Trusses? Lettuces? However you measure a political life span, it's totting up numbers that counts
The Guardian|April 30, 2024
It must be contagious. Just when you thought Westminster might have the monopoly on incompetence and chaos, along comes Humza Yousaf, Scotland's first minister, saying: "Hold my Diet Coke."
John Crace
Trusses? Lettuces? However you measure a political life span, it's totting up numbers that counts

Anything the Tories can do south of the border, the Scottish National party can manage north of it. We are in a new political era where the life span of politicians is measured in units of Liz Truss. Or lettuces. So Yousaf reached seven and a half Trusses - or approximately 54 lettuces. Which, all things considered, is fairly respectable. If a lot less than he had hoped.

Last Thursday, Yousaf had consciously uncoupled from the Scottish Green party. "You're dumped," he had announced, looking rather pleased with himself. It had been meant to be a power play. To ditch the Greens before they ditched him. A show of strength that the SNP could survive as a minority government without their coalition partner.

This story is from the April 30, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 30, 2024 edition of The Guardian.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE GUARDIANView All
Rashford needs redemption at Wembley to salvage season
The Guardian

Rashford needs redemption at Wembley to salvage season

Striker's career of wild peaks and troughs requires a strong performance against City after his latest England blow

time-read
4 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Ford-Robinson calm as Sharks begin to circle
The Guardian

Ford-Robinson calm as Sharks begin to circle

Jamal Ford-Robinson is detailing what the award he won at Gloucester's end of season bash was for when eventually he explains that \"essentially it's about being a good club man\".

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Capsey leads way for unconvincing England
The Guardian

Capsey leads way for unconvincing England

Alice Capsey hit a career-best 44 from 65 balls as England comfortably beat Pakistan by 37 runs in the first one-day international against Pakistan at Derby.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Tambourine man Why our happy band at Grimsby will keep sharing spotlight as we focus on future
The Guardian

Tambourine man Why our happy band at Grimsby will keep sharing spotlight as we focus on future

I'n the 1980s, a big night out meant my brothers and mates donning our shiny shirts, necking several pints of Tennent's, then shuffling around the dancefloor of Pier 39 nightclub in Cleethorpes to the sound of George Benson's Give Me the Night.

time-read
4 mins  |
May 24, 2024
'Kleptocracy walking tour' MP goes on the trail of dirty money
The Guardian

'Kleptocracy walking tour' MP goes on the trail of dirty money

Margaret Hodge, the veteran Labour MP and former minister, is knocking on doors of multimillion-pound London properties.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Watchdog launches formal investigation into vets' fees
The Guardian

Watchdog launches formal investigation into vets' fees

The UK competition regulator has launched a formal investigation into the £2bn veterinary market, over concerns that pet owners could be overpaying for medicines and may not always be aware of the best treatment options available.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 24, 2024
US denies UK claim that China is giving 'lethal aid' to Russia
The Guardian

US denies UK claim that China is giving 'lethal aid' to Russia

Joe Biden's administration has challenged a claim by the British defence secretary, Grant Shapps, that China is sending \"lethal aid❞ to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 24, 2024
China launches two days of 'punishment' drills after Taiwanese president sworn in
The Guardian

China launches two days of 'punishment' drills after Taiwanese president sworn in

Dozens of Chinese fighter jets carried out mock strikes against Taiwanese targets yesterday as \"punishment\" after Taiwan inaugurated a new president, China's military said.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Hostages Families of five women release video of kidnaps in call for deal
The Guardian

Hostages Families of five women release video of kidnaps in call for deal

An Israeli group representing the families of hostages held in Gaza has released footage showing the capture of five female soldiers from a military base during the 7 October Hamas attacks.

time-read
3 mins  |
May 24, 2024
Court case New ruling expected on conduct of war in Gaza
The Guardian

Court case New ruling expected on conduct of war in Gaza

The International Court of justice (ICJ) is expected to issue a new ruling on Israel's conduct of its war in Gaza this afternoon, as the US expressed concern over Israel's growing diplomatic isolation among countries that have traditionally supported it.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 24, 2024