James Porter
@porterjames.bsky.social
Left of centre Trade Unionist. UNISON Member. Interested in citizen journalism. Committed European and the EU. Dog lover. Supporter and part owner of Heart of Midlothian FC and Norwich City fan. Hates Trump and RefUK.
And there, I think, we have it. On the one hand, someone who gets the message right and employs an army of volunteers to communicate it and win. On the other, a group of people who clearly have no idea what they are doing and are split like the proverbial log, no doubt suffering much the same fate.
November 8, 2025 at 9:22 AM
And there, I think, we have it. On the one hand, someone who gets the message right and employs an army of volunteers to communicate it and win. On the other, a group of people who clearly have no idea what they are doing and are split like the proverbial log, no doubt suffering much the same fate.
And I wonder if Andy Burnham might be our Mamdani. It seems unlikely although he does have a good track record in Manchester, it must be said. I rather imagine that the man who would expect to wear the crown would be the sainted Jeremy. That’s if he can ever get the moolah from Sultana, of course.
November 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
And I wonder if Andy Burnham might be our Mamdani. It seems unlikely although he does have a good track record in Manchester, it must be said. I rather imagine that the man who would expect to wear the crown would be the sainted Jeremy. That’s if he can ever get the moolah from Sultana, of course.
My dear, 200 columns is quite a thing. I think it must be the case that if George will not oblige with drinks on the house then up must step She Who Must Be Obeyed. I shall, of course, expect to be there. I imagine no such invitation will find its way to Clacton. Farage wouldn’t be there to accept.
November 8, 2025 at 9:15 AM
My dear, 200 columns is quite a thing. I think it must be the case that if George will not oblige with drinks on the house then up must step She Who Must Be Obeyed. I shall, of course, expect to be there. I imagine no such invitation will find its way to Clacton. Farage wouldn’t be there to accept.
Maybe I’m being a bit unfair to lawyers. I do know a few and have known the odd one to go to the bar, as in the pub. I somehow think Keir would have to have a donor with him. We’ll
rule out Sharon Graham I think.
rule out Sharon Graham I think.
November 1, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Maybe I’m being a bit unfair to lawyers. I do know a few and have known the odd one to go to the bar, as in the pub. I somehow think Keir would have to have a donor with him. We’ll
rule out Sharon Graham I think.
rule out Sharon Graham I think.
My dear Pecksniff one must ask on what basis was Ed Davey the man to stand a round? Of course, Ms Badenough would be ruled out at once but should we rule out “Sir Keir”as a contender? We would get insight into the workings of Arsenal FC although, as a lawyer the hand is unlikely to enter the pocket.
November 1, 2025 at 9:25 AM
My dear Pecksniff one must ask on what basis was Ed Davey the man to stand a round? Of course, Ms Badenough would be ruled out at once but should we rule out “Sir Keir”as a contender? We would get insight into the workings of Arsenal FC although, as a lawyer the hand is unlikely to enter the pocket.
I’m told they have some views about his time there and am sure they would be most welcoming. And I’m sure he would learn much about his character.
October 25, 2025 at 8:07 AM
I’m told they have some views about his time there and am sure they would be most welcoming. And I’m sure he would learn much about his character.
Even then, of course, he has to pour scorn on anyone who has an arts degree or, worse, sociology. He is keen on deportation so here is my plan for Mr Lowe. He should be “deported” to Southampton and made to sit amongst the thousands of Southampton fans “grateful” for his tenure chairing Soton FC.
October 25, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Even then, of course, he has to pour scorn on anyone who has an arts degree or, worse, sociology. He is keen on deportation so here is my plan for Mr Lowe. He should be “deported” to Southampton and made to sit amongst the thousands of Southampton fans “grateful” for his tenure chairing Soton FC.
Lowe would tear down every edifice which stands in the way of him making money. He would deport anyone who looks in some way foreign. Although like the proverbial stopped clock he is right in his belief that we should be encouraging apprenticeships in all the trades of mending and making things.
October 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Lowe would tear down every edifice which stands in the way of him making money. He would deport anyone who looks in some way foreign. Although like the proverbial stopped clock he is right in his belief that we should be encouraging apprenticeships in all the trades of mending and making things.
My dear Pecksniff, we are blessed are we not to have so many inspiring MPs in our region? In a poll conducted by an obscure publication run by a friend of mine from Dumfries I have just voted for Mr Lowe as “Shite of the Year”. As I said, his racism makes Farage look like an amateur in that regard.
October 25, 2025 at 7:56 AM
My dear Pecksniff, we are blessed are we not to have so many inspiring MPs in our region? In a poll conducted by an obscure publication run by a friend of mine from Dumfries I have just voted for Mr Lowe as “Shite of the Year”. As I said, his racism makes Farage look like an amateur in that regard.
I wonder if the shift is more fundamental? I think they are shifting their position but they need a shove. Maybe “Mainstream” will do the shoving. Or Plaid and some more local wins for LD and Greens might do the trick? If the evidence holds that RefUK momentum is on the wane then go for it, I’d say.
October 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
I wonder if the shift is more fundamental? I think they are shifting their position but they need a shove. Maybe “Mainstream” will do the shoving. Or Plaid and some more local wins for LD and Greens might do the trick? If the evidence holds that RefUK momentum is on the wane then go for it, I’d say.
I should think he will go to Trumpland except it might not be Trumpland in 2029.
October 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
I should think he will go to Trumpland except it might not be Trumpland in 2029.
It’s 78% yes, now, Mike.
October 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
It’s 78% yes, now, Mike.
Dunkin’ Do’nut. Never knowingly beaten for stupidity.
October 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Dunkin’ Do’nut. Never knowingly beaten for stupidity.
Reeves should announce the intention to join the SM and the CU in the budget. They are rolling the pitch in that direction so, go for it. You or I could easily provide the “excuses” for ripping up the manifesto. Trump’s Tariffs would be the first. “Economic winds” would be another. Just do it RR.
October 18, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Reeves should announce the intention to join the SM and the CU in the budget. They are rolling the pitch in that direction so, go for it. You or I could easily provide the “excuses” for ripping up the manifesto. Trump’s Tariffs would be the first. “Economic winds” would be another. Just do it RR.
My dear, will the Labour Party ever shake off its shackles and seek to reverse Brexit? It seems to me that if they were to do this, their poll position would improve. If they were to seek membership of the SM and CU it would also improve as would our economy. Bring in PR and we have the full house.
October 18, 2025 at 7:55 AM
My dear, will the Labour Party ever shake off its shackles and seek to reverse Brexit? It seems to me that if they were to do this, their poll position would improve. If they were to seek membership of the SM and CU it would also improve as would our economy. Bring in PR and we have the full house.
In my moments of tepid hope I think I see a definite move away from Brexit. However it will just be a slim pickings for pro Europeans. “Stick with us, we’re playing the long game”. Well, I’m 80, so I want a short game. So will they look to join the SM and the CU and sod the manifesto? Hmmm.
October 14, 2025 at 7:18 PM
In my moments of tepid hope I think I see a definite move away from Brexit. However it will just be a slim pickings for pro Europeans. “Stick with us, we’re playing the long game”. Well, I’m 80, so I want a short game. So will they look to join the SM and the CU and sod the manifesto? Hmmm.
My dear one must have rather more of an eye on “honest Bob”. Badenough would have us believe that most of his policies on immigration are filched from her. And if that’s true, then honest Bob gets the “credit”. Was he not waving judges wigs around in a “we’re coming for you” approach?
October 11, 2025 at 8:34 AM
My dear one must have rather more of an eye on “honest Bob”. Badenough would have us believe that most of his policies on immigration are filched from her. And if that’s true, then honest Bob gets the “credit”. Was he not waving judges wigs around in a “we’re coming for you” approach?
I recognise the difficulty but extreme conditions need extreme measures. Enmities however deep must be set aside. Common ground must be found and that is Europe. Not to mention basic decency. I think I can be accused of fantasy but we must combine against the forces of darkness or they consume us.
October 4, 2025 at 8:08 AM
I recognise the difficulty but extreme conditions need extreme measures. Enmities however deep must be set aside. Common ground must be found and that is Europe. Not to mention basic decency. I think I can be accused of fantasy but we must combine against the forces of darkness or they consume us.
Labour needs to stand four square against this atrocity and yet, if the direction outlined in today’s Pecksniff is to be believed, it will be no time flat before Labour joins this move. Time now for the Burnhamites to stand up. To make common purpose with the Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid and the SNP.
October 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Labour needs to stand four square against this atrocity and yet, if the direction outlined in today’s Pecksniff is to be believed, it will be no time flat before Labour joins this move. Time now for the Burnhamites to stand up. To make common purpose with the Lib Dems, Greens, Plaid and the SNP.
Does this mean, I wonder, that there will be some kind of pact between the 3? No doubt that thought would be met with derision by the Philps of this world but with whom do they now intend to align? Obviously Trump and Israel. Perhaps entice Hungary into the new pool? What a position in which to be.
October 4, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Does this mean, I wonder, that there will be some kind of pact between the 3? No doubt that thought would be met with derision by the Philps of this world but with whom do they now intend to align? Obviously Trump and Israel. Perhaps entice Hungary into the new pool? What a position in which to be.
My dear Pecksniff, the piece was written before news that the Tories told us that they intend to leave the ECHR. It seems that also means leaving the Council of Europe. So they and RefUK now share the same desire to join Russia and Belarus outside of the tent, attempting to piss into it.
October 4, 2025 at 7:52 AM
My dear Pecksniff, the piece was written before news that the Tories told us that they intend to leave the ECHR. It seems that also means leaving the Council of Europe. So they and RefUK now share the same desire to join Russia and Belarus outside of the tent, attempting to piss into it.