Richmond Park by-election
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Richmond Park by-election
This is turning into a complete farce. Zac Goldsmith made a grandiose pledge he never thought he'd have to honour about stepping down as a Tory MP if Heathrow expansion got the go ahead and so triggered a by-election, choosing to stand for re-election as an independent candidate. The Tories then decide not to field a candidate as they believe that Goldsmith is still a good local MP and they wouldn't want to get in the way of his service to the local community (how public spirited of them, obviously no deals struck there.) Now there are suggestions that Labour won't field an MP because they believe that it would split the vote against Goldsmith and they'd rather let the Lib Dems have a free run at it.
So we have all the public expense and disruption of a by-election that is purely a means of allowing Goldsmith to save face and remain as a Tory MP in all but colour of rosette, and the official opposition potentially declining to field a candidate in as open a condemnation as you're ever likely to see of the FPTP system that they refused to oppose when there was a referendum on it 5 years ago (when of course it suited them to retain the system.)
I'm sure no rules are being broken, but politics in this country just seems to be sinking lower by the day. There isn't even any real attempt to conceal contempt for the electorate any more.
So we have all the public expense and disruption of a by-election that is purely a means of allowing Goldsmith to save face and remain as a Tory MP in all but colour of rosette, and the official opposition potentially declining to field a candidate in as open a condemnation as you're ever likely to see of the FPTP system that they refused to oppose when there was a referendum on it 5 years ago (when of course it suited them to retain the system.)
I'm sure no rules are being broken, but politics in this country just seems to be sinking lower by the day. There isn't even any real attempt to conceal contempt for the electorate any more.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
You almost sound surprised by it all...
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Politics, eh? About time we had another post so that everyone can express their extremely biased views.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
The Richmond seat could only be won by either conservative or Lib-Dem. Labour not competing will boost the Lib-Dem chances. Both the Lib-Dem and Goldsmith are anti-Heathrow expansion, so the very reason why ZG resigned won't be tested by the electorate in the by-election.
Of course, putting up an "official" Conservative against Zak will split the vote and almost certainly result in Lib-Dem win. So, again, the anti-Heathrow vote will win.
You only need to visit Richmond to see how low the planes are over the town as they descend to land at H'row. Of course, even worse over Hounslow.
Of course, putting up an "official" Conservative against Zak will split the vote and almost certainly result in Lib-Dem win. So, again, the anti-Heathrow vote will win.
You only need to visit Richmond to see how low the planes are over the town as they descend to land at H'row. Of course, even worse over Hounslow.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
He'll make an excellent independent.
He'll make an excellent independent.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Zac goldsmith and Eddie howe .
You never see them in the same room together.
Mmmm........
You never see them in the same room together.
Mmmm........
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Then maybe he should stand as a Green?Rowls wrote:If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
He'll make an excellent independent.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
And disown his long-held economic beliefs and adopt a protectionist, anti-trade, quasi-socialism?
What sense would that make?
What sense would that make?
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
About as much sense as resigning as an MP rather than just leaving the party?Rowls wrote:And disown his long-held economic beliefs and adopt a protectionist, anti-trade, quasi-socialism?
What sense would that make?
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Not the point, as well you know. If the Tories aren't standing against him it's because he's to all intents and purposes still a Tory.Rowls wrote:If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
He'll make an excellent independent.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Well the constituents can take it up with, erm, their local MP.
At the ballot box.
At the ballot box.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Or we could choose not to waste time & money on what is transparently nothing more than a face saving exercise for an incumbent MP.Rowls wrote:Well the constituents can take it up with, erm, their local MP.
At the ballot box.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Well, he made the promise to the electorate and was elected.
You can call it "face saving" if you want. 'Keeping his electoral promise' also works.
By-elections cost a pittance in terms of government budgets but I am glad to see people concerned about public expenditure. I hope to see further evidence of this thriftiness and conservative streak in future debates about public spending.
You can call it "face saving" if you want. 'Keeping his electoral promise' also works.
By-elections cost a pittance in terms of government budgets but I am glad to see people concerned about public expenditure. I hope to see further evidence of this thriftiness and conservative streak in future debates about public spending.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
They reckon around a quarter of a million, so not a huge expense but certainly money that could be put to better use. Presumably a school / other public facility will be out of commission for a day or two as well - again, an inconvenience more than anything but a wholly unnecessary one for the sake of some political grandstanding. If Goldsmith wants to stand down, that's fine. Both major parties refusing to field a candidate would be a farce.
On the subject of promises though, I suspect the "No ifs, no buts..." promise that Cameron made is the one that will live longer in the memory.
On the subject of promises though, I suspect the "No ifs, no buts..." promise that Cameron made is the one that will live longer in the memory.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
If you vote for a Green, then you're voting for a single-issue party. Politics go much deeper than that.
Re: Richmond Park by-election
Shame his views on racism are somewhat different.Rowls wrote:If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
He'll make an excellent independent.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Was about to post the same.
The Tory campaign v Sadiq Khan through Goldsmith was totally reprehensible
The Tory campaign v Sadiq Khan through Goldsmith was totally reprehensible
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Yes. Zak Goldsmith is a well known racist.
Anyway, must dash - it's my first day off after 13 successive (successful) shifts.
I'm going out for a pint!
Anyway, must dash - it's my first day off after 13 successive (successful) shifts.
I'm going out for a pint!
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Maybe once but I think the Greens now campaign on a much wider platform of social issues than just the environment.ontario claret wrote:If you vote for a Green, then you're voting for a single-issue party. Politics go much deeper than that.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
If you want to vote for a true socialist (which is what Green initiatives are), then vote for the real thing, not a surrogate.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Or Conservative, it would seem. So much for his principled resignation from the party.Rowls wrote:If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
He'll make an excellent independent.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-39721421
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Will he have time with all those Bollywood films he watches?
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
If he was that serious about it he wouldn't have been a member of the Conservative Party. A few years ago Cameron appointed a Climate Change skeptic as his Environment minister. Fracking, badgers, trying to sell off state-owned woodland. Cameron telling his aides to "get rid of all that green crap". MPs actively trying to scrap environmental legislation. You can't be an environmentalist and a Tory.Rowls wrote:If you know anything much about Zak Goldsmith you'll know how serious he is about his environmentalism.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
What do Conservative voters know about the countryside or the environment eh?
I'm sure Jeremy Corbyn and his Islington chums could teach us all a thing or two about what choice cuts of meat are best for feeding urban foxes.
Oh, and watching Countryfile too! That's important for the environment.
I'm sure Jeremy Corbyn and his Islington chums could teach us all a thing or two about what choice cuts of meat are best for feeding urban foxes.
Oh, and watching Countryfile too! That's important for the environment.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Whats changed so that Goldsmith can stand with a straight face Rowls?
Re: Richmond Park by-election
One thing you can say about the Tory party is that pragmatism ALWAYS comes before principles.
That's why they can always stay far more united than the Labour party.
That's why they can always stay far more united than the Labour party.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
I'm not his spokesman.Lancasterclaret wrote:Whats changed so that Goldsmith can stand with a straight face Rowls?
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Not ALWAYS but you're very correct in the difference here. Pragmatism is key trait.Spijed wrote:One thing you can say about the Tory party is that pragmatism ALWAYS comes before principles.
That's why they can always stay far more united than the Labour party.
I'd nearly always pick a pragmatic politician over a dogmatic and ideological one.
Re: Richmond Park by-election
That's why the one's who want a hard Brexit are willing to put up with MP's like Ken Clarke. They know it'll be another Tory seat despite many of them privately wanting him to be kicked out of the party.Rowls wrote:Not ALWAYS but you're very correct in the difference here. Pragmatism is key trait.
I'd nearly always pick a pragmatic politician over a dogmatic and ideological one.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Weak Rowls weak
Of course, you could just have said that nothing has changed, but that would mean admitting that at least one Conservative has absolutely no moral fibre what so ever.
Of course, you could just have said that nothing has changed, but that would mean admitting that at least one Conservative has absolutely no moral fibre what so ever.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Very poor argument. Moral fibre includes having the ability to accept you've cocked up rather than carrying on in the wrong direction.Lancasterclaret wrote:Weak Rowls weak
Of course, you could just have said that nothing has changed, but that would mean admitting that at least one Conservative has absolutely no moral fibre what so ever.
Ever been in a car with a driver who refuses to turn round even though everybody knows the turning's been missed? See that driver?
That's you, that is.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Like the party you back Rowls, you know that it doesn't matter, he'll get in anyway.
Who cares that he said he'd resign unless the 3rd Runway got shelved?
That was, like, YEARS ago.
It doesn't really matter that he turned into Norman Tebbit during the London mayoral election?
Like, who CARES?
Zak is Strong and stable, and that all that matters
Who cares that he said he'd resign unless the 3rd Runway got shelved?
That was, like, YEARS ago.
It doesn't really matter that he turned into Norman Tebbit during the London mayoral election?
Like, who CARES?
Zak is Strong and stable, and that all that matters
Re: Richmond Park by-election
All I'll say about Zac is that he is the son of a billionaire, he no doubt went to either Eton or Harrow and I believe he used to be one of those non-dom types.
So, for what its worth, I wouldn't give him the smell off my crap. He strikes me as your typical upperclass moron who is so blinded by his own arrogance that he no doubt firmly believes that the idea of a meritocracy was made for him because he is just, well, wonderful.
I so hope the Lib Dem woman gives him a good spanking. He'll like that.
So, for what its worth, I wouldn't give him the smell off my crap. He strikes me as your typical upperclass moron who is so blinded by his own arrogance that he no doubt firmly believes that the idea of a meritocracy was made for him because he is just, well, wonderful.
I so hope the Lib Dem woman gives him a good spanking. He'll like that.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
This news to me. It'd be interesting to know what Norman Tebbit thinks of this?Lancasterclaret wrote:It doesn't really matter that he turned into Norman Tebbit during the London mayoral election?
Or would it be interesting to know what Zak Goldsmith thinks of inside Norman Tebbit.
It's soooo confusing isn't it.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Whisper it quietly Rowls, but rumour has it that Tebbit is a bigoted old *******.
And Zak wasn't afraid of using the fact that Sadiq Khan isn't white to win votes.
The cad!
And Zak wasn't afraid of using the fact that Sadiq Khan isn't white to win votes.
The cad!
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Now now. You need to learn the difference between irreverently silly and libellous. See above for the details.Lancasterclaret wrote:Whisper it quietly Rowls, but rumour has it that Tebbit is a bigoted old *******.
And Zak wasn't afraid of using the fact that Sadiq Khan isn't white to win votes.
The cad!
edit - and behave yourself too.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
I also feel the pain that those privileged, metropolitan, millionaire luvvies have to endure. By living under that inconvenient flight path.Paul Waine wrote:The Richmond seat could only be won by either conservative or Lib-Dem. Labour not competing will boost the Lib-Dem chances. Both the Lib-Dem and Goldsmith are anti-Heathrow expansion, so the very reason why ZG resigned won't be tested by the electorate in the by-election.
Of course, putting up an "official" Conservative against Zak will split the vote and almost certainly result in Lib-Dem win. So, again, the anti-Heathrow vote will win.
You only need to visit Richmond to see how low the planes are over the town as they descend to land at H'row. Of course, even worse over Hounslow.
After all. When they purchased their multi million pound homes, Heathrow airport didn't even exist.
Bless their entitled cotton (John Lewis and selfridges) socks!!
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
I doubt that's libellous, there's the easy defence of it being true.Rowls wrote:Now now. You need to learn the difference between irreverently silly and libellous. See above for the details.
edit - and behave yourself too.
Not being in London you possibly didn't follow the mayoral election as closely but Goldsmith's embarrassing, destructive campaign really damaged his chances.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Hi Ringo, that's a bit unfair - quoting my comment from last year.RingoMcCartney wrote:I also feel the pain that those privileged, metropolitan, millionaire luvvies have to endure. By living under that inconvenient flight path.
After all. When they purchased their multi million pound homes, Heathrow airport didn't even exist.
Bless their entitled cotton (John Lewis and selfridges) socks!!
Agree, a lot of wealthy people live in Richmond. Mick Jagger was there (maybe still is). David Attenborough also there.
All change for this new general election, "Zak's Back" as the "extreme wing of the blue rinse Tories" poster stated it.
They all seem to have given up on saying that a 3rd runway at Heathrow is a "bad idea."
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
In short, all that is wrong with politics and democracy at the moment is summed up by Goldsmith getting the nomination for this seat.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
Hey if I've quoted you pal, it's pure coincidence! I'm not one of those ant like pedants on here who crawl over months old quotes to point score. I can't remember what happened yesterday, never mind last year.Paul Waine wrote:Hi Ringo, that's a bit unfair - quoting my comment from last year.
Agree, a lot of wealthy people live in Richmond. Mick Jagger was there (maybe still is). David Attenborough also there.
All change for this new general election, "Zak's Back" as the "extreme wing of the blue rinse Tories" poster stated it.
They all seem to have given up on saying that a 3rd runway at Heathrow is a "bad idea."
But if there's any outstanding copyright infringement costs or performing rights duties , I'll get my people to contact yours and arrange an immediate BACS transfer.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
My usual copyright fee for "last year's quote" is £0.00. Fee for this year's is the same - inflation adjusted.RingoMcCartney wrote:Hey if I've quoted you pal, it's pure coincidence! I'm not one of those ant like pedants on here who crawl over months old quotes to point score. I can't remember what happened yesterday, never mind last year.
But if there's any outstanding copyright infringement costs or performing rights duties , I'll get my people to contact yours and arrange an immediate BACS transfer.
PS: I was also confused why this by-election thread was back at the top.
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Re: Richmond Park by-election
I put Breakfast TV on every morning when I wake up, hoping to see a news item on the current health of Norman Tebbit/Baron Tebbit.
There never is one.
There never is one.