The End of Operation Arse

It’s clear that Operation Arse has failed. In its failure it’s exposed two clear truths: one that the influence of Ruth Davidson at a UK level is vastly over-inflated; second that the popularity of Boris Johnson in England is greatly under-estimated (as this YouGov poll for The Times shows.)

The argument that Boris Johnson, the clear favourite to be the next prime minister, according to a poll of members of the Conservative Party, would be a “recruiting sergeant” for independence is a clear one, but it has its problems.

We were told the same of David Cameron, as polished a member of the elite as you could possibly find, a man who glided in and out of power like it was an internship, and of Theresa May, who actually compared those who argue for Scottish independence with ISIS, a moment ignored by the mainstream press and that only Bella picked up on.

If May and Cameron failed – why and how could PM Boris Johnson succeed?

Partly because he is so toxic he scares even the Conservatives and several cabinet ministers are on record saying they wouldn’t serve in his cabinet. Partly because he has a track record of explicit racism that is unparalleled even in a party that brought you Windrush and the Hostile Environment, and partly because he has a record of bizarrely anti-Scottish speeches and writings that can’t be wished away. Partly also because the elevation of such a privileged walking ego into power would confirm the final descent of Britain as a credible polity.

But one of the most delicious collisions would be between the recently returned Ruth Davidson and BoJo.

Davidson has been walking a tightrope for years between the toxic policies of her own party in power and her own brand of vacuous policy-free sound-bights and photo-shoots ably supported by a cadre of pliant media supporters. But this is now falling apart.

One of the key myths Davidson and her supporters have to sustain is that she has influence across the UK, and that this influence can stem the flow of power to the Conservative far-right, Brexiteers and socially conservative insurgents.

A Tory collapse and a Brexit Party advance, as widely predicted in the Euro elections greatly strengthens Boris Johnson’s hand as “the only man who can stop Farage”, and completely undermines Davidson’s argument that she can do anything about any of this.

As Channel 4 News’s Ciaran Jenkins explores: Theresa May did a £1bn deal with the DUP who had vetoed Same Sex marriage in NI but the PM promised Ruth Davidson the UK govt would try to advance LGBTi rights in NI.

How much has Northern Ireland Office spent honouring that promise?

£318.

 


The bad blood between Johnson and Davidson was highlighted by Alan Cochrane and Simon Johnson in the Telegraph as they tried to pretend that Davidson has clout within the Tory Party, recently arguing: “Ruth Davidson has blocked Boris Johnson from appearing at the Scottish Tory conference, the Telegraph can disclose as she poured cold water on his chances of succeeding Theresa May.”

Boris Johnson is often described as a ruthless opportunist.

The reality is that Davidson is just as much of one.

In the event of a Johnson elevation to the most powerful position of the land this summer, rest assured the Colonel will be straight to a photo-shoot and a jokey bit of spin about what a great guy he is. LGBT right in Northern Ireland will be thrown under the (Brexit) bus as quickly as any of Davidson’s other ‘beliefs’.

 

Comments (7)

Leave a Reply to Charles L. Gallagher Cancel reply

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  1. James Mills says:

    With the Jeremy Kyle Show binned there is a gap in the market for a similar , low brow , bad-taste program for the intellectually challenged .

    How about ”Ruthie and Boris – Get me out of here !” – a game show where the contestants are taken to a remote desert island and left there – permanently .
    Roll credits !

    1. Charles L. Gallagher says:

      James, why not include Corbyn as the ‘Jester’ to keep them amused????

  2. Wul says:

    Just received my EU election leaflet from Ruth. It names Nicola Sturgeon 13 times and says sweet F.A. about what Ruth’s policies, ideas or vision are for my country.

    It really does beg the question:

    What is Ruth Davidson for?

    1. Willie says:

      Got the Tory leaflet and yes, no policy proposals whatsoever, only Nicola name calling.

      Maybe Ruthie fancies Nicola and that’s her way of showing it.

      Strange but very possibly true.

    2. gercon says:

      That’s two questions.

  3. Richard Easson says:

    Bet you in six months “The Arse” will still be there. Clue: Anagram 7 letters.

    1. Willie says:

      Theresa you think Richard.

      What about the somberlain.

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