Angela Rayner’s glottal stops are infuriating

[Ilovecleaning]

AIBU to be so irritated by the deputy PM’s lazy speech? I was listening to her being interviewed this morning and I was distracted by her Bri-ish/righ-/wai-ed. I googled her and apparently when asking a question about the lockdown parties she said ‘Was you there or not?’
Why does it anger me so much? It is not her accent. I am northern but I don’t drop my t’s and I know when to use was and were.
Her lazy speech distracts from the content. I have my theories but I would love to hear other people’s opinions.

No, really not. I wouldn't trade my life for AR's, ever. And zero student debt, as I went to university back when it was all free.

I kind of want you to BU because her accent should not matter. But every time she opens her mouth, I honestly want to tear my own ears off.

And that interview on Today earlier was a fecking car crash.

I bet it’s not. Her life looks pretty good to me - rent free flat in central London, country house for weekends, chauffeur driven Jag, Glyndebourne in the summer, six figure salary and power. The lass has done very well for herself.

She certainly has, but trust me my lifestyle is still nicer. Plus I'm fully retired at 54 which is nice.

She’s trying to make a difference to people’s lives @Arraminta What difference have you made to the world?

Christ, you must be bored witless. Retired at 54?

Well, I'm currently working on achieving world peace and curing cancer.

Goodness, no. It's wonderful. I don't know how I ever found the time to work!

You sound nice @Arraminta 🙄

Thank you.

Going to university is not the only way to be educated. And I say that as someone who has studied to masters level.
Learning in other contexts is just as valuable as writing essays.
University teaches a range of skills but they can be learnt in other ways too. They are also not the only skills you need.
You speak of education as something that you can only gain by following a narrow curriculum at university. That really isn't true. And in fact, an inability to critique received wisdom is incredibly important in leaders, not just blindly follow what you have even taught.
I mean, I think back to my English degree (first class, in case I need to defend my intelligence), and it was part of the journey to becoming the person, professionally and personally, that I am now in my mid forties, but only a small stepping stone. I have learnt far more through self directed study in my field, along with actual experience, sharing experience and good practice with fellow professionals etc than either my undergrad or masters.

YABU

Yes, AR has probably worked hard on her self directed learning and has read extensively since leaving school. Hats off to her.

What was your job @Arraminta?

Ah you're funny 😉 I like it.

Other than her politics (I would never vote labour) what is there to dislike?

•Lovely fiery hair I'm being serious when I say people are jealous

• you keep mentioning she left school at 16 but fail to mention that was to raise her son now she's deputy prime minister and a grandma how old is she now? I think about 40. Many who thought they were superior to teen mum's will be struggling with infertility at that age, I can see why Angela would make them rage

• I couldn't care less about her voice maybe she has a slight speech impediment? Which can't be helped and doesn't mean someone is unintelligent

This really proves that outlook and personal attributes are so important.
There is nothing at all wrong with retiring at your age. I am a firm believer that there is far more to life than work.
I enjoy my career and am ambitious, but still massively value work life balance and will not sacrifice as much as some to achieve career goals. I have been successful iny chosen career but would never have a role like deputy PM because I'm honestly not driven enough to sacrifice my personal life and sanity in the way you have to. (Not suggesting I would be deputy PM if that weren't the case, but to illustrate an example).

Someone who enjoys retirement at such a young age would never reach such a role, it's an incompatible personality type...and that's ok. You would have to be someone who thrived on the pressure and challenge to be in a role like deputy PM. To hold your nerve, keep your cool, constantly keep ahead of the game. Have a limited desire to potter round and have down time. These personal attributes are at least as important than, for example, being able to write a nuanced and well researched essay on the political impact of a particular Shakespeare play.

As a Type A myself, I couldn’t agree more, that’s why I reacted in horror at the prospect of such early retirement!

I completely agree. I have never been remotely driven or ambitious, it's just not in my nature.

I’m a similar age to you @Arraminta and I couldn’t imagine retiring. I’m far too young!

Fair enough. But I'm loving it. There is a whole world out there and so many new interests to explore.

Ah now, I'm rightly envious of her hair. I always desperately wanted to be a red head growing up, think it was due to reading Pippi Longstocking?

Some people, snobs usually, will always have a problem with WC people who hold powerful jobs. Nothing to do with how educated they are or not, more to do with the oiks knowing their place.

I can't tell you how unhinged posts like this look to people from outside the UK.

It's unfortunate that the lauded private education appears to have omitted instruction in the most basic standards of good manners. Most unusual, A shame to miss those classes, leaving one unaware that using privilege to denigrate and patronise someone perceived to be of lesser status than oneself is simply a crass display of ignorance. Drawing attention to such difference simply amplifies that. Simply, it's not a good look. Ever.

I think Rachel Reeves sounds nasal and robotic. Sir Kier always has the dull, deadly tones of a pulpet preacher.
I have no opinion on Angela Rayner other than to say I hope her plan to build all over the countryside fails.