Farage to make statement this afternoon …

[AgitaAndroid]

Fingers crossed.

Burnham wasn't in a position to promise him anything. Neither he nor Simons knew what the outcome in Makerfield would be.
He could have stood down as a gamble that Burnham would see him right, but it was risky.
So many in the Labour Party wanted Burnham to take over as PM, there's no reason to suppose Simons wasn't one of them, and he was uniquely plaved to start the ball rolling to make the magic happen.
Whether he is rewarded with a plum job or not, there's many think he has done a great service. Maybe that's enough if he's passionate.

Oh they can see he's a lying grifter alright. They're just expecting us to overlook the truth and unquestioningly stoop to their level, where apparently it's acceptable.

Never going to happen.

It was reasonably certain that Makerfield would go to Burnham through all the projections. Simons had been exposed for trying to undermine journalists and had to step down from his aide role. He had nowhere to go in Westminster. He can go to Downing Street with Burnham, though.

Oh god no. He's so tedious now he and Alastair Campbell are best mates. Seem to think they're leaders of the free world in podcast form.

It's just a co-incidence is it? Simons is the best man for the job? Bullshit - it was a stitch up that will be paid for by taxpayers.

Haha yep

Of course he was. Starmer was finished. There was no one to challenge him. This is what his third time going for the leadership. He took the opportunity that was presented to him.

Josh had his own issues and he also saw an opportunity to draw a line under those and then arise after AB is PM. Unless you think this is just a coincidence and that Josh will never appear within politics again?

A shopkeeper who did immense damage to this country.

I doubt Boris wants to live in Clacton or give up the money he is earning giving talks.

There is no way a 32 years with a shit CV like Simons would get a £200,000 "special" role if he hadn't made way for the king. I'd beat my boittom dollar that if it hadn't worked out Simons would have popped up as an "advisor" to Burnham as Manchester Mayor.

It is just the same labour cronyism that saw Mandleson as US ambassador.

Restore seem to be saying that they won't contest the seat. They're apparently waiting for the second by-election after the investigation into Farage's finances has been concluded.

He would actually look a bit of a twat if none of the other parties chose to engage with this PR stunt. It will be interesting to see how this one pans out.

I'm not sure Farage on his own is that politically aware.

He needs the help of people in the orbit of Trump's strategist, Steve Bannon.

BTW, those freebie services from Bannon associate Alexandra Preate and her firm CapitalHQ are another thing Farage forgot to declare in the register of MP's interests.

He further forgot to declare that CapitalHQ paid his $3,531.10 hotel bill at the Hilton Garden Inn during the 2024 Republican National Convention.

All while he was an MP in the UK House of Commons.

According to their own declaration, CapitalHQ's work for Farage included “promotion, perception management, public relations, speeches, appearances, communications, travel, accommodation and logistics and other political activities in furtherance of political interests of the foreign principal”.

Farage given free team of US PR advisers by former Bannon aide’s firm
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/oct/17/farage-given-free-team-of-us-pr-advisers-by-former-bannon-aides-firm

One of them is a local councillor. Do you think Dan Jarvis had a proper job? He's never run or worked for a business as far as I know.

Neither does Nigel.

He's doesn't live in Clacton and he hasn't given up his other gigs.

Evidence?

Bring back Boris didn't go well last time iirc

My point is that I will call it out when I see it and I will even more when people aren't choosing to see it. So let's all unite in calling out the horrendous company and handouts pocketed by Farage. Just look into the credentials of George Cottrell .....

Former Makerfield MP lined up for key role under Burnham

It looks like the other parties may not stand at all. Which puts Farage right back in where he left, with the investigation still pending

They are a little bit different. He's standing down only to stand again for the same seat. As stunts go, it's quite impressive.

Amazing how reform deflect onto Burnham rather than tackle the foreign bribe their man took, and then repeatedly lied about.

Or maybe we should talk about his house purchase, did he buy it? His partner? Her family? Lie, lie, lie again.

Quick everyone deflect, the bigger boys made him do it, it's all their fault miss, we can't possibly take any responsibility for our actions. Deflect, deflect, deflect.

Well hindsight always 20/20, isn't it? I don't recall it being at all certain. Who knows what may have happened had the left not united, the right not split, and Reform had managed to find someone who wasn't a misogynist half wit to represent them?

Then he will constantly say they were all too scared of Reform to stand against him. Which would be true in that case.

The king didn't resign as Mayor Manchester - he hedged his bets. I he hadn't of won Simons would have popped up as an advisor in Manchester. It was a safe bet for a low grade MP.

Farage has just released the CCTV footage seems Sky lied again today. Do people not realise were permanently lied to?

If Sky lied that is really bad. His daughter has nothing to do with any of this.