Labour’s Decade of Decline
19/12/2019
This week Frank McKenna reflects on the Labour Party’s decade of decline – and warns that only a change of direction can save it from oblivion over the next ten years.
Get Powerhouse done!
17/12/2019
In his final Downtown Monthly blog for 2019, Downtown Political Editor, Jim Hancock explores what the result of the 2019 General Election might have in store.
Predicted Tory victory could help Labour
28/11/2019
The more likely a Tory victory becomes, the more chance Labour has of winning back voters who have deserted them in Leave seats, so argues Downtown boss Frank McKenna in his latest blog. He also slams the BBCs election campaign coverage.
Having a gaffe
07/11/2019
This week Frank McKenna reflects on an inauspicious start to the election campaign for both main parties; comments on the Manifesto for the North; and offers support for a Conservative politician in Birmingham.
Lib Dems were right to trigger election
31/10/2019
This week Jim looks at the chances of an anti Brexit majority being assembled after the General Election. He also looks at a new approach to Liverpool Council’s cash crisis.
Boris deal and huge challenges for Labour
17/10/2019
As a Brexit deal is put to MPs, Jim focuses on the Labour Party. Can Jeremy Corbyn prevent a revolt of his MPs who want a deal when his leadership has just had a mighty blow from resigning MP Louise Ellman?
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.
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.
Short term gain for long term pain?
29/08/2019
Frank McKenna reflects on a historic week in British politics. He concedes that Boris has won the battle – but will he win the war?
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.
Will Boris be that bad? – Part 2
27/06/2019
This week Frank McKenna focusses on two politicians whose career’s appear to be heading in very different directions – Boris Johnson and Chuka Umunna.
Stand by for No Deal under Johnson
20/06/2019
This week Jim looks at a major move by northern Labour MPs to back Brexit. He also wonders if Chuka Umunna could be a disruptive force in the Liberal Democrats.