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The NYT article is so on the 'money':
"His place in the history books, however, is secured. He will forever be the libertine whose pursuit of personal freedom and “control” saw his countrymen robbed of theirs."
I can see why he said that, it’s the least worst option and he still comes across as a liar but everyone knows he’s a liar anyway.
I can’t understand why reporters allow this no comment line to go unchallenged - it’s not sub judice, there’s no imperative for him to remain schtum, press them for an answer and don’t let them kick the can down the road.
Just emailed m Tory mp, he has had run ins with Johnson before (whip withdrawn) so hopefully this will irk him some.
Yes a decent interviewer is needed. But Bojo will avoid these like he avoided Andrew Neil during the election. Anyone would do! Richard Madeley would have him on toast.
Will Bojo turn up for PMQs?
It's been noted already that these parties seem to be the only thing that is cutting through. I think this is because obviously everyone is comparing the reality of what they were doing at the time with 'bring your own booze' parties at number 10
When he's lost Julia Hartley-Brewer, that truly is a new level?
https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1480649442416119810?s=20
Will Bojo turn up for PMQs?
If he does (and I'm sure he's presently looking for any excuse not too), please let it still be Angela Rayner opposite him
I am still convinced Johnson will hang on and hang on. IMO he simply is incapable of accepting he does anything wrong. I think and hope his hanging on will continue to damage the tory party.
He'll hang on because it's his nature, and the party have no one willing to pick up the mess at the moment.
Sadly, the longer he hangs on the more the damage will be seen as Boris's problem, and not a Tory problem. New leader, new broom, let's put that behind us and move forward tra la la
From the NY TYimes article noted above by @crazy-legs
It’s a truism that nations sleepwalk into tyranny, and England — the most politically powerful of the nations that make up Britain — is no exception. For decades it has possessed all the necessary ingredients: ever more spiteful nationalism, press fealty sold to the highest bidder and a fervent, misplaced belief that authoritarianism could never set up shop here, because we simply wouldn’t let it.
I don't think you would hear the issue discussed in terms of England/[not]the devolved nations in quite that way from a UK journalist.
I am still convinced Johnson will hang on and hang on. IMO he simply is incapable of accepting he does anything wrong. I think and hope his hanging on will continue to damage the tory party.
I think there's an element of that but I also think he takes great delight in pulling a fast one.
That stuff about the flat refurb where he was basically cleared in spite of the fact that the fund he was asking for money from hadn't yet been set up. He was absolutely thrilled, he was like a kid in a sweet shop. Yep, got away with it again, what a smooth master criminal I am, what larks.
I don’t think you would hear the issue discussed in terms of England/[not]the devolved nations in quite that way from a UK journalist.
The journalist is British.
Much like labour defeat in the last GE, only the corbynites voted Labour. The rest of the ‘left’ are working class racists
That's one of the most stupid comments I've seen on here and there's plenty of competition.
Anyway, I'm off to email my MP, wish me luck!
interesting the scum make absolutely no mention of the "bring a bottle party"
I dont know about the need telling about whether you have been to a party or not. I mean obviously most people would be able to remember if they had been to a party last year but Johnson and co seem to have been having one pretty much every week. Cant blame them for being a bit confused as to whether there was one that particular day or not.
Someone is aiming for promotion to sacrificial victim to repeat the government line on the news shortly before the line takes a rapid diversion.
Johnson and co seem to have been having one pretty much every
weekday.
FTFY etc.
I've just written to my Tory MP to ask him for his stance on the Downing Street party's, given he was happy to tow the party line about Dominic Cummings at the time
I doubt I'll get a reply but I just wanted to add to his no doubt full inbox on the subject
I think there’s an element of that but I also think he takes great delight in pulling a fast one.
When asked last night whether he was at he party his first reaction was to smile, a bit like the accused psychopathic murderer who smiles before answering the question because they think they are better than everyone else and can outsmart them.
Yep, got away with it again, what a smooth master criminal I am, what larks.
Nailed it. He doesn't just lie to keep his power, getting away with the lie itself reinforces his feeling of power. It's all a game, he has no morals, he revels in the idea that he can get away with anything and everything. The lie isn't just a means to an end... he loves to get one over everyone else... he lives for it. He wants us to know he's lying, and he want's us to accept the lie as if it is the truth, or that the truth simply doesn't matter, and he loves that nothing can be done about it.
Several of these are recommended watching... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Curtis#Filmography
& these...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Ronson#Filmography
It lays bare now the reasons so many of them stood up and defended Cummings resolutely, because they were all at it. It was all around the same time.
No, they weren't "all at it"... Johnson and his immediate team were at it, and all the other ministers, most of whom owe their position entirely to Johnson+Brexit, have to do what ever Johnson and his team tell them to. Most ministers avoided this stuff just fine, and followed the same rules (and laws) as the rest of us during that first difficult period of extreme restrictions... but they had to go out and cover for Cummings, Johnson and the rest of that team to keep their roles and positions.
it's the lack of "crisis" management from number 10 that will do for him.
Most ministers avoided this stuff just fine
A rather bold claim. How do you know this?
Remember the ministers are chosen for willingness to buy into Johnsons claims. Admittedly some might have been a bit busy funnelling cash to mates to bother partying.
Yep, perfect descriptions above of malignant narcissism, terminal and incurable. It's like having Rose West in No 10.
Starmer would do well to make it about the whole party in pmqs. To sow a bit of division but also hopefully weaken the Tories going into the next election.
Johnson is sending Michael Ellis (Paymaster General) to stand in for him at the urgent question.
hands, face, drinks at my place.
Of course Johnson won’t show, he hasn’t got his new lie ready yet. Give him time…
Hopefully it's still Angela Rayner at PMQ's. Boris is terrified of her as she's everything he hates... a working class female
She's asking an 'emergency' question in the commons at 12.30. I wonder which of his human shields/nodding dogs Boris will send out to bat for him today
EDIT: Michael Ellis (Paymaster General)
Who?
I see that all the senior cabinet members are hidden in the fridge with Boris
The thing is, there are Met cops standing there at all hours of the night and day. How come one of them didn't think to say "Er, what are you doing? The law says you can have a gathering like this, stop or I'll have either arrest some-one, or at the very least; close it down"
I think the Met have got some explaining to do, as well as the PM.
I assume Ellis is just going to repeat the "we cant comment until the investigation is complete" line. Before getting on the phone to Johnson and demanding whatever reward he was promised.
Probably better than being the poor idiot ordered out to face the media though. At least in parliament the speaker will shout at anyone who actually pressures them.
I assume Ellis is just going to repeat the “we cant comment until the investigation is complete” line.
I think it's safe to say that that is the only comment we'll be hearing from anyone
I think the Met have got some explaining to do, as well as the PM.
The trouble is that the Met is led by someone who's also as brazen as Boris and similarly doesn't see herself as accountable to anyone
The prime minister's principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds, has the full confidence of Boris Johnson, No 10 says.
Speaking after the email emerged suggesting Reynolds invited more than 100 Downing Street employees to a gathering during Covid restrictions, the prime minister's official spokesman says he "continues in his role".
I'm sure Boris would like to throw him under the bus but it must be tricky to sack someone for inviting people to a party that you attended.
Be interesting to see the outcome of the investigation into these parties, I'm sure it will be total BS but interesting nonetheless.
Reynolds will be sacked when the time is right. Even though he was acting as the PM’s PPS. The idea that he would arrange this and Johnson not know about it isn’t plausible in the slightest. They’ll try and go with that if they can though.
I’m sure Boris would like to throw him under the bus but it must be tricky to sack someone for inviting people to a party that you attended.
Or more likely the first thing he would tell the press would be "Well Boris was the one who told me to invite everyone to a party in the first place"
I’m sure Boris would like to throw him under the bus but it must be tricky to sack someone for inviting people to a party that you attended
That and there is the question of what else does that person know? Bearing in mind there is a very high chance this particular case was leaked by a certain person who got sacrificed.
Odd how few tories turned up for the discussion.
Meh ladbaby may have won the Christmas spot but I think the other er ‘Festive’ record could make a big come back.
Altogether… Boris Johnson is a …..
Where can we watch what the Tories are frantically trying to get out of the door while attention is on this?
The thing is, there are Met cops standing there at all hours of the night and day. How come one of them didn’t think to say “Er, what are you doing? The law says you can have a gathering like this, stop or I’ll have either arrest some-one, or at the very least; close it down”
While you’re quite right that they are police officers, they’re not really there in the normal ‘maintain law and order’ capacity. They are security guards. They need to be police officers so they can be armed, but their function is to provide security to the premises and people within. That’s it.
lots of empty seats
I was just about to make the same comment.
That’s it.
I'd say that's their primary duty fo'shure, but cops are still cops aren't they? Don't they have radios? Don't they have a duty to report crime or suspect crime? I mean, I'm pretty sure if I stood outside no10 and broke the law, those cops would arrest me
And even some of those tories who have turned up are putting the boot in as well. Although still a couple who are so far up johnsons arse they are polishing his teeth.
The inquiry is doing a lot of work right now.
If sue gray was on the party invite list she's surely gotta be replaced
What a farce
If sue gray was on the party invite list she’s surely gotta be replaced
Is there a suggestion that she was beyond Ian Blackford asking if she was?
Quote from the forgettable man standing in his* place...
"He* will wait to find out for sure what went on."
Perhaps he* should ask himself what when on. I suppose he knows he can't trust what he says to himself.
*Johnson.
If Sue was invited but didn't attend, she has all the receipts. Should be a relatively short investigation...
Perhaps he* should ask himself what when on. I suppose he knows he can’t trust what he says to himself.
I went to a few parties at Uni where I pre-drank so much that I don't remember the party itself, maybe that's why Boris needs someone to investigate for him?
send this to your Tory MP/MSP
https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1480896532211806210
UK Gov via Met police advice for 20th May 2020
https://twitter.com/metpoliceuk/status/1263108555961442304
<Dear Mr Davies,
Regarding the subject of Downing Street parties, I would be delighted to hear your views on these and, perhaps more importantly, the messaging around them.
I'm particularly intrigued that the PM seems to be waiting for the outcome of an investigation before being able to say whether or not he attended, and your thoughts on this will be interesting, I'm sure.
Yours
Fadda >
Response to my email mail, just 2 mins after sending:
Dear fadda,
I dont know anything about any Downing Street parties. I don’t see any point in making a comment before the result of the independent investigation.
Regards
the result of the independent investigation.
There's a lovely scene in Yes Prime Minister where Sir Humphrey explains to the PM that the whole point of an internal inquiry is to find no evidence:
Also this:
https://twitter.com/Ottojizzmark/status/1480876370527985667?s=20
Wonderful Boycott style flat bat defense from Ellis. Trouble is flat bat defense never wins anything - the best you can hope for is a draw. Maybe Botham will appear to run him out?
Marina Hyde on her usual excellent form.
Not a fan of the Met Police, but were the people at the party already in the building? You let them in to work, you let them out when they finish, not sure they stand at every door checking what people are up to.
And if your focus is watching out for armed nutters, the reasons for a bunch of staff heading into the garden probably aren't high on your priority list.
I hadn't realised the email invite had gone out from the PPS. As a civil servant, that's ****ing embarrassing.
hands, face, drinks at my place.
Needs more credit
I have always viewed Borris as a real Churchillian leader gifted to us for troubled times. For a while now, I have felt a bit of unease creeping in. But these latest escapees are the last straw. I don't mind admitting now that he may not be the man of steadfast, integrity and courage I had assumed.
borderline genius
Needs more credit
I stole it off twitter 🙂
Remember that time when Alistair Carmichael leaked a memo, denied leaking the memo, called for an enquiry into who leaked the memo, watched as public money was spent on the investigation into who leaked the memo, and then it turned out he'd leaked the memo? That was one of the low-water marks of that particular lib-dem suicide pact and now it's just mainstream policy.
send this to your Tory MP/MSP
I'm sure I would, if I thought he would give a shit about it.
I have always viewed Borris as a real Churchillian leader gifted to us for troubled times. For a while now, I have felt a bit of unease creeping in. But these latest escapees are the last straw. I don’t mind admitting now that he may not be the man of steadfast, integrity and courage I had assumed.
🙂
I have always viewed Borris as a real Churchillian leader gifted to us for troubled times.
The sad reality is this is how people do actually view him... well my tory supporting mother any way. I think the only the resemblance is they are fat, white and old... or pale frail and stale.
I’m sure I would, if I thought he would give a shit about it.
I knew that mine wouldn't give one, but I sent something anyway, just to add to the noise...
Does seem to be not be going away.
I can’t see a way out of this one for him other than stretching the investigation out it out and leaving the job with some excuse ,as much as they’ll want him to take the flack before a new leader I don’t think a everything was within the rules will cut it now.
He’s busy concocting some bullshit reason for not turning up for PMQ’s tomorrow, isn’t he?
I’ll be amazed if he changes the habit of a lifetime and actually faces the music
I’m sure he’ll find an urgent need to visit a vaccination centre (his definite favourite) in Inverness.
I wonder who he’ll get to cover for him? I can’t imagine there’ll be many takers
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🤣
Really does feel like the end
Anyone else think he'll sleaze his way out of this?
Gray will let him off coz its house & he just wandered into the garden accidentally with a case of champagne
Keep his head down, ignore it all, bumble along as usual
The Tories will announce free Stella for all Tory constituents and lasers defending every statue, just before the locals and Johnson will be a hero again.
It's all the fault of someone else. I knew it couldn't be Boris.
Good old Telegraph - a beacon of light in these dark times 😂
Well Reynolds is definitely the fall guy then. He’ll be shuffled aside to move this on for a bit.
Jeepers. How empty was the commons on the Tory side?😐
Jeepers. How empty was the commons on the Tory side?
If he couldnt be arsed turning up why should anyone else?
PMQs will be interesting though. If its equally empty he really is just being kept on to get blamed for everything when they switch to a new leader a year and a half or so prior to the election.
They are desperate to keep him in the job until after the May elections (probably keep trotting out the shit about the official investigation) then he will be dumped and the new messiah will be put in place.
Even Kuenssberg is sticking the knife in now ( well as much as she ever would attack a tory)