The lettuce won
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8:19 am, October 21st, 2022 - 20 comments
Categories: conservative party, International, uk politics -
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Elizabeth Truss – UK Parliament official portraits 2017
Over in the UK Liz Truss has bowed to the inevitable and has announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party.
A new leadership contest has been triggered. Unlike the last contest this one will only last a week and contestants will need at least 100 MPs supporting their candidacy. The last contest involved the contenders travelling throughout the country and slagging each other off. This time the party hierarchy wants to avoid this.
Boris Johnson is said to be wanting to run again. Imagine …
Rishi Sunak is also said to want to put his hand up. His economic orthodoxy could give him an advantage. So bad is the Conservative Party’s economic handling reputation that installing an economically orthodox leader should be a no brainer. Time will tell.
If you need to understand the Conservative Party’s underlying problems this twitter feed by Russ Cheshire sums it up extraordinarily well. Especially his description of the party as being shapeshifters.
The Tories are
1. One Nation Conservatives, who would be recognisable to Ken Clark, and are – at the margins – interchangeable with some Lib Dems. Mercer. Wallace
2. Xenophobic English nationalists, basically UKIP, obsessed with immigration and sovereignty, eg Braverman, Patel
— Russ Jones (@RussInCheshire) October 20, 2022
5. Machine politicians attempting to hold all this together for no reason better than: they have nothing else in their lives, except for a psychotic belief that they alone deserve to rule. Gove or May, essentially
— Russ Jones (@RussInCheshire) October 20, 2022
And that was enough to let them ignore it
Then Truss
But every one of them has blown up the dreams of one of those 5 cohorts. Out of self-preservation they'll try to find a new leader 3/5 can just about live with until an election
— Russ Jones (@RussInCheshire) October 20, 2022
Tories have been the longest-lasting and most successful political party in the world cos they're shape-shifters, and it's possible they'll try to do it again.
But my gut says: no. I suspect whoever is next will go down as the final PM of the UK Conservative Party.
Drink?
— Russ Jones (@RussInCheshire) October 20, 2022
I think I will follow his final comment this evening and toast the demise of yet another conservative leader.
https://twitter.com/leonardocarella/status/1583075272852525056
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- Govt’s emissions plan for measly 1% reduction
New independent analysis has revealed that the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) will reduce emissions by a measly 1 per cent by 2030, failing to set us up for the future and meeting upcoming targets. ...1 week ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Whakaata Māori on sad day
The loss of 27 kaimahi at Whakaata Māori and the end of its daily news bulletin is a sad day for Māori media and another step backwards for Te Tiriti o Waitangi justice. ...1 week ago
- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...18 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
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- GDP data highlights importance of growth
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- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
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- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
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- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
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- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
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- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
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- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
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- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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- Vanuatu quake: Warnings as bad weather threat looms for Port Vila
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No, actually on one wins…what do the population of the UK get at the end of all this Kier Stamer, just another Centrist areshole with no moral compass just like the rest of them…workers and the poor still lose either way.
The only reason she went so quick is because she effected the home owner class and investor class…if her policies had only negatively effected workers and the poor you can be sure she would still be in No 10 today.
Yes much to agree with there. Now we have a globalist (remainer) dominated cabinet with the PM singing the praises of central bank digital currency
Yippee!
Well. Shortest UK PM on record by a country mile.
Though I doubt that that’s the way she’d like to have gone down in the history books.
I wouldn't be surprised if they chose Boris again. He has the benefit of being familiar, highly unlikely to rock the economic boat (and therefore reassuring to the markets), and being, after all, the leader who was voted in, in the last election.
I'm not saying he's ideal – but he may be the best choice they have.
Conservatives may have no better choice in the national interest? Absolutely damning.
The life of a lettuce.
Raised in a glass-house in separate but contiguous containers, surrounded by nothing but more lettuces, heated, lit and drip- fed in a competition-free environment; then plucked from such coddling, relocated into an environment fraught with danger from boots, bugs and predation, distanced and manured, until selection, plucking and after consumption returned to the environment by compost and toilet….. 45 day use by date, no returns.
As larry the cat said to the people of the UK, whether you voted leaf or romaine, lettuce come togther.
Ha ha that's actually a pretty good Dad joke for a Friday morning 🙂
Hoo lordie don't encourage him.
They should have called in Larry weeks ago. He knows how to get rid of unwanted pests:
Must be the high population of rats, mice and politicians attracting the foxes!
With 5 years of instability and 3 more before the election, there has to be a role for the new King to call time on this lot for the good of the state.
Next time they put up serious legislation he should refuse assent and force them to fall.
You're joking, of course. Admittedly it is hard to be serious about this comedy chaos.
But in case anyone thinks it is a real option … it obviously will not and certainly must not happen through an 18th century monarch's intervention.
So in our Conservative party, how many factions? Two anyway. Very right wing anti liberal anti abortion imprison folk versus the more centrist middle of the road types. Is there a struggle for dominance or is gaining power the uniting force?
A shame Truss didn't resign the day after the financial markets reacted. She should have declared that:
"My position is now untenable, because financial markets now have the power to discipline even a G7 economy, not just the usual small, tin-pot countries. Democracy is over, suck it up."
It's great to see the end of a daft, small-state, low-tax, libertarian zombie – but the means by which it happened should give us all the sh*ts about what the future holds.
Sure a little England, a trading nation of shopkeepers, was a limited vision – however I suspect there is a problem with pension funds. This not about markets disciplining a national government, so much as a problem with fund investments/financial markets which may require impost on state resources to manage (and call into question the monetary system and financial market regulation)
So Truss's gung-ho naivety exposed some previously-hidden risk and the markets reacted accordingly – a technical, arse-covering response rather than any generalised concerns about what she was trying to do? That would make sense – because I'd always imagined that the financial markets were the natural allies of the Tories.
Some profited nicely. Crisis is an opportunity; for all those with the capital to seize it:
https://fortune.com/2022/09/26/short-the-pound-uk-government-liz-truss-kwarteng-budget-hedge-funds-george-soros/
A lettuce adds nothing of nutritional value to a salad, nor any taste. It's sole purpose is to cleanse the palate so the other ingredients can be tasted.
Liz Truss is one of the few MP's to realise their ambition to be in Number 10 Downing Street and …. everything done was then undone … so …. now is the time to anticipate what a new leader will bring to the salad.
But then again it might just be more of Boris – this is what happens when an empire downsizes to a little England beholden to the city of London.
"Strong and Stable"
Britain needs to be tougher on their failed leaders: "Release the slugs!"