Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike
Oh dear. With Stepford students on a mission to make every university a safe space, there has been a clear shift in recent years when it comes to what can be classed offensive. Earlier this year Mr S reported how students in London were on a mission to ban free-speech societies. Now they have a new
During the US presidential campaign, Donald Trump’s UK supporters were few and far between. In fact, aside from Nigel Farage, it fell on his old friend Piers Morgan to be his main cheerleader. The former Mirror editor wrote several supportive columns — praising Trump for saying what most people really think. It seems his show of
This week the Times splashed on a report by the Institute for Government branding Theresa May’s Brexit plans ‘chaotic and dysfunctional’. The research group claimed that Whitehall is overwhelmed by the size of the task ahead and expressed concerns about its feasibility. However, while many Bremoaners have leapt on its findings as proof that the government’s
Oh dear. Although the SNP like to pride themselves on being the ‘real opposition’, they tend to struggle when on the receiving end of criticism. And so it was the case today at PMQs as Theresa May responded to a question from Angus Robertson over the government’s Brexit plans: AR: Will the Prime Minister confirm today
Although Theresa May is adamant that she will trigger Article 50 come what March, today’s Times splash suggests otherwise. A ‘leaked’ memo from Deloitte to the paper claims that the government is behind schedule with Brexit preparations and is heavily short-staffed — requiring another 30,000 civil servants in order to get the job done. So, what are the current
Once upon a time Labour was seen to be the party of the working class while the Conservatives that of the Old Etonians. However, in recent years the Labour party has been accused of losing touch with its working class voters. So, Mr S was intrigued to see Philip Davies and Tristram Hunt debate one another
It’s probably for the best that Theresa May wasn’t present at last night’s Evening Standard theatre awards. Mr S understands that the Prime Minister found herself in the firing line twice, with both Patrick Stewart and Lord Lloyd Webber using their stage time to take aim. First Stewart — the Star Trek actor — attacked May
This week reports emerged that Nigel Farage was being lined up to act as a go-between for the government and Donald Trump. However, Downing Street sources were quick to deny the claims, suggesting that Ukip’s interim leader was an ‘irrelevance’ to the UK’s relationship with the US. However, it appears that keeping Ukip’s interim leader on side
As the US election results rolled in on Tuesday, guests flocked to CNN’s results bash in Marylebone where the majority hoped to see Hillary Clinton elected president. While they didn’t have their wish granted, across town a more Trump-happy crowd gathered for Lord Ashcroft’s book launch. Nigel Farage was among guests at the Devonshire Club, in Liverpool
Not yet 72 hours into Donald Trump’s victory, and already the finest promises of the campaign are slipping away. Namely, the celebrities #WithHer who had vowed to leave the US are now backing down. As if Americans haven’t been through enough, it seems they’re stuck with Amy Schumer for another four years. ‘The interview where
Here we go again. As the world mourns the death of Leonard Cohen — the great songwriter — at the age of 82, Louise Mensch has managed to add yet another Twitter gaffe to her ever-growing list. On hearing the news, the former Tory MP took to her social media to hail it as proof of
On Thursday, Barack Obama welcomed Donald Trump to the White House to begin transition talks. While the President Elect described Obama as ‘a very good man’ after the hour-long meeting, the pictures tell a different story. Mr S welcomes your caption suggestions. The winner will be announced on Monday.
With experts, pollsters and members of the metropolitan elite all taken by surprise over Hillary Clinton’s defeat, many are struggling to come to terms with a Donald Trump presidency. None more so than the brains at Newsweek. Hacks at the current affairs magazine in America were so sure that Clinton would be victorious that they
With Theresa May still hanging on the telephone for Donald Trump, the Prime Minister may soon be turning to Nigel Farage for a helping hand. The interim Ukip leader has forged a friendly relationship with the new President — joining him on the campaign trail. Now Farage has given an interview in which he volunteeers
During the EU referendum campaign, Stuart Rose built a reputation for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. In fact, his blunders became so regular that the chair of Britain Stronger in Europe had all but disappeared from public as polling day neared — with Mr S even issuing several appeals into the retail supremo’s
Spare a thought for Donald Trump. For weeks now, the Republican candidate has been suggesting the US voting system is rigged. Now it seems his trust issues have spread to those closest to him. In a photo from Trump’s visit to the polling station today, the presidential hopeful appears to be taking a peek at
Although Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers is rooting for Donald Trump tonight, it’s widely thought that — out of the two — the Labour leader is Team Hillary. Alas in the event of a Hillary Clinton presidency, the future for UK Labour and the US doesn’t look so bright. Wikileaks have leaked a transcript of a speech
Although George Osborne is now a backbencher, the former Chancellor still harbours leadership ambitions. On that note, it’s not gone unnoticed that since his sacking, Osborne has been doing his bit to keep close ties with America — joining Tina Brown for a Manhattan soiree to show that — despite the Leave vote — there
With the US presidential result now less than 24 hours away, tensions are high both across the pond and in the UK. So, perhaps that’s why Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers has stepped his campaign against Hillary Clinton up a notch this morning. Although Piers has previously insisted he is not endorsing Donald Trump despite his condemnation of
It’s safe to say that when it comes to the US presidential election, it’s Hillary Clinton who has Hollywood on side. The Democrat candidate has been endorsed by everyone from Madonna to Meryl Streep to Katy Perry, while a multitude of luvvies have spoken out against her Republican rival. However, Donald Trump can take heart
