When Will The Lib Dems Stop Being A Joke?

Summary

The article critically discusses the current state of the Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) in British politics, highlighting the party's perceived lack of seriousness and the unpopularity of its leader, Jo Swinson, as well as the potential leadership bid by Daisy Cooper.

Abstract

The article, titled "When Will The Lib Dems Stop Being A Joke?" reflects on the current perception of the Liberal Democrats as a party that has lost its way. It mocks the party's image, comparing their parliamentary presence to an "office night out" and an amateur theater production. The piece scrutinizes Jo Swinson's leadership and the irony of her potential appointment to the House of Lords despite her unpopularity. It also questions the credibility of Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans, who is considering a run for party leadership, noting her lack of experience and the challenges facing the party, such as upcoming council elections. The article contrasts the current state of the Lib Dems with its past, citing examples of significant contributions from members like John Hemming, who pursued serious issues before the party's image was tarnished by association with frivolous campaigns. The author suggests that the Lib Dems have shifted from addressing substantial matters to "spouting nonsense," aligning themselves with questionable allies and losing their identity as a serious political force.

Opinions

The Lib Dems are portrayed as lacking gravitas, being more akin to a social gathering or a farcical performance than a serious political party.
Jo Swinson's leadership is heavily criticized, with her unpopularity and potential Lords appointment seen as detrimental to the party's image.
Daisy Cooper's potential leadership bid is viewed with skepticism due to her inexperience and the party's need for effective leadership in the face of upcoming elections.
The article longs for a return to a time when Lib Dems like John Hemming engaged with substantive issues, contrasting this with the current party's direction.
The author expresses disdain for the party's current focus on trivial matters and its alignment with controversial figures and groups.
There is a suggestion that the Lib Dems are hypocritical, criticizing figures like Tommy Robinson while associating with NGOs that may have questionable connections.

When Will The Lib Dems Stop Being A Joke?

I’m still chuckling at the picture of the Lib Dems arriving at parliament yesterday.

The jokes write themselves — it’s less a party, than an office night out, they look like an Am Dram production of Eight Wives for Three Brothers etc.

To further add to joke, Jo Swinson, (who is currently about as popular as Rose West, and gets more unpopular the more people see of her), is supposedly being offered a seat in the House of Lords. How would Britain cope without her brand of smug hatred?

Oh and to prove just what a clownshow the Lib Dems are Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans (for all of ten minutes), is considering running for leadership of the party. The party of HRT and cupcakes will no doubt think this is great: never mind that she has no idea of how parliament works, has few connections, and there are council elections on the horizon. Never mind that she has an irritating voice. None of that matters.

One almost wishes for the days of Lembik Opik.

Obviously it would be too much to ask that party to produce another John Hemming. Who was falsely accused by Esther Baker, a ‘friend’ of (Tim Curry impersonator) Jess Phillips — Phillips funnily enough took Hemming’s seat of Birmingham Yardley. And even stranger is that when Hemming emerged victorious from his libel trial in November, newspapers pointed the finger not at Jess Phillips (who just happened to meet Ms Baker in Parliament, and amplify her messages on Twitter) (we should count ourselves lucky that perpetual victim Jess Phillips hasn’t yet resorted to claiming Esther Baker molested her), or at John Mann (everybody’s favourite Tory ((at present)) whom Hemming had previously accused of spreading the smear: but at the Noncefinder General, Tom Watson.

I mention John Hemming, as evidence that there was a time (before the Lib Dems became the Burger King Kids club) when Lib Dems asked serious questions, about serious matters (and apparently stood on some serious toes).

These days they seem happier spouting nonsense.

Speaking of the Greens and the odd company they keep. I noticed this story from Dublin. That Hazel Chu seems a charming woman. But then I hear Lyra McKee was also well liked.

But that’s all fine.

I only mention this because the Lib Dems, are forever mentioning Tommy Robinson lately, but I don’t recall him being accused of murder. Perhaps the Lib Dems will have a word with their NGO pals.