The subplot in yesterday's Tory rebellion could become the main plot of the next election: NHS waiting lists, staff shortages and the Tories' record since 2010.

My latest for @theipaper

inews.co.uk/opinion/nhs-st…
1922 Cttee Treasurer Geoffrey Clinton-Brown put his finger on this on @BBCRadio4 TheWorldTonight.
Suggested @BorisJohnson facing leadership challenge "unless..he can start addressing the really big issues in this country, how do you deal with the backlog in the health service?"
Clifton-Brown said if the PM "came clean on everything" (about No10 parties), had a long term strategy on Covid...he could claw it back. But if he doesn't then I think there will be trouble."
Full interview here.
Plus me and @LOS_Fisher on the threat to the PM over the next few weeks:

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

• • •

Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to force a refresh
 

Keep Current with Paul Waugh

Paul Waugh Profile picture

Stay in touch and get notified when new unrolls are available from this author!

Read all threads

This Thread may be Removed Anytime!

PDF

Twitter may remove this content at anytime! Save it as PDF for later use!

Try unrolling a thread yourself!

how to unroll video
  1. Follow @ThreadReaderApp to mention us!

  2. From a Twitter thread mention us with a keyword "unroll"
@threadreaderapp unroll

Practice here first or read more on our help page!

More from @paulwaugh

16 Dec
Now @TomTugendhat has been granted an Urgent Question in the Commons demanding an explanation of this;
.@JamesCleverly tells MPs: “Internal work has taken place that has not been signed off by ministers….There will not be 10% staff cuts to the FCDO.”
Foreign Office minister Cleverly then admits “changes are inevitable" (so will it be 5% or 9%?) .."when ministers make ultimate decisions…”
Read 5 tweets
15 Dec
Ouch. @TomTugendhat asks why he's heard Foreign Office facing 10% staff cuts. @BorisJohnson says @trussliz says that's actually "FAKE NEWS!"
Except, it wasn't fake news.
Here's the email to staff.
Will @BorisJohnson come to the Commons to correct the record this afternoon..?
.@DavidLammy tells me: "It would appear, not for the first time, the only person spreading fake news is Boris Johnson. The Government is shrinking our diplomatic presence, and the PM can’t even own up to it...
Read 7 tweets
14 Dec
The Tory rebels have already won the argument against 'vaccine passports', even if they lose the vote tonight

My latest for @theipaper
inews.co.uk/opinion/tory-r…
Key issue is what ministers say publicly today.
No.10 insists 'no plans' to change lateral flow test alternative to Covid jjab status.
But more potential rebellion cd be lower if ministers go on record with what PM and Javid told @danny__kruger privately

dannykruger.org.uk/news/statement…
He's finally done it: guarantee of no vaccine-only curbs on access to services.
@sajidjavid just told @Alex_Stafford he would never support 'vaccine passports'.
Says govt will ensure 'there's always an option for lateral flow tests".
"I would not support a vaccine only option"
Read 6 tweets
14 Dec
.@BorisJohnson's taken the credit for the NHS vaccine rollout.
But will he take the blame if his pre-Christmas rush on boosters fails to meet his targets?

inews.co.uk/news/politics/…
Senior NHS figures are worried about the new target being unrealistic.

As @oliver_wright and @Smyth_Chris cite NHS sources saying they worry they're being "set up to fail".
thetimes.co.uk/article/we-can…
Asked if this is a "stretch target", @DominicRaab tells @BBCr4today "it is a challenging target, we are not setting easy targets."
Read 4 tweets
12 Dec
Problem for broadcasters who are expected to run the @BorisJohnson statement at 8pm, on boosters programme: there is no opportunity for live Q&A, so feels like PM running scared of scrutiny.
We don't have state run TV in UK, so will they have to give @Keir_Starmer equal airtime?
I understand @Keir_Starmer will be given right of reply. Unclear if it's straight after or later.
.@Keir_Starmer will be doing his own address to the nation at 7pm tonight on @BBCOne
Read 4 tweets
12 Dec
On @TimesRadio, @nadhimzahawi just told @tnewtondunn that if the Tories lose the North Shropshire by-election on Thursday, it would be because it was
"a protest vote" to "send a message" to the Govt.

He just wrote the new @LibDems leaflet.
"Protest away, voters!" "Want to send us a message about No10 parties? Vote against us in North Shropshire!"
Must admit it's a novel approach for a Cabinet minister to deploy the "this is a protest vote" line *before* a by-election, rather than after it.
Read 4 tweets

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3/month or $30/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal

Or Donate anonymously using crypto!

Ethereum

0xfe58350B80634f60Fa6Dc149a72b4DFbc17D341E copy

Bitcoin

3ATGMxNzCUFzxpMCHL5sWSt4DVtS8UqXpi copy

Thank you for your support!

Follow Us on Twitter!

:(