[Mr Mercury]

frearsghost, on 29 May 2025 - 12:53 PM, said:

I might be a little late on this one but remember when he told us, ad nausem, that his father was a toolmaker? Turns out his father owned the flipping company.

Yes well documented mate but not an oft, if at all, admission from the tool he made.

The point I missed as well Starmer actually asked..”can you trust Farage” , not a jot of self awareness. Like I said who on earth advised him, so far out from an election, that this was a good idea?

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 29 May 2025 - 01:07 PM

[Burgerman]

Mr Mercury, on 29 May 2025 - 12:24 PM, said:

Questions asked by the media after Starmers lie/bore fest, sorry press conference, earlier today.l

BBC: "Is today's speech an admission of your popularity failure, and Nigel Farage is soaring?"

Sky News: "Are you running scared of Reform?"

LBC: "Why are you holding a press conference about Nigel Farage four years from an election?"

GB News: "Are you panicking? Is Farage rent-free in your head?"

ITV: "Do you view Nigel Farage as your main opponent?"


Brilliant free publicity for Reform and Farage from the lying personality vacuum that is the Labour leader. Who on earth thought this was a good idea, his attacks on Farage have all the venom of a bunny rabbit worrying sheep. Everything he does just exposes himself even more to his complete unsuitability for the job. It’s just one slow motion disaster after disaster with this imbecile.

I know you have been a Labour voter in the past, so have I, many times. I was having a conversation last night with someone and they asked me: "If Starmer was removed and replaced by someone you approve of, would you (A), go back to voting Labour and (B), who would you approve of?". I struggled coming up with a name and immediately thought of you and wondered what your answer would be.

I am still in no mans land whereby I can't be confident in any party because of their leadership. Sorry to disappoint but that includes Reform as well. Starmer is a dick, Badenoch is, well, ridiculous, Davey is a liar and an incompetent fool and Farage is coming out with all sorts of garbage. So for now, I'm on the fence and as things stands wouldn't support any of them.

But back to my mates question...

[Mr Mercury]

 Burgerman, on 29 May 2025 - 01:43 PM, said:

I know you have been a Labour voter in the past, so have I, many times. I was having a conversation last night with someone and they asked me: "If Starmer was removed and replaced by someone you approve of, would you (A), go back to voting Labour and (B), who would you approve of?". I struggled coming up with a name and immediately thought of you and wondered what your answer would be.

I am still in no mans land whereby I can't be confident in any party because of their leadership. Sorry to disappoint but that includes Reform as well. Starmer is a dick, Badenoch is, well, ridiculous, Davey is a liar and an incompetent fool and Farage is coming out with all sorts of garbage. So for now, I'm on the fence and as things stands wouldn't support any of them.

But back to my mates question...

Would I go back to voting Labour? At this moment in time I very much doubt it, in fact I’d say it was probably impossible, regardless who the leader was. Basic reason I feel I’ve moved more to centre right the older I’ve got and I’m quite happy in that respect. Also I think the Labour Party has lost its soul, like I’ve mentioned before the hierarchy, encapsulated by Starmer, are nothing more than globalist, Metropolitan elitists who care not a jot for the fears of what should be their core vote. The BBC chap summed it up perfectly when he asked Starmer why was it that the “working class” now seemingly trust a public school, stock market trader, than a state school educated pupil with their votes. Sadly I didn’t hear his answer, missed that part of the interview, and it was taken from a clip on X.
If Starmer is replaced, personally I can’t see a hope in hell of him lasting the term, he’s just so damaged in terms of his u turns, his lies, his deceit that millions of ordinary folk literally despise the hell out of him. You’ll never see him meeting and greeting the general public like you did with Reforms Farage and Tice during the locals earlier this month, in fairness I don’t blame him it would be a very nerve wracking experience, so he sticks to the structured stuff, like today, which invariably becomes another PR disaster, the the No1 candidate has to be Raynor. Apparently she’s already on manoeuvres and seemingly has a look of contempt for Starmer when sat in the house, and I’d suspect she may well be the choice.
Would Mad Ed, eco zealot Miliband be interested in another shot, he may be, but not a chance he’d get it, he’s another poisonous elitist.
Streeting seems to be one who’s performed less atrociously than others on the front bench, albeit his waiting list figures were blown apart by Sky News last week, so he may run.
The obvious one who could make a difference may be Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, but of course he’s not got a seat in Parliament and given the current state of the government there’s no guarantee he’d get one. Also he seems to be another Labour politician whose name is quoted in regarded to the rape gangs cover up.
So it’s a tricky one. There’s a huge dearth of political talent in the Labour Party so it’s anyone’s guess.
And of course I’m not disappointed if you didn’t vote Reform, I’ve said on here countless times, we live in a democracy, just, so people are free to vote for whom ever they wish and at the next election if anyone feels it’s in their interests to vote Labour, whether or not Starmer is leader, then that’s their choice and I’d not say a single word wrong about them for that, contrast with some of the bile spouted at me for voting Reform, but like I say that no longer concerns me in the slightest.
Hope that gives an answer mate.

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 29 May 2025 - 02:27 PM

[Burgerman]

Mr Mercury, on 29 May 2025 - 02:09 PM, said:

Would I go back to voting Labour? At this moment in time I very much doubt it, in fact I’d say it was probably impossible, regardless who the leader was. Basic reason I feel I’ve moved more to centre right the older I’ve got and I’m quite happy in that respect. Also I think the Labour Party has lost its soul, like I’ve mentioned before the hierarchy, encapsulated by Starmer, are nothing more than globalist, Metropolitan elitists who care not a jot for the fears of what should be their core vote. The BBC chap summed it up perfectly when he asked Starmer why was it that the “working class” now seemingly trust a public school, stock market trader, than a state school educated pupil with their votes. Sadly I didn’t hear his answer, missed that part of the interview, and it was taken from a clip on X.
If Starmer is replaced, personally I can’t see a hope in hell of him lasting the term, he’s just so damaged in terms of his u turns, his lies, his deceit that millions of ordinary blokes literally despise the hell out of him. You’ll never see him meeting and greeting the general public like you did with Reforms Farage and Tice during the locals earlier this month, in fairness I don’t blame him it would be a very nerve wracking experience, so he sticks to the structured stuff, like today, which invariably becomes another PR disaster, the the No1 candidate has to be Raynor. Apparently she’s already on manoeuvres and seemingly has a look of contempt for Starmer when sat in the house, and I’d suspect she may well be the choice.
Would Mad Ed, eco zealot Miliband be interested in another shot, he may be, but not a chance he’d get it, he’s another poisonous elitist.
Streeting seems to be one who’s performed less atrociously than others on the front bench, albeit his waiting list figures were blown apart by Sky News last week, so he may run.
The obvious one who could make a difference may be Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, but of course he’s not got a seat in Parliament and given the current state of the government there’s no guarantee he’d get one. Also he seems to be another Labour politician whose name is quoted in regarded to the rape gangs cover up.
So it’s a tricky one. There’s a huge dearth of political talent in the Labour Party so it’s anyone’s guess.
And of course I’m not disappointed if you didn’t vote Reform, I’ve said on here countless times, we live in a democracy, just, so people are free to vote for whom ever they wish and at the next election if anyone feels it’s in their interests to vote Labour, whether or not Starmer is leader, then that’s their choice and I’d not say a single word wrong about them for that, contrast with some of the bile spouted at me for voting Reform, but like I say that no longer concerns me in the slightest.
Hope that gives an answer mate.

It does indeed, cheers. Personally, looking along the governments front bench, I couldn't choose one. Nor the opposition benches either. Badenoch's days must be numbered.

[Mr Mercury]

Burgerman, on 29 May 2025 - 02:16 PM, said:

It does indeed, cheers. Personally, looking along the governments front bench, I couldn't choose one. Nor the opposition benches either. Badenoch's days must be numbered.

I’ve just seen this online as well, a question of Starmer after his Press conference this morning, and this is from The Guardian, not the Mail or GB News but The Guardian.
“On the wider issue of the opposition you’re now facing, do you think that one of the problems you’re now facing is that Nigel Farage can approximate to talking like a human being whereas you just resort to talking points and dodging questions?”

That from coming from The Guardian is nothing short of remarkable.
Mind you the Mirror doubling down…saying “Starmer humiliates Farage by calling him Liz Truss MK2, there was only one man humilatied this morning and it wasnt the Reform leader.
Does it seen to anyone else that some of the Left wing press have guessed its over for him and need to get him out ASAP?

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 29 May 2025 - 02:32 PM

[isleaiw1]

I think they had to respond - you cant let your competitor get a march on you without responding when they have said such things as Farage did. I'm not sure they dragged the right person out to do the response though - I think Rayner would get more traction with their core vote.

Will any of the leaders still be in charge at the next election? Labour and the Tories doing badly, Davey has gone from 3rd biggest to 4th biggest party and never made the inroads that Farage has... and well, Nige might decide that he has got a more pressing challenge if Donald offers him a gig...

I'm not sure farage's numbers stack up either, and no one should be more aware of that than Labour as clearly theirs didnt!

I think they had to respond - you cant let your competitor get a march on you without responding when they have said such things as Farage did. I'm not sure they dragged the right person out to do the response though - I think Rayner would get more traction with their core vote.

Will any of the leaders still be in charge at the next election? Labour and the Tories doing badly, Davey has gone from 3rd biggest to 4th biggest party and never made the inroads that Farage has... and well, Nige might decide that he has got a more pressing challenge if Donald offers him a gig...

I'm not sure farage's numbers stack up either, and no one should be more aware of that than Labour as clearly theirs didnt!

[Mr Mercury]

isleaiw1, on 29 May 2025 - 07:26 PM, said:

I think they had to respond - you cant let your competitor get a march on you without responding when they have said such things as Farage did. I'm not sure they dragged the right person out to do the response though - I think Rayner would get more traction with their core vote.

Will any of the leaders still be in charge at the next election? Labour and the Tories doing badly, Davey has gone from 3rd biggest to 4th biggest party and never made the inroads that Farage has... and well, Nige might decide that he has got a more pressing challenge if Donald offers him a gig...

I'm not sure farage's numbers stack up either, and no one should be more aware of that than Labour as clearly theirs didnt!

I think they had to respond - you cant let your competitor get a march on you without responding when they have said such things as Farage did. I'm not sure they dragged the right person out to do the response though - I think Rayner would get more traction with their core vote.

Will any of the leaders still be in charge at the next election? Labour and the Tories doing badly, Davey has gone from 3rd biggest to 4th biggest party and never made the inroads that Farage has... and well, Nige might decide that he has got a more pressing challenge if Donald offers him a gig...

I'm not sure farage's numbers stack up either, and no one should be more aware of that than Labour as clearly theirs didnt!

I disagree mate, if he really believed all the lies he keeps spouting, ie fixing the foundations, more money in working people pockets, stabilising the economy, smashing the gangs, bringing down bills, securing our borders, etc, etc, all he had to do was keep quiet and let the results speak for themselves, but they don’t. To say this happened today, just days after “securing” trade deals with India and the EU, securing our borders with the Chagos deal, all of which have been roundly ridiculed as a sell out, is a sign of absolute panic.
All this against a party with just 5, yes 5, MPs. The man, and his government, are in desperate trouble, and this with a huge, albeit built on sand majority.
And then with this huge fanfare that was a go for the throat attack on Farage and Reform he comes out of it red faced, ridiculed, embarrassed and crest fallen after even reporters from traditional Labour supporting media savaged him. Again I ask who on earth advised him that this was a good idea.
He’s the football manager equivalent of turning/talking winning the Champions League into relegation into the National League.

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 29 May 2025 - 08:12 PM

[Wooden Spoon]

Football manager equivalent of Egil Olson in his wellies.


He’s finished

[Mr Mercury]

Wooden Spoon, on 29 May 2025 - 08:01 PM, said:

Football manager equivalent of Egil Olson in his wellies.


He’s finished

100%, it’s just a case of how, where and when. The only thing that’s saving this Metropolitan elitist sell out of the British working person is the complete lack of credible replacement.

[s42blue]

 Mr Mercury, on 29 May 2025 - 02:09 PM, said:

Would I go back to voting Labour? At this moment in time I very much doubt it, in fact I’d say it was probably impossible, regardless who the leader was. Basic reason I feel I’ve moved more to centre right the older I’ve got and I’m quite happy in that respect. Also I think the Labour Party has lost its soul.
If Starmer is replaced, personally I can’t see a hope in hell of him lasting the term, he’s just so damaged in terms of his u turns, his lies, his deceit
The obvious one who could make a difference may be Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, but of course he’s not got a seat in Parliament and given the current state of the government there’s no guarantee he’d get one. Also he seems to be another Labour politician whose name is quoted in regarded to the rape gangs cover up.
So it’s a tricky one. There’s a huge dearth of political talent in the Labour Party so it’s anyone’s guess.

Some good points (sorry I had to edit yours 😂)

Oddly I’ve gone more to the centre (and lefter if that’s a word?) as I’ve got older. Fervent capitalist in my 20s and 30s. Make what I can, as much as I can, as fast as I can. Tbf I did. And when I relaxed I became better and made more 😂. But now I’m for a more equitable and fairer world (still where entrepurialism is rewarded) but I can see where nationalism and socialism has its place.

I’ve been a Labour and a Tory voter based on the leader and their manifesto.

Starmer is a dreadful leader. Lacking direction, charisma, integrity and trust. I just don’t know what he stands for. His front bench lacks the same. I’m with you…a fan of Andy Burnham but maybe there’s fire with the smoke.

That said (ex Badenoch who I think seems capable) there’s a dearth in the Tories too. Not hard to see why Farage (a very good orator) can appeal to many people across the board.

Very interesting but also worrying times.

[Mr Mercury]

s42blue, on 29 May 2025 - 08:42 PM, said:

Some good points (sorry I had to edit yours ��)

Oddly I’ve gone more to the centre (and lefter if that’s a word?) as I’ve got older. Fervent capitalist in my 20s and 30s. Make what I can, as much as I can, as fast as I can. Tbf I did. And when I relaxed I became better and made more ��. But now I’m for a more equitable and fairer world (still where entrepurialism is rewarded) but I can see where nationalism and socialism has its place.

I’ve been a Labour and a Tory voter based on the leader and their manifesto.

Starmer is a dreadful leader. Lacking direction, charisma, integrity and trust. I just don’t know what he stands for. His front bench lacks the same. I’m with you…a fan of Andy Burnham but maybe there’s fire with the smoke.

That said (ex Badenoch who I think seems capable) there’s a dearth in the Tories too. Not hard to see why Farage (a very good orator) can appeal to many people across the board.

Very interesting but also worrying times.

I think it’s a fair reply, Badenoch, who I thought would be a good choice, has been pretty disastrous, a more right wing Jenrick would probably have been a much better fit and spoke more to the Tory faithful. I’ve never been a “Tory faithful” but fell out of favour with the way they stabbed Boris after the victory he delivered. Not a popular view I know but it’s my view.
Starmer is shot to pieces, an absolute epitome of a dead man walking, but their choices are less that limited.
He won’t lead Labour into the next election, if he does they’re finished .
Interesting times.
Re Burnham, I’ve posted on here a few years back, that he would be a superb choice as leader, but the more you look into, what appears to be a huge cover up, incriminating Labour in particular into those rape gangs, the more his name is mentioned. Maybe best avoid.

This post has been edited by Mr Mercury: 29 May 2025 - 09:23 PM

[Wooden Spoon]

 Burgerman, on 29 May 2025 - 01:43 PM, said:

I know you have been a Labour voter in the past, so have I, many times. I was having a conversation last night with someone and they asked me: "If Starmer was removed and replaced by someone you approve of, would you (A), go back to voting Labour and (B), who would you approve of?". I struggled coming up with a name and immediately thought of you and wondered what your answer would be.
How
I am still in no mans land whereby I can't be confident in any party because of their leadership. Sorry to disappoint but that includes Reform as well. Starmer is a dick, Badenoch is, well, ridiculous, Davey is a liar and an incompetent fool and Farage is coming out with all sorts of garbage. So for now, I'm on the fence and as things stands wouldn't support any of them.

But back to my mates question...

MPretty much where ii am


I think I will be voting green next time around

[s42blue]

 Mr Mercury, on 29 May 2025 - 08:51 PM, said:

I think it’s a fair reply, Badenoch, who I thought would be a good choice, has been pretty disastrous, a more right wing Jenrick would probably have been a much better fit.

Your reply or mine? Your criticism of me has no bearing so that’s up to you.

Badenoch at least has not played immediate popularity politics. “Sorting the party out” actually makes sense. We had to give Starmer a chance and the same for KB. Sitting on the fence? I don’t think so.

[Mr Mercury]

s42blue, on 29 May 2025 - 10:17 PM, said:

Your reply or mine? Your criticism of me has no bearing so that’s up to you.

Badenoch at least has not played immediate popularity politics. “Sorting the party out” actually makes sense. We had to give Starmer a chance and the same for KB. Sitting on the fence? I don’t think so.

I though it was a fair reply from you. No criticism intended at all, and if it was then, like my own view of criticism, who gives a f….
We all know Starmer is an unmitigated disaster as a PM, where do Labour go from here I’m not sure, but it’s going to be ghoulish viewing at their/his implosion.

[s42blue]

 Mr Mercury, on 29 May 2025 - 10:27 PM, said:

I though it was a fair reply from you. No criticism intended at all, and if it was then, like my own view of criticism, who gives a f….
We all know Starmer is an unmitigated disaster as a PM, where do Labour go from here I’m not sure, but it’s going to be ghoulish viewing at their/his implosion.

👍. Was a genuine Q. Absolutely agree..criticism (providing it’s not personal and is constructive and considered) is great. Name calling is Eau d’un dos de canard.

Labour need stability. That’s tricky in this day and age where every action is available and open. The summer recess could be a career saviour.

[Mr Mercury]

 s42blue, on 29 May 2025 - 10:38 PM, said:

👍. Was a genuine Q. Absolutely agree..criticism (providing it’s not personal and is constructive and considered) is great. Name calling is Eau d’un dos de canard.

Labour need stability. That’s tricky in this day and age where every action is available and open. The summer recess could be a career saviour.

Or give the plotters time to sneak around.

[Wooden Spoon]

 s42blue, on 29 May 2025 - 10:38 PM, said:

👍. Was a genuine Q. Absolutely agree..criticism (providing it’s not personal and is constructive and considered) is great. Name calling is Eau d’un dos de canard.

Labour need stability. That’s tricky in this day and age where every action is available and open. The summer recess could be a career saviour.

Labour need to stand for something. First and foremost.



What do Starmers Labour Party stand for? Who do the think they represent?



At the moment it looks to me like they stand for nothing and represent no one. We’ve had so many U turns that it seems there isn’t a set of policies they stick to, there isn’t a direction of travel you can see and there isn’t an ideology you can identify


All that’s happened is the leadership have alienated almost everyone - and given that they win because it was an ABC election rather than a Blair type of election they started with very little goodwill in the first place and have committed political suicide in less than a year.


It’s absolutely astonishing what Starmer has managed to achieve in such a short space of time.

[Wooden Spoon]

 Mr Mercury, on 30 May 2025 - 06:49 AM, said:

Or give the plotters time to sneak around.

Raynor to start moves?


It’s pretty bad when you look at labours benches and think there isn’t really a credible MP who’d be better as a leader than big chief stand for nothing.


Yvette Cooper maybe? Jess Phillips? I’m really struggling to identify someone with any talent, drive and charisma apart from those two

This post has been edited by Wooden Spoon: 30 May 2025 - 08:04 AM

[s42blue]

 Wooden Spoon, on 30 May 2025 - 08:01 AM, said:

Raynor to start moves?


It’s pretty bad when you look at labours benches and think there isn’t really a credible MP who’d be better as a leader than big chief stand for nothing.


Yvette Cooper maybe? Jess Phillips? I’m really struggling to identify someone with any talent, drive and charisma apart from those two

I’d say it was down to Yvette Cooper and Wes Streeting.

[Wooden Spoon]

 s42blue, on 30 May 2025 - 09:16 AM, said:

I’d say it was down to Yvette Cooper and Wes Streeting.

Out of those two I’d have to go cooper.

Streeting if just seems to me to lack anything


Shame that Phillips didn’t back the national inquiry because I’ve actually been impressed by her, and she then failed to read the room(maybe under orders?) and for me totally blew it.


Or had it blown for her by big chief stands for nothing