If you were a Political Party

[LoveCurryPies]

If you formed a new Political Party and were seeking votes in the general election.....what would be your policies?

Mine...

1) Owners of buy-to-let properties would have to pay 100% tax on any profit and that includes from the sale of the property. We need to make more properties available and affordable to young people.

2) I would scrap tuition fees and student loans. Moreover, all those now saddled with such debts would find them cancelled.

3) Slash our Military forces. But also, get rid of all the Empire countries including Australia. We would then only need a modest size military....along the size of Switzerlands.

4) Introduce the 4 day workouts no week. Weekends need to be longer. However, we need to work harder and smarter when at work.

Few ideas to start the ball rolling! Any better ideas?

[Ightenclaret]

You sound suspiciously like a student about to be faced with the harsh reality of work and earning your hapennys in the world.

[Goalposts]

a young jeremy corbyn then

[LoveCurryPies]

You sound suspiciously like a student about to be faced with the harsh reality of work and earning your hapennys in the world.

No, I'm approaching 60 but deeply worried about young people. I'm more Conservative than Communist.

I just hate to see people owning hundreds of properties, pushing the house prices artificially high and then the young have no option but to rent.

[john'sroseyspecs]

What does get rid of the Empire countries mean? Apart from the fact that you're an idiot, obviously

[LoveCurryPies]

What does get rid of the Empire countries mean? Apart from the fact that you're an idiot, obviously

That's intelligent!

I'm saying we need to stop pretending to still have an Empire and stop getting involved in wars. The hundreds of billions saved can be put to better use.

[Ightenclaret]

No, I'm approaching 60 but deeply worried about young people. I'm more Conservative than Communist.

I just hate to see people owning hundreds of properties, pushing the house prices artificially high and then the young have no option but to rent.

Don't worry about young people...let them get on with coshing windows and spraying graffiti....urchins!

[Dyched]

Id introduced rocket launchers instead of speed cameras

[Jeffbfc]

Promise a load of unrealistic policies were every one can get something for nothing and not explain how it would be payed for.
It's not new but it's worked for some past party manifestos.

[LoveCurryPies]

Don't worry about young people...let them get on with coshing windows and spraying graffiti....urchins!

The majority of young people are good, hard working. Maybe it's where you live.

[LoveCurryPies]

Promise a load of unrealistic policies were every one can get something for nothing and not explain how it would be payed for.
It's not new but it's worked for some past party manifestos.

Not at all. Better educated young people will pay more in tax over time. I'm just against them having a figure hanging over their heads for years to come.

[Ightenclaret]

The majority of young people are good, hard working. Maybe it's where you live.

Rapscallions - every last one of em.
And yes I live in a dump.

[john'sroseyspecs]

If you formed a new Political Party and were seeking votes in the general election.....what would be your policies?

Mine...

1) Owners of buy-to-let properties would have to pay 100% tax on any profit and that includes from the sale of the property. We need to make more properties available and affordable to young people.

2) I would scrap tuition fees and student loans. Moreover, all those now saddled with such debts would find them cancelled.

3) Slash our Military forces. But also, get rid of all the Empire countries including Australia. We would then only need a modest size military....along the size of Switzerlands.

4) Introduce the 4 day workouts no week. Weekends need to be longer. However, we need to work harder and smarter when at work.

Few ideas to start the ball rolling! Any better ideas?

You are right. I should have been more constructive. Tax on btl wouldn't because no one would buy houses to rent out. Too many students go to uni doing courses which are meaningless. Our military is already a joke. Switzerland has conscription. And #4 ? Sorry my brain has melted

[Jeffbfc]

Not at all. Better educated young people will pay more in tax over time. I'm just against them having a figure hanging over their heads for years to come.

Totally agree with you.
Was just a general comment about the major parties.

[South West Claret.]

What would forming yet another PP achieve exactly LCP?

[Rick_Muller]

There is a real issue with house affordability and bloody buy-to-let landlords. I live in the Milton Keynes area and myself and my good lady have been renting for the past 5 years (due to personal circumstances) and we are looking to get on the housing market and we've been visiting new estates etc and even though we've got good jobs and a relatively good joint income we've found out we need at least £15k deposit for a 3 bed house that would cost £300k. Now I'm no genius mathematician, but "normal" people on "normal" salaries can't dream to afford these properties and these are described as affordable houses.

Now, after speaking to the sales assistants in these developments, we know that the smaller houses are purchased by landlords and let out to people like us who can't make the jump to the housing market, and the supply diminishes and the demand increases and the vicious circle of the housing market spirals again. The larger houses are usually bought by people upsizing and generally they are keeping their smaller old properties to let out because there's good money for buy to let's, because let's face it there is the demand for properties by people like me.

My policy would be to revert to council owned social housing and I would purposefully burst the housing bubble to bring housing costs down for everyone.

[LoveCurryPies]

You are right. I should have been more constructive. Tax on btl wouldn't because no one would buy houses to rent out. Too many students go to uni doing courses which are meaningless. Our military is already a joke. Switzerland has conscription. And #4 ? Sorry my brain has melted

Our Military is well trained. If we get rid of the empire countries and just become UK or even just England (after giving Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland the vote to see if they want to be part of the UK), then we will only need a small force to protect our coastline.

[LoveCurryPies]

What would forming yet another PP achieve exactly LCP?

I'm floating an idea...a topic of conversation. But maybe some of the current parties need some new competition?

[KRBFC]

I'd do the same thing as what they all do. Fabricate a load of policies that sound great to brainwash the sheep, collect the votes then act upon non of the things I lied about to gain power.

[Sidney1st]

Build more houses, but put restrictions in place so only local people can buy a certain percentage of the houses, or you need to work in the area.

Root and branch overhaul of the NHS and public services, sort out the staffing issues, wages and wastage, plus it's time to stop the sacking of crap top end management only for them to get another job down the road.

Root and branch overhaul of the taxation system, its over complicated from what I've seen of it and full of loopholes.
Same with the benefits system.

Reduce the nuclear Arsenal, but I don't see the benefit of getting rid of it completely.

Overhaul the armed forces/ MOD P, we don't need an Army to wander around the world sticking their noses in other people business, we've got the Americans who will do that on our behalf.
We do need an army to have up to date equipment and training though as they seem to get caught out too often and the MOD is too slow to react.

Look at what our kids are being taught in school and have a look around the world to see what other countries are doing, see where we are possibly lagging behind.
Definitely worth looking at practical courses for people instead of focusing on stuff not everyone can excel at.

I'll think of some other stuff later.

[South West Claret.]

I'm floating an idea...a topic of conversation. But maybe some of the current parties need some new competition?

Assuming most people want a decent society we certainly don't want more of them as that only splits the opposition at GE time.

Result ... The "Con"artist Party laughing all the way to the bank like they usually do at Election time.

[Jeffbfc]

I'll think of some other stuff later.

Don't bother Sid. I'm going to sleep now thanks for the bedtime story.

[dpinsussex]

Change the benefits system.
3 months unemployment max. No return for 6 months

Use the money saved for the nhs

[Paul Waine]

What would forming yet another PP achieve exactly LCP?

So, I don't know if any political party would let me join and if I formed my own, even I wouldn't want to join.

My thoughts for a "neutral" (i.e neither right nor left) manifesto for 2022 - promoting democracy.

1) Parliament to be located in the "Northern Powerhouse" - on a site north of Manchester - for the whole 5 year period. A new "assembly" style parliamentary debating chamber would be built inside one of the vacant mill buildings. (All mods cons, technology and security would be provided). The assembly style will not have two banks of benches facing each other in government v opposition style. It will be more circular and encourage more mixing of our representatives.

The Westminster "bubble" needs to be burst. Government and MPs need to understand that the UK is a country and that it isn't just about London. MPs want to renovate Westminster. They are split between those who want to spend £Xbn if they renovate after they've moved out and others would want to spend £X+Xbn and renovate while they still occupy the other sections of the building. Of course, if they move out, they want to remain in the London.

Moving them to Northern Powerhouse will help the development of other parts of the UK economy. It will enable all MPs to learn about and get to know the north of England. Manchester is approximately the centre of the UK (not that far from Dunsop Bridge), so a lot nearer to Scotland thn London. Wales (north) is only "just down the road." It will enable the MPs to see how "ordinary people" live - as apposed to the wealthier residents of London. Second home housing allowances will be set for MPs relatively to north Manchester house prices - not the more expensive "Cheshire set/Premier League footballer residences.

Renovation of Westminster will not commence until the "Northern Parliament" is 2 years old. The MPs will be asked to justify the expense. Costs will be compared with the costs of continuing in the Northern Parliament - or moving again to another UK location of equal cost to Manchester.

2) Political appoints, including MPs and all other political appointments will be limited to no more than one member of a "family group" at any time. "Family groups" will include fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, cousins, and any group where two adults are "in a relationship."

It is surprising how many MPs are related/married to each other. There are two members of the Johnson family in the Cabinet and their father, Stanley is an MEP. There were two Millibands in Gordon Brown's cabinet and Mr and Mrs Cooper/Balls. There is also Mrs Harman and her husband Jack Dromey. And, the list continues with Lib-Dems and probably others.

A fuss was made in previous year's about the number of MPs who'd been educated at Eton, plus the numbers who'd attended Oxbridge. But, why no fuss about the family relationships in Parliament?

Widening opportunities beyond the limited number of family groups will open up democracy for everyone else.

3) The House of Lords will be abolished - all existing Lords would be retired. All "Lords" and "Lady and "Sir" and "Dame" titles for political reasons (including public service, business) would be abolished. A new second chamber would be formed of Knowledgeable Persons. (To be known as KPs). There would be (maximum) 300 KPs. No more than 100 KPs could be appointed by the political parties, they could be retired MPs, they would be limited to no more than 10 years as a KP. The remaining KPs would be selected by a non-political appointments committee. They would be appointed for their knowledge and experience about "life" and about the things that matter to us. Anyone who has been politically involved will be ineligible to be a KP. They could be business professionals (no, not the Philip Greens), they could be skilled workers, they could include people who are unemployed. The role of the second chamber will be scrutinise proposed legislation and ensure it achieves what the House of Commons (including the government) intends it to achieve. The KPs will be asked, for example, to spot the flaws and loop holes in tax legislation.

Yes, I want to "fracture" the political mold (or should that be "mould")?

There are other ideas on my list, but this will do for now.

Is anyone with me?

Stop Taking, Start Giving (c) Paul Waine

[Sidney1st]

Moving Parliament out of London isn't a bad idea.

Birmingham area is probably a better idea though.

If Scotland is breaking away then Brum would be a better location I think for the English and Welsh MP's.
The Irish can fly straight in too.

[Paul Waine]

Moving Parliament out of London isn't a bad idea.

Birmingham area is probably a better idea though.

If Scotland is breaking away then Brum would be a better location I think for the English and Welsh MP's.
The Irish can fly straight in too.

Hi Sidney, you've also got some great policies.

I don't want Scotland to leave - though won't stop them. If Scotland did go, I'd still pick Manchester. Birmingham is too near to London and many MPs won't get the point. Manchester will ensure that the South East MPs are "out of their comfort zone" - until they've made the North great, again.

Although I've been down in London for many years, I'm still Lancashire "born and bred" and want our democracy to have what is best.

And, as on a different post, Leisure can run coaches from Manchester airport to the new Northern Assembly.

[South West Claret.]

"Northern Powerhouse" ..sorry but I always burst out laughing at that one.

[jurek]

Where does one start?

I'd create an investment company/bank that loans money to small British companies/organisations
or even individuals that are seen as having future potential for growth and employment. Creative and innovative.
I'd set it up with some government money but also ask ordinary folk to put their money in it
whether it be a tenner or ten grand. For every pound put in I'd lobby private funds to do the same.
I may also pay a small percentage in interest.

I'd try to find a way for councils or local communities to get money to be able to build more affordable housing.
I don't think I'd involve private builders unless they were willing to meet particular criteria -i.e.
for every private house they must build two affordable ones.
I'd set up with a considerable amount of government money and try and raise this from
cancelling the rise in inheritance allowances, increasing taxes on private landlords and creating
a special unit of HMRC to chase down tax avoidance/evasion. I may also consider putting up the
the higher rate of tax by 5-10% and also introduce a 60% rate for those earning over a 500k.

On the political front I'd abolish the House of Lords and replace it with a second chamber of
people from a cross section of the population from each region/area.
People nominated by ordinary people and who serve a maximum of three years.
I'd ask each region to forward say 4/5 names and then select one or two randomly.
I'd ensure there was a balance of male and female.
This new house could be housed outside of London and move to the regions.

Next I'd look into the best way to introduce an acceptable form of proportional representation.
Mainly because I wish for all people who vote to feel their vote does have some representation
in the body who governs the country.

A fairer and more reflective system in my eyes.

That's four but there could and should be more.

[CrosspoolClarets]

I will come up with ten - I bet no party has the balls to address any of this stuff. I also bet it is revenue neutral if done right.

1. Big devolution to regions (not just cities) including a lot of tax and spending powers. If one region wants to be low tax and low spend then let them, but ensure there is a fair adjustment for deprivation and infrastructure gaps. In particular flow huge funding from London to regions because of the disproportionate benefit London gets from UK-wide issues (like tourism income linked to hosting the Royals and Parliament etc).

2. Remove the NHS from political control and tie funding to a formula that looks at age and population numbers among other things.

3. Ensure old folk (you know, the ones who have built our country to the one we now inhabit) are treated with respect and dignity in old age, with companionship, social care and quality of life no matter who you are.

4. Crimes should be punished with fines proportionate to wealth, a parking fine for a millionaire should be at least £1,000.

5. A national education programme to teach children and adults that all religion is largely fiction but can still teach useful moral values (coupled with promotion of science).

6. Any form of bullying at work is tackled hard with a promotion of a work to live not a live to work culture.

7. Children are taught financial and life skills at an early age and the confidence to work for themselves rather than being followers.

8. The tax system is simplified by about 90% with a single rate income tax of about 30% replacing income tax and NI then the folk earning over (say) £50k (tapered obviously to avoid fiddling) offset losing the 40% income tax rate by having to pay for their families own healthcare, education etc (i.e. If you have kids you pay more than if you don't).

9. Have compulsory health insurance with big exclusions for those earning less than around £50k (in line with the above). Health and social care funding goes up by about £25bn.

10. Keep migration fairly high but ensure people who are selected to come in are happy with our culture or have to return back. Ensure they cannot send money out of the country or it is taxed at 20% punitively.

[john'sroseyspecs]

Can't argue with any of the above. Dammit!

[Mala591]

10% reduction in council tax if your house (and garden) are kept in a 'neat and tidy' condition.

Far too many houses/gardens in Burnley are neglected and something drastic needs to be done!

[Lancasterclaret]

The housing issue is getting serious now.

Does anyone know the figures in regards to empty/houses in need of serious work properties in areas where they are desperately needed?

The drive to built houses on Green Belt land because they will sell has to be stopped as well. We have to use existing areas.

[UpTheBeehole]

Off the top of my head, in the vein of Alan Partridge's meeting with Tony Hayers:

Voluntary euthanasia for the over 80s in return for 0% inheritance tax. Reintroduces billions in private wealth into the economy, for trickle down. Reduces state burden.

Free real ale tokens for the over 65s, to be spent in pubs only. Boosts the UK brewing industry. Cannot be spent on lager, smooth or any beer produced by a mega-brewery. Takes cars off the road, and after an initial increase in liver problems around age 70, the money saved from early deaths reduces the burden on the state from the baby boomers. May need toilets on buses though.

Full funding of the NHS, very achievable when losing the above drain on funds.

Company dividends to be paid to staff who worked for the company for the whole year in question ahead of external shareholders.

Research institutes to create safe versions of drugs, which are legalised and put on a par with alcohol. Introduce state drug factories. Pure profit. Private sales increase tax revenue exponentially. Kills black market. Cigarettes classified as drugs, and available from the state also, with warning that these are less safe than drugs and will lead to your death.

Make violence a jailable offence - punch someone, you're going to jail.

Each child under the age of 10 to receive £3,000 in a junior stocks and shares ISA. Funds released at 18 for help with university/first car/house deposit.

Build a wall around Shadsworth.

Open borders. If someone wants to live in a country as miserable as the UK, let them in.

Limit rent, charged by landlords to tenants in receipt of housing benefit, to independently-calculated market rate. No landlord should make above-market profit from the state.

Nationalise the railways and encourage rail travel.

Nationalise energy supply, and charge fair tariffs. All state-owned buildings to be fitted with solar panels and small wind turbines.

Hostels available for all those below the breadline who cannot afford the essentials such as a roof over their heads or food on the table. Limits on drink and drugs apply, no one to be above the limit acceptable in a workplace.

[dsr]

If you formed a new Political Party and were seeking votes in the general election.....what would be your policies?

3) Slash our Military forces. But also, get rid of all the Empire countries including Australia. We would then only need a modest size military....along the size of Switzerlands.

One thing I might do was do some very basic internet research. Switzerland has 147,000 active military personnel; the UK has 153,000.

how do you propose to "get rid of" Australia? Nuke them? You do realise they aren't in the empire any more?

[Falcon]

You gotta nuke something

[Lancasterclaret]

Isn't the plan with Empire 2.0 to reconnect with all the countries we utterly f**ked when we entered the EU?

I'm sure they have all forgotten. One thing ex-colonies are really, really, really good at is forgetting stuff that their mother country did to them.

[lucs86]

So, I don't know if any political party would let me join and if I formed my own, even I wouldn't want to join.

My thoughts for a "neutral" (i.e neither right nor left) manifesto for 2022 - promoting democracy.

1) Parliament to be located in the "Northern Powerhouse" - on a site north of Manchester - for the whole 5 year period. A new "assembly" style parliamentary debating chamber would be built inside one of the vacant mill buildings. (All mods cons, technology and security would be provided). The assembly style will not have two banks of benches facing each other in government v opposition style. It will be more circular and encourage more mixing of our representatives.

The Westminster "bubble" needs to be burst. Government and MPs need to understand that the UK is a country and that it isn't just about London. MPs want to renovate Westminster. They are split between those who want to spend £Xbn if they renovate after they've moved out and others would want to spend £X+Xbn and renovate while they still occupy the other sections of the building. Of course, if they move out, they want to remain in the London.

Moving them to Northern Powerhouse will help the development of other parts of the UK economy. It will enable all MPs to learn about and get to know the north of England. Manchester is approximately the centre of the UK (not that far from Dunsop Bridge), so a lot nearer to Scotland thn London. Wales (north) is only "just down the road." It will enable the MPs to see how "ordinary people" live - as apposed to the wealthier residents of London. Second home housing allowances will be set for MPs relatively to north Manchester house prices - not the more expensive "Cheshire set/Premier League footballer residences.

Renovation of Westminster will not commence until the "Northern Parliament" is 2 years old. The MPs will be asked to justify the expense. Costs will be compared with the costs of continuing in the Northern Parliament - or moving again to another UK location of equal cost to Manchester.

2) Political appoints, including MPs and all other political appointments will be limited to no more than one member of a "family group" at any time. "Family groups" will include fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, cousins, and any group where two adults are "in a relationship."

It is surprising how many MPs are related/married to each other. There are two members of the Johnson family in the Cabinet and their father, Stanley is an MEP. There were two Millibands in Gordon Brown's cabinet and Mr and Mrs Cooper/Balls. There is also Mrs Harman and her husband Jack Dromey. And, the list continues with Lib-Dems and probably others.

A fuss was made in previous year's about the number of MPs who'd been educated at Eton, plus the numbers who'd attended Oxbridge. But, why no fuss about the family relationships in Parliament?

Widening opportunities beyond the limited number of family groups will open up democracy for everyone else.

3) The House of Lords will be abolished - all existing Lords would be retired. All "Lords" and "Lady and "Sir" and "Dame" titles for political reasons (including public service, business) would be abolished. A new second chamber would be formed of Knowledgeable Persons. (To be known as KPs). There would be (maximum) 300 KPs. No more than 100 KPs could be appointed by the political parties, they could be retired MPs, they would be limited to no more than 10 years as a KP. The remaining KPs would be selected by a non-political appointments committee. They would be appointed for their knowledge and experience about "life" and about the things that matter to us. Anyone who has been politically involved will be ineligible to be a KP. They could be business professionals (no, not the Philip Greens), they could be skilled workers, they could include people who are unemployed. The role of the second chamber will be scrutinise proposed legislation and ensure it achieves what the House of Commons (including the government) intends it to achieve. The KPs will be asked, for example, to spot the flaws and loop holes in tax legislation.

Yes, I want to "fracture" the political mold (or should that be "mould")?

There are other ideas on my list, but this will do for now.

Is anyone with me?

Stop Taking, Start Giving (c) Paul Waine

1's a great idea, 3 - I agree with, 2 - don't see the issue, or the point in it.

LoveCurryPies, I like those poilcies and you'd have my vote. Not sure the time is just right to give up on empire / geopolitical strategy, especially whilst everyone else seems to be at it and we're just about to separate from our EU parters, but never mind.

[timshorts]

Buy the Daily Mail, then print a load of horsecr4p that you somehow don't get prosecuted for incitement for so that 60% of the over 65's vote for you because they think it's all true.

The Buy-to-let idea has a lot of flaws. For a start, there wouldn't then be much of a market for people to live in if they didn't want to buy. That said, the nice penalty tax on SDLT has helped, as has the removal of the Mortgage interest relief loophole.

We need to have people buying up crapholes and doing them up to sell - otherwise they just stagnate and we don't want a country full of Blackburns. So:-

Have an increase of tax on CGT and rental incomes for third+ properties (with higher rates for 5+etc), and for second properties not disposed of within 3 years of acquisition.

The student loan relief/subsidy thing will work if they only related to certain accredited courses - ones that produce the skills that we need. So, there ought to be subsidies for chemistry, engineering, nursing, post-grad teaching, medicine, agriculture, bio-medical science etc. Nothing for English, Law, anything to do with sport or horses, sociology, politics.

[KateR]

so in reality nothing new, just the regurgitated crap that others put out there. Most of it to do with housing and solutions that will ensure international investors do not see UK/London as a place to park there money and get a decent return, so great policies that will end up in the withdrawal of investment from overseas. Many Brit's with some spare cash see the advantage to put money in to property as it is seen as a safe bet for some growth with never a loss over the long term, so we will tax the hell out of them so that they look for more return elsewhere. Should see the collapse of the UK housing market in short order, great idea, that will solve the young and the poor people idea for getting on the housing ladder and put the UK firmly in the bracket of many other countries where there is no value to owning property. The glut will of course result in a fall of housing prices and all those older people with pensions that have invested in the housing markets will quickly see a drop in their retirement potential, of course there will be the added knock on effect of numerous companies that specialize in the housing sector going to the wall and numerous people out looking for jobs. But let's not be foolish because we will have reversed the market trend, ensured there is affordable housing for the young and poor and that is all that matters right.

[BennyD]

From what I've read so far, personally, I think we are better off as we are. None of you would get my vote.

[CombatClaret]

Declare the UK a republic then submit the American Constitution with the removal of the right to bear arms and an additional amendment banning corporate lobbying of politicians.

Job done.

[dpinsussex]

Spend loads of cash on anything that will win votes.
Charge more tax to the rich ones so that they will go abroad.
Give europe everything they want in negotiating brexit just so we havent got to worry
Build more houses for the nurses dont ask where as i have no idea but def a vote winner
Keep open heavy loss making industry like mining and steel production paid for by the rich
Increase the minimum wage to £20 paid by the rich.
10 extra bank holidays - screw the business owner and out promises corbyn
Put all bankers in prison
Double the number of nurses and 50% more doctors

Have i got your vote yet ?

[BennyD]

You have but only if you include the one about millionaires paying £1000 parking fines while the scrotes that fuel the crime rate walk away free because they don't 'earn' anything. Also, triple pensions and give them to people who have never paid a penny towards them in their lives. Oh yes, don't forget to double the dole money and give the unemployed a bigger allowance for Sky TV, new cars and introduce a gambling allowance so they don't waste their (doubled) dole money. Who pays for all this? The next party in power of course. Now you've got my vote.

[Paul Waine]

1's a great idea, 3 - I agree with, 2 - don't see the issue, or the point in it.

Hi lucs86, thanks for your support.

Re 2: We have 650 MPs (I think) today - with plans to reduce to 600. Democracy requires "good quality" MPs and as "broad and deep a gene pool" as possible. It's better to have our MPs from 650 unrelated families, than reduce the depth of representation by multiple MPs being from the same family. I'm not suggesting that "nepotism" is the reason any prospective MPs is appointed. Many would feel that nepotism would detract from our democracy.

[dpinsussex]

You have but only if you include the one about millionaires paying £1000 parking fines while the scrotes that fuel the crime rate walk away free because they don't 'earn' anything. Also, triple pensions and give them to people who have never paid a penny towards them in their lives. Oh yes, don't forget to double the dole money and give the unemployed a bigger allowance for Sky TV, new cars and introduce a gambling allowance so they don't waste their (doubled) dole money. Who pays for all this? The next party in power of course. Now you've got my vote.

Ok happy with that. Dont forget to add in free mobile calls and unlimited data allowance if you are playing candy crush

[BennyD]

I'm sorry, you are, of course, absolutely correct. Btw, do you fancy a job as a political advisor? £220k pa tax free?

[dsr]

Hi lucs86, thanks for your support.

Re 2: We have 650 MPs (I think) today - with plans to reduce to 600. Democracy requires "good quality" MPs and as "broad and deep a gene pool" as possible. It's better to have our MPs from 650 unrelated families, than reduce the depth of representation by multiple MPs being from the same family. I'm not suggesting that "nepotism" is the reason any prospective MPs is appointed. Many would feel that nepotism would detract from our democracy.

MPs aren't appointed, they're elected. The people of Burnley can elect who they want to represent them, with certain limitations; if the people of Burnley choose to elect Diane Abbott, for example, I don't see that the fact that she shares a bed with Jeremy Corbyn is enough to disallow her. (There may perhaps be other reasons why the people of Burnley shouldn't want to vote for her, but her 'family' relationship with Corbyn probably isn't one of them.)

[Lancasterclaret]

I would guess that its very hard to switch from being a good local MP to coming across as a competent national spokesperson.

The Lab MP in Morecambe Geraldine Smith was perfectly happy and in no danger at all of losing her seat until she started going in TV and radio backing Gordon Brown when he was going down the shitter as PM.

Suspect the one we've got (one of JC close allies) will suffer the same fate this time around as well.

[Paul Waine]

MPs aren't appointed, they're elected. The people of Burnley can elect who they want to represent them, with certain limitations; if the people of Burnley choose to elect Diane Abbott, for example, I don't see that the fact that she shares a bed with Jeremy Corbyn is enough to disallow her. (There may perhaps be other reasons why the people of Burnley shouldn't want to vote for her, but her 'family' relationship with Corbyn probably isn't one of them.)

Hi dsr, yes, I know MPs are elected. I've used the word "appointed" in reference to the candidates/prospective MPs. I chose "appointed" as to be selected as a candidate for party X in a constituency that has a history of a large majority for party X is a lot like an appointment.

Does it not bother you that there are political family dynasties? We should all be equal and have equal opportunity to be elected an MP. We shouldn't have a greater chance because of who our mother/father/husband/wife etc is (or was).

[Pstotto]

I wouldn't be such a slime ball as to seek votes.