I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
I'm happy to do so. He's an annoying man who got lucky in that his specialist subject was a terrible friction in British politics. He's worth listening to and I've long advocated that he'd be an excellent person to be in the Lords, but he's very weak on anything other than his specialist subject, and seems very unworthy of high office.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Find the fetishisation of clapped out body parts one of the strangest aspects of our culture.
I think it more an issue of respecting the wishes of the dead. If someone wishes for their body to be on display that is a different matter, such as Bentham at University College London.
Rubio would ironically be a return to the old Republican establishment. Vance still leads 2028 GOP primary polls and if the Iran conflict continues to achieve little but driving up US cost of livimg that is unlikely to change given he has been less supportive of the strikes than the Vice President. The more it achieves little the lore than hampers President Trump's influence too
Probably. He has one last chance when he meets Starmer tomorrow morning. If he does not come out of that meeting declaring that he is standing for the leadership with immediate effect then he is done.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Of all the candidates Miliband is very much the worst, and I don't rate many others either.
I actually think Milliband is the best. That’s more a reflection on the others rather than Milliband.
Some of the names not being mentioned like Carns and Jones would be better, although Jones soiled himself on behalf of Starmer this morning which is a shame.
Get Carns in . I don’t care that he’s only been in the Commons for 2 years . Who doesn’t love an ex- marine who can tell the plastic patriot to go fxck himself .
Jones was just being loyal and would still be acceptable .
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Competent malignancy is worse than incompetence.
I divide my officers into four classes; the clever, the lazy, the industrious, and the stupid. Each officer possesses at least two of these qualities. Those who are clever and industrious are fitted for the highest staff appointments. Use can be made of those who are stupid and lazy. The man who is clever and lazy however is for the very highest command; he has the temperament and nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious is a menace and must be removed immediately!
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
He's hoping to go for the double, and play a key role in winning Reform a majority in 2027/8.
Farage must be watching this debacle thinking all his Christmases have come at once, especially if the eventual outcome is a wounded Starmer limping on.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
For Burnham to become Labour Party leader the following needs to happen in this sequence:
1. He needs a parliamentary seat to become vacant 2. He needs the approval of the NEC to put himself forward as a candidate 3. Assuming he gets NEC approval, he needs to win the local party selection to be the by-election candidate 4. He needs to win the subsequent by-election 5. There needs to be a vacancy for the leadership or he needs to secure sufficient nominations to force a leadership ballot. 6. He then needs to win the subsequent leadership election
1. seems possible and 2. seems more possible than in January, but is still not a given. If the first and second hurdles are passed, then 3 seems likely.
It is steps 4 and 5 where Burnham faces the biggest challenges.
Much has been said here about the challenges of winning a by-election in even an ostensibly safe Labour seat. But even assuming he does win a by-election, the timing of his return to the Commons in relation to any leadership contest is absolutely critical.
To get on the leadership ballot paper he needs to be back in Parliament when the PLP nominations open. The very earliest a by-election can take place is 21 working days after issuing the writ. But the window for nominations is typically short and opens within a week of the vacancy arising. If Starmer goes in the next week or two, Burnham can't realistically get back to Westminster in time to get nominated.
As for point 1, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry should be holding by-elections soon. Though points 3 and 4 would be problematic for him in either.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
I'm happy to do so. He's an annoying man who got lucky in that his specialist subject was a terrible friction in British politics. He's worth listening to and I've long advocated that he'd be an excellent person to be in the Lords, but he's very weak on anything other than his specialist subject, and seems very unworthy of high office.
You don’t get “lucky” several times in a row. Winning elections nationwide with new parties
PB’s determination to under-estimate Farage is pathological. And very very stupid
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
If we're reduced to arguing whether Farage would be worse than Starmer then it's safe to assume nothing is happening with respect to Starmer's [lack of] leadership.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Are you expecting this? Labour MPs are stupid, but are they really that stupid?
UK to provide drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission
John Healey, the UK defence minister, has announced the UK will contribute drones, jets and a warship to a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Healey made the announcement after co-chairing a meeting of 40 defence ministers to build support for the UK-led mission to secure shipping through the key waterway, which is subject to an Iranian blockade.
A statement issued by the defence ministry said Britain would deploy autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon "as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz".
Stressing the mission was "defensive", Healey said the UK was playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz, adding the measures were "strong and clear commitments – commitments to strengthen the confidence of commercial shipping and reduce the burden of the conflict on people at home".
The ministry said HMS Dragon was already on its way to the Middle East, to "ensure that the air defence ship is ready for potential future operations in the Strait". The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to most traffic since the end of February after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by the IRGC.
Its closure blocks roughly a fifth of global daily oil and LNG supply, driving up shipping costs, causing severe energy and fertiliser shortages, and disrupting global trade. The UN warned today that around 45 million people will suffer "hunger and starvation" without access to fertiliser through the waterway.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
I'm happy to do so. He's an annoying man who got lucky in that his specialist subject was a terrible friction in British politics. He's worth listening to and I've long advocated that he'd be an excellent person to be in the Lords, but he's very weak on anything other than his specialist subject, and seems very unworthy of high office.
You don’t get “lucky” several times in a row. Winning elections nationwide with new parties
PB’s determination to under-estimate Farage is pathological. And very very stupid
He is capable of winning the argument, and therefore winning elections. He can turn strategy into results and galvanise his team.
Those are powerful weapons for any PM, and (like Boris) he would have successes and might even be popular for a while.
However (also like Boris) he doesn’t like challenge and push back from his team, and cannot be a part of a team. You need those things to be successful too. Up to and including 1987, despite the Spitting Image caricature, even Thatcher had them.
Probably. He has one last chance when he meets Starmer tomorrow morning. If he does not come out of that meeting declaring that he is standing for the leadership with immediate effect then he is done.
He's obviously not going to do that minutes before the King's Speech.
Realistically nobody is going to do anything tomorrow.
So Thursday at the earliest - which is a week after Local Election day.
Also worth remembering we were confidently told an MP would resign their seat within 24 to 48 hours of Local election results - well that hasn't happened either.
It does all begin to look like lots of talk but nobody actually able or willing to make an actual move.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
I'm happy to do so. He's an annoying man who got lucky in that his specialist subject was a terrible friction in British politics. He's worth listening to and I've long advocated that he'd be an excellent person to be in the Lords, but he's very weak on anything other than his specialist subject, and seems very unworthy of high office.
You don’t get “lucky” several times in a row. Winning elections nationwide with new parties
PB’s determination to under-estimate Farage is pathological. And very very stupid
Not thinking he would be a good PM is not underrating him.
Yes, it's more than just luck, you don't have a sustained career like his with just luck, but people not rating him highly is not automatically underrating.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
I'm happy to do so. He's an annoying man who got lucky in that his specialist subject was a terrible friction in British politics. He's worth listening to and I've long advocated that he'd be an excellent person to be in the Lords, but he's very weak on anything other than his specialist subject, and seems very unworthy of high office.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
I think the rules say Streeting as PM could face a challenge within days if 81 MPs wish. They certainly would wish
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
I think the rules say Streeting as PM could face a challenge within days if 81 MPs wish. They certainly would wish
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
The challenge would have to be against Starmer rather than Streeting as Starmer would still be the Labour leader. To bring down Streeting, they'd have to VONC him in the House of Commons.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
A lot right, but I'd say all top politicians are divisive. We are divided after all.
In itself that's ok, politics is how the divided are meant to talk and work with each other. It's a problem if someone is divisive and has bad ideas though.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
The same mistake that those who thought Dominic Cummings might be able to add something to government made.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Farage clearly falls into the same category. To be of his age and never held responsibility or accountability for any organisation of any consequence ought to disqualify him from political office.
Then there are those who can be trusted with actual power, rather than merely influence, some of whom are assiduous listeners and learners and have the good judgement and integrity to do the right thing in the face of conflicting vested interests, and then there are those who in any objective world should neither be listened to nor trusted with any power. Our politics over recent decades has unfortunately become polluted with too many of the latter.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
The problem is Starmer and labour descending into a destructive civil war is handing Farage and the right the keys to Downing Street, no matter how much you wish it was not so
Until Thursday I didn't expect Reform to be anything but a protest vote, but clearly that is not the case and like it or not a right wing government in 2029 looks more and more likely
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
So, the way to sort this out increasingly looks like getting the c. 100 Labour MPs pro-Starmer and the c. 100 anti-Starmer MPs to form two lines and have a massive game of playground classic "Red Rover".
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
You might have noticed that several hundred thousand people have left Britain in recent years, many of them very wealthy and major tax payers. I guess we’d just have to cope if you went - and welcome back lots of rich people under a lower tax Reform regime
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
I think the rules say Streeting as PM could face a challenge within days if 81 MPs wish. They certainly would wish
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
The challenge would have to be against Starmer rather than Streeting as Starmer would still be the Labour leader. To bring down Streeting, they'd have to VONC him in the House of Commons.
The idea the PM wouldn't be the Labour leader is a err interesting one.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
The same mistake that those who thought Dominic Cummings might be able to add something to government made.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Farage clearly falls into the same category. To be of his age and never held responsibility or accountability for any organisation of any consequence ought to disqualify him from political office.
Then there are those who can be trusted with actual power, rather than merely influence, some of whom are assiduous listeners and learners and have the good judgement and integrity to do the right thing in the face of conflicting vested interests, and then there are those who in any objective world should neither be listened to nor trusted with any power. Our politics over recent decades has unfortunately become polluted with too many of the latter.
Were you always such a pompous prick? It’s little wonder your only friend is a dog and even he dreams, forlornly, of escape
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
So, the way to sort this out increasingly looks like getting the c. 100 Labour MPs pro-Starmer and the c. 100 anti-Starmer MPs to form two lines and have a massive game of playground classic "Red Rover".
Isn't it more like 100 "go now" MPs and 100 "go later" MPs? The trick is to find a way to add them together to get a majority.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
Don’t be ridiculous. We all know the game Farage is playing at. If you can’t see it, you’re pretty ignorant buddy. A Farage premiership puts people like me in a vulnerable position. Not that you care I guess!
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
What’s wrong with camps?
You wouldn’t ask that question if you’d ever had to spend a week at Butlin’s.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
Don’t be ridiculous. We all know the game Farage is playing at. If you can’t see it, you’re pretty ignorant buddy. A Farage premiership puts people like me in a vulnerable position. Not that you care I guess!
How does it put you in a “vulnerable position”? I think you’re being overly hysterical, buddy.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
You might have noticed that several hundred thousand people have left Britain in recent years, many of them very wealthy and major tax payers. I guess we’d just have to cope if you went - and welcome back lots of rich people under a lower tax Reform regime
See what’s happening in Italy under Meloni
We should make ex-pats pay UK taxes under a UK-FATCA law. If people want the privileges of British citizenship they should pay UK taxes.
If they care more about their money than their country, well they can just fuck-off.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
The same mistake that those who thought Dominic Cummings might be able to add something to government made.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Farage clearly falls into the same category. To be of his age and never held responsibility or accountability for any organisation of any consequence ought to disqualify him from political office.
Then there are those who can be trusted with actual power, rather than merely influence, some of whom are assiduous listeners and learners and have the good judgement and integrity to do the right thing in the face of conflicting vested interests, and then there are those who in any objective world should neither be listened to nor trusted with any power. Our politics over recent decades has unfortunately become polluted with too many of the latter.
Were you always such a pompous prick? It’s little wonder your only friend is a dog and even he dreams, forlornly, of escape
Which most perceptive PB’ers will immediately perceive as conclusive evidence that you have nothing of relevance to offer by way of response whatsoever, and simply resort to your usual evening activity of abusing the rest of us and hoping you don’t get banned for your unpleasant and unconstructive contributions. You spent six hours of this morning trying to interest the rest of us in the coasters you use to put under your coffee mug; when it comes to pompousness, I concede that you win hands down.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
What’s wrong with camps?
You wouldn’t ask that question if you’d ever had to spend a week at Butlin’s.
Don't knock Butlins, I've even done a few stretches at Pontin's for my sins - now that is an eye opener.
I got well behind on holiday updates, but was making notes and have started to fill them out..
Sunday May 3 - Vendey-Montalivet to Carcans 22.9 miles
I started walking in the pine forests. I thought that the trees might afford me some protection from the sun. Trouble was that I was walking pretty much due south, and the hottest sun was facing me all the way. I had to have breaks under the trees with lots of bugs to get any shade
I still managed a good walking shift to Carcans, where I’d booked a room in a “surf shack”. I don’t think that there was much surfing going on. The quiet French couple staying there were playing chess when I got back from dinner
Before dinner I’d managed to get my washing done, and hung up just outside my room. I went out to find a restaurant
The first place I walked by was a pizza place which had a little crowd around the door drinking beer and smoking, so I searched around. Everywhere else was shut, so I braved the bevy of boozers and returned for a pizza
I was the only customer inside eating (but others did come in to collect), and I was a little trepidatious. I didn’t need to be
The waitress was the manager, who was the wife of the chef. They both had loads of tattoos, and he had dreadlocks. I first off asked for a beer
She recognised my English accent, and told me that they had eight different Belgian bottled beers. I smiled and asked for the best one. He heard me and I followed his recommendations throughout dinner
I had a delicious pizza with crème fraiche as the base, smoked ham, mushrooms, olives, capers and fresh tomato slices on top. And I had a lovely chat with the couple about them and their visits to England, and about my walk
I got back to the surf shack and checked my washing. It was still damp. I made a mental note to bring the clothes rack inside before going to bed. Then I crashed out
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
The same mistake that those who thought Dominic Cummings might be able to add something to government made.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Farage clearly falls into the same category. To be of his age and never held responsibility or accountability for any organisation of any consequence ought to disqualify him from political office.
Then there are those who can be trusted with actual power, rather than merely influence, some of whom are assiduous listeners and learners and have the good judgement and integrity to do the right thing in the face of conflicting vested interests, and then there are those who in any objective world should neither be listened to nor trusted with any power. Our politics over recent decades has unfortunately become polluted with too many of the latter.
Were you always such a pompous prick? It’s little wonder your only friend is a dog and even he dreams, forlornly, of escape
Which most perceptive PB’ers will immediately perceive as conclusive evidence that you have nothing of relevance to offer by way of response whatsoever, and simply resort to your usual evening activity of abusing the rest of us and hoping you don’t get banned for your unpleasant and unconstructive contributions. You spent six hours of this morning trying to interest the rest of us in the coasters you use to put under your coffee mug; when it comes to pompousness, I concede that you win hands down.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
I think the rules say Streeting as PM could face a challenge within days if 81 MPs wish. They certainly would wish
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
The challenge would have to be against Starmer rather than Streeting as Starmer would still be the Labour leader. To bring down Streeting, they'd have to VONC him in the House of Commons.
The idea the PM wouldn't be the Labour leader is a err interesting one.
It might catch on as an innovation. Separate the roles of PM and party leader so the party can more easily act in opposition to itself.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
Don’t be ridiculous. We all know the game Farage is playing at. If you can’t see it, you’re pretty ignorant buddy. A Farage premiership puts people like me in a vulnerable position. Not that you care I guess!
How does it put you in a “vulnerable position”? I think you’re being overly hysterical, buddy.
The rhetoric for example. Leading to the increase in racism. You probably don’t give a shit about this so scum like Farage is all good for you.
I got well behind on holiday updates, but was making notes and have started to fill them out..
Sunday May 3 - Vendey-Montalivet to Carcans 22.9 miles
I started walking in the pine forests. I thought that the trees might afford me some protection from the sun. Trouble was that I was walking pretty much due south, and the hottest sun was facing me all the way. I had to have breaks under the trees with lots of bugs to get any shade
I still managed a good walking shift to Carcans, where I’d booked a room in a “surf shack”. I don’t think that there was much surfing going on. The quiet French couple staying there were playing chess when I got back from dinner
Before dinner I’d managed to get my washing done, and hung up just outside my room. I went out to find a restaurant
The first place I walked by was a pizza place which had a little crowd around the door drinking beer and smoking, so I searched around. Everywhere else was shut, so I braved the bevy of boozers and returned for a pizza
I was the only customer inside eating (but others did come in to collect), and I was a little trepidatious. I didn’t need to be
The waitress was the manager, who was the wife of the chef. They both had loads of tattoos, and he had dreadlocks. I first off asked for a beer
She recognised my English accent, and told me that they had eight different Belgian bottled beers. I smiled and asked for the best one. He heard me and I followed his recommendations throughout dinner
I had a delicious pizza with crème fraiche as the base, smoked ham, mushrooms, olives, capers and fresh tomato slices on top. And I had a lovely chat with the couple about them and their visits to England, and about my walk
I got back to the surf shack and checked my washing. It was still damp. I made a mental note to bring the clothes rack inside before going to bed. Then I crashed out
Can Starmer seriously govern, as PM, given that we know three of his four senior ministers all advised him to quit?
It’s quite ridiculous. After 14 weary years of Tory muppetry, we have somehow ended up with a government that is even worse than the worst of the Tories
Yes yes Britain is “ungovernable” blah blah. Thats a pathetic excuse. No one is forcing Starmer to be a gormless, egotistical fool with a venal streak. No one is forcing the entire Labour Party to lack a brain. No one is forcing Andy Burnham supporters to say “the markets will have to get in line”. This is just their own rank stupidity
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
What’s wrong with camps?
You wouldn’t ask that question if you’d ever had to spend a week at Butlin’s.
Sending migrants to Prestatyn is, in fact, a human rights violation.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
What’s wrong with camps?
??
Are the immigration detention centres run by the current government camps?
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
It's not playing the game tbh. ILR was meant to mean permanent settlement. That a future government might break that promise and it has every legal right to is technically correct but it goes against precedent. You may as well say that any Irish family moving here is "taking a grave risk". We don't have to keep treating them as Brits in law.
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
Can Starmer seriously govern, as PM, given that we know three of his four senior ministers all advised him to quit?
It’s quite ridiculous. After 14 weary years of Tory muppetry, we have somehow ended up with a government that is even worse than the worst of the Tories
Yes yes Britain is “ungovernable” blah blah. Thats a pathetic excuse. No one is forcing Starmer to be a gormless, egotistical fool with a venal streak. No one is forcing the entire Labour Party to lack a brain. No one is forcing Andy Burnham supporters to say “the markets will have to get in line”. This is just their own rank stupidity
It will be severely punished
Settle down and let it play out. There'll be a new LABOUR Prime Minister in due course and well before the next election. Probably by party conference this year. One of Wes or Ed or Andy.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
Don’t be ridiculous. We all know the game Farage is playing at. If you can’t see it, you’re pretty ignorant buddy. A Farage premiership puts people like me in a vulnerable position. Not that you care I guess!
How does it put you in a “vulnerable position”? I think you’re being overly hysterical, buddy.
The rhetoric for example. Leading to the increase in racism. You probably going give a shit about this so scum like Farage is all good for you.
The only people responsible for increasing any racial tension are those who have, for years, pontificated that anyone with concerns over illegal immigration is racist and stupid.
You want to know why Reform is doing well? Look in the mirror. That’s you that is.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
For Burnham to become Labour Party leader the following needs to happen in this sequence:
1. He needs a parliamentary seat to become vacant 2. He needs the approval of the NEC to put himself forward as a candidate 3. Assuming he gets NEC approval, he needs to win the local party selection to be the by-election candidate 4. He needs to win the subsequent by-election 5. There needs to be a vacancy for the leadership or he needs to secure sufficient nominations to force a leadership ballot. 6. He then needs to win the subsequent leadership election
1. seems possible and 2. seems more possible than in January, but is still not a given. If the first and second hurdles are passed, then 3 seems likely.
It is steps 4 and 5 where Burnham faces the biggest challenges.
Much has been said here about the challenges of winning a by-election in even an ostensibly safe Labour seat. But even assuming he does win a by-election, the timing of his return to the Commons in relation to any leadership contest is absolutely critical.
To get on the leadership ballot paper he needs to be back in Parliament when the PLP nominations open. The very earliest a by-election can take place is 21 working days after issuing the writ. But the window for nominations is typically short and opens within a week of the vacancy arising. If Starmer goes in the next week or two, Burnham can't realistically get back to Westminster in time to get nominated.
Unless Starmer gives himself a long resignation period, as many past PMs have done.
He could say his replacement will be elected at Party Conference. That would give time for a by-election.
And once he has resigned, he has no reason to block Burnham anymore.
There is no provision in the Labour Party rule book for the Labour leader to be elected by a vote at Conference. There needs to be the nomination process, some kind of hustings, balloting of members. Hustings and balloting can take place over the summer recess with a result announced in late September at Conference. But it doesn't change the fact that to be nominated in the first place, Burnham needs to be an MP. Parliament is in recess 16 July to 1 September 2026 so he needs to have been sworn in as an MP, and nominated before 16 July. Can't see it.
As for Starmer having no reason to block Burnham after he resigns, that assumes a generosity of spirit he hasn't often shown. More importantly, many of Burnham's putative rivals still have an incentive to block Burnham.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
It's not playing the game tbh. ILR was meant to mean permanent settlement. That a future government might break that promise and it has every legal right to is technically correct but it goes against precedent. You may as well say that any Irish family moving here is "taking a grave risk".
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
Let's stop using high fees as an immigration control mechanism, then. Tighten rules as required, make following them cheap.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
It's not playing the game tbh. ILR was meant to mean permanent settlement. That a future government might break that promise and it has every legal right to is technically correct but it goes against precedent. You may as well say that any Irish family moving here is "taking a grave risk".
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
As with many of my fellow Brits, I suspect, the well of my sympathy is running dry
It’s tough and maybe cruel. I agree. But life is tough and cruel for many British people
They were told ILR can be revoked
And besides, we simply can’t afford it. The numbers on benefits are growing and staggering. So either we cut the benefits bill savagely for all Britons. Or we ask some people to leave - as we are legally allowed to do
I Baxtered that poll and it had Labour in SIXTH place with 23 seats. This is what they are staring at. What the F will the polls be like after today’s clown parade?
The exchange of posts on here about the PA Elbit protestors is an example of why I love PB.
Eabhal posts the original link, outraged.
I am duly outraged also.
I then read the details of Blair's terrorism act and and judges remarks and, briefly, I am calmed by the fact that the law was followed as it should have been.
Then I read how weird the judge's interpretation actually was and I'm back to being outraged.
But at least slightly better informed on the state of play with jury trials.
Thanks PB.
I’ve been told many times that judges finding new meanings in existing laws is progressive, living law in action.
Why is this different?
Isn’t critiquing judges Facism?
I kinda think maxh misses the point somewhat - if what the judge has done here is absolutely correct and within the law and the spirit of it, it's an even bigger outrage. How have we let a law like this end up on the statute book? And why do we tolerate it being applied so unevenly?
The Magna Carta/jury trials crowd are oddly quiet this evening.
Probably.
As for @Malmesbury, I just said I was outraged, not that I was correct to be.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
Why are you wasting everybodys time Streeting is the Mandelson McSweeney candidate
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Starmer can fix it if he remains Labour leader but tells Charles to appoint Streeting as PM. There'd be nothing the left could do about it without bringing down the government by voting with the Tories.
I think the rules say Streeting as PM could face a challenge within days if 81 MPs wish. They certainly would wish
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
The challenge would have to be against Starmer rather than Streeting as Starmer would still be the Labour leader. To bring down Streeting, they'd have to VONC him in the House of Commons.
The idea the PM wouldn't be the Labour leader is a err interesting one.
It might catch on as an innovation. Separate the roles of PM and party leader so the party can more easily act in opposition to itself.
The European model[1]. Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Labour Group in the House Of Commons are different people.
[1] OK, it's technically the American model as well, with the Democratic Caucus != Democrat members of Congress, but the European Parliament model is more blatant. I do miss the EP: it generated great graphs and stats. But apparently some people (side eyes) thought freedom and self-governance were better than that. Tut.
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
It's not playing the game tbh. ILR was meant to mean permanent settlement. That a future government might break that promise and it has every legal right to is technically correct but it goes against precedent. You may as well say that any Irish family moving here is "taking a grave risk".
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
Let's stop using high fees as an immigration control mechanism, then. Tighten rules as required, make following them cheap.
Indeed. I have always felt that citizenship should be awarded, if you follow the rules, with a reasonable but fairly small as in fee. People should be able to earn citizenship, not pay for it.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
Democracy eh. What can you do?
Support parties who don't campaign on putting people in camps?
What’s wrong with camps?
??
That's like asking what's wrong with space stations and posting a picture of the death star.
Many people would have no issue with well constructed holding camps for asylum claimants. Heating, water, food, all the basics. And safe. No longer in fear of persecution. Add in swiftly resolving claims one way or another and removing those who fail and most people would be satisfied.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
Burnham fans need to stop asking for Starmer to resign. If he does it’s curtains for Burnham as there will be no time and a leadership challenge could end up delivering Miliband which would be a gift to the opposition.
He had his chance and just helped to deliver a Tory majority in 2015.
For Burnham to become Labour Party leader the following needs to happen in this sequence:
1. He needs a parliamentary seat to become vacant 2. He needs the approval of the NEC to put himself forward as a candidate 3. Assuming he gets NEC approval, he needs to win the local party selection to be the by-election candidate 4. He needs to win the subsequent by-election 5. There needs to be a vacancy for the leadership or he needs to secure sufficient nominations to force a leadership ballot. 6. He then needs to win the subsequent leadership election
1. seems possible and 2. seems more possible than in January, but is still not a given. If the first and second hurdles are passed, then 3 seems likely.
It is steps 4 and 5 where Burnham faces the biggest challenges.
Much has been said here about the challenges of winning a by-election in even an ostensibly safe Labour seat. But even assuming he does win a by-election, the timing of his return to the Commons in relation to any leadership contest is absolutely critical.
To get on the leadership ballot paper he needs to be back in Parliament when the PLP nominations open. The very earliest a by-election can take place is 21 working days after issuing the writ. But the window for nominations is typically short and opens within a week of the vacancy arising. If Starmer goes in the next week or two, Burnham can't realistically get back to Westminster in time to get nominated.
Unless Starmer gives himself a long resignation period, as many past PMs have done.
He could say his replacement will be elected at Party Conference. That would give time for a by-election.
And once he has resigned, he has no reason to block Burnham anymore.
There is no provision in the Labour Party rule book for the Labour leader to be elected by a vote at Conference. There needs to be the nomination process, some kind of hustings, balloting of members. Hustings and balloting can take place over the summer recess with a result announced in late September at Conference. But it doesn't change the fact that to be nominated in the first place, Burnham needs to be an MP. Parliament is in recess 16 July to 1 September 2026 so he needs to have been sworn in as an MP, and nominated before 16 July. Can't see it.
As for Starmer having no reason to block Burnham after he resigns, that assumes a generosity of spirit he hasn't often shown. More importantly, many of Burnham's putative rivals still have an incentive to block Burnham.
Indeed. I can now see Starmer clinging on forever. He just doesn’t care. He is all ego
Also, remember, whoever takes over has to demonstrate that they are seriously better, arrive with exciting ideas, and make a manifest improvement to our lives
That’s a BIG ASK as skyr would put it. If it happened today they’d have three years to accomplish it. Maybe do-able. But with every week that passes with Starmer barnacled to his chair in Number 10 the time available for the new person to make a difference diminishes. And Labour move closer to oblivion
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
Well, I hope they do.
There are plenty of people who are legally in the UK and commit crimes.
I would sincerely hope that Reform* wishes to deport them.
* I would hope other political parties think similarly.
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
If Farage is the answer then what the fuck is the question? Has he got any answers to this country’s problems? His blackshirts are even more clueless.
Farages answer to everything is deport a load of people which will miraculously help save loads of money . That’s it .
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
And Labours answer is that all those poor souls washing up on our shores are somehow critical to ensuring a healthy economy. All those doctors and care workers, engineers and nurses taking the perilous journey across the Channel to benefit our country. Don’t dare disagree - otherwise. You know. Racist innit.
I’m not talking about the migrant boats . Reform want to deport people who are legally here .
No. No they don’t.
You’ve obviously then ignored their policy on ILR. Anyone who thinks this country won’t descend into an American style cess pit of hate if Reform win are just ignoring their rhetoric and policies .
It has now been pointed out to you, several times, that foreigners in Britain with ILR are made very aware that this is contingent. It is not citizenship. And if they want total security they must apply for citizenship
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
It's not playing the game tbh. ILR was meant to mean permanent settlement. That a future government might break that promise and it has every legal right to is technically correct but it goes against precedent. You may as well say that any Irish family moving here is "taking a grave risk".
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
As with many of my fellow Brits, I suspect, the well of my sympathy is running dry
It’s tough and maybe cruel. I agree. But life is tough and cruel for many British people
They were told ILR can be revoked
And besides, we simply can’t afford it. The numbers on benefits are growing and staggering. So either we cut the benefits bill savagely for all Britons. Or we ask some people to leave - as we are legally allowed to do
Or just remove ILR eligibility to benefits, which is an entirely different thing to removing settlement rights. Although only if a cost analysis shows that to make sense and not screw over actual citizens, which it may well do (e.g. removing child benefit from an ILR mother of a British citizen).
Benefits reform is clearly needed regardless of any particular tinkering with the immigration system.
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
If there's a serious chance of Ed being Prime Minister, I'll cancel my summer trip back to the UK.
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
I Baxtered that poll and it had Labour in SIXTH place with 23 seats. This is what they are staring at. What the F will the polls be like after today’s clown parade?
Right of centre only on 45%. Whilst we have a left of centre government.
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
Well, yes, I get your point. He has, in effect, been very consequential and remains highly effective as a campaigner. He's a definite one-off, and a real political talent.
BUT
As you also say, Skyr is beyond bad. And, indeed, his unfavourability figure according to the latest YouGov is 69%. I'll repeat that: SIXTY-NINE %.
But, and this is the kicker, Nige's is 65%. SIXTY-FIVE%. And that's at the height of his popularity as an opposition leader.
Just imagine with those ratings to start with how a Reform Govt would go: Cutting benefits to its WWC supporters, dealing with all the bad stuff that Govts have to deal with, navigating the scandals that would crop up (inevitable given the roasters who would be elected), etc, etc. We'd all be looking back on Starmer's time with nostalgia.
Sorry, a Farage government would be an unsustainable disaster. I think people know this. It won't happen. (Fingers crossed)
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
You might have noticed that several hundred thousand people have left Britain in recent years, many of them very wealthy and major tax payers. I guess we’d just have to cope if you went - and welcome back lots of rich people under a lower tax Reform regime
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
Well, yes, I get your point. He has, in effect, been very consequential and remains highly effective as a campaigner. He's a definite one-off, and a real political talent.
BUT
As you also say, Skyr is beyond bad. And, indeed, his unfavourability figure according to the latest YouGov is 69%. I'll repeat that: SIXTY-NINE %.
But, and this is the kicker, Nige's is 65%. SIXTY-FIVE%. And that's at the height of his popularity as an opposition leader.
Just imagine with those ratings to start with how a Reform Govt would go: Cutting benefits to its WWC supporters, dealing with all the bad stuff that Govts have to deal with, navigating the scandals that would crop up (inevitable given the roasters who would be elected), etc, etc. We'd all be looking back on Starmer's time with nostalgia.
Sorry, a Farage government would be an unsustainable disaster. I think people know this. It won't happen. (Fingers crossed)
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
If there's a serious chance of Ed being Prime Minister, I'll cancel my summer trip back to the UK.
We've just cancelled an autumn trip to the US because... we just don't think we'll enjoyed knowing Trump is in the White House.
The praetorian guard around the prime minister, who have been urging him not to quit, are the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the attorney general Richard Hermer, the Housing Secretary Steve Reed and - no longer on the payroll - Morgan McSweeney. Or so a minister tells me. I asked Downing St for a comment. None forthcoming
I mean, who can objectively argue that PM Farage would be WORSE than this? How? Why? He’s a proven organiser and he has a brain and he gets things done
These people in power are cretins and they can’t do anything
Expect Reform back in the 30s and Labour sub-15
Farage famously falls out with allies, and usually they flounce off to form their own new parties. How he would handle managing 200-300 MPs, who would be grateful to him but only up to a point as they would be accountable to their electorates, is a major question. Boris couldn't do it, Keir cannot do it.
Farage is pretty fucking good at building new political parties from the ground up and then winning national elections. He’s now done it TWICE
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
He has been given a lot of money by billionaires to help him along the way. A Farage premiership would be the biggest disaster to befall this country in decades. He is divisive, his policies alternatively contradictory, ill-informed, malign or non-existent. He is close to Putin and Trump. He can't handle criticism or scrutiny. He falls out with everyone he works with. I'd be looking to leave the country if he got into power.
You might have noticed that several hundred thousand people have left Britain in recent years, many of them very wealthy and major tax payers. I guess we’d just have to cope if you went - and welcome back lots of rich people under a lower tax Reform regime
See what’s happening in Italy under Meloni
This is Italian GDP growth:
Yes but you are deliberately ignoring the fact Meloni is surprisingly hot. Which is typical of the slippery way you argue. You only get away with it because your Dad is OGH
Once you factor in her hotness and the recent semi nude fake photos then the economic picture entirely changes, as you well know
Comments
Which shows more drive, ambition, brains and organisational ability than the entire Labour government put together. With the Tories
Streeting ain't getting a coronation
He has close to zero chance in a contest
Liz Kendall got 4% last time she stood WS might get 20% if he is lucky
The only hurdle to a more centrist Candidate getting on the ballot is getting 81 MPs to agree who beats Streeting
Jones was just being loyal and would still be acceptable .
I divide my officers into four classes; the clever, the lazy, the industrious, and the stupid. Each officer possesses at least two of these qualities. Those who are clever and industrious are fitted for the highest staff appointments. Use can be made of those who are stupid and lazy. The man who is clever and lazy however is for the very highest command; he has the temperament and nerves to deal with all situations. But whoever is stupid and industrious is a menace and must be removed immediately!
Farage must be watching this debacle thinking all his Christmases have come at once, especially if the eventual outcome is a wounded Starmer limping on.
PB’s determination to under-estimate Farage is pathological. And very very stupid
Burnham decided to ignore what the eligibility rules say.
Both assumed their fans would sacrifice themselves in their service.
I mean, this isn't difficult stuff, chaps.
In other news racist attacks on NHS staff have risen . Farage and Reform are a cancer on this country .
Has the bottom just fallen out of this coup? Despairing Labour MP: “We’re stuck. Andy has no need to trigger. Wes doesn’t have the numbers.”
UK to provide drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission
John Healey, the UK defence minister, has announced the UK will contribute drones, jets and a warship to a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Healey made the announcement after co-chairing a meeting of 40 defence ministers to build support for the UK-led mission to secure shipping through the key waterway, which is subject to an Iranian blockade.
A statement issued by the defence ministry said Britain would deploy autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon "as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz".
Stressing the mission was "defensive", Healey said the UK was playing a leading role to secure the Strait of Hormuz, adding the measures were "strong and clear commitments – commitments to strengthen the confidence of commercial shipping and reduce the burden of the conflict on people at home".
The ministry said HMS Dragon was already on its way to the Middle East, to "ensure that the air defence ship is ready for potential future operations in the Strait". The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to most traffic since the end of February after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by the IRGC.
Its closure blocks roughly a fifth of global daily oil and LNG supply, driving up shipping costs, causing severe energy and fertiliser shortages, and disrupting global trade. The UN warned today that around 45 million people will suffer "hunger and starvation" without access to fertiliser through the waterway.
Those are powerful weapons for any PM, and (like Boris) he would have successes and might even be popular for a while.
However (also like Boris) he doesn’t like challenge and push back from his team, and cannot be a part of a team. You need those things to be successful too. Up to and including 1987, despite the Spitting Image caricature, even Thatcher had them.
Realistically nobody is going to do anything tomorrow.
So Thursday at the earliest - which is a week after Local Election day.
Also worth remembering we were confidently told an MP would resign their seat within 24 to 48 hours of Local election results - well that hasn't happened either.
It does all begin to look like lots of talk but nobody actually able or willing to make an actual move.
Yes, it's more than just luck, you don't have a sustained career like his with just luck, but people not rating him highly is not automatically underrating.
You've won that argument.
Plus Starmer has stood up to Streeting and certainly aint going to assist in a coronation for Mandelsons mate
In itself that's ok, politics is how the divided are meant to talk and work with each other. It's a problem if someone is divisive and has bad ideas though.
There are people off-stage who, whilst never sensibly to be gifted any executive power themselves, might through their analysis and criticism and challenge be able to help those actually running things to achieve a new perspective or broader view. That’s a position to which you, when off the drink and away from social media, ought one day to aspire.
Farage clearly falls into the same category. To be of his age and never held responsibility or accountability for any organisation of any consequence ought to disqualify him from political office.
Then there are those who can be trusted with actual power, rather than merely influence, some of whom are assiduous listeners and learners and have the good judgement and integrity to do the right thing in the face of conflicting vested interests, and then there are those who in any objective world should neither be listened to nor trusted with any power. Our politics over recent decades has unfortunately become polluted with too many of the latter.
Until Thursday I didn't expect Reform to be anything but a protest vote, but clearly that is not the case and like it or not a right wing government in 2029 looks more and more likely
See what’s happening in Italy under Meloni
They are told that their ILR can be revoked for multiple reasons, including a simple government decision
If they then decide to form a family here - despite knowing all this - then they are knowingly taking a grave risk. It is not the job of the British people to pay for their risks and mistakes
https://x.com/breeallegretti/status/2054261523221037097
If they care more about their money than their country, well they can just fuck-off.
Sunday May 3 - Vendey-Montalivet to Carcans 22.9 miles
I started walking in the pine forests. I thought that the trees might afford me some protection from the sun. Trouble was that I was walking pretty much due south, and the hottest sun was facing me all the way. I had to have breaks under the trees with lots of bugs to get any shade
I still managed a good walking shift to Carcans, where I’d booked a room in a “surf shack”. I don’t think that there was much surfing going on. The quiet French couple staying there were playing chess when I got back from dinner
Before dinner I’d managed to get my washing done, and hung up just outside my room. I went out to find a restaurant
The first place I walked by was a pizza place which had a little crowd around the door drinking beer and smoking, so I searched around. Everywhere else was shut, so I braved the bevy of boozers and returned for a pizza
I was the only customer inside eating (but others did come in to collect), and I was a little trepidatious. I didn’t need to be
The waitress was the manager, who was the wife of the chef. They both had loads of tattoos, and he had dreadlocks. I first off asked for a beer
She recognised my English accent, and told me that they had eight different Belgian bottled beers. I smiled and asked for the best one. He heard me and I followed his recommendations throughout dinner
I had a delicious pizza with crème fraiche as the base, smoked ham, mushrooms, olives, capers and fresh tomato slices on top. And I had a lovely chat with the couple about them and their visits to England, and about my walk
I got back to the surf shack and checked my washing. It was still damp. I made a mental note to bring the clothes rack inside before going to bed. Then I crashed out
It’s quite ridiculous. After 14 weary years of Tory muppetry, we have somehow ended up with a government that is even worse than the worst of the Tories
Yes yes Britain is “ungovernable” blah blah. Thats a pathetic excuse. No one is forcing Starmer to be a gormless, egotistical fool with a venal streak. No one is forcing the entire Labour Party to lack a brain. No one is forcing Andy Burnham supporters to say “the markets will have to get in line”. This is just their own rank stupidity
It will be severely punished
In any case, what you're missing is mixed families of citizens + those with ILR. Admittedly most should really be converting that ILR to citizenship but with the fees involved for the less well off that can take a great deal of time, and that's assuming there's not something making them illegible for years.
You want to know why Reform is doing well? Look in the mirror. That’s you that is.
As for Starmer having no reason to block Burnham after he resigns, that assumes a generosity of spirit he hasn't often shown. More importantly, many of Burnham's putative rivals still have an incentive to block Burnham.
It’s tough and maybe cruel. I agree. But life is tough and cruel for many British people
They were told ILR can be revoked
And besides, we simply can’t afford it. The numbers on benefits are growing and staggering. So either we cut the benefits bill savagely for all Britons. Or we ask some people to leave - as we are legally allowed to do
For the country, my order of preference is probably Streeting, Starmer, Burnham, Miliband, Rayner.
YouGov / Sky / Times
RefUK 28% (+3),
CON 17% (nc),
GRN 16% (+1).
LAB 16% (-2),
LDEM 13% (-1),
I Baxtered that poll and it had Labour in SIXTH place with 23 seats. This is what they are staring at. What the F will the polls be like after today’s clown parade?
As for @Malmesbury, I just said I was outraged, not that I was correct to be.
[1] OK, it's technically the American model as well, with the Democratic Caucus != Democrat members of Congress, but the European Parliament model is more blatant. I do miss the EP: it generated great graphs and stats. But apparently some people (side eyes) thought freedom and self-governance were better than that. Tut.
EXCLUSIVE:
Ed Miliband has told Cabinet ministers that he is prepared to run for the Labour leadership if Wes Streeting triggers an imminent contest, The Times has been told
Streeting
Burnham
Rayner
Miliband
Country:
Streeting
Miliband
Burnham
Rayner
Many people would have no issue with well constructed holding camps for asylum claimants. Heating, water, food, all the basics. And safe. No longer in fear of persecution. Add in swiftly resolving claims one way or another and removing those who fail and most people would be satisfied.
Also, remember, whoever takes over has to demonstrate that they are seriously better, arrive with exciting ideas, and make a manifest improvement to our lives
That’s a BIG ASK as skyr would put it. If it happened today they’d have three years to accomplish it. Maybe do-able. But with every week that passes with Starmer barnacled to his chair in Number 10 the time available for the new person to make a difference diminishes. And Labour move closer to oblivion
There are plenty of people who are legally in the UK and commit crimes.
I would sincerely hope that Reform* wishes to deport them.
* I would hope other political parties think similarly.
Benefits reform is clearly needed regardless of any particular tinkering with the immigration system.
BUT
As you also say, Skyr is beyond bad. And, indeed, his unfavourability figure according to the latest YouGov is 69%. I'll repeat that: SIXTY-NINE %.
But, and this is the kicker, Nige's is 65%. SIXTY-FIVE%. And that's at the height of his popularity as an opposition leader.
Just imagine with those ratings to start with how a Reform Govt would go: Cutting benefits to its WWC supporters, dealing with all the bad stuff that Govts have to deal with, navigating the scandals that would crop up (inevitable given the roasters who would be elected), etc, etc. We'd all be looking back on Starmer's time with nostalgia.
Sorry, a Farage government would be an unsustainable disaster. I think people know this. It won't happen. (Fingers crossed)
https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/54604-political-favourability-ratings-april-2026
The praetorian guard around the prime minister, who have been urging him not to quit, are the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the attorney general Richard Hermer, the Housing Secretary Steve Reed and - no longer on the payroll - Morgan McSweeney. Or so a minister tells me. I asked Downing St for a comment. None forthcoming
Once you factor in her hotness and the recent semi nude fake photos then the economic picture entirely changes, as you well know