Drip… Drip… Drip
01/06/2022
Jim examines the efforts to unseat the Prime Minister as speculation grows that their could be a vote on his future soon. He also has some reflections on the Platinum Jubilee.
Tough on Russia and EU, but is it enough?
12/05/2022
Jim thinks the Prime Minister is showing European leadership on Ukraine but pettiness on Brexit. He also includes a comprehensive reflection on the local election results in the North West.
Queen’s speech breakout for Gov?
05/05/2022
Can the government change the agenda from price rises and sleaze? Jim looks at what we can expect in next week’s Queen’s Speech.
Judgement on Labour
28/04/2022
Jim presents his comprehensive preview of the local elections next week in the North West. The Tories should do very badly but Jim suggests the picture is complicated for Labour.
Risk of World War Three
21/04/2022
This week, with great regret, but in all seriousness, Jim contemplates the real possibility of world war arising from the Ukraine crisis.
There’s nobody else to lead!
14/04/2022
The lack of an obvious successor is a poor reason for the Prime Minister to hang on, argues Jim in his latest blog. He suggests it is all a part of a lowering of standards in public and private life.
If it ain’t broke
06/04/2022
Jim thinks there is no need to privatise Channel Four which has become a force for good for the northern media industry. He also look back on this week thirty and forty years ago which brought turning points for the Conservative Party.
Burnham and Neville: The Dream team
31/03/2022
Jim gives his views on the leadership of Keir Starmer after two visits to Greater Manchester in a week by the Labour leader. He also asks why so few Chancellors make it to being Prime Minister.
Remember levelling up Rishi?
24/03/2022
Jim looks at the implications of the Chancellor’s statement on the Levelling Up agenda and the date of the next General Election.
Critical budget for Sunak’s prospects
17/03/2022
Refill the Covid depleted coffers or protect families from a severe cut in their living standards? Jim looks forward to the Chancellor’s choices in next week’s spring statement
Sunak massive bailout part 2
10/03/2022
The Chancellor is contemplating a second massive bail out just two years after the pandemic furlough scheme. Jim looks at the energy options facing the government on the world stage.
Does North want to be taken seriously?
03/03/2022
One of the North’s leading politicians has been hounded out of office at the age of 48. Jim considers the fate of Newcastle leader Nick Forbes and its implications for our voice in the Levelling Up debate.