• 19 Jun 2026, 9:19 a.m.

    I do slightly worry that division stoked amongst the current governing party is all part of the process to make sure that values that most of us would stand by are diluted, so that those things we really don't want for ourselves can triumph. Honest and balanced reporting would help. By all means hold the government to the standards that we expect...but hold others to the same standard. You can present away, but it wont get very far if the presentation isn't given equal footing to others 'presentation'.

    Buyer beware.

    In other news, I know someone in the Makerfield constituency who had expressed concerns in the run up to yesterday "where have these people come from, what on earth are they talking about" - very worried about the divisive demonising claptrap of a circus that descended on the constituency to boil peoples brains. They will be very relieved this morning.

  • Squad
    19 Jun 2026, 9:33 a.m.

    "where have these people come from, what on earth are they talking about"

    Isn’t that Reform’s argument?

  • 19 Jun 2026, 9:37 a.m.

    ....not really, their 'argument' is to throw an avalanche of divisive shit at the media, to obscure with mud that their whole purpose is to let their funders do whatever they want to you. You might expect an actual argument to have some fundamental tenets that can be scrutinised and tested.

    It is perhaps ironic that is what some good people think of them.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 10:25 a.m.

    No, no and thrice no. Teh Reform constituency are thoroughly bought into the "Liebour" narrative and our Nige/Rupert are great lads who think nothing but of the working class. Though Labour have done a fair amount of good stuff, quietly, there needs to be some populist wins. Something like taking the tax burden off pubs. Which will have to be shifted elsewhere.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 10:26 a.m.

    Preferably onto small branded clothing printers

  • 19 Jun 2026, 10:35 a.m.

    Starmer announcing some sensible reforms to the house buying process today. That's the kind of popular and relatively easy quick win that can begin to have an impact on people's lives.

    Can't believe that Starmer clearly thinks he has a chance of winning a leadership contest. Go now you fool, go with your dignity intact.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 10:49 a.m.

    If you forgive the Twatter link, this is pretty powerful.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 10:57 a.m.

    Excellent.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 11:04 a.m.

    I remember joining as an affiliate during one of the leadership contests years ago and voted for Burnham. I could see Corbyn would be a disaster.

    Burnham has since gone away and proved himself in Manchester and has done a good job.

    It will definitely help with the electorate that he’s relatable and normal. But he will have the right wing press assault which will never be easy.

    Starmer needs to realise his time is up and go with some dignity.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 11:25 a.m.

    I could be wrong but I don't think RC was trying to give a comprehensive assessment of Reform's aims/objectives/methodogy I think he was making a joke.

  • 19 Jun 2026, 11:40 a.m.

    Agreed...but if the Alf Garnet character, and 'Born in the USA', have taught us anything it's that there's a lot of thick people about who miss the point* - so it's best to be explicit for these chumps.

    * definitely not excluding myself from this category.