy at the government's timidity and triangulation.
A) - Alan Carr – Comedian B ) - Cat Burns – Singer/Songwriter C) - Celia Imrie – Actor D) - Charlotte Church – Singer/Activist E) - Clare Balding – Broadcaster and Author F) - David Olusoga – Historian and Filmmaker G) - Joe Marler – Former England Rugby Player and Podcaster H) - Joe Wilkinson – Comedian I) - Jonathan Ross – Presenter J) - Kate Garraway – Broadcaster K) - Lucy Beaumont – Comedian L) - Mark Bonnar – Actor M) - Nick Mohammed – Actor and Comedian N) - Niko Omilana – Content Creator O) - Paloma Faith – Singer/Songwriter and Actor P) - Ruth Codd – Actor R) - Stephen Fry – Actor, Writer, Presenter S) - Tameka Empson – Actor and Comedian T) - Tom Daley – Olympian, Author, Broadcaster and Entrepreneur"
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem - He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
Yes. It's all relative change. It seems to me (perhaps I have not been paying attention) that the LDs don't clearly stand for much that is very distinctive except that they are not Reform and not the parties tarnished by governing.
This may be enough for now to progress towards a possible outcome that by 2029 there will be two main camps rather than two main parties. One camp is Reform; the other camp is everyone else (Scotland, Wales and NI are different). And the rule will be simple: Everyone who is going to vote in England will either vote Reform or anti-Reform.
This could give tactical voting, Bar Charts, 'Winning here' and 'One More heave' a completely new lease of life, shifting LD hopes from 100 seats max to being a national party. 'The only party that isn't Reform, isn't actually certifiable and hasn't trashed the country'. Yet.
The political cards have fallen well for the LibDems; Reform is pulling all the other parties over to the right, and with the SNP eclipsed at Westminster, Davey is able to challenge Labour from the centre-left on everything from social care through standing up against Trump. So the LDs become attractive to moderate Tories appalled at the Tories vying to be more extreme than Reform and also attractive to Labour folk unhappy at the government's timidity and triangulation.
44 for largest party now. Coming in all the time.
If after the next election they're the largest party with 44 then we're looking at some truly epic political fragmentation.
Comments
F1: happy Imola qualifying day!
Had a tiny, daft, bet on Gasly at 81 each way.
Foxy said:
Well it looks as if Starmers relaunch as Reform-lite is working as some of us predicted:
https://bsky.app/profile/yougov.co.uk/post/3lpbk6a32b22u
My shamelessly partisan take on these numbers:
Ed Davey is not only substantially more popular on net ratings than any of the others (unless you count Carla Denyer who has a 75% “don’t know”), but
- he is up since the election, almost unknown for a Lib Dem
- He is up *24%* with 2024 Tory voters since the last election. The biggest upward movement of any politician with any voter group. His net rating with that group is better than all the other leaders’ national ratings
That tells me those 2024 Tories who don’t have the taste for Farage are poised to switch in large numbers to the yellow peril.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/16/trump-tv-gameshow-citizenship-report
https://www.betfair.com/exchange/plus/special-bets/market/1.241438166
That word is tabu for casual use in several European countries - like the f and c words here. Naïve choice imo
I said, come on: the Polish washerwomen.
Straight as FIFA.
It's a shame to talk politics on Eurovision Day, but it is extraordinary that Starmers relaunch as Farage-light has simultaneously cratered his support amongst Labour voters and halved it amongst Reform voters, albeit with the latter from a very low base.
Keir Starmer's net favourability rating has dropped 12pts in a month to -46, his lowest level ever, including a 34pt drop among Labour voters
All Britons: -46 net rating (down 12 from 13-14 Apr)
By 2024 vote
Labour: -5 (down 34)
Lib Dem: -13 (down 12)
Conservative: -76 (up 1)
Reform: -94 (down 5)
And Badenoch struggles to make a ripple. I didn't expect much from her, but she has surprised on the downside.
A source at the firm sent RollOnFriday this image from AG's new BD Hub, suggesting it's a "bit of a design fail..."
On the face of it, it's a depiction of someone stacking blocks, perhaps to convey team-building or some other corporate message. But looking at it from a certain angle, and it appears to be a hand shandy.
An Addleshaw Goddard spokesman sought to clear things up by sending the actual image, stating: "It is clearly building blocks."
"We can see how the out of focus screenshot can be viewed in a different light," the spokesman added. "We'll take note and update the graphic." Presumably the new image will be something that can no longer be mistaken for someone indulging in the pleasures of the palm, under any light.
It's not the first time that staff at a firm have been hit with phallic imagery.
https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/exclusive-addleshaw-goddard-design-cock
I do read the headers but don't watch telly. It rather surprised me the the UK wasn't ousted from Eurovision song contest when we Brexited.
It's a good song, so it'll be politics that pops it into 6th-10th, or lower, if it happens.
Allahthe Ukrainians I didn't end up in the poorhouseUnlike previous contests I am not planning to drink - which is an intriguing idea. I hope it as much fun sober as it is drunk...
Meanwhile, Glasgow appears to have been music city yesterday. I went to the Steven Wilson show and was blown away for two and a half hours. Wondered who was on at the SEC going off the people I saw heading back from it last night and realise it was the Goddess Kylie.
We don’t need ‘GRANDSTANDERS’ in the Republican Party
So, he's gone then?
I went to one in Oxfordshire a few years ago - met some members of the Bullingdon Club who couldn't put up a gazebo between them. That, by the way, was the point when I knew Britain was finished.
The Club put their name to a race on the card - whether they put up any money now I don't know but the Cup was large enough. Four went to post and one of the on course books went, I kid you not:
1/2, 10/11, Evens, 6/4
I decided to head for the sanctuary of the refreshment tent...
https://x.com/PerformerLaw/status/1923464416546242629
I find it hard to pick a winner, but the top 5 or tp 10 market is a better bet. Finland, Iceland, Estonia and Ukraine are worth a punt.
Israel has a good song but is not going to do well in the voting. The UK entry is lame, but not bad enough to go bottom.
We do it for the comedy. It's also kinda fun.
I fully expect all sorts of shenanigans take place on the Jury vote, and it's as straight as a nine-bob note.
It's much bigger than it was back in Katie Boyle's day.
It's overcast here. Scotland stole our sun.
My favourite song this year is Austria although it’s in a similar vein to the Code last year so probably won’t win .
I have no clue who will win !
Reform is far better at being Reform than any other party. Many Reform voters are motivated by anger at the traditional parties. Merely putting on Reform’s coat is barely going to scratch that.
Which 4 celebrities (plus reserve) from The Traitors UK (whatever that is) would you like to have with you for lunch? I'm with Celia Imrie, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding and Tom Daley. My reserve is probably Alan Carr.
There are two or three I would relocate to St Helena.
No idea who Celia Imrie is, or quite a few others on the list.
Bridget Jones film series, Calendar Girls (2003), Nanny McPhee (2005), The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2015), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
TV:
Upstairs, Downstairs, Bergerac, The Nightmare Man, Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Casualty, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Darling Buds of May.
And plenty of stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m1ywj8Dyaw&t=810s
But medium to longer term immigration will fall and if he’s lucky waiting lists will also come down, economy might grow a bit and things might look very different.
I stand by my predictions but very happy to reassess where things are in 2028.
For too long, Britain has been addicted to cheap overseas labour — while 1 in 8 of our own young people aren’t in education, employment or training.
I'm putting our young people first, investing in skills they need and ending our dependence on foreign labour.
"We're flying the flag all over the world
Flying the flag for you"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT6yOIC6ihI&t=3s
https://x.com/IanMurrayMP/status/1923351324214624446
https://youtu.be/VJ920cN2HmA?si=HWbBZXR9d0g5x5Z5
This may be enough for now to progress towards a possible outcome that by 2029 there will be two main camps rather than two main parties. One camp is Reform; the other camp is everyone else (Scotland, Wales and NI are different). And the rule will be simple: Everyone who is going to vote in England will either vote Reform or anti-Reform.
This could give tactical voting, Bar Charts, 'Winning here' and 'One More heave' a completely new lease of life, shifting LD hopes from 100 seats max to being a national party. 'The only party that isn't Reform, isn't actually certifiable and hasn't trashed the country'. Yet.
Maybe a private lunch with Charlotte Church.
Also let me introduce you to Big John Owls.
I'm sure I'm unusual (not least as I'm posting here) but if I'm not, Labour are in trouble indeed.
What happened?
Perhaps the original concept just became too dull.
Very large numbers of people will vote along the lines of that binary division, with massive effort going into making it a uniquely tactical election. LDs have the most to gain. Tories already lost it, so Labour have most still to lose.
Bet according. DYOR. Shares can go down as well as up.
I don't know why I don't repeat myself, I just never repeat myself.
It was truly crazy for me to predict a Labour victory at the height of Johnson’s time but it just shows how much can change.
I don’t underrate Sir Keir.
More likely to me is that the votes split everywhere and 30% becomes enough to win many seats, with voters having to guess who's in play in their area. I agree the LDs have plenty to gain in that scenario, but they don't have many second places and don't have the muscle to break into weak areas the way Reform do.
Leicestershire (Loughborough): A Reform Councillor is a former police officer sacked in Jan 2024 for misconduct / dishonesty / breach of professional standards - around running a second business undermining his police duties. If he was still a policeman he could not be a Councillor under "politically restricted job" criteria. The campaign was around integrity and principles.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/andrew-hamilton-gray-reform-councillor-sacked-leicestershire-police-spain-b2750701.html
Gloucs: Reform councillors say they want help and advice on how to do the job.
https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/reform-councillors-say-want-help-10183571
(Narrator: I give the second group credit for taking their roles seriously.)
The EU is preparing to apply much higher tariffs on Ukrainian imports within weeks, hitting Kyiv’s economy at a crucial time in its fight against Russian aggression.
The decision to abruptly end special trade arrangements — which allowed most Ukrainian goods to enter the EU duty free — came after Poland led a push to protect the bloc’s farmers, according to diplomats.