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Pantone’s Colour Of The Year Is Hitting A Nerve — For More Reasons Than One

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On Thursday, Pantone announced its much-awaited “Colour of the Year 2025.” (Well, “much-awaited” if you’re into this sort of thing.)

The big winner? Mocha Mousse (17-1230), a shade that the Pantone Color Institute calls “an evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires” while “appealing to our desire for comfort.”

Here it is:

The Pantone Color Institute calls the shade “an evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires."

BRYAN GARDNER

The Pantone Color Institute calls the shade “an evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires.”

The Washington Post heralded the shade as a “win for quiet luxury.” Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times said her “mind went immediately to comfort eating.”

On social media, the feedback was a little more mixed. Because of the visuals released by Pantone, some pointed out that the color bore a certain likeness, to, well ― there’s really no delicate way to put this ― poop.

Some on social media remarked that the color looked a little like, well, poop.

The Development and Designliga/Pantone

Some on social media remarked that the color looked a little like, well, poop.

Some sample scatological quips from Threads and X?

Others compared it to Nazi uniform brown or “the shade of lightly soiled mop water.” Several said it felt like just the right shade to welcome in 2025.

“Instantly depressed seeing Pantone’s Color of the year for 2025, which I guess is on par with the theme of 2025. Touché, Pantone, touché,” one person wrote on Threads.

Colour consultant Laury Rosenthal gave props to Pantone for choosing a shade of brown for the first time in its 25 years of selecting a colour of the year. Still, she wishes the colour was a tinge darker.

“It’s great to eat chocolate mousse but the colour looks a bit like a poo emoji,” she wrote to HuffPost. “It will look worse when in paint as Pantone ink is clear and base paint starts out blue white before pigment gets added. I’d rather have a darker taupe, if asked.”

But elsewhere online, women of colour celebrated the pick, noting that others’ dismissiveness of the shade was a little white-centric.

Charnaie Gordon, a teacher and children’s book author, is among the fans of the pigment. As a Black woman, she sees the color as “rich, grounding, and unapologetically bold.”

“Pantone finally caught up to what we’ve been knowing all along: melanin magic is unmatched,” Gordon told HuffPost. (She shared a similar sentiment on Threads.)

“To me, this color represents a statement about resilience, beauty, and depth,” she said. “I couldn’t be more excited that this is the energy we’re stepping into for 2025, it feels like an unspoken ode to Black and brown people everywhere.”

“It’s richness, warmth, and melanin on full display,” she said. “If you can’t see the beauty in that, the problem isn’t the colour, it’s your perception.”

Amy Ellzey, a colour consultant and owner of Colour Me Beautiful LA, thinks folks should get their mind out of the gutter with the colour.

“Although some may draw comparisons of this colour to unappealing aspects of nature, you could also positively consider [it] a desirable milk chocolate or opaque latte,” she said.

Given the emphasis on millennial gray and other flat neutrals (namely, white and black), Lauren F. Battistini of LFB Color Consulting is thrilled with Pantone’s choice.

“It’s a clear indicator that the fashion, home, interiors and other industries are shifting to something with more comfort, warmth and earthy appeal,” she said. “The colour pendulum shifts about every 3-4 years, and we have been witnessing a shift for some time over to a warmer, earthy colour palette.”

Plus, Battistini said, this particular shade of mocha plays nicely with other colours.

“A neutral such as Mocha Mousse doesn’t necessarily hold much presence on its own, but when you pair it with the right colours, it serves as a visual comfort within the overall colour palette,” she said.

“I see it as a perfect anchoring neutral to combine with colours such as cream, aqua, ochre, warm red, aubergine, blush, cinnamon and warm greens,” she added.

One thing everyone can agree with? If Mocha Mousse gives us a break from Brat green, we’re all winners.

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Forget The Amalfi Coast. This City Is Italy’s Most Underrated Destination.

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Take A Break is your ultimate guide to the perfect trips to recharge, rediscover yourself and your relationships, and reengage with the world. We’ll cover shopping stops, great bars, restaurants worth your money, photo opportunities, memorable drives and experiences, and other important details you need before you book.

Year after year, Italy remains one of the most popular international destinations for American travelers. During the peak summer season, tourists from all across the United States flock to Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast and other Instagram hotspots.

But another amazing place in Italy that often gets overlooked is Turin. Known as Torino in Italian, the impressive city is the capital of the Piedmont region in the northwest (and was even the first capital of the unified Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century). Visitors to Turin can enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes, opulent palaces, world-class museums and more.

On the culinary side, the city boasts a vibrant restaurant scene, featuring prominently in an episode of Stanley Tucci’s food and travel show “Searching for Italy.” And as the host of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games and two World Cups, Turin has plenty to offer sports and history fans.

Despite all this cultural clout, Turin is rather overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, at least among American travellers. When I had the opportunity visit last summer, I was immediately charmed by the city’s unassuming elegance, welcoming locals and sense of tranquility, free from the endless hordes of tourists that overrun many other destinations in Italy at this time of year.

To compel more travellers to add Turin to their Italian vacation itineraries, I’ve compiled my favourite dishes, attractions and more highlights from the “Città Magica.”

Where To Stay

I visited Turin with a large group of friends, and we stayed at an Airbnb that felt like our own mini palazzo. Spanning three floors, the apartment was ornately decorated with lots of wallpaper, upholstered furniture, framed art and other embellishments.

Scenes from our palatial Airbnb.

Caroline Bologna/HuffPost

Scenes from our palatial Airbnb.

Those looking for a hotel experience will find plenty of options as well. The Turin Palace Hotel is in a restored building right in the city centre. The nearby Grand Hotel Sitea is a historic property with spacious rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

For something with a more contemporary feel, the NH Collection Torino Piazza Carlina is also a popular option.

What To Eat

Italian food is famously delicious, but this cuisine is not a monolith by any means. So, I always aim to eat regional delicacies wherever I travel in Italy.

In Turin, my favorite Piedmontese dish was tajarin ― a rich, egg-heavy pasta typically served with truffles and butter or a local meat sauce called sugo d’arrosto. The meat-filled agnolotti pasta is another tasty specialty.

Other classic dishes to try include vegetables dipped in bagna cauda, a warm sauce made with garlic and anchovies, and crunchy breadsticks known as grissini. Although I wasn’t a massive fan, I’m glad I sampled vitello tonnato ― cold, thinly sliced veal topped with a creamy tuna sauce.

From left: assorted Piedmontese cookies, tajarin with meat sauce and agnolotti.

Twitter/Canva

From left: assorted Piedmontese cookies, tajarin with meat sauce and agnolotti.

My best meal in Turin was a lovely solo lunch at a restaurant called Tre Galli. I also enjoyed classic Torinese food at Osteria al Tagliere and L’Osto del Borgh Vej. The Mercato Centrale Torino food hall offers something for everyone, which is perfect when traveling with a group. You might also want to make time to visit the world’s very first Eataly as well.

Spazio7 and Piola da Cianci also came highly recommended, as did the historic Caffè Platti and Caffè Mulassano. And to cap off any meal with a sweet treat, look no further than Gelateria Pepino.

What To Drink

The Piedmont region is famous for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, which pair well with many dishes or even as a key ingredient (as in brasato al Barolo or risotto al Barolo).

But truly no visit to Turin is complete without at least one bicerin. This decadent drink is made with coffee, chocolate and milk, perfectly layered in a way that just screams to be photographed. I’m pleased to report it also tastes amazing.

From left: A bicerin and a fruit tart at Farmacia del Cambio, and the exterior of the historic Caffè Al Bicerin.

Caroline Bologna/HuffPost

From left: A bicerin and a fruit tart at Farmacia del Cambio, and the exterior of the historic Caffè Al Bicerin.

My bicerin-tasting journey led me to delicious and picturesque establishments like Farmacia del Cambio, Caffe al Bicerin dal 1763 and Caffé Baratti & Milano.

I even tried an alcoholic version of a bicerin at Piano35 ― a lounge at the top of the Intesa Sanpaolo Skyscraper. The breathtaking views alone made it worth the visit, but the creative cocktails were an added bonus.

Casa Proseccheria was another nice spot for aperitivi, with plenty of prosecco, cocktail and snack offerings.

What To Do

On my first morning in Turin, I began the day with a hike up to Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini, a hilltop church with gorgeous views of the city. I later visited another church, the Baroque-style Chiesa di San Lorenzo.

For something farther afield, you can make a journey to the famous Basilica di Superga. And if you’re into royal history, you might also want to schedule a visit to La Venaria Reale ― a large palace estate just outside city and one of the area’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For a taste of grand architecture, tourists hardly need to venture beyond Turin’s city centre, however. There’s Piazza San Carlo, a stately square surrounded by Baroque buildings, and Piazza Castello, home to the majestic Palazzo Madama Torino (now an art museum). The nearby Royal Palace of Turin transports visitors back in time to the city’s regal past.

From left: the Mole Antonelliana, Palatine Gate and Palazzo Carignano.

Caroline Bologna/HuffPost

From left: the Mole Antonelliana, Palatine Gate and Palazzo Carignano.

Perhaps the most iconic part of Turin’s skyline is the Mole Antonelliana, which houses the film museum ― Museo Nazionale del Cinema. Another notable museum is the Museo Egizio, where history buffs can find an extensive collection of Egyptian artefacts.

Fans of contemporary art will enjoy the Castello di Rivoli, a former royal residence that now showcases cutting-edge exhibitions juxtaposed against its restored 17th-century castle backdrop. Don’t sleep on the Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli art gallery, either.

Those interested in the unification of Italy will no doubt want to explore the Museum of the Risorgimento, which is located in another famous old building, Palazzo Carignano. And for some ancient history, don’t forget to check out the Palatine Gate, a well-preserved gateway dating back to the first century BC.

From left: Palazzo Madama Torino, view from Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini and Castello del Valentino.

Caroline Bologna/HuffPost

From left: Palazzo Madama Torino, view from Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini and Castello del Valentino.

In addition to my climb up to the hilltop church, I also stretched my legs quite a bit by strolling along the River Po and exploring the expansive Parco del Valentino. The park boasts a number of notable attractions, like the distinguished Castello del Valentino and Borgo Medievale, a reconstructed medieval village and open air museum.

Getting more into modern times, Turin is strongly associated with the Italian automotive industry, with iconic brands like Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo headquartered in the city. It’s unsurprisingly also home to the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile (National Automobile Museum).

And of course, sports fans should check the schedule to see if the famous Juventus football club or its rival Torino have any matches scheduled during their time in the area.

With so much to offer tourists of all ages and interests, Turin is truly a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its incredible cuisine, deep history and vibrant charm. As Americans flock elsewhere in Italy, Turin visitors don’t need too much advance booking to experience the rich cultural tapestry that makes the city so magical.

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Has Keir Starmer’s ‘Plan For Change’ Sown The Seeds For His Own Downfall?

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It is just six months since Keir Starmer told HuffPost UK that he wanted politics “to tread more lightly on people’s lives”.

After years of constitutional referendums, scandals, rows and a seemingly never-ending parade of Tory prime ministers, the then opposition leader believed that the government should quietly get on with the job and leave voters in peace.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile that reasonable aim with the reality of Starmer’s first five months in power.

Since July, the public have witnessed a blizzard of policy announcements, the biggest tax-raising Budget in more than 30 years, high-profile sackings, a No.10 reorganisation and a cabinet minister forced to resign in disgrace.

This hyperactivity culminated in the prime minister unveiling his “plan for change” on Thursday, setting out the six key policies he wants voters to judge Labour on between now and the next election.

Labour will, he said, make people better off, build 1.5 million homes, get more children ready to start school, bring down hospital waits, recruit thousands more neighbourhood police and de-carbonise the electricity grid by 2030.

These promises are definitely not to be confused with Labour’s five missions for government, which Starmer launched nearly two years ago, or indeed the six pledges he made during the general election campaign.

While Downing Street officials were at pains to deny it, it looked and felt like a much-needed reset for a government which has been on the back foot almost from the day it was elected.

Keiran Pedley, director of politics at pollsters Ipsos, said: “It’s not surprising that they’re trying to reassert themselves because, as we’ve seen over the summer and more recently, Starmer’s personal ratings have fallen.

“In July his approval ratings were still net positive, but now he’s on minus 29. We also had polling which showed 53% of voters are disappointed with how Labour have done so far.”

Pedley blamed “a perception that they’ve broken their promises”, ongoing concerns about the state of the economy and unhappiness with policies like removing winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners for the precipitous fall in the government’s popularity.

“There’s definitely a feeling that it hasn’t started well for Labour, which is reflected in the polling,” he said.

“They’re trying to take charge of the agenda, but the risk is that people don’t actually pay that much attention.

“People voted Labour for a change and to fix the economy and that ultimately is what they will be judged by.”

Pedley also warned that Starmer’s avalanche of promises could end up being counter-productive.

“The problem is you say too much about what your priorities are to the point where it all gets a bit lost,” he said.

“A few weeks ago the PM said illegal migration was one of his top two priorities, but then it wasn’t even one of the six milestones. If you’re going to tell the public ‘judge me on this thing’ you need to be consistent about what those things are.

“You can have six milestones, five missions and a partridge in a pear tree, but the fundamental things they need to do is fix the NHS and turn the economy around.”

The main drivers behind the plan for change have been Morgan McSweeney, the PM’s chief of staff, and Pat McFadden, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Those close to the process insist it has been in the pipeline since shortly after the election, rather than a response to the government’s ongoing woes.

“I get why people are saying it’s a relaunch or a reset, and sometimes that is a valid criticism, but on this occasion it genuinely isn’t,” said one senior No.10 source.

Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said Starmer’s speech may actually do him some good with the electorate.

He told HuffPost UK: “For regular political watchers, having another technical list to keep track of isn’t ideal, but the public won’t likely care about much of that anyway.

“Labour promised change, and the UK public are utterly clear that means improvement to living standards and public services.

“If Starmer got an opportunity to communicate that to voters, then it will have been seen as a good day in No.10.”

Senior Labour figures are less sympathetic, however.

One said: “Since being PM, Keir’s had four big moments – outside No.10 on day one, the King’s Speech, party conference and now the plan for change. And people still have no idea what he stands for or what the government wants to achieve.”

Others are scathing about the No.10 operation, which only recently underwent a huge shake-up following the sacking of Sue Gray, McSweeney’s predecessor as chief of staff.

A party insider described the prime minister’s speech as “pretty incoherent”, while another said: “I’m afraid Morgan can’t blame Sue forever.”

Even new Labour MPs have started criticising Starmer’s performance, with one asking a colleague: “How do we put him out of our misery?”

But the PM’s supporters insist he and the government are on the right track, and that Labour will eventually reap the reward for decisions being taken now.

One ally told HuffPost UK: “The original five missions were about the long-term direction of a Labour government, but there’s now a real keenness to make them a bit more tangible so that people can see as the parliament goes on what it is we’re trying to achieve. It’s a way of holding ourselves to account.

“Look at the housebuilding pledge, for example. That’s really challenging because over the last couple of years the number of new homes being built has fallen off a cliff.

“But we want to send out a really strong signal to the public and to the civil service that these are our aims.

“We’re hoping that by setting these targets very high it will drive us on and, by the time of the next election, people will feel the difference a Labour government can make.

“If you push yourself hard you can achieve more. And what’s government for if it isn’t that?”

On the same day as the PM’s speech, a shock poll put Reform UK ahead of Labour for the first time.

It remains to be seen whether that was an outlier or a sign of things to come. Starmer had better hope his new targets have the desired effect on those around him, or the next four years will be even more difficult than the last five months.

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Putin Minister Accidentally Hints At Daunting Ukraine War Stat Which Kremlin Has Tried To Keep Secret

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Vladimir Putin’s deputy defence minister may have accidentally revealed Moscow’s estimate of its losses in Ukraine.

Until now, the exact number of those Russian deaths or casualties have been kept firmly under wraps.

Ana Tsivilyova, who is also the daughter of Putin’s cousin, told a meeting with lawmakers that the Kremlin had tens of thousands of appeals from relatives who are searching for missing or dead soldiers.

Speaking in a video published by the independent Astra Telegram channel, she said: “The ministry of internal affairs takes [DNA samples] absolutely free of charge at its own expense, and enters into its database for all the relatives who have applied to us. I’ve already said 48,000.”

Shortly after she let this detail slip, Russia’s defence committee chief Andrei Kartapolov cut in and told viewers: “I earnestly ask you not to use these figures anywhere.

“This is such sensitive, closed information. And when we draw up the final documents, we should not include these figures anywhere.”

Tsivilyova replied: “I didn’t give the numbers of missing people, but the number of requests to us. Many of them will be found. So this number is specifically requests, not data.”

The video was published by popular Telegram channel Astra and streamed at the time on the website for the parliament’s lower house, the Duma.

The exchange reportedly took place on 26 November. Reuters noted that it was not on the site on 4 December.

It remains unclear exactly how many troops have died in the war on either the Ukrainian or the Russian side.

Independent Russian news site Mesiazone and the BBC Russian service confirmed the names of 82,050 soldiers who had died in Ukraine as of 6 December

Meanwhile, Western intelligence estimates that Russian losses – dead or injured – exceed 700,000.

In fact, the UK’s Ministry of Defence reported that November was also the costliest month for the war, with casualties reaching 1,500 a day.

The Kremlin is thought to be reluctant about revealing the true extent of the losses so the Russian public remain unaware of the real wartime impact.

Putin is also pushing ahead at Russia’s fastest rate of the war yet to gain as much land as possible as US president-elect Donald Trump is expected to push for a peace deal once in office.

Speaking to US journalist Tucker Carlson – who interviewed the Russian president in February – Putin’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia will use “any means” to prevent defeat by the West this week.

Lavrov said the West must take Russia’s “red lines” seriously – although he also admitted Russia and the US were not at war right now, despite the aggressive rhetoric from Putin.

He said: “And in any case, this (war) is not what we want. We would like to have normal relations with all our neighbours, of course… especially with a great country like the United States.”

He also said Donald Trump was a “very strong person, a person who wants results”.

The US president-elect has promised to end the war on his first full day back in the White House, but has not explained how he would do so, sparking fears he could pressure Ukraine to cede land to Russia.

Lavrov told Carlson any potential peace deal has to acknowledge the realities on the ground – as Russia controls 20% of Ukraine – and exclude any chance of Ukraine joining Nato.

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Here’s What A Red Weather Warning Actually Means, And What To Do If You’ve Been Given One

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Storm Darragh is coming to the UK later today (Friday 6 December) and tomorrow, the Met Office says.

They’ve given the storm, which will roll from 3pm this evening until 6am on Sunday morning, some yellow weather warnings across much of the UK and a rare red weather wind warning for parts of Wales, as well as the Bristol Channel.

But what exactly is a red weather warning, and what should you do if your area has been given one ahead of the bad weather?

What is a red weather warning?

The Met Office explains that a red weather warning means “dangerous weather is expected.”

The weather is predicted to be so severe that you have to take steps ahead of the conditions arriving to keep yourself and your home safe, their site reads.

“It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.” they add.

“You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.”

The Met’s red weather warning is the most severe of their cautions.

What should I do if I’m in an area with a red weather warning?

The Met has issued six pieces of advice:

  • Keep yourself and others safe; avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous conditions. It is not safe to drive in these conditions.
  • Being outside in high winds makes you vulnerable to injury. Stay indoors if you can.
  • Don’t risk injury to others or damage to your property. If you can do so safely, check for loose items outside your home and secure them. Items include; Christmas decorations, bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
  • People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
  • If you live or work on the coast, beware of large waves, even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • Stay up to date with the weather forecast for your area and follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.

For less extreme conditions such as yellow warnings, Dale Hipkiss, Duty Manager at National Highways, said: “If you’re planning to drive over the next few days, prepare in advance for the journey and take extra care on the roads.”

They added, “If weather conditions become challenging, adjust your driving behaviour to manage the conditions as safely as possible. It’s also a good idea for drivers to check their vehicles, such as tyres, coolant and oil levels, before heading out to reduce the risk of breakdowns.”

Where are red weather warnings in place for Storm Darragh?

As of the time of writing, the areas issued a red weather warning are:

South West England

  • Bath and North East Somerset
  • Bristol
  • Devon
  • North Somerset
  • Somerset
  • South Gloucestershire
  • Bridgend
  • Cardiff
  • Carmarthenshire
  • Ceredigion
  • Conwy
  • Gwynedd
  • Isle of Anglesey
  • Monmouthshire
  • Neath Port Talbot
  • Newport
  • Pembrokeshire
  • Swansea
  • Vale of Glamorgan.
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LEGO Launches New Toys Representing Children With Hidden Disabilities

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Over 10 million people in the UK are living with hidden disabilities.

Hidden disabilities encompass both physical and mental conditions, including autism, mental health disorders, diabetes, chronic pain and dementia, just to name a few.

This week, the world’s first toys featuring the Sunflower Lanyard were announced, by The LEGO Group in partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme which has been involved in the development of the new toys. The Sunflower Lanyard is a discreet symbol that indicates the wearer has a hidden disability and may require additional support.

The LEGO ranges which will each feature a character wearing the sunflower lanyard is Duplo, for pre-school kids, LEGO Friends, for 6-12 year olds and LEGO Icons- a range for adults.

Duplo, for pre-school kids, LEGO Friends, for 6-12 year olds and LEGO Icons- a range for adults.

The LEGO Group

Duplo, for pre-school kids, LEGO Friends, for 6-12 year olds and LEGO Icons- a range for adults.

Speaking about these figures, Paul White, CEO at Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
says: “Across the globe, 1 in every 6 person lives with some form of disability and 80% of them have a disability that is non-visible.

“HD Sunflower is excited to partner with the LEGO Group on raising awareness and acceptance across their fan and colleague base and can’t wait to see the impact that this will create.”

“People can wear their lanyards with pride”

HuffPost UK spoke with Tasha Sorhaindo, mum to Jayden and Sunflower user with Systemic Lupus and dilated cardiomyopathy about the difference these toys could make.

Jayden, who is a teen with Long QT Wave Syndrome, a life-threatening heart condition with no visible signs, said: “I feel like [these toys] will mean that people can wear their lanyards with pride.

“I didn’t wear mine until my mum started wearing her own and I thought, ‘you know what? I have a hidden disability, why should I hide it? Why shouldn’t I be seen and heard?’”

She added that normalising these will help people like her, as well as giving those with hidden disabilities the freedom to not have to disclose their disability if they’re not comfortable.

Her mum, Tasha, who also has Long QT Wave Syndrome added: “The more awareness that’s raised, [people] will already know that wearing the lanyard means that somebody is clearly struggling with something, they have a disability.

“I just feel like this collaboration is huge, it will break down barriers… there’s a lot of opportunities for schools to jump on this and hold assemblies to inform children.”

“A significant step in normalising hidden disabilities”

Martin Moxness, autistic adult Sunflower lanyard user and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Ambassador with ADHD and Tourette syndrome, says about the work: “Seeing the Sunflower lanyard in LEGO sets is a significant step in normalising hidden disabilities. As a child, this would have been life-changing and would have made me feel seen and accepted.

“Even as an adult, it’s deeply meaningful to see such representation in an iconic product. This initiative is a milestone for the entire community and empowers individuals of all ages, inspiring creativity, fostering connection, and promoting inclusion.”

The collection will be released on June 1st, 2025.

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Liz Truss Left ‘Deep And Painful Scar’ On Conservative Party’s Reputation, Mel Stride Says

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Liz Truss and her mini-Budget left a “very deep and painful scar” on the Conservative Party, Mel Stride said.

The shadow Tory chancellor, who did not serve in the Truss government, made the admission during a lunch with Westminster journalists.

Asked by reporters if the Tories needed to publicly distance themselves from the mini-Budget by apologising and promising it will never happen again, Stride just admitted Truss’s £45bn of unfunded tax cuts severely damaged the party’s reputation.

The MP for Central Devon said: “I think it’s fair to say the-called mini-Budget – on which I had a lot to say at the time – as I was chair of the Treasury select and I was very vocal about what was going on during and after that event – it is a very deep and painful scar on the Conservative Party.”

He said: “At a stroke, it severely damaged that mantle of economic fiscal competence that our party has always [had].”

He added fiscal responsibility has to be at the centre of Conservatives’ plan to move forward.

Truss was ousted from government after serving just 49 days as the prime minister due to the chaos her mini-Budget caused.

She was also kicked out of her seat in the July general election when her majority of 26,195 was wiped out and Labour’s candidate Terry Jermy took her South West Norfolk constituency by 630 votes.

Stride actually managed to hang onto his own seat, although his majority dropped from 16,831 to just 61 votes.

July’s general election led to a historic defeat for the Tories who took just 121 seats in parliament, their worst defeat in terms of constituencies in history.

Asked if the Tories deserved to lose, Stride said: “If the question is – did we do everything right? And really did we deserve to win? Then I don’t think anybody could argue that we did everything right; a very, very long way from it.”

But he claimed Covid, Ukraine and inflation had all impacted the Tory reputation.

The Tory frontbencher added: “We’ve been around for 14 years. And what being around 14 years does is it deprives you the ability to readily recast yourself as an agent of change and so forth.”

He also expressed optimism about his party’s future, saying: “We have a long way to go in order to get back into political contention, but I believe we can do it, because I think that Labour victory last time round whilst wide is relatively shallow, and under 34% of the vote.

“We are in very volatile territory at the moment in which almost anything can happen in the future.”

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Bill Clinton Says He Wishes Joe Biden Didn’t Do This Thing Before Pardoning His Son

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Bill Clinton said on Wednesday that you “can’t take the politics out of” presidential pardoning decisions as he weighed in on Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son Hunter Biden.

“I wish he hadn’t said he wasn’t going to do it. I think it does weaken his case,” Clinton said of Joe Biden, who had vowed he wouldn’t pardon his son, who was found guilty in June of illegally owning a gun in 2018 and pleaded guilty in a tax case in September.

Clinton, in remarks to Andrew Ross Sorkin at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, said the president had “reason to believe” his son would likely face “far stronger, adverse consequences” than the average person.

On Sunday, Biden said in a statement that his son was “unfairly” and selectively prosecuted, adding that he was “singled out” due to his ties to his father. The move by the president has led to bipartisan condemnation in the days since.

Clinton dismissed comparisons of Biden’s pardon to his own 2001 pardon of his half-brother Roger Clinton Jr, who was convicted of cocaine possession and drug trafficking in 1985.

“The real question was, would he ever be able to vote again? Would he ever be able to have normal citizenship responsibilities?” said the former president, who noted that his half-brother had already served a 14-month sentence in federal prison at the time.

He continued, “And I’ve been sort of upset that there’s been almost no discussion about the larger problem, which is, does the pardon system we have work?”

Bill Clinton, who urged Americans to see Biden’s move in a “larger context,” then turned to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ (Democrat, New York) call for the president to also pardon those “in the federal prison system whose lives have been ruined by unjustly aggressive prosecutions for nonviolent offences.”

He said that Biden is “almost certainly right” that his son received “completely different treatments” than he would have otherwise.

But the issue over the pardon, he said, isn’t “way high” on his “hierarchy of things” he’s supposed to be upset about.

Sorkin later asked Clinton if Biden should pardon President-elect Donald Trump in what could be seen as a “balanced” move prior to the change in administrations.

“Well, I do think we should stop trying to criminalise politics,” Clinton said.

He later continued, “Both of them. … And the people like it when they are not going along with it from right to left. On the other hand, you have to ask yourself, if you do this as a blanket thing, is there anything a president could do that he or she someday would get in trouble for?”

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