Alastair Meeks
Lawyer, writer, Zedra
- For those considering Sir Keir Starmer's potential replacement, NB since 1902 every Prime Minister who has ascended to that position, as opposed to being elected, has in the past been Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary or Chancellor of the Exchequer. 1/3
- If that rule were followed here, that means we consider Reeves, Lammy, Cooper and Mahmood. That's a short list. I'd also consider Miliband, as a former leader, and Rayner and Powell by virtue of their party role. You'll note even Streeting is lightweight on this test. 2/3
- In the new world of directly elected mayors I suppose you might add Khan and Burnham as major figures in devolved govt. But if it's happening in the next few weeks, you can pretty much ignore anyone else. 3/3
- If there are any Labour MPs seriously talking about the next PM being an MP who would struggle to be recognised in his own living room, they are out of their tree.
- The end of an era: Club Gascon closes on 28 March. I’m gutted.
- NB for betting purposes there is no such thing as a temporary PM but there is such a thing as a temporary leader of the Labour party. So if (say) David Lammy is appointed in the very short term to cover a gap, one market will pay out and the other may not.
- Free betting tip: right now I think the markets are massively underestimating the possibility of a caretaker PM. If SKS is to be ousted over the ethics of appointing Peter Mandelson, he can't seriously be left in harness. That implies either a coronation or a caretaker.
- If there is to be a caretaker, David Lammy and Lucy Powell are the obvious options as the two deputies, and David Lammy seems more likely given his governmental stature.
- Whenever you have rapid bleeding, the quicker you cauterise the wound the better.
- It feels like cheating to say "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" because it's only eight syllables, but it qualifies under the rules.
- WHY are so many younger* people so averse to using telephones for the purpose originally devised for them? Speaking to people in real time has real and profound benefits as compared with email. *Reader to use own definition.
- Somewhat amazing that the one country where no public figure appears to be facing any direct consequences from their association with Jeffrey Epstein is the US.
- One of the underrated aspects of the Mandelson fall from grace is that it yet again illustrates that those who take on the FT rarely prosper in the long term.
- A really good article in that, while I disagree in almost every detail, it's hugely thought-provoking and makes you ask yourself interesting questions.
