Time to end costly ‘Beauty Contests’
The latest tranche of ‘Levelling Up’ grants were announced this week. Whether your area was a winner or a loser the bidding process is fatally flawed and should be scrapped according to DIB boss Frank McKenna.
Let’s have a bit of a boring 2023 – please!
In his first blog of the New Year, Frank McKenna explains why the country needs a dose of ‘boring’ in 2023.
That was the year that was
Frank McKenna looks back at some of the many Downtown highlights of 2022 in his last blog of the year.
Trains are on strike – How can you tell?
The rail Unions have announced a series of strikes during the Christmas period. But, such has been the chaotic state of the railways in the north of England for months now, Frank McKenna asks ‘how can we tell?’
Starmer for PM – What could possibly go wrong?
Keir Starmer looks set to win the next General Election. What could possibly go wrong?
Where are we going to get growth?
Frank McKenna fears for small businesses and the hospitality sector following last week’s Autumn Statement.
Brexit isn’t working
A litany of facts prove that leaving the EU was a mistake. But are British politicians ready to accept the fact that they need to have an open and honest conversation with the electorate about the need for a more pragmatic approach to be adopted towards our European neighbours?
A Baptism of Fire
Rishi Sunak has not enjoyed much of a honeymoon period as Prime Minister. Frank McKenna reflects on the baptism of fire the new man in Number 10 has had to face.
We get the Politicians we deserve
Matt Hancock is off to eat Kangaroos testicles. Frank McKenna explains why he doesn’t care…
Is the Tory party ungovernable?
Truss has gone, but who will take over? And does it matter? Sunak is hated by Boris’ crowd. Hunt is hated by the ERG. Braverman is hated by the electorate. Mordaunt – Meh. Frank McKenna suggests that the Conservative Party has become ungovernable.
The biggest barrier to PMs growth drive? – Tory MPs
Liz Truss wants to go for growth. But do her colleagues in the Conservative parliamentary party?
Money for nothing – and your kicks for free?
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna defends some of the new PM and Chancellor’s economic messages – but doubts that the British public are ready to listen.