POLITICS CORNER

[PanBiker]

PS - My reference to the erasable pencil was supposed to be mildly ironic. Not strong on irony this site.

For the record and for others who may have concerns or subscribe to various conspiracy theories. The pencils used at polling stations are not normal pencils, they use waxed graphite and are chosen because they are resistive to erasure. You can take your own marker if you wish but some of the inks are easier to erase than marks made by the pencils provided.

QRT now on the subject, probably until the next election.

[PanBiker]

Just got this from The Electoral Reform Society explaining why we need change in the way we elect our representatives.

Pendle & Clitheroe Full Results

[PanBiker]

Ian's telephone canvassing must had carried the day.

Very kind of you to suggest that David but the win was solely attributable to a team effort since Jonathan was selected. Over half of the new boundary Constituency canvassed to give us a target elector pool . More members than just me on the phones seeking voter intention, (some making over a thousand calls) during the short campaign once the date was announced. On the day we ran a pretty good MTV (maximise the vote) campaign, again with multiple teams encouraging voters to turn out and vote for change. Our first knock was at 10.15am and the last at about 9.30pm. I don't canvass on the door although Sally does and I don't knock, my skill set for the party is managing and keeping on top if the IT systems available. Oh, I also shove literature through residents doors when asked.

We had a total outage at about 10.00am yesterday morning when all our systems went down. We were just getting ready to switch to a paper backup system for the first knock which was prepared previously in case of system loss when all services came back online. The problem was traced in about 10 minutes to the Labour log on service which crashed, all systems for security and GDPR compliance rely on membership log on services to access any of the party platforms. I think they probably rebooted the servers to fix that one.

In the main the party software platform worked well including the electronic telling, (available via smart phones) for the tellers at the Polling Stations which became available for this campaign. Most of the platforms were new or relatively new and need a bit of minor tweaking in how they work. Constructive feedback based on my usage will be sent in this regard to the tech teams in charge of the development and usage.

[Tripps]

What a day it's been -

They tell you it's 'dress down Friday' and to come in fancy dress - so you turn up as the Jolly Green Giant, and emerge as Deputy Prime Minister. It was all done in a bit of a rush though - He had a lot to do. He had to read the meters to make sure he wasn't paying for any of Rishi's electric, and he has said he stops work at 6 pm on a Friday, so it's all been a bit of a rush.

Rayner.jpg

[Stanley]

I'm just getting used to the fact that we have got rid of the Tories. I slept well last night and this morning we set sail in our new ship. I shall reserve judgement on everything until I have woken up!

[Tripps]

I'm just getting used to the fact that we have got rid of the Tories

Me too. I've called for them to be ejected for a long time now, but since it has actually happened I'm like a dog that chases cars - what do you do when you actually catch one.

I can't find a list of the full national results. It needs looking at closely.
There will be many opprtunities for intense schadenfreude.

[PanBiker]

Well, so far the new Government has cancelled the Rwanda nonsense and Wes Streeting has arranged to meet with the doctors and NHS unions as a matter of urgency. In my book that is already a couple of brownie points.

[Tripps]

Sunak's dissolution honours list has slid out without attracting too much attention. Notable to me is the imaginative enoblement of the new Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation - one James Timpson. Noted for commendably employing ex offenders in his shops. His coat of arms will be interesting. Cobbler's last and crossed cut keys perhaps?

PS The Telegraph are saying -
Labour are set to bring back Sir Tony Blair’s health secretary Alan Milburn to help reform the NHS, in a sign that the private sector and consumer choice will be at the heart of their plans...

Wow - check him out . It is not hard to differentiate him from Aneurin Bevan. Strange that I never heard his name mentioned in the recent campaign. It's almost the equivalent of announcing the privatisation of the NHS.

[Stanley]

(LINK)
Two former cabinet ministers who served under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have been given junior ministerial roles by Sir Keir Starmer. Former home secretary Jacqui Smith will join the House of Lords to become higher education minister, Downing Street said. While Douglas Alexander, who held several cabinet roles in the last Labour government, is now a business minister after returning as an MP for the first time since losing his seat in 2015.
That's worrying David. I had made a mental resolution to give Starmer a break and wait to see how he performs, and the quiet but complete cancellation of the Rwanda scheme and talking to the doctors was OK and a step in the right direction but this continual slide towards Conservatism-light is disturbing......
As for Nye Bevan..... He must be spinning in his grave!

[Tripps]

I thouight it wouldn't be long before we became disenchanted with the Labour Government, but I thought it might take more than three days! The idea that Alan MIlburn who has made millions since he left Westminster in the private health field, and Jaqui Smith a former Home Secretary, since involved in self promoting Podcasts, and NHS mamagement, but now made education minister - should have any further unelected role in British Government is grotesque.

Milburn is an alumni of Lancaster University though that's not always a bad thing.

PS I still can't find a website with a full list of results arranged by constituency in alphabetical order. The bookies had no problem doing it for the betting odds, so it's strange there does not seem tp be such a list for the results. I'm sure they were printed like that in in newspapers not so long ago.

[PanBiker]

The outcome of 650 seats are a lot easier to display in graphics rather than a straight linear list of numbers. A quick Google search finds a few sites where you can get the results for any individual Constituency which I would imagine is what most folk want.

[Tripps]

which I would imagine is what most folk want.

I am not "most folk" though you may have already noticed that.

I like browsing lists - especially when you are really not totally sure what you're looking for.

Remember Hutber's Law "Improvement equals deterioration". It still applies.

[Whyperion]

Over in France the Government Elections called by the President (its confusing) on round two - where it is not the top two in each seat (577 - france needs 23 people less to govern it) that get in the run-off but those that make a certain percentage hence some have three (even after a tactical withdrawal) or four, making straight choices difficult and the first past the post in a seat applicable there too, turnout is reported at just under 60percent - which is about the same as the UK elections were too.

That Starmers Labour would be red tories with conservativism lite was well signposted in advance. I hope I can hope for local elections - any chance of a stronger Green in places and LibDems in others , or will the entire east coast (up to the pennines) go reform ? At least Andy Burnham might get all the money he wants - and Rayner is saving on commuting by opening a Housing, etc , Govt Dept in Manchester where she will be half the time. Apparaently Blair is back, thats the problem with electing young prime ministers, they come back to haunt you in the future when they are older (but not wiser)

[Whyperion]

the BBC website rolling news continues with Labour policy announcements, apart from Lammy and the EU , its Starmer going to Scotland to visit the first minister there and remind him Labour is in charge now.

"The new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, has said she plans to have a head of the new Border Security Command in place within weeks, as the government tries to get to grips with small boat crossings in the English Channel.
Cooper is promising "substantial additional resources" though no specific figures have been put on how much money will go into the BSC."
Presumably she is going to hire Tice and Farage with a couple of JetSkis and Dinghys fitted with rubber bullet machine guns to drive the boats back to France in some kind of wierd version of Gladiators.

[Stanley]

I agree with you David. I had decided to keep schtum and give Starmer a chance but the events of the last couple of days have kiboshed that! We thought Sunak was off his trolley when he brought Cameron back as his Foreign Minister but Starmer has trumped him with Milburn and Smith. His campaign against the Left wing of the Party was bad enough but this swing towards Blairite influences and Tory-light policies has forced me to speak.
He is emulating a course of governance that wasted the golden opportunity for real change that existed in 1997. This is not what we hoped for or need. We need an active social democratic government working for substantive change, not a pale imitation of the most hated Labour politician in my memory.

[Tripps]

It's becoming apparent that Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is behind the scenes, probably pulling many strings. Several of his past team are now in office, and the appointment of Alan Milburn, and the refusal of the new Health Minister Wes Streeting, to confirm that the NHS would remain free of charge may come as a bit of a surprise, and will not please those traditional hard working loyal party activists. He seems to be redefining the word 'free' now to mean 'not enough to worry about too much'. The sub text is - 'we're here for the next five years so suck it up you peasants, whilst we all get seriously rich - Alan has shown me how to do it'.

I have a book by Blair, written a long time ago - in which he set out his political philosophy - and I tried to find it as it might have given some clues as to where we are heading. Of course I didn't find it - but I did find "Election Rides" by Edward Pearce (a weak pun on "Rural Rides" by Wm Cobbett) - being an off beat account of the 1992 election. Most interesting - Labour held a 20 point lead in the polls at one point and lead by were widely expected to win, but failed to do so. I think that gave the more deluded Tories some hope in the recent bun fight.

A few snippets -
John Major won by 21 seats.
My namesake lost by a narrow 120 votes, and faded into apparent oblivion -if that's how to describe becoming a Knight, a High Sheriff of Lancashire, and a Provincial Grand Master in the Freemasons. .
Neil Kinnock waltzed into the sea, and was beaten.
Alan Milburn gained Darlington for Labour.
Robert Chope - (Hammer of Private Members' bills and still an MP) was elected.
Alex Salmond was leader of the SNP ("We'll all be free by 93" )
The current elephant in the room was not visible at all.

PS:- I'd be grateful if in response (if anyone feels the urge), there be no reference to Donald Trump - I'm fairly sure he wasn't involved at all.

PPS - I don't see this being sung with vigour by this lot, at this year's conference. It's a rather good version.

[Stanley]

"It's becoming apparent that Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is behind the scenes"
I fear you are right David. That's certainly how it looks to me. I am told it was an open secret that his think tank has been advising Starmer but any direct involvement by Blair was denied in the same report. I don't believe that.
I looked at this morning's political news to see if I could find any solace but failed. (I don't understand why the BBC politics page is still headed by the detailed results.)
As for the Red Flag, you are right David, it's as dead as Clause IV. As far as I am concerned, my Labour Party has been hijacked by a new party, Labour-light and if I am wrong please educate me, I find it very sad and almost a confidence trick. My only hope is that Starmer might meet with some internal opposition.

[Tripps]

Must mention this - I drowsily heard an interview with a lady on LBC as I was waking up this morning. Didn't have a clue as to who or what she was. I was impressed by her clear thinking, good diction and expression. No evasion- in contrast to most other politicians.

I checked her out today, and I'm tipping her for high office. It's a bit disappointing to find that she is in the Labour Party but she ticks all the required boxes and is described as BAME and Moslem. Sorry Heidi Allen, you had your chance, but I think I have a new heroine.

I think I'll ask Paddy Power - what price for future P.M.?

Her name won't be so easy to remember, but I'm sure we'll hear a lot more of it

She is Nesil Caliskan. Take note.
********************************************************************

PS looks like I'm not her only fan - and confirms that I wasn't dreaming

Terry Paul @TerryPaul_NEC · 2h
Totally. Just heard @Nesil_Caliskan on @lbc talking to @mattfrei. Clear, insightful and knowledgeable, unlike our Government

*****************************
PPS - From the leader of Basildon Council.
If you want to hear what cool, calm leadership sounds like in a crisis, I hope you heard @Nesil_Caliskan on various national radio stations today. One of @LGA_Labour’s best.
**************************

I learn today that after the recent General Election - this lady is now Labour MP for Barking.

Game on ! You heard it here first.

[Stanley]

Sounds interesting David, I shall keep my eyes open for her.....

See THIS for an example of how interesting being a Tory is at the moment.
A row has broken out between potential Tory leadership rivals Suella Braverman and Kemi Badenoch after Mrs Badenoch accused the former home secretary of having a "very public" nervous breakdown. As first reported by The Times,, Mrs Badenoch used a shadow cabinet meeting to criticise Rishi Sunak, but also Mrs Braverman for making public attacks on the party during the election campaign. Mrs Badenoch said, it was a "shame" the discussion had been leaked and that there needed to be a "private space" for Conservatives to discuss their challenges. Responding in a social media post,, Mrs Braverman said: "I'd be interested in knowing whether Kemi thinks I'm having a "very public nervous breakdown," adding the hashtag: "We don't leak".

See THIS Response from Rwanda towards any notion that they will be repaying money.
Rwanda has said it is not required to refund the UK after a multi-million pound migrant deal between the two countries was scrapped. New UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer announced at the weekend that the plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda was "dead and buried". The scheme was forged by the previous Conservative government, which since revealing the plan in 2022 has paid Rwanda £240m ($310m). Legal challenges meant the scheme never took off and the UK expressed hope on Monday that some money from the deal could be recouped. The following day, a spokesperson for Rwanda's government told the country's state television: "Let this be clear, paying back the money was never part of the agreement."
There is much more argy bargy but the bottom line is that Sunak has been taken to the cleaners.....

[Stanley]

See THIS BBC report about possible changes to Child Benefit.
The government is facing growing calls to scrap the two-child benefit limit, in next week's King's Speech - including from its own MPs. Many Labour MPs oppose the limit as they say it increases child poverty. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he is “not immune” to those arguments but scrapping it is currently unaffordable. Some Labour MPs are hoping for a change of heart next Wednesday, when the new government formally sets out the laws it wants to bring in over the next year. Kim Johnson, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has already said she plans to lay "an amendment to the King's Speech calling for the cap to scrapped" if plans do not change. In a post on social media, external, Ms Johnson said the move would "immediately lift 250,000 children out of poverty".
I have never been comfortable with this policy which has always reminded me of China's policies to restrict the number of children families had and which has since been seen to be a massive mistake. I would support any move to scrap the cap if I was asked.....

[Stanley]

See THIS BBC attempt to lay out what Labour has done so far. Remember, at the moment these are only proposals. We will have to wait a bit longer to get a proper sense of what they are about.... I am not seeing any mention of the poor, the disabled and the otherwise disadvantaged.

[PanBiker]

The incoming party has to ask the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) for a full report on the status of the Nations finances. This takes about 12 weeks to prepare and it then allows the Government to set their first budget. This will be in October at the soonest. The report was ordered as soon as the result was confirmed.

[Tripps]

Late shift reporting -

Someone just tried to asassinate President Donald Trump. I watched it live on TV, , and heard several shots being fired - they say 6 - 8. One bullet seems to have grazed his ear. That's a very narrow escape.

"Caesar is down" his Secret Servicemen called out.

Later an American reporter chap has just said (unconfirmed) the one person has been killed, the weapon was probably a 0.22 calibre rifle, and and the shooter is dead". A roof has been, but no 'grassy knolls' have yet been mentioned. I just noticed that the Secret Service agents all had dark glasses - which they removed during the action then replaced them when it was over.

PS The BBC's reporter on the spot is Gary O'Donoghue who is totally blind, but you wouldn't know from the quality of his report.

[Tripps]

Late shift reporting -

Someone just tried to asassinate President Donald Trump. I watched it live on TV, , and heard several shots being fired - they say 6 - 8. One bullet seems to have grazed his ear. That's a very narrow escape.

"Caesar is down" his Secret Servicemen called out.

Later an American reporter chap has just said (unconfirmed) the one person has been killed, the weapon was probably a 0.22 calibre rifle, and and the shooter is dead". A roof, but no 'grassy knolls' have yet been mentioned. I just noticed that the Secret Service agents all had dark glasses - which they removed during the action then replaced them when it was over.

PS The BBC's reporter on the spot is Gary O'Donoghue who is totally blind, but you wouldn't know from the quality of his report.

[Stanley]

See THIS for the report just posted by the BBC.
Former US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt. Footage showed him grimace and raise a hand to his right ear, before ducking as sharp cracks - a series of shots - broke out. He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and rushed off stage to a waiting vehicle. He raised a fist as he was bundled into the car. In a post to his Truth Social network, Trump said a bullet pierced the "upper part" of his right ear. Earlier, his spokesperson said he was "fine" and receiving treatment at a local medical centre. "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin," Trump wrote. "Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening." Blood was clearly visible on Trump's ear and face as protection officers rushed him away. The suspect was shot dead at the scene by US Secret Service agents, the service's spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said. He added that one bystander was killed in the shooting and two others were critically injured.
More evidence of the fractured state of US politics. I'm glad he escaped serious harm but this is the natural consequence of the level of political feeling that Trump promotes....
He will immediately make political capital out of this.