Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier puts himself out of contention for EU presidency September 28, 2018 The EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, has put himself out of the running to become the centre-right's candidate to replace departing Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European Commission. Barnier's announcement ends a protracted period of speculation suggesting that he would throw his hat into the ring for the role of Spitzenkandidat in the [...]
Hedgies and pollsters: Let’s keep a level head September 28, 2018 In the run-up to the EU referendum Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson railed against hedge funds that were using private polling to inform their trading positions. “I hope the government will put measures in place to prohibit this avaricious plan by financiers to benefit from information that belongs to every voter,” Watson said at [...]
Shaun Bailey elected as Conservative candidate for London mayoral elections September 28, 2018 Shaun Bailey will be the Conservative candidate for the London mayoral elections in 2020, the party has confirmed. He beat Andrew Boff and Joy Morrissey in the ballot of London Tory members, winning 43 per cent of votes. Boff won 35 per cent, while Morrissey took 21.4 per cent of the vote. The turnout [...]
Tips for Theresa May: Speak up, don’t cough, and try to keep the writing on the wall September 28, 2018 It says something about how low the bar has dropped for your speech if your primary aim is to ensure that the letters on the sign behind the stage don’t start falling to the floor as you talk about building a strong economy. Factor in a robust set, some industrial-strength cough sweets, and make sure [...]
DEBATE: Would the energy market benefit from Corbyn’s proposed wind turbines and renewable subsidies? September 28, 2018 Would the energy market benefit from Corbyn’s proposed wind turbines and renewable subsidies? Alan Lockey, head of research at Demos, says YES. First, let’s dispense with the notion that it’s a choice between unsubsidised fossil fuels and subsidised renewables: the global energy “market” is all subsidised. In fact, research by the International Energy Association [...]
Watch out, Tories – Labour has got its anti-capitalist mojo back September 28, 2018 I started my week in Liverpool. It’s a great city. It’s got soul. It’s got a clear identity. And it’s clearly on the up. In the past week, all those words could apply to the main opposition party that just might be capturing the zeitgeist of middle Britain. Rubbing alongside those delegates partying by [...]
Editor’s Notes: The Tories face a huge challenge, but they must take the fight to Corbyn September 28, 2018 Having observed the Labour party conference from a safe distance I’ll be travelling to Birmingham on Sunday to soak up the atmosphere at the annual Tory gathering. My first port of call will be speaking at a dinner hosted by City comms firm Cicero, where I shall sing for my supper and offer a [...]
CCHQ to announce Tory candidate for mayor tomorrow morning September 27, 2018 Tory assembly members Shaun Bailey and Andrew Boff and councillor Joy Morrissey will know tomorrow whether they have been chosen to face Sadiq khan in the race to be the next mayor of London. Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) will announce the successful candidate tomorrow morning at 11am. Conservative party chairman Brandon Lewis today tweeted his good luck to [...]
Book review: Gina Miller fails to Rise to the occasion in her debut memoir September 27, 2018 The case of Gina Miller is a peculiar one. Few political outsiders burst onto the scene so quickly and with such force as this former City investment manager, who has whipped up anger and hope alike since entering the boxing ring of Brexit. As its title suggests, Rise is a book in which Miller [...]
No-deal Brexit could lead to tariffs of £9.3bn on EU food, report warns September 27, 2018 Food and drink costs could increase by £9.3billion a year if the UK does not slash tariffs in a 'no deal' Brexit, a new report has warned. Research by Barclays claims leaving the EU without a trade agreement would create an average tariff of 27 per cent on food and drinks coming from the [...]