Mr Johnson and Mr Cummings

Urmstongran

I’m accepting of the flaws in all politicians growstuff of ALL parties and understand there’s not a darned thing I can do about any of it until presented with a ballot paper. In the meantime it’s media hype, the Twitterati and white noise.

You wish!

(Meanwhile, in the Land of Unicorns ...)

The Cummings/Johnson tale could be a catalyst ... I don't know. It will depend on the PR teams.

Meanwhile, the really serious issues are the allegations of sleaze and cronyism (Greensill, Dyson, Arcuri, flat redecorations, numerous contracts related to Covid, Killing Kittens, appointment of "friends" to important jobs, etc etc etc), not to mention lies over Northern Ireland, Brexit, hospitals, institutional racism and goodness knows what else.

You don't have to be "not political" not to care about any of that - you need to have your head very firmly stuck in the sand and the moral values of a goldfish.

I’m accepting of the flaws in all politicians growstuff of ALL parties and understand there’s not a darned thing I can do about any of it until presented with a ballot paper. In the meantime it’s media hype, the Twitterati and white noise.

Where did I claim you are toeing any party line Urmstongran? If you're really interested in politics, how come you seem so keen to detract from very serious issues?

It’s a shame I would have liked Spurs to win!

I have to respectfully disagree MaizieD and growstuff. I’m not toeing any ‘party line’. I’m not a member. Just interested in politics.

Unlike the vast majority of the general public in my opinion. They’ll be out barbecuing, following Gemma Collins on Twitter and wondering whether Man City deserved their 1-0 win in the Cup Final this afternoon.

It was ever thus.

?

Does it matter whose bright idea it was to blame Cummings for the leaks? The buck stops at the top. If it's true (as alleged) that Johnson used his influence and networks to contact media editors directly, he was responsible. I doubt if anybody put a gun to his head and told him to do it. More fool him for appointing so many of Carrie's "friends" and listening to her, if that's what's happened. He must realise that they could dish even more dirt if he upsets them. It's what happens when a weak leader loses control.

I followed the link to Alistair Campbell's chat with the BBC news presenter. Apparently 12 million people have watched the PS video. That suggests that a lot of people are interested in politics doesn't it?

Did Boris initiate the attack on Cummings?

He apparently rang several newspaper editors to claim that Demonic was the leaker...

That sounds like initiation to me...

Urmstongran

That the majority of voters are not political animals Lucca and are just not bothered who bought the curtains in No.10 or whether Boris rang his mates to see whether (along with those contacted through proper civil service channels) they could help fix the urgent and scary shortfalls a year ago. I’m not saying it’s right, just being pragmatic.

Strangely enough, this is the message that is being put out by tories today. That voters don't give a stuff. I think they're trying to kid themselves. Our tory sympathisers are clearly on message with it.

The voters I know; from varied backgrounds, give a great deal of 'stuff'.

Does one have to be "political" to be bothered that billions of pounds are being directed towards causes which benefit a tiny handful of people? Is the British public really happy to allow its leaders to get away with sleaze, whether or not it's strictly illegal?

Up to now, the "public" seems to more bothered about Harry and Meghan than sleaze and cronyism, if the number of column inches written about the issues are any judge. I have noticed that there has been more interest in the last few days, so maybe people do care more than detractors claim.

Did Boris initiate the attack on Cummings? It's not like him as he has always tried to be friendly with everyone, including Ken Livingston. Cummings has not given a word of criticism in five months until a personal attack without any evidence.

He was bound to fight back. It seems more likely that one of Carrie's friends had this bright idea!

Dominic Cummings has been accused of leaking texts when innocent.

He is being made a scapegoat.

lemongrove

? Much condemning of Dyson vacuums coming up.

Not from me and I have 2 Dyson’s and a Miele.

I wonder if Boris has a Dyson for the Dilyn dog hairs.?

Urmstongran

Aw Galaxy there are many voters such as you. Just sadly, not the majority. Most couldn’t give a stuff.

I think you are probably correct Urms

Aw Galaxy there are many voters such as you. Just sadly, not the majority. Most couldn’t give a stuff.

lemongrove

Thought you were demanding posters used a separate thread for mentioning Corbyn MaizieD or is that a rule for others but not you??

It was hardly a demand - just a suggestion.

Galaxy

It just seems to go against the British values that I understood were important, decency, integrity, honesty.

I think that British Values went out of the window with Tony (liar) Blair.

Successive Governments have been playing catch-up ever since!

It just seems to go against the British values that I understood were important, decency, integrity, honesty.

That the majority of voters are not political animals Lucca and are just not bothered who bought the curtains in No.10 or whether Boris rang his mates to see whether (along with those contacted through proper civil service channels) they could help fix the urgent and scary shortfalls a year ago. I’m not saying it’s right, just being pragmatic.

That's terrifying logic to be honest. If someone has a large majority they can behave in whatever way they like.

Do you not see corruption on this scale as a story, Urmstongran? Have things got so out of hand that it doesn't warrant more than a few fevered hours of discussion?

According to some Labour canvassers in Hartlepool, yes.

Urmstongran

Ho hum. Well, this 'story' has been running for a few fevered hours.

Any news that the 80 plus seat majority has taken a dent or that the 9% lead in Hartlepool - confirmed this morning by a poll of polls - has suffered a major hit?

No. Thought not.

So what are you saying? Johnson et al can do no wrong ? Or they can do whatever the hell they like and get away with it because of that majority ?

Ho hum. Well, this 'story' has been running for a few fevered hours.

Any news that the 80 plus seat majority has taken a dent or that the 9% lead in Hartlepool - confirmed this morning by a poll of polls - has suffered a major hit?

No. Thought not.

Alastair Campbell - “Peter Stefanovic’s video has had 12 million views. Every day he asks BBC why will you not play these clips of Johnson in Parliament lying at dispatch box. PM’s are meant to resign if they lie at dispatch box”

BBC interviewer “Do people care?”

YES @BBCNews

twitter.com/campbellclaret/status/1386291515173994498?s=20