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.
Jim looks at the new Halloween Brexit deadline. He thinks it could lead to the pressure being taken off until another crisis in the autumn. However there is a chance Mrs May could use the threat of European elections to force her deal through after Easter.
Jim marvels at the Tories cheek in expecting Labour to bail them out of their Brexit mess. He says Corbyn must insist on a second vote. He has changed his mind on a new referendum as Vote Leave finally accept their fines for law breaking in 2016.
This week Jim contemplates the dramatic constitutional developments that are likely to accompany Mrs May’s last days. The Prime Minister may be nearly finished but according to Jim, Donald Trump could be on course for a second term.
This week Jim urges populist politicians to curb the rhetoric after the dreadful events in New Zealand. He also reflects on turbulent times exactly forty years ago.
As the Brexit crisis reaches a climax at Westminster, Jim challenges Nigel Farage to answer a question he dodged from him in Chester. Would he have accepted a decision to Remain? He also suggests the Chancellor is on borrowed time despite a strong economy.
Jim asks if next week MPs will give business some certainty by finally accepting the EU Deal. He also looks at how the hard left is taking over local government in parts of the North.
This week Jim speculates that the possibility of a People’s Vote or an extension of the Brexit wrangle, might force MPs to back May’s deal on March 12th. He also looks at the skills gap facing digital industries in the North.
This week Jim asks if defecting MPs have added a confusing element to the mounting crisis over Brexit. He also warns the Independents to avoid an arrogant approach to the Liberal Democrats.
This week Jim asks whether two major investment projects have a future, HS2 and fracking for gas in Lancashire. He also casts doubt on nuclear power investment as the government seems to be relying on ever cheaper renewable resources
This week Jim forecasts that Valentine’s Day will come and go without Brexit love ins or massacres. Also he has been testing opinion on Brexit amongst Downtown business members in Lancashire.
This week Jim notes that Mrs May has been able to keep her Brexit show on the road for now. He claims she has been helped by a hapless Labour Opposition and speculates that the EU are unlikely to bend for now.
