Westministenders: Oh No Not Another One. Thread that is.

[RedToothBrush]

In this edition of Westministers we play a game of ‘Where are they now?’

In June 2016 our screens were subjected to the sight of a number of particularly vocal MPs who participated in debates and stood on soap boxes to talk about the referendum.

The most noticeable of these for Leave were perhaps Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, Andrea Leadsom, Gisela Stuart, Nigel Farage, Priti Patel and Kate Hoey. For Remain it was David Cameron, George Osborne, Jeremy Corbyn, Ruth Davidson, Sadiq Khan, Nicola Sturgeon, Nick Clegg and Tim Farron.

It is starting to seem that anyone involved in campaigning either for or against Brexit in June 2016 has faced an epic battle for survival. Just how long can they last before being defeated or conceding defeat.

David Cameron’s scalp was the first to go, as he swanned off leaving everyone to clear up his mess.

Boris Johnson, who was keen to stamp his mark and pitch for the leadership by stitching up Cameron, got stitched up by Michael Gove who also lost his own bid for leadership as a result.

Johnson, of course, still lives to fight another day by getting a nice job as Theresa’s whipping boy. He’s occasionally let out by himself, but its Michael Fallon who does the ‘Grown Up Business’. He was said to be one of the last to support an early election. I can’t think why that might be.

Poor old Gove is now confined to a straight-jacket, the back benches where he’s been told to think about what he’s done like a naughty school child and a column in the Times

Andrea Leadsom was sent to a field of cows never to be seen again except to pop up for the odd cameo line shouting about ‘Jam’.

Queen Theresa also dealt with the other Conservative Leader Leave Candidate Mr Liam Fox, by shipping him off to every dodgy corner of the global to get pampered by state hostility.

Stephen Crabb simply crawled back under his rock.

The announcement of the General Election seems to be like the major soap incident episode where half the cast get killed off by a totally unrealistic disaster because their acting contracts weren’t being renewed.

The quitters and abdicators who now have legged it at the sight of a General Election are Gisela ‘Champion of the Brexit Bus’ Stuart and Nigel ‘Too chicken to be defeated for an eighth time and risk losing my nice EU pension’ Farage. George Osborne took the advice of his school teachers and had another career to fall back on when he didn’t become successful in his first choice.

Its rather starting to look like the curse of being a leading Brexiteer is to be made to disappear off the face of the earth or fuck off when the going gets tough. Have you seen Priti Patel lately? Does she even still exist? And Chris Grayling? He was convinced he was going to get chancellor when he supported May in her bid for the leadership.
Instead he got packed off transport and disappeared off the face of the earth much to the annoyance of everyone caught up in the rail strikes.

The only one who is remotely visible seems to be David Davis and is like May’s pet poodle who just tries to please his owner.

It’s almost like the only one still standing or hasn’t been banished is Kate Hoey. And the Lib Dems are trying to work on that one and make her sink beneath the waves, on board her Alan Partridge Titanic once and for all.

Conversely the visible Remainers seem to be – on the face of it - fairing rather better at the moment.

Sadiq Khan is hugely popular and actually does his job rather than fannying about on zip wires. Ruth Davidson is also well respected and apparently has saved Priti Patel’s job from abolition. If the rumours are to be believed bored with scrapping with Nicola, she might be lining herself up for ‘Big Things’ in Westminister. Cameron’s one time love interest, Nick Clegg hasn’t shaken the tarnish of the coalition but he is enjoying a new reputation as the Brexit Soothsayer and some people actually know who Tim Farron is now, which is progress. Nicola Sturgeon is of course riding high and seems to be a permanent thorn in Theresa’s side.

Jeremy ‘I’m a Remainer, honest comrades’ Corbyn is the one who seems to be something of a walking disaster area yet is also thriving with it like a zombie who just keeps going regardless of what you throw at him.

And then of course there is Queen Theresa. The Remainer. Who has crushed everyone in her party. Not just the saboteurs. Even her supposed ally Hammond and BBF Rudd have been thrown under the bus at her wimb when its suited May personally.

The General Election now sets a new scene and opportunity for new characters to emerge. Now the rats have left the ship or been put in their place.

Will May set course to the left or to the right or simply plow on like a bull in a china shop?

Anyway I’m now looking forward to the shocking soap opera moment where your favourite hero or villain gets killed off in a twist you didn’t see coming. Role on June 8th. If only to get pass the upcoming horror of the next six weeks.

Conservative councillor for Walton South, Christine Elmer leaves the Conservative Party and switches her allegiance to the Liberal Democrats.

www.southeastlibdems.org.uk/top_tory_councillor_in_surrey_defects_to_the_lib_dems

I'd not read the comments Misti but a quick glance already makes me cringe!

Who knew "Dan" Hannan was such a wag?

Daniel Hannan harks back to the days of empire - the Angevin Empire
Did the benign rule of some 12th century English kings make western France vote Macron over Le Pen?

"There are a number of problems with this theory. The first is that it’s bollocks."

www.newstatesman.com/2017/04/daniel-hannan-harks-back-days-empire-angevin-empire

Der Spiegel's reflections on French GE:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/france-runoff-between-macron-and-le-pen-unprecedented-a-1144552.html

Macron:
"he is going to have to be what he has always said he doesn't want to be: A savior.

At least for all of those who want to continue living in an open, European country that maintains close relations with its neighbors.

One that doesn't just tolerate minorities, but which grants them the same rights as everyone else.

Macron and Le Pen, after all, have two visions for France's societal and political future that could hardly be more different.
Emmanuel Macron stands for everything that Le Pen would like to get rid of."

Le Pen:
"there is cause for concern in the Le Pen camp ....

despite her extensive campaigning and despite her years-long effort to professionalize her party .....
she still only managed five percentage points more than in the first round of voting five years ago.

Furthermore, it is no doubt a source of annoyance for her that Emmanual Macron, a young politician who has never before run for office and who likewise claims to be against the system - just from the opposite end of the spectrum - managed to defeat her in the first round."

Open Britain are mounting an attack on 20 Remain seats represented by Leave MPs including Kate Hoey's and IDS's (as well as pouring money into defending some Remainers' seats that look vulnerable). The Vauxhall LDs have put out the attached image in their election leaflet, I don't know who should feel more insulted, Hoey or Farage. It's the stuff of nightmares.

Thanks 'woman'. I just Don't know what to do when the majority is so overwhelmingly Tory. How do I vote when I have no chance.. I don't know

The UK press and media are going to be devastated that Macron is, bar a miracle, going to win over Marie Le Pen. There was so much coverage of Le Pen on the radio last night. Then the reporter said "we should say 'a few words' about Macron". Yep, he only came first in that round. And is most likely to become president.

Matt Frei was being a bit obtuse, too. In the interview shown with Macron, piping up with the idea it could be punishment for the UK. Macron had to say it was simply consistent with leaving the EU. Rather the 'no cake and eat it' scenario. Not a cruel and unnatural punishment as the British media seem to be going on about.

Macron is most probably going to be the next french President and who do the BBC bring on the Daily Politics (only after the requisite Kipper of course); a guy from the Front National. Le Pen is probably getting more media coverage in the UK than in France.

There is something bothering me about France and Le Pen.

Maybe it is because I've been conditioned so much by the part 9 months BUT

Something smacks of not being 'quite right' as in people think its a forgone conclusion and there is no chance of her being able to close the gap.

Not only that, just Le Pen leaving her party isn't being reported in France doesn't mean it shouldn't be if there is a dubious reason for it.

Is it true there is a chance of mass abstentions? I've heard it suggested. Just how likely is this?

I worry about complacency and making sure there is not a cultural bias.

I've been talking to a friend who currently has a French family staying with them. They are middle class and natural Fillon supporters. They are apparently to hold their nose and vote Le Pen as they don't like the alternative, and want a right wing government. Its this middle class acceptably creeping in that has meant that leap of UKIP to Bluekip.

I don't know. I hope there isn't another blind spot there. And I guess I'm just waiting for Sunderland I guess and won't be happy until the Election is concluded and Macron officially confirmed.

In other news I've noticed Arron Banks head isn't on straight on his neck. Its crooked. Now I've seen it, I can't unsee it.

I'm losing it again aren't I?

He must be a swivel headed loon as well as a swivel eyed loon.

He's got a head like a partially deflated leather football.

Thanks 'woman'. I just Don't know what to do when the majority is so overwhelmingly Tory. How do I vote when I have no chance.. I don't know

You vote because you can.
You vote because people fought to vote.
You vote because if you don't the overton window would shift even further.
You vote because it makes others realise they are not alone in how they oppose what is going on, even if they are a minority.
You vote because apathy supports scenarios that are even worse.
You vote because you don't know how apathetic others are.
You vote because a little bit of extra exercise walking to the polling booth is generally a good thing.
You vote because those people in the polling station don't feel lonely and actually have to do some work.
You vote because you know you are morally taking the path you feel better, even if you can't change the result.
You vote because hell, what if the pollsters are wrong?
You vote because the alien invasion might end.
You vote to prove to the rest of the EU that we haven't all lost our marbles in this country.
You vote because every vote not for her pisses off Theresa. And you know it.
You vote to make up the popular vote, even if its technically meaningless.
You vote because, just 'because'...

I will write a hundred reasons to vote until you find one daft enough to get your arse to the polling booth, even if its to spoil a ballot, if I have to.

So save me the hassle of doing that, find one from the list above to motivate you!

You vote because it helps get a deposit back.
You vote because some mug has put themselves out there, for you to vote for against the alternative, even if they have no chance of winning.
You vote because it snowed today here.
You vote because otherwise they might decide to have another election next year to spite you.

You get the idea...

You vote to make your voice heard.
You vote because it's better than whining on the internet that no one listens to you, when you can't be bothered to put a cross in a box which says something.
You vote because some candidates genuinely do want to do a good job for their constituents.

As a woman, I vote because suffragettes struggled and gave a life to earn me that vote & I won't give it up lightly.

I don't understand why people don't vote. If you don't vote you are effectively giving your vote away. If you vote, you are at least countering one vote which you disagree with. The bugg*rs will have to find an extra vote to be one up on you.

You vote because there millions of EU citizens living here who really need to know you give a shit about them.
You vote because someone has probably walked miles delivering leaflets even though they know it's a lost cause.
You vote so you earn the right to comment on politics as your an active participant rather than a passive observer who just moans.
You vote because you show you care.
You vote so these threads are worth taking the time to talk about what democracy is - and isn't.
You vote so you don't take your vote for granted if and when one day who you voted for is elected.

Oh, I would definitely vote strategically if it kept people I thought were the worse choice out. You have to be pragmatic in real life.

recruitingtimes.org/news/18942/brexit-proves-recruitment-nightmare-smes-like-tap-turned-off-job-applications/
CopperRose, here is the real message of that HR article - it is nothing to do with summer jobs for teenagers and bottom of the barrel wages. It is about future British competitiveness in growth sectors, and also about trading abroad:

The East European people he specialised in placing in jobs feel less welcome in the UK now and, since the devaluation of the pound, they’d far rather be earning euros in a country they know they can settle down in if they choose.”...

...Due to the skills shortage and in many cases, second language requirements for specific roles, more recruitment agencies have had to be used to employ staff.

Spokesperson for Maxwell Scott says, “We’d normally have enough speculative CVs coming in or a job ad would bring in a pile of applications, but since Brexit it’s dried up. Even with an agency on board we haven’t managed so far to fill this key role. We offered it to two people but they turned it down for jobs they considered to be more suitable in mainland Europe.”

In the tech industry, entrepreneur Tom Adeyoola is also finding it harder to recruit for his Metail app which lets customers try clothes on virtually. He reveals a couple of staff members have been told to “go home” by members of the public when their accents have been heard.

He points out that difficulty recruiting in the UK will simply create opportunities in other job markets. His company has already doubled staff to 60 and he intends to double again in size within two years. Whether this is in the UK or not is open to question.

“The simple truth is if I can’t hire here I’ll do it abroad at our Asian office which is about to move from Singapore to Hong Kong,” he says. “I think I’m going to have to mitigate risk by focussing on growing staff numbers abroad and I imagine I’m not the only SME thinking that way. It’s tough but I’ve offered jobs recently to EU citizens who’ve turned me down because they’ve found employment elsewhere in the EU. I need the best people so I can’t allow that to carry on.”

Founder of Brexit Tracker, an online research resource looking at the impact of Brexit on SMEs’ operations, Ben Martin, says the feedback has been that recruitment is in the top three of companies’ concerns, alongside developing new markets and technology.

“If you’re an EU citizen, the weakened pound means you’ve now got to earn 15% more than last year to make Britain attractive,” he says.

“So, it’s not a huge surprise that people are favouring earning euros in places they feel more welcome and there isn’t the risk they could be asked to leave in two years’ time.”

He predicts this uncertainty over the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU will continue to affect British firms’ ability to hire key talent for the next couple of years while discussions continue to unfold.

Only someone who imagines immigrant labour as a mass of unwashed people delighted to get the chance to hoe cabbages or wash crockery in a tea room could fail to understand what a massive shot to the foot it is to create an environment hostile to immigrant labour.

Local teens get a dead end summer job and people who are well-educated (at no cost to the British taxpayer), wealth-generating, potential employees and net contributors to revenue are turned away by the hostile atmosphere, the impossibility of considering long term plans that involve residence in Britain, and the decline of Sterling (caused by Brexit).

(Once again, note how huge problems are created when a country decides at both personal and government level that modern foreign languages are a waste of time.)

Not only that, just Le Pen leaving her party isn't being reported in France doesn't mean it shouldn't be if there is a dubious reason for it.

She's not "leaving her party" which is presumably why it doesn't seem to be a big deal! It's fake news and I don't understand why people on here are swallowing it.

I think this is a good example of what that Le Monde article talked about, that the British press are desperate to justify their own position on Brexit by bigging up the fascist across the water. And they dont understand the French language or the French context so they get everything wrong.

The French understand that the FN is the Le Pen family. Without them it doesn't exist. Whether Marine Le Pen occupies the role of party president is irrelevant.

FWIW, Macron although de facto head of his own movement, is not the "party leader" as the top position in the En Marche organisation is occupied a Secretary General you won't even have heard of.

Le Pen is probably getting more media coverage in the UK than in France.

So this morning I searched "le pen" and "le pen démissionne" (Le Pen resigns) on Twitter and what I came up with was

• about a zillion press articles in English about MLP resigning from the NF
• interspersed with a few French articles about the miffed mayor who threatened to resign his post because his electorate voted NF.

Usually if you search Le Pen on Twitter most of what you get is a lot of French language tweets by a mix of individuals and news organisations, and a smattering of Trumpbots and Putinbots going on about making France great again. So the above is unusual and it's caused by this fake news buzz about her "resignation".

Misti Ouest France had a headline last night to say that she was taking a congé.

Yes, she's taken temporary leave from her position as president of the FN during the remainder of the campaign. She hasn't left the party.

The FN is unusual, versus the other establishment parties, in that the organisational leader of the party is also the de facto presidential candidate. The republicans and the socialists have an organisational leadership that is separate from the presidential candidacy; they elect their candidates in a primary.

In this respect I guess that the FN is more like British political parties, which elect a leader who is then de facto candidate for prime minister, whereas the mainstream French parties are more like US ones in that they elect a presidential candidate in a primary, and that candidate is not the party's "leader".

This is why I think that MLP resigning as party leader is seen as a big deal in the UK press but not by the French - for the UK this is unusual, for the French it's politics as usual. What is unusual in the French context is the assumption that she can step down and then presumably step right back into the party presidency after the campaign without the members getting any say. This emphasises the extent to which the FN is less a political party than a family business.

Heggarty

You vote because not to do so disenfranchises you

As women, we fought longer and harder than men for the right to vote

Even if you only go and spoil your ballot

GO!

VOTE!

vote tactically, vote for the least bad option, vote with your conscience, vote because our country is facing its worst crisis since WW2....VOTE!!

I agree our right wing press are in a panic...

The far right didn't win the Dutch election

They won't win France. Or Germany.

We're on our own