Lee's Theatrical Defection

Watch: Conservative MP Phillip Lee defects to the Liberal Democrats, crossing the House of Commons during a speech by Boris Johnson

His move means the prime minister has no working majority ahead of a crucial #Brexit vote

[tap to expand] https://t.co/vi78s0o5JA pic.twitter.com/CfnKNm0pJ8

— BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) September 3, 2019

Irony Klaxon - "Democracy" Blocks Election

Will Boris Johnson actually be able to call an election?

Looking less likely this morning:

* Senior Labour figures say legislation to block no deal must be ‘locked down’ first

* Hammond says Corbyn privately backed position

* Tory rebels indicate they won’t back one

— Steven Swinford (@Steven_Swinford) September 3, 2019

Farewell Sir Nicholas?

Sir Nicholas Soames tells me he will vote against the Govt tonight, unless the PM (who he’s going to see now) can assure him a Brexit deal will be done. Boris therefore faces the uncomfortable prospect of deselecting Winston Churchill’s grandson.

— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) September 3, 2019

General Election Coming

My spidey sense tells me that a general election is in the offing.

The question is, will it be held before or after 31 October?

The Queen's Speech October 14 - Well Then!

 

Johnson govt to hold Queen's speech on 14th October, will be confirmed by privy council at Balmoral today - No 10 says it's all biz as usual for a new govt, but has useful political side effect that denies MPs time to try to stop no deal

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) August 28, 2019

Nothing unusual here, except that in order for the Queen's Speech (ie the opening of a new parliament) to be held, the current parliament must be prorogued.

By happenstance, this gives the Brexit "rebel alliance" little time for mischief making.

I predict a wee bit of a row over this :) 

 

Bloody Hell!

Westminster voting intention:

CON: 42% (+17)
LAB: 28% (-6)
LDEM: 15% (-)
BREX: 5% (-5)
GRN: 3% (-)
TIG/CHUK: 1% (-)
UKIP: 0% (-4)

via @KantarTNS, 15 - 19 Aug
Chgs. w/ 13 May

— Britain Elects (@britainelects) August 21, 2019

Corbyn Applies For The Job of PM

I've written to the leaders of other political parties and senior backbenchers from across Parliament to lay out my plan to stop a disastrous No Deal Brexit and let the people decide the future of our country. pic.twitter.com/Jz1MjXCrqk

— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 14, 2019

Does he not understand that if he wins a vote of no confidence, Boris doesn't have to resign as PM and can call an election on his terms?

Another small point, there is no way even the most rebellious Tory rebels will side with him if he insists on being leader.

A cynic might suggest that Corbyn is deliberately ensuring that we leave with no deal.