A good start
18/07/2024
Jim writes in his blog that the new government have got off to a good start with a major programme of legislation, if it works!
Both parties agonise over racism
14/03/2024
As the row over racism rages, Jim feels both parties are often guilty of putting pragmatism ahead of principle.
Obsessed Prime Ministers
07/12/2023
The Prime Minister has created a first class political crisis by staking the whole government’s credibility on the narrow issue of Stop the Boats according to Jim in his latest blog.
Are we at the beginning of the end of a two-party system?
16/11/2023
Frank McKenna reflects on another turbulent week for the prime minister – and some internal party challenges for the Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer too. He wonders if the Tory and Labour coalitions are becoming too broad to manage and survive.
At least inflation’s down!
16/11/2023
Jim reviews one of the most dramatic weeks in British politics. Apart from the news on inflation, he thinks the outlook is bleak for the Prime Minister.
Braverman set for sacking
09/11/2023
Jim thinks the Home Secretary is on the point of sacking or resignation. Whatever happens, his blog takes a longer term look at Suella Braverman’s plans for her future in politics.
The bluster don’t work
23/03/2023
Jim is not convinced by Boris Johnson’s Partygate evidence, but doesn’t rule out Tory MPs saving his career. He also asks if Republicans could undermine Ukraine’s war effort.
Lord Michael Heseltine: The best prime minister we never had
25/11/2022
A political giant for more than five decades, the man who many believe to be ‘the best Prime Minister we never had’, Lord Michael Heseltine, joined DIB boss Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den this week.
A Baptism of Fire
10/11/2022
Rishi Sunak has not enjoyed much of a honeymoon period as Prime Minister. Frank McKenna reflects on the baptism of fire the new man in Number 10 has had to face.
Worse and worse
13/10/2022
Jim comments on the worsening crisis for the government, analysing the latest wrong moves of the Prime Minister and wonders if it will end in the unthinkable.
Gone… The worst Prime Minister in history
08/07/2022
Jim doesn’t pull his punches in calling the departing Prime Minister, the worst in our history. He reviews his controversial career and ends with a warning that the political drama may not be over as we wait for the Durham police’s decision on Sir Keir Starmer and his deputy.
Drip… Drip… Drip
01/06/2022
Jim examines the efforts to unseat the Prime Minister as speculation grows that their could be a vote on his future soon. He also has some reflections on the Platinum Jubilee.