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Why pictures are so important,could Lord Mandelson's underwear cost Lab the Gorton & Denton by-elect

SystemSystem Posts: 12,925
edited 4:13PM in General
Why pictures are so important, could Lord Mandelson's underwear cost Lab the Gorton & Denton by-election? – politicalbetting.com

Probably not that surprising – but from recent focus groups over the weekend and yesterday the Epstein Mandelson coverage has cut through way beyond the bubble and seems even more so because of a picture saying a thousand words

Read the full story here

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Comments

  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,284
    Epstein's advice to Mandelson in the aftermath of the 2010 election is fascinating.

    Epstein seems to be the one pushing for a Lab/Lib coalition and Mandelson is pushing back and saying it would be a mutual suicide pact and saying that Blair is advising against it. Epstein responds that Blair has to think of the party but Mandelson's personal interest wouldn't be served by being in "a mere opposition party". It sounds like Epstein didn't want to lose his access to the heart of government.

    https://x.com/PulaRJS/status/2018685605207503197
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 57,590
    edited 4:16PM
    Second like Labour
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 21,763
    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,489
    Leon said:

    AugustusCarp2 said:

    isam said:

    If anyone wants a political news feed that doesn’t mention Mandelson at all today, may I recommend Southam Observer’s BlueSky account

    Gosh - Southam Observer! Haven't heard from him for years - what;s his particular angle these days?
    His angle is “being completely ignored by everyone, because he’s on Bluesky, which is a desolate bleakscape for a few stupid midwit lefties, who flounced off X and then realised no one was going to follow them, because they are boring wankers. But some of them are too proud to shamefully return, even tho they left behind 20,000 followers on X and now have 48 annoying followers on Bluesky”
    People who have Bluesky accounts (albeit sparsely) include the following: PBers will recall my repeated reminder that there is a political betting starter-pack on BlueSky. It is in MattWardman's account and you can find it here: go here https://bsky.app/profile/mattwardman.bsky.social and click on the "Starter Pack" tabs. I read it often and it contains many PB alumni such as the following: Have fun.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,489
    edited 4:18PM
    BREAKING: Lord Mandelson to step down from the House of Lords
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 4:19PM
    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    Never crossed my desk, I was totally unaware of anything, all procedures were followed, I simply went on expert advice given by others....those responsible have been discplined / removed.
  • AlanbrookeAlanbrooke Posts: 26,164
    edited 4:20PM
    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 21,763
    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    Clearly not fast enough when also running online interviews...
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 4:22PM
    What could possibly go wrong...

    Santander launches 98pc mortgage to fix ‘generational problem’ - Deal allows first-time buyers to borrow up to £500,000 on a £10,000 deposit
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/property/mortgages/santander-launches-98-mortgage-first-time-buyers/

    Also as Damien Talks Money has explained about these deals they are actually really bad deal over the lifetime of the product.
  • Peter_the_PunterPeter_the_Punter Posts: 15,288
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    Never crossed my desk, I was totally unaware of anything, all procedures were followed, I simply went on expert advice given by others....those responsible have been discplined / removed.
    Pull the other one, Sir Keir.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,026
    edited 4:23PM
    OT.. I just went to visit a friend in hospital and though everyone seemed nice it felt completely chaotic,
    The UK and The World's hospitals in order..........

    https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-best-hospitals-2024/united-kingdom
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 5,729
    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 34,991
    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    That's the other bloke in the news a lot, or at least in the rumours a lot.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    Spinners give England hope as SL slip to 62-4 in chase of 129

    Its the hope that kills you.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 16,728
    I think Labour are already without much chance there.

    FWIW, while I don't know the Lab candidate personally, I know people whose opinions I trust who do, and all who know her rate her highly. Definitely towards the 'sane and competent' end of the spectrum.
  • viewcodeviewcode Posts: 27,489
    Roger said:

    OT.. I just went to visit a friend in hospital and though everyone seemed nice it felt completely chaotic,
    The UK and The World's hospitals in order..........

    https://rankings.newsweek.com/worlds-best-hospitals-2024/united-kingdom

    I don't like rankings like this, because I don't know the underlying metric nor its values. :(
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,284
    I wonder if Labour's implied national share of the vote in May could fall below the Conservatives' 8.8% in the 2019 European elections.
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 2,401
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    What could possibly go wrong...

    Santander launches 98pc mortgage to fix ‘generational problem’ - Deal allows first-time buyers to borrow up to £500,000 on a £10,000 deposit
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/property/mortgages/santander-launches-98-mortgage-first-time-buyers/

    Also as Damien Talks Money has explained about these deals they are actually really bad deal over the lifetime of the product.

    But not for those buying flats, new build homes or properties in Northern Ireland.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,026
    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
  • LeonLeon Posts: 66,357
    Jesus. The Telegraph has all the gory details on Mandy’s financially parasitic entanglement with Epstein PLUS Mandy handing over state secrets to a convicted pedo

    What madness. Lord Petey could do chokey for this
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 34,991
    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Ah there’s a few things that would.
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    Ah..there’s a few things that would
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 5,729
    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 4:36PM
    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 80,528
    Quite an amazing endurance feat for this lad to swim 4 km (In the sea !) back to shore to save his family.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly3ezj3rg3o.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 69,275
    Gordon Brown writes to the Met Police Commissioner
  • LeonLeon Posts: 66,357
    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    Sri Lanka - 100-6 (15.4)

    Its the hope that kills you.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 21,477
    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Sri Lanka - 100-6 (15.4)

    Its the hope that kills you.

    112-7. Two overs and four balls left.

    Hope springs eternal!
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 37,020
    Good from Cleverly. He wants Lammy's head.

    Good from Nigey. Nigey maintains Mandelson has broken the Official Secrets Act. Nigel agrees that he was only mentioned 37 times in the Epstein files, which I think we agree is pretty close to zero. And like with Nathan Gill, he never met him.

    Good from Davy. He wants a ten year Public Inquiry.

    Nonetheless Starmer needs to go.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 4:51PM
    OldKingCole said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Sri Lanka - 100-6 (15.4)

    Its the hope that kills you.

    112-7. Two overs and four balls left.

    Hope springs eternal!
    Make that 112-8 ....

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    OldKingCole said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Sri Lanka - 100-6 (15.4)

    Its the hope that kills you.

    112-7. Two overs and four balls left.

    Hope springs eternal!
    112-8!
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 18,510
    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Indeed, and I suggest pubs are a leading cause of pregnancies.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 4:54PM
    113-9

    Bethell lollipops causing mayhem.
  • turbotubbsturbotubbs Posts: 21,763
    bondegezou said:

    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Indeed, and I suggest pubs are a leading cause of pregnancies.
    Not anymore - its too cheap from the supermarkets. (Alcohol, not pregnancies!)
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    Can England do this?
  • scampi25scampi25 Posts: 383
    Is now a good time for a thread on how the latest government relaunch is going......? ,😂😂😂
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 48,923
    edited 4:57PM
    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    That's the biggest betting move off the back of this. Rayner is now the fav over Streeting. They've flipped.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,530
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    What could possibly go wrong...

    Santander launches 98pc mortgage to fix ‘generational problem’ - Deal allows first-time buyers to borrow up to £500,000 on a £10,000 deposit
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/property/mortgages/santander-launches-98-mortgage-first-time-buyers/

    Also as Damien Talks Money has explained about these deals they are actually really bad deal over the lifetime of the product.

    Obvs there is nothing that could go wrong; but from the point of view of the poor old customer who merely wants the luxury of living in a house with a family while holding down a job where houses cost money and who doesn't have a bank of mum and dad, they are going to go for it if they can.
  • BattlebusBattlebus Posts: 2,401
    edited 4:58PM
    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Seems like something out of Children of Men. Dystopian future with no children but plenty of pubs - serving gammon, of course.

    All children are unaffordable if you've ever had any.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    14 required from the last over.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    edited 5:00PM
    Got him!!!

    Edit: or not.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,530
    turbotubbs said:

    bondegezou said:

    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Indeed, and I suggest pubs are a leading cause of pregnancies.
    Not anymore - its too cheap from the supermarkets. (Alcohol, not pregnancies!)
    Babies are, as Christians say about the grace of God, free but not cheap.

  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 5:00PM
    Unbelievable.....4 wickets from Bethell.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    How do you have a batting lineup so weak that Bethell takes four wickets including three in one over?

    (Let's be clear though, England were damn lucky to win that and should have lost given how badly they batted.)
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 5,729
    Sandpit said:

    14 required from the last over.

    All back in the hutch.

    Didn't see that coming!
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    Got him now!
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    Sandpit said:

    Can England do this?

    Yes!
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Maybe a nationwide survey on the safety and efficacy of balcony doors/windows may be in order.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 14,844
    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Why on earth would anyone think Reform will do well in this years council elections? Surely once the campaign begins, Reform will get shredded?

    what Reform councillors cutting in their war on wasteful spending, cutting funding for repairing potholes and streets, cutting hospital and school buses for the disabled (Warwickshire) closing care homes and day centres for elderly (Lancashire).

    Farage’s Dolg (DOGE rip off) has audited Worcs for savings - as a result Council Tax is going up 10%.

    One Reform council spent £75,000 putting up 164 Union Jack flags.

    How long does Populist Reform have, before the daft protest vote voting for them backfires, Reform back at 2% in opinion polls, and Fiscal Conservative’s have all their voters? Because Reform given any sort of power is just not working, is it?

    Saviours of the Universe? They can’t even make a £75,000 saving on un-needed Union jacks.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    Beers all round for England cricket team?
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 42,180
    @adampayne26.bsky.social‬

    Mandelson faces being the 1st person to lose their peerage title via an Act of Parliament in 109 yrs. It was last used in 1917 to remove it from a quartet for siding with Britain's WW1 enemies. It would put him in the same pub quiz answer as Henry Taaffe, 12 th Viscount Taaffe and Baron Ballymote.
  • SandyRentoolSandyRentool Posts: 24,340
    Sunil_Prasannan said:

    Second like Labour

    In the by-election? I'm not that optimistic.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    edited 5:05PM
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Beers all round for England cricket team?

    Depends. Every so often Sri Lanka has a No Alcohol Day! Applies to hotels as well.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 65,374
    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    It's called the 'Research Excellence Framework' and allows universities to demand money off the taxpayer to fund their writings.
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    Opinion on that is quite elastic.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    ozymandias said:

    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    Opinion on that is quite elastic.
    Y front up with that one?
  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 5,729
    edited 5:09PM
    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    I don't think this is worth more than a brief discussion.
  • RogerRoger Posts: 22,026
    This whole fiasco is about buying influence. The old school tie replaced by a money and power broker who used young girls and hospitality to lubricate his channels of influence. It's worth reading 'Nobody's Girl' by Virginia Giuffre which I've just finished

    A lot of it's guff but in explaining how it worked from a narrow perspective it paints an accurate picture The girls were simply currency and part of his hospitality circuit which meant his rich and powerful 'friends' owed him. In return he became their go to .Mr Fix-it.

    The other point of interest is the range of her and his clients though their identities need a glossary
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    ydoethur said:

    ozymandias said:

    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    Opinion on that is quite elastic.
    Y front up with that one?
    Most surveys hit the skids.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    ozymandias said:

    ydoethur said:

    ozymandias said:

    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    Opinion on that is quite elastic.
    Y front up with that one?
    Most surveys hit the skids.
    Better than being knocked out by the boxers.
  • TazTaz Posts: 24,460
    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    We should be grateful he wasn’t ‘commando’
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    Taz said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    We should be grateful he wasn’t ‘commando’
    Or Gordon Brown in a jockstrap.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    CNN polling: 71% of Democrats are in favour of voter ID.

    https://x.com/jasonjournodc/status/2018700411079626822
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    Taz said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    We should be grateful he wasn’t ‘commando’
    The current 'meerkat' advert has one of them swimming commando and the boss saying 'nobody wants to see that'!
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 126,057
    Casino_Royale said:

    Who has the best underpants? Chris Bryant, or Peter Mandelson?

    Neither are in the same league as Nigel Farage.
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    A man of Mandy’s ways and means wearing basic M&S Y fronts though. You’d expect something more gauche.
  • TazTaz Posts: 24,460
    algarkirk said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    What could possibly go wrong...

    Santander launches 98pc mortgage to fix ‘generational problem’ - Deal allows first-time buyers to borrow up to £500,000 on a £10,000 deposit
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/property/mortgages/santander-launches-98-mortgage-first-time-buyers/

    Also as Damien Talks Money has explained about these deals they are actually really bad deal over the lifetime of the product.

    Obvs there is nothing that could go wrong; but from the point of view of the poor old customer who merely wants the luxury of living in a house with a family while holding down a job where houses cost money and who doesn't have a bank of mum and dad, they are going to go for it if they can.
    Deals like this are all about keeping the House price bubble inflated. Same with Help to Buy.

    Just let gravity take effect. House prices are falling and will continue to do so.
  • TazTaz Posts: 24,460
    bondegezou said:

    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Indeed, and I suggest pubs are a leading cause of pregnancies.
    Ha, never heard of Brewers Droop !!
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    Sandpit said:

    CNN polling: 71% of Democrats are in favour of voter ID.

    https://x.com/jasonjournodc/status/2018700411079626822

    Because it would stop Republicans voting eight times each?
  • TazTaz Posts: 24,460
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    ozymandias said:

    A man of Mandy’s ways and means wearing basic M&S Y fronts though. You’d expect something more gauche.

    Supporting British business abroad....
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 16,530
    Battlebus said:

    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Seems like something out of Children of Men. Dystopian future with no children but plenty of pubs - serving gammon, of course.

    All children are unaffordable if you've ever had any.
    Not convinced. 35 years in an industrial white working class community shows me there is almost no such thing as an unaffordable child.

  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 46,453
    Flatlander said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
    Happened to be in Morrison’s this am and noticed quite a substantial display tor TENA Men.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls..
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 69,275
    Taz said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
    Brown is apparently furious and going after Mandelson

    He adds another element to this
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Taz said:

    bondegezou said:

    Stuartinromford said:

    Meanwhile, in "weirdly stark juxtaposition" news,

    Reform UK says it would re-impose two-child benefit cap for most families to fund £3bn support package for pubs

    https://bsky.app/profile/andrewsparrowgdn.bsky.social/post/3mdxlgii4pk2y

    Even if you approve of pubs and disapprove of unaffordable children, this seems a tough sell.

    Indeed, and I suggest pubs are a leading cause of pregnancies.
    Ha, never heard of Brewers Droop !!
    Beer goggles trumps that.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 5:20PM
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Taz said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
    Brown is apparently furious and going after Mandelson

    He adds another element to this
    I am not sure I would want to start a game of thermo-nuclear war with Mandy. I bet he has lots of ammo and still has many very powerful friends, including the media (see Times doing a lovely cozy interview at home with him).
  • TazTaz Posts: 24,460
    Theuniondivvie said:

    Flatlander said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
    Happened to be in Morrison’s this am and noticed quite a substantial display tor TENA Men.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls..
    If you have your prostate whipped out then dribbles and leaks are a side effect.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 16
    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

  • FlatlanderFlatlander Posts: 5,729
    Theuniondivvie said:

    Flatlander said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
    Happened to be in Morrison’s this am and noticed quite a substantial display tor TENA Men.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls..
    True. My experience with this was with my father. It is quite debilitating in many ways and not talked about much.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Taz said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
    Brown is apparently furious and going after Mandelson

    He adds another element to this
    I am not sure I would want to start a game of thermo-nuclear war with Mandy. I bet he has lots of ammo and still has many very powerful friends, including the media (see Times doing a lovely cozy interview at home with him).
    I think you mean 'had' many very powerful friends.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 5:24PM
    OldKingCole said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Taz said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
    Brown is apparently furious and going after Mandelson

    He adds another element to this
    I am not sure I would want to start a game of thermo-nuclear war with Mandy. I bet he has lots of ammo and still has many very powerful friends, including the media (see Times doing a lovely cozy interview at home with him).
    I think you mean 'had' many very powerful friends.
    No, I reckon when it dies down a bit they will stay be "friends". I am sure many are a tad worried they might also get exposed for starters. First rule of Dobbie club....
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

    “dutifully and perfectly since resignation”.

    Has she paid her tax due?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    Flatlander said:

    Theuniondivvie said:

    Flatlander said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
    Happened to be in Morrison’s this am and noticed quite a substantial display tor TENA Men.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls..
    True. My experience with this was with my father. It is quite debilitating in many ways and not talked about much.
    It's not only debilitating, it's incredibly depressing. You've been in control of the situation since you were about 3.
    Now.........
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 13,293
    Theuniondivvie said:

    Flatlander said:

    Alanbrooke said:

    Of course we're all assuming he's wearing underpants, but we cant rule out its actually a nappy.

    My first impression was that it looked TENAish, but I can't say I've examined the photograph closely, nor am I going to.
    Happened to be in Morrison’s this am and noticed quite a substantial display tor TENA Men.

    Ask not for whom the bell tolls..
    Oh FFS, I'm going to have to delete my cookies after searching that up. Going to replace the the endless Army recruitment ads.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 36,600
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    OldKingCole said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Taz said:

    FrancisUrquhart said:

    DecrepiterJohnL said:

    This weighty biography gives Gordon Brown more credit than he deserves
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/b1478012db25dcbc (gift link so no paywall)

    We should put the reviewer down as a ‘maybe’.

    But what's this?

    As it happens, I agree with Macintyre that Brown did not receive the credit due for his role in tackling the financial crash of 2008. His long experience as chancellor meant he knew everyone, and his undoubted intellect was brought to bear on dealing with what might have been an existential crisis for the global economy. At one point, a meeting of despairing international leaders was stymied by a complete sense of helplessness before Barack Obama said: “Gordon has a plan.”

    Gordon Brown – he saved the pound; he saved the union with Scotland; he saved the world. Oh yes, and he saved Peter Mandelson's career.

    Who wants to read about Gordo 15 years after he left power? Its got to be a tiny niche audience willing to pay £25 for the privilege. Who commissons these things. Is there some tax fiddle of writing books nobody will want to read?
    I’d sooner listen to SKS talking about his Fathers profession.
    Brown is apparently furious and going after Mandelson

    He adds another element to this
    I am not sure I would want to start a game of thermo-nuclear war with Mandy. I bet he has lots of ammo and still has many very powerful friends, including the media (see Times doing a lovely cozy interview at home with him).
    I think you mean 'had' many very powerful friends.
    No, I reckon when it dies down a bit they will stay be "friends". I am sure many are a tad worried they might also get exposed for starters. First rule of Dobbie club....
    Whether they'll be prepared to put their heads above the parapet, though, is open to question. IMHO, anyway.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 69,275
    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

    Thornberry
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    The UK government describes its new AI skills hub as "free AI skills training", but 58% of the courses on it you have to pay for.

    I analysed all 516 courses. Also of note:

    - 36% are provided by big tech
    - 100 courses are from just Google & Microsoft
    - 8% are literally links to info about full university courses (undergrad & masters programs etc.)

    This 'skills hub' cost the taxpayer £4.1 million.

    https://x.com/ednewtonrex/status/2018699769414066288?s=20
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    Big_G_NorthWales said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

    Thornberry
    “Rolling eyes” Thornbury? No. She’s no more PM material than Starmer.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    I’ve been Foreign Secretary. Making a political appointee an ambassador has to be signed off by the FS, indeed the FS has to push this through. David Lammy would have had to push the Mandelson appointment hard. Why did he ignore the warnings he would have received?

    https://x.com/JamesCleverly/status/2018720738283495824?s=20
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    ydoethur said:

    Sandpit said:

    CNN polling: 71% of Democrats are in favour of voter ID.

    https://x.com/jasonjournodc/status/2018700411079626822

    Because it would stop Republicans voting eight times each?
    71% of Democrat voters, 0% of Democrat lawmakers.
  • bondegezoubondegezou Posts: 18,510
    Sandpit said:

    ydoethur said:

    Sandpit said:

    CNN polling: 71% of Democrats are in favour of voter ID.

    https://x.com/jasonjournodc/status/2018700411079626822

    Because it would stop Republicans voting eight times each?
    71% of Democrat voters, 0% of Democrat lawmakers.
    Voter ID is one of those things that sounds sensible if you don't know anything about it. But isn't.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 59,743
    ozymandias said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

    “dutifully and perfectly since resignation”.

    Has she paid her tax due?
    If Angela Rayner is the answer, the wrong question is definitely being asked.

    She’s no Mandelson, who can keep coming back again until yet another scandal finally kills her off almost three decades later.
  • ozymandiasozymandias Posts: 1,677
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    I’ve been Foreign Secretary. Making a political appointee an ambassador has to be signed off by the FS, indeed the FS has to push this through. David Lammy would have had to push the Mandelson appointment hard. Why did he ignore the warnings he would have received?

    https://x.com/JamesCleverly/status/2018720738283495824?s=20

    Because, because, because, of all the wonderful things he does.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 77,464
    Sandpit said:

    ozymandias said:

    Brixian59 said:

    Leon said:

    Flatlander said:

    Roger said:

    turbotubbs said:

    First to say I can't see Starmer resigning over this.

    An atomic bomb wouldn't remove Starmer
    What about a redhead?

    I think this all increases the chances of Ange being next.

    It makes her financial arrangements seem a bit meh, and allows her to say we've had enough of the old boy's club.
    Rayner is now best-placed
    As I posted as the old thread was closing.

    The obvious one is Angela.

    She has behaved dutifully and perfectly since resignation.

    Labour has a number of very competent ministers in place she would be well advised to keep

    Cooper
    Mahmood
    Healy
    McFadden
    Both Alexanders
    Nandy
    Phillipson
    Ed M
    Emma Reynolds
    Jarvis

    Some of the new intake.

    Likes of Haigh and Thornbury return.

    Compares very well with threadbare Shadow Cabinet of failures like Philp, Patel Stride, Atkins, Couthino.

    Badenoch probably be gone before Starmer coronation for Cleverly.

    Labour edge left.
    Tories edge centre.

    “dutifully and perfectly since resignation”.

    Has she paid her tax due?
    If Angela Rayner is the answer, the wrong question is definitely being asked.

    She’s no Mandelson, who can keep coming back again until yet another scandal finally kills her off almost three decades later.
    It turned out that 'Prince of Darkness' was an apt name for him in rather more ways than one.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 57,284
    FrancisUrquhart said:

    I’ve been Foreign Secretary. Making a political appointee an ambassador has to be signed off by the FS, indeed the FS has to push this through. David Lammy would have had to push the Mandelson appointment hard. Why did he ignore the warnings he would have received?

    https://x.com/JamesCleverly/status/2018720738283495824?s=20

    Was Lammy a protégé of Mandelson?
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 89,753
    edited 5:41PM
    Those Led By Donkeys lads seem to have gone on semi-retirement these days. Odd Trump or Farage stunt, but so much ripe material they could be taking advantage of....

    Tom Walker/Jonathan Pie is actually the most disappointing. The character is still perfect for the current climate. Good comedians can give their "own" side a blast in the name of their art, but he doesn't seem able to bring himself to do it.

    I always like Mark Thomas for that. Unshamed leftie, of course put Tories and then New Labour on blast, but happy to poke fun at the more mental elements among his fellow travellers in his shows.
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