What May have been
18/07/2019
This week Jim reviews the May Premiership and concludes she was the wrong personaility but mightily let down by her MPs. He also wonders how she will vote on brexit from the backbenches.
Still time to vote for Hunt!
11/07/2019
This week Jim urges Tories who may not have voted, to support Jeremy Hunt after Boris Johnson’s betrayal of our Washinton envoy. He also criticises Labour’s latest policy on Europe.
100 years on from Versailles
03/07/2019
100 years ago the Versailles Treaty shaped the modern world we live in. But Vladimir Putin says liberal democracy is dead. Jim agrees there are certainly worrying signs.
Gove to champion North Powerhouse?
27/06/2019
Has the Northern Powerhouse had a power cut and will it be safe in the hands of the new Prime Minister? This was the question at a Downtown event this week and our Political Editor Jim Hancock was there to give you a full report.
Stand by for No Deal under Johnson
20/06/2019
This week Jim looks at a major move by northern Labour MPs to back Brexit. He also wonders if Chuka Umunna could be a disruptive force in the Liberal Democrats.
Prorogation outrage
06/06/2019
This week Jim gives his latest views on the Brexit debate, assesses the 11 contenders for the Tory leadership race and wonders if we have learnt all the lessons about D-Day.
Speaker to block no deal exit?
30/05/2019
This week Jim reviews British politics in the wake of the European elections and back’s the Speaker’s assertion that Parliament can’t be a bystander while the clock ticks down to a No Deal exit.
No Deal or revoke looms
23/05/2019
Tory MPs just can’t wait to get rid of Mrs May,but this week Jim points out that the parliamentary blockage will still stand in the way of the new PM. And talking of blockages, Jim also looks at the devolution stalemate in Lancashire.
Vote for Chris Davies and his team
16/05/2019
Usually the European elections are shamefully ignored, this time they are centre stage and Jim gives a comprehensive guide to who’s standing in the North West Region.
Voting Lib Dem only way to match Farage
09/05/2019
Everyone in favour of a People’s Vote, or remaining in the EU, needs to get behind the Lib Dems in the Euro elections. That’s Jim Hancock’s conclusion following their strong showing in last week’s local elections. He also gives his full assessment of Town Hall voting across the North West and assesses the state of government talks with Labour on Brexit.
Time for another sea change 40 years on?
02/05/2019
40 years ago Britain underwent an economic and social revolution when Margaret Thatcher was elected to champion free market capitalism. Now that concept is under challenge and Jim asks is it time for Labour’s counter revolution?
Brexit to trump local issues in poll?
25/04/2019
This week Jim previews next week’s major round of local elections in the North. There are many important issues facing our Town Halls but, more than is usually the case, this contest will be dominated by national politics. It could be a rough night for the Tories in their rural heartland.