Except this is a FPTP election fought out in hundreds of local wards. There is no prize for coming first in council votes *across a borough*, and that is not what the parties are trying to do in their campaigns. This is setting up a narrative based on a meaningless measure.
This is a link to an article from August 2025 (with quote from deputy prime minister Angela Rayner!) Anything happening since then!!!? And it’s only partly about town planning and finding sites. Sclerotic regulation of flats? Building industry capacity? Collapsed flats market?
Not early… He is turning 80 🤷♂️
Just so gloriously English that in the highly troubled world of 2026 the heated political debate on our relationship with China is about whether to give them planning permission.
Two social media posts. The first is from Keir Starmer and reads: “The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime. I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.” Below it is a post from Ed Davey that reads: “This cop out isn’t good enough. Standing up for international law means condemning leaders when they break it, whether that’s Vladimir Putin or Donald Trump.”
Totally agree. I thought it was the Covid years that had aged me. But this is right. Mid-50s are about physically aging just as parents get needy and work remains high pressure.
That’s not so. The higher rate thresholds were reduced at the same time to avoid higher earners gaining. It suited none of the politicians around at the time to mention this so nobody really noticed
Commiserations, surely?
Victoria Collins MP on a Lib Dem background - superimposed with the words 'congratulations Victoria Collins - Vice President of the Liberal Democrats'
Congratulations to @Victoria-Collins.bsky.social - newly elected Vice President of the Liberal Democrats.
No, this was widely expected and reflects the 2023 district results there. The bigger story was the Staines result in Spelthorne - a seat the Lib Dems hope to take from third place and on yesterday’s showing I wouldn’t bet against them doing just that.
I think they would say they are not “political” although there has to be some scope for argument what political means in this context.
Had the privilege of joining our drop-in session for ethnic minority candidates at conference today.
Such inspiring conversations about journeys, next steps, and pathways forward. The talent and determination in our party continues to give me hope for the future 🧡
Absolutely !!!insane!!! to me that the UK government, lobby and newspapers litigate at length every minor infraction by the BBC, rival newspapers, or what some random columnist has posted. But all of them just carry on not even commenting about this media owner. He’s not hiding, he’s telling you!
Agent for a big set of all up council elections might have 40 or 50 candidates (and be a bit desperate to have anyone in non-target wards!). Quite possible a candidate dies after signing consent to nomination but the agent does not know about it until after the count. Would that void the election?
Only if you know they are or might be dead
Do you have to be alive or just not officially dead ie that a nomination is fine so long as nobody has informed the returning officer of your demise. Aren’t there a few people who got elected despite dying before their poll and hence a by-election not a countermanded election. One in L’pool 1992ish?
The wild thing is that this actually what the Beeb is presenting as *Northamptonshire* news. I mean can’t they find a village fete somewhere near Daventry to report on?
Depressing. But it is poor polling methodology to give two options for “increase” and just one for “decrease”. The questions themselves appear to carry the bias that *of course* it is all increasing
This post is wrong. It is just a misquote. The piece is clear that by “we” he is referring to lawyers rather than Conservatives. Is Grieve actually a Conservative member since 2019? (And he is right of course - lawyers are not to blame for people having legal rights)
Indeed. It is also one of the issues being pushed as grounds to refuse the new Chinese embassy planning application.
MP claims Surrey Care home is a “hot bed of terrorist activity” filled with Palestine Action supporters.
“Early Schubert” 🤷♂️
I get what they mean, but what a misjudged title. All the music we have from him is tragically “young” Schubert.
🚨 NEW: The Lib Dems have called for air conditioned public spaces like gyms and libraries to be turned into "cool hubs" to support vulnerable people in heatwaves
Today marks one year since Labour won a landslide majority on just 34% of the vote.
No wonder trust in politics is so low when we keep getting governments that most people didn't choose.
There is an alternative: a proportional system where Parliament reflects how people voted. #PRnow
I think the “both wings to fly” was an old Rev Jesse Jackson line
FBI Warns Second California Senator Still At Large
FBI Warns Second California Senator Still At Large
theonion.com/fbi-war...
Alas no longer Sutton and Merton with adjacent St Helier wards
In any other major city in Europe the streets of Soho would obviously be pedestrianised and businesses/visitors on a glorious day like today could enjoy al fresco dining. But thanks to Westminster Council and the way we give outsized power to absurd local complaints, not here!
