Time is not on Labour’s side
06/02/2025
Labour may only be six-months into government – but they’re running out of time already.
Southern Powerhouse?
30/01/2025
Jim worries that the Chancellor is relying on the south of England too much in her dash for growth.
DIB Boss urges government to step up its efforts to reset EU relationship
30/01/2025
The group chairman and chief executive of Downtown in Business, is urging the government to go faster with its efforts to reset trading relationships with the European Union.
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP.71 | 20 January 2025
21/01/2025
The only show in town today really is Donald Trump’s inauguration. What will the orange one second coming as U.S. President mean for the UK, Europe and the world?
No more taxes
11/12/2024
Jim suggests the shine has come off Rachel Reeves who needs to see results following her tax increases. Jim also wonders if the Iranian regime could fall following the Syrian revolution.
It’s the communications stupid!
21/11/2024
It’s time Labour started to remind people of the huge mess they inherited – and tell us what they are doing about it.
It’s the economy stupid
26/09/2024
Frank McKenna reflects on this weeks Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
In the mood for dancing?
26/09/2024
Labour’s conference wasn’t the celebration that it might have been, nor was it the shambles some had hoped for. But Labour does need to get a grip on it’s appalling communications strategy according to Jo Phillips.
Rachel ruffles the feathers
01/08/2024
Jim blogs on Rachel Reeves first moves as Chancellor, condemns Farage comments on Southport tragedy and looks at the Tory leadership race.
Old lady not coming to rescue
20/06/2024
The Bank of England won’t save the Tories, and with a betting scandal now hammering the final nail in their coffin, Jim’s blog includes the first part of a survey of NW seats.
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP. 23 | 25th March 2024
25/03/2024
Labours shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Mis Lecture this week. Did she lay out a progressive programme of economic reform, or has her pragmatism taken her to a place where she is simply promising to be Continuity Jeremy Hunt?
Still want the job Rachel?
07/03/2024
In his blog Jim asks if Rachael Reeves still wants the job of Chancellor after Jeremy Hunt has stolen her policies and left a legacy of tax increases and spending cuts.