Jonathan I becomes Austenasia’s longest reigning Emperor

Austenasia’s four Monarchs. Clockwise from top left: Terry I, Esmond III, Jonathan I and Declan I

At 18:38 GMT this evening, HIM Emperor Jonathan I broke the record of his predecessor to become the Empire’s longest reigning Monarch.

Jonathan I ascended to the Throne on 20 January 2013 after the abdication of Declan I. The precise record to beat was 763 days, 1 hour, 11 minutes and 30 seconds.

Each of Austenasia’s four Monarchs (except, of course, founding Emperor Terry I) have had a longer reign than their predecessor:

• Jonathan I: 20 January 2013 – present; 763 days and counting.
• Declan I: 19 December 2010 – 20 January 2013; 763 days
• Esmond III: 16 February 2010 – 20 September 2011; 580 days
• Terry I: 20 September 2008 – 16 February 2010; 414 days

New Richmond hit by blizzard

Cars buried under snow in New Richmond.

The Town of New Richmond has seen almost two feet of snow since it began to fall on Monday evening.

New Richmond and the nearby area is currently experiencing the most snow it has seen in over a decade, and the surrounding U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky has declared a state of emergency.

Lord Dux Joseph Kennedy, Representative of New Richmond, has moved to Dominion House in North New Richmond after Town Hall in West Richmond lost running water due to the cold weather.

The adverse conditions also caused Lord Joseph’s father’s vehicle to crash into a ditch, but no injuries were reported.

Green Party founded by Countess Eritoshi

The logo of the Austenasian Green Party.

HIH Countess Eritoshi of Memphis, incumbent Prime Minister, has announced her foundation of an Austenasian Green Party as a platform for her policies as she runs to be re-elected next month.

The Austenasian Green Party was founded yesterday, mere days after another new political party – Palasian Left Unity – was created by Lord John Gordon.

Policies of the Austenasian Green Party include decreasing the Empire’s usage of fossil fuels in favour of renewable sources of energy, protecting biodiversity and natural resources, maintaining the ability of residents to participate in decision-making on local matters through Town Councils, and seeking greater international recognition of Austenasian sovereignty.

Palasian Left Unity founded

Lord John Gordon has founded Palasian Left Unity as a political party.

The party supports an absolute monarchy, the legalisation of marijuana, national service, and a halt on expansion.

Palasian Left Unity currently has two members, who have been appointed constables by Palasia’s Police Inspector Airan Bloomfield after strong arguments taking place in the town between supporters of the two candidates for next month’s general election.

Palasian Left Unity is the second Austenasian political party, joining the Conservative Party, which was founded in October last year by Lord Charles (then known as Hengest) Crannis.

Countess Eritoshi and Lord Dux Joseph selected as General Election Candidates

Countess Eritoshi of Memphis (left) and a portrait of Lord Dux Joseph Kennedy (right).

Emperor Jonathan I has chosen the candidates for next month’s general election.

Countess Eritoshi of Memphis, the incumbent Prime Minister, will be running for re-election against Lord Dux Joseph Kennedy. The general election will take place on 3 March, with campaigning now starting to get underway.

Countess Eritoshi, Representative of Thanasia, is running on a left-wing platform and has announced a desire to found an Austenasian Green Party.

Lord Dux Joseph, Representative of New Richmond, describes himself as a libertarian.

Both candidates are leading figures in Austenasia’s legislative, executive and military spheres, and both hold the style of Imperial Highness, with Countess Eritoshi having been appointed an Augusta and Lord Dux Joseph a Caesar by the Emperor.

Under the Austenasian Constitution of 2011, the Monarch selects applicant Representatives to run for Prime Minister three weeks after a general election is called, four weeks before voting takes place (general elections taking place seven weeks after being called). The announcement was made earlier this evening.

Snow in Greater Wrythe

Edd in Wrythe Public Park this morning.

Greater Wrythe saw a blanket of snow on the ground this morning for the first time since January 2013.

Residents of Wrythe, Zephyria and Thanasia awoke to find roughly two inches of snow had fallen overnight.

Although some snow has fallen already this winter in Greater Wrythe, conditions were not suitable for it then to settle.

The snow fell over south London, including Roehampton, home to the university at which the Emperor currently lives on-campus.

The snow had begun to melt by midday, with none remaining by the evening.