Richmond By-Election This Thursday

[mikey4444]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond_Park_by-election,_2016#Opinion_polling

It looks as if the Tories are going to win anyway, despite not even taking part !

So just what will Goldsmith achieve ? The 3rd runway at Heathrow will still go ahead, whether he wants it to or not. It looks as if this is a big vanity project for Goldsmith, perhaps because he failed to win the London Mayor against Labour.

[mushroom25]

you're assuming the polls are accurate, Mikey? they do have much recent form to the contrary....

[naomi24]

Haven't we been through this before? I'm sure we have.

[Baldric]

Richmond is a nice area, there really is no place for Flat Caps and Hobnails there, would be so out of place.

[mikey4444]

Mush....the Polls are not always accurate but is anyone actually believing that Goldsmith won't win on Thursday ?

Its the reason for his action that I am questioning.

By the way I can't recall giving you BA....must have done so my mistake...apologies

[naomi24]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1519912.html

[EDDIE51]

If Goldsmith wins it will reduce the Conservative majority as he is standing as an independent. Yes, I realise he will support the Tory's on most issues but it still reduces a slim majority.

[mikey4444]

Eddie....but he will still vote with the Government. on every issue apart from Heathrow, so all he will achieve by this purely a vanity issue.

[THECORBYLOON]

"Mush....the Polls are not always accurate but is anyone actually believing that Goldsmith won't win on Thursday ? " you did about a month ago in the link from NAOMI...

[mikey4444]

Corby....a month is a long time in politics !

[New Judge]

“Its the reason for his action that I am questioning. “

The reason for his action is quite clear, Mikey. He said that should Heathrow be chosen for the third runway he would do precisely as he has done – resign the Conservative Whip and stand as an Independent.

I don’t hold much brief for Mr Goldsmith but his constituents speak very highly of him. His action will certainly make no difference to the decision. But he has demonstrated to his constituents that he has their interests at heart and not those of his party. If there were more like him the stranglehold that parties have over politics in the UK would be slightly less strong.

[mikey4444]

I am tending to agree with you NJ, at least in parts.

Yes....he said he was going to resign and he did, so at least he was honest.

But what will this achieve ? Precisely nothing.

[anotheoldgit]

mikey4444

/// But what will this achieve ? Precisely nothing ///

It's called possessing certain principles mikey, something that is quite alien to the Left.

[mikey4444]

AOG...as usual, you have miss-read what I have said on this subject.

But 'twas ever thus I suppose !

To repeat, I admire his honesty but question the whole process.

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38143117

[EDDIE51]

Pity Theresa May does not share his principles! She was stridently against the 3rd runway at Heathrow, calling it 'flawed' and that it would be a 'disaster' for her constituents. She was also firmly in the 'Remain' camp, as were her constituents. Now she has betrayed them twice. Will there be a 3rd time?
Perhaps she wants to emulate St Peter with Christ ( before the cock crows twice, thou shalt betray me three times)

[EDDIE51]

^^ Matthew 24/36 for the bible lovers !

[ichkeria]

Those polls are way out of date mikey. The Lib Dems reckon the gap is down to about 4%. I don't think I'd cheer a by election result more if Sarah Olney were to win but I suspect it may be just out of reach.
With you on not really seeing the point of what Goldsmith is doing. This is going to be more about Brexit than Heathrow.