Cleverly

[whirlingdevonish]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-67813689
I don't think I've ever been angrier at a politician. And that is saying something in this political climate. Surely the Home Secretary should go?

I just heard this mentioned or the radio. Just appalling. One of the worst things I have heard tbh. Disgusting man.

I've always had him down as not very bright, and that they're scraping the barrel now. But this is beyond reprehensible for a man in his position (well, any man actually).

he’s a disgrace

Surely he realises that it's not something to joke about? As they say (this is not original), surely he is the best proof that nominative determinism does not exist?

Well that's it isn't it @nettie434 ? Even if you were to be charitable he's showing a remarkable level of stupidity to even contemplate this is a joke. The fact he does in fact tell the appalling joke shows he has simply no idea that date rape drugs are a menace and something the Home Secretary should be addressing rather than joshing about. I want a hue and cry raised on this. The man needs to go.

I don't think I've ever been so shocked by something a politician has said. He needs to go. And his wife should divorce him.

He's my local MP so I've known longer than most that he's an odious politician.
Only ever interested in his own career.
Even know that this has shocked me to the core.
He needs to resign or preferably unceremoniously sacked just to wipe that smug look off his face.
Won't happen though.
I'm sure many of his colleagues are still tittering about his 'joke'

yes @drivinmecrazy it's just a bit of bantz isn't it? I'm sure you're right.

And yet Peter Bone's constituents raised a petition to get him gone. Is this something that could be done in your constituency?

This is my problem with the tories. I've met lots of politicians through work. I've heard a Tory backbencher joke about teen pregnancies and another joke about people using food banks.
My problem with the tories isn't necessarily their policies - it's them as people. They're, either the type of people who make these jokes (which means there is an undercurrent of misogyny, classism etc) or they're happy to be around people who make them.
I've never heard politicians from the Lib Dems or Labour make these types of 'jokes'.

Thus is so much worse than a teen pregnancy or foodbank 'joke', mind. I can't even finish my list of all the levels on which this is deplorable.
a) he's literally the home secretary
b) the joke was made, presumably on purpose, on the day the government announce d a crackdown on spiking
c) it was made at No 10
d) it was said to women
e) it was at the expense of his own wife
f) the words can't even a teeny tiny bit be misconstrued
g) in the context of rape conviction stats it's abhorrent
h) this is the 'party of the family' , remember

Await Sunak's comment with interest.

So far, all I can find is the Home Office staying ' he thought it was a private conversation'.

Presumably anyone who is offended is 'woke' although I have to say can't find much evidence of that line on Twitter. I'd be intrigued to know how they defend the indefensible.

Also awaiting Sunak's defence. I hope Labour piles on as hard as hard as they can. This is no time for former DPP Kier Starmer to hold back.

Await Sunak's comment with interest.

Don't hold your breath.

It always seeps out, doesn’t it ?

Recall petitions can only be done under certain conditions. For Peter Bone it was because of his suspension from the HoC for 6 weeks - a suspension longer than 10 days opens you up to the possibility of a recall petition.

I agree. This won't be responded to. It's Christmas, people won't pay attention, there's no politics shows where it might be mentioned to MPs. It will be ignored and forgotten

I'm surprised he hasn't denied saying it - that's usually his first line of defence.

Shows an appalling lack of judgement and intelligence. He truly is a vile man. He always seems so confrontational and aggressive - clearly used to bullying people to get his own way.

This is utterly evil. 100% he should resign and he should never be appointed to cabinet office again. He should also withdraw as an MP. This isn't a social gaffe, it is way beyond that.

I'm also worried this will be forgotten over Christmas. Totally appalling and of course he should resign or be sacked but I also won't hold my breath.

He's also only been Home Secretary for about 2 mins, and is clearly an important part of Sunak's cabinet, having been foreign secretary as well. Sunak won't want to get rid of another Home Secretary

It won't be forgotten by Labour. They'll make sure of that in the run up to the GE.

What an unpleasant man. Hopefully another well-deserved nail in the Tories' coffin. I just wish we had an alternative I actually want to vote for, rather than just an 'Oh well, I suppose anything is better than the Tories' option.

He's my MP 😡
Always loathed him.

It is clear evidence that he knows what a woman is, and therefore I will be voting Tory, because at least they know that much.

What a ridiculously misnamed man

I hope that was a joke @jgw1