Punters think Johnson will survive the by-elections

Punters think Johnson will survive the by-elections

Remember Eastbourne in 1990 So far there has been no reaction on the Johnson exit date markets to the two by-elections that are due to take place on June 23rd. It is almost as if the likely Tory losses are factored in, But what if the Tory performance is far far worse then anything that is being envisaged? Could that send the parliamentary party into a panic? In many ways Westminster by-elections are much closer to home for MPs than…

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The sex cases’ by-elections are to be held on June 23rd

The sex cases’ by-elections are to be held on June 23rd

It’s a 66% betting chance that the Tories will lose both Given the extraordinary level of resources that parties put into key by-elections, I am a bit surprised that the Tories have chosen to hold them on the same day – Thursday, June 23rd. Maybe the view is having two lots of bad news at the same time might be more easily forgotten. If the betting markets have this right then there’s a strong odds-on chance that both will be…

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If you want to win a by-election select a woman

If you want to win a by-election select a woman

For 5 years every by-election winner has been female Westminster by-elections don’t come round very often but when they do the main parties put in a big effort to defend or gain seats. A key factor in a race is the candidate and party machines go to great lengths to ensure that the person they select is right for the seat and for activists to get behind. At the weekend the LDs made their choice for Tory-held Tiverton and Honiton…

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Has Johnson got it right clamping down on home working?

Has Johnson got it right clamping down on home working?

A big issue that’s being discussed on the talk shows today is home working and Johnson’s effort to get people back inside their offices. All this follows the turmoil created by the measures to control COVID which necessitated office blocks being closed and staff trying to continue by working in their own living rooms. His comments come as fellow old-Etonian, JRM, managed to get a picture of himself at his desk without a computer to be seen and the reports…

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Punters give Biden just a 30% chance of being the WH2024 nominee

Punters give Biden just a 30% chance of being the WH2024 nominee

Although it is less than 2 years since the last White House Race the betting markets on who will be the parties’ nominees and who will win in 2024 are very active. The big question is whether the incumbent, Joe Biden who will be 80 shortly after November’s midterms, is going to run again. A problem for him is that once has said that he is standing aside he becomes a lame duck. I take the view that at some…

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Tears for Keir?

Tears for Keir?

Picture: Sir Keir Starmer continues the tradition of party leaders to have illicit curries. Last week I wrote a thread about the possibility of Sir Keir Starmer getting fined for his potential dodgy curry last year. I think another vulnerability for Starmer is that sector where Durham Constabulary think a breach occurred but decide not to issue a FPN which would allow Starmer some wiggle room on not having to resign. If that happens and Starmer tries to cling on…

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Frosty the no man as our next PM?

Frosty the no man as our next PM?

I was intrigued by the scenario from Jon Worth, Lord Frost becoming Prime Minister has been discussed for several months and something Lord Frost has refused to rule out. I just cannot see it happening, the logistics of it seem highly unlikely, and I rule out the possibility of a Prime Minister from the Lords, after all getting rid of our unelected rulers has been all the rage the last few years. I can’t see Boris Johnson allowing Lord Frost…

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