The past seven days have not been great for the prime minister nor the leader of the opposition. Rishi Sunak followed up his ill advised bet with Piers Morgan with a truly cringeworthy performance at PMQs. Meanwhile Keir Starmer finally ditched Labours £28bn green pledge – and was inevitably met with a chorus of criticism with accusations of traitor and flip flopper in equal measure. To add to his woes, disturbing words in respect of Israel and the Gaza conflict from Labours Rochdale by election candidate came to light, reminding voters of the party’s challenge with antisemitism. But, if you think it’s been a bad week for messrs Sunak & Starmer, then spare a thought for US president Joe Biden. His senility is becoming a real barrier to his re-election and a boost to his Republican opponent Donald Trump. Is it too late for the Democrats to select an alternative candidate before the November presidential poll? Welcome to the Downtown Den Politics podcast.
![](https://i0.wp.com/downtowninbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EP171280x720-100.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/downtowninbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mansell-ICN.png?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
Bolton’s Mansell Building Solutions successfully appointed to £1.5 billion Innovation Chain North Framework
Mansell Building Solutions has been successfully appointed to £1.5 billion Innovation Chain North Framework, a framework for construction and associated professional services designed to support the delivery of new homes and associated social infrastructure across the North of England.
![](https://i0.wp.com/downtowninbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Mansell-Building-Solutions-team-at-the-FIS-Awards.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
Mansell Building Solutions receives award for Aviva Studios project
Mansell Building Solutions has been recognised for its important part in delivering Aviva Studios in Manchester.
![](https://i0.wp.com/downtowninbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EP381280x720-100.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP.38 | 1st July 2024
It’s the final countdown. But have Nigel Farage, Suella Braverman and TV debates been the big losers of the seven week ‘yawn fest’ of a campaign?
![](https://i0.wp.com/downtowninbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Howard.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Remembering Howard Bernstein: A tribute to a leading Civil Servant and close friend of DIB
As the news broke over this weekend that Manchester Civil Servant and regeneration pioneer and close friend of Downtown Sir Howard Bernstein has sadly passed away, Downtown CEO Frank McKenna looks back on a life well lived and pays tribute to Sir Howards important work and legacy.