Peter Sloman
@pjsloman.bsky.social
The Baldwin option of an early election (after the budget, before tax rises take effect) deserves more consideration than it's getting. It would be mad, of course, but once Labour's credibility on tax pledges is lost, it will be very hard to regain.
November 12, 2025 at 10:08 AM
The Baldwin option of an early election (after the budget, before tax rises take effect) deserves more consideration than it's getting. It would be mad, of course, but once Labour's credibility on tax pledges is lost, it will be very hard to regain.
Oh, absolutely. And I thought we'd lose the Series 4-0 or 4-1. Just frustrating that three of the four defeats were so close
November 2, 2025 at 4:30 AM
Oh, absolutely. And I thought we'd lose the Series 4-0 or 4-1. Just frustrating that three of the four defeats were so close
Killed by the solo homers. On to next year...
November 2, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Killed by the solo homers. On to next year...
Can't see us winning this now
November 2, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Can't see us winning this now
Just about, but not sure I can face extra innings!
November 2, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Just about, but not sure I can face extra innings!
Watching from Canberra. So much tension!
November 2, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Watching from Canberra. So much tension!
Thanks... it was quite a marathon!
October 28, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Thanks... it was quite a marathon!
Now Yamamoto up in the pen...
October 28, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Now Yamamoto up in the pen...
Pretty close, I think. It was nice to see Clayton Kershaw come in for an out
October 28, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Pretty close, I think. It was nice to see Clayton Kershaw come in for an out
Both of these bullpens have taken a fair bit of stick, but they are doing well tonight...
October 28, 2025 at 6:09 AM
Both of these bullpens have taken a fair bit of stick, but they are doing well tonight...
Yes, it's a nice word!
October 17, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Yes, it's a nice word!
Not at all - it was a good question. I think there was an element of path dependency: Labour promised not to raise the broad-based taxes on working people under Miliband and Corbyn, and doubled down on that in 2021-2, so it was hard to pivot after they moved far ahead in the polls
October 17, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Not at all - it was a good question. I think there was an element of path dependency: Labour promised not to raise the broad-based taxes on working people under Miliband and Corbyn, and doubled down on that in 2021-2, so it was hard to pivot after they moved far ahead in the polls
I can't think of other similarities, but the big ones are important! There are interesting questions about how we think about electoral 'mandates' and how politicians read the context they are governing in.
October 17, 2025 at 10:34 AM
I can't think of other similarities, but the big ones are important! There are interesting questions about how we think about electoral 'mandates' and how politicians read the context they are governing in.
Thanks - I stumbled across both pieces!
October 17, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Thanks - I stumbled across both pieces!
Yes, that's very true. I'm just struck by the extent to which Labour is psychologically beholden to people who didn't actually vote for it
October 10, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Yes, that's very true. I'm just struck by the extent to which Labour is psychologically beholden to people who didn't actually vote for it
It's interesting that 2024 Labour and LD voters have virtually identical views here - which suggests that relatively few of the ex-Labour Leavers Starmer has targeted since 2020 actually voted for the party
October 10, 2025 at 10:08 PM
It's interesting that 2024 Labour and LD voters have virtually identical views here - which suggests that relatively few of the ex-Labour Leavers Starmer has targeted since 2020 actually voted for the party
Well spotted -- I will revise and resubmit!
October 6, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Well spotted -- I will revise and resubmit!
I say oppose, but of last year's £40bn+ of tax rises they now seem to have accepted all but £2.2bn (VAT on school fees and inheritance tax on farms)
October 6, 2025 at 12:29 PM
I say oppose, but of last year's £40bn+ of tax rises they now seem to have accepted all but £2.2bn (VAT on school fees and inheritance tax on farms)
Thanks. With a rookie starter in game 2, we needed that one!
October 5, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Thanks. With a rookie starter in game 2, we needed that one!