Is working from home a shirker’s charter or the way of the future? As lockdown is set to end Jim plunges into the controversy. He also reports on the important contest to lead Britain’s most powerful union
The government’s confused messaging over lockdowns in towns like Bolton could be more damaging for Ministers than the testimony of Dominic Cummings according to Jim. In his latest blog he also reflects on the latest cruel legal blunders faced by the Hillsborough families.
With the economy set to bounce back strongly, Jim looks at the labour and material shortages that could be a problem. He also attacks the BBC’s Andrew Marr who says he’s frustrated he can’t express his opinions freely.
After last week’s big round of elections will there ever be a Labour government again?Frank and Jim give their differing views in this week’s blogs and Jim looks at the detailed results in the North West
What’s going to be in next week’s Queen’s Speech? More significantly perhaps, what’s not going to be part of the legislative plans, as the Johnson government enters its mature stage. Jim marks your card.
Boris Johnson was set to benefit from the vaccination success in next week’s local election. Jim asks whether the sleaze allegations will make any difference as he previews the contests for elected mayors and police and crime commissioners.
It is the biggest round of local elections ever in the North West with county elections running alongside polls in Greater Manchester and Merseyside for the first time. Will Boris Johnson benefit from his vaccine bounce and how will Labour’s Keir Starmer come through his first test? Jim marks your card.
This week Jim begins a three part preview of the big round of forthcoming elections. This time he has the Scottish Parliament in his sights, with big questions for Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson to answer.
Jim is backing the controversial idea of Covid passports.In a toughly argued blog he claims that businesses that have suffered so badly are entitled to the measure. Opponents will have to pay a price for their principles.
For once Jim is in critical mood about the European Union, but stresses the need to maintain good relations with the bloc despite their poor handling of the Covid crisis
Jim forecasts that Liverpool’s Chief Executive, Tony Reeves, will have a crucial role in pulling Liverpool Council out of the crisis revealed by the Caller Report. However he believes Labour chiefs will have their work cut out to reform the party in the city.
Is there a future for Local Enterprise Partnerships? Some feel they are a vital forum for business to offer priorities for jobs and skills. But Jim asks do ministers share that view.
