Sue Gray’s salary

It's Chris Mason's. Sue Gray - £170,000 a year. Chris Mason - £260,000...

Why finding out about Sue Gray’s salary really matters
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxgdgkew81o

<words>
[quote]But this story, at its crux, is not about her salary per se
crux
per se - can't remember, again!
tip off
fractious
calibrate
grievance
tenet - I don't understand the film Tenet [quote]they did not dispute the central tenets of our story
vindictive - can't remember, again!
warts and all [Collins]If you describe someone or accept them warts and all, you describe them or accept them as they are, including all their faults.
wart [Collins] A wart is a small lump which grows on your skin.

Sir Keir's freebies and Gray's salary show how fragile the Labour government is. They are sloppy.

The King of the Cadgers

Starmer is also a big Arsenal fun. Had Corbyn received free tickets from FC Arsenal? I don't think so.

Sir Keir Starmer declares gifts and freebies totalling more than £100,000 - the highest of any MP
https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmer-declares-gifts-and-freebies-totalling-more-than-100-000-the-highest-of-any-mp-13217287

Waheed Alli - Indo-Guyanese...

<words>
defiant [quote]PM defiant in face of criticism
incandescent [Collins] (informal)extremely angry; raging. - accent Incan-de-scent
straddle [quote]straddles the two periods

Arsenal FC distances itself from Jeremy Corbyn after ‘Gooners for Corbyn’ post
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/arsenal-jeremy-corbyn-islington-starmer-general-election-b2569034.html

Gooner
Gunnersaurus
canvass - not canvas but same pronunciation
[Collins]If you canvass for a particular person or political party, you go around an area trying to persuade people to vote for that person or party.

'The King of the Cadgers' from The Daily Star headline.
Free-Gear Keir Given £100,000 of Freebies
cadger < cadge
Tay Tay Tickets - Tay Tay £4,000
Footie Tickets - Footie £40,000 / declared £12,588?
Coldplay Tickets £698

The Daily Star... I like BBC always takes the front page of the tabloid paper as the last of the Newspaper headlines.
It's similar as Tokyo Sports. I thought To-Spo copied Daily Star, but it may not. To-Spo founded in 1960 and The Daily Star in 1978. I have no idea when and why these papers started such taste of nonsense on the front pages.

antics

If she is addicted to vaping, she should stop the smoking ban!

Rayner the raver: deputy PM spotted behind decks at Ibiza club
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/30/angela-rayner-raver-deputy-pm-spotted-behind-decks-at-ibiza-club

<words>
[quote]Politicians of all stripes have been chasing the “brat” label all summer, but only one has come close to truly pulling off the role.[unquote]
stripe [Collins]Stripe means 'kind' or 'type' in expressions such as 'of all stripes' or 'of a different stripe'.
pull off [Collins]If you pull off something very difficult, you succeed in achieving it. - it appears in Use of English
rave [Collins] [British slang] to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly
recess [quote]when the parliamentary summer recess ends
antics [Collins][plural noun]Antics are funny, silly, or unusual ways of behaving
flail [quote]His hands flailed wildly, and occasionally swung in time to the music[unquote]
glare [quote]those seeking to avoid the glare of cameras in the foggy smoking area
vaunted [Collins]If you describe something as vaunted or much vaunted, you mean that people praise it more than it deserves.

Hi Ibiza - between the airport and Ibiza town, close to DC10
Gotye, Somebody That I Used to Know, 2011 - dance with this music?? may be dance mix
N-Trance, Set You Free, 1992 - classic!
Denise van Outen - she is older than Rayner
Bic lighter

Deputy PM Angela Rayner spotted raving in Ibiza superclub with DJ FISHER
https://news.sky.com/story/deputy-pm-angela-rayner-spotted-raving-in-ibiza-superclub-with-dj-fisher-13205971

This article reminds me Matt Forde!

punctuate

A short C1 level reading. A lot of good expressions and words.
It's an interesting byline article. I was amused that the front pages of Telegraph and Daily Mail were the portrait, as the article mentions as apocalyptic.

The lady’s not for returning – but where has No 10’s Thatcher portrait gone?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/30/the-ladys-not-for-returning-but-where-has-margaret-thatcher-portrait-gone

<words>
tight-lipped [quote]aides are tightlipped as to whereabouts - Ah, literally!
Irish Taoiseach (pronunciation) 'tee-shack'
punctuate [Collins]If an activity or situation is punctuated by particular things, it is interrupted by them at intervals. [quote]In a summer punctuated by an election and then riots
triviality < trivial
austere [quote]the slightly austere painting of the former prime minister
commission [quote]when Gordon Brown commissioned it
apocalyptic
tinker [quote]tinkering at the margins
cryptically < cryptic [quote]A cryptic remark or message contains a hidden meaning or is difficult to understand.
gilt-framed < gilt [Collins]A gilt object is covered with a thin layer of gold or gold paint.
unsettling [quote]If you describe something as unsettling, you mean that it makes you feel rather worried or uncertain.
number-strong [quote]the near 15,000-strong government art collection[unquote] Ah, literally!
rather [Collins][sentence connector]on the contrary [quote]it was not acquired by the government art collection, rather, the £100,000 cost was paid for by an anonymous donor
hight [quote] at the height of her power

authoritarian

I'll go to the pub even outdoor smoking is banned, but I have to agree with Farage on this 'nanny state'-ish policy. Starmer is same as Sunak in terms of smoking. It's terrible.

Nigel Farage threatens to never go to the pub again if outdoor smoking banned
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/outdoor-smoking-ban-nigel-farage-labour-b2603865.html

<words>
spell
mull [Collins] [US] If you mull something, you think about it for a long time before deciding what to do.
impose [quote]I simply would not go to the pub ever again if these restrictions are imposed.[unquote]
inaugural
instinct (accent) noun

[quote]the Puritans are on the march[unquote]
[quote]authoritarian socialist state control instincts and mentality[unquote]
[quote]He accused the government of ignoring drug abuse, instead implementing policies that will kill off the traditional pub forever.[unquote]
[quote]Intolerance of the behaviour of others and the belief in bans and state control seem to be more popular today than ever.[unquote]

Foreign smokers are very happy to visit Japan where many small pubs allow smoking inside. I don't like smokers, but I'm not intolerant of them.
I don't like far-right, but I'm not intolerant of them.

animosity

He is one of survivors. It's a shame that the LibDem candidate lost narrowly in the constituency .
Tory MPs who survived have racial diversity - Sunak, Braverman, James Cleverly, Priti Patel. Hunt's wife and children.

Jeremy Hunt’s children leave ‘sweet’ notes for Starmer’s son and daughter
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/12/jeremy-hunt-children-leave-sweet-notes-keir-starmer-son-daughter

There are no words!
animosity - it's second time, but I don't remember
[quote]There has never been any personal animosity. We are political opponents

I see. Starmer family will live above No.11 and Rachel Reeves's family will move into above No.10 instead, because it's smaller.

It's real transition, indeed. It looks there are only small hotels in Carmarthen...

foray

Reading Mogg's articles is just a routine. And he is just a celebrity now! Hurrah!

Jacob Rees-Mogg and family to star in fly-on-the-wall documentary
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/10/jacob-rees-mogg-and-family-to-star-in-fly-on-the-wall-documentary

fly-on-the-wall documentary
a fly on the wall [Collins]a person who watches others, while not being noticed himself or herself
slouch [quote]slouching on his back
lift the lid [Wiktionary](intransitive) (chiefly UK, informal, figuratively) To reveal or expose something, especially information. [with on or off]
over the course of time [Cambridge]after a period of time (also in the course of time)
foray[Collins]If you make a foray into a new or unfamiliar type of activity, you start to become involved in it.
stint
run-up to [Collins]The run-up to an event is the period of time just before it. [quote]It will follow him through the run-up to the general election and its aftermath
folk
pretence [BR]

The names of the children. Mini Mogg! Tory boy!
How many children does Jacob Rees-Mogg have with wife Helena de Chair and what are their names?
https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/08/how-many-children-does-jacob-rees-mogg-have-with-wife-helena-de-chair-17323150/

[quote]What could possibly go wrong?[unquote] It's a good expression.

I was completely distracted by the Angela Rayner's tweet. [quote]“half expecting his nanny to march into the chamber with a blanket, pillow and a hot cup of Horlicks for the poor man”.[unquote]
I read the wikipedia of Horlicks, and I found "Goodness gracious me!", a 1960's song, not the famous comedy series, in it and I watched the YouTube of the song, and then I watched the Millionairess. and then... I fell into the "Wiki trap" again!

rule out

Good.UK 's "My Number Card" has been dismissed by the new government. Tony is very persistent!

Minister rejects Tony Blair's ID card call
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87rgj4e0rzo

rule out
promise
in circulation [Collins](of people) active in a social or business context
worth your uwhile [Collins]If an action or activity is worth someone's while, it will be helpful, useful, or enjoyable for them if they do it, even though it requires some effort.
liable [quote]and thus would be liable to deportation
Lord Blunkett - David Blunkett

Border Security Command
Cooper sets out plan to tackle small boat crossings
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp08vyg436jo

bigoted

Reform will be the winner of the vote.

Farage says he is part of ‘similar phenomenon’ to Andrew Tate among young men
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/03/farage-says-he-is-part-of-similar-phenomenon-to-andrew-tate-among-young-men

emasculation
dinghy
backdrop
level pegging
bigoted
defect [Collins]If you defect, you leave your country, political party, or other group, and join an opposing country, party, or group.

courteous

He is on the brink of an abyss, but Mummy Mogg cherishes a hope.

Is this the end for Jacob Rees-Mogg? ‘I don’t know anyone my age who’s voting for him’
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/29/i-dont-know-anyone-voting-for-him-is-this-the-end-for-jacob-rees-mogg

come to a close
sun-dappled
courteous
tightly-knit
stay put
sum up [Cambridge]to describe or express the important facts or characteristics about something or someone:
upbeat
make a fuss
take it on the chin [Cambridge]to accept unpleasant events bravely and without complaining

deranged

Boris Johson and Sella Braverman...　The last gasp of Tory.

Johnson appears on campaign trail at last – to dance on Sunak’s grave
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jul/02/johnson-appears-on-campaign-trail-at-last-to-dance-on-sunaks-grave

Loads of words/phrases of kicking Tories when they are down!

dance on someone's grave
idiocy
show off
to lose your mind [quote]Six weeks is what it would take for the Tories to lose their minds completely.
Leave Them on the Beaches - Sunak < Fight Them on the Beaches - Churchill
pièce de résistance [Collins]The pièce de résistance of a collection or series of things is the most impressive thing in it.
jump the shark[Cambridge]to reach a point where something stops becoming more popular or starts to decrease in quality
cluster-fuck/clusterfuck[Collins](taboo, slang) a situation in which many things go wrong within a short period
threnody [Collins]an ode, song, or speech of lamentation, esp for the dead [quote]A threnody of national shame.
plausible
halfwitted/half-witted adj < halfwit/half-wit noun
whistle-stop tour
rock-solid
stronghold
futility < futile
in unison
inexplicably < inexplicable <<>> explain
deranged
blanch
natch
laughable
half-hearted
Peter out
stump
ineffectual <<>> effect
whimper[Collins] they make quiet unhappy or frightened sounds, as if they are about to start crying.
not with a bang but a whimper [Collins] you mean that it is less effective or exciting than was expected or intended.


Not with a bang but a whimper, indeed.

spout

I've been VERY busy for work and socialising, but I need to find time to update my blog to make notes.
The historical general election day is approaching. I'd like to memorise the day before the big change.

'Gravely concerning' claims of Russian interference in general election to spread support for Farage's Reform
https://news.sky.com/story/gravely-concerning-claims-of-russian-interference-in-general-election-to-spread-support-for-farages-reform-13161235


Oliver Dowden is "the deputy prime minister, who no one knows who he is" - Nigel Farage

these words are familiar with me...
spout
talking point
playbook
cobbler
abhor
far sighted

[quote]The broadcaster also reportedly found most of the administrators for each page are based in Nigeria, which is a significant connection as previous online Russian propaganda networks were found to have been operating from Africa.[unquote]

dismay

A short reading, but I learnt not only history but also good expressions.

‘Never again’: D:Ream ban Labour from using Things Can Only Get Better
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/jun/01/things-can-only-get-better-group-ban-labour-from-using-song

ring out
rain-sodden [Collins]-sodden combines with words such as ' rain' to form adjectives which describe someone or something that has become extremely wet as a result of the thing that is mentioned
dismay [Collins](formal)If you are dismayed by something, it makes you feel afraid, worried, or sad.
sea change [Collins] A sea change in someone's attitudes or behaviour is a complete change.
intrinsically [Oxford]in a way that belongs to or is part of the real nature of somebody/something
< intrinsic

Peter Cunnah is an artist.
[quote]But after the war, I became politically homeless.[unquote]
[quote]I’ve learned the hard way.[..]It’s just a change of guard, someone handing the baton on[unquote]

Tony might have ended the band.
[quote]The original D:Ream line-up also included now-professor Brian Cox, but the group split up shortly after New Labour’s victory in 1997.[unquote]

deplete

Rishi's idea is not popular among pundits.

Rishi Sunak’s national service pledge is ‘bonkers’, says ex-military chief
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/26/rishi-sunaks-national-service-pledge-is-bonkers-says-ex-military-chief

word
bonkers - adjective, not plural nouns
figure [Collins](B2)Someone who is referred to as a figure of a particular kind is a person who is well-known and important in some way.
[quote]former military leaders and Tory figures have said in a new blow to the Conservatives’ faltering election campaign.[unquote]
deplete
suck out
hollow out
ill-thought-out <> well-thought-out
crack down [quote]£1bn would come from cracking down on tax avoidance[unquote]

defence word
chief of the naval staff, chief of the general staff
staff [Collins]the officers appointed to assist a commander, service, or central headquarters organisation in establishing policy, plans, etc
defence minister
national service[wiki]National service is the system of compulsory or voluntary government service, usually military service. Conscription is mandatory national service.
royal commission [wiki]a major ad-hoc formal public inquiry into a defined issue in some monarchies

I'm confused of minister and secretary. I know Michael Portillo, but who is Andrew Murrison?
It looks five minister positions in MoD, according to Wiki.
[quote]placing “potentially unwilling” recruits with professional soldiers “could damage morale, recruitment and retention and would consume professional military and naval resources”.[unquote]

I thought it's sort of a trial balloon, but it's not the first time Tories mention about this.
[quote]As Suella Braverman once said, when you’re in a hole, keep digging.”[unquote]

Napoleon is in a comment of the shadow defence secretary
[quote]Since 2010, Tory ministers have missed recruitment targets every year, hollowed out and underfunded our armed forces, and cut the British army to its smallest size since Napoleon. [unquote]

The article mention how small is the size.
Conservatives want to bring back compulsory national service
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpddxy9r4mdo
[quote]Cuts in the British Army have seen its size fall from more than 100,000 in 2010 to around 73,000 as of January 2024.[unquote]

My concern is Japan LDP will follow this Tory's idea. Japanese media and opposition parties are weak, not like UK.
It sounds like totally impractical as Farage said, but I don't think this is just a joke or a nonsense.
It seems me that the war is approaching to the western countries including Japan.

faltering

Wow. Another high-profile Tory MP!

Michael Gove to stand down at general election in blow to Rishi Sunak amid record Tory MP exodus
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/michael-gove-stand-down-general-election-2024-tory-mp-exodus-rishi-sunak-b1160163.html

<words>
cite
toll - Is this meaning? [Collins]A toll is a total number of deaths, accidents, or disasters that occur in a particular period of time.
public office - it needs to be elected [Collins]Some one who is in public office is in a job that they have been elected to do by the public.
espouse
faltering < falter
levelling up - I cannot find the definition in Collins. Collins is conservative. Cambridge has more new words. "level up" sounds a Japanese-English word, but it looks computer games made the word more common.
[Cambridge](POLITICS UK)to increase pay, living standards, the number of jobs, etc. in areas of the country where they are lower than in others, so that all areas are more equal
[quote]set out the levelling up vision which is so important for our country[unquote]
[quote]enabling me to deepen and intensify the levelling up programme[unquote]
surpassing (accent) - sur-pA-ssing
whistlestop/ whistle-stop [Collins]If someone, especially a politician, goes on a whistle-stop tour, they visit a lot of different places in a short time.
deluge (pronunciation)
up for

The reason of his stepping down is this:
[quote]A constituency-level poll by YouGov last month projected Mr Gove was on track to keep his Surrey Heath seat by a margin of just one per cent, with the Conservatives on 33 per cent and the Liberal Democrats 32 per cent.[unquote]

Tory Boy looks like Gove, but rather Mogg
Tory Boy at breakfast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ewcWGlnrkA
Tory Boy at Party Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWSr1Aw0EBA
Tory boy at the job centre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oQ_tbf6j2A

But the towards the end of the article, it says about Rishi, not Gove.

Rishi Sunak scores own goal with football gaffe on campaign trail in Wales
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/general-election-2024-rishi-sunak-gaffe-south-wales-euros-football-b1159818.html
The self-described “massive football fan”...Titanic Quarter...
He's broke... just repeating "our plan is working"...Poor Rishi...