Chris Grayling derails

Darat · 15th July 2020, 10:04 AM

This really couldn't have happened to anyone else....

He failed to become the chair!

https://www.theguardian.com/politics...security-chair

"....Conservative colleague Julian Lewis secures votes of opposition MPs in humiliation for PM’s pick....

...One source said Grayling “didn’t see it coming...”

The Don · 15th July 2020, 10:07 AM

I can see why Boris Johnson likes him. By comparison Boris Johnson is a political colossus.

Carrot Flower King · 15th July 2020, 10:24 AM

I've long thought that the only reason Grayling advanced from being a non-entity back bencher is that he possesses some very interesting photos of some senior Tories.

Or that Marina Hyde and John Crace invented him as a drunken bet on some Guardian works outing.

No-one can really have mistaken him for someone competent. Can they? Please?

ohms · 15th July 2020, 12:02 PM

Apparently Julian Lewis has had the whip removed for “working with Labour & other opposition parties for his own advantage”.

Captain_Swoop · 15th July 2020, 12:15 PM

Chris Grayling achieves something remarkable...he fails to become the new chair of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee.
Even though parachuted in by a Conservative govt on a Conservative majority system.
Julian Lewis appointed new chairman instead.

At least the country is a safer place than it would have been

Captain_Swoop · 15th July 2020, 12:49 PM

Conservative MP Julian Lewis has been kicked out of the Conservative parliamentary party after beating Chris Grayling to become chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee.

A senior government source told the BBC that Mr Lewis "has been told by the chief whip that it is because he worked with Labour and other opposition MPs for his own advantage".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53422010

Captain_Swoop · 15th July 2020, 01:05 PM

By having a hissyfit about being completely politically outmanoeuvred and throwing Julian Lewis out of the Parliamentary Conservative Party ... Boris and Dom have ensured that the government now have no control over the Intelligence & Security committee just as the RussiReport is about to be released!

Hahahahahahahahaha!

What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out!

GlennB · 15th July 2020, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

By having a hissyfit about being completely politically outmanoeuvred and throwing Julian Lewis out of the Parliamentary Conservative Party ... Boris and Dom have ensured that the government now have no control over the Intelligence & Security committee just as the RussiReport is about to be released!

Hahahahahahahahaha!

What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out!

I cackled quite loudly too

Wudang · 15th July 2020, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out!

We're opening a book on how many missed calls Lewis has from Cummings.

P.J. Denyer · 15th July 2020, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by The Don

I can see why Boris Johnson likes him. By comparison Boris Johnson is a political colossus.

You'd think that life would be pretty easy when your only performance requirement is "don't be better than the boss", but when the boss is Boris Johnson that must be quite a challenge. Luckily Chris Grayling seems to have an unparalleled ability to meet and exceed that challenge. In a government of dismal failure he shines like a burned out bulb, triumphant in his failure. When they write the history of this government I doubt they'll even spell his name right.

How jealous his colleagues must be.

P.J. Denyer · 16th July 2020, 01:45 AM

The potential for the report to be released in it's original form is fantastic news, as is the embarrassment to Johnson, and Failing, but the bigger picture is that this committee is important and while Julian Lewis is not an MP I'd want representing me and has some odd ideas (such as not accepting emails from constituents) he is by all accounts hard working and serious about his responsibilities. It sounds like this should be a much better choice for the country and it's nice to see at least one choice being made for reasons that extend beyond "what is expedient for Boris today".

Tolls · 16th July 2020, 01:56 AM

Originally Posted by ohms

Apparently Julian Lewis has had the whip removed for “working with Labour & other opposition parties for his own advantage”.

The thing is, Julian Lewis is like the Toriest Tory (just look at his voting record), but even he could see that the whole thing was a dangerous power grab by the Executive.

He must have known he was likely to have the whip withdrawn, and whatever gain he got from becoming chair was unlikely to make up for that.

P.J. Denyer · 16th July 2020, 02:38 AM

Originally Posted by Tolls

The thing is, Julian Lewis is like the Toriest Tory (just look at his voting record), but even he could see that the whole thing was a dangerous power grab by the Executive.

He must have known he was likely to have the whip withdrawn, and whatever gain he got from becoming chair was unlikely to make up for that.

The chances of his constituents recalling him are pretty much negligible, and he may have a good enough relationship with his local Conservative Party that he thinks they will refuse to deselect him if Tory Central Office tries to parachute someone in next election. But I think he's assuming that the current personality cult is unsustainable and whoever replaces Johnson will be trying to bring the party back together. Of course it's also possible that he is that rare thing, a politician of conviction albeit convictions that I'd mostly disagree with (with the exception of Chris Grayling should not oversee UK Intelligence and Security, on which I entirely agree with him).

Squeegee Beckenheim · 16th July 2020, 03:20 AM

https://twitter.com/RaynerSkyNews/st...86688217235456

Quote:

The new chair of the ISC has said he believes it was ‘improper’ for the PM to lobby for Chris Grayling to lead the committee. Dr. Julian Lewis has released this statement to @PA :

Statement embedded in tweet.

And, you know what? Magically, the Russia report is due to be released in a couple of days.

Gulliver Foyle · 21st July 2020, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by Carrot Flower King

No-one can really have mistaken him for someone competent. Can they? Please?

For some people having had one's party membership dues paid for them to CPHQ by somebody counts as competence.

a_unique_person · 21st July 2020, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop

Chris Grayling achieves something remarkable...he fails to become the new chair of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee.
Even though parachuted in by a Conservative govt on a Conservative majority system.
Julian Lewis appointed new chairman instead.

At least the country is a safer place than it would have been

I can't believe it. A group of Tories actually think the countries security is more important than party politics.

The Don · 21st July 2020, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

I can't believe it. A group of Tories actually think the countries security is more important than party politics.

Actually, a single Tory - who was then kicked out of the parliamentary party.

The remaining Tories voted for Chris Grayling as ~~Dominic Cummings~~ Boris Johnson instructed them to do. Julian Lewis was supported by the non-Tory members of the committee (IIRC three Labour MPs and one SNP MP) and himself against the four other Tories.

From the reporting of the contents of the report into the Russia investigation, I can see why the government wouldn't want it released and would want a reliable stooge in charge of the committee which could suppress it.

a_unique_person · 22nd July 2020, 12:54 AM

Originally Posted by The Don

Actually, a single Tory - who was then kicked out of the parliamentary party.

The remaining Tories voted for Chris Grayling as ~~Dominic Cummings~~ Boris Johnson instructed them to do. Julian Lewis was supported by the non-Tory members of the committee (IIRC three Labour MPs and one SNP MP) and himself against the four other Tories.

From the reporting of the contents of the report into the Russia investigation, I can see why the government wouldn't want it released and would want a reliable stooge in charge of the committee which could suppress it.

I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns.

The Don · 22nd July 2020, 01:00 AM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns.

If they do, they were very quiet when he had the parliamentary whip withdrawn - how very brave of them.

P.J. Denyer · 22nd July 2020, 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by a_unique_person

I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns.

Well yes, it's just they weren't Tories.

15th July 2020, 10:04 AM	#1
Darat Lackey Administrator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: South East, UK Posts: 101,809	Chris Grayling derails This really couldn't have happened to anyone else.... He failed to become the chair! https://www.theguardian.com/politics...security-chair "....Conservative colleague Julian Lewis secures votes of opposition MPs in humiliation for PM’s pick.... ...One source said Grayling “didn’t see it coming...”
	__________________ I wish I knew how to quit you

15th July 2020, 12:02 PM	#4
ohms Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,429	Apparently Julian Lewis has had the whip removed for “working with Labour & other opposition parties for his own advantage”.
ohms Graduate Poster Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,429	__________________ Long time lurker

15th July 2020, 01:44 PM	#8
GlennB Loggerheaded, earth-vexing fustilarian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Leching at tractors (in Wales) Posts: 27,837	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop By having a hissyfit about being completely politically outmanoeuvred and throwing Julian Lewis out of the Parliamentary Conservative Party ... Boris and Dom have ensured that the government now have no control over the Intelligence & Security committee just as the RussiReport is about to be released! Hahahahahahahahaha! What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out! I cackled quite loudly too
	__________________ "Even a broken clock is right twice a day. 9/11 truth is a clock with no hands." - Beachnut

15th July 2020, 03:35 PM	#9
Wudang BOFH Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: People's Republic of South Yorkshire Posts: 14,470	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out! We're opening a book on how many missed calls Lewis has from Cummings.
	__________________ "Your deepest pools, like your deepest politicians and philosophers, often turn out more shallow than expected." Walter Scott.

15th July 2020, 06:43 PM	#10
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	Originally Posted by The Don I can see why Boris Johnson likes him. By comparison Boris Johnson is a political colossus. You'd think that life would be pretty easy when your only performance requirement is "don't be better than the boss", but when the boss is Boris Johnson that must be quite a challenge. Luckily Chris Grayling seems to have an unparalleled ability to meet and exceed that challenge. In a government of dismal failure he shines like a burned out bulb, triumphant in his failure. When they write the history of this government I doubt they'll even spell his name right. How jealous his colleagues must be.
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	__________________ "I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills

15th July 2020, 10:07 AM	#2
The Don Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sir Fynwy Posts: 34,168	I can see why Boris Johnson likes him. By comparison Boris Johnson is a political colossus.

15th July 2020, 10:24 AM	#3
Carrot Flower King Master Poster Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Northumberland, UK Posts: 2,382	I've long thought that the only reason Grayling advanced from being a non-entity back bencher is that he possesses some very interesting photos of some senior Tories. Or that Marina Hyde and John Crace invented him as a drunken bet on some Guardian works outing. No-one can really have mistaken him for someone competent. Can they? Please?

15th July 2020, 12:15 PM	#5
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 42,154	Chris Grayling achieves something remarkable...he fails to become the new chair of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee. Even though parachuted in by a Conservative govt on a Conservative majority system. Julian Lewis appointed new chairman instead. At least the country is a safer place than it would have been

15th July 2020, 12:49 PM	#6
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 42,154	Conservative MP Julian Lewis has been kicked out of the Conservative parliamentary party after beating Chris Grayling to become chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee. A senior government source told the BBC that Mr Lewis "has been told by the chief whip that it is because he worked with Labour and other opposition MPs for his own advantage". https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53422010

15th July 2020, 01:05 PM	#7
Captain_Swoop Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 42,154	By having a hissyfit about being completely politically outmanoeuvred and throwing Julian Lewis out of the Parliamentary Conservative Party ... Boris and Dom have ensured that the government now have no control over the Intelligence & Security committee just as the RussiReport is about to be released! Hahahahahahahahaha! What I'd give to be a fly on the wall when Cummings found out!

16th July 2020, 01:45 AM	#11
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	The potential for the report to be released in it's original form is fantastic news, as is the embarrassment to Johnson, and Failing, but the bigger picture is that this committee is important and while Julian Lewis is not an MP I'd want representing me and has some odd ideas (such as not accepting emails from constituents) he is by all accounts hard working and serious about his responsibilities. It sounds like this should be a much better choice for the country and it's nice to see at least one choice being made for reasons that extend beyond "what is expedient for Boris today".
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	__________________ "I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills

16th July 2020, 01:56 AM	#12
Tolls Philosopher Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: UK Posts: 5,229	Originally Posted by ohms Apparently Julian Lewis has had the whip removed for “working with Labour & other opposition parties for his own advantage”. The thing is, Julian Lewis is like the Toriest Tory (just look at his voting record), but even he could see that the whole thing was a dangerous power grab by the Executive. He must have known he was likely to have the whip withdrawn, and whatever gain he got from becoming chair was unlikely to make up for that.

16th July 2020, 02:38 AM	#13
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	Originally Posted by Tolls The thing is, Julian Lewis is like the Toriest Tory (just look at his voting record), but even he could see that the whole thing was a dangerous power grab by the Executive. He must have known he was likely to have the whip withdrawn, and whatever gain he got from becoming chair was unlikely to make up for that. The chances of his constituents recalling him are pretty much negligible, and he may have a good enough relationship with his local Conservative Party that he thinks they will refuse to deselect him if Tory Central Office tries to parachute someone in next election. But I think he's assuming that the current personality cult is unsustainable and whoever replaces Johnson will be trying to bring the party back together. Of course it's also possible that he is that rare thing, a politician of conviction albeit convictions that I'd mostly disagree with (with the exception of Chris Grayling should not oversee UK Intelligence and Security, on which I entirely agree with him).
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	__________________ "I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills

16th July 2020, 03:20 AM	#14
Squeegee Beckenheim Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 32,124	https://twitter.com/RaynerSkyNews/st...86688217235456 Quote: The new chair of the ISC has said he believes it was ‘improper’ for the PM to lobby for Chris Grayling to lead the committee. Dr. Julian Lewis has released this statement to @PA : Statement embedded in tweet. And, you know what? Magically, the Russia report is due to be released in a couple of days.
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

21st July 2020, 08:30 AM	#15
Gulliver Foyle Critical Thinker Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Cork baaaiii Posts: 360	Originally Posted by Carrot Flower King No-one can really have mistaken him for someone competent. Can they? Please? For some people having had one's party membership dues paid for them to CPHQ by somebody counts as competence.

21st July 2020, 06:41 PM	#16
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 44,046	Originally Posted by Captain_Swoop Chris Grayling achieves something remarkable...he fails to become the new chair of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee. Even though parachuted in by a Conservative govt on a Conservative majority system. Julian Lewis appointed new chairman instead. At least the country is a safer place than it would have been I can't believe it. A group of Tories actually think the countries security is more important than party politics.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

21st July 2020, 11:41 PM	#17
The Don Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sir Fynwy Posts: 34,168	Originally Posted by a_unique_person I can't believe it. A group of Tories actually think the countries security is more important than party politics. Actually, a single Tory - who was then kicked out of the parliamentary party. The remaining Tories voted for Chris Grayling as ~~Dominic Cummings~~ Boris Johnson instructed them to do. Julian Lewis was supported by the non-Tory members of the committee (IIRC three Labour MPs and one SNP MP) and himself against the four other Tories. From the reporting of the contents of the report into the Russia investigation, I can see why the government wouldn't want it released and would want a reliable stooge in charge of the committee which could suppress it.

22nd July 2020, 12:54 AM	#18
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 44,046	Originally Posted by The Don Actually, a single Tory - who was then kicked out of the parliamentary party. The remaining Tories voted for Chris Grayling as ~~Dominic Cummings~~ Boris Johnson instructed them to do. Julian Lewis was supported by the non-Tory members of the committee (IIRC three Labour MPs and one SNP MP) and himself against the four other Tories. From the reporting of the contents of the report into the Russia investigation, I can see why the government wouldn't want it released and would want a reliable stooge in charge of the committee which could suppress it. I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

22nd July 2020, 01:00 AM	#19
The Don Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sir Fynwy Posts: 34,168	Originally Posted by a_unique_person I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns. If they do, they were very quiet when he had the parliamentary whip withdrawn - how very brave of them.

22nd July 2020, 03:31 AM	#20
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	Originally Posted by a_unique_person I would be surprised if he did this alone. Maybe he did, but I think it is a good guess that others share his concerns. Well yes, it's just they weren't Tories.
P.J. Denyer Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 8,704	__________________ "I know my brain cannot tell me what to think." - Scorpion "Nebulous means Nebulous" - Adam Hills