Forum menu
Still don't think a "Hypnotherapist" should be given the chance at running the country, like I'd get it if they were an economics professional, a former successful COO/CEO/Director, hell even an astrophysicist.
But an ex hypnotherapist and stage actor from a fee paid grammar school? It still gives worse than "my daddy was a toolmaker" vibes and look how well thats gone, I think the biggest giveaway is the fact he used to be a stage actor, he's certainly acting the role of a Politician well enough that people believe he's not just been planted in as a puppet
Well good luck finding an economics professional, a former successful COO/CEO/Director, hell even an astrophysicist, to run the country but the truth is that it is civil servants who actually run the country.
Starmer's CV won't include what his father did but it will include that he was a barrister. Personally I would trust a lawyer to sell me an argument even less than I would trust an actor.
You do realise that lawyers are paid large sums of money to argue cases that they don't necessarily believe in, don't you?
And whatever you think of Zack Polanski no one is talking about him "running the country", he's not even an MP ffs. What people are talking about is the possibility of the Greens having a large parliamentary presence and possibly being a part of a coalition government.
like I'd get it if they were an economics professional, a former successful COO/CEO/Director, hell even an astrophysicist
Business people have no clue how to 'run' a country for the benefit of the population.
The simply run it like a spreadsheet and don't look at other outcomes - which is why we are where we are.
They also try and 'run' the exchequer as a business and in no way shape or form does it operate like that.
Very good, and clear, on Radio4 PM right now.
Mostly economics, but more broad brush than talking about this week’s budget. I can’t say I disagreed with any of it. Knocked back some overly simplistic characterisations of the policies being proposed plainly and simply. No wriggling.
[ a few answers that I felt were glossing over some real problems, eg the recent failing of the home insulation programme, but that’s being very (overly) picky ]
I'm still very impressed by him so far, he's dealt with all the shit that's been thrown at him by the media well. Not overly impressed by the policy of withdrawing from NATO, but thats the only one I really disagree with.
Not overly impressed by the policy of withdrawing from NATO, but thats the only one I really disagree with
I don't think there's a withdrawal policy as I understand it.
He just says over time we need to look a the problems associated with our ties to America / Trump with regard to stronger European 'ties' over time.
He also definitely said it would be crazy to do anything currently.
Seems totally sensible.
This is the age group in which more Jews are turning away from Zionist identification: 25% of non-Zionist Jews and 62% of anti-Zionist Jews now support the Green party. This suggests that it is because of Green policies on Israel and not despite them that the party is appealing to many.
ZP on QT tonight - along with that ridiculous Mike Tapp.
ZP on QT tonight
I missed the beginning but for me the most interesting aspect of tonight's QT was the audience. I was genuinely surprised that none of the three right-wingers, the Tory, Labour, and Reform, seemed to get any applause. And yet Zack Polanski apleared to get applauded every time he spoke.
The Liberal Democrat did get a little applause after her final comment but it seemed to be driven mostly by a British sense of politeness, something which surprisingly wasn't extended to the Tory, Labour, and Reform, guys.
And I thought Zia Yusuf did an excellent job of pissing off the audience. I hope that Reform wheel him out more often. He is obviously highly intelligent, articulate, and knows plenty of facts which he can seamlessly regurgitate is required, but he clearly doesn't tolerate those who don't entirely agree with very well.
Who would have thought that a leading figure in a party of bigots had poor people's skills and a lot of pent up anger?
Edit : Was it my imagination or did Fiona Bruce's boobs look a tad bigger this evening?
Edit : Was it my imagination or did Fiona Bruce's boobs look a tad bigger this evening?
🤣
The electorate has nothing against big boobs fortunately.
And yet Zack Polanski apleared to get applauded every time he spoke.
Yes and he got applauded on the first question which was literally Reform territory.
Zia Yusuf boils my piss.
Just 'cos he went to cocky-ness school...
Seen a few clips from last night's QT, and Polanski seemed to be the only pragmatic adult in the room, which pissed everyone off. Including Fiona Bruce when he asked why they had an immigation special and not a cost of living special. Can't say I noticed anything else about her.
If he can mobilise the younger voters and those wanting "a change but not Reform" to actually turn out, the Greens may surprise at the next election. The risk is they split the votes with the Lib Dems. Especially if there is a Tory/Reform deal.
The risk is they split the votes with the Lib Dems. Especially if there is a Tory/Reform deal.
Nothing personal but I dont like all this splitting the vote nonsence.
We would have said Reform are splitting the Right vote and we should all just stick with the tried and tested Conservatives but now the splitters are leading the polls.
We would have said the Greens are splitting the Left vote and we should all just stick to tried and tested Labour but they got in anyway with a reduced turnout and a masive majority only to spaff it all up the wall.
Was it my imagination or did Fiona Bruce's boobs look a tad bigger this evening?
Maybe ZP hypnotised her?
. dur
The risk is they split the votes with the Lib Dems. Especially if there is a Tory/Reform deal
My take is on this then the old school liberal left need to step out of the way / work with the Greens.
I've no idea how that pans out but we need a strong progressive pushback and the greens are leading that battle.
Kineda
Green party councillor Cllr Sohail Asghar has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery... Police confirmed three people were arrested at a property in the town on November 6 as part of the investigation. A 29-year-old man, a 51-year-old woman, and a 55-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of offences including slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, with one also suspected of making threats to kill. All three have since been released on bail.
TBF he's hardly a senior person in the party and he resigned the whip immediately. If you wanted to break through the "woolly suburban Bristol yoghurt knitter" stereotype, then this guy's your man - especially if he's convicted!
ZP giving it to someone (my old MP) who should have been put right years ago (John Mann.) Although we have his invisible wife for MP now.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2012313969755660765
https://bsky.app/profile/greenparty.org.uk/post/3mdn6gd2tsp2s
Liking how she talks and what's she saying.
Working class communicator with a real job. Reminds of what Rayner used to be all about.
Going to be an interesting battle.
https://bsky.app/profile/harryeccles.bsky.social/post/3mdmzjcyzfs2u
A female plumber? The Reform voters are going to lose their tiny minds
looking at the seat demographics, below national and regional average income, education & hoem ownership , 50% Leave vote , it looks a likely shout for that Reform douchebag
looking at the seat demographics, below national and regional average income, education & hoem ownership , 50% Leave vote , it looks a likely shout for that Reform douchebag
Yes it's a tough audience but...
GreenPartyHan
"That’s a bit rich. I’ve never see him in that Asda when I’m doing my big shop."
Answering comments from Reform’s candidate who sneers about the Greens from his GB News studio.
😀
Goodwin really is the lowest of the low, a one-time lefty guardian writer come 'accademic' press release says he was working class 1st in his family to go to uni- in reality his dad has an MA, an MBA and a PhD- ran a polling company that is the lowest rated in accuracy pf of all the others , deleted all his tweets attacking people who called Trump a fascist immediately after Jan 6th, but is back to praising him and obviously is a GBNews bullshit artist
Green candidate seems good, interesting to see who labour put up.
If Labour were serious about not allowing Reform a chance, they wouldn't put up a candidate and would instead put their weight behind the Green Party candidate*. But they're the Labour Party, so 🙄
* a lady plumber?! That's like a man air stewardess! 😉 🤣
Unless it's Burnham it doesn't matter who labour put up, it's Starmer who will likely lose them the seat.
I saw a few days ago something about a leaked labour memo, that they were to attack the greens on anti-semitism. That's all they have isn't it, lying about racism and exploiting it for political gains, absolutely disgraceful, I hope the jewish community get behind the greens, because labours dog whistle racism is damaging the fight against anti-semitism.
This by-election is a very important one.
The GBnews chancer (Matt Goodwin) is a real shine box. (How was he a professor of politics?)
Greens are favourites but I still think it's too close too call.
I saw a few days ago something about a leaked labour memo, that they were to attack the greens on anti-semitism. That's all they have isn't it, lying about racism and exploiting it for political gains, absolutely disgraceful, I hope the jewish community get behind the greens, because labours dog whistle racism is damaging the fight against anti-semitism.
Zack Polanski is Jewish - what a stupid way to attack the Greens.
Assuming it’s true. Yes it is.
Gorton & Denton By-Election - Winning Party (skybet)
Green Party 11/10
Reform UK 5/4
Labour 5/1
Workers Party of Great Britain 22/1
Liberal Democrats 275/1
Conservatives 275/1
looking at the seat demographics,
Gorton and Denton is a new constituency. Hived off from two older constituencies with a bit of a third tacked on to make up the numbers. The four Gorton wards are mostly Muslim, undergrads, and university workers, with a bit of the old Manchester Withington. The voter roll is something like 56,000 people, The 3 Denton wards are ex-Tameside and are predominately 'working class' unskilled, casual workers, but only number something like 23,000 registered voters. Even if all 3 Denton wards return the Reform candidate, (unlikely) they can't out-vote the 'other side' of the constituency. Manchester is left leaning overall, the legacy constituencies that make up this new one have only ever returned Labour candidates apart from 4 years when they went Lib-Dem, and he was a ****. I doubt reform will win the seat. So, the vote will be split on the left - with perhaps a Workers Party joke candidate thrown in - although they stood at the last general election and I think the candidate came way back and was wildly unpopular, despite Gorgeous George's willingness to libel the other candidates.
Spilt between Labour and the Greens. and TBH if Labour come second here; it's a disaster
I saw a few days ago something about a leaked labour memo, that they were to attack the greens
This sums up UK politics today, in that rather than explain to Voters what they intend to do, and how they expect to get there, they just want to attack their Opponents. It’s pathetic. They then wonder why people dont bother voting. Who wants to vote for these morally void chancers (of any Party) ?
spliting the lefty vote could let reform in
That path has been created by not letting Burnham stand.
So it's just down to the Greens to be more appealing than Reform and according to NickC's analysis sounds positive.
Come the end of February the debate will be at boiling point.
It's going to be the first real test of the Green's actual popularity.
I saw a few days ago something about a leaked labour memo, that they were to attack the greens
This sums up UK politics today, in that rather than explain to Voters what they intend to do, and how they expect to get there, they just want to attack their Opponents. It’s pathetic. They then wonder why people dont bother voting. Who wants to vote for these morally void chancers (of any Party) ?
This sort of thing exists because it's much harder to bother to fix things and easier to just ignore what's actually gone wrong.
It's blindingly obvious.
You don't recalibrate living standards then people will go to the extremes.
I hadn’t heard about these “attack lines” rumours the best I could find about them is on HuffPost…
That path has been created by not letting Burnham stand.
Are you really claiming that if Burnham had stood the greens would have stood down?
Burnham is just another managerial apparatchik like Starmer
That path has been created by not letting Burnham stand.
Are you really claiming that if Burnham had stood the greens would have stood down?
Burnham is just another managerial apparatchik like Starmer
Who knows but it has created a Green v Reform Scenario.
Whereas if Burnham had stood it would have been different.
And yes I hear you about Burnham. Although maybe I'm wrong but I think he's moved left of Starmer. Not hard.
spliting the lefty vote could let reform in
I honestly don't think it will. There just isn't a core right-wing vote here to build on, never has been.
Burnham is just another managerial apparatchik like Starmer
I've got to say. @tjagain assessment of Burnham used to make me bristle a bit, but honestly after his performance over this seat, I think TJ was right all along about him, and I was wrong. Just another desperate self serving political grifter.
Given the number of positions Burnham has taken and his vile playing of the race card in his first mayoral election I actually think him worse. Better PR and more charisma but a man of no principle at all. A weathervane politician
Burnam quietly shelved the Manchester road charging scheme so as not to upset a load of builder driving knackered diesels and submitting the residents to pollution.
Labour will pay lip service to the environment without any real commitment.
Green party is looking good to me.
Very much this. I recognise that if we turn the screw on the wealthy and successful,
It's vanishingly unlikely that they'll up-stcks and disappear. All that free time and no proper culture to be seen at in the Carribbean (other warm and sunny seaside places also apply) leads to bored rich people who are unable to boast abouth their "support" for the arts and charitable works.
It's cobblers that they'll just up sticks. They can ****orf (no problem - may even become it) but they can't take property or land.
I honestly don't think it will. There just isn't a core right-wing vote here to build on, never has been.
Whilst the new seat makes it hard to see a pattern I do agree it seems unlikely. Given its one of those seats where Labour got 50% plus my starting position was they are unlikely to lose.
However even leaving aside the right wing oligarchs mouthpieces there are quite a few more balanced commentators suggesting it is going to be a challenge.
Its a very big if but if the tory and reform vote got merged plus a few idiots get confused that change means voting for reform, nee the least desirable of the tories, then if the Labour vote disintegrated into Libdem, Labour and Green they might scrape it.
So I have moved from honestly no to the swiss cheese holes might line up.
SM full of people claiming she's married to a millionaire. Probably horseshit but the answer is easy - What's wrong with wealthy people voting green?
Idiots.
I'd sooner them 'correct' their wealth by being politically aligned with better outcomes.