David Beech

I'm not doing dry January and giving up sarcasm. In the current climate it's an impossible ask.

Nice of Keir to mention he supported Andy's leadership campaign way back on 2015. I'm sure Andy appreciated that 🫠

Burnham’s problem isn’t Starmer. It’s Burnham The PM had no choice but to block a leadership rival - and Greater Manchester’s mayor must share the blame

“The most brutal observation, though, was one MP who pointed out that Burnham has been in Labour politics for two decades longer than Keir Starmer, but is still unable to outmanoeuvre him on internal politics.”

Yeah and 43% 'don't know' which is a big fat 'meh' as far as I'm concerned.

And Burnham has said he might return in 2027? Now has he thought about that thing he needs to sort out first before he can stand?

All of this is why I wouldn't be surprised to see Starmer still PM this time next year. Lots of 'no, no after yous' and waiting for the opportune moment that doesn't quite arrive. And it's the Labour party, just factor that in too.

All the defections are a gift to James Cleverly who has managed to move the Conservative's to a more centre right position creating a space between Reform and an unpopular Labour government. The tories chose well, there.

Nah I can't stand her as a politician, but using mental health against someone is never acceptable and it actually does say more about the tories than it does Braverman.

I think this point has been underplayed. Someone who chooses not to stand as an MP in 2024 because they think another mayoral term better serves their ambitions then changes their mind 18 months in isn't necessarily the person to bring the party together and show the country Labour are serious

Haha yeah that's very true!

Yeah i don't think he'd be better.

Lol unfortunately we've never been good at that though?

Yeah was perfectly logical decision tbh.

Great thread this ⬇️

Yeah that would be my worry if she did run

We are shit hot when it comes to talking about this stuff though no doubt about that.

Unless Angela stands I honestly don't think Starmer will go this year. Getting *80* Labour MPs to back a candidate? Hmmm. What about Labour's recent history tell you we are good at this stuff? (Andy is a case in point, failed bid no 3!).

Yes but he'd be PM at this point and the North would be indulging in celebrations the likes of which have not been seen since the Queen's jubilee.

He did create this headline, I saw his post and that's why he deserves what he got - to be out played. Petulant.

Nice not having skin in the game when it comes to both Starmer and Burnham. Smugly sitting here looking down from high with a 'do please be honest about your motives, for goodness sakes' to all involved.

There's lots of people on both sides who think we're all a bit dim.

Huh, I wonder why this rule was set up in October 2024? It's deeply bizarre how some of the 'save our Keir' people on here will even deny it when the Starmer operation *does something competent to defend its interests*.

Yeah there's lots to 'come on' about here - Burnham supporters pretending he is all about sacrificing the job he loves to save a constituency by-election from Reform and the NEC it's *only* about saving money and serving the term. All of it drives me crackers.

The death of Mark Tully is a reminder of how the quality of BBC reporters has fallen.
When Mark spoke, we listened. The same can't be said of most of the current crop.

It's politics and it's fine. Burnham wants Starmer's job and that's absolutely fine but unfortunately the man who has the job can count. He had the numbers. Burnham's petulant reaction afterwards just shows a) his real motive in standing b) that he'd be a shit PM

Fine to want to get rid of Starmer if that's what you want (I'm not a big fan) but to pretend Andy has been the victim of fractionalism? Of course he has been! He wanted to unseat the PM. Grow up, ffs.

‘Huge mistake’: Labour in turmoil as Burnham blocked from byelection race Allies of Greater Manchester mayor say No 10 has ‘chosen factionalism’ as decision leads to a furious backlash

Is everyone speaking up for Burnham in this piece actually that stupid when they don't acknowledge he was standing to challenge Starmer? They actually are that dumb?

www.theguardian.com/politics/202...

I understand your reasoning, but letting him run would of been a whole load of (different) damage. Lose, lose. But watching his reaction tonight he deserves it.

I absolutely think it was the right decision.

Indeed *shocked face*