Theresa May calls General Election on 8th June.

[northwichcat]

Christopher Hope, Chief Political Correspondent of The Daily Telegraph, is reporting that Theresa May will not be interviewed by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour tomorrow and is sending Justine Greening instead.
https://twitter.com/christopherhope/status/870310676501278720

Woman's Hour please remember it was Justine Greening's department who poured £50m down the drain with the WC franchise fiasco.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

The television media with its love of pantomime "game shows" sees these "party leader" debates as something that they can broadcast in the self-important and mistaken view that the media are an essential part of the electoral process. It matters naught who each party chooses to send to such events as it is NOT an American style Presidential election.

 

[AlterEgo]

The television media with its love of pantomime "game shows" sees these "party leader" debates as something that they can broadcast in the self-important and mistaken view that the media are an essential part of the electoral process. It matters naught who each party chooses to send to such events as it is NOT an American style Presidential election.

We know the Tories are rattled when you have to come out and say stuff like this.

 

[DarloRich]

The television media with its love of pantomime "game shows" sees these "party leader" debates as something that they can broadcast in the self-important and mistaken view that the media are an essential part of the electoral process. It matters naught who each party chooses to send to such events as it is NOT an American style Presidential election.

While the programme itself was contemptuous the contempt of chicken Teresa for the electorate was and is obvious.

 

[northwichcat]

The television media with its love of pantomime "game shows" sees these "party leader" debates as something that they can broadcast in the self-important and mistaken view that the media are an essential part of the electoral process. It matters naught who each party chooses to send to such events as it is NOT an American style Presidential election.

Don't forget it was former Conservative leader David Cameron who successfully lobbied for American style debates to be held in the lead up to the 2010 election - not the BBC, ITN or Sky. Gordon Brown, who was PM at the time, reluctantly agreed to do them.

 

[AlterEgo]

Craig Mackinlay, Conservative candidate for South Thanet, charged over 2015 general election campaign expenses: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...ng&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central

Craig Mackinlay, who is running for South Thanet in the general election on 8 June, has been investigated for alleged overspending in the 2015 General Election campaign.
Mr Mackinlay defeated the then UKIP leader Nigel Farage in the ballot.

Police forces have been investigating if some Tory agents should have filed costs for battle bus visits to constituencies under local expenses.

The Conservative Party said they had been campaigning "across the country for the return of a Conservative government" and, as a result, associated costs were regarded as national and not local expenditure.

Bad timing for the Tories.

 

[northwichcat]

Bad timing for the Tories.

Part of the real reason for May causing an election was supposedly because some of the 2015 election results could be declared invalid due to the Conservatives overspending on their 2015 campaign. I imagine they are probably less likely to lose the affected seats in a General Election than a By-election.

 

[DarloRich]

Don't forget it was former Conservative leader David Cameron who successfully lobbied for American style debates to be held in the lead up to the 2010 election - not the BBC, ITN or Sky. Gordon Brown, who was PM at the time, reluctantly agreed to do them.

debates work really well if they are actually debates, are well moderated, involve the principles and are limited to candidates with a chance of leading a party to victory. We don't need also rans, geographically limited and fringe/lunatic parties involved.

The "debate" the other day was shambolic.

 

[AlterEgo]

We don't need also rans, geographically limited and fringe/lunatic parties involved.

That leaves no parties except Labour and the Tories, but don't forget that Labour does not stand candidates in NI and are therefore by definition geographically limited.

I don't agree with the debate format. It completely simplifies the argument down to the lowest common denominator and personal attacks. I don't watch them. In fact, I'm so grossly dissatisfied with the whole system of Western government I think I've lost faith in democracy as a principle.

 

[DarloRich]

That leaves no parties except Labour and the Tories, but don't forget that Labour does not stand candidates in NI and are therefore by definition geographically limited.

I don't agree with the debate format. It completely simplifies the argument down to the lowest common denominator and personal attacks. I don't watch them. In fact, I'm so grossly dissatisfied with the whole system of Western government I think I've lost faith in democracy as a principle.

I disagree - I think with proper management and ground rules they can be a force for disseminating information, allowing people to see the people who would be PM, for testing their views and arguments and for challenging their positions, assumptions and beliefs.

The example on BBC this week was everything you say. I thought it was weakly moderated, the leaders behaved like children, there was weak scrutiny or challenge, the question were very basic and the answers poor. It was a waste of time and no one came out looking good, apart from perhaps yellow Teresa May who stayed away!

 

[northwichcat]

debates work really well if they are actually debates, are well moderated, involve the principles and are limited to candidates with a chance of leading a party to victory. We don't need also rans, geographically limited and fringe/lunatic parties involved.

The "debate" the other day was shambolic.

The problem was in 2015 was the Lib Dems were the 3rd biggest party and had been in government supporting the biggest party, so it would have been difficult to exclude them. However, the SNP were on course to get more seats than the Lib Dems, while UKIP had come first in a European election. It was actually Cameron who pushed for the Greens and Plaid Cymru to be included on the basis that including UKIP might be bad for the Conservatives, so including Greens and Plaid Cymru might be bad for Labour - as if including the SNP wasn't already bad enough for Labour.

However, I would think it's a good idea to say something like the party must be standing in at least 75% of all seats to be included in nationwide debates. My ballot paper shows a choice of Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem, Green and Independent, so however well the SNP, PD and UKIP did in the debates I can't vote for them anyway.

 

[Jonny]

That leaves no parties except Labour and the Tories, but don't forget that Labour does not stand candidates in NI and are therefore by definition geographically limited.

I don't agree with the debate format. It completely simplifies the argument down to the lowest common denominator and personal attacks. I don't watch them. In fact, I'm so grossly dissatisfied with the whole system of Western government I think I've lost faith in democracy as a principle.

Northern Ireland has separate parties altogether; perhaps an England-Wales-Scotland debate with parties fielding candidates in the majority of all three provinces/kingdoms combined eligible for the debate.

In fact, I will try to avoid prefixing the debate with a four letter m word used to describe large-scale

 

[AlterEgo]

Northern Ireland has separate parties altogether; perhaps an England-Wales-Scotland debate with parties fielding candidates in the majority of all three provinces/kingdoms combined eligible for the debate.

In fact, I will try to avoid prefixing the debate with a four letter m word used to describe large-scale

So the SNP and Plaid would be excluded then?

Essentially what you've proposed there is a debate about England.

 

[DarloRich]

So the SNP and Plaid would be excluded then?

Essentially what you've proposed there is a debate about England.

Sadly, I cant vote for PC or SNP.

I don't really mind if the small parties are involved as long as it doesn't degenerate into the kind of mess we had earlier this week.

 

[Dave1987]

The television media with its love of pantomime "game shows" sees these "party leader" debates as something that they can broadcast in the self-important and mistaken view that the media are an essential part of the electoral process. It matters naught who each party chooses to send to such events as it is NOT an American style Presidential election.

I would imagine Tory HQ is in full panic mode right now. Seems that the Tory faithful are too....

When a debate like goes badly blame biased audience, or claim the debates are not necessary. Just like May only being willing to talk to Tory faithful people. She gets very rattled when asked awkward questions. Very "strong and stable"...... not

 

[Jonny]

Craig Mackinlay, Conservative candidate for South Thanet, charged over 2015 general election campaign expenses: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...ng&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central




Bad timing for the Tories.

Very bad timing, indeed. However, legal guilt comes down to how much he personally knew about what was going on. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

 

[DarloRich]

Craig Mackinlay, Conservative candidate for South Thanet, charged over 2015 general election campaign expenses: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...ng&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central




Bad timing for the Tories.

It has no real impact beyond PR. The candidate can stand and take his seat if he wins even if convicted. I think the deadline for changing candidates has passed anyway so this chap will remain the Tory candidate and MP if successful.

 

[HSTEd]

It has no real impact beyond PR. The candidate can stand and take his seat if he wins even if convicted. I think the deadline for changing candidates has passed anyway so this chap will remain the Tory candidate and MP if successful.

But PR is probably the most important thing at this time.
One candidate is expendable - but if it starts to grow into some kind of scandal it could do significant damage to the party's standing with the electorate.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Essentially what you've proposed there is a debate about England.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regional broadcasting, both on the BBC and ITV.

I don't really care what Plaid Cymru or the SNP have to say about Westminster politics, for the simple fact that I can't vote for them.

Of the six parties on the TV the other night, I can't vote for two of them. One of them has eight MPs, one of them has a solitary MP, and one of them couldn't even manage that.

Really, what's the point?

But we can't have presidential-style debates between the two main parties because the election isn't binary, and the smaller parties should not be excluded.

 

[DarloRich]

But PR is probably the most important thing at this time.
One candidate is expendable - but if it starts to grow into some kind of scandal it could do significant damage to the party's standing with the electorate.

they cant do anything - he will be the candidate at the election.

I wonder how much traction this story has in the wider electorate. I suggest little. Anyway, same old Tories.................

 

[northwichcat]

If a YouGov poll proves to be accurate the Greens will come fourth in Bristol West. (A seat they surprisingly got second place with 17,000 votes in 2015 having only got 2,000 votes to come fourth in 2010.)

 

[Howardh]

Where's Theresa Today?

(a) Putting the bins out
(b) Inside having a nice cup of tea
(c) Sorting out that bottom drawer that she's been putting off for years
(d) On the radio and television debating national issues such as the economy, privatisation, the NHS, immigration and tax so all the would-be voters are absolutely clear on her policies
(e) having her hair done.
??

 

[DarloRich]

Where's Theresa Today?

(a) Putting the bins out
(b) Inside having a nice cup of tea
(c) Sorting out that bottom drawer that she's been putting off for years
(d) On the radio and television debating national issues such as the economy, privatisation, the NHS, immigration and tax so all the would-be voters are absolutely clear on her policies
(e) having her hair done.
??

She is very busy thinking about important things and doesn't have time for minor inconveniences like campaigning in an election she called

I think she will still win but the Tories have run a ham fisted, self wounding campaign that would have been skewered by a decent opposition. That said something is happening. Even I have been if not impressed then at least not mortally offended by the performance of Corbyn this week. he is good on the stump ( if less good under scrutiny) and his and the labour ratings are improving.

Mind you polls are all a creation of the MSM, zionist, revanchist , petty bourgeoisie inspired Tory capitalist running dog apparatchik oppressors of the common man and must not be trusted until they show Corbyn doing less than terribly when they will become the true signpost pointing us in the direction of the broad progressive socialist sunlit uplands onto which the great Jeremy will lead us ( or something)

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Where's Theresa Today?

(a) Putting the bins out
(b) Inside having a nice cup of tea
(c) Sorting out that bottom drawer that she's been putting off for years
(d) On the radio and television debating national issues such as the economy, privatisation, the NHS, immigration and tax so all the would-be voters are absolutely clear on her policies
(e) having her hair done.
??

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

There has been far too much of the American style Presidential contest colouring the views of many contributors to this thread.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Where's Theresa Today?

She was very clear that she was clearly thinking about Brexit and how her stability and strength will clearly defend Britain against the Coalition of Chaos.

She was also very clear that she was clearly thinking a little bit too strongly and stabley about Jeremy Corbyn standing naked in a negotiating chamber.

 

[DarloRich]

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

There has been far too much of the American style Presidential contest colouring the views of many contributors to this thread.

She is the PM and leader of the party most likely to win power. Where is she? Is she chicken? Is she yellow? What was it Paxo called her? A blowhard who collapses at the first sound of gunfire?

This is fun! nothing like bashing the Tories - it is good for the soul.

 

[Tetchytyke]

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

I'm going out on a limb here, and it really is just a hunch, but it might- just might- be because the Conservative Party have chosen to make it a campaign of Theresa May vs Jeremy Corbyn.

Which is great, until Theresa May decides to go- with strength and stability- into hiding.

PS Does you wibbling about "Comrade Corbyn" leading Brexit not count? Especially as the Shadow Minister for Brexit is actually Keir Starmer QC, KCB.

 

[AlterEgo]

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

There has been far too much of the American style Presidential contest colouring the views of many contributors to this thread.

Theresa May is naff though isn't she Paul?

This election has exposed her as a shadow of a politician. A weak public speaker, an avoider of debate, and something of an island within her own party. It's been quite incredible.

I like how it's not okay to criticise the party leader when you relentlessly witter on about "Comrade Corbyn" etc - apply the same principles to May. She's a wuss. Admit it. Rattled doesn't cover it.

 

[Howardh]

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

There has been far too much of the American style Presidential contest colouring the views of many contributors to this thread.

As far as I can see, very few of the Tory candidates wanted this election. I'd put my money on none. She's called it off her own bat, probably had her arm twisted by those around her.

So for that alone it's HER presidential election. No good sobbing that no-one's bothered about the candidates, and if they were then Theresa wouldn't (when she does make an appearance) be going on about "Corbyn this...that...".

I've never known a leader of any party plummet so quickly. She's probably only be marginally less popular if she killed a kitten live on youtube.

 

[deltic]

Why this particular thread has chosen to concentrate on a party leader rather than the many party candidates who will actually stand for election and are out and about electioneering on a daily basis beggars belief.

There has been far too much of the American style Presidential contest colouring the views of many contributors to this thread.

Because she has based the whole campaign around her and Corbyn, there is very little mention of the Conservative Party in any campaigning literature - its all about May and her team