A master of all he surveys
30/09/2021
Keir Starmer’s relative success at his Labour conference this week is good news for Boris Johnson. Frank McKenna explains why.
A long way back for Labour – Election Results Review?
13/05/2021
Former BBC Political Editor and Downtown commentator Jim Hancock, and former Labour adviser Adam McNicholas joined DIB boss Frank McKenna to discuss last weeks ‘Super Thursday’ election results.
Labour’s Culture Wars are Starmer’s Biggest Challenge
14/01/2021
Labour may be ahead in the polls, but if they are to have any chance of winning the next General Election they need to do much, much more. Frank McKenna reflects on the challenges facing Keir Starmer – a leader who is more popular than his party.
If PM is FDR, who needs Labour?
02/07/2020
Boris Johnson seems to be backing a big state, spending big to save the economy. Jim thinks that doesn’t leave much space for the Labour Party despite Keir Starmer’s determination to banish Corbynism.
Labour Danger
11/06/2020
This week Frank McKenna reflects on Keir Starmer’s impressive start to life as Labour leader – but warns that he and the party have a long way to go before winning back the support they need to form a government.
Can Boris bounce back?
21/05/2020
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna warns Boris Johnson that he must find a new way of operating if he is to maintain his position in 10 Downing Street.
Forensic Keir versus Blusterer Boris
07/05/2020
This week Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer came face to face at PMQs for the first time. The dual between the two men will define politics for the next four years. Jim gives his first assessment. He also reviews the appearance in the Downtown Den of the North West’s elected mayors.
If Boris is Churchill, Keir might end up Attlee
23/04/2020
Simon Danczuk on why Keir Starmer might be the next Clement Attlee.
We’re all in this together? Don’t tell that to the self-employed
09/04/2020
In his blog this week, Frank McKenna calls for more support for the self-employed; welcomes Keir Starmer’s election as Labour leader; and wishes Boris Johnson a speedy recovery.
Starmer: Sherpa or Prime Minister?
02/04/2020
Keir Starmer is the hot favourite to win the Labour leadership race on what should have been Grand National day. Jim asks whether the new leader will be competitive in 2024 because of the changed world we are all facing.
Nandy triumph in Manchester
27/02/2020
Jim was at the Labour leadership hustings in Manchester this week and saw a strong performance by Wigan’s Lisa Nandy. He feels it may not be enough to stop Keir Starmer but she is a woman to watch as Labour tries to rebuild as a credible electoral force.
Is Labour coming home?
13/02/2020
Mayoral selections and the leadership contest suggests that Labour has finally realised the futility of Fantasy Island politics according to Downtown boss Frank McKenna.