Rory Stewart for next PM

[Oliver_W]

He sounds great! Here are some snippets from an article (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7065279/My-vision-fair-Britain-Rory-Stewart.html):

His blueprint – should he become leader – would include:

Saving Britain’s local post offices by keeping government subsidies going and making them more ‘entrepreneurial’;

Abolishing ‘offensive’ hospital parking charges;

Taking on firms such as Amazon in a bid to save the high streets;

Stripping honours from people like Sir Philip Green;

Improving sluggish broadband speeds for rural areas.

‘I want to do something very radical on business rates. I think it is grossly unfair that Amazon is not on a level playing field with our local shops and we’ve got to solve that. They are making a colossal amount of money in this country, they are paying very little tax compared with their underlying profits and they are not paying business rates basically,’ he said.

He said: ‘If you are looking for one thing that can transform the GDP of rural areas almost overnight, it is super-fast broadband.

‘If you are looking for one thing that can transform healthcare for people living in remote areas, it is super-fast broadband.’ Mr Stewart said that as a backbencher he led the first big debate on transforming rural mobile coverage.

He added: ‘I pushed Cumbria to become one of the first four pilots on rural broadband.

‘I worked so closely with community broadband networks, with British Telecom to try to revolutionise that.

‘And I am so frustrated that nine years on we aren’t there. It is an absolute no-brainer.’

[Oliver_W]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7XE13IXkAYgEIm.jpg

[joeysteele]

No argument from me on this.
I've admired Rory even before he was a Conservative MP.

I believe he could succeed where others fail.
He's just been on the BBC with a totally ignorant ridiculous interviewer/presenter.

He could bring people back to the Conservative party.

I really rate Rory Stewart, he would be a top quality PM and leader.
Will the Conservatives have the courage to elect him.
This could be their best and wisest choice if they do.

I love too, that Rory said this morning, he could not serve in a Johnson cabinet.
More admiration from me to that too.

[Crimson Dynamo]

its usually a quiet one from the back that wins so

[Underscore]

I was hoping Tom Tugendhat or Johnny Mercer would've gone for it. Now holding out hope for Liz Truss

[Oliver_W]

I was hoping Tom Tugendhat or Johnny Mercer would've gone for it. Now holding out hope for Liz Truss

Yeah none of these are bad shouts either tbh!

[Alf]

He studied modern history. Gideon Osborne studied that and he turned out a wrong un.

I'd prefer someone who studied law and politics, to have their finger on the button for us

[bots]

The only thing that matters at the moment from any of them is how the are going to approach brexit

[Cherie]

So many putting themselves forward where were they when Cameron resigned :idc:

[Crimson Dynamo]

whoever they are they need to deal with our Nigel

or they are toast

[MTVN]

The only thing that matters at the moment from any of them is how the are going to approach brexit

That's the truth atm and as much as I like Rory he won't be able to unite the party on Brexit, he would face rebellions on the same scale as May and his approach wouldn't go down well with members

[Twosugars]

Rory is the only decent choice tbh, like him a lot

[Liam-]

Thought this said Rod Stewart for PM and got really confused

[smudgie]

I really like Rory, so much so that I don’t want him to win this time around.
I reckon whoever gets the job is only going to be there short term.
Keep Rory for the longer picture

[Crimson Dynamo]

Thought this said Rod Stewart for PM and got really confused

i did too initially :joker:

[bots]

Amber Rudd isnt standing at the moment because the time isn't right, and Rory should be the same if he had any sense.

At the moment we are in a crisis not dissimilar to war time and it needs someone with leadership skills, communication skills and strength of character. Now is not the time for another John Major.

[arista]

Yes Rory has been on on Every TV News
and every main radio this morning
he will not serve in a Boris Government
thats fine
Spit it all out Rory

[joeysteele]

I really like Rory, so much so that I don’t want him to win this time around.
I reckon whoever gets the job is only going to be there short term.
Keep Rory for the longer picture

He relishes strong challenges however smudgie.
He could make this a great success.

If he was seen to be uniting more Parliament, which I doubt the others could do.
Save maybe Javid or Matt Hancock.

Then that could be a strong uniting force with a good cross section of the voters too.

He could handle Farage easily.
Rory's calm presentation of issues against Farages louder more hostile rhetoric.
Would I feel be much easier on the ear of the vast majority of voters.

Not that around third of voters who clamour after Farage's more aggressive style obviously.

I think Rory could surprise everyone and I think he's the best out of the mainstream box at present.
He's a determined politician who I believe actually has a decent caring side too.

[Vicky.]

Yeah he doesn't sound too bad tbh, a hundred times better than Boris, Gove or Hunt, but that diesn't really take much!

[Cherie]

Thought this said Rod Stewart for PM and got really confused

same :laugh:

[Vicky.]

Amber Rudd isnt standing at the moment because the time isn't right, and Rory should be the same if he had any sense.

At the moment we are in a crisis not dissimilar to war time and it needs someone with leadership skills, communication skills and strength of character. Now is not the time for another John Major.

Well yes, this too. Whoever takes this, its surely a very short term thing, just someone to blame for however Brexit turns out. Which is kind of why I don't get why ANYONE wants it from may, same as it was a bit con fusing how anyone wanted to take over from Cameron. Same as I do not believe 1 bit that Corbyn actually wants another GE if he thinks he will win, noone should want it. Its a poisoned chalice.

Anyone with sense should stay miles away from this really. Let Gove, Hunt and Boris fight it out among themselves. Mind, it would doom us to a few months, maybe a year or so of their rule, but..it would be short term for sure.

Mind, having said that, MPs will for propably forever remain split about 50/50 on Brexit, so maybe..it just will go on with endless votes, so might NOT be short term..hmm.

[GoldHeart]

same :laugh:

Glad I'm not the only one :joker:

[smudgie]

Thought this said Rod Stewart for PM and got really confused

Both called Roderick Stewart, easy to mix up.:joker:

[arista]

1134039194224013312


and

1133713295653916672

[Livia]

I understand Failing Grayling never smoked anything and look what a waste of skin and organs he is.

[bots]

it highlights a weakness of character

[Livia]

it highlights a weakness of character

You never Bots? You didn't partake at uni? Never had a little dabble?

I did quite a lot of chemistry at uni.......

[joeysteele]

I understand Failing Grayling never smoked anything and look what a waste of skin and organs he is.

:joker: 2 days in a row you've had me laughing.
Another good one there.

[arista]

it highlights a weakness of character


Just a error
he made while in Iran.

[Livia]

:joker: 2 days in a row you've had me laughing.
Another good one there.

Grayling... I mean, how long can he carry it off? The man is hopeless at everything! And he's still working.... it's an enigma, joey.

[joeysteele]

Grayling... I mean, how long can he carry it off? The man is hopeless at everything! And he's still working.... it's an enigma, joey.

I have to agree.
There are many others talented in the Conservative party, who wouldn't have likely had one of his gaffes.
Let alone multiple.

Surely under 'any' new leader he will be gone.

[arista]

Grayling... I mean, how long can he carry it off? The man is hopeless at everything! And he's still working.... it's an enigma, joey.



He was the Manager that helped get May Elected in 2016
hence he stayed in the Cabinet.

[Livia]

He was the Manager that helped get May Elected in 2016
hence he stayed in the Cabinet.

It's like everything he touches turns to the effluent that comes out of equines.

He's the antithesis of King Midas.

[reece(:]

5ow00clo09k

[Oliver_W]

The worst I've seen on Twitter about him is either jibes about his appearance, or "hur dur huh, you said something different a few years ago #checkmate ! "

[Livia]

The worst I've seen on Twitter about him is either jibes about his appearance, or "hur dur huh, you said something different a few years ago #checkmate ! "

Twitter is mostly populated by knuckle-dragging bottom-feeders in my experience.

[Matthew.]

Yeah he seems alright tbh

[joeysteele]

Twitter is mostly populated by knuckle-dragging bottom-feeders in my experience.

:joker: oh gosh you're in great form.
3 days in a row of amazing one liners.
:joker:

[arista]

1136601148322918402


Yes Rory
but they still can get the Queen
to Lock up Parliament
to get a WTO going.
Under a Legal way.


It would be Funny
and millions would laugh at it being Locked Up for a few days.

Ask Jacob about the rules,
Young Rory.

[Denver]

He would be terrible

[arista]

He would be terrible



Rory says he can get into the next round
meaning some MP's are ready to go on his list of backers

He was first working in Blair's New Labour
we found out last night
on Peston show ITV1HD

[bots]

i don't rate him and i don't think he would be what the country needs at the moment

[arista]

i don't rate him and i don't think he would be what the country needs at the moment


He is the only one
that Labour fear...................

[reece(:]

1136999787167961088

[Oliver_W]

Sounds good! Building links in the community is always a good thing, and if it helps young people find their way I'm all for it.

[Tony Montana]

Thought this said Rod Stewart for PM and got really confused

Same. :laugh:

[reece(:]

I don't know how he can introduce anything in a minority government

[Oliver_W]

I don't know how he can introduce anything in a minority government

Then I guess you may as well not bother with what any of them say they'll introduce.

something like that though, most would support it I think.

[hijaxers]

1134039194224013312


and

1133713295653916672

Opium wow - had once myself interplanetary :laugh:

[bots]

the more i hear from him, the more i don't like or trust him

[Twosugars]

smoking opium is a big point in favour in my view

I still like him, there's something honest about him
he's the only one I'd not be against, maybe Rudd too
the rest are toxic to varying degrees

[Matthew.]

1136999787167961088

Saw a reply to this tweet that I’d agree with saying “Great idea to offer it, bad idea to make it compulsory”. This idea has put me off of Rory tbh. Like I don’t think there’s bad intentions behind it but if he wants to help young people, then he should be, “committing on the day that he takes over as Prime Minister” to improve mental health services, improve education system, make the minimum wage equal for all workers by scrapping the age gap (idk if that’s the right term but you know what I mean)

Lots of people already volunteer, making it compulsory will mean that nobody will want to do it so I don’t agree with this plan

[arista]

reece and Matthew
do you think Rory will get to the 2nd round?

[Liam-]

Yeah scored a bit of an own goal there did Rory

[Matthew.]

reece and Matthew
do you think Rory will get to the 2nd round?

No I don’t think he will

[user104658]

He's talking an awful lot about "things he'll introduce". Does he know how the government works? He can't introduce anything at all without getting it voted through! The PM has literally zero executive power. :think: someone should let him know, he's getting his hopes up a bit. Maybe Theresa can have a chat with him, because if anyone knows how little power a PM has... :joker:

[bots]

and the tories will be wiped out at the next GE, so there is that little detail :joker:

[arista]

1137980272400576512

[user104658]

1137980272400576512

This video is actually quite interesting you know. People are totally happy to talk to him and engage, warm, polite, welcoming UNTIL they find out he's a politician and then they're like "Nah no thanks bye". It's the simple fact that he's in politics that makes them want to avoid him like the plague. Not surprising but quite illuminating?

[arista]

They are saying around 5:30PM
is Rory's press launch
SkyNewsHD
BBCnewsHD

[arista]

Rory is Live now


https://news.sky.com/story/live-reckless-pledges-criticised-as-more-tories-launch-leadership-bids-11739524


1138497597759459328

[joeysteele]

He is in my view excellent.

Maybe this time, he only leaves his marker but this man would be one of the best ever Conservative leaders.
So hopefully if this isn't fruitful this time, he gets another chance and soon.

I've great admiration and respect for Rory.
He would unite rather than divide, I think the Country not just the Conservative Party.

[Oliver_W]

He is in my view excellent.

Maybe this time, he only leaves his marker but this man would be one of the best ever Conservative leaders.
So hopefully if this isn't fruitful this time, he gets another chance and soon.

I've great admiration and respect for Rory.
He would unite rather than divide, I think the Country not just the Conservative Party.

Yeah, and I think he has elements of New Labour in him while still being a Tory; I think this would win people over from both sides, and see Corbyn off easily.

[MTVN]

Imo he's positioning himself for leader at the next contest rather than having serious ambitions of winning this time around. It's quite possible the Tories could be decimated in a future election and he could then be quite an effective leader of the opposition

[Twosugars]

Dont you just want to give him a cuddle

[arista]

No I don’t think he will


I am amazed
he got through
until next Tuesday , another vote.


1139153821127643136

[bots]

He has a challenge ahead for sure, but he has momentum. The tories rarely elect the favourite

[Oliver_W]

I wonder how the supporters of the people who were evicted will vote.

[Tom4784]

He would be the best option which means it'll never happen because we can't have nice things.

[bots]

I wonder how the supporters of the people who were evicted will vote.

it will eventually morph into a stop Boris campaign, so it will be whoever looks to have the best chance of defeating him. That's why Rory has a better chance than it may look at the moment.

[Twosugars]

I wonder how the supporters of the people who were evicted will vote.

Lol this is not big brother

[arista]

I wonder how the supporters of the people who were evicted will vote.


Only a few may jump over to Rory

[joeysteele]

He's layed into Boris on closing down Parliament.
Rightly too.

Rory Stewart talks more sense with his first word than other politicians do in a whole speech.

[Twosugars]

Rory is too sensible to be chosen by that lot

[Oliver_W]

Lol this is not big brother

Heh, it is in a way! #1984

[arista]

1139870831176245249

[bots]

we will know next week if he has a chance or not. It doesn't matter how popular he is with the public if he doesnt survive next weeks 3 votes

[arista]

1140190816289382402

[bots]

Is Rory another of these religious fanatics?

[Oliver_W]

Is Rory another of these religious fanatics?

Not that I know of, if so it's not reflected in his ideas or anything he's said.

[joeysteele]

I do think no matter what, so far this has been Rory's campaign.

He has impressed the general voters, those too who have turned away from the Conservative Party like myself.

He will not likely serve in a Johnson Cabinet.
He could present big problems for Johnson on the backbenches.

Rory is someone who you can be sure is a man of integrity.
Loyal too usually.
However he will I believe carry out his word if Johnson tries to exclude Parliament.

I think he'd get Labour behind him, just about all other Parties and a good solid chunk of the Conservative Party too.

If he doesn't win the leadership this time, the Conservatives would be mad to not elect him next time.
Or risk losing him altogether.

[arista]

12 more MPs to go for Rory Stewart to get through Tuesday’s vote...

1140337968776908800

[bots]

I think Rory would be totally out of his depth as PM. He reminds me a lot of John Major. He just wouldn't be able to bring the tory mp's in to line ... and that is desperately needed at the moment.

[joeysteele]

I think he'd make a brilliant PM.

Even in this campaign, he has stuck to his guns.
Not afraid to take on Boris, who seems wary of taking him on.

If Rory was leader of the Conservatives and PM.
I think he'd pull in voters from all over the place.
That would give him stature and strength as PM.

I even think he could win an election outright.

He can be really tough when he needs to be and knows when to soften rhetoric and compromise too.

I was really impressed with him on the debate.. Then again I always am when I hear him speak.

[arista]

1140372209724211200

[MTVN]

Gone right off Rory, hes got a real messiah complex where he's totally bought into his own hype

[joeysteele]

1140372209724211200

The best for me by a mile.

Although he isn't likely to win due to the blinkered Conservative membership.
Fooled by Johnson.

If Rory were to win.
For me he'd be the best leader of any Party currently.

I hold enormous respect for Rory Stewart.
He showed understanding, strength, sensitivity, practicality and compassion all through this debate.

He's also one not even trying for a continued Cabinet post under Johnson.
So he's no fool or yes man either.

[bots]

Gone right off Rory, hes got a real messiah complex where he's totally bought into his own hype

yeah, i'm not a fan, and as we are the closest to Tory supporters on this site it doesn't bode well for him :laugh: I also didn't like how he basically stated that any of the candidates there would be better than Boris. If you are going to do the man of the people act, don't criticise the most popular of them all lool

The other one that I didn't like was Raab, didn't like him at all. I wasn't overly impressed with Javid either.The one that I was most comfortable with was Hunt.

[joeysteele]

Wwyeah, i'm not a fan, and as we are the closest to Tory supporters on this site it doesn't bode well for him :laugh: I also didn't like how he basically stated that any of the candidates there would be better than Boris. If you are going to do the man of the people act, don't criticise the most popular of them all lool

The other one that I didn't like was Raab, didn't like him at all. I wasn't overly impressed with Javid either.The one that I was most comfortable with was Hunt.



Well I find your position odd but with respect its your position.

However, just about all my family across the UK,were Conservative supporters, including myself.
Gradually moving away from 2011, as I did.

Even they are impressed by Rory and if he was leader, already many of them would return to support the Conservatives.

As for Rory attacking Johnson.
Well Hunt attacked him in his absence in last night's debate, for not being there.

Rory talked to Boris before the campaign began.
He was led by Boris to believe Boris would not pursue a no deal.
Then said different a few days leader.

Rory now feels Johnson can't be trusted, which I agree with.
He also wants the answer, as all should, to would Johnson prorogue Parliament.
Fudge and silence again from Johnson.

So Rory, states he could not and would not serve in a Johnson led government.
That's commendable and shows his integrity.

I'm not sure Boris will in an election pull enough voters back.
Polls may say he woul and his blinkered supporters may believe said polling..
Then Polls when May took over said she could get over a 100 majority.

I don't want to see the demise further of the Conservative Party.
I said ages ago, the next leader should not be from the old guard but a fresher face.

Rory Stewart said last night he was happy hearing Labour and Lib Dem voters would vote for him in a general election.
That is what the Conservatives need.

I know what he said there was right, I would bet he'd bing votes from both Labour and Lib Dem into the Conservative fold.
Johnson, Hunt, Raab and Gove never likely could.

I far more admire Rory more for refusing to serve in a Johnson Cabinet.
Much more than Hancock now sucking up to Johnson by supporting him, to hold onto a Cabinet post.
It's a weird move from Hancock that, one that stunned me and I liked Hancock.

[Vicky.]

Imo he's positioning himself for leader at the next contest rather than having serious ambitions of winning this time around. It's quite possible the Tories could be decimated in a future election and he could then be quite an effective leader of the opposition

Thats obviously the sensible thing to do. This time is a poisoned chalice. its the next one they should all want tbh, if they have any sense.

[Ammi]

..I can’t look at this title without thinking it says Rod Stewart for PM...his campaign line...do ya think I’m sexy...

[Crimson Dynamo]

he looks like he hast eaten anything but dust for 2 years

people dont like skeletal men like that

they dont trust them


shifty

[arista]

1140527121569333248

[joeysteele]

David Liddington, the sort of current deputy PM is apparently now backing him.

I don't think Johnson wants to debate with Rory for some reason.

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/oCThVjtciFbKVIj1guRGxg/https/d2kmm3vx031a1h.cloudfront.net/PXnW9NPgT7iiKt6OZJo4_tel.JPG

Yes Rory worked as Member of the Army
and MI6.

[Twosugars]

So what if he worked for MI6? Nothing wrong with that.

[Oliver_W]

Makes him a badass tbh <3

[Twosugars]

Hope cons have enough sense to unite around him to stop the blond clown

[LaLaLand]

I think he's great honestly, his experience is great especially in our current hostile climate with everything going on.

He seems (from what I can see just surface level) fair, straight to the point, level-headed and more importantly sticks to his guns.

[arista]

1140586341316616192

[bots]

Rory will need to be out of the bottom 3 to survive past this week. It's not impossible for him to get through and it really depends how well other remainers fair because at some point I expect the leadership to boil down to a leaver vs a remainer in the final 2. That reflects the split in the tory party and it will follow in to the leadership election too.

[joeysteele]

So what if he worked for MI6? Nothing wrong with that.

Nothing at all wrong in fact commendable and in his favour.

Maybe a sort of desperation from the Daily Torygraph which is almost the mouthpiece for a certain Mr Johnson.

[bots]

It's also quite possible for Boris to make an almighty cock up when he is forced out into the open. If he ends up out the race, it's anyones guess who would win

[Twosugars]

Nothing at all wrong in fact commendable and in his favour.

Maybe a sort of desperation from the Daily Torygraph which is almost the mouthpiece for a certain Mr Johnson.

Well said :clap1:

[user104658]

It's also quite possible for Boris to make an almighty cock up when he is forced out into the open.

The scariest part of politics in 2019, though, is that no one would care if he did and it wouldn't reduce his chances at all.

[Livia]

Peston's got his eye on Rory, that's good enough for me.

[Oliver_W]

His response to the MI6 thing should have been "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you"

Funny (for a politician), and pretty much closes the conversation right down.

[Vicky.]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48696619

Four men are left in the race to be next prime minister after Rory Stewart was knocked out.

The international development secretary was eliminated after coming last with 27 votes, 10 fewer than last time.

He said his warnings about a no-deal Brexit "probably proved to be truths people weren't quite ready to hear".

Boris Johnson topped the vote again with 143 votes, 17 more than last time. Jeremy Hunt came second with 54, Michael Gove got 51 and Sajid Javid 38.

Yeah, Boris has this like.

[Livia]

I had high hopes for Rory.

[Vanessa]

Not Boris! D:

[Vicky.]

I had high hopes for Rory.

Yes, me too. However, its a great thing he has been knocked out really as..whoever gets this is going to be nothing more than a scapegoat. If he runs for next leader once Brexit is hpefully sorted and has been duly blamed on Boris..he might have a chance. Its the next leader they should all want to be, not this one.

[Livia]

Yes, me too. However, its a great thing he has been knocked out really as..whoever gets this is going to be nothing more than a scapegoat. If he runs for next leader once Brexit is hpefully sorted and has been duly blamed on Boris..he might have a chance. Its the next leader they should all want to be, not this one.

Got to agree.

[bots]

i wouldn't vote for the tories under any circumstances if Rory ever became the leader. I would vote for Boris

[Cherie]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48696619



Yeah, Boris has this like.

I get the feeling that he will be overtaken by back room shenanigans by Gove :laugh:

[Vicky.]

I get the feeling that he will be overtaken by back room shenanigans by Gove :laugh:

Maybe..the thought of either of them with power terrifies me though. Mind, Hunt would be worse probably too!

[Cherie]

Maybe..the thought of either of them with power terrifies me though. Mind, Hunt would be worse probably too!


Yep all rubbish, but then we have Corbyn as the alternative the UK really is ****ed :laugh:

[joeysteele]

Sad to see Rory go out.

I'm not a Conservative supporter.
However, I don't want to see the Conservative party in any big fall.

Labour has it's problems too and I'm dismayed with that party, which I support.

Really the 2 leaders of the main parties are a disaster now and that further reinforced with Johnson becoming PM..

I think Rory could have persuaded enough Labour MPs to get May's agreement passed.

I don't see any of the contenders left, and certainly not Johnson, ever uniting enough to end this impasse.
A general election wouldn't either.