Current Affairs

[Mervyn and Trish]

I too am opposed to positive discrimination to meet quotas. It helps no one. We don't always get the best person in the job. And people from under-represented groups are often unfairly regarded with suspicion - "they only got the job because etc." - even if they really were the best candidate.

[Manoverboard]

Re: Mobs post

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you have said but where experience is concerned Sunak isn’t what you would call an experienced Minister.

Sunak will have been guided. It is no coincidence that there are only a handful of ladies in Ministerial posts, all of whom will be well regarded by their Ministerial colleagues. In a team that is important, during a crisis it is absolutely vital.

[Onelife]

Re: Mobs post

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you have said but where experience is concerned Sunak isn’t what you would call an experienced Minister.

Sunak will have been guided. It is no coincidence that there are only a handful of ladies in Ministerial posts, all of whom will be well regarded by their Ministerial colleagues. In a team that is important, during a crisis it is absolutely vital.

I would say he has been guided well if you go by today’s performance at the dispatch box.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Excellent confident performance. Starmer and co trying to make the same old tired points and getting nowhere. They need to learn fast he is neither Boris nor Liz.

[Stephen]

That was a rug and a half the last person to speak had on at PMQ’s. And no I don’t want one

I agree Merv, a confident performance from the PM.

[oldbluefox]

I noticed most Labour MPs were wearing little badges, something they often do en masse. Anyone know what today's cause it was they were supporting?

[Manoverboard]

Labour MPs going on strike ... per chance ?

[towny44]

Re: Mobs post

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you have said but where experience is concerned Sunak isn’t what you would call an experienced Minister.

My view on Penny is that she appears to exude an air of confidence which it has to be said has been in short supply these past few months, I also think voters see her as someone who they can relate to, insomuch as she comes across as an honest politician. Leaving her in the back room of the cabinet was a mistake in my opinion as I believe politicians with her presence need to be seen at the front of the party, especially so as they approach the next GE.

I know that Sunaks wealth comes mainly from his wife, but he was a millionaire in his own right from his earnings ftom Goldman Saches and his partnership in other hedge funds. So I am not at all concerned about his credentials to run an impoverished third world country like the UK.

[Manoverboard]

Labour MPs going on strike ... per chance ?

I believe it actually says ' Stroke ' ?

[Onelife]

Re: Mobs post

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you have said but where experience is concerned Sunak isn’t what you would call an experienced Minister.

My view on Penny is that she appears to exude an air of confidence which it has to be said has been in short supply these past few months, I also think voters see her as someone who they can relate to, insomuch as she comes across as an honest politician. Leaving her in the back room of the cabinet was a mistake in my opinion as I believe politicians with her presence need to be seen at the front of the party, especially so as they approach the next GE.

I know that Sunaks wealth comes mainly from his wife, but he was a millionaire in his own right from his earnings ftom Goldman Saches and his partnership in other hedge funds. So I am not at all concerned about his credentials to run an impoverished third world country like the UK.

Hi John, I’m not sure why you have referenced my post along with Sunak’s wealth credentials as I was replying to Mob’s question about his Ministerial experience.

I do however think he has brought together a good cabinet which is the first step in enhancing his credentials.

[Mervyn and Trish]

That was a rug and a half the last person to speak had on at PMQ’s. And no I don’t want one

Ah yes Michael Fabricant. One of our Staffordshire MPs. I met him a time or two when I was at the BBC. He had the syrup then and it's always looked ridiculous. I think he has a sideline as a Victoria Wood tribute act!.

[towny44]

Re: Mobs post

I wouldn’t disagree with anything you have said but where experience is concerned Sunak isn’t what you would call an experienced Minister.

My view on Penny is that she appears to exude an air of confidence which it has to be said has been in short supply these past few months, I also think voters see her as someone who they can relate to, insomuch as she comes across as an honest politician. Leaving her in the back room of the cabinet was a mistake in my opinion as I believe politicians with her presence need to be seen at the front of the party, especially so as they approach the next GE.

I know that Sunaks wealth comes mainly from his wife, but he was a millionaire in his own right from his earnings ftom Goldman Saches and his partnership in other hedge funds. So I am not at all concerned about his credentials to run an impoverished third world country like the UK.

Hi John, I’m not sure why you have referenced my post along with Sunak’s wealth credentials as I was replying to Mob’s question about his Ministerial experience.

I do however think he has brought together a good cabinet which is the first step in enhancing his credentials.

Because you were querying his limited experience as a minister, I was identifying his successful career in the financial sector, which is quite often lacking in career politicians.

[Onelife]

Ok, thanks John,

It’s a valid point and one which shouldn’t be overlooked when rising through the ranks…perhaps now is the time to move away from those who can talk the talk and stick with those who have a proven track record...or the ability to do both which Sunak appears to have.

[Gill W]

Fly's a bit in the face of "This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level."

Completely agree, Ken. Sunak made a big thing of accountability etc, yet reinstated Braverman a week after she broke the ministerial code.

Sunak managed to blot his copybook with me after about 5 hours. Can't believe that this time yesterday I was still feeling positive about him!

I suspect that Sunak did a deal with Braverman - she came out in support of him last weekend, so he reinstated her as Home Secretary.

Sunak was asked at PMQ about whether he took advice from officials about the appointment of Braverman. A question that he didn't answer. Another PM who doesn't answer questions. No change there.

[Onelife]

Fly's a bit in the face of "This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level."

Completely agree, Ken. Sunak made a big thing of accountability etc, yet reinstated Braverman a week after she broke the ministerial code.

Sunak managed to blot his copybook with me after about 5 hours. Can't believe that this time yesterday I was still feeling positive about him!

I suspect that Sunak did a deal with Braverman - she came out in support of him last weekend, so he reinstated her as Home Secretary.

Sunak was asked at PMQ about whether he took advice from officials about the appointment of Braverman. A question that he didn't answer. Another PM who doesn't answer questions. No change there.

We clearly don’t know the circumstances behind Braverman’s resignation, if she chose to resign on the principle that she made a bad judgment, then fair play to her for owning up, if however, she resigned under the disguise of knowing she would be reinstated a week later then the point you and Ken make does have validity.

If however we wish to take a pragmatic approach to this we should ask ourselves, “did she do what she did in the best interests of the country or did she do it for self-gain”? With this in mind perhaps under the circumstances we should be prepared to give her the bennift of doubt, and say... she did what she did for the country so let sleeping dogs lie.

[Mervyn and Trish]

Funny old world isn't it when a PM is expected to fill his Cabinet with political opponents to avoid accusations of favouritism? That would be a great recipe for teamwork. Personally I think he has a good balance of views included from all wings of his party.

I wonder how many members of this Forum can honestly say they never made a mistake at work for which they were forgiven?

I thought Labour made themselves look complete idiots to keep banging on about national security, only to be reminded that their previous leader planned to blow it apart, not by human error, but as a matter of policy.

Only the heavily biased could fail to see Starmer met his match today. He needs to up his game if he wants to tempt this floating voter.

[Mervyn and Trish]

In more significant news it has been announced Rishi and his family will live in the flat at No 10 rather than the larger one at No 11 where recent PMs have resided. So he gets to avoid Boris's wallpaper, which Jeremy Hunt will now have to endure. Never thought I'd feel sorry for JH

[Kendhni]

Fly's a bit in the face of "This government will have integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level."

Completely agree, Ken. Sunak made a big thing of accountability etc, yet reinstated Braverman a week after she broke the ministerial code.

Sunak managed to blot his copybook with me after about 5 hours. Can't believe that this time yesterday I was still feeling positive about him!

I see it as a minor blot, something he could and should have avoided. I am not a fan of Braverman, far too right wing for my liking, with the occasional habit of only opening her mouth to change feet ... I had sort of hoped Mordaunt may have been put in the role ... she came across well when uturn-Betty was hiding under her desk.

I still feel that after many years we have finally got an adult running the country ... only time will tell. It is a shame the budget announcement has been pushed back ... but, considering the mess that his predecessors made, a few more weeks is understandable.

[Kendhni]

Just read that the Ford Fiesta is being discontinued next year ... never owned one but have driven a few in my time.
I wonder how long before they revive the name sometime in the future.
Maybe they are going to Focus on more EV's.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I had three Fiestas over the years, including an XR2, a real fun car.

All cars seem to.gp through size inflation. The current Fiesta is about as big as my Mk1 Focus was. And the Ka+ was about as big as my first Fiesta.

I guess a new "small" model will emerge, presumably electric or hybrid. It'll probably be as big as the old Sierra.

[towny44]

I had three Fiestas over the years, including an XR2, a real fun car.

All cars seem to.gp through size inflation. The current Fiesta is about as big as my Mk1 Focus was. And the Ka+ was about as big as my first Fiesta.

I guess a new "small" model will emerge, presumably electric or hybrid. It'll probably be as big as the old Sierra.

If it's an EV it will need the extra size for the batteries.

[Gill W]

Braverman still in the headlines this morning.

Former Conservative Chair Jake Berry has been on Talk TV saying that she breached the Ministerial Code several times.

She seems to have form for leaks. Ed Daley has said that her Westminster nickname is Leaky Sue,

She’s responsible for our national security, yet it seems she’s somewhat of a security risk herself.

She didn’t even have the decency to answer Yvette Cooper’s Urgent Question about this yesterday in Parliament

Sunak seems to have dropped a real clanger by reinstating her

[Manoverboard]

What a load of tittle tattle ...

They would hardly roll out folk who would want to sing her praises, now would they.

[towny44]

Braverman still in the headlines this morning.

Former Conservative Chair Jake Berry has been on Talk TV saying that she breached the Ministerial Code several times.

She seems to have form for leaks. Ed Daley has said that her Westminster nickname is Leaky Sue,

She’s responsible for our national security, yet it seems she’s somewhat of a security risk herself.

She didn’t even have the decency to answer Yvette Cooper’s Urgent Question about this yesterday in Parliament

Sunak seems to have dropped a real clanger by reinstating her

Why do I get the impression that you are really enjoying this Gill?

[screwy]

Gill’s like of Sunaks government lasted as long as a kojak lollipops .