@ZiaYusufUK · 7h Reform will transform the civil service from a bloated, failed organisation hostile to the interests of the British people into a lean, performant machine that makes our country proud. 🇬🇧
On the face of it, this doesn't sound like anything to be worried about. What do you see as problematic with it?
The risk is the criteria will involve a politicisation of the civil service
Honestly it can't be worse than what we have today.
For example, my dad is executor for his best friend's will, he died a year or so ago. The estate value was barely over the IHT limit, the tax is all paid and yet a year later the probate office is still in jobsworth mode asking for the original will, even though multiple copies have been provided, they had the original previously and have sent it back but for whatever reason they need it again.
This is a tiny, tiny bit of officialdom needed for a nothing size estate where the tax has already all been paid and yet the probate office, the state, is making nonsense paperwork and hassle for my dad as executor and the beneficiaries who still can't close the book on the death of their father.
In what world is this a good job? How have the civil servants in the probate office helped anyone with their nonsense bureaucracy in this instance? Who benefits from them not just getting it done, there isn't going to be some mad revelation which means the estate will suddenly be worth 10x more and loads of tax will be payable. It's this kind of shit that's causing the nation to slow down, these useless bureaucrats sticking their noses in to justify their jobs and pensions and making life miserable for ordinary people.
Get rid of them all I say, 50% cuts in the bureaucracy and stop interfering in people's lives.
That is something different. Inefficient bureaucracy should be addressed. But that doesn’t require politicisation.
@ZiaYusufUK · 7h Reform will transform the civil service from a bloated, failed organisation hostile to the interests of the British people into a lean, performant machine that makes our country proud. 🇬🇧
On the face of it, this doesn't sound like anything to be worried about. What do you see as problematic with it?
The risk is the criteria will involve a politicisation of the civil service
Honestly it can't be worse than what we have today.
For example, my dad is executor for his best friend's will, he died a year or so ago. The estate value was barely over the IHT limit, the tax is all paid and yet a year later the probate office is still in jobsworth mode asking for the original will, even though multiple copies have been provided, they had the original previously and have sent it back but for whatever reason they need it again.
This is a tiny, tiny bit of officialdom needed for a nothing size estate where the tax has already all been paid and yet the probate office, the state, is making nonsense paperwork and hassle for my dad as executor and the beneficiaries who still can't close the book on the death of their father.
In what world is this a good job? How have the civil servants in the probate office helped anyone with their nonsense bureaucracy in this instance? Who benefits from them not just getting it done, there isn't going to be some mad revelation which means the estate will suddenly be worth 10x more and loads of tax will be payable. It's this kind of shit that's causing the nation to slow down, these useless bureaucrats sticking their noses in to justify their jobs and pensions and making life miserable for ordinary people.
Get rid of them all I say, 50% cuts in the bureaucracy and stop interfering in people's lives.
As I mentioned a couple of weeks back I'm going through this as executor for my own father. I expect to encounter much state stupidity along the way, including I am told a wait of 16 weeks from submission to probate being granted.
Today I've had a letter from the DWP. It says "yes, we owe the estate some money, please tell us where to send it along with a probate letter".
Except nowhere in the letter does it state a how much they owe. A number which I need in order to obtain said probate.
So, I will have to ring them up, and ask them to send another letter. At which point they will no doubt demand several reams of paperwork to prove I am permitted to see said value. Why not just send everything needed the first time? Even Yorkshire Water, yes, Yorkshire Water managed that.
I can of course calculate it roughly myself - approximately 1 week of state pension, a trivial amount in the grand scheme of things - but HMRC will want the exact figure in writing so that they can claim their 40%.
Ho hum. At least I'm not paying for a solicitor to chase this up (yet).
Is it any wonder I'm thinking of giving enough away to stop the government getting a penny?
Presumably the amount would be in the private letter that the send along with the money?
I think Burgon has said he isn't standing. Interesting that Stella Creasy didn't rule it out on Monday. She is one of the best media performers in the party, and would be the best of these six at the job. There may be a desire to have someone more Northern get the gig.
"Drea points out that Ireland relies on a secretive agreement with the United Kingdom, which allows the Royal Air Force (RAF) to manage air defence on Ireland’s behalf. “Ireland has outsourced its security to Britain,” Drea claims, suggesting that this arrangement effectively cedes control of Irish airspace to the RAF."
@ZiaYusufUK · 7h Reform will transform the civil service from a bloated, failed organisation hostile to the interests of the British people into a lean, performant machine that makes our country proud. 🇬🇧
On the face of it, this doesn't sound like anything to be worried about. What do you see as problematic with it?
The risk is the criteria will involve a politicisation of the civil service
Honestly it can't be worse than what we have today.
For example, my dad is executor for his best friend's will, he died a year or so ago. The estate value was barely over the IHT limit, the tax is all paid and yet a year later the probate office is still in jobsworth mode asking for the original will, even though multiple copies have been provided, they had the original previously and have sent it back but for whatever reason they need it again.
This is a tiny, tiny bit of officialdom needed for a nothing size estate where the tax has already all been paid and yet the probate office, the state, is making nonsense paperwork and hassle for my dad as executor and the beneficiaries who still can't close the book on the death of their father.
In what world is this a good job? How have the civil servants in the probate office helped anyone with their nonsense bureaucracy in this instance? Who benefits from them not just getting it done, there isn't going to be some mad revelation which means the estate will suddenly be worth 10x more and loads of tax will be payable. It's this kind of shit that's causing the nation to slow down, these useless bureaucrats sticking their noses in to justify their jobs and pensions and making life miserable for ordinary people.
Get rid of them all I say, 50% cuts in the bureaucracy and stop interfering in people's lives.
That is something different. Inefficient bureaucracy should be addressed. But that doesn’t require politicisation.
Indeed staff cuts at the probate office could simply slow the process down much further.
A brief perusal of recent posts suggests that this misuse of harassment law is not unusual.
For example Northants Police hauled a female journalist in for an interview under caution, accusing her of HARASSMENT for reporting that Cllr Matthew Binney was investigated for "sex with an underage girl" + offering him a right to reply, aka literally doing her job. https://x.com/DrRebeccaTidy/status/1960245255308988796
The other question it raises is simply one of police competence.
They just don't seem to be very good at recognising the line between legitimate behaviour and harassment. And while that is to the rest of us a matter of common sense, is it quite so easy to define in legal terms which are logically clear about the difference ?
I suspect they do recognise it but they don’t have the confidence to say “eff off” to the complainant. They would be accused - and presumably investigated for - not taking “harassment” seriously
A trove of leaked data from Boris Johnson’s private office reveals how the former prime minister has been profiting from contacts and influence he gained in office in a possible breach of ethics and lobbying rules.
The Boris Files contain emails, letters, invoices, speeches and business contracts. They shine a spotlight on the inner workings of a publicly subsidised company Johnson established after leaving Downing Street in September 2022.
The trove reveals how Johnson has used the company to manage an array of highly paid jobs and business ventures. They raise questions for the former Conservative leader about whether he has breached “revolving door” rules governing post-ministerial careers
The Guardian is making the most of this. It raises questions around who leaked it and why, and what is says about trusting any organisation to keep information secure. ID cards anyone? VPNs for porn sites? And for pb's political bettors, how this affects Boris's chances of a comeback with either the Conservative Party or Reform.
A trove of leaked data from Boris Johnson’s private office reveals how the former prime minister has been profiting from contacts and influence he gained in office in a possible breach of ethics and lobbying rules.
The Boris Files contain emails, letters, invoices, speeches and business contracts. They shine a spotlight on the inner workings of a publicly subsidised company Johnson established after leaving Downing Street in September 2022.
The trove reveals how Johnson has used the company to manage an array of highly paid jobs and business ventures. They raise questions for the former Conservative leader about whether he has breached “revolving door” rules governing post-ministerial careers
@ZiaYusufUK · 7h Reform will transform the civil service from a bloated, failed organisation hostile to the interests of the British people into a lean, performant machine that makes our country proud. 🇬🇧
On the face of it, this doesn't sound like anything to be worried about. What do you see as problematic with it?
The risk is the criteria will involve a politicisation of the civil service
Honestly it can't be worse than what we have today.
For example, my dad is executor for his best friend's will, he died a year or so ago. The estate value was barely over the IHT limit, the tax is all paid and yet a year later the probate office is still in jobsworth mode asking for the original will, even though multiple copies have been provided, they had the original previously and have sent it back but for whatever reason they need it again.
This is a tiny, tiny bit of officialdom needed for a nothing size estate where the tax has already all been paid and yet the probate office, the state, is making nonsense paperwork and hassle for my dad as executor and the beneficiaries who still can't close the book on the death of their father.
In what world is this a good job? How have the civil servants in the probate office helped anyone with their nonsense bureaucracy in this instance? Who benefits from them not just getting it done, there isn't going to be some mad revelation which means the estate will suddenly be worth 10x more and loads of tax will be payable. It's this kind of shit that's causing the nation to slow down, these useless bureaucrats sticking their noses in to justify their jobs and pensions and making life miserable for ordinary people.
Get rid of them all I say, 50% cuts in the bureaucracy and stop interfering in people's lives.
That is something different. Inefficient bureaucracy should be addressed. But that doesn’t require politicisation.
Indeed staff cuts at the probate office could simply slow the process down much further.
Kent news: A Reform UK county councillor serving Thanet has defected to UKIP. A statement from Reform UK headquarters confirmed Cllr Amelia Randall had left the party with their good wishes.
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
You think this is going to change opinions of Boris ? Can;t see it.
A trove of leaked data from Boris Johnson’s private office reveals how the former prime minister has been profiting from contacts and influence he gained in office in a possible breach of ethics and lobbying rules.
The Boris Files contain emails, letters, invoices, speeches and business contracts. They shine a spotlight on the inner workings of a publicly subsidised company Johnson established after leaving Downing Street in September 2022.
The trove reveals how Johnson has used the company to manage an array of highly paid jobs and business ventures. They raise questions for the former Conservative leader about whether he has breached “revolving door” rules governing post-ministerial careers
The Guardian is making the most of this. It raises questions around who leaked it and why, and what is says about trusting any organisation to keep information secure. ID cards anyone? VPNs for porn sites? And for pb's political bettors, how this affects Boris's chances of a comeback with either the Conservative Party or Reform.
I'm not sure this tells us much. It is no great surprise that Boris is fond of a pound note and less keen on ethics, but at this distance from his time in Downing Street, he just looks a pound shop Cameron or Blair. A few years ago, some of this might have helped oust him; will it prevent a comeback?
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
I would not be surprised if he was. But note that these are allegations, and it would not be the first time a story was not as it was presented by a newspaper.
A brief perusal of recent posts suggests that this misuse of harassment law is not unusual.
For example Northants Police hauled a female journalist in for an interview under caution, accusing her of HARASSMENT for reporting that Cllr Matthew Binney was investigated for "sex with an underage girl" + offering him a right to reply, aka literally doing her job. https://x.com/DrRebeccaTidy/status/1960245255308988796
The other question it raises is simply one of police competence.
They just don't seem to be very good at recognising the line between legitimate behaviour and harassment. And while that is to the rest of us a matter of common sense, is it quite so easy to define in legal terms which are logically clear about the difference ?
I suspect they do recognise it but they don’t have the confidence to say “eff off” to the complainant. They would be accused - and presumably investigated for - not taking “harassment” seriously
That's the problem in a nutshell: a claim made by an individual about a crime committed by another individual, replete with documentary evidence. It's hard for the police to ignore, even when it's complete bullshit.
A trove of leaked data from Boris Johnson’s private office reveals how the former prime minister has been profiting from contacts and influence he gained in office in a possible breach of ethics and lobbying rules.
The Boris Files contain emails, letters, invoices, speeches and business contracts. They shine a spotlight on the inner workings of a publicly subsidised company Johnson established after leaving Downing Street in September 2022.
The trove reveals how Johnson has used the company to manage an array of highly paid jobs and business ventures. They raise questions for the former Conservative leader about whether he has breached “revolving door” rules governing post-ministerial careers
The Guardian is making the most of this. It raises questions around who leaked it and why, and what is says about trusting any organisation to keep information secure. ID cards anyone? VPNs for porn sites? And for pb's political bettors, how this affects Boris's chances of a comeback with either the Conservative Party or Reform.
I'm not sure this tells us much. It is no great surprise that Boris is fond of a pound note and less keen on ethics, but at this distance from his time in Downing Street, he just looks a pound shop Cameron or Blair. A few years ago, some of this might have helped oust him; will it prevent a comeback?
Things that ought to matter often don't.
The grifting by Starmer, Reeves, Rayner and others from Lord Alli's purse should have mattered more than they did.
This is not to excuse Boris; but Labour cannot claim to be anywhere near pure on this sort of thing.
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
Good morning
Boris being Boris is hardly surprising and frankly I doubt it will have any effect not least because I doubt he will enter front line politics again
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
It’s toxic but for another reasons
The accusations are marginal.
They are (from the article)
1. He asked a Saudi official to give a pitch to MbS 2. He was paid a fee by a hedge fund after meeting Venezuela’s PM 3. While in government he met Peter Thiel 4. He hosted an event in Downing Street that seems like it was in breach of lockdown rules and was to “honour” the person that refurbished the flat 5. He earned £5m from making speeches
And in the intro they talk about Greensill (which was genuinely appalling) and complain that he is “publicly subsidised” for claiming the allowance the state pays for office support.
The only ones that might possibly be open to criticism *for the accusation that the Guardian is making* (3&4 could easily be criticised for other things) are 1&2.
Basically they are trying to throw chaff in the air to diminish the damage to Labour caused by Rayner
This sort of journalism is irresponsible and toxic to public trust (such as it is) in politicians.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
A trove of leaked data from Boris Johnson’s private office reveals how the former prime minister has been profiting from contacts and influence he gained in office in a possible breach of ethics and lobbying rules.
The Boris Files contain emails, letters, invoices, speeches and business contracts. They shine a spotlight on the inner workings of a publicly subsidised company Johnson established after leaving Downing Street in September 2022.
The trove reveals how Johnson has used the company to manage an array of highly paid jobs and business ventures. They raise questions for the former Conservative leader about whether he has breached “revolving door” rules governing post-ministerial careers
The Guardian is making the most of this. It raises questions around who leaked it and why, and what is says about trusting any organisation to keep information secure. ID cards anyone? VPNs for porn sites? And for pb's political bettors, how this affects Boris's chances of a comeback with either the Conservative Party or Reform.
I'm not sure this tells us much. It is no great surprise that Boris is fond of a pound note and less keen on ethics, but at this distance from his time in Downing Street, he just looks a pound shop Cameron or Blair. A few years ago, some of this might have helped oust him; will it prevent a comeback?
Things that ought to matter often don't.
The problem is not Boris getting filthy rich - I have no issue with anyone prospering, the problem is the impact on Britain of the resulting decision-making. What are effectively bribes are only going to be offered for decisions that wouldn't otherwise be made.
"Drea points out that Ireland relies on a secretive agreement with the United Kingdom, which allows the Royal Air Force (RAF) to manage air defence on Ireland’s behalf. “Ireland has outsourced its security to Britain,” Drea claims, suggesting that this arrangement effectively cedes control of Irish airspace to the RAF."
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
I would not be surprised if he was. But note that these are allegations, and it would not be the first time a story was not as it was presented by a newspaper.
They are a bit more than allegations. The stories are based on leaked documents from Boris's office. But does it matter now? It might put the kibosh on a comeback (cui bono?) but Cameron returned as Foreign Secretary after Greensill and the Panama Papers.
Boris broke lockdown and solicited funds for posh wallpaper. Hold the front page while Boris was Prime Minister but now? Boris met Peter Thiel but I'm fairly sure Thiel has a mind-control ray beaming into Downing Street given both parties' eagerness to write cheques and hand over our data to Palantir.
Boris took retainers from hedge funds and rubbed shoulders with rulers whose human rights records are mixed, to put it politely, but look at the Blair Foundation's client list.
If I were betting on Kemi's replacement or on defections to Reform, these stories might prompt me to review my portfolio but I'm not so I shan't.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
Rayner was not hounded into a resignation. She did something wrong, lied about it, and then tried to blame others. True, it was not a major wrongdoing (though the value was), but her own later actions made her position untenable.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
These Boris leaks in The Guardian today look absolutely toxic. The implication is that Johnson was personally corrupt and enriched himself while in public office. If that story sticks, it's not just the ministerial code that has been breached, but the law. Let's see if the story has wings, but the optics are appalling.
It’s toxic but for another reasons
The accusations are marginal.
They are (from the article)
1. He asked a Saudi official to give a pitch to MbS 2. He was paid a fee by a hedge fund after meeting Venezuela’s PM 3. While in government he met Peter Thiel 4. He hosted an event in Downing Street that seems like it was in breach of lockdown rules and was to “honour” the person that refurbished the flat 5. He earned £5m from making speeches
And in the intro they talk about Greensill (which was genuinely appalling) and complain that he is “publicly subsidised” for claiming the allowance the state pays for office support.
The only ones that might possibly be open to criticism *for the accusation that the Guardian is making* (3&4 could easily be criticised for other things) are 1&2.
Basically they are trying to throw chaff in the air to diminish the damage to Labour caused by Rayner
This sort of journalism is irresponsible and toxic to public trust (such as it is) in politicians.
Not at all. Just playing by the same rules Johnson Farage Tice the Mail the Telegraph and GB News play by. It's time we got this hypocricy out of the system and the playing field became even again.
While Richard Tice was congratulating the government for arresting people writing 'Palestine Action' Fatage was complaining to Congress the UK's draconian laws against free speech put us on a par with North Korea
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
@ZiaYusufUK · 7h Reform will transform the civil service from a bloated, failed organisation hostile to the interests of the British people into a lean, performant machine that makes our country proud. 🇬🇧
On the face of it, this doesn't sound like anything to be worried about. What do you see as problematic with it?
This is obvious by now, surely? It's about 97% likely to be pure BS. Reform are an incompetent policy-free slogan machine, hoping that fools will fall for it.
We have this exact cycle from Zia himself in Kent County Council. Lots of "we will save X Y and Z". But LTNs to be cut did not exist. Woke waste to be cut did not exist. "DEI jobs" hardly exist.
It was all public information, but the numpties of Reform, including Zia himself, did not do any homework. So then he rifled through last year's local papers, to find some identified savings he could claim to be making new. And made a serious of fake claims about it. Cue a public faceplant.
So what happens next? In Derbyshire they cut half the adult education centres. They had time for a proper process, but waited until the last minute and tried to do an emergency decision.
But RefUK are such a fuckwit collective that they had to admit their action was unlawful.
Kent news: A Reform UK county councillor serving Thanet has defected to UKIP. A statement from Reform UK headquarters confirmed Cllr Amelia Randall had left the party with their good wishes.
Comments
https://basildon.nub.news/news/local-news/basildon-reform-councillor-arrested-271312
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/08/who-is-in-the-running-to-be-the-next-labour-deputy-leader?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
I think Burgon has said he isn't standing. Interesting that Stella Creasy didn't rule it out on Monday. She is one of the best media performers in the party, and would be the best of these six at the job. There may be a desire to have someone more Northern get the gig.
Talk is the Forest owner wants Ange. Assume that is Postecoglou and not Rayner.
I suppose you could argue that it “effectively cedes control of Irish airspace to the RAF” but that’s a fairly meaningless concept.
And I’m not sure what the difference between “outsourcing” and “freeloading” is…
Revealed: how Boris Johnson traded PM contacts for global business deals
Exclusive: Leak exposes how former leader has used publicly subsidised office to manage commercial interests
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/revealed-how-boris-johnson-traded-pm-contacts-for-global-business-deals
What are the Boris Files and what do they reveal about former PM’s conduct?
Leaked material from Johnson’s private office raises serious questions relating to his time in No 10 and since he resigned
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/what-are-the-boris-johnson-files-former-prime-minister
‘Fervent admirer’: how Johnson courted Saudi officials for private gain
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-sought-business-with-saudi-officials-better-earth
Boris Johnson was paid £240,000 after Maduro meeting, invoice shows
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-nicolas-maduro-meeting-invoice
Boris Johnson had dinner in lockdown with peer funding flat refit, files suggest
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-had-dinner-in-lockdown-with-peer-funding-flat-refit-files-suggest
Johnson and Cummings’ secret meeting with Palantir founder revealed
Non-disclosure of apparent meeting a year before firm won NHS role raises serious questions over transparency
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/boris-johnson-dominic-cummings-secret-meeting-palantir-peter-thiel
All it will do is help Farage.
I
Things that ought to matter often don't.
This is not to excuse Boris; but Labour cannot claim to be anywhere near pure on this sort of thing.
Boris being Boris is hardly surprising and frankly I doubt it will have any effect not least because I doubt he will enter front line politics again
The accusations are marginal.
They are (from the article)
1. He asked a Saudi official to give a pitch to MbS
2. He was paid a fee by a hedge fund after meeting Venezuela’s PM
3. While in government he met Peter Thiel
4. He hosted an event in Downing Street that seems like it was in breach of lockdown rules and was to “honour” the person that refurbished the flat
5. He earned £5m from making speeches
And in the intro they talk about Greensill (which was genuinely appalling) and complain that he is “publicly subsidised” for claiming the allowance the state pays for office support.
The only ones that might possibly be open to criticism *for the accusation that the Guardian is making* (3&4 could easily be criticised for other things) are 1&2.
Basically they are trying to throw chaff in the air to diminish the damage to Labour caused by Rayner
This sort of journalism is irresponsible and toxic to public trust (such as it is) in politicians.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/sep/08/revealed-how-boris-johnson-traded-pm-contacts-for-global-business-deals
So, I wonder if, this morning, the UK media is parked outside Nigel Farage's house in Clacton?
Most people seem to know where it is now.
Has there been graffiti sprayed across the front walls, as there was for Angela Rayner?
Or, as I suspect, we have a misogynistic, two-tier media system that will happily hound a working class woman into resignation … but are happy for a multimillionaire, mass property owning tycoon, to get off scot-free.
Answers on a postcard to Nigel's not-house in Clacton.
https://x.com/donmcgowan/status/1964931506302030049
His girlfriend who is very wealthy bought the house he lives in
He doesn't own it so it is not remotely like Rayner who only has herself to blame for what happened to her
Boris broke lockdown and solicited funds for posh wallpaper. Hold the front page while Boris was Prime Minister but now? Boris met Peter Thiel but I'm fairly sure Thiel has a mind-control ray beaming into Downing Street given both parties' eagerness to write cheques and hand over our data to Palantir.
Boris took retainers from hedge funds and rubbed shoulders with rulers whose human rights records are mixed, to put it politely, but look at the Blair Foundation's client list.
If I were betting on Kemi's replacement or on defections to Reform, these stories might prompt me to review my portfolio but I'm not so I shan't.
https://x.com/BetfairCS/status/1965278996964250108
Her career has not involved particularly high paying jobs afaik.
But it’s not uncommon that people from a wealthy background can do low paying jobs because employment income is not the primary source of wealth
As I have mentioned before, lots of MPs have 2 or more properties. Rayner won't be the only one.
NEW THREAD
While Richard Tice was congratulating the government for arresting people writing 'Palestine Action' Fatage was complaining to Congress the UK's draconian laws against free speech put us on a par with North Korea
We have this exact cycle from Zia himself in Kent County Council. Lots of "we will save X Y and Z". But LTNs to be cut did not exist. Woke waste to be cut did not exist. "DEI jobs" hardly exist.
It was all public information, but the numpties of Reform, including Zia himself, did not do any homework. So then he rifled through last year's local papers, to find some identified savings he could claim to be making new. And made a serious of fake claims about it. Cue a public faceplant.
So what happens next? In Derbyshire they cut half the adult education centres. They had time for a proper process, but waited until the last minute and tried to do an emergency decision.
But RefUK are such a fuckwit collective that they had to admit their action was unlawful.
Vote for a clown show, and you get a circus.