The JSPrice Perception

L-R: Sajid Javid, Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson (Image: Bloomberg.com) Why do I feel as annoyed by the actions of some now former Conservative frontbenchers as I did six years ago with Labour's shadow cabinet during their failed coup attempt against Jeremy Corbyn? I probably shouldn't because actually, I thought (and still believe) that Corbyn would have led a decent Labour government, and I equally foresaw Boris Johnson's tenure be as turbulent as we'd endured these past three years. You sense that Covid-19 delayed the inevitable in one respect. But as Johnson hands in his notice, you'd think I feel relief that this era will soon come to an end. Instead, I can't help but be annoyed by the whole situation. The week of 4th July 2022 will go written in every British history book moving forward. When Margaret Thatcher was shown the door in 1990, I don't get the impression by those who were there that her departure was as dramatic as this. She had three general

Prince Charles and Prince William (Image: The Telegraph) It was rather difficult to escape the coverage surrounding the Platinum Jubilee celebrations that had just taken place. Over four days, people across the UK decorated their gardens with Union Jack flag buntings, attended street parties and watched endless broadcasts to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne. Many argued this extended weekend came at a time when we all needed to come together for something positive. Some decided not to join the festivities and have used the weekend to speak louder against the monarchy, suggesting that the entire system be abolished . Of course, this campaign has been going on for a number of years, but when broadcasters tried to find both sides of the argument for this weekend, they weren't short in options of people who argue that the Royal Family don't represent the modern world and that it's time they went. For a long time, I've stepped away from this particular d

Frustrated football fans (Image: Eurosport) The reputation of British football is being tarnished in the same way the sport endured in the 1980s. Sadly, we're seeing an anecdotal rise in a number of cases where small group of spectators are ruining it for the rest of us. The Premier League had largely gotten away with it, right up until the final week of the season when Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira was taunted by several Everton fans, and Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen had been reportedly assaulted by a Manchester City fan, just as the team in sky blue celebrated its fourth league title in five years. And most recently, Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid was delayed by 40 minutes after reports of disturbances outside the Stade de France stadium. What I've highlighted above are examples from the month of May alone, and the extent of 'blame' on spectators vary. But they don't appear to be one-offs. The English Football League

Is it worth gaslighting political leaders over cake? (Image: CraftBeer.com) Earlier this month, political commentators were fondly remembering the events of May 1997 , when Tony Blair's Labour Party won the general election in a landslide victory. Many Labour supporters used this anniversary to reflect on the 'spirit' of 25 years ago, and it's therefore about time the party replicated it today, now it's been out of power for 12 years.  To mark a quarter-of-a-century since his party's victory, Blair appeared  on camera to recall some of the policies that helped shape Britain for the better, including the introduction of the National Minimum Wage and bringing peace to Northern Ireland. He'll always claim that intervening in Afghanistan from 2001 was also a success, but it was the Iraq war that led to the downfall of his public reputation.  Some will argue that bombing Iraq didn't hinder Blair's chances of winning the 2005 general election, however, I

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Joe Biden (Image: Politico) The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has been going on for two months now - of course, two months too long. Thousands from both sides have lost lives and it sadly doesn't appear to end any time soon. Despite attempts to agree ceasefires  and a  peace process , these are often overshadowed by threats and ultimatums . Ukraine don't trust Russia and Russia is frustrated by the Ukrainian resistance. While events on the frontline continue to dominate headlines, political leaders are trying to steer the narrative. Russia's Vladimir Putin is doing an excellent job in manipulating his people (both in government and the public) into thinking that they're they victims and that this invasion is justified. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is desperate for physical resources. From his pleas, he's expressed frustration with  Europe for not supplying , but praised Boris Johnson for 'helping more' and the US for g

Dan Walker and Louise Minchin among those leaving BBC. Which fresh faces can take over? (Image: Irish Mirror) Another day, another earthquake has hit the British broadcasting industry. The BBC is currently undergoing a major on and off-air personnel shake-up while Channel 4 could change beyond recognition as its set for privatisation - and elsewhere, there's a new controversial channel set to launch with a similar 'straight talking' agenda that GB Views - sorry, I mean News - promised almost this time last year. Shake ups in the world of television aren't new, and perhaps not as big of a turning point for the sector as we're seeing analysed. Of course, they're significant developments, but on the other hand, we've seen them coming. Speculation had been rife for some time. Yet, the changes we're witnessing now, which continues from last year with GB News' launch, is due to a culture shift from some corners of society who feel they've been 'si