Raise your game Lisa!
16/01/2020
This week Jim gives firm backing to Lisa Nandy in the Labour leadership race. However he acknowledges that the Wigan MP has ground to make up to defeat the frontrunners.
It may be the year of the North
06/01/2020
Jim says this needs to be the year when Minister’s are held to their promises on real investment and devolution for the Northern Powerhouse.
The destabilising decade
19/12/2019
In his last blog of the year, Jim looks back on the most turbulent decade ever in British politics. It began with Gordon Brown determined to make Labour the natural party of power and ended with it looking unlikely they will ever be in power again.
Get Powerhouse done!
17/12/2019
In his final Downtown Monthly blog for 2019, Downtown Political Editor, Jim Hancock explores what the result of the 2019 General Election might have in store.
What will the left do now… nothing probably?
13/12/2019
Jim gives his comprehensive review of the General Election result. He concludes the debate over our membership of the EU is over for a generation. He also asks if now is not the time for the splintered Left to engage in brave strategic thinking, when is?
Support another vote on Brexit
05/12/2019
Jim reflects on the difficult decision facing Remainers next week but believes it must be a vote for Labour to stop Brexit.
Johnson could sweep the North West
28/11/2019
Read Jim’s blog for a comprehensive analysis of the key battleground seats in the North West. It doesn’t paint a pretty picture for Labour who are switching tactics to try and shore up their position in the region.
The Pork Barrel election
14/11/2019
Let’s see the manifestos! That’s Jim’s plea this week as he casts a sceptical eye on the huge number of big spending promises that are being revealed in a piecemeal fashion as the election campaign continues.
Northern Powerhouse on Election warpath
07/11/2019
This week Jim praises the Northern Powerhouse Partnership for going on election attack over devolution. He also doubts if the false starts made by the Tories and Labour will matter much in 6 weeks time and calls for a new Tom Watson when Labour MPs get back to Westminster.
Lib Dems were right to trigger election
31/10/2019
This week Jim looks at the chances of an anti Brexit majority being assembled after the General Election. He also looks at a new approach to Liverpool Council’s cash crisis.
General Election only hope for Remain
24/10/2019
This week Jim comes out in favour of a General Election as the only way of stopping Brexit, the case for which is strengthened after publication of the Withdrawal Bill. However, he admits it would be a gamble for a weak Labour Party.
Boris deal and huge challenges for Labour
17/10/2019
As a Brexit deal is put to MPs, Jim focuses on the Labour Party. Can Jeremy Corbyn prevent a revolt of his MPs who want a deal when his leadership has just had a mighty blow from resigning MP Louise Ellman?