The Steeple Times

Tag: general election 2017

  • Analysing Borwick

    Analysing Borwick

    The Cambridge Analytica connection you’ve most likely never heard of; meet The Hon. Thomas Borwick, son of ex-Tory MP Lady ‘Call Me Victoria’ Borwick

     

    The Hon. Thomas Borwick is a figure in the Cambridge Analytica scandal you’ve probably never heard of.

     

    Bizarrely largely overlooked by the mainstream media, the son of the ousted ex-MP for Kensington Lady ‘Call Me Victoria’ Borwick is an extremely well connected man who keeps himself under the radar on social media. The 31-year old has just 500 followers on Twitter – a surprisingly low number given he has been described as a “computer specialist” – and was put in a position of huge power as Vote Leave’s chief technology officer from August 2015 to July 2016.

     

    Educated at the University of Richmond, Virginia from 2006 to 2010, with a period studying law courses at Cambridge briefly during 2008, Borwick subsequently worked in IT for the financial services company Killik & Co in 2012 and simultaneously “developed music technology for interactive lessons.”

     

    More interestingly, this youngster’s move into political data profiling came also in 2012 when he founded a company named Kanto Systems with an aim of “bring[ing] UK Campaigning into the 21st century.” Here, Borwick developed a “mobile canvassing app” and came into contact with Cambridge Analytica in order to provide them with “digital services,” according to The Huffington Post. In turn, he sold an app to Cambridge Analytica’s parent company, SCL, and now, in March this year, his firm was brought in by Ireland’s Save The 8th anti-abortion campaign group as part of their efforts “to persuade Irish voters to keep the country’s strict anti-abortion laws.”

     

    “Hiring Thomas Borwick to create and manage a website is like employing the SAS to run security at a school hop or bringing in Einstein to tot up your shopping bill,” comments journalist Fintan O’Toole in The Irish Times, and in further revelations in the Evening Standard late March, Borwick himself admitted to also having worked with the equally controversial Canadian data firm Aggregate IQ – an operation that earned £3.5 million working for Vote Leave during the 2016 referendum campaign.

     

    The public and press need to wake up and smell the coffee. The manipulation of politics in America, Britain, Ireland and elsewhere runs far deeper than even the most avid viewer of the Daily Politics could imagine. Figures like Thomas Borwick may well operate in the backrooms but it is increasingly becoming apparent that with doorstep canvassing all but irrelevant, such people are worryingly our new political powerhouses.

     

    Follow The Steeple Times on Twitter at @SteepleTimes.

     

  • The Sound of Theresa

    The Sound of Theresa

    In taking three weeks off for a holiday with her ‘Garden Gnome’ hubby, Theresa May has shown where her priorities lie

     

    Whilst orchestrating the most appallingly run election campaign in recent history, Theresa May waxed lyrical about her naughty moments wandering in wheat fields. Now, our Prime Minister, at a time when most would consider themselves lucky to get even a few days off, is jetting off a three-week jaunt with her beloved ‘Garden Gnome-like’ husband, Philip.

     

    Described by the Mail Online as an opportunity to “help her recover from the election disaster”, the couple’s trip will take in northern Italy and the Swiss Alps. No doubt Mrs May will release her inner Heidi and yodel as she wanders and no doubt the hills will come alive to her rendition of The Sound of Music.

     

     

  • Theresa’s Timing

    Theresa’s Timing

    As Theresa May once again proves she has no idea of the concept of “when the time is right”, we join those that suggest the time that she must go is now

     

    Theresa May failed to anticipate the timing of a General Election two weeks ago and got trounced. A week ago, this same self-serving woman didn’t realise that appearing – accompanied by her vast security detail but without bothering to even meet a single victim – for 15 minutes in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy would be perceived as unacceptable. She rightly got savaged by the nation and in a third public relations disaster, yesterday, after Mrs May opted to “schmooze donors” at a Conservative Party fundraiser at The Savoy for 50 minutes, she now again comes under fire for her “appalling lack of judgment”.

     

    Having excused herself from numerous other engagements in recent days by claiming to be “too busy” with Brexit negotiations and preparations for the Queen’s Speech, that Theresa May was able to find the time to rubberneck with captains of finance – including the vastly wealthy Ukranian born businessman Alexander Temerko – shows where her priorities actually lie.

     

    Previously compared to Lady Macbeth due to her sheer cunning dedication to controlling the reigns of power, Mrs May is now increasingly beginning to resemble Marie-Antoinette also. One wouldn’t be surprised if this dead duck Prime Minister is soon heard to say: “Let them eat cake”.

     

    #TimeToGo #BringHerDown #MakeJuneTheEndOfMay

     

    Theresa’s Timing – Theresa May proves she has no idea about timing – As Theresa May proves she has no idea of the concept of “when the time is right”, we join those suggesting now is the time that she must go.
    Theresa May with Mark Field MP and supporters at the Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Association luncheon at The Savoy on Tuesday 20th June 2017.
  • Bumbling Bucketheads

    Bumbling Bucketheads

    Theresa May’s decision to appoint Andrea Leadsom is indicative of where her bumbling bag of bilge government is headed

     

    Last Thursday, at the count in her constituency, the rival candidate to attract the most attention to Theresa May was undoubtedly Lord Buckethead. Though it was his outfit that stood out, his ability to interest the electorate to his cause was actually far more impressive than a Prime Minister who’ll now go down as the “Weakest and Wobbliest” in modern history.

     

    Yesterday, in appointing Andrea Leadsom as Leader of the Commons, May made her worst move since being allowed to form a minority administration. Incapable of coming up with suggestions other than “Brexit will bring a better deal for teaspoons”, Leadsom is known for exaggerating her CV, stating that men shouldn’t be allowed to look after young children as they might be paedophiles and receiving donations to her campaign via companies connected to British Virgin Island based tax havens. She is an extreme Brexiteer, widely disliked and generally considered “a little stupid” and given Mrs May needs to unite rather than divide, her appointment seems an especially curious choice.

     

    As we head into even rockier waters with Brexit negotiations on the horizon, Leadsom is not what the Conservative Party let alone the country needs. She is not a woman who’ll unite her party and she’s not a woman who’ll bring harmony to our divided nation. And nor is Theresa May. It is time these bumbling buckethead imposters departed.

     

    #BringHerDown #MakeJuneTheEndOfMay

     

    Pictured above: Image 1 – Andrea Leadsom with a combine harvester – it is not clear how many wheat fields were naughtily damaged in the taking of that photograph; Image 2 – Prime Minister Theresa May with fellow candidate Lord Buckethead in Maidenhead, Berkshire on 8th June – ‘Team Buckethead’ later captioned the image: “Space Lord meets woman who used to run through fields of wheat”.

     

    Bumbling Bucketheads – Theresa May appointments Andrea Leadsom – Theresa May’s decision to appoint CV faker Andrea Leadsom is indicative of where her bumbling bag of bilge government is headed.
    Andrea Leadsom, plainly afraid of being asked questions, has blocked The Steeple Times’ editor Matthew Steeples on Twitter

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=182&v=hKjGaTytWM4

     

  • Politics With The Pun

    Politics With The Pun

    David Pun gobbled his way through General Election 2017 and was captured on camera by a Mail on Sunday reporter

     

    Mail on Sunday reporter Ned Donovan secured the photo of the evening on General Election night 2017 in capturing party crasher extraordinaire David Pun at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, London in the early hours of 9th June.

     

    In the image, shared on Twitter, Pun – whose claims to his connections at both Harvey Nichols and Peninsula Hotels frequently astound those he meets and whose position on a roll call of ‘shoppers’ in Queensway brought laughter to readers of The Steeple Times in April this year – is pictured raiding a tray of bacon baps as Lady Nugee (AKA Emily Thornberry MP) looks down from an overhead television screen.

     

    Whilst Pun’s voting preferences got no mention, sadly nor did where fellow liggers Denis Doble and Sandra Shevey ended up on that night’s rampage. Whether they got trolleyed with ‘Team Theresa’ at Conservative Central Office or naughty with Nigel Farage at 5 Hertford Street, no doubt canapés aplenty were snaffled.

     

    #Puntastic #NoPunNoParty

     

    Politics With The Pun – David Pun spotted on #GE2017 night – Party crasher David Pun gobbled his way through General Election 2017 and was captured on camera by Mail on Sunday reporter Ned Donovan.

  • The Peoples’ Republic of Kensington

    The Peoples’ Republic of Kensington

    As Kensington turns red, ‘The Steeple Times’ reflects on the defeat of a woman nicknamed ‘#LazyBorwick’ , a win by a hard-left Labour blogger and a need for an MP who’ll now represent all constituents

     

    Last night, in frankly the biggest shock of a shambolic and wholly unnecessary General Election, Kensington replaced one flame haired harridan with another and a Conservative majority of nearly 7,500 votes with a wafer thin Labour majority of just 20.

     

    That a seat, where someone once commented: “Even a pig in a blue rosette would win here”, turned red shocked many but given the apparent laziness of the incumbent Member of Parliament, Lady Borwick, the result was a reflection of the constituency’s dissatisfaction with a woman whose reply rate to constituents was listed as just 18% on the website TheyWorkForYou.com.

     

    Victor Emma Dent Coad represents something that many in the seat will not, however, want. Hard-left, and a Momentum supporter, this blogger undoubtedly can be credited as a dedicated councillor but her tangible lack of anger towards Brexit will come to disappoint the 69% of constituent supporters of ‘Remain’.

     

    After the result was announced, Dent Coad, who was backed to the chagrin of a number of locals by Gina Miller’s ‘Best for Britain’ campaign, told those assembled:

     

    “This constituency is a microcosm of everything that is wrong in this country after seven years of incompetent and uncaring coalition and Tory government”.

     

    “I will do everything in my power in the next five years to make ‘One Kensington’ an example of the finest qualities of common humanity, mutual respect for all our communities and social justice to create a thoughtful, kind, co-operative and tolerant society where we can all prosper and thrive”.

     

    Ousted Lady Borwick spoke briefly and added: “I wish Emma every success, but please be assured, as far as I am concerned, tomorrow I start the fight back for Kensington and the Conservatives”.

     

    On Twitter, actor and local resident John Cleese responded: “Metro, The Mirror and the Evening Standard are blaming me for helping Labour’s chances in Kensington and Chelsea [sic]. Delighted my trick worked…”

     

    Elsewhere, in response to an article published in April in The Steeple Times, a reader and associate of Lady Borwick going only by the name “Daniel M.’ remarked:

     

    “You stupid, stupid people. You have destroyed Victoria Borwick’s majority and you should realise the impact that will have on the area. We do not suit Labour representing us and as someone who has worked with Victoria and knows her well I will tell you this: Shame on you Matthew Steeples. I am disgusted by your vendetta and demand you apologise”.

     

    Ignoring this bitter Tory’s diatribe, Matthew Steeples concluded:

     

    “Annabel Mullin deserves a worthy mention for having increased the Liberal Democrats’ share of votes cast from just 6.6% to 12.2% in spite of having no party structure behind her. Unlike machined up to the hilt Borwick and Dent Coad, she campaigned throughout the electoral area and now, as before, we have a constituency divided between the richer Tory south and the poorer Labour north”.

     

    “Kensington might be perceived as the land of supercars and £120 million houses, but in fact, this is an area with a rife problem of homelessness and an area where people ‘buy-to-leave’ rather than to ‘buy-to-let’ let alone ‘buy-to-live’. Independent, locals businesses are being wiped out here and nowhere is it clearer that ‘money park London’ just cannot be allowed to continue unabated”.

     

    “Emma Dent Coad, undoubtedly, secured an amazing win but it now remains to be seen whether she’ll represent ‘the many’ throughout Kensington or just ‘the cleverly focused few’ she so successfully targeted to secure her victory last night”.

     

    Results (with percentage change from 2015 General Election):

    Electorate – 60,594

    Turnout – 38,677 (63.8%)

    Majority – 20 for Labour (previously 7,361 for the Conservatives)

     

    Emma Dent Coad, Labour Party– 16,333 (+11.1%)

    Lady Borwick, Conservative Party – 16,313 (-10.1%)

    Annabel Mullin, Liberal Democrats – 4,724 (+6.6%)

    Jennifer Nadel, Green Party – 767 (-3.1%)

    James Torrance, Independent – 393 (+1%)

    Peter Marshall, Independent – 98 (+0.3%)

    John Lloyd, Alliance for Green Socialism – 49 (-0.2%)

     

    Pictured above: Ex-MP Lady Borwick with Theresa May; Emma Dent Coad after her victory on Friday

     

  • Theresa’s Trumped

    Theresa’s Trumped

    Blundering bin bag Theresa May will form a minority government today, but it won’t last; the nation want her and her nasty party gone

     

    From the moment Theresa May awkwardly held Donald Trump’s hand in Washington back in January, it was all but over. Cursed by appearing a poodle to the worst POTUS in history, Britain’s then unelected Prime Minister showed herself as a kowtowing coward and a mandateless moron.

     

    May – a self-declared “goody two shoes” whose outfits are supposedly chosen with the help of her ‘charitable’ chum Lady Meyer and whose “most naughty moment ever” was supposedly “golly gosh, running through fields of wheat” – had not needed to call an election but doing so has rightly cost her dear. When the contest was announced back in May, the public, represented best by ‘Brenda from Bristol’, told her: “Not another [election]. Oh for God’s sake, I can’t honestly… I can’t stand this”, but on this Lady Macbeth-like harridan blundered.

     

    Theresa’s Trumped – Theresa Trump got it so wrong and should go – Blundering bin bag Conservative leader Theresa May will form a minority government today, but it won’t last; the nation want her and her nasty party gone
    Philip and Theresa May – a bumbling ‘Wallace & Gromit-like’ duo unsuitable for the task of steering our nation through Brexit and beyond

     

    Appearing on the BBC’s One Show with her garden gnome-like husband, Philip, foolish Mrs May car-crashingly joked about whose responsibility it was to take the bins out – there are, after all, “boys jobs” and “girls jobs” – and kept repeating her mantra of “Strong and Stable”. It was no longer about parties, it was “Theresa’s Team” but what the nation rightly came to understand her as was as one of the worst Home Secretary’s in modern history. Here, indeed, was a woman who’d closed our police stations and here was one who’d shut our fire stations; here was a woman whose friendship with the McCanns had resulted in them getting £11 million for their pointless search and here was a woman whose inquiry into historic abuse cost £100 million, yet, again achieved nothing for victims.

     

    Though, surprisingly, for once, former UKIP’s former leader Nigel Farage got it right in stating: “The vicar’s daughter came across as insincere and establishment… Jeremy Corbyn fought and an amazing campaign and came across well”, it took Labour’s Tom Watson to sum up the mood of the nation when he remarked: “She said she was strong and stable. The public saw she was weak and wobbly”.

     

    The Tory leader shot herself in the foot yesterday and as Paddy Ashdown concluded: “Mrs May: Enough is enough”. Let’s now put the rubbish out and let’s consign Theresa May to the bin bag of history.

     

  • Three Reasons to Vote…

    Three Reasons to Vote…

    A financier, a photographer and a doctor explain why they’ll respectively choose the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and Labour today

     

    Financier Zachary Latif on why he’ll vote for the Conservative Party

     

    Brexit is the primary question

    Firstly, this election was called on the issue of Brexit and when voters go to the polls, the primary question is whom do they want as their chief negotiator to deal with Europe: Will it be Theresa May or will it be Jeremy Corbyn? It is incontrovertible that Theresa May, a lady with a sensible and steady pair of hands, is the one to captain the ship. When I compare her approach to the untried and untested Jeremy Corbyn, I know without a shadow of doubt that I want Theresa May and her team to be leading Brexit.

     

    Making Britain prosperous

    The economy will go through a very shaky time over the next five years and we need a party that has the economic expertise that can guide us through these rocky waters. We all remember the last terrible time under Labour when the treasury was literally left with no money. Britain, now, under the Tories, has low unemployment, a balanced budget and ambitious plans for economic growth. If you want a prosperous Britain then it can only be for the blues.

     

    Multiculturalism and being proud to be British

    The cult of multiculturalism, as Angela Merkel touched on a few years ago, has failed. We need a Britain that revolves around the Union, a bicameral Parliament, the Crown and an understanding of the strong role that the Church (Anglicanism South of the Wall and Presbyterianism North of the Wall) plays. We need a government that is able to both manage the world outside but also be able to stand up for Britain and this precious Union of Nation, as Theresa May puts it. Jeremy Corbyn is a revolutionary but has no instinct for British patriotism – as his extensive links with the IRA testify. The Conservative Party is the only major party that makes one feel proud to be British and also able to retain a global outlook.

     

    Cambridge based Zachary Latif is a founder of Raef LLC, a high yield investment firm. He has appeared as a guest host on CNBC several times and is also an actor and playwright.

     

    Photographer James Smith on why he’ll vote for the Liberal Democrats

     

    Corbyn is the tail shaking the Labour dog

    I’m a centrist and believe government should work for all rather than guarding the wealth or indulging the politics of envy. By pulling his party to the hard left, Corbyn and his army in the wings have allowed May to become more right wing. How dare he and how dare she abandon the middle. Corbyn has alienated so many of his more reasonable party members that only the dregs will serve with him on the front benches. Corbyn may be a great campaigner but he’s been a lazy politician in opposition and seems bored when he’s not absorbing the energy of an adoring crowd. Remind you of anyone?

     

    The Liberal Democrats punched above their weight in the coalition

    I thought the coalition government was a grown-up union born of necessity. Neither party could fall back to their comfort zones, they had to work together to deal with a dire situation. For the most part, both sides did well but the Lib Dems suffered because of lazy accusations of betrayal by their core voters. To me they’ve proven they’re grown-ups. They’re honest that there’s no magic money tree and we’ll all need to pay for the NHS and social care through higher income tax. The idea of a Labour-SNP pact would be the worst of all worlds: Bye bye UK.

     

    The Liberal Democrats could help facilitate a more sensible Brexit

    While I won’t be celebrating a Labour or a Conservative victory, Jeremy Corbyn would be significantly worse for the health of the country. His ideological policies may ultimately harm the people he is trying to help. Emily Thornberry is my incumbent MP and she has been totally unaccountable to her staunchly Remain constituents. She refuses to campaign for a second ‘Are you sure?’ EU referendum, something the local Lib Dem candidate, Alain Desmier, has promised to do. If you must take the UK into radical territory, don’t do it when we’re uncoupling from our like minded neighbours and facing a less stable wider world. Lashing out with a vote for Corbyn is a bit like a hand break turn along a cliff edge.

     

    James Smith is an Islington based photographer. He was educated at a public school and an arts institute.

     

    Sally Jackson on why she’ll vote for the Labour Party

     

    For the many, not the few

    Labour has pledged to rebalance an economy that just works for the likes of billionaires like Sir Philip Green right now. We need a fairer tax system and the guarantee of no income tax rises for those earning below £80,000 a year is proof that Labour will not “tax the country until the pips squeak” – an accusation so commonly thrown by the right that Jeremy Corbyn has again and again disproven.

     

    Doing right by the NHS

    Jeremy Hunt is a symbol of the callous Tories and their assault on humanity. As a healthcare professional I want him and Theresa’s team gone and I believe only Labour will deliver a fairer deal for patients and healthcare workers. We’re under extreme threat right now and cuts to pharmacy funding are one of the worst false economies I’ve come across. As someone wrote on a wall recently: “I’m no gynaecologist but I know a Hunt when I see one”.

     

    It’s not just about Brexit

    I’ve heard enough about “Brexit means Brexit” but I’m glad Jeremy Corbyn voted for Article 50 and opposed a second referendum. The country has spoken and it’s time to get on with it. I supported leave myself and I did so because Europe wasn’t giving us a fair, inclusive society. I believe Labour will give us that and now the focus back on to what’s “Best for Britain” – a phrase that the remoaners Gina Miller and Sir Bob Geldoff should never have been allowed to hijack.

     

    Sally Jackson works as a doctor in Manchester. She was born in Devon and is a graduate of Queen Mary, University of London.

     

  • Flop or Fly?

    Flop or Fly?

    London estate agents launch three properties priced over £25 million each on General Election day

     

    Pundits may be referencing worrying times ahead in Britain’s post-Brexit economy, but London’s top tier estate agents have come out all guns blazing on General Election day and launched a series of jaw droppingly priced properties.

     

    In Knightsbridge’s Lennox Gardens, SW1X – where a similar, though situated on the much more sought after first-floor, apartment was promoted for what then seemed an ambitious £27.5 million ($35.6 million, €31.7 million or درهم130.9 million) in 2015 – Savills showcased a 6,392 square foot second floor flat with a basement annex priced at an even more punchy price of £35 million ($45.4 million, €40.3 million or درهم166.6 million). Aside from 2 vast reception rooms, 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, it comes with not only a fingerprint recognition security system but also 2 gymnasiums, a sauna, a steam room, a treatment room, a wine cellar and even a juice bar.

     

    Elsewhere, this morning, on the UK’s top property portal, OnTheMarket.com, agents Knight Frank listed an apartment in Eaton Square, SW1W for £25 million ($32.4 million, €28.8 million or درهم119 million) whilst Aylesford announced the sale of a house in The Boltons, SW10 for £57.5 million ($74.5 million, €66.2 million or درهم273.8 million). Whether we get Corbyn or May, one is left with just one question: Will these super-prime properities flop or will they fly?

     

    Flop or Fly? London estate agents launch three properties priced over £25 million each on General Election day 2017.
    The main reception room of the £25 million Lennox Gardens apartment on the first floor of ‘The Lennox’, 31-33 Lennox Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW1x
    Flop or Fly? London estate agents launch three properties priced over £25 million each on General Election day 2017.
    The garden of the 2,188 square foot ground and basement apartment at 20 Eaton Square, Belgravia, SW1W
    Flop or Fly? London estate agents launch three properties priced over £25 million each on General Election day 2017.
    The drawing room of the 9,989 square foot 22 The Boltons, Chelsea, SW10
  • A Take On Theresa

    A Take On Theresa

    Artist Enzina Fuschini showcases her take on Theresa May at an exhibition in Chelsea; the work is supposedly anything but political

     

    Italian artist and designer Enzina Fuschini held a press preview for her ‘Impact’ exhibition at Chelsea’s 508 Gallery on the Kings Road last night.

     

    Aside from eleven 100cm by 100cm oil on canvas works, ranging in price from £3,000 to 4,000, and one larger canvas at £6,850, this energetic “pictorial force” has included a timely portrayal of Theresa May. The painting contains all the colours of the Tory leader’s “red, white and blue Brexit” but, according to its artist, presents “her in a timeless style with an ageless expression”.

     

    Of the work, a spokesman for Fuschini remarked:

     

    “[Enzina sought to] portray the woman behind the politician. The painting is not political. She had already started the painting three months before the General Election announcement and intends to give the painting to Theresa May as a keepsake”.

     

    ‘Impact’ will be shown at 508 Kings Road Gallery, London, SW10 0LD until 19th June.

     

    A Take On Theresa – ‘Impact’ by Enzina Fuschini will be shown at 508 Kings Road Gallery, London, SW10 0LD until 19th June – Painting of Theresa May
    One of thirteen works by Enzina Fuschini on display at the exhibtion