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.
Jim joins the debate raging over trans rights and thinks the issue could have dangerous consequences for Labour and particularly the Scottish Nationalists.
The law and strikes can be an explosive mix according to Jim. In this week’s blog he relates a lesson from industrial history on a previous Tory government’s attempt to curb union power through the courts.
Jim was underwhelmed by the New Year speeches from the Prime Minister and Labour leader. He’s calling for some vision and leadership,particularly on social care. He also looks forward to a pivotal year in politics with important local election in the North West.
Jim isn’t filled with much Christmas cheer as he reviews a pretty awful year for the government. He recalls the disaster like an unending drama, but also thinks Labour has much to do to inspire people in 2023.
