Thread 35 Starmer: Old and smelling of roses

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https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5418471-thread-34-starmer-conference-swanwiches-and-a-deputy-leader-contest?page=40

Everything Marr says resonates with me and echoes my disappointment. I think your summary is highly misleading @MaybeNotBob, the only part I disagree with is that I think he’s overly pessimistic about Reform, failing to take into account its litany of fuck ups in local government.

I agree with you @BIossomtoes It is a good article.

As for Reform's chances, I think and hope Marr is wrong. Caerphilly showed how voters can and will pull together. Reform know this, hence the whining about tactical voting and the framing of it as undemocratic.

Also, since the GE there have been two national by- elections(unless I have forgotten some?). Runcorn, which Reform won by just six votes and Caerphilly, which it failed to win despite the polls and the odds being in its favour.

I think that says something about Reform's ability to win seats at a national level?

The Senedd elections will be different to Westminster elections because of PR (Caerphilly was the last FPTP election) but unless something really dramatic happens Reform won't be running our lovely country.

Agree - absolutely

Interesting clip on BBC website of him chatting to someone on Chelmsford high st before he caught a London bound train - unlike his crazed-looking mugshot he looks very ordinary/unremarkable such that he'd blend in quite easily in London tho' expect he'll be tracked by CCTV rather than spotted by member of the public

I saw that too. He seemed remarkably nonchalant. I really hope they get him soon.

I absolute love this. I’m quite envious of the Welsh having the option to vote Plaid.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/oct/25/plaid-cymru-caerphilly-labour-reform

Lucy Powell is confirmed as the new Deputy Leader.

😂 Sorry, just being nosey and posted by accident. I'll take my post with me. As you were.

I’m really pleased about that. I always thought that a minister running a big department would be stretched too thin to do the job properly. I’d like to see Starmer accept membership wishes with grace and give her a seat at the Cabinet table now.

Congratulations to Lucy Powell.

I was about to respond to your post, so am glad you flagged it!

😃

I am quite pleased with Powell winning it.

16% is correct so maybe check your maths too

How many party members do you think Labour has?

Police have spotted him in London - so hopefully not long now

Think the question is how many LP members do you think there are?

https://labourlist.org/2025/02/labour-party-membership-drop-since-general-election/

309,000 or less, hard to know how many given they stopped reporting out of embarrassment.

I always enjoy a chance to break out my favourite GIF.

Echo the congratulations to Lucy Powell, though the turnout was low. I hope she remains separate from the cabinet because it provides more of a link to the rank and file members and councillors.
The Times really glossed over the 'enemy' omission on the China espionage fiasco under Sunak and still tried to link it with Starmer. It's political journalism has descended into gossip fit for the Express.

I am not sure about that Marr piece. I understand and in parts agree with his disappointment but is does read like whilst acknowdleging the poison chalice, he did expect a magic wand.

I am disappointed with his Reform bandwagon, I expect more scrutiny from him.

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

He was just released and unaware that it turned into a manhunt, so why wouldn't he be relaxed.

I too hope he get caught soon.

They have released CCTV footage of the tranfser

Sums it up.

What is the usual turn out for this kind of elections?

They didn't distinguish between union affiliates and members

Ah, right. But didn't he wonder why he was suddenly free.