Tory co-chairman alleges Elon Musk is attempting to 'purchase' influence over Reform UK

Lord Johnson warns a Tory activist assembly that Nigel Farage might be reduced to a "puppet" should he take any funds from the tech mogul and Trump supporter Elon Musk.

Journalist on politics @alexrogerssky

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 10:

A leader within the Conservative Party has charged Elon Musk with trying to "purchase" Reform UK after it came to light that the technology magnate might donate $100 million (£78 million) to Nigel Farage's political group.

In an audio clip from a video conference with Conservative supporters that Sky News obtained, Lord Johnson of Lainston described it as "extraordinary" that Mr. Musk, who owns X and Tesla and is considered the wealthiest individual globally, was "essentially purchasing one of the local political parties."

He stated that Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, ought to be "quite ashamed" for considering it, as accepting donations from Mr. Musk could turn him into a "tool of an overseas politician."

During a recent video conference with the group Conservatives Abroad, Lord Johnson shared remarks that align with Kemi Badenoch's current visit to the US. She aims to strengthen relationships with the Republican Party just before Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration.

The Conservative Party leader is scheduled to have discussions with Republican members of Congress. However, it remains uncertain if she will have an opportunity to meet with the incoming President Trump or his senior staff.

Latest in politics: Starmer claims the UK has relied too heavily on its history

News initially surfaced in The Times regarding a possible significant donation from Mr. Musk to the Reform party. According to the publication, Conservative Party members expressed worries about Mr. Musk's alleged plans to donate £78 million to Mr. Farage, who is known to be an associate of Mr. Trump, in what was described as a provocative gesture aimed at Mr. Starmer.

According to a report in the newspaper, should Mr. Musk choose to proceed with his contribution, he plans to channel the funds via the UK division of his social media company X, previously known as Twitter, in an effort to sidestep British regulations that bar foreign contributions to political parties.

Mr. Farage has refuted claims that he accepted any contributions from Mr. Musk, stating on BBC Radio 4’s PM that he had "nothing of the kind" in conversations with the tech mogul.

The head of the Reform Party expressed great admiration for Elon Musk, who is set to co-head a new government efficiency department under President Trump. However, he clarified that he had never requested any financial contributions from Musk, nor had any been proposed.

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He suggested that Reform is open to receiving funds from Mr. Musk, noting, "Considering we're competing with two major parties that have substantial funding while we largely rely on our growing membership fees, yes, I would definitely accept the money."

Lord Johnson, recently named co-chair of the Conservatives with Nigel Huddleston following the election, expressed his astonishment at the party's readiness to be influenced by a foreign politician, describing it as "bizarre for a party that claims to represent Great Britain."

"He went on to say, 'It’s absolutely remarkable that Elon Musk is essentially purchasing one of the political parties here.'"

"It seems to me that Nigel Farage ought to be quite ashamed of this situation, which is likely to have a severe negative impact on his core supporters, their goals, and their organizational management. In my view, Farage turning into a mere puppet for Elon Musk is a terribly poor choice, and it's honestly quite perplexing."

His remarks suggest a change in the Conservative Party's attitude towards Mr. Musk, who has shown considerable backing for Mr. Farage and has made critical remarks about Sir Keir Starmer.

Earlier this week, Conservative shadow minister and previous party leader Richard Holden expressed that he would be open to accepting a contribution from Mr. Musk, reasoning that any backing for Mr. Farage’s party would ultimately benefit Labour.

He stated on GB News, "I would express the same sentiment to Elon Musk, emphasizing that if he, or anyone else for that matter, wishes to see Keir Starmer removed from office, they must back the Conservatives."

Ms. Badenoch has expressed her admiration for Mr. Musk, referring to him as a "tremendous advocate" for free speech.

Lord Johnson expressed his irritation regarding the rumors of a possible contribution from Mr. Musk to the Conservative opponents, stating, "It's aggravating as it diverts attention, and I'm acutely conscious that today's discussions are centered on Reform rather than Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative's latest initiatives."

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"He emphasized the importance of capturing and holding the public's focus to ensure that they reconsider our position instead of turning to what he described as a clearly impractical option," he stated.

In addition to creating challenges for the Conservatives through his endorsement of Reform, Mr. Musk has also clashed with the Labour Party, particularly due to Sir Keir's handling of this summer's riots.

The technology mogul labeled the prime minister as "two tier Keir," criticizing him for what he perceives as inconsistent policing in the UK. He argued that the prime minister's approach led to a disparity where certain protests and demonstrations are managed more strictly than others, a notion that has gained traction among certain right-wing groups.

Further reading: Is Reform UK capturing the male demographic? Advocates against domestic abuse express outrage over remarks by Tice. Former Conservative minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns switches allegiance to Reform.

In a recent development, Labour minister Alex Davies-Jones criticized Elon Musk for meddling in UK politics, following Musk's characterization of Britain as a "tyrannical police state" on his social media site X.

He additionally shared a petition that nearly three million individuals had signed, advocating for a new general election, despite one having occurred just five months prior in July.

"Ms. Davies-Jones expressed disagreement with Elon Musk on Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge, stating, 'I would challenge Musk's assertions that he opposes meddling in the affairs of foreign governments, as I think he should refrain from doing so himself,'" she said last month.

A spokesperson for Reform UK stated, "This exposed audio highlights the sheer alarm within the Conservative Party caused by the rising influence of Reform UK in the UK political landscape."

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Tory co-chair alleges Elon Musk is attempting to 'purchase' influence in Reform UK

Lord Johnson warns a group of Conservative activists that Nigel Farage may be reduced to a "puppet" should he take any funds from tech magnate and Trump supporter Elon Musk.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 22:

A senior figure in the Conservative Party has alleged that Elon Musk is trying to "purchase" Reform UK by offering Nigel Farage's political group a donation of $100 million (£78 million).

In an audio clip from a video conference with Conservative supporters, which Sky News obtained, Lord Johnson of Lainston expressed his astonishment that Mr. Musk, who owns X and Tesla and is considered the wealthiest individual globally, was "essentially purchasing one of the local political parties."

He stated that Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, ought to be "quite ashamed," arguing that he could turn into a "tool of a foreign politician" should he take any contributions from Mr. Musk.

During a recent video conference with the group Conservatives Abroad, Lord Johnson shared remarks that align with Kemi Badenoch's current visit to the US. She aims to strengthen relations with the Republican Party as Donald Trump's inauguration approaches.

The leader of the Conservative Party is scheduled to have discussions with Republican members on Capitol Hill, though it remains uncertain if she will have sessions with the incoming President Trump or his senior staff.

Latest in Politics: Starmer Claims UK Has Relied Too Heavily on Its History

News of Elon Musk's possible contribution to Reform was initially disclosed by The Times. According to the publication, Conservative representatives were worried that Mr. Musk was planning to donate £78 million to Mr. Farage, a supporter of Mr. Trump, as a provocative gesture aimed at Mr. Starmer.

According to the newspaper, should Mr. Musk choose to proceed with his contribution, he plans to channel the funds via the UK division of his social media company X, previously known as Twitter, as a strategy to navigate around British regulations that restrict political donations from overseas entities.

Mr. Farage has refuted claims that he received any contributions from Mr. Musk, stating on BBC Radio 4's PM program this week that he and the tech mogul had not discussed anything resembling that topic.

The head of the Reform party stated that although he greatly respects Elon Musk, who is set to co-chair a new government efficiency department once Mr. Trump takes office, he has "never asked him for a donation, nor has one been given."

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He did suggest that Reform might be open to receiving funds if Mr. Musk were to propose it. He stated, "Considering we're competing with two well-funded major parties and primarily rely on our growing membership fees to get by, would I accept money? Absolutely, I would."

Lord Johnson, recently named co-chair of the Conservatives with Nigel Huddleston following the election, expressed his perplexity over the party's readiness to be influenced by a foreign politician, labeling it "bizarre for a party that claims to represent Great Britain."

"He went on to say, 'It's absolutely astonishing that Elon Musk is essentially purchasing one of the political parties in this country.'"

"It seems to me that Nigel Farage ought to be quite ashamed of this situation, and it's likely to have a major negative impact on his key supporters, their goals, and their organizational management. I find it really detrimental for Farage to be seen as Elon Musk's puppet; it's truly perplexing."

His remarks suggest a change in the Conservatives' attitude towards Mr. Musk, who has shown considerable backing for Mr. Farage and has made critical statements about Sir Keir Starmer.

Earlier this week, Richard Holden, a Conservative shadow minister and ex-chair of the party, expressed openness to accepting a contribution from Mr. Musk, noting that any backing for Mr. Farage's party would ultimately benefit Labour.

He expressed to GB News, "I would convey the same message to Elon Musk, telling him that if his goal is to remove Keir Starmer from his position, then he, as well as anyone else, must throw their support behind the Conservatives."

Ms. Badenoch has expressed great admiration for Mr. Musk, highlighting him as "a tremendous asset to freedom of speech."

Lord Johnson expressed his frustration over the news that Mr. Musk might donate to the Conservative Party's opponents, stating that it was distracting and overshadowing important discussions about Kemi Badenoch and the new agenda of the Conservative Party.

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"He emphasized the need to capture and hold people's attention to ensure they focus on us once more instead of turning to what he described as an unrealistic option," he stated.

In addition to creating problems for the Conservatives through his backing of Reform, Mr. Musk has also clashed with the Labour Party, particularly regarding Sir Keir's handling of this summer's riots.

The technology magnate criticized the prime minister, nicknaming him "two tier Keir" for his handling of the unrest, implying that he presided over a biased policing system in the UK. This notion, popular among certain conservative circles, argues that certain protests and demonstrations receive stricter law enforcement attention than others.

Further reading: Is Reform UK capturing the male demographic? Activists against domestic abuse outraged by remarks from Tice. Former Conservative minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns switches allegiance to Reform.

Recently, Labour Minister Alex Davies-Jones accused Elon Musk of meddling in British political affairs. This came after Musk characterized the United Kingdom as a "tyrannical police state" on his social media platform, X.

He also shared a petition again that was signed by close to three million individuals, demanding a new general election just five months following the one in July.

"Ms. Davies-Jones expressed disagreement with Elon Musk's assertions of non-interference in foreign governments, stating on Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge last month that she thinks he should avoid such actions himself,"

A spokesperson for Reform UK stated: "This leaked audio is a clear indication of the Conservative Party's utter desperation over Reform UK's growing influence in British politics."

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Sir Keir Starmer might not excel in narrative skills, but his leadership will ultimately be evaluated based on his administration's performance. This week, Sir Keir unveiled a new strategic plan for his government, highlighting six key targets that will serve as benchmarks for Labour's effectiveness.

Political correspondent @BethRigby

Friday, December 6, 2024, 05:

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

The setting was cinematic, complete with a substantial budget and a transported audience – the prime minister's "Plan for Change" address echoed the grandeur of previous major campaign events. During this occasion, Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his initial set of commitments, which included reducing NHS wait times and establishing a new border unit to address the issue of small boats, setting the stage for his manifesto aimed at securing an electoral victory.

Five months after taking office, he convened his cabinet and supporters at Pinewood Studios on Thursday to unveil his administration's six key goals.

However, what was intended as a highlight for ticket sales ultimately seemed somewhat lackluster.

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

What does a Labour government entail?

Over the last year and a half, we've established three foundations, initiated five missions, taken six initial actions, and now, as of Thursday, we've reached six key milestones, detailed in a 42-page plan.

When conversing with the prime minister on the fringes of these gatherings, he presents a persuasive argument for his initiatives and the clear vision he holds for governance.

Yet, it seems the original intent is becoming obscured as initial tasks evolve into preliminary stages, then into significant achievements supported by three key pillars.

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Unraveling the story behind the government's actions can be challenging.

Discover more: Prime Minister promises to confront 'coalition of critics' Driving test supervisors accused of pressuring evaluators to be more forgiving

On Thursday, a new plan was introduced with six specific benchmarks established to ensure that you, Whitehall, and the cabinet have a clear understanding of the direction you are headed.

Several represent a shift from earlier commitments made in the manifesto, while others remain consistent.

Some are truly driven, while others are not as much.

The pledge to achieve the highest economic growth rate among G7 nations has been downgraded to a goal, as the government sets a fresh objective to boost living standards across the UK, ensuring that working individuals see an increase in their disposable income.

The concept involves making the commitment more relatable, yet the Prime Minister did not specify his targets for improving living standards. Meanwhile, the available household income is expected to increase by the conclusion of this parliamentary term.

Ahead of the election, the government committed to hiring an additional 6,500 teachers to enhance education in public secondary schools.

The new benchmark being set is to ensure that 75% of five-year-olds in England are prepared for school, an increase from the current level of 67%.

A fresh benchmark has been set to expedite the approval process for over 150 significant economic infrastructure initiatives.

The goal of stationing a designated officer in every community has been set, although the commitment to reduce violence against women and girls by fifty percent has not been established as a key objective.

"Keep the government accountable"

What is the reason for their actions at this time, and what do they hope

At its core, this is an effort to provide voters with specific benchmarks that they can use, in Starmer's own words, to "hold the government accountable".

It seemed somewhat like a mixed bag of initiatives where certain previous commitments were sidelined while others were emphasized.

The goal of building 1.5 million homes, the promise to restore the NHS benchmark of treating 92% of elective patients within 18 weeks, and the vow to achieve sustainable energy by 2030 all represent bold commitments.

However, elements that might be overly challenging or difficult to achieve have been eliminated.

The issue of migration

A major oversight in the achievements was the lack of attention to migration.

For an improved viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

It was unexpected, especially since the prime minister had explicitly stated that his primary focuses in office were the economy and border control, both of which are major issues for the electorate.

Rather than presenting it as a key achievement for which he could be held responsible by the public, the Prime Minister described strengthening border security as a fundamental aspect of his administration's policy.

There isn't a standard by which to evaluate him other than the reduction in net migration, which previously surged to over 800,000 in recent years.

It's possible that he might have set a more ambitious goal regarding the reduction of legal migration or the number of small boat arrivals.

He might have pledged a specific number for deportations, a point Harriet Harman hinted he could have made during our episode of Electoral Dysfunction this week.

Ultimately, it seems that Downing Street concluded the potential pitfalls of establishing goals were too great.

"The lukewarm waters of controlled deterioration"

Facing a disillusioned voting public, widespread skepticism, and a Reform party that capitalizes on anti-political feelings, Starmer is aware that he needs to energize his administration to produce concrete results before the upcoming election. This speech may be remembered as targeting both government officials in Whitehall and the electorate.

In his address, he directly called on the British government to step up, describing his Plan for Change as "the most ambitious governmental plan in a generation." He emphasized that this would necessitate a transformation in governance itself, urging the government to become more proactive, decisive, innovative, and to better integrate technology and artificial intelligence.

"Let there be no doubt, this strategy will arrive at Whitehall, hitting desks with the resounding impact of a challenge being issued, a call to action prompted by the critical nature of our era," he declared to his listeners, sending a clear signal to Whitehall.

"I believe there are numerous individuals in Whitehall who are content in the lukewarm waters of controlled deterioration. They seem to have overlooked, to echo JFK's words, that you opt for change not because it is simple, but because it presents a challenge."

👉 Tap this link to stream Electoral Dysfunction on your favorite podcast platform 👈

Starmer and his team are aware that energizing Whitehall and establishing precise, measurable goals are essential for successful execution of their mission.

The strategy involves conducting inventory checks on the projects and key achievements to ensure that officials are held responsible.

Following Starmer’s significant address, Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden is set to deliver a speech focusing on reforms in the civil service.

During the election, Starmer campaigned with a commitment to bring about change.

Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with all the latest news

Five months on, facing a significant drop in opinion poll ratings, he is presenting a solid strategy for reform.

Currently, it appears that voters are disengaged, as the various promises and goals presented to them are not resonating.

It seems unlikely that Starmer and his team are anticipating a reversal in the polls in the near future.

They remain convinced that by delivering on their commitments to construct additional housing and enhance infrastructure, reduce healthcare wait times, improve living conditions, and enhance public safety, they can overcome the overwhelming wave of skepticism confronting them.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Starmer may not excel in captivating narratives, yet ultimately, his success will hinge not on his eloquence or style, but on his ability to fulfill promises.

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Keir Starmer might not excel in captivating narratives, but his leadership will ultimately be assessed based on his administration's performance. This week, Sir Keir Starmer presented his latest plan for governance, detailing six key targets to evaluate Labour's effectiveness.

Political correspondent @BethRigby

Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:

For optimal video playback, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

The setting was a movie production site, complete with a significant financial backing and an audience transported in for the event—hallmarks of major previous campaign events. At this venue, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled his "first steps" pledge, which included initiatives such as reducing NHS waiting times and establishing a new border force to address the issue of small boats, all part of his strategy to win the upcoming election.

Five months after taking office, he convened his cabinet and supporters at Pinewood Studios on Thursday to unveil his administration's six key objectives.

Yet, if it aimed to create a theatrical highlight, the whole thing seemed somewhat lackluster.

For an optimal video playback experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser

What does a Labour government entail?

Over the last year and a half, three initial foundations have been laid, followed by five significant missions and six initial actions. This Thursday, we reached six crucial milestones, accompanied by a detailed 42-page strategy.

When you converse with the prime minister on the fringes of these gatherings, he presents a persuasive argument for his initiatives and the vision he possesses for the administration.

Yet, it seems the original intent is becoming obscured as initial missions turn into preliminary steps, then evolve into significant milestones supported by three key pillars.

Further Developments with Labour

Starmer Indicates Additional Tax Increases May Be Unavoidable Before Upcoming Election

Are they milestones or millstones for Keir Starmer?

Goals, Initiatives, and Key Achievements: The Evolving Focus of Sir Keir Starmer Compared to Last Year

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Deciphering the government's agenda can be challenging.

Learn more: Prime Minister pledges to confront 'coalition of critics' Driving test authorities accused of pressuring evaluators to go easy

On Thursday, a plan was implemented to establish six clear benchmarks aimed at ensuring that you, Whitehall, and the cabinet have a precise understanding of your objectives.

Several represent a shift from the commitments made in the manifesto, while others remain consistent.

Some are truly driven, while others are not as motivated.

The commitment to achieve the quickest economic growth among G7 nations has been adjusted to a mere "goal." Meanwhile, the fresh benchmark set is to "boost living standards across the UK, ensuring workers have more disposable income."

The concept involves rendering the commitment more relatable, yet the Prime Minister did not specify his targets for enhancing living standards. Meanwhile, household disposable income is projected to increase by the close of this legislative session.

In the lead-up to the recent elections, the government committed to hiring an additional 6,500 teachers to enhance education in public secondary schools.

The new benchmark being proposed is to ensure that 75% of five-year-olds in England are prepared for school at the start of their education, an increase from the current rate of 67%.

A fresh initiative aims to expedite the approval process for over 150 significant economic infrastructure projects.

A commitment has been made to assign a designated officer to every community, although the promise to reduce violence against women and girls by half has not been established as a key objective.

'Keep the government accountable'

What is their purpose for acting at this moment?

Essentially, this endeavor aims to provide voters with definite benchmarks that they can use, in Starmer's own words, to "hold the government accountable."

It seemed like a mixed bag of initiatives, where some previous commitments were sidelined while others were emphasized.

The goal of constructing 1.5 million homes, the promise to restore the NHS benchmark where 92% of patients receive elective care within 18 weeks, and the vow to achieve green energy by 2030 are all quite bold initiatives.

Items that may be too challenging or hazardous have been omitted.

The issue of migration

A significant oversight in the achievements was the issue of migration.

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

It was quite unexpected, especially since the prime minister had explicitly stated that his primary focuses in office were the economy and border control, both of which are major issues for the electorate.

Rather than establishing it as a key benchmark for his administration's success, the Prime Minister described securing borders as a fundamental aspect of his government's policy framework.

There's no standard to gauge his performance other than the reduction in net migration, which previously soared to over 800,000 in recent years.

It's possible that he could have set a more ambitious goal regarding the reduction of legal migration or the number of small boat arrivals.

He might have pledged a specific number for deportations, a point Harriet Harman proposed he could have made during our episode of Electoral Dysfunction this week.

However, it seems that ultimately, Downing Street concluded that setting targets was too hazardous.

'The lukewarm waters of controlled deterioration'

Faced with a disillusioned voter base, pervasive skepticism, and a Reform party that capitalizes on anti-establishment feelings, Starmer understands the need to energize his administration to achieve concrete results before the upcoming election. This speech may well be remembered as being directed as much at government officials in Whitehall as at the electorate itself.

In his address, he boldly called on the British government to step up, describing his Plan for Change as "the most ambitious governmental plan in a generation." He emphasized that this would necessitate a transformation in the way government operates, urging the state to become more dynamic, decisive, innovative, and to better integrate technology and artificial intelligence.

"He made it clear that this strategy will arrive in Whitehall like a gauntlet forcefully dropped, signaling a call to action in these critical times," he declared to his listeners, issuing a stern warning to Whitehall.

"I believe there are numerous individuals in Whitehall who are content in the lukewarm waters of controlled deterioration. They have overlooked, to echo JFK, the idea that you opt for change not because it is simple, but because it presents challenges."

👉 Tap here to stream Electoral Dysfunction on your favorite podcast platform 👈

Starmer and his colleagues are aware that without motivating Whitehall and establishing precise directions and quantifiable milestones for this mission, achieving their goals will be challenging.

The strategy involves conducting inventories of objectives and key achievements to ensure accountability among senior officials.

Following Starmer's significant speech, Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden is set to deliver remarks on civil service reform.

During the election, Starmer campaigned with a commitment to bring about change.

Subscribe to our channel to stay updated with all the latest news

Five months on, facing a significant drop in opinion poll ratings, he is presenting a solid strategy for reform.

Currently, it appears that voters are disengaged, as the promises and goals presented to them are not resonating.

It appears that neither Starmer nor his team are anticipating a quick reversal in the current polling trends.

They firmly believe that by delivering on their commitments to construct additional housing and enhance infrastructure, reduce healthcare wait times, improve living conditions, and enhance safety in public areas, they can overcome the overwhelming skepticism they are currently confronting.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Starmer may not excel in narrative skills, yet ultimately, his success will be measured not by his eloquence or style, but by his ability to achieve results.

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Shadow Chancellor claims Conservative leadership might eliminate the 'untenable' triple lock pension scheme

The Labour Party interprets comments by Mel Stride as evidence that the Conservatives intend to "let down retirees" should they triumph in the forthcoming election.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Friday, December 6, 2024, 01:

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride has indicated that a potential future Conservative administration may consider discontinuing the triple lock on pensions.

In a contentious decision that led Labour to charge the Conservatives with failing the elderly, he stated that the pledge was "untenable" over an extended period.

Implemented under the leadership of the former Chancellor George Osborne during David Cameron's coalition administration, the triple lock ensures that state pension increases align with the higher of average earnings, inflation, or a minimum of 2.5%.

This indicates that the existing weekly state pension of £221.20 will increase by £472 annually starting April 2025, following the recent 4.1% wage growth.

Stay updated: Real-time political news live

During a speech and subsequent Q&A session with political journalists in Westminster, Mr. Stride made a notable indication that pension reforms might be on the agenda should the Conservatives secure a victory in the upcoming election.

He was questioned about comments he made during his tenure as Work and Pensions Secretary under Rishi Sunak, where he reportedly claimed that the triple lock was unfeasible.

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He responded: "It's often claimed that I stated, in your words, it's unsustainable. My actual words were that over an extremely extended period, it is unsustainable. That's merely a fact based on mathematics."

He explained that maintaining the triple lock on the state pension indefinitely would lead to dramatically increasing costs over the years.

"He continued, stating, 'In response to your question, we will examine every detail moving forward, including policies affecting retirees and similar matters.'"

"However, it is accurate to state that our party has consistently advocated for and defended the interests of pensioners."

Explore further political coverage: What are the key achievements of Starmer? Tory co-chair alleges Musk attempts to 'purchase' the Reform party. Visa holdups severely impacting the lives of numerous UK migrants.

Subscribe to our channel to stay informed with all our latest updates.

In reaction to recent comments made by Mr. Stride, a representative for the Labour Party stated: "Mel Stride has inadvertently revealed that the Conservatives intend to abandon the triple lock commitment to pensioners.

In the political arena, the Conservative Party violated the triple lock agreement, adversely affecting retirees financially. Currently, they are poised to repeat the same actions. It appears that the Conservatives have neither heeded advice nor drawn lessons from past experiences.

"This Labour administration is dedicated to improving quality of life and ensuring that retirees receive the respect and stability they are entitled to during their golden years.

"Millions will experience an increase in their state pension of up to £1,900 during this parliamentary session, thanks to our dedication to maintaining the triple lock and our Plan for Change, which aims to boost the economy through investment and reform, thereby increasing individual income."

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Key Achievements or Burdens for Keir Starmer?

Friday, December 6, 2024, 05:31, UK

👉 Tap here to stream the Electoral Dysfunction podcast on your preferred podcast app 👈

As Sir Keir Starmer outlines the "six milestones" his administration aims to achieve before the next general election, Beth, Ruth, and Harriet debate whether it was a prudent decision for the prime minister to exclude immigration from this agenda.

Additionally, as middle-class women of a particular age, they hold opinions on the accusations directed at MasterChef host Gregg Wallace.

Contact us via email at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, share your thoughts on X tagging @BethRigby, or forward a WhatsApp voice message to 07934 200 444.

For further reading: Starmer's big moment didn't impress, though his future will depend on his performance. What are Sir Keir Starmer's key achievements?

Sky News has reached out to spokespersons for Gregg Wallace to respond to the accusations made against him.

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His legal representatives assert that the allegations of him engaging in sexually harassing behavior are "completely untrue."

A representative from the BBC stated that the organization takes any concerns brought to their attention very seriously and has strong procedures to address them. They further noted: "We consistently maintain that any conduct not meeting the BBC's high standards will not be accepted."

Banijay UK, the company behind Masterchef, has hired a legal firm to oversee its investigation. The company emphasized that it treats complaints with utmost seriousness but will refrain from discussing specific allegations during the ongoing investigation.

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Starmer admits more tax increases may be necessary before the upcoming election

The Prime Minister also attributes his declining popularity to his choice to make difficult choices early in his term.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Friday, December 6, 2024, at 12

Sir Keir Starmer has stated that he does not intend to raise additional taxes before the upcoming election; however, he left open the possibility of doing so should unexpected events affect the government.

The prime minister conveyed to the BBC that he does not intend to imply that there will be repeated requests for more, as that is not the agenda.

He mentioned that unforeseen occurrences such as the conflict in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic could potentially require additional tax increases.

Latest in Politics: Prime Minister Holds Talks with Leaders from the UK and Ireland

The statement from the prime minister follows an earlier declaration by Rachel Reeves, his chancellor, who dismissed the possibility of additional tax increases during a business conference earlier this month, but then notably did not reiterate that commitment shortly thereafter.

Several tax increases revealed in the October budget, such as the hike in national insurance payments for employers and adjustments to the inheritance tax affecting certain farmers, have faced public backlash. In response, farmers have organized demonstrations to express their dissatisfaction with these policies.

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When questioned about the decline in his popularity following the election, the prime minister attributed it to the "difficult choices" he made at the beginning of his term.

He expressed to the BBC his desire to avoid the traditional approach of politicians, which he described as indulging in a series of hollow promises.

"I'm ready to put in the hard work and let everyone know it's challenging – we're committed to making it happen, and you'll ultimately benefit from it."

He continued, "The outcome will be an improved health service, superior housing, and lower energy costs. Rightly so, at the end of this parliamentary term, I expect to be evaluated on whether I fulfilled these promises."

In reply, Mel Stride, the opposition's finance spokesperson, commented: "Keir Starmer has escalated taxes to unprecedented heights. He now asserts his desire to provide businesses with stability, yet he fails to address a fundamental inquiry – does he plan to increase taxes further or not?"

It's evident that the effects of his and Rachel Reeves' initial budget are already being felt—just yesterday, the Bank of England indicated that most businesses intend to raise prices and cut jobs, while the CBI has revised its growth forecasts downward.

"Unsurprisingly, he has had to abandon his pledge to boost economic growth."

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On Thursday, the Prime Minister delivered a significant address, pledging progress through six new "milestones" he anticipates achieving before this parliamentary term concludes. These goals include improving living standards across the UK, constructing 1.5 million homes in England, and expediting the planning process for at least 150 major infrastructure projects.

He stated that their initiatives would "propel" his party's objectives forward and enable the public to "keep us accountable." However, he faced questions about why reducing immigration was not included as a priority.

The prime minister stated emphatically, "It is our responsibility to reduce migration, and that is exactly what we intend to do."

Discover more: Is a comeback possible for Labour? Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk attempted to 'purchase' Reform UK.

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In a Friday morning interview with Sky News, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the necessity for the UK to focus on training and apprenticeships to address the aging demographic of its construction workforce, in order to achieve the Prime Minister's targets for housing and infrastructure.

He mentioned, "we will need to hire some workers from abroad."

"He mentioned that the former administration had included construction in the list of shortage occupations, which has had some impact, though it remains insufficient."

Asked if increasing the number of workers aligns with Labour's goal to cut immigration, Mr. Pennycook pointed out that it was the previous administration that simplified the visa process for construction workers and skilled tradespeople.

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Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announces revisions to murder sentencing following Nottingham incidents

In response to recent events in Nottingham, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared plans to introduce changes that will require judges to evaluate harsher prison sentences for murders that involve strangulation or are linked to the conclusion of a romantic relationship.

Friday, December 6, 2024, 13:

Authorities have declared intentions to reassess sentencing procedures for murderers following the incidents in Nottingham.

In June 2023, Valdo Calocane attacked and fatally wounded Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates. He was found guilty of manslaughter instead of murder because he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

In an official statement to the ministry, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted that the approach to handling homicide cases has not undergone a review since the early 2000s.

She stated that following the attack by Calocane, there have been demands for alterations in the way "diminished responsibility is represented within the categorization of homicide charges".

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In a formal statement to ministers, she stated: "After the attacks in Nottingham last year, the relatives of those affected have also demanded changes to the laws on homicide, especially concerning the way diminished responsibility is considered in defining homicide crimes.

The sentencing guidelines for murder that we follow today were initially established more than two decades ago and have since been modified incrementally on several occasions.

"The Law Commission is set to examine the current statutes on homicide, focusing on both complete and partial defenses, as well as the sentencing guidelines for murder."

Ms. Mahmood expressed concerns over gender-based inequalities in murder cases within domestic settings, highlighting both the insufficient consideration of previous abuse in sentencing men who murder their female partners and the excessively harsh sentences for women who kill their male abusers.

The Secretary of Justice announced that in addition to the review, she plans to introduce laws establishing two new statutory aggravating factors in murder cases. These factors will require judges to contemplate more severe prison sentences for murders that involve strangulation or are linked to the termination of a relationship.

The Sunak administration initially revealed plans for a review of murder penalties last year, aiming to strengthen its approach to addressing violence targeting women and girls.

Ms Mahmood mentioned that Clare Wade KC, who is conducting a review on domestic homicide, found that strangulation was a factor in almost one-third of the murder cases she examined.

Read more: Starmer admits possibility of additional tax increases before upcoming election; Tory co-chair alleges Elon Musk aims to 'purchase' Reform UK

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She mentioned that in more than one-third of the instances, the homicide took place at the conclusion or apparent conclusion of the relationship, which seemed to trigger the act of murder.

Ms. Mahmood noted, "The review by the Law Commission is expected to take a few years to finish, after which the government will review the recommendations and propose any required legislation."

"Choosing this path is appropriate for a legal field as intricate as this one, though it's certainly not the fastest."

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Kemi Badenoch asserts that if a Conservative made the same McDonald's quip as Sir Keir Starmer, it would be deemed racist

Sir Keir Starmer made a quip about the Tory leader, suggesting she "turned working class" by working at McDonald's. Kemi Badenoch contends that if a Conservative Prime Minister had made a similar comment, there would be calls for their resignation.

Politics correspondent @alexrogerssky

Friday, December 6, 2024, 2:

Kemi Badenoch has responded sharply to Sir Keir Starmer after he made light of her remarks regarding her time employed at McDonald's, stating that if he were a Conservative prime minister, there would be demands for his resignation.

Ms. Badenoch, the new Tory leader who succeeded Rishi Sunak last month, has shared detailed accounts of her experiences while employed at a fast food restaurant.

She explained that although she was raised in a middle-class household, her job from the age of 16, which involved cleaning toilets and flipping burgers, helped her identify with the working class. She emphasized the humility that came with such roles.

In a significant address yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer playfully ridiculed Ms Badenoch, addressing the crowd in Buckinghamshire by saying, "It's wonderful to be here at the legendary Pinewood Studios, which is considered the heart of the British film industry.

"In the view of the leader of the Opposition, working a few shifts at McDonald's qualifies you as working class. Following that reasoning, if I keep showing up here, I might just turn into the next James Bond."

Latest in Politics: Starmer Holds Talks with Leaders from the UK and Ireland

In her address on Thursday night, Ms. Badenoch remarked that Sir Keir would not have risked making a joke about working at McDonald's had she been a left-wing activist.

"She claimed that the left only shows interest in ethnic minorities when they serve as a means to combat the right."

Indeed, earlier today, the British Prime Minister humorously remarked on my stint at McDonald's.

"He would never have attempted such an action if I were a left-wing activist."

"Had a Conservative prime minister uttered such remarks about a black party leader, accusations of racism would have been leveled against them, along with calls for their resignation."

When journalists inquired about Ms. Badenoch's statements on Friday afternoon, the spokesperson for the prime minister stated that he had "nothing to add."

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Discover more: Conservative leadership might eliminate the 'unfeasible' triple lock on pensions; Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk is attempting to 'purchase' Reform UK.

In the Conservative leadership race, where she faced off against current shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, Ms. Badenoch shared that her stint at McDonald's marked the "first time I truly engaged with individuals from different backgrounds than my own."

"Coming from a middle class background, I entered the working class at age 16 when I started a job at McDonald's," she shared on Chopper's Political Podcast with Christopher Hope.

"Realizing the number of single parents employed there, all striving to support their families."

"The experience also instilled a sense of humility. You were responsible for cleaning the bathrooms yourself; no external cleaning services were hired. Additionally, you needed to cook burgers and manage cash transactions."

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Kemi Badenoch alleges that if a Conservative had made the same quip about McDonald's that Sir Keir Starmer did, regarding the Tory leader's claim of becoming "working class" from working there, it would be criticized as racist and lead to calls for resignation.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Friday, December 6, 2024, 2:

Kemi Badenoch has responded to Sir Keir Starmer's humorous remarks about her experience working at McDonald's, stating that if he were a Conservative prime minister, such comments would likely lead to demands for his resignation.

Ms. Badenoch, the new Tory leader following Rishi Sunak last month, has shared many insights from her experiences working at a fast food restaurant.

She explained that although her upbringing was in a middle-class household, her job at 16, which involved cleaning toilets and flipping burgers, grounded her, making her identify more with the working class. She emphasized the humility that came with the work.

In a significant address yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer playfully taunted Ms Badenoch, addressing the crowd in Buckinghamshire by saying, "It's wonderful to be here at the renowned Pinewood Studios, the heart and soul of the British film industry.

"The head of the Opposition seems to believe that a few shifts at McDonald's can turn you into a working-class individual. Following that reasoning, if I continue to return to this place, perhaps I might still become the next James Bond."

Latest in Politics: Starmer Holds Talks with Leaders from the UK and Ireland

During her address on Thursday night, Ms. Badenoch remarked that Sir Keir would not have risked making a joke about working at McDonald's if she were a left-wing activist.

"She claimed that the left primarily views ethnic minorities as instruments to wage their conflicts against the right."

This morning, the British Prime Minister humorously remarked on my stint working at McDonald's.

"He would never have attempted such a thing if I were a left-wing activist.

"Had a Conservative prime minister uttered such remarks about a black party leader, they would have been labeled a racist and faced calls to step down."

When queried by journalists regarding Ms. Badenoch's remarks on Friday afternoon, the spokesperson for the prime minister stated that he had "no further comment."

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Further reading: Conservative leadership may eliminate the 'untenable' triple lock on pensions. Conservative co-chair claims Elon Musk is attempting to 'purchase' Reform UK.

In the Conservative Party leadership race, where she was a contender alongside the current shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, Ms. Badenoch shared that her initial job at McDonald's provided her first real opportunity to engage with individuals from different backgrounds than her own.

"Coming from a middle class background, I entered the working class at 16 when I started my job at McDonald's," she shared on Chopper's Political Podcast with Christopher Hope.

"Realizing the number of single parents employed there, all striving to support their families financially."

"The experience also instilled a sense of humility. There were no designated cleaners; you were responsible for cleaning the toilets yourself. Additionally, you had to take on various tasks such as flipping burgers and managing cash transactions."

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Kemi Badenoch alleges that a similar joke from a Conservative about Sir Keir Starmer's quip, suggesting the Tory leader claimed to be "working class" due to her time at McDonald's, would have led to calls for resignation. Sir Keir made the remark about the Tory leader's background, which Badenoch believes would have been deemed racist if uttered by a Conservative.

Political journalist @alexrogerssky

Friday, December 6, 2024, 2:

Kemi Badenoch has responded to Sir Keir Starmer after he made light of her remarks about her experience working at McDonald's, stating that if he were a Conservative prime minister, there would be demands for his resignation.

Ms. Badenoch, the new Tory leader following Rishi Sunak, has frequently discussed her experiences working at a fast food restaurant.

She explained that despite her middle-class upbringing, her job at the age of 16, which involved cleaning toilets and flipping burgers, grounded her in working-class values, emphasizing the humility it taught her.

During a significant address in Buckinghamshire yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer playfully teased Ms Badenoch, saying to those gathered at the legendary Pinewood Studios, "It's wonderful to be here at the symbolic heart of Britain's movie sector.

"The head of the Opposition seems to believe that working a few shifts at McDonald's qualifies someone as working class. Following that reasoning, if I continue returning here, I might as well become the next James Bond."

Latest in Politics: Starmer Holds Talks with Leaders from the UK and Ireland

During her address on Thursday night, Ms. Badenoch remarked that Sir Keir would "not have risked" making a joke about employment at McDonald's if she had been a "left-wing activist."

"She claimed that the left only shows interest in ethnic minorities when they serve as a means to combat the right."

Indeed, earlier today, the British Prime Minister humorously remarked on my stint at McDonald's.

"He would never have attempted such a thing if I were a left-wing activist.

"If a Conservative prime minister had uttered those remarks about a black party leader, they would have been labeled a racist and pressured to step down."

When questioned by journalists regarding Ms. Badenoch's remarks last Friday, the spokesperson for the prime minister stated that he had "no further comments."

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Discover further: The Conservative administration may eliminate the 'untenable' triple lock on pensions. Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk attempted to 'purchase' Reform UK.

In the Conservative leadership contest, where she vied with the current shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, Ms. Badenoch expressed that her tenure at McDonald's marked the "first time I genuinely engaged with individuals from different backgrounds than my own."

"Raised in a middle class household, my background shifted to working class at age 16 when I started a job at McDonald's," she shared on Chopper's Political Podcast with Christopher Hope.

"Realizing the number of single parents among us, striving to earn enough to support their families."

"The text also speaks to a sense of humility. You were required to clean the bathrooms yourself; no professional cleaning services were involved. You needed to scrub toilets, cook burgers, and manage cash transactions."

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Conservative peer and benefactor Lord Rami Ranger relinquishes his CBE

A representative for Lord Ranger, who has contributed approximately £1.5 million to the Conservative Party since 2009, stated that he intends to pursue "several legal options" to contest the "unfair" ruling.

Friday, December 6, 2024, 3:

Conservative member of the House of Lords, Lord Rami Ranger, has relinquished his Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honor, only a month after being

An announcement in the London Gazette revealed that the King has ordered the revocation of Lord Ranger's CBE, declaring it "cancelled and annulled."

The PA news agency reports that the Forfeiture Committee's decision followed a review of social media posts by Lord Ranger concerning the Sikh community and his remarks about Pakistanis in various media outlets.

In reply, the Conservative Lord mentioned he would investigate "different legal options" to contest the "unfair" ruling.

Latest in Politics: Stricter Sentences for Killers Who Use Strangulation

A representative for Lord Ranger stated: "Lord Ranger has neither committed a crime nor violated any laws, unlike most individuals who have been stripped of their honors under similar circumstances."

"Lord Ranger is heartbroken that the CBE he received for his contributions to British business and for fostering community unity has been revoked.

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"It is deeply troubling that the honors system, intended to recognize and uplift those who make significant contributions to the country by going above and beyond, is being exploited to suppress essential freedoms of speech and independent thinking."

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The panel also reviewed the report by the House of Lords Commissioner from the previous year, which concluded that Lord Ranger had engaged in bullying and harassment of an Indian journalist on social media.

Since 2009, Lord Ranger has contributed approximately £1.5 million to the Conservative Party and was awarded a CBE in 2016 in recognition of his contributions to business and community unity.

He was granted a title in 2019 as part of Theresa May's farewell honors, but he was stripped of his Conservative party privileges following a reprimand from the standards commissioner.

Being stripped of the whip results in a member being essentially ousted from their party, though they retain their seat in parliament. They are required to sit as an independent until the whip is reinstated.

Last month, the Conservative Party reinstated his party privileges.

It is reported that Lord Ranger has issued an apology to the reporter for his behavior, which involved labeling them as "toxic", "a complete lunatic", and "the absolute embodiment of dirt and trash."

PA reports that the Forfeiture Committee concluded that Lord Ranger should still lose his title, even after his apology.

The resolution led to him being one of six individuals stripped of their awards on Friday.

Among them is technology businessman Lawrence Jones, who was stripped of his MBE following a 15-year prison sentence for multiple sexual offenses last year.

The Forfeiture Committee has the authority to suggest the revocation of an honor due to factors such as criminal convictions and actions that tarnish the reputation of the honors system.

Historical instances of individuals stripped of their honors for tarnishing the reputation of the honors system feature the artist Wiley, who was stripped of his MBE earlier this year following a sequence of antisemitic statements on social media, and ex-Post Office head Paula Vennells, who voluntarily gave back her CBE due to her role in the Horizon scandal.

Further reading: Conservative leadership might eliminate the 'untenable' triple lock on pensions. Conservative co-chair alleges Elon Musk is attempting to 'purchase' Reform UK.

A representative for Lord Ranger stated, "Regardless of the committee's decisions, Lord Ranger will persist in his impactful efforts that have spanned the last three decades and were instrumental in him being originally honored."

"He is exploring all possible legal remedies available to him and intends to contest this unfair decision to restore his reputation and exonerate himself both domestically and internationally. Lord Ranger rightfully earned his CBE."

"The way it was stripped from him is disgraceful."

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