Follow the Polls

But that's not really a gaffe. We're looking for the real bloopers, like from previous campaigns, where an embarrassing unintentional comment comes out.

No major gaffs to report yet, just the odd unnoticeable blip

I think the National Service announcement is has the potential to turn into a decent sizec gaffe, particularly now Cleverley is popping up on the TV to deny it’ll have criminal sanctions.

Day 3

There is a hint that Labour is increasing its lead, but I think we need to see more results before it can be confirmed.

Labour Lead in Polls with Fieldwork since GE2024 date was announced:

Techne: 🌹 LAB +26 (+3)
WeThink: 🌹 LAB +25 (+2)
More in Common: 🌹 LAB +17 (+1)

Day 3.

Still no discernible movement in the polls.

The Sunday papers are reporting that the Tories are really, really cross that they announced a snap election that took them by surprise.

Labour, who seem to have been in election mode for months seem to have got smoothly into gear.

No major gaffs to report yet, just the odd unnoticeable blip.

It’s another thing designed to appeal to their core membership, with no demonstrable policy outcomes .

We’re back in nostalgic nonsense territory, so here’s a nostalgic Yes Minister clip on national service
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahgjEjJkZks

“The Conservative Party has said it would bring back mandatory national service if it wins the general election.
It said 18-year-olds would have a choice of either joining the military full-time, or volunteering one weekend every month carrying out a community service.
The party is proposing a Royal Commission to consider the details but would plan for the first teenagers to take part in September 2025.
The cost is expected to be around £2.5bn per year.
Under the plans, young people could choose a full-time, 12-month placement in the armed forces or UK cyber defence, learning about logistics, cyber security, procurement or civil response operations.
Their other option would be to volunteer one weekend per month - or 25 days per year - in their community with organisations such as fire, police and the NHS.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he believed bringing back compulsory service across the UK would help foster the "national spirit" that emerged during the pandemic.
Mr Sunak said: “This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world.
“I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future. I will bring in a new model of National Service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country."
The prime minister said the move would help young people to learn "real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country".
I think I’m now in some sort of nightmare….

Day 2

Still no discernible movement in poll for either of the two main parties.

Sunak seems to be developing a watery theme as after his wet look at the announcement of the election, on day two he was found sitting in a ferry -not sure where he was going but it was somewhere in Belfast and later made a speech in front of the Titanic building - was that a metaphor of what is happening to the Tory party? Sunak’s perambulations are seemingly entirely alone without any of his fellow Westminster colleagues, whereas Starmer seems unable to go anywhere without one of his Westminster colleagues in tow. Footage of Starmer is never without the word change being waved at him to remind him of his message to the great British public.

Takeaway message of the day.

Tory - be very worried about change

Labour - we want change.

Inspiring isn’t it!?

Day 2 also saw a start of the expected rush of ministers to the door - Gove being a notable one. Leadsome being another. Brexit is well and truly over.

Anniebach

Andrea Leadsom going

‘Asamother’ Leadsom. Another one who persuaded people to vote Brexit and is now leaving other people to sort the mess out that they created.

zakouma66

They could call their new party Cummings and Goings.

I like that!

A private healthcare entrepreneur who campaigned for a second Brexit referendum is to run for Labour against Jeremy Corbyn, the party’s former leader.

Praful Nargund, a businessman behind a chain of IVF clinics who is already a Labour councillor, has been selected to stand in the Islington North seat after Mr Corbyn was expelled from the party.

They could call their new party Cummings and Goings.

GrannyGravy13

Do anyone think Michael Gove is off to join Dominic Cummings in his new political venture?

It's a possibility. The two have always been allies.

Casdon

I was thinking of the Squeeze song.
Alone here in the kitchen
I feel there's something missing
I'd beg for some forgiveness
But begging's not my business
And she won't write a letter
Although I always tell her
And so it's my assumption
I'm really up the junction

It covers lots of scenarios!

Ah! I thought you meant the film with Denis Waterman.

I think Ken Loach did an adaptation of the book too.

Andrea Leadsom has GONE! You were right Anniebach.

Yes, big Wow! It would make sense. Gove is young, has a decent majority, is respected (but not liked) for ‘getting things done’. Hmm. Could happen …

GrannyGravy13

Do anyone think Michael Gove is off to join Dominic Cummings in his new political venture?

That’s a really interesting possibility isn’t it? Wow, if that’s the case.

I was thinking of the Squeeze song.
Alone here in the kitchen
I feel there's something missing
I'd beg for some forgiveness
But begging's not my business
And she won't write a letter
Although I always tell her
And so it's my assumption
I'm really up the junction

It covers lots of scenarios!

Do anyone think Michael Gove is off to join Dominic Cummings in his new political venture?

Andrea Leadsom going

Casdon

Yes, let’s call it Up the Junction.

Or "Up the Swanny".

Urmstongran

Hunt is odds on to lose to the Libdems - maybe he will resign tonight?

Surely not? I’m not a fan, but he strikes me as the loyal type.

Yes, let’s call it Up the Junction.

Hunt is odds on to lose to the Libdems - maybe he will resign tonight?

There could be a sitcom in this. 😁

There are 18 MPs who have lost the whip, I know some of them have already said they won’t be standing again, but presumably it has to be sorted for all those who are under some form of investigation and haven’t resigned.
www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/apr/18/losing-the-whip-who-are-the-18-uk-mps-sitting-as-independents