'She called Johnson an “idiot” – a view she said was shared by customers. “If we had a strong leader in opposition, I might be looking for a change in government – but better the devil you know” theguardian.com/politics/2021/…
'Tory sources admitted that the more their vote share was reduced by, the more questions would be raised about BJ’s leadership
in a bid to keep the PMs position as secure as possible, govt whips ordered Tory MPs to attend a “dawn raid” at 5am to get out the vote'
'Eyebrows were also raised among Tory campaigners when it got to the end of the campaign and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, had not once paid a visit to the seat.' ( He's been phone-banking apparently)
'One backbencher said Conservative Central Headquarters (CCHQ) were “shitting themselves”, and a party aide who has canvassed in the constituency told the Guardian that in a “solid” Tory-supporting area they visited, the “vote was incredibly weak'
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Mark Wallace of Con Home being interviewed on Sky about Cons prospects at Bexley Sidcup.
Playing down expectations now that that TOut is confirmed news.sky.com/watch-live
Starmer never visited the seat ( he's been on an oil rig today apparently) because Lab's expectations have been so low.
Results c 1.30 am now ( counting faster than expected)
Jon Craig notes KS also not on the leaflets etc. Craig notes that this is odd.
Radio 4 PM just now. Phone interview with an ARAP qualified interpreter trapped in Kabul, couldn't get to airport gates. Has had to moving from house-to-house with his wife, hiding and living in tent. Trying FCOD helpline for 3 hrs - on hold. Only received a generic email 1/2
2/2 on the day after the suicide bomber explosion, from FCOD saying that they could not help ARAPs inside Afg. The interp explains that it's hard to find shelter as hosts are also afraid. He can't get to the border. His last hope is Germany's deal w Pakistan for safe passage
I appreciate that you cannot name him @BBCPM but as R4 is following & return-calling many of these desperate people every day ( great), but can't you use a pseudonym with consent?
Hard to track, bit dehumanising, makes them feel rather invisible
German foreign minister, Heiko Maas, started a four-day sweep through countries bordering Afghanistan to secure their agreement to house refugees temporarily.
Where's Raab? 1/2
Mishal Hussein on R4Today now asking about this to Cleverly in reply to his comment (wtte 'we'll get the remaining pple out via neighbouring countries like Pakistan )
Cleverly: Raab isn't the only minister resp for calls. ( JC then refers to Lord Ahmed)
Major Gen Charlie Herbert, who undertook 3 tours of Afghanistan 2007-18, said: “It is almost impossible to believe that the PM departed on holiday on Saturday; he should hang his head in shame. It is dereliction of duty on an extraordinary scale. " theguardian.com/politics/2021/…
Adm Lord West, former first sea lord & chief of naval staff, said that chiefs of staff would have warned UK Gvt that collapse was close and “...in view of that I find the prime minister’s decision to go on holiday surprising. I also find the foreign secretary’s absence baffling