Sam Blewett

Shabana Mahmood, justice sec, joins the stampede to rewrite ECHR in speech today – @samblewett.bsky.social Politico www.politico.eu/article/left...

How Britain got to the front of Donald Trump’s trade queue From last-minute pork demands to parties in the embassy, this is how Britain charmed the unpredictable president — and why it could all still unravel.

How Britain got to the front of Donald Trump’s trade queue

From last-minute pork demands to parties in the embassy, how Britain charmed a fickle president — and why it could all still unravel.

Led by @danbloom1.bsky.social and @samblewett.bsky.social

www.politico.eu/article/dona...

New in today’s Playbook by
@samblewett.bsky.social we asked Brits if they were thought the top 4 party leaders helped or held back their party. Brits were more likely to say Farage helped Reform and Starmer held back Labour, with don’t know the most common response for Badenoch and Davey.

Thanks very much Tim

How Nigel Farage could smash open Britain’s electoral system He’s an unlikely pin-up for electoral reform campaigners — but a 2029 surge that’s not matched by House of Commons seats could see Farage turn up the heat on a “rigged” system.

I've long thought this - not least because I wonder how long the Tories would be prepared to put up with a situation where their one potential coalition partner or support party is likely to win more votes than it wins seats. So kudos to @samblewett.bsky.social for pointing it out.

Labour tried to ignore Nigel Farage. It didn’t work The Brexiteer’s Reform UK party is climbing in the polls — but fighting him on his terms risks fracturing Labour’s coalition.

“You can’t outflank a populist party on slogans...A government will be judged on delivery.” Our @sundersays in this @politico.com @samblewett.bsky.social piece on the challenges for Labour in taking on Reform on immigration.
www.politico.eu/article/labo...

Police probe ‘spiking’ incident in UK parliament A parliamentary researcher alerted bar staff and security to her drink being tampered with.

EXC: Police are investigating after a woman reported being spiked in Stranger's Bar in parliament last week

Met spokesperson: "The investigation is ongoing and the victim is being supported by officers."

Story here:
www.politico.eu/article/poli...

Why Nigel Farage’s path to power runs through a rainswept seaside town The Reform leader has aspirations to enter 10 Downing Street as prime minister in a few years hence — but will his globetrotting ways and love of the camera cause disillusion among his new constitu…

"In the amusement arcades and pubs in the town center, it was easy to find voices of discontent at Farage being “never here.” But they were from despondent constituents who hadn’t voted for Reform — or anyone — at the election." @samblewett.bsky.social

This does not seem great, adding to pre-existing grumbles that No. 10 lacks foreign policy heft

via @samblewett.bsky.social