David O'Connell
@oconnelldavid.bsky.social
Twang! Surf guitarist, love the light and fight the dark 💚 #grenfell. Leaseholder in Kensington and Chelsea #FBPE #FollowBack
Reposted by David O'Connell
The chancellor may not have to break Labour’s manifesto pledges with a totemic income tax rise — but she still faces a massive task to balance the books ⬇️
Why did Rachel Reeves drop plans to raise income tax?
The chancellor may not have to break Labour’s manifesto pledges with a totemic income tax rise — but she still faces a massive task to balance the books
www.thetimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:33 PM
The chancellor may not have to break Labour’s manifesto pledges with a totemic income tax rise — but she still faces a massive task to balance the books ⬇️
For someone who is supposed to be a PR genius. Turning a bit of backbench speculation into a full-blown crisis certainly shows a great talent for something...
Why is McSweeney still there. What greater proof would you need that he is incapable of doing the job.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Keir Starmer under pressure over future of Morgan McSweeney amid briefing row
Ministers and Labour MPs point finger at PM’s chief of staff over No 10 operation that targeted Wes Streeting
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:44 PM
For someone who is supposed to be a PR genius. Turning a bit of backbench speculation into a full-blown crisis certainly shows a great talent for something...
Reposted by David O'Connell
This is what should be on every front page right now. What's happening in the US right now is an illegal power grab by a private citizen. IT'S A COUP.
It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
IT IS A COUP
This is what should be on every front page in 150 point banner headlines. All I have is this Substack but I lay it beneath your feet and pray to a higher power that I'm wrong.
open.substack.com
February 10, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This is what should be on every front page right now. What's happening in the US right now is an illegal power grab by a private citizen. IT'S A COUP.
It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
It's a digital coup. It's Musk who's leading it. The consequences are terrifying. And it's coming for us next.
1/
open.substack.com/pub/broligar...
Reposted by David O'Connell
As chair of The APPG on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax, I’ve written to HMRC calling on them to urgently investigate the Abramovich case and recover what is owed following reports of a £1bn tax dodge by the sanctioned oligarch
Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Roman Abramovich tax dodge must be probed, HMRC urged
A group of MPs is urging an investigation into £1bn that could be owed by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
www.bbc.com
January 30, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As chair of The APPG on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax, I’ve written to HMRC calling on them to urgently investigate the Abramovich case and recover what is owed following reports of a £1bn tax dodge by the sanctioned oligarch
Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Read more: www.bbc.com/news/article...
Build more social rent homes?
"...there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket."
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/damning...
"...there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket."
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/damning...
Damning PAC report finds no clear homelessness strategy, no logic to LHA rates and calls on MHCLG to set affordable housing target
A Public Accounts Committee report has chastised the government’s homelessness strategy, said LHA rates have no logic, and called for an affordable homes target.
www.insidehousing.co.uk
January 25, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Build more social rent homes?
"...there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket."
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/damning...
"...there seems to be no desire to move away from an unsatisfactory short-term system, leaving local authorities attempting to save a sinking ship with a little more than a leaky bucket."
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/damning...
Reposted by David O'Connell
NEW: Episode 3 of Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring is out today: Digital Barbecues.
This one features @lukeharding1968.bsky.social & the story of how he & Sergei bust Conservative Friends of Russia wide open
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
This one features @lukeharding1968.bsky.social & the story of how he & Sergei bust Conservative Friends of Russia wide open
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Digital Barbecues
Podcast Episode · Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring · EP3 · 37m
podcasts.apple.com
January 7, 2025 at 5:25 PM
NEW: Episode 3 of Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring is out today: Digital Barbecues.
This one features @lukeharding1968.bsky.social & the story of how he & Sergei bust Conservative Friends of Russia wide open
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
This one features @lukeharding1968.bsky.social & the story of how he & Sergei bust Conservative Friends of Russia wide open
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s...
Reposted by David O'Connell
This week, we’re highlighting a key figure in UK media: the notorious "Fake Sheikh," Mazher Mahmood. A convicted criminal, Mahmood exemplifies the dark side of tabloid journalism, from celebrity entrapments to the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable.
December 30, 2024 at 10:02 PM
This week, we’re highlighting a key figure in UK media: the notorious "Fake Sheikh," Mazher Mahmood. A convicted criminal, Mahmood exemplifies the dark side of tabloid journalism, from celebrity entrapments to the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable.
"Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories,"
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Russia shot down Azerbaijan Airlines jet, attempted cover-up, Azerbaijan president charges
The downing was an accident, but “some circles” in Russia tried to cover it up, Ilham Aliyev said.
www.politico.eu
December 29, 2024 at 11:14 PM
"Unfortunately, for the first three days, we heard nothing from Russia except for some absurd theories,"
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
Finally the truth about the corrupt culture of the Murdoch press is starting to come out. How they destroyed lives and reputations. From from the murder of Daniel Morgan to the sleazy stings of Mazher Mahmood
@alastairmorgan.bsky.social
@alastairmorgan.bsky.social
Tulisa shares the shocking story of how she was targeted by 'Fake Sheikh' Mazher Mahmood in a setup orchestrated by a British newspaper. Over months, she was pressured to play the role of a 'bad girl' and repeatedly asked to source drugs. #PressAbuse #FakeSheikh #Tulisa #MediaAccountability
December 29, 2024 at 5:36 PM
Finally the truth about the corrupt culture of the Murdoch press is starting to come out. How they destroyed lives and reputations. From from the murder of Daniel Morgan to the sleazy stings of Mazher Mahmood
@alastairmorgan.bsky.social
@alastairmorgan.bsky.social
"Thames Water intentionally diverted millions of pounds pledged for environmental clean-ups towards other costs including bonuses and dividends"
A culture of always paying bosses bonuses while deliberately failing to stop pollution
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
A culture of always paying bosses bonuses while deliberately failing to stop pollution
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Revealed: Thames Water diverted ‘cash for clean-ups’ to help pay bonuses
Exclusive: UK’s biggest water company assessed risks before cutting back on cost of environmental work, investigation shows
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2024 at 10:56 PM
"Thames Water intentionally diverted millions of pounds pledged for environmental clean-ups towards other costs including bonuses and dividends"
A culture of always paying bosses bonuses while deliberately failing to stop pollution
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
A culture of always paying bosses bonuses while deliberately failing to stop pollution
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by David O'Connell
🇮🇷 Parastoo Ahmadi live-streamed the concert on YouTube. There has been outrage over her arrest as women continue to defy regime’s harsh laws
December 15, 2024 at 3:20 PM
🇮🇷 Parastoo Ahmadi live-streamed the concert on YouTube. There has been outrage over her arrest as women continue to defy regime’s harsh laws
Reposted by David O'Connell
Can France say no Fucking Way?
Trump has named Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. The elder Kushner once pleaded guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign contributions. Trump pardoned him in 2020.
“L’état, c’est moi,” as the saying goes.
Here you go, France. A nepo criminal!
“L’état, c’est moi,” as the saying goes.
Here you go, France. A nepo criminal!
December 1, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Can France say no Fucking Way?
Reposted by David O'Connell
Sir Rod Stewart has just shared this about Gregg Wallace on Instagram
November 28, 2024 at 5:40 PM
Sir Rod Stewart has just shared this about Gregg Wallace on Instagram
Reposted by David O'Connell
Allison Pearson claimed police accused her of a “non-crime hate incident” after a tweet misidentifying a protest photo. Essex Police say that never happened, releasing footage to prove it. Pearson now says she might have “misheard” – but not before the Telegraph ran three front pages on the claim.
November 25, 2024 at 12:48 PM
Allison Pearson claimed police accused her of a “non-crime hate incident” after a tweet misidentifying a protest photo. Essex Police say that never happened, releasing footage to prove it. Pearson now says she might have “misheard” – but not before the Telegraph ran three front pages on the claim.
So Cop29, supposedly dedicated to combating climate change, held in petrostate Azerbaijan and #1 oil producer Saudi Arabia is writing the script. And people are walking out 🤔
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Revealed: Saudi Arabia accused of modifying official Cop29 negotiating text
Exclusive: News of changes to usually non-editable document ‘risks placing climate summit in jeopardy'
www.theguardian.com
November 23, 2024 at 3:59 PM
So Cop29, supposedly dedicated to combating climate change, held in petrostate Azerbaijan and #1 oil producer Saudi Arabia is writing the script. And people are walking out 🤔
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by David O'Connell
Indeed- and while we are
on the subject of “grassroots” organisations… maybe broadcasters and newspapers might like to stop quoting people from supposed “think tanks” that refuse to say who funds them.
What are they hiding? I have no idea. And that’s the point… who funds them and why?
on the subject of “grassroots” organisations… maybe broadcasters and newspapers might like to stop quoting people from supposed “think tanks” that refuse to say who funds them.
What are they hiding? I have no idea. And that’s the point… who funds them and why?
One of the 1st responsibilities of journalists is to check their sources. There are way too many examples of ‘grassroots’ organisations whose motives, links and funders go unchecked when their views are reported in our media. It’s a very serious problem. www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
Revealed: ‘Grassroots’ campaigns opposed to assisted dying financed by conservative Christian pressure groups
Religious lobbyists are secretly coordinating and funding bodies that claim to be led by disabled people and health workers
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2024 at 6:16 PM
Indeed- and while we are
on the subject of “grassroots” organisations… maybe broadcasters and newspapers might like to stop quoting people from supposed “think tanks” that refuse to say who funds them.
What are they hiding? I have no idea. And that’s the point… who funds them and why?
on the subject of “grassroots” organisations… maybe broadcasters and newspapers might like to stop quoting people from supposed “think tanks” that refuse to say who funds them.
What are they hiding? I have no idea. And that’s the point… who funds them and why?
Reposted by David O'Connell
LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!
International criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu!
International criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu!
November 21, 2024 at 12:56 PM
LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!
International criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu!
International criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu!
A system built to favour landowners rather than building houses.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/scrappi...
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/scrappi...
Scrapping hope value would slash cost of building 90,000 social homes a year by £4.5bn, new report finds
A new report has found that scrapping hope value for landowners would slash the cost of building 90,000 social homes a year by £4.5bn.
www.insidehousing.co.uk
November 20, 2024 at 11:48 PM
A system built to favour landowners rather than building houses.
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/scrappi...
www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/scrappi...
Reposted by David O'Connell
MASSIVE announcement about a @Guardian / Observer journalists strike from Carole Cadwalladr. 👇🏼
700+ journalists at Britain’s only liberal newspaper(s) believe that something has gone so profoundly wrong in their own organisation that 93% of them have voted to go on strike
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pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/n...
1/
pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/n...
Guardian strike: Staff agree 48-hour walkout over Observer sale to Tortoise
Guardian strike vote: Staff agree 48-hour walkout in protest at proposed sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media
pressgazette.co.uk
November 20, 2024 at 11:23 PM
MASSIVE announcement about a @Guardian / Observer journalists strike from Carole Cadwalladr. 👇🏼
Reposted by David O'Connell
If you bring central London to a halt in order to campaign against catastrophic climate change then you're a "barmy" eco "fanatic" who deserves to be locked up.
If you do the same to hang on to your multimillion pound inheritance tax exemption then you're a brave freedom fighter defying the odds
If you do the same to hang on to your multimillion pound inheritance tax exemption then you're a brave freedom fighter defying the odds
November 19, 2024 at 10:22 AM
If you bring central London to a halt in order to campaign against catastrophic climate change then you're a "barmy" eco "fanatic" who deserves to be locked up.
If you do the same to hang on to your multimillion pound inheritance tax exemption then you're a brave freedom fighter defying the odds
If you do the same to hang on to your multimillion pound inheritance tax exemption then you're a brave freedom fighter defying the odds
Selling the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world for small change there to a bunch of rich backers while ignoring the people who work there.
🤔not so different
@theguardian.com
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/sal...
🤔not so different
@theguardian.com
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/sal...
Sale of The Observer
The NUJ Guardian & Observer chapel passed motions opposing the proposed sale of The Observer to Tortoise Media, alongside a vote of no confidence in the Scott Trust at an emergency chapel meeting on 1...
www.nuj.org.uk
November 18, 2024 at 9:56 PM
Selling the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world for small change there to a bunch of rich backers while ignoring the people who work there.
🤔not so different
@theguardian.com
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/sal...
🤔not so different
@theguardian.com
www.nuj.org.uk/resource/sal...
Reposted by David O'Connell
I’ve written a large number of Freedom of Information requests over the last 5 years, & can report that most councils & central government agencies are pretty good at responding.
OTOH the following are consistently evasive & late:
Metropolitan Police
Ealing council
RBKC council
OTOH the following are consistently evasive & late:
Metropolitan Police
Ealing council
RBKC council
November 18, 2024 at 8:37 AM
I’ve written a large number of Freedom of Information requests over the last 5 years, & can report that most councils & central government agencies are pretty good at responding.
OTOH the following are consistently evasive & late:
Metropolitan Police
Ealing council
RBKC council
OTOH the following are consistently evasive & late:
Metropolitan Police
Ealing council
RBKC council
Reposted by David O'Connell
Every step of authority - from Kensington&Chelsea council to London authorities to central govt and dept officials - failed to prevent this happening.
Many created the conditions that allowed this to happen, deregulating an already underegulated sector which was known to be malfeasant for profit.
Many created the conditions that allowed this to happen, deregulating an already underegulated sector which was known to be malfeasant for profit.
September 4, 2024 at 11:07 AM
Every step of authority - from Kensington&Chelsea council to London authorities to central govt and dept officials - failed to prevent this happening.
Many created the conditions that allowed this to happen, deregulating an already underegulated sector which was known to be malfeasant for profit.
Many created the conditions that allowed this to happen, deregulating an already underegulated sector which was known to be malfeasant for profit.
Reposted by David O'Connell
I'll post more later. But in the meantime, I've launched a newsletter because we can trust no platform & no publisher. We've seen what happened to Twitter. And the Guardian, in this moment of crisis, is seeking to sell our dearly beloved Observer, my home for 19 years.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Fight the power
And other very hard things. Join me.
substack.com
November 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM
I'll post more later. But in the meantime, I've launched a newsletter because we can trust no platform & no publisher. We've seen what happened to Twitter. And the Guardian, in this moment of crisis, is seeking to sell our dearly beloved Observer, my home for 19 years.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...