Sometimes I think we could reflect a little more on how we haven't really had a "Labour" government since March 1976* Certainly this one is only slightly more zealous in ensuring that many wrongs make a Right wing government than the last 3 and 2 fifths.

(possibly October 1951?)

https://twitter.com/jasonhickel/status/1917534005412380991

I mean I wouldn't want to get into a boring debate about the merits of governments prior to Callaghan taking over. But his capitulated to Neoliberalism and was hostile to the post 68 left and the ones that came after him actively embraced it while being increasingly authoritatian

I keep seeing this and the phrase "alienating its natural supporters" leaps off the screen more each time. Who are the "natural supporters" of party led by a professional class authoritarian who had to be "taught" economics by an inner coterie of people who embraced Thatcherism. Who are the "natural supporters" of a party led from within by a minority clique of anti democrats, whose strategy is devised by a professional liar and conspirator whose other job was to get money from "high net worth" business people?

Not sure its who journalists think it is.

in the immortal words of Nigel Tufnell "I've been working with this for a while, now and ..."

Ok, one thing, the maths the Tories did in the 50s was predicated on high 70s% turnout. For the "modernisers" of 87, similar. What was done in 2024 was predicated on suppressing turnout Which is the 2001/2005 model. And means you are also taking into account "middle class people" who you were trying to get to not vote Tory, not vote at all, or vote Lib Dem. Not to vote for you. Which isn't really "appeal". Or if it is, it's "your assets aren't going to do worse"

I know UBI causes beef and this is a selfish point of view, but as a 58 year old who lives on his own if I had it I could keep doing my low, variable income job but also do things I cannot not do now, like fix things that need fixing, watch some cricket, have a few days away I just spent 3 days deciding and undeciding whether to buy the cheapest possible chainsaw so I can sort out a tree in a garden (landlord's garden). And thinking I need to fix lots of other stuff to make it nicer. And not doing any of it because Council Tax kicks back in today.

This guy is a cunt. And there's no reason to engage with his bad faith left baiting bullshit. However 1) polls for "who would you vote for" don't "suggest" the same thing as "what policies do you think are important". In which typical left policy areas and proposals are supported 2) The polls that get prioritised, "who would you vote for?" don't ask "why". In a council election this week Reform (+ 44%) gained a seat from the Lib Dems (- 35%). It's reasonable to suggest this could involve a transfer of "protest" rather than a uniform swing to the Right

a) "Taking on the blockers" is such a shit line.
b) "Get more money in people's pockets" is such a shit line.
c) "I am still not satisfied with the growth rate" Like it's someone's homework. Oh and also the economy *shrank* in the last quarter
d) Just fuck off.

https://twitter.com/RachelReevesMP/status/1887489021258973197

Community doesn't like plans for housing estate of 4 and 5 bedroom houses at the bottom of a hill on wetlands and is concerned how the extra volume of traffic is going to be accommodated by existing roads.

"Ooh, I'm going to take on these blockers to get money in your pocket"