Forum Topic

Heartland

There must be many places like this.https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/10/boris-was-stabbed-in-the-back-voters-in-tory-heartland-spalding-defend-boris-johnsonThe stab-in-the-back myth may grow.

David Ainsworth ● 1071d19 Comments

Yes that is true Michael, other parties would have been needed for a Labour Liberal coalition. The Liberals got a good deal in terms of ministerial positions. They were also closer politically to the Conservatives.I personally could not see Brown doing whatever was required to get a coalition.

Ed Robinson ● 1069d

I thought the LibDems formed the coalition with the Conservatives on the basis that it gave the coalition an overall majority in the HoC? The combined LibDem and Labour votes weren't enough for that so they couldn't be certain of a stable government unless other parties were involved. (At least I seem to remember that being one explanation.)

Michael Ixer ● 1069d

The same principle applies to all.I seem to remember that, at the time, Labour had been in office for sometime and perhaps conservatives seem like a good change?  It baffled me at the time but I seem to remember we did not want anymore of Labour then (or Alistair Campbell!)But a change would be welcome now - with open arms? - and perhaps proportional representation revisited?

Ivonne Holliday ● 1069d

Why would the Lib Dems choose a coalition with Labour?They may choose the Conservatives again.The reality is that will go with the party that gives them the most ministerial positions.

Ed Robinson ● 1069d

Also, previously it was Thatcher for 12 years.  Now it is 12 years of a coalition with the Lib Dems, May and then Boris.  But 12 years of Conservative rules certainly is!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1070d

I agree with you, David, it is unbelievable!Sadly, it is not new.But at least 10 candidates colluded with Johnson in his lies.  I really cannot see a positive future in this.  The waters are so murky that they cannot recognize one from another....  Not good!For the next election, I would really welcome a joining of forces of the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats.  Why?  The main parties do need a monumental shock to straighten themselves up. As I said before, it is unhealthy for a party to govern for 12 years - they become too complacent and dictatorial or, perhaps, too big for their shoes?

Ivonne Holliday ● 1070d

I hadn't even noticed this:-https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/jul/11/tory-leader-contenders-smearing-each-other-is-pure-political-noir"It has all the makings of a political noir: a secret meeting in a Westminster pub where one machiavellian operator spinning for a would-be prime minister hands a dossier of evidence to the opposition party in order to smear their rivals.And like all the best Westminster rumours, it has a basis in truth. But the truth is perhaps even more unbelievable than the story. The reality is that multiple campaigns have been in touch with the LABOUR PARTY (!) to distribute rumours about their rivals.Not everything is fully formed – just titbits sent on WhatsApp which sources suggest merit further investigation. But it is a mark of how bitter the race to become the next Tory leader – and the prime minister – has become so quickly."Ben Wallace was right to bale out.

David Ainsworth ● 1070d

"Well, at least the right wing press won't smear these candidates like they did Corbyn … will they?"Maybe not, but, if they do, it will be only a couple of months, not several years. But, it is a Tory civil war, with a betrayal myth and also the holy Brexit to defend against backsliders. So someone is likely to get hurt.

David Ainsworth ● 1070d

Yes. Ivonne, and no qualifications needed! Plus they get a substantial payout when they're sacked for not being up to the job!

Michael Ixer ● 1070d

David: a typo from me - I meant to say "I can understand why Wallace pulled out …"!Well, at least the right wing press won't smear these candidates like they did Corbyn … will they?

Michael Ixer ● 1070d

On the funny side.......

Ivonne Holliday ● 1070d

"I can't understand why Wallace pulled out - why get involved in the mudslinging when he can manage his department?"In August 2015 Wallace tweeted:-"Corbyn & I visited Iran together last year. He is an honest left winger who genuinely likes people. The other candidates should look & learn".Wallace is an ex-soldier and no coward, but he would have realised how this would be played in the upcoming competition.

David Ainsworth ● 1070d

I find the whole thing very nasty and expect for it to get worse! The tsunamis of mudslinging and elbowing could be quite something.I looked at the list of candidates for leader of the CP - and subsequently PM - and I could not find one candidate that is suitable.  Getting Rees Mogg on the list would be beyond depressing!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1070d

A deputation of ministers going to number 10 and telling him to go to his face isn't what I'd call back stabbing. More of a full frontal assault? Perhaps a bit hypocritical that they went along with his economies with the truth while they thought it was in their interest but I guess that's politics.I hear they're getting a bit worried about what's coming out in public: Rees Mogg accusing Sunak of being a bad Chancellor, someone saying Hunt hadn't prepared the country for a pandemic when he was Health Secretary, Javid saying the extra NI levy is no longer needed for health or social care, many seem to have stolen Corbyn's magic money tree ... and who seeded rumours about HMRC investigations or leaked Sunak's video saying he doesn't have working class friends (did any of them in their younger days?) … it all sounds a both unseemly and incompetent? Still let them argue it's fun - er, no it isn't; no one's running the country - and who knows what Johnson's scheming behind the scenes.I can't understand why Wallace pulled out - why get involved in the mudslinging when he can manage his department? Still, hints that Rees Mogg is considering entering the fight!

Michael Ixer ● 1070d

Back or front - its all the same if it works, which it has.

Clifford Cowell ● 1070d

I am sure somebody is fanning this story as they are very aware what happened to Theresa May......

Ivonne Holliday ● 1070d

The village of Midwich agrees that Boris was stabbed in the back:-https://horrornews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Village-Of-The-Damned-photo-6.png

David Ainsworth ● 1070d

So the "January the 6th" is likely to come in September, if ever?

David Ainsworth ● 1071d

The longer he skulks in Downing Street the bigger the myth will become as he briefs against his “treacherous” gang.Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 1071d