Shrink Proof

"Halifax Dec 2023: -1.5%" Hope it's more than that before we get to next December...

Since 2016 the council has been under no overall control, but with a Conservative leader. But saying that the Tories are bent is not the same as saying Labour (or LibDem, etc.) are straight. Most British councils are run like mini banana republics by whichever party.

Thurrock council admits disastrous investments caused £500m deficit. It looks even worse than originally feared. Let's hear it for the party of sound economic management...

The boss of the social housing landlord of the mouldy flat that killed Awaab Ishak has been sacked. "The bathroom had no window, the fan didn’t work effectively and the window from the kitchen, which had no mechanical ventilation, opened on to a communal hallway. Awaab’s father had been told to “paint over it”." "Awaab died in December 2020, but only this week Chris Clarkson, the Conservative MP for Middleton, which also covers part of Rochdale borough, revealed constituents living in another Rochdale Boroughwide Housing property were enduring walls “caked in black mould” which their doctor concluded made two children “severely ill”." "Swarbrick was paid £157,000 a year..."

Back in 1997 no-one I knew was particularly happy that Labour had won. But they were ecstatic that the Tories got creamed.

Did you ever get to hear the outcome? Genuine query...

Just a click away...

Resigned to spend more time with his familiars.

Back to 1976, eh? "Get off your arse..."

Such is their level of self-awareness that now that there's due to be a by-election in Chester (Labour MP resigned), presumably the Tories will be selecting Owen Paterson as their candidate.

Useless Track & Trace, furlough scams, HS2 to extend the commuter belt and ripple out high house prices a bit further from London, aircraft carriers without aircraft, nuclear weapons to keep us safe and prove we're a global superpower, 757 unelected members of the House of Lords, etc., etc.

Still, it's not all bad news for Truss. She made it into the history books. The shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.

The better vegetable won.

A mere 38 minutes later...

"Downing Street said there are no plans for Liz Truss to hold a press conference or to make any more changes to her cabinet today." - The Guardian The same "Downing Street" that said they weren't aware that Brady of the 1922 was meeting Truss, even as he was arriving (via the back door).

It looks as though the lettuce might win. Despite Truss spending more time in a fridge.

"Look, it doesn't matter what happens, Truss has got to stay until October 31st. We've paid for that witch costume and they say they don't do refunds."

I dont know why everyone's getting so agitated and confused. It was a confidence vote, but not a confidence vote, and although it was a confidence vote & the chief Whip did resign, but did not resign, in fact she did resign & then unresign, which means that rebel MPs won't lose the whip but are at risk of losing the whip.

Westminster

My money was always on the lettuce.

True, but getting exponentially tougher over that time.

Yes, I'm sure they have the national interest at heart...

Hardest job in Britain today? Political satirist.

The jolly, grinning Head Girl ("pork markets!!") is now the terrified child who's been found out, who either runs away and hides, or sits, arms folded, as a scowling little madam in a tantrum.

Indeed. A two party, in-out, FPTP, non accountable, crony-based, political system breeds incompetence, corruption and abuse of power.