[Oboogie]

I binged Radio 4's history of the Weimar Republic last night, some of it felt frighteningly contemporary.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002w5pm

[Boiler]

I binged Radio 4's history of the Weimar Republic last night, some of it felt frighteningly contemporary.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002w5pm

Ta for that, @Oboogie - get_iplayer has obliged me and that will be on a USB stick to listen to in the car next time I commute to work.

[kreuzberger]

Katja Hoyer strikes me a fine person, on so many levels.

[Youngian]

Another big up for BBC local radio interviewing. This time its BBC Derby bringing some Reform simpleton council leader to book
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1HzajwaMrD/

[mattomac]

Katja Hoyer strikes me a fine person, on so many levels.

Really enjoyed her two previous books.

[Yug]

Speculation, rumour, shit-stirring, and a bit of soldier rimming, dressed up as news

Is Birmingham's Royal Marine a dark horse for PM?

Not many MPs have a back story that's a classified military secret.

But the exploits of Birmingham Selly Oak MP Al Carns as a Royal Marine Commando in Afghanistan are what some say make him perfect to turn around Labour's fortunes.

While all eyes are on whether Andy Burnham can return to Parliament and end Sir Keir Starmer's time in Number 10, an action man from the Midlands is a dark horse to rival the so-called "King of the North".

The name Carns was first being whispered in some Labour circles a few months ago, but those whispers have turned into excited chatter now a leadership contest is all but under way. But what is he like? On Sunday's BBC Politics Midlands programme, a friend has been building up a picture of the man...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7rdz7zjzo

[Youngian]

The name Carns was first being whispered in some Labour circles a few months ago, but those whispers have turned into excited chatter now a leadership contest is all but under way.

Mainly by himself according Westminster whispers. The 'sport ar troops' brigade are a bunch of poseurs who aren't going to switch to Labour because they've put Captain Hurricane in charge. He's only been an MP for two years and has no background in the party or labour movement.
As Keir found out, successful leadership of an organisation can't always be transplanted to the political field. Carns is a man to watch, though.

[Abernathy]

Superficially, the notion of an all-action hero with an unimpeachable military record as Labour leader may indeed be attractive- or even electorally beneficial, but that seems to be the beginning and the end of Mr. Carns' qualities. As Ian points out, he's really only been in politics less than 2 years, and I've seen very little evidence of political skill, strategy or know-how (I guess we can take his leadership skills as read). It's something of a mystery to me as to why he is being talked up in this regard.

[davidjay]

Superficially, the notion of an all-action hero with an unimpeachable military record as Labour leader may indeed be attractive- or even electorally beneficial, but that seems to be the beginning and the end of Mr. Carns' qualities. As Ian points out, he's really only been in politics less than 2 years, and I've seen very little evidence of political skill, strategy or know-how (I guess we can take his leadership skills as read). It's something of a mystery to me as to why he is being talked up in this regard.

Because there's not many options whose character hasn't been assassinated.

[Oboogie]

Because there's not many options whose character hasn't been assassinated.

Plus he's a strong media performer, in sharp contrast to Starmer's biggest perceived weakness.

[Abernathy]

I’ve not really seen Al Carns doing much media. Is he really a strong performer ?

[Boiler]

Boy, has the Beeb left the gates open for the cunt farm to walk in on this story:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2 ... o#comments

[Killer Whale]

Why is the BBC covering this?

Should the Welsh first minister get an official home?

The job of first minister in Wales does not come with an official residence

Following his election victory, First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth reportedly spent the night in a Premier Inn after forgetting the keys to his personal flat in Cardiff.

While the episode prompted amusement on social media, it also reignited discussion about whether the leader of the Welsh government should have an official home in the capital.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cewpzn4k54yo

It's a non-issue. Not a single politician with any kind of influence is calling for it, and, predictably the Tories and Reform are all over it even to the extent of calling it 'Plaid's Palace'. This is an absolute gift from the BBC to the 'they're all the same and on the make' tendency.

Stupid cunts. Don't they realise that they're not that far from the firing line from the disingenuous right themselves?

[davidjay]

The BBC are the clearest example of not realising that no matter how many concessions you make to the (far) right it's never enough.