The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP. 25 | 3rd April 2024
Could the most successful election winning machine in Western Europe really be heading towards oblivion?
Tory
Not another one!
The Blackpool South by election will be the eleventh in this parliament caused by Tory MPs being thrown out for sleaze or walking off the job. Jim reports on this sad saga. He also reflects on fifty years of local council shakeups and the birth of Piccadilly Radio!
Labour: Ming vase or firm pledges?
How will Labour respond to another extraordinary Tory conference. Jim doesn’t think they can restore HS2 but what about some bold policies on social care and housing?
No bail outs, just build houses!
Building thousands of council houses without the right to buy is the only way to solve the mounting housing crisis. Jim suggests it might actually be popular with Tory voters.
Has the Tory party lost the plot?
Have the fruitcakes taken over the Tory asylum? Frank McKenna reflects on two Conservative conferences that took place this week.
Can Sunak Hold his Tory Coalition Together?
Rishi Sunak has steadied the Tory ship. But can he hold together his ‘broad church’ of a party if the local election results are as bad for the Conservatives as some are predicting?
Evidence of momentum
Jim gives a comprehensive preview of the big round of local elections coming up next month. He identifies the key contests in the North West and the prospects for the political parties 18 months from a General Election.
Resolving conflicts
We have been celebrating 25 years of relative peace in Ulster this week, Jim asks how that, and other major conflicts are finally going to be resolved. He also has concerns over Labour’s personal attack on the Prime Minister.
Negative campaigning works
Controversy has followed the Labour Party’s latest series of election campaign posters. However, Frank McKenna tells us why negative campaigning often works.
North West test for the Rishi bounce
There isn’t going to be a General Election, but the North West will see a significant test of how large that Labour lead is. Jim reviews the challenges and opportunities for the new Prime Minister.
A dangerous crisis for both parties. A bitter inheritance.
The resignation of Liz Truss is given full analysis by Jim who also wonders why Labour are so keen on coming to power at this time of crisis.