How long can Starmer survive? Getting popcorn ready 🍿🍿

It is.

Some are fearful.

I am far from obsessed with Farage, but we keep being told that he will be the next PM, so of course it is interesting to find out more about his behaviour - particularly when he criticises others.

Doodledog

I am far from obsessed with Farage, but we keep being told that he will be the next PM, so of course it is interesting to find out more about his behaviour - particularly when he criticises others.

Precisely. He and his party ( when Farage and Tice are actually in this country others deputise for them when they’ve left their previous parties) are asked their opinion on just about everything as if they are a government in waiting. Farage has the sort of cult following that enabled Trump to regain the presidency. And he stands for everything I abhor.

It is quite a big cult looking at the opinion polls.

Well yes Galaxy, I’m not sure what you mean, as that is why polls exist?

Galaxy

It is quite a big cult looking at the opinion polls.

Exactly. So showing an interest in stories about him is hardly 'obsessive' is it? I'm not sure of your point either.

I always think of cults as quite a niche thing but maybe that's just me.

Yes, I suspect it’s just you, i don’t get why you think polls happen at all if you don’t think people look at them? It would be completely pointless them existing if that was the case.

I think of cults as people following a leader blindly no matter what they say or do.

Farage is now on BBC2. I can’t get away from the man. He has a handful of MPs but is constantly on tv.

Er yes MayBee70 doesn’t Farage have a financial stake in GB news plus his own hourly tv show twice a week? He’s smart whether you love or hate him. He is miles ahead of most other politicians in positive media exposure.

Cults can be enormous. How many are in the MAGA cult just now?

Gosh, I agree with you there ronib. Farage is smart, and has the media exposure thing sussed.
Still doesn't make him a good choice as PM. Just makes him a good storyteller.

So are you saying cults are just politics that you don't agree with.

So I don't think Reform is a cult, I think it is a political party with considerable support. I think for example if Farage becomes PM ( quite likely in my view) and fails to address the immigration issue ( again quote likely in my view), he will be abandoned by those who currently support him.

I thought Reform was a registered company. Not a political party at all.

MayBee70

Farage is now on BBC2. I can’t get away from the man. He has a handful of MPs but is constantly on tv.

Obviously TV and other media look at ratings and sales, if Nigel Farage pushes the viewing figures and/or sales up, then of course he will be asked to go on time and time again.

Maremia

Gosh, I agree with you there ronib. Farage is smart, and has the media exposure thing sussed.
Still doesn't make him a good choice as PM. Just makes him a good storyteller.

People believe the story.

GrannyGravy13

MayBee70

Farage is now on BBC2. I can’t get away from the man. He has a handful of MPs but is constantly on tv.

Obviously TV and other media look at ratings and sales, if Nigel Farage pushes the viewing figures and/or sales up, then of course he will be asked to go on time and time again.

I disagree. I think that, with 24 hour news channels he just makes sure Reform are always available.

Galaxy

So I don't think Reform is a cult, I think it is a political party with considerable support. I think for example if Farage becomes PM ( quite likely in my view) and fails to address the immigration issue ( again quote likely in my view), he will be abandoned by those who currently support him.

He’ll still have five years in which to fulfil the desires of his financial backers ( who aren’t in it to help the poor and underprivileged).

MayBee70

GrannyGravy13

MayBee70

Farage is now on BBC2. I can’t get away from the man. He has a handful of MPs but is constantly on tv.

Obviously TV and other media look at ratings and sales, if Nigel Farage pushes the viewing figures and/or sales up, then of course he will be asked to go on time and time again.

I disagree. I think that, with 24 hour news channels he just makes sure Reform are always available.

If you are correct, then maybe the other parties should also ensure that they always have someone ready and willing to go any programme/media?

Reform are seldom on ITV or BBC Breakfast news programmes, mind you neither are the Lib Dem’s or Greens.

It’s always a member of the government and their shadow, currently Labour and Conservative.

sixandahalf: 'People believe the story'.

Just read article about Kent Council where 3.99% council tax increase agreed despite promising in their campaigning leaflets to reduce council tax in Kent if it won. To achieve the 3.99% increase the new budget will be Kent's highest exposure to financial risk ( up 60% from last year) and almost all of the risk is rated 4 out of 5 as likely to happen. The budget cuts £1.2 million from fostering services, £700,000 from fostering for children with disabilities, infrastructure static, ie not increasing with inflation so in reality a cut etc etc.

No, I for one don't agree with any of the Farage/Reform UK fantastical 'stories".

“Reform councillor Nick Brown has resigned the whip and will now sit as an Independent.

And he didn’t go quietly.

🚧 He blasted the decision to cancel the long-promised Toft Hill Bypass, despite millions having been allocated.
✂️ He accused the administration of failing to “slash council waste” or deliver any real reform of Durham County Council.

🤐 Culture of Yes-men
His letter describes a leadership culture where questioning decisions is met with hostility rather than debate. Allegations of bullying. A formal complaint to Standards. A party machine that values loyalty over scrutiny.

He also filed a complaint against Deputy Leader Darren Grimes, accusing him of belittling colleagues and failing basic standards of leadership. Brown’s view is blunt: some in the leadership seem more interested in building a social media profile and chasing a seat in Westminster than listening to councillors or residents“

Reform just don't have the experience, knowledge, culture, leadership or maturity to act in local or national government, in agreement with Nick Brown- Farage is more interested in making enormous sums of money, gaining narcissistic attention via media appearances than a true interest in public service. The UK deserves much better than Reform/Farage in these challenging times.

MayBee70

Farage is now on BBC2. I can’t get away from the man. He has a handful of MPs but is constantly on tv.

I haven't seen him for quite a while.

We also have a 'silent' button so can think "Your lips are moving but all I hear is blah, blah, blah".