MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
the Orange One "Why have you forsaken me ?" 🙁
the reality is not standing and not being leader, even though he made it onto qt, he was going to get sidelined in the run in.
He’s just repeating his lines from the referendum campaign… you’d hope the voters have moved on since then… I wouldn’t bet on it though… not in every seat.
Sit back and enjoy the schadenfreude. It’s delicious
The Tory party Brexiteers, of which Rishi was an enthusiastic member, used Farage, Banks, Tice and the rest of that mob as outriders, because it allowed them to bend the rules during the referendum. Actually… not so much bend them as tear them up completely.
Boris and Gove couldn’t stand in front of a massive poster saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH over a picture of a load of Muslim men. Farage could though as he wasn’t a member of the official leave campaign. Then of course Nige obligingly stood down his troops on 2019 enabling a huge Tory majority
Now all that divisive and hate-filled bile, that the Tory Brexiteers unleashed, is coming back to bite them on the arse big time!
So ****’em!
I’m absolutely loving it! 😃
Ha! Farage standing...hmm will that up reform votesand will it take votes from tories or Labour, or both?
It's real...Farage standing as Reform UK candidate for Clacton and becomes party leader
The “man of the people” act still going then?
He never said what sort of fishing.
Question is for the US does it mean:
a)he is having doubts about the republicans campaign under Trump and hence his ability to go over their and grift.
or
b)someone pointed out he could take the same approach to being an mp as an mep. Take the money and then abandon his constituents to go and grift in the US.
He fancies his chances of actually winning the seat... which would help, not hinder, the work he wants to do in the USA later in the year.
Anyone know what the current poll predictor is for Clacton?
Interested to know how far behind he is currently
I think YouGov are doing a poll ready for the evening news.
Farage looks like he'll start chewing his own face off if there’s a pause in the press conference, doesn’t he?
He fancies his chances of actually winning the seat… which would help, not hinder, the work he wants to do in the USA later in the year
I’d imagine his commitment to the constituents of Clacton is about as deep and heartfelt as George Galloways is to the good people of Rochdale
As if Nigel would spend a second in Clacton post-election if he won.
And what about this poor gammon getting turfed out to make way?
https://www.reformparty.uk/clacton-constituency
He won’t do anything for the people of Clayton: he’ll use his position to scapegoat others and present himself as a PM-in-waiting for 2029 with some nebulous platform based on conspiracy theories and promises of more “direct democracy” much like MAGA does.
As if Nigel would spend a second in Clacton post-election if he won.
At best he seems to have been offering to spend Fridays there. Which having been to Clacton is remarkably generous.
And what about this poor gammon getting turfed out to make way?
I was curious about that. At least one recent report about his social media history suggests that their vetting might not have been all it could have been and so he might have been on the way out anyway.
Actually, this is just so he can take part in the leader debates, isn't it?
At least one recent report about his social media history suggests that their vetting might not have been all it could have been
I’m just wondering where the bar is set for what kind of social media a activity would get you kicked out of Reform?
Farage is, unsurprisingly, very selective about his reading of opinion polls. He says that it is now absolutely certain that Labour will win the general election, presumably based on the polls.
But he also says that Reform UK will take substantial votes from Labour despite all the poll evidence suggesting the opposite.
Over the last year support for Labour has remained remarkably stable, during that time support for Reform UK has almost trebled and support for the Tories has nosedived.
I think it is obvious where support for Reform UK is coming from.
From his little speech this afternoon I get the impression that typical for a demagogue he has an overinflated belief in his own popularity.
Obviously he is going to talk up his alleged appeal but I think much of it he probably genuinely believes. That must have played a part in his decision to stand 7 times for parliament despite never winning, how many other politicians have a similar record?
Tories apparently now terrfied of a total wipeout
Amazing really, I know Im not farages target demographic but its not just that he repulses me in every single way, but will this really take many more votes from the Tories are there that much more for them to lose?
Theres not much left in the dont knows to squeeze, so it would have to be straight tory to reform flips...
https://twitter.com/RedfieldWilton/status/1797634458775883784
Actually, this is just so he can take part in the leader debates, isn’t it?
Watching Farage get stuck into the Lil Fella is going to be comedy gold though 😂
This idea that Farage has a lucrative career in the US - is anyone saying that apart from Farage? Trump ensures that the money flows to him directly whenever possible, and there's a thousand Americans who are louder, prettier, with more media access and even some popular support who are ahead of Farage in the Grift Queue.
I thought Sunak was vegetarian, and “hardly ate at all” ?!?
Because this is the only thing he's said I'm interested in, I researched this. There was an interview last year in which he said he likes a full cooked breakfast Inc pancakes and crispy bacon on a Sunday.
He presumably doesn't do that when his mother in law is around. She's a member of the Indian legislature where the question of whether you eat meat or not, and whether you would eat beef or pork in particular, are markers in the religious culture wars: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-66336500
PS I don't believe for a second that Sunak actually eats crispy bacon. Like the rest of the "love the kids, love the wife, love the Nandos" rubbish, it's just a dogwhistle about what kind of person he is...and isn't.
I suspect Farage will also get stuck into Starmer too as a suspected re joiner.
Ernie -
farage did make a public offer.
Not overt but its clear what he is meaning
Can Nigel Farage ever tell the truth? Honestly if you listed the ‘100 top bellends in the world’ I think 90% of them would be politicians.
Which reminds me of the best ever Nigel Farage video…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bxMhwNkKfqs&pp=ygUYTmlnZWwgZmFyYWdlIHdhbmtlciBzaWdu
Ernie –
farage did make a public offer.
Your link doesn't say what you seem to think it says. From your link:
The Reform UK honorary president said: “I got rid of Mrs May with the Brexit Party. I stood aside with Boris to help a massive majority. What are they going to do back for me?”
No, I'm not asking for anything other than: I've done them some huge favours over the years as a party, give me something back. We might have a conversation
For Nigel Farage to say to the Tories "I have done you some huge favours, it's time for you to do me some favours back, let's have a little chat", is not the same as saying "I want to do another huge favour like I did for you in 2019".
Its clear what he is offering - to stand down in return for something. Clear as daylight
It's clear that he is claiming that they owe him favours. That is clear as daylight.
Edit: So anyway that fooled you into believing that Reform UK wouldn't stand in Tory seats under Labour threat? Seriously?
Its clear what he is offering – to stand down in return for something. Clear as daylight
You've been saying that for the last 12 months. He did that last time and got bent over by Boris. He won’t be doing it again, that’s for sure.
Imagine receiving promises from Johnson that he then immediately reneged on? Who’d have thunk it?
I firmly believe that most of his motivation is spite and revenge for getting mugged off by them 5 years ago. He’s as thin-skinned and vindictive as they come
Fancy the usual pastry-based wager Uncle Jezza? I’ll have you twenty quid worth of steak bakes that Farage and Reform fully contest this election and don’t stand anyone down? 😃
….for something
Leader of the Tory right/Party.
24 Tory seats?
Rees-Mogg could really lie across the benches then.
If they only have 24 seats Rees-Mogg will be long gone.
43 in the FT one & 3rd party behind lib dems
Eh? 135 as of today. FT Poll
Also FT poll today
If Farage increases the Reform vote I think we all know where most will come from. I can't see him winning but he might guarantee the Tories don't.
the slippery c-nut is sniffing around sunaks honours list isn't he.
the little fella is so pathetic he just might put him on it
No I long thought that Ernie / Binners. Thats just confirming the deal is there if Sunhak takes it
Looking less likely tho now I agree.
These folk with a Labour/Gaza issue, who else are they actually going to vote for?
Genuine question.
Depends what your issues with Labour are. You vote for the person not the party and there are a number of left wing Labour candidates around. Also lots in support of Gaza. If you have one then you are in a great position as they will have some influence on the party likely to be in power.
Farage has always wanted to be at the top echelons of the tory party, he's been rejected for years, but he thinks with the lunatic right that the tories have now, he has a chance of doing damage, and probably then amalgamating the parties to get his wish, it'll all be in his head though, the guy is just a pure chancer who just wants to be in some sort of power, it's a bit like Johnson, but with less scruples, which is hard to believe was possible 🤣
It'll be a fun election, you're already seeing a lot of the moderate tories moving away because of what's happening, what they put up for those gaps will be against proper right wingers if reform are competing, all i hope for is a labour majority and the lib dems to get in my local seat, we do have a lot of old folk in our area though who have voted the tories in for years, even though it gets worse every time!
You taking my bet then Uncle Jezza?
The problem with Farage is that firstly he very occasionally gets it right. There was a moment during his press conference when I actually stopped smiling in amusement at his moronic comments, that was when he commented on the issues of PR and the House of Lords. He was in fact spot-on and saying exactly what Keir Starmer should be saying.
The second problem is that both the Tory and Labour leaders have absolutely zero charisma. Immediately after the Farage segment on the news they switched to a read speech by Keir Starmer, my immediate reaction was **** me is he dull or what.
I can see Farage benefitting from those two points more than I am comfortable with.
Farage will put in as much effort as an MP as he did as an MEP - worst attendece record (bar a guy who was paralysed & attended virtually). Max out the expenses & subsidised bars and only show up for grandstand ING clips for social media consumption
Also British MP makes him sound more important in USA
That said best result would be for Reform to help Tories get totally wiped out and farage to still not get elected as an MP
Unfortunately he gets to air his views even more on prime time which is grim
Tories were facing wipeout before this, in yougovs latest MRP a lot of Tory seats they're just winning by a few %, so even a small gain for Reform from Tory vote could have a bg effect, also really help lib dems in some tight tory seats, Davey could well end up as LOTO
You taking my bet then Uncle Jezza?
What bet, i'm not even sure what he's up to these days, i know he'll go for the election and keep going until he's no longer capable, not sure what he'll do when he gets in, still running around the world doing his stuff i guess.
Binners - Nah - two months ago I might have but its really too late now for the deal to be done.
The second problem is that both the Tory and Labour leaders have absolutely zero charisma. Immediately after the Farage segment on the news they switched to a read speech by Keir Starmer, my immediate reaction was **** me is he dull or what.
Mrs Binners has just said the exact same thing Ernesto. She watched Farage, then Rishi, then said “Oh god, the same idiots who voted for Boris because ‘he’s a bit of a laugh and I can imagine having a pint with him’ are all going to vote Reform now, aren’t they?”
^^ I was just thinking of the possible consequences for Farage (and Clacton) if he wins/loses.
If he wins, unlike being an MEP he'll be expected to actually do some actual work. There'll be no campaigning to do, which is what he really thrives on, sure he'll be on the news throwing shit at Labour policies as much as he can but for the first time he'll be directly accountable to those that voted for him.
If Clacton voters are daft enough to vote for him, which is likely, they probably deserve what they will be getting frankly, which is a workshy grifter.
On balance, I want him to be elected so there is a real spotlight on him for 5 years.
It will be illuminating in many ways.
On balance, I want him to be elected so there is a real spotlight on him for 5 years.
TBH that's very similar to my thinking. If he wins he will almost certainly be the only Reform MP among literally hundreds of MPs, so really quite insignificant. Farage craves being the centre of attention, he will hate it.
Furthermore when he does get the spotlight in the House of Commons and he has the opportunity to speak he will expose himself as an intellectual pygmy. He might impress the lads down his local but there are some savvy politicians in the House of Commons.
zomg
Full Member
I’m not so sanguine about it. Pasokification may see Farage become a likely next PM. I hope he loses ignominiously and ****s off to America.
Absolutely, him becoming an MP is not without risk. That said, he has had a huge and negative (imo) impact on UK politics and society by being able to be on the outside pissing in, having much influence with almost none of the accountability.
If he were PM eventually he will still hit the reality brick wall that all far right politicians eventually do simply because they make huge promises based on simple solutions. It never ends well.
So yep, over all, I'll be happy to see him become an MP as there will at least be some oversight of him whilst actually having to work for his constituents. I'm theory.
He needs a spot light on him, he's lived in the shadowy murk far too long.
It'll also end his whole, "in not one of the elites/ politicians" bs he comes up with.
If politics is exciting, like constitiutional law currently is, you’re doing it wrong.
Well I might not expect House of Commons Select Committee politics to be exciting and gripping but I certainly expect general election politics to be.
And in fact I am actually quite exited about the 2024 general election, even if the speeches from the leaders of the government and opposition might be dull and uninspiring.
Btw if David Green truly believes that constitutional law is currently exciting he needs to get out more.
FFS. Earthworm Jim! AGAIN! He’s like a turd that just won’t flush. Just sitting there fouling the water and blocking the plumbing from doing what it’s supposed to do. I really hope he has to travel by light aircraft a lot during his campaign.
Tories have 3 days and still have 100 candidates to find
What's nuts is that the current tory chairman can't seem to get one
https://twitter.com/tomorrowsmps/status/1797687404222115946?t=iNn5fKdoS5GPtesGmIFHrw&s=19
Btw if David Green truly believes that constitutional law is currently exciting he needs to get out more.
He does not, that's purely your own supposition.
Tories have 3 days and still have 100 candidates to find
What’s nuts is that the current tory chairman can’t seem to get one
Yeah you would think that with a hundred seats to choose from the current Tory chairman wouldn't be having any problems finding one.
Is he being awkward and expecting to find a winnable one?
He does not, that’s purely your own supposition.
So what does this mean ?
"If politics is exciting, like constitiutional law currently is"
He didn't say it, the copyright was falsely attributed to him?
Apparently the safe one he was after the local party were so angry he decided not to
I don't think it helps that he's quite unlikeable & associated with their disastrous campaign
His partner is chief political correspondent at The Sun - so wonder of there will be a backlash?
So what does this mean ?
“If politics is exciting, like constitiutional law currently is”
He didn’t say it, the copyright was falsely attributed to him?
Apologies, I forget that opposing opinions must be quashed without mercy. In this case I suspect he was, dare I say it of a lawyer, being flippant, but I welcome your correction.
https://www.ft.com/content/e8e83f02-7ab5-11e8-af48-190d103e32a4
Eh, I don't give a monkeys what he said. One person suggested that one thing, you suggested that he didn't say that. I don't even know who he is.
I apologise for being snarky but here's the thing - I think you make some (many!) valid points, some I agree with, some I don't, but you can be SO uncompromising in your responses that it makes my teeth itch.
Tories have 3 days and still have 100 candidates to find
According to the Independent 6 hours ago they still had 141 to find!
Eh, I don’t give a monkeys what he said. One person suggested that one thing, you suggested that he didn’t say that. I don’t even know who he is.
I didn't suggest he didn't say it, I suggested that's not what he truly believes.
Grant Shapps rings sky news presenter when he's live on air
When he's asked about the latest poll showing him losing his seat he just hangs up
https://twitter.com/supertanskiii/status/1797691969386528823?t=Uu0gVQl7hzhHz10BLEXZAQ&s=19
but you can be SO uncompromising in your responses
I'm sorry but I think general elections should be exciting, apparently not everyone agrees.
You want me to comprise on my opinion on the matter because of what someone, who I have never heard of before, might or might not have said?
I actually think this general election is very exciting, although I thought the short clip I heard of Starmer's speech today sounded dull. In contrast I thought Farage's little speech was at least "interesting".
I wasn't trying to offend anyone by making that point. I had no idea that it might controversial.
Edit:
I suggested that’s not what he truly believes.
Oh okay, the subtlety was obviously lost on me. Presumably he was being sarcastic. Apologies for not picking up on his sarcasm.
I’m sorry but I think general elections should be excited, apparently not everyone agrees.
You want me to comprise on my opinion on the matter because of what someone, who I have never heard of before, might or might not have said?
I actually think this general election is very exciting, although I thought the short clip I heard of Starmer’s speech today sounded dull. In contrast I thought Farage’s little speech was at least “interesting”.
I wasn’t trying to offend anyone by making that point. I had no idea that it might controversial.
I'm sure you weren't trying to offend, but it felt like you dove in with both feet on what an individual has said online whilst admitting you don't know anything about them. I don't know a lot about constitutional law but I'd bet my house that no-one on this planet finding it exciting - I subscribe to David Allen Green's blog, he's a constitutional lawyer and I'm sure he does not, and any suggestion that he may find it exciting is sardonic.
Oh okay, the subtlety was obviously lost on me. Presumably he was being sarcastic. Apologies for not picking up on his sarcasm.
I'm sure he was, and no problem. To be fair, constitutional lawyers are not, I think, widely known for their dynamic sense of humour!
kimbers
Full Member
Grant Shapps rings sky news presenter when he’s live on air
They really are in total disarray. I cant get my head around how badly prepared they are for the GE. I mean, Sunak obviously surprised them too but we all knew the election was going to be in a matter of months time! There is just no pool of talent left in the party.
ernielynch
I’m sorry but I think general elections should be excited, apparently not everyone agrees.
I get what you mean but I'd substitute inspiring for exciting.
Id certainly agree it's not inspiring but longer term in politics I want it all to be a bit boring to be honest. Just some quiet and hopefully competent government and less of the divisive crap as I'm just totally fed up with the constant stoking of culture war stuff the Tories and Reform etc are into.
It looks like knee jerk, headless chicken PANIIIIIIIIIC mode has been engaged at Tory Central Office, with Farages arrival
They’ve just announced a reduction in visa’s. As the polling comes in it’ll be leaving the ECHR and using U-boats to sink small boats in the channel
If he were PM eventually he will still hit the reality brick wall that all far right politicians eventually do simply because they make huge promises based on simple solutions.
A lot can happen between this above…
…and this truth below.
It never ends well.
Farage with power would be a very dangerous thing for us all.
We (and many other countries, not least the USA) need to stop viewing politics as entertainment, with fascism as just one of the players bringing colour to the performance.
They really are in total disarray. I cant get my head around how badly prepared they are for the GE.
I can't get my head around how this evening's party political broadcast on behalf of the Conservative Party was all about Rishi Sunak and how great he is. Surely they are aware that he isn't a great selling point and that his approval ratings are extraordinarily low?
Admittedly they might have struggled finding a Tory politician that is popular but they could have focused on other stuff like members of the public saying that they will be voting Tory, or pictures of tanks, or Nelson's Column, or whatever it is that excites Tory voters. Not bleedin Sunak ffs.
If Farage and Reform do well it'll change the political landscape in quite a revolutionary way. Starmer's centrist labour party will essentially become the new one nation tory party with a minority of traditional labour types attempting to keep them honest, Reform could replace the tories as the lunatic rightwing opposition, and the tories will become a minor party a bit like the lib dems who don't seem to know what their purpose is. Probably a bit far fetched but who knows what could happen as Farage is the only one giving a voice to the anti-establishment narrative (even if we all know it's fake) which has a lot of support in thge general public.
Farage with power would be a very dangerous thing for us all.
Yeah, I glossed over a fair amount of effluent in my summary that's for sure.
He loves the American healthcare model for a start, which is about as dysfunctional as it comes.
dazh
Farage is the only one giving a voice to the anti-establishment narrative
Absolutely true but it's also his achilles heal. If he ever actually gains power, even as a lowly, solo MP, he *becomes* the establishment he says he desires and his whole MO is ultimately blown.
The same people that vote for him will the very first to desert him at the first sniff of him selling out.
As an MP, he will have more exposure, which he relishes but far more to live upto amongst his supporters. It's a dangerous, double edged sword for him. Us too, perhaps...
I really think 5 years as an MP has the potential to be his downfall though.
Or... I'm spectacularly wrong.
Place your bets!
If Farage and Reform do well
I haven't seen one single opinion poll which suggests that they will get any MPs, even though he was obviously suggesting this afternoon that they are likely to get loads.
I will be fairly surprised if he wins Clacton, I guess the size of the national Labour swing will have a bearing. A couple of weeks ago he himself obviously didn't think that his chances were good enough to risk another humiliation.
Since then I suspect he has been listening to people who have exaggerated his appeal, although I guess he does have a reasonable chance.
Btw I think that Nigel Farage is probably a tad to the left of Suella Braverman, and she was Home Secretary So I don't know how much of a huge departure from the far-right of the Tory Party he represents.
Btw I think that Nigel Farage is probably a tad to the left of Suella Braverman, and she was Home Secretary So I don’t know how much of a huge departure from the far-right of the Tory Party he represents.
Agree. Farage is far more like Johnson than Braverman or any of the other loons. Despite his obvious elitest background he manages to relate to normal people and represent their views far more than the likes of Starmer, Sunak, Braverman, Truss, Badenoch et al. Given the chance (which I also agree he won't get) I reckon he'd bring in some policies much to the left of where Starmer currently is.
I get what you mean but I’d substitute inspiring for exciting.
I would settle for believable.
I will be fairly surprised if he wins Clacton
The FT poll tracker allows you to adjust the polling of parties to see what the outcome would be. Reform would need a greater percentage vote than the Tories to take Clacton and they would then have 37 seats (i.e. there are seats more winnable by Reform than Clacton), same as Tory and far less than LibDem. That's not going to happen is it?
But I won't downplay the Farage factor. Dropping him into any seat with a substantial Reform electorate will increase their share of the vote so perhaps Clacton or any other seat becomes the easiest for them to take. I wouldn't bet my house on him winning though.
I reckon he’d bring in some policies much to the left of where Starmer currently is.
What's your reasoning behind that?
Quite amusing if farage splits the Tory vote & gifts Clacton to Labour
If he were to win it I could see him standing down & ****g off to felate Trump at the first opportunity, can't imagine he'd want to be declaring all his funding either