A new thread is needed, but I’m way too busy right now to produce content to hang it off like I normally would. So beyond pointing out that Newspoll should be along on Sunday evening if its recent form is any guide, I can only draw your attention to other recent posts on next week’s South Australian state election, the situation in Ukraine and related international matters (courtesy of Adrian Beaumount), and a Tasmanian state poll that suggests the Gutwein government’s dominance isn’t quite what it was. Beyond that, over to you.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/03/12/the-cabinet-minister-organising-against-morrison/164700360013493#mtr
I bet Morrison is lamenting not calling an election for November.
Here we go again. A more infectious strain circling, low booster vax numbers and a government unwilling to heed the advice of experts. I’d ask what could go wrong, but we already know!
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/nsw-health-wants-return-to-masks-working-from-home-but-hazzard-not-keen-20220311-p5a3xe.html
‘fess,
Everyone in officialdom is hanging their hat on the spurious point that the new strain of Omicron may be more infectious but, like the original strain of Omicron, it won’t cause massive hospitalisation and death. We’ll see I guess.
Oh well, Scott Morrison will have lots of pretty pictures as mementoes of his time in office. 😐
C@t:
Yes that is true, but nobody ever talks about the debilitating effects of long Covid which we are still learning about.
Good morning Dawn Patrollers
There is growing anxiety in the parliamentary Liberal Party. They are worried they are doomed to oblivion with Scott Morrison and are beginning to look for a way out, writes Paul Bongiorno who has some inside goss.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/03/12/the-cabinet-minister-organising-against-morrison/164700360013493
“Here we are”, says George Megalogenis, “The climate reckoning has come in the space of a single parliamentary term”. He says that while all the attention is on Morrison at the moment, the problem is structural. It goes back to Tony Abbott’s decision to kill bipartisanship on emissions trading in 2009.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/walk-in-circles-mop-up-disasters-australian-politics-still-operates-with-a-male-only-brain-20220310-p5a3or.html
A distinctly unimpressed Tony Wright reckons Scott Morrison seems paralysed by disaster.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/fire-and-rain-scott-morrison-seems-paralysed-by-disaster-20220310-p5a3io.html
John Lord opines that we have a prime minister devoid of principle, accountability and transparency.
https://theaimn.com/a-prime-minister-devoid-of-principle-accountability-and-transparency/
After the trauma of defeat, it makes sense for Labor to play it safe. But why has it taken so long for Albanese to define himself, asks Katherine Murphy.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/12/after-the-trauma-of-defeat-it-makes-sense-for-labor-to-play-it-safe-but-why-has-it-taken-so-long-for-albanese-to-define-himself
Paul Kelly contrasts the speeches on foreign policy and defence delivered last week to the Lowy Institute by Morrison and Albanese.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/morrison-albanese-coincide-on-foreign-policy/news-story/3a865169a7db3ae68a48fdfaf8cf7b32
Morrison’s ‘arc of autocracy’ speech was foreign policy tripe, proclaims Nonoy Kampmark.
https://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/morrisons-arc-of-autocracy-speech-is-foreign-policy-tripe,16140
Greg Sheridan sets out to unpick the bloody obsession driving Putin’s war.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/the-bloody-obsession-driving-putins-war/news-story/1e8c1a8fade52c75bacff42206db4894
Ross Gittins tells us how ‘invisible’ tax breaks for the well-off work like magic. He describes the changes in the ways the government downplays the cost of such tax concessions.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/invisible-tax-breaks-for-the-well-off-work-like-magic-20220310-p5a3n8.html
Putin’s war on Ukraine will shake our world as much as 9/11. Jonathan Freedland urges us to not make the same mistakes.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/11/vladimir-putin-war-ukraine-9-11-al-qaida-russia
Joe Biden says G7 nations will together deal “another crushing blow” to Russia as Moscow appeared to be making more excuses to escalate the war with claims of US chemical weapons activities in Ukraine. The US President announced more economic sanctions as punishment for the invasion, including the G7 revoking Russia’s “most favoured nation” trade status.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2022/03/12/g7-nations-trade-status-russia/
John Hewson writes that we are seeing Morrison’s Katrina.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/03/12/morrisons-katrina/164700360013497
The Morrison government’s response to the flood crisis in Queensland and NSW has found few fans this week, with some of the strongest attacks coming from unlikely sources. In a week in which Barnaby Joyce sparred with the Sunrise ‘family’ and Prime Minister Scott Morrison was accused of hiding from media in Lismore, Senator Bridgett McKenzie was in the firing line while appearing on breakfast television yesterday.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2022/03/11/flood-karl-stefanovic-today-bridget-mckenzie/?breaking_live_scroll=1
Australians who are close household contacts of a positive COVID-19 case may no longer have to isolate under a new system being considered by national cabinet, as political leaders prepare for an expected winter flu and coronavirus spike, writes Dana Daniel.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/national-cabinet-seeks-advice-on-scrapping-isolation-for-covid-19-household-contacts-ahead-of-winter-surge-20220311-p5a3w6.html
Tax cuts to millions of Australians are likely to be extended for another year, government backbenchers believe, in a bid to keep voters onside ahead of the federal election as cost-of-living pressures bite.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tax-offset-likely-to-stay-as-cost-of-living-pressures-increase-ahead-of-election-backbenchers-20220308-p5a2qc.html
There are four reasons why China can’t provide the economic lifeline Vladimir Putin is desperate for as the Russian economy teeters, explains Paul Krugman.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/why-china-can-t-bail-out-putin-s-economy-20220309-p5a2yx.html
Doctors say the passing of Shane Warne and Kimberley Kitching have shone a light on the prevalence of heart disease, as a study reveals COVID-19 may increase the risk of one the nation’s biggest killers.
https://www.smh.com.au/healthcare/this-is-our-biggest-killer-shock-deaths-put-spotlight-on-heart-disease-20220311-p5a3ry.html
Rising fuel prices will have a knock-on effect on the cost of fresh food, with economists warning inflation could rise to its highest level in decades.
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/why-petrol-prices-will-hurt-beyond-the-bowser-20220309-p5a357.html
Latika Bourke tells us that James Paterson, the chair of federal Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee says China wants Australia to be a vassal state like Belarus is to Russia.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/china-wants-australia-to-be-its-vassal-state-intelligence-committee-chair-warns-20220311-p5a3pd.html
Peter van Onselen’s fear is that Labor will win without the mandate it needs to either get on with the serious business of government in the election aftermath, leaving it vulnerable to attacks, or become another do nothing administration. A pretty good read.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/labor-should-be-bold-and-win-mandate-for-action/news-story/36df87a114ce67d2f6aaac9a7fe71592
Phil Coorey tells us why Australia is heading to a khaki election.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/economics-and-national-security-the-pathway-to-a-khaki-election-20220310-p5a3gu
A rule change requiring federal politicians to list contributors to crowdfunding campaigns and financial trusts has reignited Labor’s call for Christian Porter to resign over his so-called “blind trust”. But Porter has dismissed the latest Labor attack as “ridiculous”, arguing the changes are not retrospective, writes Josh Butler.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/12/labor-demands-christian-porter-resign-before-election-after-changes-to-blind-trust-disclosure-rules
As Scott Morrison tries to leverage personal support on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, his tough-guy rhetoric reflects a similar about-face in his dealings with China, says Mike Seccombe.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/03/12/scott-morrisons-tough-guy-rhetoric-china/164700360013491
By cutting public service jobs then outsourcing to contractors, the cost of defence staffing has doubled. With problems from planning through to delivery, the billions being spent are not giving taxpayers value for money, complains Brian Toohey who says that, although he mentioned finite budgets, Dutton sounds like he would be keen to use taxpayer funds to buy some of everything at each arms fair around the world.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/03/12/defence-spending-booms-efficiency-dives/164700360013495
Rick Morton writes that, as extraordinary stories emerge of the rescue efforts in northern New South Wales, with hundreds of people saved, residents describe being completely abandoned by the federal government.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2022/03/12/the-baby-trapped-mud-24-hours-after-the-nsw-floods/164700360013488
Kim Loo writes that the science is settled: climate change, driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas, is increasing the frequency and intensity of short-duration, heavy rain events, and increasing the risk of flash flooding – just like the catastrophic events we are seeing play out right now in NSW and Queensland.
https://thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2022/03/12/climate-change-science-catastrophe/
The architect of landmark Gonski school funding reforms has called on governments to fully finance his review a decade after it was launched and says he regrets not recommending that the money be distributed directly to schools, writes Daniella White.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/if-they-can-t-afford-it-find-other-sources-gonski-calls-to-fully-fund-his-reforms-20220311-p5a3q8.html
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Philip Lowe has warned borrowers to start preparing for higher interest rates, as surging prices of commodities such as oil, gas and coal heap pressure on the central bank to increase rates to control rising inflation.
https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/rba-warns-prudent-to-plan-for-rate-increase-20220311-p5a3w2
Claire Connelly explains how the oil shock will affect the Australian economy.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/economy/2022/03/12/how-will-oil-shock-affect-the-australian-economy/164700360013492
From the Black Summer bushfires to the extreme flooding in Queensland and New South Wales, the hidden aspect of climate change is its enormous impact on health, explains Annabelle Warren.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/health/2022/03/12/how-climate-change-impacting-health-australia/164700360013490
Thousands of food delivery riders potentially eligible for significant backpay face a blow to their chances with Deliveroo using a landmark court decision backing the gig economy model to try to overturn an unfair dismissal case, explains Angus Thompson.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/not-an-employee-deliveroo-challenges-gig-worker-s-unfair-dismissal-case-20220311-p5a3v0.html
Now in his weekly whine, dear old Gerard is upset in his assertion that the ABC’s concept of diversity means conservative-free.
https://amp.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/abcs-concept-of-diversity-means-conservativefree/news-story/93da5fac8732bd2fb065aceea31398dc
In her weekly media roundup, Amanda Meade examines whether media coverage of Shane Warne’s death stepped over the line.
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2022/mar/11/did-media-coverage-of-shane-warnes-death-step-over-the-line
Kristine Ziwica says Morrison is playing games with women’s safety.
https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/opinion/topic/2022/03/12/playing-games-with-womens-safety/164700360013496
The pandemic’s death toll may be three times higher than official COVID-19 records suggest, according to a study that found stark differences across countries and regions. The report says as many as 18.2 million people probably died from COVID in the first two years of the pandemic.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/major-study-finds-covid-death-toll-three-times-higher-than-official-20220311-p5a3w0.html
Former army boss Sir Peter Cosgrove, who led the response to Queensland’s Cyclone Larry, says relying on the military in disasters is unviable and states need a paid, highly trained civilian emergency response force that is modelled on the Army Reserve.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/army-reserve-style-emergency-force-could-improve-disaster-response-cosgrove-20220311-p5a3xv.html
One of the key figures in sports gambling in Australia has opened up about the millions flowing to footy from the gambling companies. Sam McLure explains how it comes in ways that might surprise you.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/the-afl-s-engine-how-gambling-money-underpins-footy-20220214-p59wa7.html
There was something epic about Shane Warne’s life, and even its sad, hugely premature end. Cricket will not see his like again. But why is that so? Mark Sawyer dons the whites and examines the real legacy of the master bowler.
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/women-and-warnie-the-true-and-wondrous-legacy-of-our-most-gifted-sports-star/
Angry, defiant and sometimes tearful, more than two dozen Americans whose lives were upended by the opioid crisis finally had their long-awaited chance yesterday to confront in court some members of the family they blame for fuelling it.
https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/scum-of-the-earth-opioid-victims-face-purdue-pharma-owners-20220311-p5a3r3.html
Cartoon Corner
David Pope
Alan Moir
Andrew Dyson
Matt Golding
Jon Kudelka
Joe Benke
John Shakespeare
Mark Knight
Leak
From the US
Re the comments on the previous thread about Kimberley Kitching’s death being attributed to the stress of factional politics, that apparently originates from the below commentary by Bill Shorten. I don’t take it as an attempt by Shorten- whatever else one thinks about him – to weaponise the issue (which would be deplorable). I took it as fair factual speculation by a layperson (though rhwombat suggested that medically it’s very dubious in this case). The way I took Shorten’s comments from the ABC radio interview – not so much from the report below – was more as if he was regretting having encouraged KK to enter politics and feeling some extended responsibility.
“It’s perhaps fitting that her departure would again feature Shorten.
He rushed to the scene, mourning from the footpath with Kitching’s husband, Andrew Landeryou, as they waited for the undertaker’s van to arrive.
The next morning, grieving and teary, he fronted the camera to memorialise his friend, while finding time to take a dig at her detractors.
“Preselection is never easy,” Shorten said.
“I’m not a coroner, I can’t tell you why this woman of 52 was taken from us. But I have no doubt that the stress of politics and the machinations in the back rooms had its toll.”
Reposted, in case people missed it – William, any chance you can put something on the top?
From Zoe/lizzie’s son:
‘I’ve just had a phone call from Alan Clayton, the group President (of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeaters) he confirmed that making a donation and including a comment relevant to why the donation was being made was possible. Apparently the “GiveNow” donation system has a field into which such messages can be entered. I think the field must appear several pages into the process, as it isn’t obvious on the initial page. This is the link for that system: https://www.givenow.com.au/friendsofthehelmetedhoneyeate
He also said that he would be able to organise a planting of trees in memory of Zoe, as they did for Ken. This could be scheduled for later in the year, so if anyone who was interested and able, and had made a memorial donation, could come along and assist. (Or just cheer us on, if not so able to dig?) Potentially a morning or afternoon tea could take place on the day, as well. Those details will be sorted out at a later date, but if you could mention this possible event to the Twitterverse, along with the donation information, it would be appreciated.’
In case you were wondering why Brad Hazzard will be under pressure to ignore NSW Health’s advice to impose mask mandates……
Via Crikey
Sorry-it’s paywalled
My selection is from a Crikey email
https://thewest.com.au/business/cbd-crisis-perth-australias-emptiest-city-with-occupancy-at-half-pre-pandemic-levels–c-5961046
zoomster:
Thanks for that update, but the link doesn’t work.
Insiders Sunday, 13 Mar
David Speers joins Amy Remeikis, Stan Grant and Lanai Scarr to discuss the government response to devastating floods in NSW and Qld, defence spending plus the tragic and untimely death of Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching.
Guest : Brendan O’connor – Shadow Defence Minister
Looks like a sombre Insiders tomorrow.
Maude Lynne:
Of course. It’s always about the corporate vested interests with the Liberals.
Thank you, BK. Hope you are getting along well. 🙂
Coming along OK, C@t.
Good morning all. A bright sunny day here. Currently windless. Thank you, BK.
fess
The ‘r’ fell off the end — https://www.givenow.com.au/friendsofthehelmetedhoneyeater
Scott Morrison compilation…
https://twitter.com/pepemcgee/status/1501894452444426242?s=21
Emmanuel Mactron giving a whack to another Tory leader:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/11/macron-condemns-uk-grand-statements-ukraine-refugee-crisis
Thanks, as always, BK. Throughout my self-imposed exile I called in every day to look at your list and I cannot stress enough how invaluable and time-saving it is. Cartoons esp. as they tell a story in a glance (except for Shakespeare … his characters look so alike, I rarely get who he is sending up).
I just wanted you to know I’m grateful.
Thanks Jen
Asha
I agree entirely about Ali France, very impressive and very decent. She would make a great local MP in Dickson.
In the UK, no sign of rally round the flag boost for BoJo…
Labour lead at six points in latest results from Deltapoll.
Con 34% (-)
Lab 40% (-1)
Lib Dem 10% (-)
Other 16% (+1)
Fieldwork: 8-11 Mar 2022
Sample: 2,003
Changes from 3-4 Feb 2022
Bernard Keane identifies, correctly, that our nation’s troubles aren’t just our government, it’s the absolute core rottenness of our ruling ‘elite’.
Crikey Keane
A carousel of the same old people whose main attributes are incompetence and greed, both seemingly in infinite quantities. Circulating around at the top of all of our institutions, companies and government, this cabal has ripped us all off blind, all the while having the gumption to tell us all it was for our benefit, as they know best.
They have stymied Australia’s growth as a nation to line each other’s pockets.
We can change governments, which might help at the margins, but until a mighty broom sweeps through that group, the rest of us will suffer for their sins.
The Morrison government is rethinking its budget strategy amid concerns the key pre-election document will be overshadowed by the state memorial service for Shane Warne the next day.
As the federal cabinet met on Friday to sign off on the budget measures, sources said it was likely that some announcements meant to be made on the budget night, March 29, would now be brought forward or delayed until the election campaign, to be called soon after.
There is a suspicion within the government that Victorian Labor Premier Dan Andrews deliberately scheduled the service, expected to be watched by millions, to sabotage the budget, which the government plans as its election campaign springboard.
The government will call the election soon after the budget, for either May 14 or May 21 and is banking on a fight centred on national security and the economy.
https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/warnie-s-memorial-service-delivers-a-budget-googly-20220311-p5a3qm
‘Holdenhillbilly says:
Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 8:50 am
The Morrison government is rethinking its budget strategy amid concerns the key pre-election document will be overshadowed by the state memorial service for Shane Warne the next day.
….’
———————————
HOW FUCKING PATHETIC IS THAT!
z,
It’s never good when your r’s falls off.
Greensborough Growler @ #29 Saturday, March 12th, 2022 – 6:01 am
Actually, it’s an integral part of spoken English if you’re not from the USA, or the SW UK.
Thanks for that, Robert Lee. Bernard Keane is spot on. The ruling elite might let Labor govern for a term or two if they do as they are told (like Hawke or Gillard), but if they behave like Whitlam, no way. Albanese needs to confront them.
NSW :
Another four people have died and 966 remain in hospital.
There were 12,850 positive tests reported in the past 24 hours.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Victoria :
The state reported a further 11 COVID deaths and 6,075 new cases.
There are 175 people are in hospital, with 22 in ICU.
Thanks BK.
I found Murphy…
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/12/after-the-trauma-of-defeat-it-makes-sense-for-labor-to-play-it-safe-but-why-has-it-taken-so-long-for-albanese-to-define-himself
…worse than unimpressive.
IIRC, Albo used the 2020 Budget Reply (his first) to sketch his growing up AND relate that to the importance of early education/support. This, in the context of announcing Labor’s major childcare initiative.
Of course, we were in the early Pandemic era: no one was listening, least of all those lazy @rseholes called ‘journalists.’
Actually, they’re not lazy. They are willing participants in the attack on Labor. The methods? 1) If you’re a RWNJ, lie about Labor (Albo/China etc). 2) If you want to be seen as ‘moderate,’ write occasionally about Coalition failings, but always paint Labor as problematic – evidence-based or (often) not.
Murphy is number 2).
PRGuy @PRGuy17
· 37m
LIBS SPLIT ON SPILL: Senior Liberals are deeply divided over who should lead the party to the election, with numbers being canvassed this weekend to test the waters. A recent poll found Aussies also can’t agree, with voters split on Morrison, Dutton and Frydenberg. #auspol
Part of the communal bill for individuals buying houses on floodplains is that the initial and maintenance infrastructure costs are disproportionate. Accelerated by climate change, the opportunity cost in terms of hospitals foregone, etc, will grow and grow and grow.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/12/roads-ripped-apart-by-nsw-and-queensland-floods-must-be-rebuilt-stronger-councils-say
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/why-petrol-prices-will-hurt-beyond-the-bowser-20220309-p5a357.html
So, inflation is rising. ‘But it would be worse under Labor!’ scream the Coalition, while their media enablers either trumpet that line loudly, or, more insidiously, assume it in their dishonest negative portrayal of Labor in the ‘traditional Coalition strength’ of economic management.
Give me a break…
Re that UK poll, is there really any difference between Starmer and Johnson? Both are pathetic.
‘Sohar says:
Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 9:27 am
Re that UK poll, is there really any difference between Starmer and Johnson? Both are pathetic.’
———————————————————————
I do get sick of Bludger’s Same Same Faciles.
Johnson is an inveterate liar. He has the morals of an alley cat. He is doing severe economic and social damage to Britain. He routinely facilitates xenophobia and racism. The environment is going backwards as a direct result. He has done serious damage to a Europe that generated huge wealth and peace and security for 75 years.
Starmer has done none of the above.
This is horrific:
Lisa Bristow
@LisaHBristow
For those not realising how severely Lismore has been impacted, amongst houses and shops that went under, also police station, fire station, centrelink, disability services, op shops such as St Vincent’s, Lifeline etc, all went under water. Looting is rife and many …
cars and homes that survived the floods are now being subjected to break ins. Have heard various reports of vehicles having windows smashed in by bricks or tearing off their mirrors to smash to look for change. My daughters last pair of shoes was stolen from the back door.
The Peter van Onselen headline (I refuse to pay Merdedoch) – ‘Labor must be bold’ – confirms my rant.
Firstly, I agree with the view that if Labor were PERCEIVED to be bold (by PVO and his mates) they’d be criticised FOR THAT.
Secondly, compared with the repeatedly re-announced announceables of the Coalition, Labor are offering a BOLD agenda. It just doesn’t suit the media requirement to find something – ANYTHING – wrong with Labor.
The media help the Coalition by repeatedly telling us Labor are either 1) timid; or 2) lacking in competence on big things like ECONOMY / NATIONAL SECURITY (compared to Morrison, SERIOUSLY?)
Has any Liberal Minister declared their undying loyality to Morrison yet?
Sohar,
Learn the meaning of the word perspective.
Snappy Tom,
I turned your first rant into a snappy Tweet. Hope you don’t mind? 😀
Well, if I gonna get Covid, it was last night. Been a looong time but finally got out and about and jiggy thanks to Womad and especially Detroit band Inner City.
I don’t know how old Paris Grey is or how she gets herself into such a tight leather number but she struts around owning the stage and crowd like Jagger wishes he could.
This “Labor must be bold” is just reflective of the latest CPG pre-occupation – they’re bored and want a new narrative to play with.
Sohar says:
Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 9:27 am
Re that UK poll, is there really any difference between Starmer and Johnson? Both are pathetic.
Spoken like a Green.
“Starmer has done none of the above.” Gee, some people set the bar so, so low don’t they.
What is your signature move, SK?
Were you at risk of dislocating anything?
I don’t follow UK politics super closely, but from my observations Starmer seems a deeply mediocre, unambitious centrist. Boris Johnson, on the other hand, is a lying, elitist, xenophobic, incompetent, right-wing bastard. Were I British, Starmer would have my vote in a heartbeat.
With Frydenberg, Morrison and Dutton the only viable leadership contenders in the Liberal Party, are we being lead by the FMD coalition?
I’m pretty sure I’ve got some variety of long-Covid. Ever since I caught it about a month and a half ago, I’ve had a mild but frustratingly persistent headache.
Asha says:
Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 9:49 am
….. deeply mediocre, unambitious, lying, elitist, xenophobic, incompetent, right-wing…
Yes. The England we all know.