Andrew Stortford
@stortfordandrew.bsky.social
UK Conservative | Africa born | Brixton raised | Career in Finance | Live in Stortford | Brexiteer | ex-Kemi-fan
Stood for election in Parsonage ward in 2023
Stood for election in Parsonage ward in 2023
Facts on the ground are what makes the difference in 2026. Time for Britain to consider deploying to Ukraine BEFORE any ceasefire. If they do, Putin and Trump will be unable to oppose them staying.
In a grandly-staged, and much publicized meeting on Jan. 6, Ukraine and its Western allies celebrated a deal that would pave the way for French and British peacekeeping troops to deploy in Ukraine — once the war is over, of course.
3 glaring issues with the UK-France peacekeeper troops plan for Ukraine
In a grandly-staged, and much publicized meeting on Jan. 6, Ukraine and its Western allies celebrated a deal that would pave the way for French and British peacekeeping troops to deploy in Ukraine — o...
kyivindependent.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Facts on the ground are what makes the difference in 2026. Time for Britain to consider deploying to Ukraine BEFORE any ceasefire. If they do, Putin and Trump will be unable to oppose them staying.
I'm shocked that a senior serving police officer describes himself as a "campaigner". So unprofessional.
Commenting as Govt launch a road safety strategy.
Every death on our roads is unacceptable. We need a Vision Zero ethos: no deaths or serious injury. Change driving culture, reject speeding, use speed-limiting tech, strengthen sentences, end ‘accident’ language. Driving is a privilege, not a right.
Every death on our roads is unacceptable. We need a Vision Zero ethos: no deaths or serious injury. Change driving culture, reject speeding, use speed-limiting tech, strengthen sentences, end ‘accident’ language. Driving is a privilege, not a right.
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 PM
I'm shocked that a senior serving police officer describes himself as a "campaigner". So unprofessional.
Won't be long before Labour are in 4th, behind the Greens.
Our poll tracker now says: Labour is in third www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-...
It's official: Labour is now in third place
The party is no longer the default anti-Farage choice
www.newstatesman.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:36 PM
Won't be long before Labour are in 4th, behind the Greens.
<<mind blown>>
January 5, 2026 at 4:25 PM
<<mind blown>>
Real decisions about tactical voting wont happen until we're much closer to the election. When it comes, whether Grn/LDs are prepared to vote Lab to keep out Reform will be key - and very hard to answer right now (Lab/Grn/LD to LD/Grn already a given IHO)
This More in Common MRP model suggests Reform/Con majority can be wiped out if 60% of Lab, Lib Dem & Green supporters vote tactically, but... 1/3 moreincommon.org.uk/latest-insig...
January 4, 2026 at 4:23 PM
Real decisions about tactical voting wont happen until we're much closer to the election. When it comes, whether Grn/LDs are prepared to vote Lab to keep out Reform will be key - and very hard to answer right now (Lab/Grn/LD to LD/Grn already a given IHO)
2026 will be a year of further chaos and conflict: my (sombre) predictions for the new year:
1/
1/
January 1, 2026 at 1:38 PM
2026 will be a year of further chaos and conflict: my (sombre) predictions for the new year:
1/
1/
Reflections on the wider issues from the Alaa Abd el-Fattah case:
1. Countries differ massively on how they grant citizenship. UK is at the easier end. This puts us in harms way when it comes to extremist threats and should be tightened.
...
1. Countries differ massively on how they grant citizenship. UK is at the easier end. This puts us in harms way when it comes to extremist threats and should be tightened.
...
🔴 Alaa Abd el-Fattah apologised for the comments, in which he also denied the Holocaust and branded British people “dogs and monkeys”, in a statement on Monday in which he also claimed his words had been “twisted”.
December 30, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reflections on the wider issues from the Alaa Abd el-Fattah case:
1. Countries differ massively on how they grant citizenship. UK is at the easier end. This puts us in harms way when it comes to extremist threats and should be tightened.
...
1. Countries differ massively on how they grant citizenship. UK is at the easier end. This puts us in harms way when it comes to extremist threats and should be tightened.
...
I gave a lift to Rory McGrath after a party in London - but didnt realise who he was. He was one of the most naturally funny persons I've ever met.
Please quote this with the time you didn’t interact with someone famous - eg one time I was in Cardiff the same weekend as Willem Dafoe (but I didn’t see him or even know he was there until he appeared on the telly later)
Please quote this with your major interactions with massive celebrities. eg “I was married to the pope for fifteen years”
December 30, 2025 at 10:38 AM
I gave a lift to Rory McGrath after a party in London - but didnt realise who he was. He was one of the most naturally funny persons I've ever met.
Following your argument, does that mean the British Nationality Act 1981 should be reformed, eg so that people born outside of UK to British parents are not automatically eligible for citizenship themselves?
Having had a day to think through everything about El-Fattah, here's where I stand. Yes, it's possible to believe all of these things at once! In fact, it really shouldn't be that hard.
December 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Following your argument, does that mean the British Nationality Act 1981 should be reformed, eg so that people born outside of UK to British parents are not automatically eligible for citizenship themselves?
Can you recommend any good prediction posts for 2026?
December 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Can you recommend any good prediction posts for 2026?
Joining EU Customs Union means any external trade deals must be unanimously agreed. Just look how hard the Mercosur EU deal has been to get over the line. Do we really want to tie the UK into this system?
Britain’s biggest trade union body has called on the Labour government to consider rejoining an EU customs union, reopening a core Brexit fault line as the party grapples with weak growth and rising pressure from its traditional base.
UK trade unions urge Labour to revisit EU customs union
Unions want Labour to consider an EU customs union, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer says closer EU ties will not cross existing Brexit red lines.
www.politico.eu
December 27, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Joining EU Customs Union means any external trade deals must be unanimously agreed. Just look how hard the Mercosur EU deal has been to get over the line. Do we really want to tie the UK into this system?
Britain should be #2
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland
www.independent.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Britain should be #2
Say it a million time it will still not be true.
No one has been arrested for "holding a sign opposing genocide"
They have been arrested for holding a sign supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.
No one has been arrested for "holding a sign opposing genocide"
They have been arrested for holding a sign supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Greta Thunberg arrested for holding a sign opposing genocide.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
When peaceful protest is a crime, democracy is in deep trouble.
Happening under a Labour Government.
🚨BREAKING: GRETA THUNBERG ARRESTED UNDER TERRORISM ACT FOR SUPPORTING 'PALESTINE ACTION PRISONERS'
December 24, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Say it a million time it will still not be true.
No one has been arrested for "holding a sign opposing genocide"
They have been arrested for holding a sign supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.
No one has been arrested for "holding a sign opposing genocide"
They have been arrested for holding a sign supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Signed.
Adaption is critically important and should be supported whatever your politics.
Adaption is critically important and should be supported whatever your politics.
The climate crisis is accelerating - 2025 looks set to become UK’s hottest year on record. Good to see focus on importance of resilience on #r4today- pls take a moment to sign petition calling on Govt to introduce a fully funded national climate adaptation plan petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
Petition: Fund a National Climate Resilience Plan: protect communities from climate impact
From floods to extreme temperatures, climate impacts risk damaging homes, health, businesses, services, and the economy. We want Government to prioritise adaptation; fund a new Resilience Plan that wo...
petition.parliament.uk
December 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Signed.
Adaption is critically important and should be supported whatever your politics.
Adaption is critically important and should be supported whatever your politics.
Will the Greens work out how to play FPTP? Key q for 2026.
This shows LD and Grn essentially tied for votes, but LD get 3x number of seats.
This shows LD and Grn essentially tied for votes, but LD get 3x number of seats.
Nowcast Update - Tories & Greens up as Labour hit post-election lows:
RFM: 330 (+325), 28.2% (10 Maj.)
LAB: 82 (-329), 17.8%
LDM: 77 (+5), 13.7%
CON: 55 (-66), 19.5%
SNP: 46 (+37), 2.7%
GRN: 26 (+22), 13.8%
PLC: 6 (+2), 1.0%
Oth: 9 (+4), 3.4%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
RFM: 330 (+325), 28.2% (10 Maj.)
LAB: 82 (-329), 17.8%
LDM: 77 (+5), 13.7%
CON: 55 (-66), 19.5%
SNP: 46 (+37), 2.7%
GRN: 26 (+22), 13.8%
PLC: 6 (+2), 1.0%
Oth: 9 (+4), 3.4%
electionmaps.uk/nowcast
December 21, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Will the Greens work out how to play FPTP? Key q for 2026.
This shows LD and Grn essentially tied for votes, but LD get 3x number of seats.
This shows LD and Grn essentially tied for votes, but LD get 3x number of seats.
My bold prediction for 2026: the year when the Greens start winning big in by-elections.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Liberal Democrats have won more local by-elections than any other party in 2025.
In real elections up and down the country, only the Lib Dems are taking on Reform and winning.
In real elections up and down the country, only the Lib Dems are taking on Reform and winning.
December 20, 2025 at 8:50 PM
My bold prediction for 2026: the year when the Greens start winning big in by-elections.
The politically unpopular truth is starting to sink in: the minimum wage is too high.
Great interview this: Milburn talking a lot of sense about his review, and about what went wrong with welfare reform earlier this year:
Alan Milburn to review rise in youth minimum wage
Exclusive: Blair-era minister echoes concerns about young people being priced out of jobs, in intervention likely to dismay Labour MPs
www.theguardian.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:16 PM
The politically unpopular truth is starting to sink in: the minimum wage is too high.
Ending the year with the Conservatives polling in 2nd place for the first time this year. Whispers are getting more frequent - things are edging up!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion...
Opinion polling for the next United Kingdom general election - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
December 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Ending the year with the Conservatives polling in 2nd place for the first time this year. Whispers are getting more frequent - things are edging up!
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion...
No-one is being prosecuted for "protesting against a genocide" as you well know. Say it a million times it still wont be true.
They are being prosecuted for supporting a specific organistion that has been listed as a terrorist organisation because of the violent actions they have done.
They are being prosecuted for supporting a specific organistion that has been listed as a terrorist organisation because of the violent actions they have done.
Solidarity with the hunger strikers.
It is an egregious violation for them to be held on remand - without trial or conviction.
All for protesting against a genocide. Shameful.
It is an egregious violation for them to be held on remand - without trial or conviction.
All for protesting against a genocide. Shameful.
December 11, 2025 at 9:32 PM
No-one is being prosecuted for "protesting against a genocide" as you well know. Say it a million times it still wont be true.
They are being prosecuted for supporting a specific organistion that has been listed as a terrorist organisation because of the violent actions they have done.
They are being prosecuted for supporting a specific organistion that has been listed as a terrorist organisation because of the violent actions they have done.
Latest UK polling trends:
Reform UK peaked starting to fall
Conservatives starting to rise
Labour falling now (just) below Cons
Greens shooting up
Reform UK peaked starting to fall
Conservatives starting to rise
Labour falling now (just) below Cons
Greens shooting up
December 11, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Latest UK polling trends:
Reform UK peaked starting to fall
Conservatives starting to rise
Labour falling now (just) below Cons
Greens shooting up
Reform UK peaked starting to fall
Conservatives starting to rise
Labour falling now (just) below Cons
Greens shooting up
Weird how some leftists think that right wing politicians have an obligation to parrot their talking points. Maybe we just dont agree with them?
A braver Tory leader than Badenoch would dare to call out Farage's bogus patriotism | Rafael Behr
A braver Tory leader than Badenoch would dare to call out Farage's bogus patriotism | Rafael Behr
Across western democracies, established conservatives are yielding to radical nationalism. There’s no sign that Britain will be the exception, says Guardian columnist Rafael Behr
www.theguardian.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Weird how some leftists think that right wing politicians have an obligation to parrot their talking points. Maybe we just dont agree with them?
So many sectors of our economy are dependent on cheap imported labour - including social care. This is terrible for our economy and for our kids. Its right that the government is at least starting to do something about it.
Home Office Ministers state publicly, on the record, that they are deliberately making life worse for older people and people with disabilities who depend on care services, but it's worth it because it reduces net migration.
December 10, 2025 at 9:08 AM
So many sectors of our economy are dependent on cheap imported labour - including social care. This is terrible for our economy and for our kids. Its right that the government is at least starting to do something about it.
Great thread, but Im wondering in the internet age could you not crowdsource that expertese somehow?
Might be worthwhile to expand here. So a cursory glance at a Westminster order paper will tell you that there are a /lot/ of votes at Parliament. That's part of why parties have research teams and whips offices, among other things they literally figure out how your MPs should vote on /everything/
It sounds stupid but it's actually extremely easy to do if you are an independent MP without a research team to preadvise you
December 9, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Great thread, but Im wondering in the internet age could you not crowdsource that expertese somehow?
What revisionist nonsense.
When COVID hit, governments faced a dilemma: make support loans easy (high risk of loss or fraud) or hard (take longer to get support where needed).
They chose the former.
Nothing has emerged since that amyway suggests this was the wrong choice.
When COVID hit, governments faced a dilemma: make support loans easy (high risk of loss or fraud) or hard (take longer to get support where needed).
They chose the former.
Nothing has emerged since that amyway suggests this was the wrong choice.
Will there be any *political* accountability for this costly mess? Nope, thought not. If you're hoping to see or hear Rishi Sunak MP - the man in charge of the Treasury at the time - being interrogated about it on the Beeb and other broadcast outlets today or tomorrow, I have a bridge to sell you.
Covid scheme fraud hit almost £11bn but much 'beyond recovery', report says
The response to the pandemic led to
www.bbc.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 8:31 PM
What revisionist nonsense.
When COVID hit, governments faced a dilemma: make support loans easy (high risk of loss or fraud) or hard (take longer to get support where needed).
They chose the former.
Nothing has emerged since that amyway suggests this was the wrong choice.
When COVID hit, governments faced a dilemma: make support loans easy (high risk of loss or fraud) or hard (take longer to get support where needed).
They chose the former.
Nothing has emerged since that amyway suggests this was the wrong choice.
This mindset of trans = oppressed minority same as all other oppressed minorities avoids the difficult questions like trans sport, trans prisons etc. Just another way to stick your head in the sand.
Unless you're reading this from your private jet, the same system is oppressing us all.
linktr.ee/boldpolitics
linktr.ee/boldpolitics
December 9, 2025 at 6:16 AM
This mindset of trans = oppressed minority same as all other oppressed minorities avoids the difficult questions like trans sport, trans prisons etc. Just another way to stick your head in the sand.