Jim gives a comprehensive preview of the big round of local elections coming up next month. He identifies the key contests in the North West and the prospects for the political parties 18 months from a General Election.
We have been celebrating 25 years of relative peace in Ulster this week, Jim asks how that, and other major conflicts are finally going to be resolved. He also has concerns over Labour’s personal attack on the Prime Minister.
Jim feels Labour have a chance of regaining seats in Scotland because of the Scot Nats poor record on services for which their new leader must take some of the blame.He also reports on a major shake up in local government in Cumbria.
Jim is not convinced by Boris Johnson’s Partygate evidence, but doesn’t rule out Tory MPs saving his career. He also asks if Republicans could undermine Ukraine’s war effort.
The highest taxes for generations and falling living standards, yet argues Jim in his latest blog, the Chancellor offered stability and some ground breaking measures for the North and Midlands in this week’s Budget.
On the eve of the Budget Jim has been asking the Shadow Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, about her cautious approach to Labour spending plans. Meanwhile the Chancellor is more worried about his backbenchers calling for tax cuts now.
Jim comments on the many political consequences that may flow from the Windsor Agreement. Closer ties to Europe, intense pressure on the Democratic Unionists and a boost for the PM.
Jim quotes some Shakespeare this week as he analyses the race to succeed Nicola Sturgeon. “Stands Scotland where it did?” is a question in the play Macbeth. No is Jim’s answer as he looks at the successes and failures of the remarkable Scottish First Minister.
A major Downtown conference last week was told there was a need for a major reform of the way the government is funding levelling up. Jim was in Birmingham and summaries the event. He also asks just how will did Labour actually do in recent North West by elections?
Jim asks if this week’s government reshuffle is good for business or just amounts to moving those Titanic deck chairs. He also thinks there’s a once in a blue moon chance of City being expelled from the Premiership in the near future.
Jim is frustrated by the lack of activity on two of the major issues facing the country, strikes and the consequences of Brexit. He also looks at the forthcoming by election in West Lancashire.
Jim reports from the Convention of the North in Manchester. A confident gathering with demands for sweeping devolution powers. But questions remain over both parties willingness to go along with it. Jim also found the North West is trailing the North East in its enthusiasm for any devolution deals at all.
