I sincerely hope someone manages to knock Kevan Jones off his rather large high-horse in North Durham, he's as much use as a handbrake on a canoe. He's held the seat since 2001, and always wins by a large majority.

(19 Apr 2017, 9:22 pm)Andreos1 wrote You need a good campaign manager, who can communicate and pass on your message clearly.
Maybe even smearing the opposition.

Or what about this for a smear



The Budget of Fozz, along the lines of Ali G, the member for Staines

https://youtu.be/HVfw9U02GB8

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(19 Apr 2017, 6:20 pm)Adrian wrote I would never discourage anyone from standing, but Easington would be a task beyond most. It has been a Labour stronghold for years, and the current majority is almost 15,000 votes...

Yeah, Easington is probably out the question, one of the safest seats in the country, am I correct...

Thougb Bishop Auckland is not so safe, one opinion poll I seen predicts the Tories to gain from Labour

When it comes to wanting to stand, with having to put 500 notes down for a deposit, that money have to be from my own pocket or I could I raise using something like Just Giving or a similar kind of fundraising site...

I reckon I have some good ideas, just need to be able to word it right to put my idea out there

---

(20 Apr 2017, 5:43 am)LeeCalder wrote I sincerely hope someone manages to knock Kevan Jones off his rather large high-horse in North Durham, he's as much use as a handbrake on a canoe. He's held the seat since 2001, and always wins by a large majority.

Or as effective as a fart in a force 10 gale as I like to say

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https://tompride.wordpress.com/2017/04/2...ear-plugs/

(27 Apr 2017, 7:32 pm)Andreos1 wrote https://tompride.wordpress.com/2017/04/2...ear-plugs/

Outstanding.

At least if the earplugs are strong and stable he won't have to listen to her...

https://twitter.com/EastDurhamTrust/stat...0675581954

I caught this last night on Radio Newcastle. A pretty sad state of affairs.
Local bus transport gets a kicking too.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-39949130

A BBC perspective of Thatcher, courtesy of an interview in Consett Bus Station and other various places.
The ignorance is astonishing.

I'm surprised how quiet this thread is in the run up the General Election.
Particularly after the discussion we had around Brexit and the US elections.

Anyway, trying to stimulate discussion...
Any thoughts on www.schoolcuts.org.uk?

(30 May 2017, 9:02 pm)Andreos1 wrote I'm surprised how quiet this thread is in the run up the General Election.
Particularly after the discussion we had around Brexit and the US elections.

Anyway, trying to stimulate discussion...
Any thoughts on www.schoolcuts.org.uk?

That school cuts website is on my ever increasing list of things to look at.  Never had the chance to yet.

Like buses, my interest in politics far exceeds my knowledge.  I particularly look forward to Adrian's contributions in this thread.

What's fascinated me is the way both campaigns appear to have been run.  Out of the 2 main parties, one party has pushed their manifesto as an offer of hope and promise; whilst the other concentrates on soundbites and smears.  'Vote for us and we'll cost it later' is the impression I get.

What's also been apparent to me is the latent bias of the mainstream media.  Including, shamefully, the BBC; whose reporting I used to hold in the highest regard.  A look at who owns our mainstream media, and the pledges on leveson 2 in one party's manifesto, reveals why.  As an example, today's newspaper headlines major in on Jeremy Corbyn needing to look up the figure that he didn't know off the top of his head.  Imagine that - a politician attempting to give an honest answer instead of guessing, and getting lampooned for it!  Diane Abbott has had similar treatment.  But when Theresa May forgets where she is, or Phillip Hammond knocks £20b off the cost of HS2, or Michael Fallon's lies reduce Robert Peston to banging his head on his desk - it's foot notes at best.

(31 May 2017, 12:05 pm)Chris wrote That school cuts website is on my ever increasing list of things to look at.  Never had the chance to yet.

Like buses, my interest in politics far exceeds my knowledge.  I particularly look forward to Adrian's contributions in this thread.

What's fascinated me is the way both campaigns appear to have been run.  Out of the 2 main parties, one party has pushed their manifesto as an offer of hope and promise; whilst the other concentrates on soundbites and smears.  'Vote for us and we'll cost it later' is the impression I get.

What's also been apparent to me is the latent bias of the mainstream media.  Including, shamefully, the BBC; whose reporting I used to hold in the highest regard.  A look at who owns our mainstream media, and the pledges on leveson 2 in one party's manifesto, reveals why.  As an example, today's newspaper headlines major in on Jeremy Corbyn needing to look up the figure that he didn't know off the top of his head.  Imagine that - a politician attempting to give an honest answer instead of guessing, and getting lampooned for it!  Diane Abbott has had similar treatment.  But when Theresa May forgets where she is, or Phillip Hammond knocks £20b off the cost of HS2, or Michael Fallon's lies reduce Robert Peston to banging his head on his desk - it's foot notes at best.

It's interesting you mention that. Haven't long had a discussion with the other half about the same thing.

Coincidentaly, this has just appeared on my twitter feed.
https://twitter.com/LabourLeft/status/86...3117662212

Corbyn has announced he is going to go to Cambridge tonight. Will it be Rudd or May for the other side?

Talking of MP's, Bridget Phillipson knocked on my door today as part of her Labour campaign.

I didn't answer the door so didn't have a chance to talk to her.

(30 May 2017, 9:02 pm)Andreos1 wrote I'm surprised how quiet this thread is in the run up the General Election.
Particularly after the discussion we had around Brexit and the US elections.

Anyway, trying to stimulate discussion...
Any thoughts on www.schoolcuts.org.uk?

Not been on the forum a lot in general as of late! Got quite a lot on with the General Election, as I'm working with a few social media teams on that. We usually get a break after the locals too. 

(31 May 2017, 12:05 pm)Chris wrote That school cuts website is on my ever increasing list of things to look at.  Never had the chance to yet.

Like buses, my interest in politics far exceeds my knowledge.  I particularly look forward to Adrian's contributions in this thread.

What's fascinated me is the way both campaigns appear to have been run.  Out of the 2 main parties, one party has pushed their manifesto as an offer of hope and promise; whilst the other concentrates on soundbites and smears.  'Vote for us and we'll cost it later' is the impression I get.

What's also been apparent to me is the latent bias of the mainstream media.  Including, shamefully, the BBC; whose reporting I used to hold in the highest regard.  A look at who owns our mainstream media, and the pledges on leveson 2 in one party's manifesto, reveals why.  As an example, today's newspaper headlines major in on Jeremy Corbyn needing to look up the figure that he didn't know off the top of his head.  Imagine that - a politician attempting to give an honest answer instead of guessing, and getting lampooned for it!  Diane Abbott has had similar treatment.  But when Theresa May forgets where she is, or Phillip Hammond knocks £20b off the cost of HS2, or Michael Fallon's lies reduce Robert Peston to banging his head on his desk - it's foot notes at best.

It is well worth having a look at the School Cuts website. A very comprehensive resource, and one we've actively used in local campaigning. Placards showing the cuts for a specific school, outside of the school gates. Unbelievably, we've managed to upset the odd headteacher in the process. You'd think they'd be more outraged by the cuts themselves, rather than those pointing them out...!

Back in 2010, the Coalition made a big thing about 'protecting' school funding in England. It wasn't so much investing in it, but protecting it from the savage cuts seen elsewhere in the public sector. Of course, that didn't stop many of our local authority schools becoming academies. Whilst that in itself was billed as a choice, because of the additional powers academies gained, it would be incredibly difficult to remain a sole LEA school with academies around you. Academies are ran as businesses, and can compete with others for student numbers - the whole concept of catchment areas is out the window... but the LEA schools can't do this, so would be lake of sharks with the arms and legs tied together.

Anyhow, since 2015, the Tories have went after schools and the education budget. They've slashed £2.8 billion since 2015, and between now and 2022, want to cut a further £8.9 billion. They reckon 93% will lose out with the new funding formula. Budget needs of schools continue to grow and grow, in order to provide even what we'd consider a 'basic' education, these cuts are going to give headteachers a huge problem - remember a headteacher is a MD of an academy, so is being expected to act like one. 

Around 60% of schools already running at a deficit, so I guess the question is what happens to them? They'll of course be expected to reduce their budget, but how can you possibly do this without impacting on education? Class sizes will continue to grow to astronomic levels, and the standard of teaching will drop. That is not because of the teachers ability, but because they can't work miracles.

(31 May 2017, 12:57 pm)Andreos1 wrote It's interesting you mention that. Haven't long had a discussion with the other half about the same thing.

Coincidentaly, this has just appeared on my twitter feed.
https://twitter.com/LabourLeft/status/86...3117662212

Corbyn has announced he is going to go to Cambridge tonight. Will it be Rudd or May for the other side?

I thought Corbyn was good tonight, and I think it was a good move for him to go to it. The whole panel have made it look ridiculous that Theresa May did not attend, and quite rightly so. Its just a shame that the BBC person was such a poor chair of the debate!

I find the Tory policy on schools quite unsettling.

After business and charity have been given property and the fields for nothing (previously owned by the LA), often the schools are then selling off land to housing companies.

Making teachers redundant isn't something from a dystopian future either.
My eldest's school (an academy) has had teachers on fixed term contracts and at the end of the contract, they're being replaced by less experienced, cheaper staff. On similar fixed term contracts.
A tory government is only going to make this situation even worse.

Two interesting articles regarding the behaviour of Tories. One quite local.
http://m.plymouthherald.co.uk/three-minu...l#comments

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017...y-shocking

There is also a story kicking around regarding Amber Rudd. Apparently her father died on Monday. Why didn't May stand in or at least find an alternative?

I find the whole thing astonishing.

(31 May 2017, 8:54 pm)Adrian wrote I thought Corbyn was good tonight, and I think it was a good move for him to go to it. The whole panel have made it look ridiculous that Theresa May did not attend, and quite rightly so. Its just a shame that the BBC person was such a poor chair of the debate!

I thought Corbyn was good both last night and on the Paxman debate.  I thought Caroline Lucas also did well.  I'm assuming the 'last minute' change of heart wasn't that last minute, I think he played a blinder there.  Plus, who'd have thought Tim Farron would be king of the quips?  

In the wider media, Barry Gardiner (and I'd never heard of him before) has also been fantastic.

In terms of Amber Rudd and her father, I'm with Andreos on this one - I think it's shocking Theresa May didn't attend.

I think her not participating was her least worst option though.  Her being there would just highlight her cold, robotic persona.  And she just hasn't got the policies.

I have a dilemma...

My party aren't represented in Bishop Auckland, I aint interestsd in the candidates on the ballot...

Up to now it seems we have Labour, Tory, Lib Dem, UKIP and the BNP...

I dont really want to vote UKIP or the BNP and I aint interested in voting tactically, voting for one to keep another out, what is the best way forward, do I

1...Spoil my ballot paper
2...Begrudginly Vote for the Lib Dems...There a joke IMO, but I could never justify voting for UKIP or the BNP
3...Boycott the election

No.3 is not really an option to me, I believe in my democratic right to vote and have done so at every election I have been eligible to vote in

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(01 Jun 2017, 12:02 pm)MrFozz wrote I have a dilemma...

My party aren't represented in Bishop Auckland, I aint interestsd in the candidates on the ballot...

Up to now it seems we have Labour, Tory, Lib Dem, UKIP and the BNP...

I dont really want to vote UKIP or the BNP and I aint interested in voting tactically, voting for one to keep another out, what is the best way forward, do I

1...Spoil my ballot paper
2...Begrudginly Vote for the Lib Dems...There a joke IMO, but I  could never justify voting for UKIP or the BNP
3...Boycott the election

No.3 is not really an option to me, I believe in my democratic right to vote and have done so at every election I have been eligible to vote in

Just out of interest, why don't you view Labour as an option to vote for?

Done nothing for me personally and feels like my opinion is ignored or took no notice of, I dont like Jeremy Corbyn, more of a personal opinion about him rather than the Labour Party in General.

Whereas, in the North East Party, opinion is valued, no party line to tow as such either

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(01 Jun 2017, 11:37 am)Chris wrote I thought Corbyn was good both last night and on the Paxman debate.  I thought Caroline Lucas also did well.  I'm assuming the 'last minute' change of heart wasn't that last minute, I think he played a blinder there.  Plus, who'd have thought Tim Farron would be king of the quips?  

In the wider media, Barry Gardiner (and I'd never heard of him before) has also been fantastic.

In terms of Amber Rudd and her father, I'm with Andreos on this one - I think it's shocking Theresa May didn't attend.

I think her not participating was her least worst option though.  Her being there would just highlight her cold, robotic persona.  And she just hasn't got the policies.

Barry Gardiner is becoming a bit of a cult hero within Labour Party activism. His ability to not take any sh*t whatsoever is fantastic to watch. 

(01 Jun 2017, 12:02 pm)MrFozz wrote I have a dilemma...

My party aren't represented in Bishop Auckland, I aint interestsd in the candidates on the ballot...

Up to now it seems we have Labour, Tory, Lib Dem, UKIP and the BNP...

I dont really want to vote UKIP or the BNP and I aint interested in voting tactically, voting for one to keep another out, what is the best way forward, do I

1...Spoil my ballot paper
2...Begrudginly Vote for the Lib Dems...There a joke IMO, but I  could never justify voting for UKIP or the BNP
3...Boycott the election

No.3 is not really an option to me, I believe in my democratic right to vote and have done so at every election I have been eligible to vote in

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Bishop Auckland have no UKIP candidate in the 2017 election, despite taking 17.8% of the vote two years ago. Labour's Helen Goodman is now defending a majority of 3,508, with the 7,015 UKIP votes now up for grabs, if the turnout were to remain the same. 

I'm biased, so I'm always going to say to vote Labour, but if you can't pick someone that stands out then I think you need to vote tactically. Ask yourself if you'd rather give the Tories an extra seat, at the expense of Labour losing one.

(01 Jun 2017, 8:01 pm)Adrian wrote Barry Gardiner is becoming a bit of a cult hero within Labour Party activism. His ability to not take any sh*t whatsoever is fantastic to watch. 


Bishop Auckland have no UKIP candidate in the 2017 election, despite taking 17.8% of the vote two years ago. Labour's Helen Goodman is now defending a majority of 3,508, with the 7,015 UKIP votes now up for grabs, if the turnout were to remain the same. 

I'm biased, so I'm always going to say to vote Labour, but if you can't pick someone that stands out then I think you need to vote tactically. Ask yourself if you'd rather give the Tories an extra seat, at the expense of Labour losing one.

Dont see Labour losing Bishop tbh...Though I have seen an opinion poll somewhere suggesting The Tories could take it.

Tactical Voting, I dont really understand it to be honest, my idea of it, in an idiots guide, is voting for one to keep another out.

I have been told to vote for the weakest/less likely candidate on the ballot, which, if they are infact standing, would be Adam Walker of the BNP and I would never, ever vote for that clown, so Lib Dem, in my opinion would be the next weakest candidate

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It's election day!

Expect the Tories to still be in tomorrow............... finish work at 1pm come home to vote.... to go back at 6pm for a staff meeting. -.-

http://www.ukpublicrevenue.co.uk/past_revenue

I suppose the simplistic view would say that revenue increases and maintains a course that is higher when a number of industries are nationalised.

I spoilt the ballot paper in the end

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Exit poll puts Tories 12 short of a majority at 314 seats, labour at 266, lib dems at 14, UKIP at 0, SNP at 34 (a large decrease from 56) eith other parties getting 22 seats.

If the tories do indeed fall short of a majority, it will be interesting who they team up with.

(08 Jun 2017, 9:06 pm)S813 FVK wrote Exit poll puts Tories 12 short of a majority at 314 seats, labour at 266, lib dems at 14, UKIP at 0, SNP at 34 (a large decrease from 56) eith other parties getting 22 seats.

If the tories do indeed fall short of a majority, it will be interesting who they team up with.

They could still be the largest party and not govern. Only the spineless Liberals will work with them, and I'd be surprised if they gain the 14 seats they're predicting. 

Lets see some proper results first though

Looking more like it's going to be a hung parliament at this stage

(09 Jun 2017, 3:44 am)LeeCalder wrote Looking more like it's going to be a hung parliament at this stage

She really screwed up, she thought she would easily win....

I knew that she was not going to get the result that she wanted, but i would never thought that it would be this bad.

This could be the end of her unelected leadership of the Conservatives, as with Nicola Sturgeon for the SNP.

My comment: May tried to strengthen her hand to force through what she wanted, gambled and has lost.
I think she is quite determined to get her own way and by calling an election, she thought the electorate would back her and give her free reign. She made the election about herself.

However, the campaign was terrible from start to finish. She struggled to answer questions, struggled to put an argument together without a script and it has backfired on her, the Tories, Brexit and the country.
We have seen the pound drop as speculators gamble and we see multinational organisations ready to boom following the drop in the pound.

I can see it going down like a lead balloon in Stormont if the DUP get a voice in parliament.

To balance the comment out, labour cannot work in a coalition or alliance and make it a success. If they do form a coalition or alliance, I can see them suffering in years to come. Just like the lib Dems.

If another election is called, Corbyn needs to keep the momentum going, hope that students continue to vote, that others maintain their enthusiasm to vote and that people see through the tory shambles.

Massive error in Judgement making the tory campaign all about May as a Strong and Stable leader. Instead her complete lack of personality has shone through. She was uncomfortable answering questions and refused to attend debates. Thinking she had the election in the bag probably didn't do her any favours.

On the other hand, it seems Corbyn's manifesto has been popular particularly with younger voters.

However at this point who knows what will happen... its all a big mess.

(09 Jun 2017, 5:04 am)Michael wrote She really screwed up, she thought she would easily win....

Everything pointed to a massive Tory win about 6-8 weeks ago, they were 20+ points ahead.

As said on the BBC, Mays gamble has backfired in spectacular fashion.

I reckon May will be Prime Minister for the meantime, Arlene Foster is probably vital to Mays plans.

My opinion is Theresa May will form a Government with the DUP backing her, having the DUP onside gives her the magical 326, how long that can last I do not know, 6 months, maybe a year. Things like not doing the debates has jumped up and bit her.

I wonder how Northern Irelands Republicans will react to the Unionists having so much power right now.

As for the SNP, still the largest party North of the Border, but had a bad night, was surprised to see so many Tory gains in Scotland, Alex Salmond and Angus Robertson losing there seats is massive.

For Labour, Corbyn needs the support of every other party whereas May only needs the DUP.

The Tories managed to wipe out a majority of over 3000 down to about 500 in constituency

I dont fully understand it enough, I will leave the politics to people like Adrian to explain