WILL he, won’t he, after North Shropshire? We know the PM won’t willingly resign, so we have to assume he’s going to have to be pushed out, courtesy of the men in grey suits. Let’s face it, that by-election is a vital marker in the PM’s tenure at No 10. There’s talk that back benchers are submitting letters to the Chair of the 1922 committee. But accompanied with the caveat that they are lodged and noted, but not acted on. This, then, is their marker to the PM!
Even if the Christmas break takes the immediate pressure off him, the PM can’t ignore the relaunch by the MP Steve Barker of the pressure group Conservative Way Forward (Thatcherism writ large). The PM must realise the opportunity this provides: a legit platform for the wannabes, the contenders waiting in the wings. No furtive back rooms or corridors, but a previously well-respected talking shop: “respected” if you are Thatcher-way inclined, and how might that appeal to Tories?
READ MORE: Downing Street panic as new tapes 'show ex aide quizzed on PM's private life'
The contenders themselves won’t necessarily be visible participants, but their “team members” will be. Just imagine it: not always praising their own candidate, but sowing seeds of doubt, stoking confusion regarding the rivals. This puts paid to to the modicum of allegiances, allies and loyalties that is the glue enabling the functioning of a party, its leader and the governing of rUK.
With a raging pandemic, no “moral compass” at the head of government, an absence of sound policies as this government ricochets from one crisis to another, it makes no difference to Scotland whoever is PM. The Tory/Unionist PM will always embody the belief in the Union, not wanting to lose the Union on her/his watch. The intention will always be the same: the emasculation of our parliament.
READ MORE: Tory MP suggests Lord Frost acting 'as outrider' for possible challenge to Boris Johnson
Come the New Year, then, we have to be ready, because it’s going to get worse for the UK when Brexit bites, the foreign policy lacks focus, the Home Office continues to demonstrate its inability to address immigration with legality and humanity ... and that’s before considering the NHS sell-off, and a Chancellor prepared to be AWOL at times of crisis.
Another equally serious component of the overall crisis is the insidious creep of authoritarianism as rules are broken, restructured and rewritten to suit the situation and the players.
So we have to be ready, but be ready for? A referendum or a plebiscite? The grassroots, the Yes movements don’t define the process, but we sure are required to deliver the outcome.
Selma Rahman
Edinburgh
THE Tory way – never apologise, never admit anything wrong – was in evidence with Boris blaming the media for Shropshire defeat. He said: “Some things going well – but what people have been hearing is just a constant litany of stuff about politicians ... unfortunately not able to get focus on boosters”.
He could not even admit what has been going on, but it is not his fault, it is the media’s fault because they reported it.
READ MORE: Covid funds to Scotland and devolved nations doubled to £860 million
Typical Tory, always looking for media coverage when it suits but not wanting anyone to see the truth about their parties and their contempt for the citizens of this country. Only looking after themselves and their cronies.
It is really amazing that even after everything Boris Johnson has presided over, he is still unable to take any responsibility, apologise or express remorse but instead blames others, principally “the media”, because they won’t report ONLY the good things they are doing.
Winifred McCartney
Paisley
THE Tories are well known for their speed and ruthlessness in removing leaders who are no longer useful to them. So why are they so slow to act on Johnson? It’s glaringly obvious that, like him, his potential successors fall very short in qualities relating to humanity and leadership. Perhaps more importantly though, none have the clown skills to disguise their lack of talent and empathy.
READ MORE: Nadine Dorries removed from Brexiteer WhatsApp group for defending Boris Johnson
It is clearer than ever that the current UKPM is the front man drawing attention and scrutiny away from what his government is really up to. Amid the press frenzy on parties in the gang hut, Patel puts the inhumane detail on immigration policy, Raab rips up the Human Rights Act, Harding wastes £37bn (more than the Scottish block grant) on Test and Trace and millions are wasted on inappropriate PPE contracts. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. To complete the farce, could it be that Ruth is lured out of her ermine sleeping bag by an irresistible desire to be top dog? Out now, Scotland.
Noirin Blackie
Haddington
AS the deceit and lies of this Tory government goes into overdrive, any credibility it had is gone. The twin disasters of Brexit and Covid have created a culture of corruption which is now endemic, spearheaded by the fading star of Boris Johnson.
The choice facing Scotland is either independence or stagnation within a struggling British state. Only as an independent nation can we work towards a fairer, greener and more prosperous country. The desire to bring about such change must come from the passion and soul of the Scottish people.
READ MORE: Could Lord Frost's resignation be good news for UK-EU relations?
However, in the warmth and spirit of Christmas I rejoice in the words of Richelle E Goodrich: “Every sunrise is an invitation for us to arise and brighten someone’s day.” In such terms I hope Boris may rejoice in the words of Mark Twain: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything”!
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore
I’M not decrying the nominees for BBC Sports Personality of the Year, but where is the most decorated ever Olympian at a single games – Alloa’s Duncan Scott? Not only did Duncan excel individually, but as an Olympic team player. Whoever is responsible for the short list ought to be ashamed.
David McCann
Alloa
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