Prorogation outrage
06/06/2019
This week Jim gives his latest views on the Brexit debate, assesses the 11 contenders for the Tory leadership race and wonders if we have learnt all the lessons about D-Day.
Speaker to block no deal exit?
30/05/2019
This week Jim reviews British politics in the wake of the European elections and back’s the Speaker’s assertion that Parliament can’t be a bystander while the clock ticks down to a No Deal exit.
It’s the turnout stupid
23/05/2019
The Euro Poll will be topped by Nigel Farage – but Frank McKenna warns that low turnout should guard us against reading to much into the election results from Thursday.
No Deal or revoke looms
23/05/2019
Tory MPs just can’t wait to get rid of Mrs May,but this week Jim points out that the parliamentary blockage will still stand in the way of the new PM. And talking of blockages, Jim also looks at the devolution stalemate in Lancashire.
Mainstream has no answer to Farrage & friends
16/05/2019
Frank McKenna predicts a win for the Brexit Party in the forthcoming Euro Elections – and future success unless the traditional parties can find a way of challenging Nigel Farage and his allies in a different way.
Vote for Chris Davies and his team
16/05/2019
Usually the European elections are shamefully ignored, this time they are centre stage and Jim gives a comprehensive guide to who’s standing in the North West Region.
A pointless election?
25/04/2019
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna suggests that the forthcoming European elections will be a pointless exercise that will have no impact on the Brext debate in Westminster.
Brexit to trump local issues in poll?
25/04/2019
This week Jim previews next week’s major round of local elections in the North. There are many important issues facing our Town Halls but, more than is usually the case, this contest will be dominated by national politics. It could be a rough night for the Tories in their rural heartland.
The fading authority of the Referendum
11/04/2019
Jim looks at the new Halloween Brexit deadline. He thinks it could lead to the pressure being taken off until another crisis in the autumn. However there is a chance Mrs May could use the threat of European elections to force her deal through after Easter.
The invalid referendum
04/04/2019
Jim marvels at the Tories cheek in expecting Labour to bail them out of their Brexit mess. He says Corbyn must insist on a second vote. He has changed his mind on a new referendum as Vote Leave finally accept their fines for law breaking in 2016.
If they can U-turn, why can’t you?
04/04/2019
After another tumultuous week in parliament, Frank McKenna argues that only a people’s vote can truly define what the ‘will of the people’ is – and he suggests our ‘special relationship’ with the States may not be that special in the future.
Did Tigger bounce too soon?
28/03/2019
Timing is everything in politics. Frank McKenna asks did the Independent Group launch too soon? He also reflects on the latest Brexit shenanigans in his latest Downtown blog.