In theory the Election campaign is only six weeks long, but in reality it begins "unofficially" months earlier, especially when we know one is coming. Ours had to be held by January 2025, it was expected in October/November but Rishi Sunak has gone a few months early. I would have waited, the economic news is pretty good and is thought to get better, so waiting a few months longer would seem to have been a better idea. The danger with that though is what if the economy takes an unexpected downturn and waiting until the last moment gives the impression of hanging on afraid to give us the vote. 

The government hasn't polled high since covid was over, the figures look bad for the Conservatives, local and by-election results have been unremittingly poor. But he had to jump at some time soon. 

Yes the Prime Minister can call an Election anytime, subject to the King's approval. 

The latest Tory announcement to "attract" voters is a compulsory form of National Service for 18 year olds. They'll have a choice of a year in the Armed Forces or one weekend a month in some civil organisation. It'll never happen of course as the Tories won't get in. 

The latest Tory announcement to "attract" voters is a compulsory form of National Service for 18 year olds. They'll have a choice of a year in the Armed Forces or one weekend a month in some civil organisation. It'll never happen of course as the Tories won't get in. 

Correct Mark, now what's the word I'm looking for? errrrr, ah yes.... bollocks.

Nigel Farage has taken over as leader of Reform UK and is standing for Parliament. This will guarantee a Labour victory as any remaining hope the Tories had has now gone. Reform won't win any seats, but will take enough votes from the Conservatives to put Keir Starmer in Downing Street.

My prediction is that we'll see a surge in support for Reform over the next week or two, perhaps challenging for second place such is the novelty of Farage's decision. But by the end of the month it'll have worn off and they'll slip back to around 15% and on Election Day they'll emerge empty handed. 

He is the Reform UK Party candidate in the Clacton constituency. It is currently a Conservative seat and I doubt if Farage can overturn it. 

Yes, for someone who's never been elected to Parliament in the UK he's a very influential figure. Art's admiration for him exceeds that for Trump! Unfortunately it's too big an ask for we Brits to give ourselves over wholeheartedly to Reform UK just yet. 

Yes, for someone who's never been elected to Parliament in the UK he's a very influential figure. Art's admiration for him exceeds that for Trump! Unfortunately it's too big an ask for we Brits to give ourselves over wholeheartedly to Reform UK just yet. 

Admiration is not quite the word Mark, more like respect. As I have said on other occasions, I couldn't share a pint with the man but I could with Farage, no problem. Trump is an unfortunate necessity for the US and by definition, the allied free world. Supporting a politician doesn't mean you'd send him an invitation to your next birthday party you know. I supported Thatcher, great politician, great policies, just what the country was crying out for but would I share a Pimms with her in the Black Swan? Narrrr, not a chance. Now Farage on the other hand? I think getting pissed with him at the bar would be great fun. He's the establishment's greatest nightmare, both here and in Europe and despite their collective venom, vindictiveness, attempted bribery, persecution and conspiracy to destroy his life and family too on many occasions, he's always beaten them. As he said in the European parliament following the brexit vote to leave...... when I first came here I told you I was here to get Britain out of the EU and you laughed at me, well you're not laughing now. If he can do what he did to the all mighty EU, why not here too? He's not only shook up their cosy, back slapping world, he's done it to the BBC and the banks, to mention just two, they being the big ones though. The Reform party is doing far better than many would ever have expected and with Farage at the helm they will do even better. It's just breaking the ice they need to do, a monumental task in our two party system but once they do, they will go on, I'm sure. There are millions of disgruntled voters in this country right now and they know that if there is not a breakthrough soon, then we are heading down a a very gloomy Islamic road indeed. You may laugh but put it this way, would you have believed just 12 years ago that 12 of our major cities of this country would have muslim mayors, including our capitol city? That one in every ten councillors are muslim? What will 12 more years do? Farage was the very first person to go out on the seas in a boat and film the illegals coming in from France, he was the only one with the courage to do that, whilst the rest of both parties knew it was happening and chose to keep quiet. Vote Reform Mark, you know it makes sense.

Years ago defeated Prime Ministers often stayed in politics for years, some even taking jobs in their successors' Cabinet. But in recent times they've resigned almost immediately and gone into something else. Sunak will do the same I'm sure, talk is he'll decamp to California. 

As for Nigel Farage, you'll remember I was dead against him at first, but now I appreciate his role and views. I'll probably vote for Reform, but be under no illusions this isn't a breakthrough moment, we don't go in for that kind of political upheaval over here. My guess is they'll poll around 15-20% of the vote with no more than one or two seats.

I'm reminded of the last "breakthrough" moment - the birth of the SDP in 1981, for a few years they looked good winning by-elections and polling as high as 50% in alliance with the Liberal Party. But when the General Election came in 1983 they won just six seats. We like to stick with the old parties, no matter how unappetising they are.    

I would not share a pint with Biden, but I would with Thatcher, Reagan, and Trump. 

I would not share a pint with Biden, but I would with Thatcher, Reagan, and Trump. 

Definitely with Ronnie, he was a funny fella.One of his I like is.... how can you tell a communists? It's a person who reads Marx and Lenin. How can you tell an anti communist? It's somebody who understands Marx and Lenin

I would not share a pint with Biden, but I would with Thatcher, Reagan, and Trump. 

A diet coke for Trump. There was no alcohol at Fred Sr.'s house & look what happened to Freddy Jr. who was a victim of the grape. Donald used that to his advantage to stab his brother in the back every chance he got. 

I would not share a pint with Biden, but I would with Thatcher, Reagan, and Trump. 

A diet coke for Trump. There was no alcohol at Fred Sr.'s house & look what happened to Freddy Jr. who was a victim of the grape. Donald used that to his advantage to stab his brother in the back every chance he got. 

Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are fine for people who do not drink.