Tuesday 6 October 2009

HOW WAS IT FOR YOU?

Boris blows Tory truce on Europe

Boris Johnson stirred up further trouble for David Cameron yesterday with a pitch for the leadership of the Tory eurosceptics.The controversial Mayor of London called for a referendum to take back powers from Brussels.

In a barnstorming speech, the London Mayor also flouted party policy by calling for the immediate scrapping of Labour's new 50 per cent tax rate for high earners and urged Mr Osborne not to over-regulate the financial sector.

It was a performance that wowed the party faithful and was seen by many as an attempt by Mr Johnson to position himself as leader in waiting.


An animated Boris launches his barnstorming performance

On Europe, Mr Johnson suggested that the Tories' promised referendum could take the form of a 'consultation' if the treaty is passed before they gain power. There could be a vote on 'key parts' of the treaty, rather than a referendum on the whole thing. But he said there should be 'a consultation as soon as possible.'
Later he added: 'I would much rather people had the option to vote in a referendum, but clearly that is going to be very difficult once the thing is signed off.'

The 'Boris problem' greatly complicated the day for Tory high command as Central Office launched a damage limitation exercise over Europe

In the hope of avoiding claims of a split with Mr Johnson, the Tory high command did not issue him with a public rebuke.

I didn't find much about many performances at the conference that kindled much of a fire, except for Boris and Hague. Andrew Lansley in his usual fine form walked out on stage and inserted both feet firmly in his mouth by mentioning the general election against strict orders from the top! When Boris breaks ranks, there is normally a good reason, but Lansley just comes across as complacent and inept.

Still, we can all hope that it's going to improve over the next few days.........
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16 comments:

Barking Spider said...

You trying to scare the living daylights out me with a video starting out of the blue BS?

Subrosa

Barking Spider said...

Sorry about that, SR, Ive been trying to get it to boot up in off mode until such time as someone wants to watch it and turns it on for themselves. Not much success so far - I might just remove it if I can't sort it out.

Barking Spider said...

Good on ya, Boris.

Barking Spider said...

Boris was good.

Barking Spider said...

Boris will be on the up and up both in the party and the country :-D  but how long before "trust me Dave " gets scared and gives him the old "Enoch Treatment" >:o  ?

Barking Spider said...

I don't trust "Call me Dave" one little bit, Banned, and, no matter what he thinks or says, he is not going to win the next election, Labour are going to lose it!
:(

Barking Spider said...

He was, AOM, and he put the wind right up Cameron, too, hahahahaha!
:-D

Barking Spider said...

He's the man, Nickie, Cameron can't control him and he, not Cameron, is the most powerful Conservative in Britain at the moment.
8-)

Barking Spider said...

Boris is in the rather unique position of being a Tory, but not having to toe its party line. He took it. Good for him!

I'd be willing to place a £1,000 bet that there will be no scrutiny of the validity of the vote. I.e., nobody will even ask the question as to whether voting was rigged.

I suspect is was, and I'm certain I'm not alone in thinking this.

I took heart from the Tory conference (so far) in that they are likely to win the GE and that much of what most of us hate, with a vengeance, of Labour rule, will be culled.

It doesn't go far enough, but it does give me hope.

At the risk of repeating myself, ad nauseum, I also hope that those who are inclined not to vote, will vote UKIP, LPUK, EngDem, Green or Independent  - anything is better than not voting!

Barking Spider said...

I am sceptical, too. But it  seems increasingly likely that the Tories will win. Short of a mass demonstration in Parliament (which most people appear not to have the stomach for), the result is inevitable.

Barking Spider said...

Superb! Mental agility, humour and political nous - plus a healthy dose of ambition. Go for it, Boris.

Barking Spider said...

That unique position must worry the shit out of Cameron sometimes, Fausty, and if the Garda investigate the way they investigated alleged voter fraud at the last European elections, it will just be another cover-up!

I agree that the Tories are making a good case at the conference, but it seems to be lacking any great magical spark and it is not blowing my skirt up at all. (apart from Boris and Hague)
*DONT_KNOW*
But, better the Tories than letting those Liebore wankers back in - anything but that! (not Clegg's lot, of course)

Barking Spider said...

It does look like Labour have passed the point of no return, Fausty.

Barking Spider said...

He's also a really likeable loose cannon who fires off in the right direction, unlike Ken Clarke who is just a loose cannon that can explode in your face if he's not read the riot act!

Barking Spider said...

Spider I like boris, but a future leader, surely not.

Barking Spider said...

I know what you mean, DL, but stranger things have happened, especially if he ends up having done a great job as Mayor of London!
=-O
Who knows how crazy this country will be in five years time........aaaarrrrggghhh!