Of course, I know that eagerly awaiting any party conference is the equivalent of train-spotting, or collecting the names on Eddie Stobart lorries, but the fact is that the forthcoming Tory conference is likely to be utterly fascinating, not only on what is said but perhaps even more so on what is left unsaid. For a start, 'Her Maj's Daily Torygraph' is reporting that there is increasing support for 'St. Theresa of May' to announce a snap general election. Given that 'Jezza and the Comrades' are determined to march off towards a red Socialist nirvana whilst most of their MPs are quivering in their foxholes, and that the polls (for what they're worth these days) are forecasting a Tory majority of 62+/-, then you can see the temptation for a brand new PM with only a majority of 12 and a host of tricky issues on which her own 'awkward squad' could do her down fairly easily. Even so, I doubt she'll do it. Sometimes a small majority is the best way to concentrate minds amongst her MPs!
But looming over the entire proceedings is 'the Titanosaur in the room' - Brexit! Again, the prints are reporting that agitation amongst the faithful (and the not so faithful!) for a more clarified exposition on the government's intentions is growing. Surely, it is said, we cannot all be kept in blissful (or miserable) ignorance for a further three months, 'truth will out and shame the devil' and the sooner the better! Well, maybe, baby, but personally I am content to let the powers that be take their time and do their best to see the tank-traps likely to be met.
In the meantime, and after years of soggy, soppy, Cameronian wet-blankets what a relief to throw them all off and be free again. No doubt, 'St. Theresa' will make her mistakes but she does give the appearance of having her kitten shoes planted firmly on the ground. There might be errors but one feels that on the whole they will be well-thought out errors. Well, a man may hope, may he not?
I agree entirely about the "snap election". She doesn't need one. Corbyn's Labour does not need to be defeated. It proves itself ever more unfit to govern, and this is a rare situation when her own increasing unpopularity ("Events, dear boy...") will be outstripped by the idiocy of the other team. And, of course, there is no third party to hoover up the disaffected, which was Cameron's greatest legacy to her. I imagine she will hold fire and watch the opinion polls.
Posted by: Whyaxye | Saturday, 01 October 2016 at 22:38
What's wrong with spotting the names on Stobart trucks Duffers?
After SWMBO and I were alerted to this little fact we would try and spot the names on any Stobarts we chanced upon whilst in your Septic Isles last year. Not the most memorable aspects of our trip but still a harmless amusement never-the-less.
Posted by: AussieD | Sunday, 02 October 2016 at 02:12
Well, AussieD, I suppose it's alright if it keeps you elderly people amused but for us intellectuals, grappling with the problems of the world, nay, the universe, we simply don't have the time! I am constantly at the service of my blog readership, which might only amount to three men and a dog, but even so . . .
Posted by: David Duff | Sunday, 02 October 2016 at 10:18
Every time repeal of the 1972 act has been suggested, experts have descended on us like a plague of blue bottles. All explaining that it is just not that simple. Now it seems it is. What is more, it is implied by the Tory 2015 manifesto, so they can force it thru' the House of Experts by use of the Parliament Act. Things are looking up.
Posted by: backofanenvelope | Sunday, 02 October 2016 at 12:30
"Expert"...a person with a brief case wearing a suit who is over 5 miles from home.
Posted by: whitewall | Sunday, 02 October 2016 at 13:46