Scots and the General Election
Amid all the turmoil in Scotland, Jim notes the support for independence is still strong. He also reports on a great Downtown event that looked at the challenges Manchester still faces in redevelopment.
The storm before the storm
Check out Jim’s comprehensive preview of next week’s local elections. While the Conservatives face hundreds of losses, the Gaza crisis poses problems for Labour in Lancashire and Rochdale.
Are Crime Commissioners cutting crime?
Do Police and Crime Commissioners make any difference? That’s the question Jim poses in this week’s blog ahead of elections for the posts in two weeks time.
Not another one!
The Blackpool South by election will be the eleventh in this parliament caused by Tory MPs being thrown out for sleaze or walking off the job. Jim reports on this sad saga. He also reflects on fifty years of local council shakeups and the birth of Piccadilly Radio!
Tiny green shoots for the government?
In his blog Jim thinks the pressure has eased on the Prime Minister for now. He has been taking the political temperature in Leeds and Westminster.
Both parties agonise over racism
As the row over racism rages, Jim feels both parties are often guilty of putting pragmatism ahead of principle.
Still want the job Rachel?
In his blog Jim asks if Rachael Reeves still wants the job of Chancellor after Jeremy Hunt has stolen her policies and left a legacy of tax increases and spending cuts.
Tax cuts when councils on their knees?
Ahead of next week’s Budget, Jim examines the pressure on the Chancellor for tax cuts, and the consequences if he carries them out.
Hoyle on the hook
Jim reflects on the Speakership of Lindsay Hoyle, the forthcoming Rochdale by election and possibly (not another one) in Lancashire.
Gateway for Galloway?
Jim thinks George Galloway has a real chance of winning the Rochdale by election. He reflects on the mistakes Labour made and whether it will have longer term consequences this General Election year.
What took Labour so long?
In his blog, Jim weighs up the different factors that have lead Labour to ditch their £28bn green energy promise. He also looks at the rise of the right in the Tory Party.
Downtown take on councils’ crisis
MPs say the Town Hall financial crisis is out of control. Jim reports on that, and a Downtown event which shows that councils and business increasingly want to work together for regeneration.