Lord Bonkers' Diary: Lowered head first through a skylightI can't help noticing that Lord Bonkers does spent a great deal of time on roofs with orphans. I wonder what Ofsted makes of this practice. I also wonder if it is connected with a recent news story: Police in Oakham have issued a stern warning to parents and young people after a spike in reports of individuals climbing onto the roofs of buildings across the town. Saturday Looking back over 2025, I remember with particular pleasure the November evening when the Well-Behaved Orphans insisted upon putting Nick Clegg's principles into practice. Earlier in the year, Clegg had told everyone ... (more) |
The Abbey that never wasAs a graduate of Swansea University I have often wondered about the origin of the Abbey, the building where the college's administration is based, and which in the early days hosted most of the teaching that was delivered to the institution's students. In summary, Marino (the house that would become Singleton Abbey) was a house built for Edward King in the latter half of the 1700s: In the early 1800s it was purchased by John Henry Vivian and transformed into the building known as Singleton Abbey (though never actual an Abbey or even a church). Through the 100 years of ... (more) |
ALDC by-election report, 29th JanuaryThere was only one by-election this week. This was caused by the former councillor being sentenced to over 12 months in prison and therefore was disqualified. In Scotland, the Conservatives couldn't hold this seat and their first preference votes slipped to sixth place. We secured a commanding victory, with SNP and Reform trailing well behind us. Congratulations are due to Councillor Ben Langmead and the local team for this strong result, ahead of Scottish Parliament elections in May. East Dunbartonshire Council, Bearsden South First preferences: Liberal Democrats (Ben Langmead): 1,744 (38.1%, +14.9) SNP: 789 (17.2%, -6.2) Reform UK: 709 (15.5%, ... (more) |
Strange Phenomena: The Films of Dario ArgentoThe British Film Institute's blurb onYouTube says: In this video essay to coincide with our retrospective of Argento's work, season programmer Michael Blyth explores three characteristics which make his films so distinctive - his dynamic and impressionistic use of colour, his complex approach to gender and sexuality, and the surrealist logic of his narratives. (more) |
Jackie Pearcey selected by Lib Dems for Gorton and Denton[IMG: Jackie Pearcey] A Lib Dem press release brings the news: Local campaigner Jackie Pearcey has been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Gorton and Denton in the upcoming by-election, pledging to champion local issues that matter most to residents, including fixing the NHS and tackling the cost of living. Jackie has lived locally for decades and has a strong track record of standing up for and serving the community. She is determined to bring real change for the residents of Gorton and Denton who deserve so much better than this endless soap opera. The Labour government promised change, ... (more) |
The Joy of Six 1468"By-elections follow their own logic, not Westminster narratives, and Gorton and Denton has all the makings of a classic contest - a divided seat, polarising candidates and four different parties with a credible local claim. ... Gorton and Denton is a bit of a Frankenstein's monster, formed ahead of the last general election when remnants of the abolished Manchester Gorton seat were stitched onto a chunk of the also abolished Denton and Reddish seat ... with Burnage ward, formerly in Manchester Withington, chucked on at the South West edge for good measure."Rob Ford marks your card for the coming by-election. ... (more) |
Lord Bonkers' Diary: Flags and empty cans of Dahrendorf lagerI know a lot of my readers won't approve of this, but how else would an English country gentleman spend Boxing Day but riding to hounds? Followers of the field may note a recent change in the quarry his hounds pursue. Boxing Day The bare winter fields. The snifter from the hip flask. The glorious movement of man and horse as one. The music of the hounds. Yes, I love hunting. Traditionally in Rutland we hunt not foxes but Trotskyites, but they are rare indeed these days, what with climate change and the loss of habitat. So this Boxing Day ... (more) |
Introducing The Jenkinsite GroupFor the longest time, I have regarded myself as a "Jenkinsite". For many in the Lib Dems, they will understand what that means. For those who aren't in the party or aren't as clued up on political history, I'm usually met with the response, "A what?" For the avoidance of doubt, a Jenkinsite is someone who supports the ideas espoused by Roy Jenkins. They usually consist of: Multilateralism Electoral reform Social democracy Social libertarianism Liberal internationalism Pro-European Integration Support for a social market economy Small differences in the extent to which someone believes in each tenet or how they interpret ... (more) |
Jim Wallace: A Life of Service, Integrity and Quiet AuthorityFormer Scottish Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace has died at the age of 71 from complications of heart surgery. His death marks the passing of one of the most significant figures in modern Scottish public life: a central architect of devolution, a steady hand in the early years of the Scottish Parliament, and a public servant whose influence was felt across politics, law, faith and civic life. Jim Wallace helped shape not only Scotland's institutions, but the tone and values with which they were first brought into being. Wallace's life in public service was marked by a rare combination of ... (more) |
Lib Dems gain seat from Conservatives in by-electionOnly the one principal authority council by-elections this week, a contest in Scotland for Bearsden South ward carried out using the alternative vote: Bearsden South (East Dunbartonshire) Council By-Election Result [1st Prefs]: [IMG: 🔶] LDM: 38.1% (+14.9) [IMG: 🎗] SNP: 17.2% (-6.2) [IMG: ➡] RFM: 15.5% (New) [IMG: 🌹] LAB: 14.2% (-1.9) [IMG: 🌍] GRN: 8.1% (+0.9) [IMG: 🌳] CON: 6.2% (-17.0) [IMG: 🧑🧑🧒🧒] SFP: 0.8% (New)No Inds (-4.7, -2.3) as prev.Lib Dem 'Gain' from Con – Stage 5.Changes w/ 2022. — Election Maps UK (@electionmaps.uk) 2026-01-30T00:25:27.280Z Congratulations to the new Liberal Democrat councillor, Ben Langmead and the team. The ... (more) |