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Original poster

I am a Labour voter, a Labour supporter and I do not regret my vote.

1000 replies

CurlewKate · 20/09/2024 20:30

However, I think that Starmer has been incredibly stupid and/or very badly advised over this expenses issue. He has done nothing wrong, but his behaviour is not what he led us to believe he would do, and I am incredibly exasperated and disappointed.

In my opinion, he should admit that he made a massive misjudgement, and agree to take no more freebies from now on.

Apart from anything else anything which allows people to say "They are all as bad as each other" (they aren't) is a distraction from the real issues the country faces. He should be laser focussed on repairing the damage caused by 14 years of Tory misrule. Not scrambling around dealing with peripheral stuff.
Starmer-say sorry. Don't do it again. And get back to work.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
14
Boohoo76 · 22/09/2024 19:02

CurlewKate · 21/09/2024 09:39

@Rummly Doesn't sound like an evidence to me-but hey ho. My FIL talked about "my print shop". He was a sole trader working out of a lock up.

Incidentally- if he did own the company, it wasn't registered at Companies House. So you can probably accuse him of tax fraud too if you like.

You do understand what a sole trader means? In case you don’t, it means that you are the sole owner of a business. However, you can still have employees. There is no requirement to be registered as a limited company to have employees.

twistyizzy · 22/09/2024 19:06

BlushingBrightly · 22/09/2024 18:54

average MC/WC parents who choose indy for a massive range of reasons

Give over. Truly 'average' MC/WC parents can't afford this. Anything else is just flannel from people who don't want to admit they are better off than most.

Also bursaries and scholarships account for 20% of the kids in Indy schools, specifically for those who can't afford the fees. Those are already going under VAT proposition

MoneyNeverSleeps · 22/09/2024 19:07

twistyizzy · 22/09/2024 19:06

Also bursaries and scholarships account for 20% of the kids in Indy schools, specifically for those who can't afford the fees. Those are already going under VAT proposition

Show quote history

Spot on.

This is happening at my DCs school.

Nordione1 · 22/09/2024 19:36

dubsie · 22/09/2024 18:40

She's still leagues ahead of what came before. We've had a labour government for less than a year and all the Tory trolls just can't stand it.

We've had years of austerity where the poorest have suffered harm, child poverty, homeless at record levels, the NHS on its knees....and your complaints are about this government that is determined to try and help some of the poorest most vulnerable people.

Poor old middle class parents having to pay VAT on private education so they can beat the common kids to the best jobs ...how about they cut their cloth like the rest of us are told to do.

I have no sympathy for those having to pay a little more tax, I pay 40% tax and I don't moan because I know I'm still better off than most of the people I do work for.

I'm a tradesman and I work in homes that are rented all the way to palatial gated homes. The wealthy won't cut the private education because it's peanuts for them and it's about status....why should a private education not be subject to VAT....

I mean, superficially from your post it does almost sound as if Labour are interested in the poor and people who are vulnerable as they are unable to earn a wage.

Like pensioners for example.

twistyizzy · 22/09/2024 19:42

dubsie · 22/09/2024 18:40

She's still leagues ahead of what came before. We've had a labour government for less than a year and all the Tory trolls just can't stand it.

We've had years of austerity where the poorest have suffered harm, child poverty, homeless at record levels, the NHS on its knees....and your complaints are about this government that is determined to try and help some of the poorest most vulnerable people.

Poor old middle class parents having to pay VAT on private education so they can beat the common kids to the best jobs ...how about they cut their cloth like the rest of us are told to do.

I have no sympathy for those having to pay a little more tax, I pay 40% tax and I don't moan because I know I'm still better off than most of the people I do work for.

I'm a tradesman and I work in homes that are rented all the way to palatial gated homes. The wealthy won't cut the private education because it's peanuts for them and it's about status....why should a private education not be subject to VAT....

Oh FYI DDs indy school is full of parents such as yourself ie self employed ie builders, painters + decorators etc

EasternStandard · 22/09/2024 19:44

dubsie · 22/09/2024 18:40

She's still leagues ahead of what came before. We've had a labour government for less than a year and all the Tory trolls just can't stand it.

We've had years of austerity where the poorest have suffered harm, child poverty, homeless at record levels, the NHS on its knees....and your complaints are about this government that is determined to try and help some of the poorest most vulnerable people.

Poor old middle class parents having to pay VAT on private education so they can beat the common kids to the best jobs ...how about they cut their cloth like the rest of us are told to do.

I have no sympathy for those having to pay a little more tax, I pay 40% tax and I don't moan because I know I'm still better off than most of the people I do work for.

I'm a tradesman and I work in homes that are rented all the way to palatial gated homes. The wealthy won't cut the private education because it's peanuts for them and it's about status....why should a private education not be subject to VAT....

I only see Labour posters go on about 'trolls' in this way on here

You will be affected as anyone with the job you do if Labour get it wrong with growth and taxes

Boohoo76 · 22/09/2024 19:46

dubsie · 22/09/2024 18:40

She's still leagues ahead of what came before. We've had a labour government for less than a year and all the Tory trolls just can't stand it.

We've had years of austerity where the poorest have suffered harm, child poverty, homeless at record levels, the NHS on its knees....and your complaints are about this government that is determined to try and help some of the poorest most vulnerable people.

Poor old middle class parents having to pay VAT on private education so they can beat the common kids to the best jobs ...how about they cut their cloth like the rest of us are told to do.

I have no sympathy for those having to pay a little more tax, I pay 40% tax and I don't moan because I know I'm still better off than most of the people I do work for.

I'm a tradesman and I work in homes that are rented all the way to palatial gated homes. The wealthy won't cut the private education because it's peanuts for them and it's about status....why should a private education not be subject to VAT....

Some of the richest parents are my DC’s private school are the tradespeople. The builders earn far more than the doctors.

Xenia · 22/09/2024 19:47

I was disappointed in Starmer as I would be with any Tories in the same position (I voted Conservative). . Why accept anything free even if lawful? I don't understand it. I have refused anything offered by clients such as shares or a directorship over the years (not that I have had many offers) as I want to keep the absolute purity of the relationship as it were. Starmer will have known first hand the massive risks with gifts particularly when he was at the CPS as any even perception of a gift could lead to accusations of a bias that may not even be there. Starmer can afford clothes so why take the risk by accepting clothes that lead to headlines Free Gear Keir? It suggests very poor judgment.

ScandiNoirNuit · 22/09/2024 20:03

twistyizzy · 22/09/2024 19:06

Also bursaries and scholarships account for 20% of the kids in Indy schools, specifically for those who can't afford the fees. Those are already going under VAT proposition

Show quote history

Schools round here like to trumpet their bursaries widening their intake but the reality is they offer a 5% discount to kids they can cherry pick with a sports/music aptitude. More often than not, they come from a prep background as those schools (and parents) have the means/facilities to develop that level of achievement. I say this as someone from a cohort of bursary receiving parents.

Clavinova · 22/09/2024 20:14

ScandiNoirNuit · 22/09/2024 20:03

Schools round here like to trumpet their bursaries widening their intake but the reality is they offer a 5% discount to kids they can cherry pick with a sports/music aptitude. More often than not, they come from a prep background as those schools (and parents) have the means/facilities to develop that level of achievement. I say this as someone from a cohort of bursary receiving parents.

Show quote history

What you are describing are scholarships, not bursaries. Bursaries are means- tested and may be in addition to a scholarship.

Nordione1 · 22/09/2024 20:15

ScandiNoirNuit · 22/09/2024 20:03

Schools round here like to trumpet their bursaries widening their intake but the reality is they offer a 5% discount to kids they can cherry pick with a sports/music aptitude. More often than not, they come from a prep background as those schools (and parents) have the means/facilities to develop that level of achievement. I say this as someone from a cohort of bursary receiving parents.

Show quote history

Possibly you may be confused with a scholarship. Schools often knock off 5% for someone that is exceptional at music or sport or academics. It's not means tested and a child needs to apply and be assessed. They are then "sports scholars" or whatever. It is the honour and kudos that is the benefit rather than financial as often there's no discount. Prep schools are clued up about this and often put a lot of children forward for the assessment.

A bursary on the other hand is means tested and is based on ability to pay. So it can be up to 100% of the fees. Your "cohort of bursary receiving parents" will be presumably all unable to pay the full fees so will have had their finances looked at thoroughly by the bursar who will make the final decision based on whether he/she thinks a parent has the means to pay and how much.

BIossomtoes · 23/09/2024 10:31

Xenia · 22/09/2024 19:47

I was disappointed in Starmer as I would be with any Tories in the same position (I voted Conservative). . Why accept anything free even if lawful? I don't understand it. I have refused anything offered by clients such as shares or a directorship over the years (not that I have had many offers) as I want to keep the absolute purity of the relationship as it were. Starmer will have known first hand the massive risks with gifts particularly when he was at the CPS as any even perception of a gift could lead to accusations of a bias that may not even be there. Starmer can afford clothes so why take the risk by accepting clothes that lead to headlines Free Gear Keir? It suggests very poor judgment.

I never thought the day would dawn but I agree with you. I too am disappointed. Very.

Araminta1003 · 23/09/2024 10:34

What we need is less “disappointment” and more good people with real skills going into local politics and making a difference and taking the power away from those in charge centrally.

BIossomtoes · 23/09/2024 10:49

I’ve seen far too much of local politics first hand to ever voluntarily go into that snake pit.

MoneyNeverSleeps · 23/09/2024 10:51

BIossomtoes · 23/09/2024 10:49

I’ve seen far too much of local politics first hand to ever voluntarily go into that snake pit.

Some would say you are perfectly suited.

(Not me of course)

BIossomtoes · 23/09/2024 10:57

Some have been saying it for years. I’ve been urged to stand more than once, my stomach isn’t strong enough and those who do have my wholehearted admiration. They’re better than me.

MoneyNeverSleeps · 23/09/2024 11:07

Here’s a great line.

Its hard to wear your principles if someone else paid for the suit….

TizerorFizz · 23/09/2024 11:47

I heard a Labour supporter on the radio saying poor Kier didn’t realise free clothes would be an issue! How unbelievably stupid can you get? He’s always commented on Tory excess but now does it himself! I bet Sunak paid for his own clothes. Rachel Reeves had various events and wanted to look her best. Breaking news: she looked corporate and boring! All those single colour suits - just like Angela Merkel. These people have no style or imagination.

I do think they need to portray the right image when reiterating us abroad but to a home audience - buy your own clothes!

Plus - why pay a political adviser and then make basic mistakes? Taking money from not very well off people was always going to cause a storm. Before the budget too. Just looks vindictive and it’s self destruction. Who will trust them now?

TizerorFizz · 23/09/2024 11:54

@BIossomtoes I did put my name forward to be co-opted on to my parish council. I attended a meeting and was “interviewed” by the councillors. I got a “no thanks” letter because I had a baby and would not have enough time. I doubt this would have been sent to a man. I volunteered again around 20 years later. 3 people applied for 2 vacancies. One man was appointed immediately and the 2 who weren’t (women) were told there would be an election with us going for the single vacancy. Jobs for the boys around here. I finally realised me and this council sing from different hymn sheets. Parish councils do what they want with few checks. Don’t go near it!

Harvestfestivalknickers · 23/09/2024 12:08

Breaking news: she looked corporate and boring! All those single colour suits - just like Angela Merkel. These people have no style or imagination.

I don't vote for people on the basis of style. I vote on their policies, intellect and competence. I couldn't give a toss if someone looks 'corporate'. Just as long as they don't wear scruffy trainers with a suit when representing us internationally.

BIossomtoes · 23/09/2024 12:13

TizerorFizz · 23/09/2024 11:54

@BIossomtoes I did put my name forward to be co-opted on to my parish council. I attended a meeting and was “interviewed” by the councillors. I got a “no thanks” letter because I had a baby and would not have enough time. I doubt this would have been sent to a man. I volunteered again around 20 years later. 3 people applied for 2 vacancies. One man was appointed immediately and the 2 who weren’t (women) were told there would be an election with us going for the single vacancy. Jobs for the boys around here. I finally realised me and this council sing from different hymn sheets. Parish councils do what they want with few checks. Don’t go near it!

That’s shocking. I have no intention of going near it. I’m old and the remaining ten or 15 years I have left are far too precious to be spent in local politics.

Original poster
CurlewKate · 23/09/2024 12:26

@twistyizzy "
Oh FYI DDs indy school is full of parents such as yourself ie self employed ie builders, painters + decorators etc"

Sure it is. Packed to the rafters with horny handed sons of toil. Car park's full of their Rolls Royces, while the apple cheeked middle classes in their hand me down Boden rattle up the gates in their beaten up old Volvos....

OP posts:
EasternStandard · 23/09/2024 12:27

CurlewKate · 23/09/2024 12:26

@twistyizzy "
Oh FYI DDs indy school is full of parents such as yourself ie self employed ie builders, painters + decorators etc"

Sure it is. Packed to the rafters with horny handed sons of toil. Car park's full of their Rolls Royces, while the apple cheeked middle classes in their hand me down Boden rattle up the gates in their beaten up old Volvos....

There are plenty, especially if the pp uses a smaller school

twistyizzy · 23/09/2024 12:29

CurlewKate · 23/09/2024 12:26

@twistyizzy "
Oh FYI DDs indy school is full of parents such as yourself ie self employed ie builders, painters + decorators etc"

Sure it is. Packed to the rafters with horny handed sons of toil. Car park's full of their Rolls Royces, while the apple cheeked middle classes in their hand me down Boden rattle up the gates in their beaten up old Volvos....

For the millionth time we are NE England, not exactly many Rolls up here! Stop applying your own prejudices to all schools. A self employed tradesperson can easily earn enough to send DC indy especially in an area where house prices are low

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