Latest news with #JohnMorgan
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Ex-officer on trial for perjury in Police Scotland tribunal
A former Police Scotland firearms officer has gone on trial charged with perjury in connection with evidence he gave at an employment Warhurst is also accused of sending indecent images or videos of topless women to a WhatsApp group of male police sergeants, and making a derogatory comment about a colleague's pregnant Warhurst gave evidence at a tribunal in 2021 and is accused of denying he shared the images or made the remark, when he in fact knew that he had done denies the charges against him at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Giving evidence, a former firearms officer Richard Creanor alleged that in April 2017 he witnessed Mr Warhurst make the derogatory remark about their colleague's pregnant Creanor said that fellow officer John Morgan had told several colleagues in an office that his partner had discovered she was told them he took the previous day off work to go to a hospital appointment with her because she initially believed she had a Creanor claimed that Keith Warhurst then swore and said the woman must be fat "if she didn't realise she was pregnant".When asked by the procurator fiscal depute how he responded, Mr Creanor said he was "stunned"."However, I need to also explain there is also a dark humour that exists within the police - things that would not be acceptable in any other walk of life," he added."But I felt that went past inappropriate banter. It was just a horrible thing to say."Mr Creanor claimed that John Morgan responded to Mr Warhurst's remark and appeared "furious", but under cross-examination from the defence could not remember what Mr Morgan had Mr Creanor and Mr Warhurst gave evidence at an employment tribunal in Creanor told the court he told the truth at the tribunal and was telling the truth also said he was "furious" for a "variety of reasons" in the aftermath of the tribunal. One reason, he said, was that "Keith had insinuated or stated that I had lied, by giving his own evidence saying these things were not true".Mr Warhurst has since left the force. WhatsApp claim Mr Creanor was also asked about a WhatsApp group that several sergeants in the unit were members told the court that in the autumn of 2017, Mr Warhurst sent images of topless women to the group Creanor claimed that he was not offended by the images and did not take the issue any court also heard from a former officer who had served with both men at the time and said the culture at the unit was White, a team sergeant on the firearms unit who has since retired, told the court he had also received the images in the WhatsApp described them as "sexualised images" and said that Keith Warhurst had sent White claimed that he responded to the images with "something like Keith, do you realise you're an inspector now?"Mr Warhurst had recently been temporarily promoted at the time the images were allegedly White told the court that although he wasn't offended by the images, he found it "surprising" given the group chat was work-related and that Mr Warhurst had recently been questioned on the culture at the firearms unit at the time, Mr White said there were "very few" women and that it was "male-dominated".Under questioning from the defence, Mr White confirmed that "images of a jokey type" could "possibly" have been sent on a regular trial continues.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Attorney John Morgan continues push for new political party, eyes 2026 governor's race
The Brief Orlando attorney John Morgan is moving forward with forming a centrist political party in Florida. He says the move could support a potential 2026 gubernatorial run amid rising voter frustration with partisan extremes. Morgan believes the state needs a political "vehicle" for compromise. ORLANDO, Fla. - Prominent Orlando attorney John Morgan is advancing efforts to form a new political party, positioning it as a centrist alternative to what he calls the extremes of the Republican and Democratic parties. What we know Orlando attorney John Morgan is moving forward with plans to form a new political party in Florida, aimed at offering a centrist alternative to the current two-party system. Known for founding the Morgan & Morgan law firm, Morgan has previously hinted at a gubernatorial run and is now laying the groundwork for a possible campaign in 2026 through this new political vehicle. What we don't know Morgan has not formally announced his candidacy for governor, nor has he provided details about the structure, name, or leadership of the proposed political party. It remains unclear whether the party will field additional candidates or focus solely on supporting his potential campaign. The backstory Morgan has been a well-known figure in Florida's political and legal circles for years, occasionally signaling interest in public office. His frustration with partisan politics has been a recurring theme, but this marks his most concrete step toward political organization. The move comes amid increasing polarization and dissatisfaction among voters not aligned with either major party. Big picture view Florida's political landscape is sharply divided, with Republicans holding 40% of registered voters and Democrats at 31%. However, the rise of voters with no party affiliation — now at 26% — points to an opportunity for a new political movement. Morgan's initiative appears to be tapping into that demographic, which could reshape the state's political dynamics if successful. What they're saying "I don't believe there's any compromise in our political system anymore — anywhere, on both sides," Morgan said. "You have to make a sacrifice for the common good. I don't care if it's me, but I think we need a vehicle to make it possible." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by John Morgan and the Florida Division of Elections.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
John Morgan lays out campaign blueprint for possible Florida governor run
John Morgan, the famous attorney who runs the nation's largest injury firm and is known for his 'For the People' billboards and ads, has been teasing for months that he may run for Florida governor in 2026. He wasn't definitive Wednesday after talking for nearly an hour at the Capital Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee. But in profanity-laden remarks interspersed with jokes and slams against Republicans and Democrats alike, he laid out what could be a campaign blueprint. Morgan criticized Democrats — a party he once donated huge sums to — as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis and a Legislature he said cared more about special interests than helping with the problems residents are dealing with. He said, 'I believe that whether you're on the far left or the far right that the defining problem in our country today is income inequality. People can't afford to live.' A Morgan candidacy would jolt a contest that already features GOP Rep. Byron Donalds and probably David Jolly, a former Republican representative who recently became a Democrat. First lady Casey DeSantis remains a possibility and sidestepped a question about a bid during an event held in Brandon on Wednesday with the governor. Morgan, who is extremely wealthy, has already proven to be a successful campaigner as the architect and primary funder of ballot initiatives that raised the state's minimum wage and legalized medical marijuana. When it came to running for governor, Morgan said he is willing to spend time and money to mount a campaign and said James Carville once told him that a governor 'can do more good than any other person in the country.' But he admitted he goes back and forth about the idea. 'There are moments where I go, you know what? I could do it. I could do it. And then when I'm sitting in Hawaii with the marijuana cigarettes and a glass of rosé and then,' Morgan said before pausing, noting the age of newly selected Pope Leo XIV and adding he's 'deep, deep, deep' in the fourth quarter of life at the age of 69. Morgan told reporters, however, that he is serious about a potential run. But the Kentucky native said he wants to see how other potential candidates fare down the back 'stretch' before jumping in. He acknowledged — without giving any names — that if certain people run then he might be motivated to get into the contest. The attorney has tremendous name recognition already and said that as someone who has mounted a successful initiative campaign, 'I have an advantage that nobody, that nobody else really has.' He said he can afford to wait. 'I think I'd rather reach running a sprint than running a marathon,' he said. 'I'd rather have a three-month window than an 18-month window.' Morgan says if he does run, it would not be as an independent, and he was skeptical of state Sen. Jason Pizzo's efforts to run with no party affiliation, saying Americans like to be on a team. He is moving ahead with plans to launch a third party that he said is needed to represent those in the middle who are not aligned with the far-left and far-right wings of the Democratic and Republican Parties. 'We're stuck in the middle and we don't have a voice, any voice, but yet we have a lot to say but we're paralyzed,' Morgan said.
Politico
15-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
John Morgan lays out campaign blueprint for possible Florida governor run
John Morgan, the famous attorney who runs the nation's largest injury firm and is known for his 'For the People' billboards and ads, has been teasing for months that he may run for Florida governor in 2026. He wasn't definitive Wednesday after talking for nearly an hour at the Capital Tiger Bay Club in Tallahassee. But in profanity-laden remarks interspersed with jokes and slams against Republicans and Democrats alike, he laid out what could be a campaign blueprint. Morgan criticized Democrats — a party he once donated huge sums to — as well as Gov. Ron DeSantis and a Legislature he said cared more about special interests than helping with the problems residents are dealing with. He said, 'I believe that whether you're on the far left or the far right that the defining problem in our country today is income inequality. People can't afford to live.' A Morgan candidacy would jolt a contest that already features GOP Rep. Byron Donalds and probably David Jolly, a former Republican representative who recently became a Democrat. First lady Casey DeSantis remains a possibility and sidestepped a question about a bid during an event held in Brandon on Wednesday with the governor. Morgan, who is extremely wealthy, has already proven to be a successful campaigner as the architect and primary funder of ballot initiatives that raised the state's minimum wage and legalized medical marijuana. When it came to running for governor, Morgan said he is willing to spend time and money to mount a campaign and said James Carville once told him that a governor 'can do more good than any other person in the country.' But he admitted he goes back and forth about the idea. 'There are moments where I go, you know what? I could do it. I could do it. And then when I'm sitting in Hawaii with the marijuana cigarettes and a glass of rosé and then,' Morgan said before pausing, noting the age of newly selected Pope Leo XIV and adding he's 'deep, deep, deep' in the fourth quarter of life at the age of 69. Morgan told reporters, however, that he is serious about a potential run. But the Kentucky native said he wants to see how other potential candidates fare down the back 'stretch' before jumping in. He acknowledged — without giving any names — that if certain people run then he might be motivated to get into the contest. The attorney has tremendous name recognition already and said that as someone who has mounted a successful initiative campaign, 'I have an advantage that nobody, that nobody else really has.' He said he can afford to wait. 'I think I'd rather reach running a sprint than running a marathon,' he said. 'I'd rather have a three-month window than an 18-month window.' Morgan says if he does run, it would not be as an independent, and he was skeptical of state Sen. Jason Pizzo's efforts to run with no party affiliation, saying Americans like to be on a team. He is moving ahead with plans to launch a third party that he said is needed to represent those in the middle who are not aligned with the far-left and far-right wings of the Democratic and Republican Parties. 'We're stuck in the middle and we don't have a voice, any voice, but yet we have a lot to say but we're paralyzed,' Morgan said.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Morgan jokes, curses, talks third-party gubernatorial run at Capital Tiger Bay Club
Orlando attorney John Morgan. (Photo by Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) Trial attorney John Morgan took Tallahassee by storm on Wednesday as he joked, dropped f-bombs, and gave his 'no bullshit' take on politics in America and Florida. But when it was done and over, he maintained he is 'serious' about a possible run for governor. By his own reckoning, Morgan's extensive experience with helping to finance proposed constitutional amendments for medical marijuana in 2016, increases in minimum wage in 2020, and legalization of marijuana in 2024, have given him the campaign chops he needs if he does choose to run for governor. Morgan also acknowledged he has plenty of name recognition due to his role as the founder and face of the Morgan & Morgan law firm. He figures he can afford to wait and see how other candidates fare down the 'home stretch.' He likened it to running a sprint rather than a marathon. 'I'd rather have a three-month window than an 18-month window,' he said. While Morgan was less than firm about his run for office, he said he is moving ahead with real plans to form a third party in the state. A new party is necessary, he said, because the existing parties have been hijacked by factions that he doesn't feel represent many of their members. Republicans are controlled by supporters of Donald Trump as opposed to 'country club Republicans,' Morgan said, while Democrats are in the thrall of progressives and 'socialists' such as U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. He said that both sides refuse to compromise. He argued that the polarization in the country is because many people are angry over income inequality and it helped lead Trump supporters to riot on Jan. 6. 'We're stuck in the middle, and we don't have a voice, any voice, but yet, we have a lot to say, but we're paralyzed,' Morgan said. 'So my belief is this: I believe that we need a third party.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Morgan said he will choose the party's name through a competition he will sponsor with a cash prize for the winning entry. He said he has already brought in a lawyer to help draft the paperwork to launch the party. In addition to discussing his political future, Morgan weighed in on Florida's current political events as well as its past. He took repeated shots at DeSantis and said the 2023 insurance changes meant to lower property coverage rates were a 'a money grab' for the governor to run for president. 'And who lost? Every homeowner in Florida. There's going to be a day of reckoning. There's going to be a hurricane, and it's going to be bad,' he said. Morgan facetiously spoke about DeSantis being a 'hard-working governor,' noting that he saw him at the Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs on May 3 and a Formula 1 sprint event at the Miami Grand Prix later the next day. 'So, he's always working for us, constantly working for us and for our benefit,' Morgan said. Morgan conceded being a 'billionaire' who lives in Maui during the winter. He says he 'smokes a lot of dope out there' because it's 'relaxing.' He recalled earlier this year getting texts and videos of the governor invoking his name 'everywhere' and talking about his sway with members of the Legislature. Given the alleged influence he has over legislators, Morgan said he had a simple question for them: 'When the f— are they gonna start doing what I tell them to do?' He declared the Democratic Party of Florida dead and put the blame squarely on former Tallahassee mayor and 2020 Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Andrew Gillum, who lost his bid for governor by 34,000 votes in 2018 to DeSantis. Morgan also opined that the Legislature shouldn't meet every year but every other year instead. 'Because every time they meet they screw us over,' Morgan said. He questioned whether Florida needs its Governor's Mansion, a lieutenant governor, or agriculture commissioner. He predicted the latest effort to legalize marijuana in Florida will pass despite the constitutional ballot changes the Legislature recently passed and DeSantis signed into law. 'It's sickening, because what it means is politicians want to have total control so they can take care of their special interests — cable companies, the fire companies, the sugar people. They don't want us to have a say, because they know we, the people, are dangerous. We're dangerous when we get to vote, and they don't want that,' he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
