David Herdson
@davidherdson.bsky.social
Part-time writer. Political activist. Fan of Bradford City and rail travel (amongst other things). Bibliophile. Dad. List not necessarily in order of importance.
'What if' polls like this are of little face value. it's unlikely that when faced with the reality of a new party people would switch like this.
But they do show something useful in the level of dissatisfaction with existing options given a 'clean'* alternative.
(It's also FON, so caveat emptor)
But they do show something useful in the level of dissatisfaction with existing options given a 'clean'* alternative.
(It's also FON, so caveat emptor)
"Yesterday, Rupert Lowe MP launched a political party named Restore Britain. If there were a General Election tomorrow, how would you vote in that election?"
RFM: 25%
GRN: 20%
LAB: 15%
CON: 13%
RES: 10%
LDM: 10%
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 14 Feb.
RFM: 25%
GRN: 20%
LAB: 15%
CON: 13%
RES: 10%
LDM: 10%
Via @findoutnow.bsky.social, 14 Feb.
February 15, 2026 at 9:11 AM
'What if' polls like this are of little face value. it's unlikely that when faced with the reality of a new party people would switch like this.
But they do show something useful in the level of dissatisfaction with existing options given a 'clean'* alternative.
(It's also FON, so caveat emptor)
But they do show something useful in the level of dissatisfaction with existing options given a 'clean'* alternative.
(It's also FON, so caveat emptor)
Reposting this in its own right but more as taking 'Starmer and co' as more widely representative than just the current govt.
It's really mainstream vs populists. That's a question for the public but also for challenger parties - into which category the Tories have now fallen too.
It's really mainstream vs populists. That's a question for the public but also for challenger parties - into which category the Tories have now fallen too.
The challenge in UK politics is going to be whether people accept the flaws of Starmer and co, and he is definitely flawed as a politician, or really believe the answer lies in the man who will simultaneously sell you out to the technocrats and find you a pub you can smoke in. /4
February 14, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Reposting this in its own right but more as taking 'Starmer and co' as more widely representative than just the current govt.
It's really mainstream vs populists. That's a question for the public but also for challenger parties - into which category the Tories have now fallen too.
It's really mainstream vs populists. That's a question for the public but also for challenger parties - into which category the Tories have now fallen too.
I don't think Mr Mandelson is a very trustworthy person.
Two weeks ago, Peter Mandelson told us he had no recollection of planning to buy a £2m apartment in Rio via a Panama holding company and a Brazilian company.
Yesterday we found notarised incorporation documents for the Brazilian company, with Mr Mandelson's signature.
Yesterday we found notarised incorporation documents for the Brazilian company, with Mr Mandelson's signature.
February 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM
I don't think Mr Mandelson is a very trustworthy person.
Reposted by David Herdson
Fuck, quite frankly, Farage.
Sprouting Putin's lines vertabin
Sprouting Putin's lines vertabin
Farage claims democracy in Ukraine 'destroyed' by Maidan revolution and those wanting closer links with Europe - www.theguardian.com/politics/liv...
February 13, 2026 at 4:21 PM
Fuck, quite frankly, Farage.
Sprouting Putin's lines vertabin
Sprouting Putin's lines vertabin
How on earth did Nicola Sturgeon not notice?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell accused of embezzling £459,000 over 12-year period
He is accused of illicitly purchasing items including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 13, 2026 at 1:02 PM
How on earth did Nicola Sturgeon not notice?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This would give a Plaid-Lab partnership (of whatever form) a majority of 2. Very unstable.
But it'd only take changes of fractions to produce a Ref+Con majority. Presumably the Tories put Reform in, given a Plaid/Lab/LD(?)/Grn(?) alternative but very unpleasant call for them.
But it'd only take changes of fractions to produce a Ref+Con majority. Presumably the Tories put Reform in, given a Plaid/Lab/LD(?)/Grn(?) alternative but very unpleasant call for them.
February 13, 2026 at 12:48 PM
This would give a Plaid-Lab partnership (of whatever form) a majority of 2. Very unstable.
But it'd only take changes of fractions to produce a Ref+Con majority. Presumably the Tories put Reform in, given a Plaid/Lab/LD(?)/Grn(?) alternative but very unpleasant call for them.
But it'd only take changes of fractions to produce a Ref+Con majority. Presumably the Tories put Reform in, given a Plaid/Lab/LD(?)/Grn(?) alternative but very unpleasant call for them.
This T20I World Cup has served up some great entertainment and tight matches so far.
I'll never not be of the view that test cricket is the best form of the game and its highest challenge but T20s do give lesser teams their chances on the day if they can put it together. As Zim did. Credit to them.
I'll never not be of the view that test cricket is the best form of the game and its highest challenge but T20s do give lesser teams their chances on the day if they can put it together. As Zim did. Credit to them.
February 13, 2026 at 9:31 AM
This T20I World Cup has served up some great entertainment and tight matches so far.
I'll never not be of the view that test cricket is the best form of the game and its highest challenge but T20s do give lesser teams their chances on the day if they can put it together. As Zim did. Credit to them.
I'll never not be of the view that test cricket is the best form of the game and its highest challenge but T20s do give lesser teams their chances on the day if they can put it together. As Zim did. Credit to them.
Reposted by David Herdson
As the Gorton and Denton by-election odds move further towards the Greens, my latest for @gamblingcom.bsky.social analyses how far the party can rise under Zack Polanski.
www.gambling.com/uk/news/uk-g...
www.gambling.com/uk/news/uk-g...
UK General Election Odds: How Far Can The Green Party Go Under Zack Polanski?
The environmental party are favourites to win the Gorton and Denton by-election....
www.gambling.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:07 PM
As the Gorton and Denton by-election odds move further towards the Greens, my latest for @gamblingcom.bsky.social analyses how far the party can rise under Zack Polanski.
www.gambling.com/uk/news/uk-g...
www.gambling.com/uk/news/uk-g...
Ratcliffe digging himself deeper. On top of the racism, hypocrisy and ignorance, he's now implied the problem is other people's sensitivity rather than his own actions.
Muskite levels of lack of awareness, entitlement and unpleasantness.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...
Muskite levels of lack of awareness, entitlement and unpleasantness.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...
Ratcliffe says sorry his language 'offended some people' after criticism of immigration comments - live updates
The Man Utd co-owner said on Wednesday that the UK had been
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Ratcliffe digging himself deeper. On top of the racism, hypocrisy and ignorance, he's now implied the problem is other people's sensitivity rather than his own actions.
Muskite levels of lack of awareness, entitlement and unpleasantness.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...
Muskite levels of lack of awareness, entitlement and unpleasantness.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...
Interesting thread on what charges Mandelson might be prosecuted for his leaks to, and dealings with, Epstein.
Short version: probably only Misconduct in Public Office.
Short version: probably only Misconduct in Public Office.
Can Mandelson be prosecuted?
We’ve discussed the law and the evidence with leading lawyers. The bottom line: "misconduct in public office" is the only viable route.
The law is messy and proving intent is hard - but we believe there is a realistic prospect of conviction.
🧵:
We’ve discussed the law and the evidence with leading lawyers. The bottom line: "misconduct in public office" is the only viable route.
The law is messy and proving intent is hard - but we believe there is a realistic prospect of conviction.
🧵:
February 11, 2026 at 6:44 PM
Interesting thread on what charges Mandelson might be prosecuted for his leaks to, and dealings with, Epstein.
Short version: probably only Misconduct in Public Office.
Short version: probably only Misconduct in Public Office.
When an American billionaire says something like this, you're not sure whether he's (always he) doing so because he genuinely believes it or is just currying favour with the government.
In Britain there should be no such doubt.
In Britain there should be no such doubt.
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
'The UK has been colonised by immigrants', says INEOS boss and Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Britain has been "colonised" by immigrants, who are draining resources from the state, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the country's richest and most influential men, has told Sky News.
news.sky.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:31 PM
When an American billionaire says something like this, you're not sure whether he's (always he) doing so because he genuinely believes it or is just currying favour with the government.
In Britain there should be no such doubt.
In Britain there should be no such doubt.
Your Party is still a thing, apparently. Or two things.
It'll be interesting to see how many candidates they stand in May, and how they get on.
It'll be interesting to see how many candidates they stand in May, and how they get on.
Official press release from Your Party not dampening down the Sultana/Corbyn rift...
"Your Party Leadership Vote to Open as Corbyn-Sultana Battle Reaches Climax"
"Corbyn and Sultana teams neck and neck after ‘endorsements’ stage, in which over 11,000 members took part"
"Your Party Leadership Vote to Open as Corbyn-Sultana Battle Reaches Climax"
"Corbyn and Sultana teams neck and neck after ‘endorsements’ stage, in which over 11,000 members took part"
February 10, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Your Party is still a thing, apparently. Or two things.
It'll be interesting to see how many candidates they stand in May, and how they get on.
It'll be interesting to see how many candidates they stand in May, and how they get on.
The Home Office a shining beacon of smooth administration, effective policy implementation and results.
Maybe Romeo is very good despite the Home Office's eternal problems but if Starmer is looking for someone to get govt policy delivery out of a rut, the Home Office is an odd place to look.
Maybe Romeo is very good despite the Home Office's eternal problems but if Starmer is looking for someone to get govt policy delivery out of a rut, the Home Office is an odd place to look.
🚨 NEW: Keir Starmer is set to appoint Antonia Romeo, the current head of the Home Office, to be his Cabinet Secretary once Chris Wormald resigns
She would be the first ever female to lead the Civil Service
[@thetimes]
She would be the first ever female to lead the Civil Service
[@thetimes]
February 10, 2026 at 4:02 PM
The Home Office a shining beacon of smooth administration, effective policy implementation and results.
Maybe Romeo is very good despite the Home Office's eternal problems but if Starmer is looking for someone to get govt policy delivery out of a rut, the Home Office is an odd place to look.
Maybe Romeo is very good despite the Home Office's eternal problems but if Starmer is looking for someone to get govt policy delivery out of a rut, the Home Office is an odd place to look.
Sacking the cabinet secretary at the same time as the Director of Comms and No 10 Chief of Staff (both political appointments) is unfortunate and another step towards politicising the senior civil service.
Feels like Starmer is saying everyone else is to blame.
Feels like Starmer is saying everyone else is to blame.
My understanding is that the Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald has already been sacked, happened yesterday and is only remaining in post to discuss terms.
Complete No 10 clearout.
Complete No 10 clearout.
February 10, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Sacking the cabinet secretary at the same time as the Director of Comms and No 10 Chief of Staff (both political appointments) is unfortunate and another step towards politicising the senior civil service.
Feels like Starmer is saying everyone else is to blame.
Feels like Starmer is saying everyone else is to blame.
Reposted by David Herdson
One thing that might help the government is the avoidance of acts of profound stupidity.
February 10, 2026 at 1:53 PM
One thing that might help the government is the avoidance of acts of profound stupidity.
Language is perhaps the deepest legacy of empire.
Spanish is clearly now the world’s coolest language. So why do we push British children to learn French? | Gary Nunn
Spanish is clearly now the world’s coolest language. So why do we push British children to learn French? | Gary Nunn
As Bad Bunny showed at the Super Bowl, español is the coming thing. No wonder it’s now the top GCSE language choice, says journalist Gary Nunn
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Language is perhaps the deepest legacy of empire.
Reposted by David Herdson
At the rate SpaceX's ambitions are receding, by 2030 they'll be promising to put a supertram service in Leeds
February 10, 2026 at 1:36 AM
At the rate SpaceX's ambitions are receding, by 2030 they'll be promising to put a supertram service in Leeds
Reposted by David Herdson
When #Russia is the clear aggressor, OSCE statements that avoid naming its war crimes or assigning responsibility don’t stay “neutral” – they create a false moral equivalence.
That isn’t neutrality; it’s abdication.
@euosce.bsky.social #Ukraine
That isn’t neutrality; it’s abdication.
@euosce.bsky.social #Ukraine
February 9, 2026 at 8:58 PM
When #Russia is the clear aggressor, OSCE statements that avoid naming its war crimes or assigning responsibility don’t stay “neutral” – they create a false moral equivalence.
That isn’t neutrality; it’s abdication.
@euosce.bsky.social #Ukraine
That isn’t neutrality; it’s abdication.
@euosce.bsky.social #Ukraine
Reposted by David Herdson
Call me old fashioned but this is NOT how MOD should do business:
"Burghart said Palantir’s MoD contract “was granted by direct award”, without competition, and asked the cabinet secretary to check there were “no other such contracts, no other such undisclosed meetings”." apple.news/AV4gdfVtNSFi...
"Burghart said Palantir’s MoD contract “was granted by direct award”, without competition, and asked the cabinet secretary to check there were “no other such contracts, no other such undisclosed meetings”." apple.news/AV4gdfVtNSFi...
February 10, 2026 at 8:47 AM
Call me old fashioned but this is NOT how MOD should do business:
"Burghart said Palantir’s MoD contract “was granted by direct award”, without competition, and asked the cabinet secretary to check there were “no other such contracts, no other such undisclosed meetings”." apple.news/AV4gdfVtNSFi...
"Burghart said Palantir’s MoD contract “was granted by direct award”, without competition, and asked the cabinet secretary to check there were “no other such contracts, no other such undisclosed meetings”." apple.news/AV4gdfVtNSFi...
If / when Labour does have a leadership contest, the candidates' public attitudes towards Trump will be interesting to see, given that they'll have to interact with him from Day 1.
I can't see the Labour electorate giving much leeway on the question.
I can't see the Labour electorate giving much leeway on the question.
February 9, 2026 at 3:32 PM
If / when Labour does have a leadership contest, the candidates' public attitudes towards Trump will be interesting to see, given that they'll have to interact with him from Day 1.
I can't see the Labour electorate giving much leeway on the question.
I can't see the Labour electorate giving much leeway on the question.
This is, of course, constitutional and political nonsense. We do not live in a presidential country.
*Labour* has an up-to-five-year mandate (off one-third of the votes!). Keir Starmer does not. If Starmer cannot retain the confidence of his MPs or party then someone else should take over.
*Labour* has an up-to-five-year mandate (off one-third of the votes!). Keir Starmer does not. If Starmer cannot retain the confidence of his MPs or party then someone else should take over.
February 9, 2026 at 2:46 PM
This is, of course, constitutional and political nonsense. We do not live in a presidential country.
*Labour* has an up-to-five-year mandate (off one-third of the votes!). Keir Starmer does not. If Starmer cannot retain the confidence of his MPs or party then someone else should take over.
*Labour* has an up-to-five-year mandate (off one-third of the votes!). Keir Starmer does not. If Starmer cannot retain the confidence of his MPs or party then someone else should take over.
It would be quite ironic if blocking Burnham, so as to prevent him from becoming a leadership rival, has actually hastened Starmer's fall.
Were Burnham the candidate in Denton & Gorton, we'd be in a false truce while Starmer critics waited for that election result (though McSweeney still goes).
Were Burnham the candidate in Denton & Gorton, we'd be in a false truce while Starmer critics waited for that election result (though McSweeney still goes).
BREAKING | Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan is set to follow Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar in calling for Keir Starmer to resign
trib.al/Jh0qibA
trib.al/Jh0qibA
Starmer latest: Scottish Labour leader to demand PM resign over Mandelson scandal
A major intervention from Anas Sarwar could be the tipping point for Keir Starmer’s premiership
trib.al
February 9, 2026 at 2:11 PM
It would be quite ironic if blocking Burnham, so as to prevent him from becoming a leadership rival, has actually hastened Starmer's fall.
Were Burnham the candidate in Denton & Gorton, we'd be in a false truce while Starmer critics waited for that election result (though McSweeney still goes).
Were Burnham the candidate in Denton & Gorton, we'd be in a false truce while Starmer critics waited for that election result (though McSweeney still goes).
This feels like the end-game, and moving quite quickly.
No cabinet resignations yet (nor on-the-record criticism from MPs) but mounting pressure must find a release.
In theory, Starmer could just sit pat and challenge others to come at him. In reality, No 10 is devoid of energy and that's deadly.
No cabinet resignations yet (nor on-the-record criticism from MPs) but mounting pressure must find a release.
In theory, Starmer could just sit pat and challenge others to come at him. In reality, No 10 is devoid of energy and that's deadly.
BREAKING: Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, is to directly call for Keir Starmer to stand down as PM, sources say.
February 9, 2026 at 1:57 PM
This feels like the end-game, and moving quite quickly.
No cabinet resignations yet (nor on-the-record criticism from MPs) but mounting pressure must find a release.
In theory, Starmer could just sit pat and challenge others to come at him. In reality, No 10 is devoid of energy and that's deadly.
No cabinet resignations yet (nor on-the-record criticism from MPs) but mounting pressure must find a release.
In theory, Starmer could just sit pat and challenge others to come at him. In reality, No 10 is devoid of energy and that's deadly.
I'm muting this post because I haven't the time for the aggressive responses from Green supporters. Those replies don't speak well of their party and are not the first time I've encountered that response when they're criticised.
It will not end well when greater media and public scrutiny comes.
It will not end well when greater media and public scrutiny comes.
Polanski is the man who made money out of midleading vulnerable women with body image issues. Squeaky clean isn't his thing.
February 9, 2026 at 1:37 PM
I'm muting this post because I haven't the time for the aggressive responses from Green supporters. Those replies don't speak well of their party and are not the first time I've encountered that response when they're criticised.
It will not end well when greater media and public scrutiny comes.
It will not end well when greater media and public scrutiny comes.