The Party’s Over
17/10/2019
As another high-profile MP quits the party and they slip 15 points behind the Tories in the polls, Frank Mckenna questions the future prospects of Labour in his latest blog.
Borders, borders everywhere
03/10/2019
Jim has spent the last few days dodging the rain to report on an historic Tory Party gathering in Manchester. Boris Johnson used his first conference to launch his “do or die” bid to get us out of the EU. Jim reflects on the Prime Minister’s plan and on his time spent on the conference fringe.
Can Unite see off Remainers?
19/09/2019
Has Unite the Union stiched up the Labour conference over the EU before it even meet? Jim pens his views before heading for Brighton. John Humphrys won’t be there but Jim doesn’t feel comfortable with all the fawning over the Today presenter.
A Brexit election would suit Corbyn’s Labour
12/09/2019
Frank McKenna explains why, rather than fearing a General Election dominated by Brexit, Labour may welcome it.
Corbyn’s cunning plan for Brexit
15/08/2019
Is Jeremy Corbyn’s plan to stop a No Deal Brexit deliverable, or part of his long term wish to get us out of the EU with Labour having clean hands?
Corbyn’s crisis
25/07/2019
In this guest blog, former Member of Parliament, Simon Danczuk blogs on what he sees as the long slow death of the Labour Party.
Is the government still serious about Devolution
13/06/2019
This week Frank McKenna asks if the government is still committed to devolution – and gives his thoughts on the current state of the Labour Party.
A plague on both your houses
09/05/2019
This week Frank McKenna suggests that we may be witnessing the end of the traditional two-party domination of British politics and he reflects on an incredible week of Champions League football.
Beyond Brexit
24/01/2019
Downtown boss Frank McKenna urges business leaders to start thinking about life Beyond Brexit – and what demands we should be making of the new political leaders that emerge from the Brexit shambles.
May’s deal is still in play
24/01/2019
Jim reckons the real prospect of MPs forcing a delay in Brexit, could help Mrs May get her deal. He also reveals the vital role of a Polish curfew in the decision to leave the EU!
Time for business to take the gloves off
10/01/2019
The business community has been abandoned by politicians. It is time to remind them who creates the wealth and jobs, and demand more support. That is the message from Downtown boss Frank McKenna in his first blog of 2019.
2018: The downward spiral continues
20/12/2018
Downtown’s political editor, Jim Hancock reviews the year in politics in his final blog of 2018.