Evidently everyone did not know he was leaking cabinet info for money. I didn’t. Gordon Brown didn’t. It is not clear if Starmer knew M had continued his friendship after the Epstein conviction. On the plus side M was known and apparently did get on with Trump.

Evidence please

Blair brought peace to Northern Ireland ending 30 years of killing and refunded the NHS. Economy did well too. Lots of positives but I didn’t agree with him on Iraq. In that case he was also appeasing a belligerent President. We need to declare independence from US- but it will cost.

Starmer not perfect and don’t agree with his pro Israeli position but he isn’t Mandelson nor responsible for Mandelson’s misconduct. When he was appointed the consensus in the media was positive. It wasn’t a bad bet to put him into the US turmoil on what was known at the time. Sadly we need the US.

Get impatient with self indulgent ire directed against political rivals. One of the successful traits of the old Tory party was their tribal loyalty. It helped them to power repeatedly. Why oh why do progressives so easily fall into the trap of rubbishing each other. Compromise works.

So not surprised… but will BBC cover it? Maybe a passing mention after the shipping forecast!