I've seen analysis that says losing voters to the right has a much bigger impact in terms of constituency losses than losing the same amount to the left. But I think that would now be overtaken by the sheer volume of people going to the left
Is there are similar piece of analysis that carries the counter-argument, ie what the numbers that underpin the current Labour strategy are?
Yes, but my question is more the timing than the principle (again, I know I'm probably just being a miserable git)
It looks it! But (and I know I’m being po-faced). It’s a bit of a weird look no?
Trying to work out the thought process of an MP deciding to take part in a Strictly Come Dancing event in Portcullis House today.
It is timid, or at least safety first, but that doesn't mean it's wrong as such if the only prism is maximising seats at the next GE. Where I get defensive is that people treat it as a comms failing, where I think it's a reflection of a broader approach. (and you are right about the bonus 'not')
Our most recent 'big' announcement, of moving the Treasury to Birmingham, was one I thought was (being polite) pretty meh. But maybe that's what we want? I'd like us to be more pro-European for economic reasons, and noisily liberal on social issues, which seems like a wide-open space.
I'd say the strategy at the moment is one of embedding in the seats it held, targeting other similar ones and hoping to gain the benefits of anti-Reform voting. And if that's the electoral strategy then not scaring people with big attention-grabbing policies isn't as essential
I was just going to reply in a more serious fashion, but I guess it comes down to the question that precedes the 'dream headline' one. Which is who are we trying to reach? If you look at the seats the party holds and is targeting (and the existence of the Greens)
Hey, it would get cut through
Yes, I think the medium one is what matters. I don't think the message is bad or wrong at all. But there's a tendency - and always has been - for Lib Dems to say 'we just need to cut through' and then not really explore how. And I think some current Lib Dem MPs are doing that
But that's not interesting. I suppose my slightly cynical take is that just saying 'we have good policies' is not the answer and has never been. I think there's a strong argument that the tactics (better social media etc) need work, but I worry Lib Dems are letting the Greens spook them too much
What would you do?
It's sad to see people who had never heard of Democracy Volunteers yesterday all over social media trashing them.
They've been around for a decade & are partly funded by the (left-leaning) Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
We protest when the right trashes these groups. The left shouldn't do it either.
It’s literally: ‘there were more of the two groups of people that I have built a reputation by insulting in this seat than people who agree with me. I am very clever.’
Matt Goodwin, once a professor of politics, now a man surprised at how elections work.
Moving parliament while the departments stay in London seems weirdly inefficient and not great for accountability
It's a 10/10 plot twist. If it's true, it's incredible. If Lindsay Hoyle was just believing some random gossip, it's incredible. If he just hates Mandelson, it's incredible
I find this surprising given his public statements about what he knew
18 hours later
I dunno, but two uses of the word ‘pushy’ in two paragraphs from different people does suggest a lot of the Antonia Romeo criticism has a chunk of misogyny to it.
Coworker Laid Off Solely For Performance-Related Reasons Warns AI Coming For Everyone
Coworker Laid Off Solely For Performance-Related Reasons Warns AI Coming For Everyone https://theonion.com/coworker-laid-off-solely-for-performance-related-reasons-warns-ai-coming-for-everyone/
Really exciting time to be living in the outbreak hotspot of Enfield with a baby too young to get the vaccine
I couldn’t believe how much fun Moby Dick was when I read it.
It’s been a long time since I watched ice skating, but I have to say it’s massively improved now that they all keep falling on their arses for some reason
Oh god no. Street WA all the way for the petty feuds and mildly racist warnings about ‘suspicious’ people seen walking down the street
You are clearly unfamiliar with the joys of the street WhatsApp group
I think it’s fair enough to say that if you don’t like Oasis. It’s a decent answer, makes that point but also makes it clear you do like music and Manchester bands
McSweeney pressed for his mentor to get the job. One of the most bizarre shortlists of all time was drawn up: Mandelson, George Osborne and the rugged TV survivalist Bear Grylls, since it was believed he would appeal to Trump, also a star of reality TV. Starmer initially backed Osborne but McSweeney got his way.
This piece in The Spectator by @shippersunbound.bsky.social has an absolutely mad detail that I was not previously aware of spectator.com/article/auth...
Yes. There's a perception she's not in London as much as other ministers
