We also have the previous Russian interference report that was done, which I can only assume is so damaging to the state, that it's never seen the light of day.

They know who all the players are already, the only question is whether new ones have joined since that original report.

It would be fair to say that, as a Labour member, I'm likely biased.

However, it would also be fair to say that if you're truly intent on catching people acting in the interests of Russia, you probably wouldn't be wise to shout "WE'RE INVESTIGATING RUSSIAN INFLUENCE" from the rooftops.

I'll firstly say that Labour really haven't helped themselves with the media circus this time. The media are correct when they point towards the "shambles" in the run-up to the budget. That then gives opportunity to stray away from any positive narratives.

However, it was a good budget.

Are there any Thatcherite Tories left in the party to do this reinvention?

It seems to be full of swivel-eyed right wingers, led by a lunatic who spends too much time consuming US (far) right wing social media commentary.

Tory members would also have to vote for the least crazy option for leader.

Ah, the ol' Farage act, where he conflates "political views" with morals and ethics.

To be brutally honest, it's worked for him so far, largely due to a significant amount of help from the media. It's entirely understandable why he continues with this strategy.

Some lines in the sand need drawing.

Several non-London MPs pointed out to me that almost no one in their constituencies would be affected by the Mansion Tax.

It's a clearly redistributive policy - largely moving wealth from London to council areas outside the capital. Easy sell for Labour MPs outside London (prob. even within tbf).

Signed.

It's been a really rough few months, which come after a rough first year in power for Labour.

This is a good start, but comms are still an issue, the economy is very challenging, and there's the inevitable shit storm of "here's how wealth taxes affect regular people" bollocks to fight effectively.

Agreed, but it was the inevitable and unfortunate direction a 24/7 TV news schedule and clicks/views driven media websites were always heading in, and the only option for them was to enshitify tabloid style journalism even more than it was already enshitified.

Sure. So, running with that assumption, does 13 people (unlucky for them) standing for a photo op, with some barely readable and very small placards, help achieve that? Or is it just protest politics at its finest and very most ineffective?

I'm not sure it's that interesting unfortunately. There's an element in the Labour Party who would much prefer not to be in government, so they could instead live out their dream of eternal protest politics.