NEWS: War on Murdoch

Do Cameron and Cleg really want to head up a government whose Business Secretary has declared war on Rupert Murdoch?  I dont think so.....

Has Cable saved Ken Clarkes bacon?  David Laws as Business Secretary would go down pretty well with a lot of the Tory party.

COMMENT: Bad news for Vince; good news for everyone else?

Vince Cable's comments published in the Telegraph today can only damage him. He has looked egotistical, indiscreet, disloyal and incompetent(by way of getting caught out).

However, might Lib Dem and Conservative activists, or even MP's for that matter, be cheered to know that their respective parties are fighting their corner and not quite as happy together as Clegg and Cameron would like to portray.

I expect this incident will have little effect on the polls and actually boost moral for both Conservative and Lib Dems in a perverse way.

Strictly Come dancing is next up for Vince.....  not a great Christmas for a "serious" politician.

EXCLUSIVE: The Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election to be called tomorrow for January 13th

Lib Dems go early in hope of capitalising on Woolas backlash whilst it's still fresh in voters memories.

COMMENT: Pickles' Great Gamble - Politics over progress?

This week Eric Pickles announced plans to cut central government funding of local councils by 28% over four years.  This is linked to Cameron's Big Society agenda and the aim is to give residents and communities more responsibility for services and decision making,

However, whether the power lies in the halls of Westminster, the corridors of the local town hall or within local communities the key fundamental issue comes down to finance.

It must have occurred to those within the higher echelons of the Conservative party that those best situated to weather severe cuts in local government funding were those in more affluent areas.  This could be because residents in these areas have the income to endure higher tax rates or, if spending cuts are introduced instead of tax rises, have less need of government provided services such as local schools, hospitals or social housing.

Given lower income areas will be more likely to be Labour voting how will this effect voters at the next General Election.  Is Pickles hoping that Conservative efficiency will boost standing in local government and this will translate into national votes?  A risky strategy or a wise one?

NEWS: Eight more communications appointments for Milliband?

Following on from the appointments of Tom Baldwin and Bob Roberts BTP understands that up to another 8 appointments of a similar vain will be made in the coming weeks.  I understand Alastair Campbell is among those being used as an intermediary between Labour party officials and potential candidates.