This election campaign seems to causing some little ripples within Westminster to become rather large issues among the public at large. May called an election, I think, to consolidate her position and to allow the tories to do pretty well whatever they please in the forthcoming negotiations over 'Brexit'. Already, that looks to have backfired somewhat and although there's still a long way to go, the current support for the tory party seems to have plummeted.
The government not so long ago appeared to have an unassailable lead over the opposition in every measure of public confidence described by the media - spurious polls in newspapers used as propaganda, undoubtedly.
Suddenly, May comes out with another meaningless platitude in the 'Brexit means Brexit' mould - this time it is, 'Strong and stable government' - classic stuff! Meanwhile, two of her closest advisers have decided to exit the tory machine and now we hear that Hammond's closest special adviser has also walked.
third-tory-advisor-quits-ahead-of-election
Back in post #14855, I suggested that all may not be well within the parliamentary Conservative Party and as the days have gone by, it is becoming clearer that there is some internal wrangling going on - the leadership would prefer, I'm certain, not to have members of the inner circle exit their posts at this time, regardless of the exciting opportunities they claim to be seeking outside of politics. This is all very strange.
It really doesn't matter what Mrs May says publicly, the tory faithful and her handpicked cabinet will applaud her all day long. The public, however, remains unimpressed with her leadership of the country and her failure to ensure 'Brexit' appears, in some way, desirable to the almost half the nation who rejected the notion in the referendum - there is a suggestion that some 'leave' voters have since altered their view as a result of some of the information brought to light since last June, which may be the reason she so desperately wants a fresh mandate.
In addition, Mrs May has a style which seems not to appeal to large numbers of the electorate and she seems very poor at thinking on her feet and varying from prepared script as witnessed at the dispatch box and in interviews. She is probably the most 'wooden' PM in recent times and does not inspire confidence.
I expect the tories to firm up and close ranks soon with the whips being used heavily to ensure party loyalty and solidarity in the run-up to polling day but meanwhile, there is plenty of humour abroad with cartoonists and 'Photoshop' exponents coming out with some great material on social media. I like this simple one I saw today for example:
Tom
