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.
Here’s to the next 10 years
09/01/2020
In his first blog of the new decade, Downtown boss Frank McKenna glances back at a tumultuous ten years and attempts some tentative crystal ball gazing for the next ten years.
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.
Labour’s Decade of Decline
19/12/2019
This week Frank McKenna reflects on the Labour Party’s decade of decline – and warns that only a change of direction can save it from oblivion over the next ten years.
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.
Landslide for Boris – and he has Labour to thank
13/12/2019
Frank McKenna pays tribute to the Labour Party’s huge contribution to Boris Johnson’s landslide General Election victory in his post-election blog.
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.
Predicted Tory victory could help Labour
28/11/2019
The more likely a Tory victory becomes, the more chance Labour has of winning back voters who have deserted them in Leave seats, so argues Downtown boss Frank McKenna in his latest blog. He also slams the BBCs election campaign coverage.
Toot Toot – The Polar Express is off on a journey and you’re invited!
21/11/2019
The Polar Express is one of the most enigmatic, beautiful books that every child has wanted to jump into. Now with Vintage Trains, you can!