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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 5h

The Conservative conference has been wrapped up- and so have Margaret Thatcher’s outfits…
Punchy speech from Kemi Badenoch, with some genuine policy rabbits from the hat, received enthusiastically in the hall. But will it change the political weather?
🎩 🐇 👏 #CPC25

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 5h

Did a last broadcast interview for Times Radio before leaving the Conference- and am now heading back home, after stopping for some rather apt refreshment en route…
#cpc25

Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 1d

Well, that was great fun, if a bit surreal- joining Lord Willetts and Salma Shah in talking to @mattchorley.bsky.social on @bbc5live.bsky.social about Margaret Thatcher and whether I want to smell like Coco Pops…
(Just listen back, it’ll make sense. Probably.) www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 1d

Delighted to catch up with Peter Just (@expremiers.bsky.social)
during the book signing for his fascinating new book “Margaret Thatcher- life after Downing Street” here at #CPC25 in Manchester. The conference has a strong Thatcher theme, marking the centenary of the former PM’s birth this month.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 2d

Team #OppositionCast has assembled! For the first time on my autumn political safari I’ve been joined by my co-host: @sarahsouthern.bsky.social and I hit the party circuit at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, where we spoke to a former Prime Minister at a party celebrating another…

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 3d

Back on the party conference road trip again - having been to Birmingham for Reform and Bournemouth for the Lib Dems, I skipped Labour in Liverpool this year, but am now on my way to Manchester for the Conservatives. Challenging times for them, but fascinating times to be studying opposition!

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 4d

Lovely #Parkrun this morning for my local one’s superhero-themed 10th anniversary. Including a guest appearance from Parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt! The sun shone, the wind didn’t blow us into the lake, and there was cake at the finish. A perfect morning.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 5d

Whilst Hyacinth was her most beloved role, there was so much more to her talent. For me, Hetty Wainthropp was her masterpiece- warmth of character tempered by northern grit, she got to show the real depth of her acting. She loved it too:
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Remembers... - Dame Patricia Routledge Remembers... Hetty Wainthropp Investigates

Dame Patricia explains what attracted her to playing the woman who discovers a talent for sleuthing in her sixties, and why such roles are so vital in an industry that places such a focus on youth.

www.bbc.co.uk

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 5d

The sadness at losing the great Patricia Routledge is mixed with the joy of seeing so much love and appreciation for all her work. Having an excuse to watch clips like this will put a smile on your face amid all the gloom.
youtu.be/wisQQueMPxM?...

Kitty 2 - With Patricia Routledge - BBC

YouTube video by maxinebendix

youtu.be

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 5d

Oh no! 😢
Farewell Kitty, Hyacinth and Hetty.
An absolute legend.

Callum May @callummay.co.uk · 5d

PA: Actress Dame Patricia Routledge, best known for TV show Keeping Up Appearances, has died aged 96, her agent said.

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Reposted by Dr Nigel Fletcher

The Centre for Opposition Studies @oppositionstudies.bsky.social · 6d

The latest #OppositionCast is out, looking back at the Labour Party Conference: did Andy Burnham's interventions backfire? And who had their credentials withdrawn? We also discuss security for politicians and look ahead to the Conservative Party conference:
pod.link/oppositionca...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 6d

Thoughts with the victims and all those affected, which includes all Jewish people in Manchester and across the country. Can only imagine how they will be feeling. It really is more important than ever that violence doesn’t succeed in dividing us.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 6d

Hideous, grim news from Manchester. Just absolutely dreadful.

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Reposted by Dr Nigel Fletcher

Emily Pawley @emilypawley.bsky.social · 7d

In food history, we notice how super-refined foods--gelatin, vienna sausage, white bread--lose class and become horrifying once they become industrialized. Suddenly, fingermarks in bread dough demonstrate skill, not clumsiness.

Post-chatGPT, I'm feeling this about writing. Smoothness feels gross.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 10d

…and relax.

Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 10d

The Elves have done it! We made it round the Vitality London 10k, in aid of @meresearchuk.bsky.social, and in memory of our beautiful friend Emily. Thank you to all who sponsored us- but it’s not too late to do so!
And now- CAKE!
🏃‍♂️ 🍰

2025vitalitylondon10000.enthuse.com/pf/emilys-el...

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Reposted by Dr Nigel Fletcher

Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 13d

I've been continuing my party conference safari with a trip to the sunny south coast - and a chat with @eddavey.libdems.org.uk (in between his media stunts).
We talked Reform UK, opposition and reform of our political system. Do take a listen:
pod.link/oppositionca...
#LibDems #PartyConferences

The Centre for Opposition Studies @oppositionstudies.bsky.social · 13d

Off to the seaside for the latest #OppositionCast, as we join the #LibDems for their conference in Bournemouth. Featuring an exclusive interview with leader Sir Ed Davey, taking a break from his media stunts to talk about opposition and how he's taking on Reform UK.
pod.link/oppositionca...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 13d

I've been continuing my party conference safari with a trip to the sunny south coast - and a chat with @eddavey.libdems.org.uk (in between his media stunts).
We talked Reform UK, opposition and reform of our political system. Do take a listen:
pod.link/oppositionca...
#LibDems #PartyConferences

The Centre for Opposition Studies @oppositionstudies.bsky.social · 13d

Off to the seaside for the latest #OppositionCast, as we join the #LibDems for their conference in Bournemouth. Featuring an exclusive interview with leader Sir Ed Davey, taking a break from his media stunts to talk about opposition and how he's taking on Reform UK.
pod.link/oppositionca...

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 14d

Been writing all day and only just surfaced to catch up on news.
It’s just so draining, isn’t it?
The sheer “Oh God, what now?”of it all.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 16d

Doctor Who Caretaker GIF

ALT: Doctor Who Caretaker GIF

media.tenor.com

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17d

Big attendance for Sir Nick Clegg’s return to the #LibDem conference after 10 years, speaking at an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk fringe meeting. He says it’s good to be back, though it risks giving him PTSD…

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17d

EXCLUSIVE: Lib Dem conference reeling following unexpected landslide.
#LibDemConf

A Council sign posted on a door reading:
“Due to a Landslide
The West Cliff Lift will be closed until further notice.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.”

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17d

That the great Terrance was able to cope with having such a namesake makes me feel a bit better about being a Nigel F these days…

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 17d

My #OppositionCast autumn political safari continues with a visit to the sunny seaside in Bournemouth, for the @libdems.org.uk conference. Have had my first sighting of @eddavey.libdems.org.uk - sadly not parachuting onto the platform for his Q&A session.

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Dr Nigel Fletcher @nigelfletcher.bsky.social · 18d

I think we’re uniquely screwed up by being unable to relate to having been a child in the digital age, whilst also unable to relate to having been an adult before it.

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