Page 30 - Michael Grade News Today

Foreign leaders feared John Major would lose 1995 Conservative leadership contest, secret files show Jon Sharman © Provided by The Independent World leaders were dismayed by John Major’s risky leadership contest designed to challenge critics within the Conservative Party and feared he might lose, according to previously confidential papers. Documents released to the National Archives under the 30-year rule reveal that European capitals did not share Mr Major’s – now Sir ...

Prank call headed off a eurosceptic rebellion Rory Bremner saved John Major’s Premiership by making a prank phone call, it has been confirmed today In 1993, the impressionist posed as the Prime Minister to call eurosceptic Tory MPs asking for their support – at a time when they were threatening a rebellion against his leadership. Newly released files show the comedian called Sir Richard Body – who was leading the dissident MPs – asking him to stave off the challenge as the Conservativ...

Impressionist Rory Bremner may have inadvertently helped to defuse a Tory revolt against John Major, according to newly released official files. Papers released by the National Archives show Bremner telephoned rebel MPs as an “experiment” to see if his impersonation of the prime minister could convince people who knew him. But his appeal for support sounded so genuine the rebels agreed to “lay off” and help to carry the government through. Bremner made the calls in October 1993 ahead of...

Ruby Wax: 10 things we learned when she spoke to Louis Theroux The fourth guest on the second series of Grounded with Louis Theroux is the fabulously honest Ruby Wax. Ruby is best known for her wild documentaries and celebrity interviews, as well as for being an author, actress and mental health campaigner. She speaks to Louis about some of her most memorable interviews, her difficult childhood and why she really didn’t like Louis for long time. Here are 10 things we learned… 1. She used to...

It is one of the all-time classic moments in British comedy: André Previn is trying to conduct a special pre-decimal arrangement of Griegs Piano Concerto, with Eric Morecambe as his soloist, and it is not going at all well. Morecambe has already called him by the wrong name (Ah, Mr Preview - how are you?); insulted the members of his orchestra (Ive seen better bands on a cigar!); made an ill-judged claim about his own musical credentials (Youre now looking at one of the few men who has actuall...

Strategy. >> tax cuts for the rich? that doesnt poll well at all. >> when its conveyed that way. >> its fact. >> then why isnt obama polling at over 50%? consistently. >> theres also a clash between the philosophy of universal health care which was romneys philosophy six years ago and the philosophy of romney now. >> great discussion. ari, keli, and michael grade to have you on here. >> republican lies ran rampant on the state level. karl roves dark money group is busted running a false ad where...