Those Who Really Rules Britain, By Richard Miller (Londonistan)
The article, published in the Daily Mail on October 13, 2025, by columnist Dan Hodges, (link below) argues that the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is effectively being controlled by a small group of unelected advisors with ties to Tony Blair's administration from 1997-2007. Hodges describes this as a "palace coup" where the 2024 election didn't install a new Starmer-led regime, but instead reinstated Blair-era figures who are pulling the strings on key policies, particularly in foreign affairs, security, and defence. He portrays Starmer as a figurehead lacking real power, with Britain suffering from "international impotence" due to financial constraints and appeasement toward powers like China. The core thesis is summed up in Hodges' line: "A tiny, shadowy cabal of powerful men are indeed running Britain. But our Prime Minister does not sit among them."
Key points and examples from the article include:
Jonathan Powell's Central Role: As Starmer's national security advisor and former Blair chief of staff, Powell is highlighted as a key figure. He's accused of sabotaging the prosecution of two alleged Chinese spies (Chris Cash and Christopher Berry) to avoid angering Beijing, prioritising appeasement over national security. Powell is also a member of the 48 Group, a secretive organisation founded by British communists that allegedly influences politicians and business leaders in favour of China's Communist Party. Hodges quotes a former colleague calling Powell "very difficult to work with" and "not a team player." Additionally, Powell is linked to overriding advice on ceding the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (a Chinese ally) and allowing a large Chinese embassy in London with controversial features like a "secret dungeon."
Blairite Advisors' Return: Hodges lists several figures who have re-entered Downing Street, framing it as a revival of the Blair government:
Jonathan Powell (as above).
Peter Mandelson (noted for past scandals, including Epstein connections).
Tim Allen.
Pat McFadden (the only one who faced voters recently).
Liz Lloyd. He notes that "just about every senior advisor to Tony Blair has found a way back into Downing Street," emphasising their influence on policies like the China spy case collapse and the Chagos handover.
Historical Context and Scandals: Powell's past involvement in the Iraq War "dodgy dossier" is revisited, with Hodges quoting Powell's email requesting rewrites to strengthen the case for war. This is used to illustrate the cabal's pattern of manipulating intelligence and policy.
Starmer's Irrelevance: Examples include Starmer being sidelined during a Gaza peace deal (while Blair was involved) and acting more like a "glorified trade envoy" begging for foreign investment. Hodges argues this dysfunction stems from Starmer ceding control, making his position "untenable" whether he was aware of the manipulations or not.
Broader Implications: The piece criticises the government's "mute acquiescence" to Chinese interests, linking it to Britain's economic desperation and potential need for an IMF bailout. Hodges ironically validates conspiracy theorists by confirming a cabal exists, but clarifies it's these Blairites, not some grander plot, which it really is.
Overall, the tone is critical and alarmist, portraying the situation as a real-life thriller plot where unelected figures undermine democracy and national interests.
Since the article is recent, discussions are mostly emerging on social media like X, with limited in-depth blog or essay responses so far. Here's a roundup of notable takes:
Vox Popoli (Theodore Beale's Blog): This Right-wing, conspiracy-leaning site (often associated with alt-right views) frames Hodges' article as evidence of the Left finally "discovering the deep state." The post notes that Hodges, as a Leftist columnist and son of a Labour MP, has reached conclusions similar to those of QAnon and far-Right narratives about "Clown World" (a term for a supposed global elite manipulating puppet politicians). It quotes the article's headline and Hodges' line about conspiracy theorists being right, suggesting this validates broader theories of hidden cabals controlling governments worldwide. The commentary implies a smug satisfaction that mainstream Leftists are catching up to what "Right-wing" observers have long claimed, without diving into specifics beyond linking it to Q and deep state ideas. No other dedicated blog essays or long-form analyses turned up my searches, but some news aggregators and opinion sites echoed the headline without adding much original commentary.
X has seen quick reactions, with many users sharing the article and interpreting it through a conspiratorial lens. Here's a selection of diverse takes, sorted by theme (all from October 13-14, 2025):
Agreement with Conspiracy Angle:
oUser @DPJHodges (Dan Hodges himself): "For once the conspiracy theorists are right. A shadowy cabal of powerful men is running Britain. The problem is, our Prime Minister isn't one of them." This teaser post garnered over 2,900 likes and 800 reposts, sparking discussions.
oUser @MargotLJParker: "I'm afraid so," quoting Hodges' line about conspiracy theorists being right, implying validation of deeper plots.
oUser @LSW1957: "Bl**dy Hell... we have known for a very long time that these shadowy figures are in control and @Keir_Starmer is just the Puppet." This echoes puppet-master theories common in conspiracy circles.
oUser @MikeKeelfree: "Alas from the daily mail: 'A shadowy cabal of men control Britain and the Prime Minister is not one of them.'" Presented as reluctant confirmation of elite control.
Criticism of Starmer and Ties to China/Blair:
User @Frankdgrwhippet: Details the cabal as Blair's "henchmen" like Powell and Mandelson, linking to China spy issues and the Chagos giveaway. Calls Starmer "the most inadequate PM since WW2" and suggests Blair is indirectly "pulling Starmer's strings."
User @Rough_Shuffle: Focuses on Powell's 48 Group membership, calling it a group that "grooms" leaders for China, framing it as part of mass-migration and government abuse narratives.
General Shares and Alarm:
User @ClimateRealists: Shared the full headline, gaining traction among climate sceptic circles, possibly tying into broader anti-establishment views.
User @DavidSocial1976: "A shadowy cabal of men is running Britain - and the Prime Minister is not one of them," with hashtags like #StopTheInvasion #ReformUK, linking to anti-immigration sentiments.
User @Politrics1: "Excellent article... about who is running Britain, and it's not Starmer," praising it as insightful.
These X posts represent a range of Right-leaning and anti-establishment voices, often amplifying the article's claims into puppet-government theories. And these claims are now appearing in mainstream newspapers! Is it any wonder that the elites are moving fast to censor the internet before too many people wake up, in fright?
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