A note from Mike Smithson
After nearly 20 years of running PB I am taking a break from the site. In the meantime PB will be in the capable hands of TSE Mike Smithson
Will some be more equal than others?
October is Black History Month. Labour marked this by issuing a Tweet saying that it is: “the time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black communities and acknowledge the inequality they still face.” To this end, Labour’s message went on: “Labour will introduce a Race Equality Act to tackle structural racial inequalities.” Here’s the problem with this proposal. There already exists a law to do just this. The Equality Act. In force since 1 October 2010. Passed by Labour…
The Tory problem – this is how Rishi is perceived
The word cloud above was featured widely on BBC news outlets last night and sets out the challenge for the Tories as they gather in Manchester for their party conference. Is there any way that Sunak could change this in the remaining time before a general election has to be called? My view has always been that Sunak’s personal wealth was always going to be a massive negative for the Tories and I can’t think of what the party can…
On the proposal for the UK to leave the ECHR
Cyclefree gives her view Jonathan Sumption, former Law Lord, eminent historian of the 100 Years’ War, once described by Alastair Campbell as the “cleverest man in Britain” with a “brain the size of a planet” has had a long and distinguished legal career, having previously been a fellow of Magdalen College, specialising in medieval history. Like many with high intelligence he can, however, be naive about others’ baser motives. His Reith lectures raised important questions about the balance between law…
LAB lead drops to just 10% in latest Opinium poll
Will Sunak’s driving measures be been as a positive?
I’m looking forward to seeing the polling on Sunak’s driving changes and I won’t come to a firm view until I do. Maybe this will resonate and the PM will get a boost. Maybe it won’t But judging by the discussions on social media they don’t seem to have gone down well. Speeding limits do save lives. I’m just amazed that Sunak thought he was onto a winner. Mike Smithson
The Mid-Beds betting remains very tight
I cannot recall a Westminster by-election betting market which has been as tight as that on Mid Beds. The fight looks to be between LAB, the Tories and the LDs and the latest moves have been towards the red team in the betting. The by-election kings of this parliament, the Lib Dems, are now in third place after being favourites for a while. It is entirely possible that the Tories could hang onto the seat like they did against the…
The polls are looking a bit tighter for Starmer
LAB with no overall majority would be a great result for Sunak For a long time my only General Election bet has been that Labour would not get an overall majority. Under the terms of the betting markets they could still have the most seats and have what is an effect an overall majority for me to win. The terms of the betting market stipulate that a total of 326 is required. In practical terms Labour could end up with…