Jim thinks the full return of schools next week holds the key to a major return to life as normal.

Jim’s handing out the dunces hats to all politicians this week. He agrees the exam question posed by the pandemic was difficult, but thinks it could have been handled better. He also looks at the row’s impact on Scottish politics; and welcomes the choice of Kamala Harris as the Democrats vice-Presidential candidate.

Jim thinks we are at the crossroads with Covid 19. The latest economic and business statistics strike a more optimistic note. However large parts of the North are under fresh health restrictions suggesting a very difficult autumn.

Jim questions the government’s commitment to devolving transport powers to the North and urges ministers to bang councillors heads together in Lancashire in this week’s blog.

Jim thinks it is obvious why the government didn’t probe Russian interference in the Brexit Referendum. He also looks at the American Presidential race and how Donald Trump might refuse to quit.

Jim backs the government’s stand on China even though it might have implications for the Northern Powerhouse. He also aims a broadside at the BBC for cutting local programmes.

By style and substance Rishi Sunak has staked a claim to be the next Tory Prime Minister this week, according to Jim.But the blog also focuses on the crucial response of employers as the furlough scheme is wound up.

Four years on from the EU Referendum Jim welcomes the government’s tough line on not extending the transition talks…but there is a twist in his argument.