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Dr Helen Forte

@drhelenforte.bsky.social
4K followers 1.2K following 84 posts

I'm a classicist, an illustrator & cartoonist, a grandmother and a feminist (in any order)

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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Count Binface @countbinface.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Here it is. My manifesto for the 2026 Clacton By-Election. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join me, clean up Clacton and let's make 13th August Bin Day! #VoteBinface #VoteyMcVoteface #YesWeTinCan
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Dr Helen Forte @drhelenforte.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
@countbinface.bsky.social
Cartoon with seagulls and a bin. Text says Seagulls for Binface
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
🔴 New from Byline Times How George Cottrell’s Reform UK Network in Montenegro Is Tied to Sanctioned Russian Oligarchs By @nafeez.bsky.social bylinetimes.com/2026/07/27/how-geor…
bylinetimes.com
How George Cottrell’s Reform UK Network in Montenegro Is Tied to Sanctioned Russian Oligarchs
Nigel Farage's criminal funder runs a Montenegro company whose corporate advisors work for a Belgrade Russian-arms dealer and individuals tied to Russian state-linked enterprises
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
"What all the critics of Miliband’s appointment are overlooking is that it is not actually the purpose of the Foreign Secretary to appease Donald Trump. The job of Foreign Secretary is to stand up for British interests." ✍️ @alexhh.bsky.social bylinetimes.com/2026/07/27/i...
bylinetimes.com
'It's Trump, Not Ed Miliband Who Is the Source of the UK's Transatlantic Problems'
The first job of the Foreign Secretary is to stand up for Britain's interests, not to appease a President trying to undermine them, argues former British diplomat Alexandra Hall Hall
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Today is #WorldHeadAndNeckCancerDay. As a former ENT surgeon, I know just how vital early diagnosis can be. If you have a persistent mouth ulcer, a lump in your neck, a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms that won't go away, please get them checked. It could save your life.
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Congratulations to the staff and students at West Suffolk College on another Highly Commended AA College Rosette! A fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition of the talent, dedication, and high standards on display at Edmunds Restaurant! 🍽️ suffolknews.co.uk/bury-st-edmu...
suffolknews.co.uk
College restaurant dishes up another award for ‘quality and consistent standard’
A college restaurant has managed to secure a prestigious award for seven consecutive years.
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 14/07/2026
Britain has more than 50 billionaires. Each owns more than 3,000 times the wealth of the average person. Should we tax those fortunes a little more? Stephen McNair makes the case. 👇
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Fixing inequality: just tax the extremely rich
Inequality is at the root of most of our social ills. It could be fixed with a wealth tax. And Gabriel Zucman has a cunning plan
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 14/07/2026
Donald Trump – upending the international order and unleashing a terrifying wave of destruction Trump’s foreign policy has undermined international law, alliances, and global stability westenglandbylines.co.uk/news/world/d...
westenglandbylines.co.uk
Donald Trump – upending the international order and unleashing a terrifying wave of destruction
Trump’s foreign policy has undermined international law, alliances, and global stability
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 12/07/2026
The latest dispatch from Pecksniff... * Clacton descends into glorious absurdity * Reform under pressure * Burnham gets down to business.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Pecksniff: End game for Farage
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 12/07/2026
In a era of hotter summers, trees are one of the most effective tools for tackling extreme heat, shading streets, cooling the air. They can even help save lives during heatwaves. Kate Moore argues we need more trees.
Urban park in Amsterdam. The park is an avenue with roads either side and a wide footpath between edges in between. There are circular benches around the trunks of the two mature trees in the foreground, and smaller benches along the path under smaller trees.
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
📌 ICYMI — The Walls Are Closing In Around Nigel Farage’s Crypto Insurgency Nigel Farage's party is now connected to multiple parliamentary and police investigations, as questions grow about its opaque crypto-connected funding, reports Matt Gallagher
bylinetimes.com
The Walls Are Closing In Around Nigel Farage’s Crypto Insurgency
Nigel Farage's party is now connected to multiple parliamentary and police investigations, as questions grow about its opaque crypto-connected funding, reports Matt Gallagher
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 13/07/2026
At one point yesterday, nearly 3/4 of electricity generation was from renewables. I wonder what it will be today? It’s sunny and breezy in the east. Check grid.iamkate.com
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 13/07/2026
The biggest cause of Britain’s social problems isn’t immigration, welfare or growth. It's inequality. Kate Pickett argues that a modest Universal Basic Income could slash poverty, improve health and make society fairer. Report by Stephen McNair.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Fixing inequality: the case for a basic income
Many of our social ills are caused by inequality. It could be fixed if the state paid everyone an unconditional guaranteed basic income
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 11/07/2026
Politics doesn't always have to be serious. Sometimes it comes with a bucket on its head. Enjoy 20 of the funniest Count Binface memes from the Clacton by-election campaign. 👇
eastangliabylines.co.uk
The 20 best Count Binface memes from the Clacton by-election
With Count Binface becoming Nigel Farage's main challenger, social media has responded with some gloriously inventive political satire
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 11/07/2026
The latest from the ever-incisive Pecksniff... * Is this the beginning of the end for Nigel Farage? * Suffolk Reform gets another roasting. * Plus Count Binface, Burnham and the latest political absurdities. With thanks to Cold War Steve for the brilliant artwork.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Pecksniff: End game for Farage
In which Mr Pecksniff lays before his readers for their approval certain observations and speculations reflecting on the political life
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 10/07/2026
Ben Smith's fictional councillor set out convinced he had all the answers. The trouble is, real life keeps asking better questions.
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Our new councillor seeks inspiration but gives little hope
Our fictional new councillor is pulled hither and thither and can’t focus on the football
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 10/07/2026
Nigel Farage once became the butt of jokes about "losing to a dolphin". Now Count Binface has become the unexpected face of the Clacton campaign. Here are 20 memes charting the story. 👇
eastangliabylines.co.uk
The 20 best Count Binface memes from the Clacton by-election
With Count Binface becoming Nigel Farage's main challenger, social media has responded with some gloriously inventive political satire
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Dr Helen Forte @drhelenforte.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Essex coast seagulls love a good bin! @countbinface.bsky.social @eastangliabylines.co.uk
Poster of two seagulls, one on a bin, with the legend 'Seagulls for Binface"
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 10/07/2026
It started with a satirical candidate. Then TV news started interviewing him. Then the memes took over... Here are 20 of the best Count Binface posts from X and Bluesky. 👇
eastangliabylines.co.uk
The 20 best Count Binface memes from the Clacton by-election
With Count Binface becoming Nigel Farage's main challenger, social media has responded with some gloriously inventive political satire
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
🔴 NEW: The Walls Are Closing In Around Nigel Farage’s Crypto Insurgency Nigel Farage's party is now connected to multiple parliamentary and police investigations, as questions grow about its opaque crypto-connected funding, reports Matt Gallagher Read the full story below.
bylinetimes.com
The Walls Are Closing In Around Nigel Farage's Crypto Insurgency
Nigel Farage's party is now connected to multiple parliamentary and police investigations, as questions grow about its opaque crypto-connected funding, reports Matt Gallagher
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 10/07/2026
Can a politician change... ...without admitting they were wrong? Fictional councillor Mike Stray's journey takes another unexpected turn. Ben Smith passes it on
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Our new councillor seeks inspiration but gives little hope
Our fictional new councillor is pulled hither and thither and can’t focus on the football
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Yesterday, in the Health Bill Committee, I spoke about why patient safety must be at the heart of everything we do in the NHS - not treated as an add-on, but embedded in the culture of care, support and accountability. 👇️
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
📌 ICYMI — The Missing Part Of Keir Starmer’s Plan To Clamp Down On Foreign Election Meddling — @josiahmortimer.bsky.social The UK Government has announced a series of major reforms designed to prevent foreign interference in our politics, yet campaigners fear they have left the…
bylinetimes.com
The Missing Part Of Keir Starmer’s Plan To Clamp Down On Foreign Election Meddling
The UK Government has announced a series of major reforms designed to prevent foreign interference in our politics, yet campaigners fear they have left the "biggest loophole" of all untouched
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
People of Clacton, a timely reminder Nigel Farage wants to - leave the ECHR - repeal the Equality Act - Strip back workers rights - Lift restrictions on exploitative zero-hours contracts - repeal the Renters’ Rights Act MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT! youtu.be/KxOQRt8PQys?...
youtu.be
If UK media actually explained Nigel Farage’s policies to the public no one would be supporting him
YouTube video by Peter Stefanovic
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
🔴 NEW: Palantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK’s Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project Revealed By @nafeez.bsky.social, @peterjukes.bsky.social and @hardeepmatharu.bsky.social The world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation…
bylinetimes.com
Palantir Co-Founder Peter Thiel and Reform UK's Cambridge University Recruitment Pipeline Project Revealed
The world-renowned academic institution has nothing to say in response to a six-month investigation by Byline Times raising serious concerns about the safeguarding of students and foreign influence at Cambridge University. Why?
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Bylines Network @bylinesnetwork.co.uk · 09/07/2026
Why Pope Leo has excommunicated a group of conservative Catholics It’s the latest twist in a long-running saga between the Vatican and this contentious traditionalist group northeastbylines.co.uk/culture/reli...
northeastbylines.co.uk
Why Pope Leo has excommunicated a group of conservative Catholics
The decision by Pope Leo XIV to excommunicate members of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) is the latest twist in a long-running saga between the Vatican and this contentious traditionalist group
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
Byline Times @bylinetimes.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
🔴 NEW: Parliament’s Standards Watchdog Rejected Complaints About Farage’s ‘Hidden Property Empire’ Months Before Times Exposé It exposes a glaring loophole in Parliamentary transparency rules, reports Josiah Mortimer Read the full story below.
bylinetimes.com
Parliament's Standards Watchdog Rejected Complaints About Farage's 'Hidden Property Empire' Months Before Times Exposé
It exposes a glaring loophole in Parliamentary transparency rules, reports Josiah Mortimer
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 09/07/2026
Disposable BBQs, dogs off leads, and fly tipping: our reserves are being pushed to the limit. Please keep dogs on leads and leave no trace. These spaces belong to us all. 🐕🔥 #LeaveNoTrace
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Vandalism, fly tipping and fires: Why Essex nature reserves need your help now
Essex Wildlife Trust calls for support in preventing vandalism and illegal activities causing destruction to local nature reserves
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 09/07/2026
Farage has forced a by-election. But if the other parties won't play along, has the strategy backfired before polling day? The Bear’s latest ⤵️
eastangliabylines.co.uk
Farage, the £5m questions and a by-election
A by-election was meant to reset the debate. Instead, with no major party contesting Clacton, scrutiny has remained fixed on Farage's £5m gift
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Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
I've written to Sir Keir Starmer to thank him for his leadership, service and dedication to our country. Thank you, Keir, and best wishes for the future. #Labour
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Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Tomorrow, I'll be joined by an expert panel in Bury St Edmunds for Dirty Business? The Future of Britain’s Water – a public discussion on the challenges facing our waterways. #WaterActionDay There are still free tickets available: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990392747...
eventbrite.co.uk
Dirty Business? The Future of Britain’s Water
National and local voices discuss water quality, rivers, and environmental action, followed by a live audience Q&A.
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Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
As a former NHS Consultant Surgeon, I know how vital resident doctors are to our NHS. I'm pleased this agreement has been reached. It's good news for doctors, good news for patients, and another step towards rebuilding our NHS. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Resident doctors in England accept pay deal and end strikes
Doctors have been locked in a three-year dispute with the government, resulting in several rounds of strikes.
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Dr Peter Prinsley MP @peterprinsleymp.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The people of Suffolk are kind and compassionate, but they also deserve to have their voices heard. Today, I asked the Government how local communities will be consulted on the proposals for RAF Barnham and what role the local planning authority will play.
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 26/06/2026
A hangover, a dull meeting – then a chance collision changes everything. One question about a stain throws Mike an unexpected lifeline. From an unepected quarter. #satire By Ben Smith
eastangliabylines.co.uk
The unexpected comfort of strangers
Our fictional Reform councillor Mike is made to feel small, but then gets a hopeful sign from an unexpected quarter
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Reposted by Dr Helen Forte
East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 30/06/2026
Ever climbed into a car that's been baking in the sun and wondered why our biggest car parks don't have shade? The Government was considering exactly that. It has now quietly parked the idea. Here's why it matters. eastangliabylines.co.uk/environment/...
eastangliabylines.co.uk
As Britain bakes, ministers quietly park plans for solar carports
Ministers have quietly shelved plans that could have transformed Britain's biggest car parks into shaded power stations
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East Anglia Bylines @eastangliabylines.co.uk · 01/07/2026
Politicians making quite a bit of money is rather in the news.... On this side of the pond, a local politician is doing rather well advertising gold bullion... Via BBC News
bbc.co.uk
Nigel Farage declares earning £270,000 for gold bullion promotions
The Reform UK leader says the payment from Direct Bullion was for work amounting to four hours per month for a three-month period.
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
BBC lawyers playing Trump at his own game and he's too lazy to have read the rules.
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
● Farage received £91,200 from a gold bullion company for four hours of work in January 2025. ● That's just £146 less than his MP salary for a whole year. ● And people wonder why he's never in Clacton. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Nigel Farage received £270,000 from gold marketer he promotes
Reform UK leader’s Direct Bullion payment is double his fee from 2025
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Torsten Bell @torstenbell.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
1/2 Keir turned around our party and has given huge service to our country - both as our Prime Minister and a reforming public prosecutor. We all owe him thanks for that service and the progress that has been made, from stronger workers rights to rising wages and falling waiting lists.
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Joe Powell MP @joepowell.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Introducing the NEW Natural History GCSE 🌳🐙🐢🌺 Where better to announce the NEW Natural History GCSE than at the Natural History Museum here in South Kensington!?
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Whatever people think domestically, as a statesman on the world stage Keir Starmer was exemplary
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Andy Burnham’s response to Keir Starmer’s resignation
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Jess Asato MP @jessasatomp.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Keir Starmer transformed the Labour Party and secured a historic victory in 2024 - one which has helped us to deliver huge changes. An end to the two child benefit limit, a new child poverty strategy and big steps forward to tackle violence against women and girls.
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Cliff Waterman @westsuffolkcliff.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A good day for the country, a good day for Labour, and, dare I say it, a good day for Kier Starmer. He's been professional and statesmanlike to the end. Now a new chapter starts, with a new leader, and a renewed sense of optimism.
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Full Fact @fullfact.org · 22/06/2026
Following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation announcement today, we’ve seen claims that he will be entitled to a £115,000-a-year “pension” as a former Prime Minister. This is misleading. Here’s what that figure actually refers to 👇
fullfact.org
No, Keir Starmer won’t get a £115,000 ‘pension’ as an ex-PM – Full Fact
Claims that Sir Keir Starmer will be entitled to a £115,000-a-year “pension” for the rest of his life as a former PM are misleading.
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Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP @drrosena.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
It's important to remember we're not "all the same." Across Labour, there are hundreds of hardworking MPs, councillors and activists who are want to deliver change in their communities. We cannot let "Scandelson" get in the way of our values. Me on @bbclaurak.bsky.social this morning👇
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Matt Turmaine @turmaine.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown on the integrity of @Keir_Starmer and how he is dealing with the current political revelations about #PeterMandelson. Clear and relevant commentary.
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
BREAKING: Gordon Brown defends Keir Starmer "I can look in his eyes and see he is a man of integrity. "He wants to do the right things. Perhaps he has been too slow to do the right things. But he must do the right things now. "Lets judge what he does"
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
🚨BREAKING: Parliament is going to debate the petition – BY-ELECTIONS TO BE CALLED AUTOMATICALLY WHEN MP’S DEFECT TO ANOTHER PARTY on 16 March 2026! Contact/Tag your MP now and ask them to attend the debate and speak out in support
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Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Reform UK will face a police investigation in Gorton and Denton after admitting it sent out letters from a “concerned neighbour” which did not state they had been funded and distributed by the party www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Reform faces police investigation over ‘concerned neighbour’ byelection letters
Material distributed in Gorton and Denton did not have legally required imprint stating it was funded by party
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