General Chat

According to the popular British press; so what do they know; there are currently
12 Labour, 4 Tories 1 Lib Dem and 1 independant not standing at the next election.

If enough people don't stand maybe the newbies will bring some fresh air to the house no matter what party they follow.

It was intended that the 2020 General Election would elect 50 fewer MPs, so many incumbents had resigned themselves to not standing next time. The newbies are most likely to be in constituencies that will no longer exist in 2022.

They might have been considering their options for 2020 in any event. After all, people get 'burn out' or have more family resposibilites to assume, regardless of their occupation.
The snap election has just brought the decision forward.

The trouble with Mp pay js that it is well short of what is needed for quality but highly attractive to idiots and union hacks. Few idiots plan to stand down.

For those interested this article gives the current list of declared non-standers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-39644473

Thanks Kense

In my view, Tories under investigation for election overspending in the 2015 election shouldn't be allowed to stand.
This is potentially a criminal offence.
However, reading this:

https://www.parliament.uk/site-information/foi/foi-and-eir/commons-foi-disclosures/members-of-the-house-of-commons-and-members-staff/criminal-convictions/

I realise that it's easier to become an MP with a criminal conviction, than it is to become a bus driver!!

That's sheer madness !

The Tory MP's under investigation may be the real reason the Election was called.
If they're convicted, and imprisoned, May would no longer have a majority in the House of Commons, and there would have to be a change of Government - not an election - The Tories would be out.

So, call an election before the investigation is concluded, if they're convicted, she'd just need to have a few local elections to replace them.

As long as Labour don't get into power as a result, but I think you are living in hope there.

I see Mr Corbyn made some "interesting" statements today.

Hmm, not sure I mentioned anything about who I would expect to win - but assume all you like! :-D

I was just pointing out how the election is being called for corrupt purposes - or at least to cover corruption!
I'm sure many people will still believe the Tories only committed a 'minor' misdemeanor costing the taxpayer only a 'minor' amount of money and they shouldn't be punished for it - after all - surely, they're entitled to spend our money - they're 'in charge'..

However, if this overspending led to them winning more seats, their election win was through corruption.
If they hadn't won the 2015 election, there would have been no EU referendum etc etc

Let's be honest historically all parties have lied and will lie again this time. It's a shame they can't win by telling the truth and making promises they can actually afford.

True, Caroline, but there's taking the p, and taking the P!!

They went beyond the lower case p!! :-D

Not defending any of them.