I think your idea that Starmer , in a sense, appointed Mandelson because of his Epstein connection, is a bit glib and contrived.Many , including Gove and Farage, thought it was a good appointment at the time . But as the PM Starmer should have been more cautious.

Complicated. Feel better for him to stay as Mayor. Otherwise Labour might lose that position as well as possibly the by-election. Plus avoid disruptive effect of a fight for leadership. Hes not that great anyway.

But having an election for Mayor in Manchester could mean Reform would have a chance to take that position and he might lose the by election too.

Absolutely. Pro MAGA among other things. Troubling that he appears to be signicantly influencing Labour, on immigration at least.

Awful. His ideas seem crude , ignorant and not dissimilar to Reform . Yet seems to have found favour with this government. Worrying.

Unfortunately the No 10 operation and Starmer in particular don't seem ready to communicate their values. Just trying to compete with Reform on controlling immigration won't work. Starmer appears afraid.

She could help create a different story by explaining how lack of social housing or other accomodation has forced use of hotels . Asylum seekers have to live on a v basic support and can't work. If granted refugee status then they'll need to find their own housing and a job.

She lives in a bigoted bubble, even when in Portugal.

Looks quite a lot of Conservative and Reform voters are still stuck in an Anti European time warp.

But you use the American spelling of humour. In hock to them.

Absolutely.

Wealth tax , get on with it.

Yes I've seen comments suggesting those who are anti-immigration aren't impressed by reducing legal migration , but are obsessed with "stopping the boats'. So this policy unlikely to win friends for Labour. Yvette Cooper a big disappointment.

Totally agree. A lot of is quite nuanced and subtle especially as to what it means for future UK - EU relations. Vacuous. windbag guff from Johnson. Chris Mason " Haven't you sold out the British fishing industry " ? Not helpful.

When Rachel Reeves kept talking about " growth" from day one, despite its merits , it was a turn-off. It doesn't inspire. People wonder as to what it means. Need to be bolder, have policies thar engage people,.

But what about the Daily Mail ? That's really weird and unpleasant.

A bit of tolerance and understanding all round and it might not be so difficult .

Unfortunately we can't see anything. Best kept to yourself.

They won't be missed. I have to go regularly to Leicester Square and I hear the buskers who start in the morning through into the evening. Mediocre singers , heavily amplified, no peace for those who live and work nearby.

I think of a few but theyre outside the cabinet and not involved in making govt polcy eg Sadiq Khan, Stella Creasey , perhaps Andy Burnham.

Ah yes " people " " people like me " whatever that means. Anyway.. not to live in the past.

Deep alignment between the EU and U.K. could close this hole and deliver GDP growth for both sides. This is worth listening to. Tell him he was right then and to do the right thing now 🎧👇

Definitely not him, anti -EU , lost in the past.

Agreed. All too controlled , safe and timid . There must be Labour politicians who have bold ideas, but would their ideas get a chance?

Both Starmer and Reeves need to read what might inspire and move people who are sympathetic to Labour and Liberal values. Innovation , a bit of passion, not just soulless, uninspiring, safe, management. Let's look seriously at getting closer to Europe.

Tonight’s news is a hammer blow to thousands of British businesses and jobs, as Trump starts trade war with tariffs and their access to neighbouring markets blocked by Brexit paperwork - join @labour4europe.bsky.social to stand up for our national interest and urgency of reset with Europe now!

No courage, no passion , no inspiration. Include Starmer.and Reeves in this as well as Cooper. What a let down they are.

Reeves and Starmer seem afraid of offending those who supported Brexit and taxing the most wealthy. Robotic , don't seem to have any feeling or passion about anything that would inspire people.

So why abolish eg the universal fuel allowance for most pensioners and why freeze PiP payments for those with disabilities etc, which increase the sense of insecurity and hardship for those on limited incomes ?

You're in danger of repeating yourself.........