The return of Burnham?

[tHEgLASSdOORS]

I have a lot of time for Burnham and always felt he was a leader in waiting but his decision to seek nomination to fight the Gorton and Denton by-election has greatly disappointed me. One of the reasons I voted for Labour 2 years ago was because I wanted sober stable government after 8 years of chaos. I get that most of the country don't like Starmer but he's doing well on the international stage and I, for one, don't want the government being distracted from the job at hand by psychodramas being played out in Westminster - and there would be, no doubt of that. I was watching Newscast on Thursday night when Gwynne's resignation came through and Chris Mason could barely conceal his delight at the scenario it presented.

Exactly my feelings, pretty much word for word

[Pontificator]

I have a lot of time for Burnham and always felt he was a leader in waiting but his decision to seek nomination to fight the Gorton and Denton by-election has greatly disappointed me. One of the reasons I voted for Labour 2 years ago was because I wanted sober stable government after 8 years of chaos. I get that most of the country don't like Starmer but he's doing well on the international stage and I, for one, don't want the government being distracted from the job at hand by psychodramas being played out in Westminster - and there would be, no doubt of that. I was watching Newscast on Thursday night when Gwynne's resignation came through and Chris Mason could barely conceal his delight at the scenario it presented.

its ridiculous how the MSM confect debate and influence politicians who cant control their narcissistic fuckwittery. Burnham believes he is gods gift and it has not been enough for him to be a success in Manchester, he still has to show the world he exists, what a prat.

[Derek Hardballs]

If you all want to lose the next election stick with Starmer. Just one more year and it’ll all turn around for him…

[tHEgLASSdOORS]

The only issue with it for me is the timing but I guess that’s heavily dictated to by circumstances

[Shabby Russian]

Back to the matter in hand, whatever anyone thinks of Burnham, blocking him from running as an MP looks very weak and makes Starmer look more insecure, not less. It's concerning that decision-makers in the Labour Party couldn't see that.

I've no dog in this fight  and whilst I think there is some truth to what you say...I think the nec have come to the right decision (maybe for the wrong motivations).

It makes a mockery of democracy, if someone who is elected to a position of some importance does not complete the full term of their appointment. Resigning their position part way through their term of office  because they want to pursue a different option, is a snub to the electorate they are serving, and devalues that elected position.

[Derek Hardballs]

The only issue with it for me is the timing but I guess that’s heavily dictated to by circumstances

Starmer and McSweeney are putting their own political futures before that of their party and much more importantly the country. It will take a huge turnaround in popularity for Starmer to lead a successful election campaign or indeed to keep his own seat, such is his unpopularity at this time. Only a small cabal of Blue Labour types and sorry to say centrist dads will see this as a sign of strength, most will see this as anti-democratic and weak. Only 8% of Labour activists in Denton agree with the decision but no, no, just ignore them and foist someone they didn’t want into the area. It’ll be interesting to see if they actually win the seat now…

[tHEgLASSdOORS]

I agree Derk.

I just think if it was to have a big impact on the election the timing is too soon and agree with other posts saying we need a period of stability, nationally and globally

[HawkingsHalfpint]

Back to the matter in hand, whatever anyone thinks of Burnham, blocking him from running as an MP looks very weak and makes Starmer look more insecure, not less. It's concerning that decision-makers in the Labour Party couldn't see that.

It does indeed. Like cup-tieing your outgoing best player for fear you’ll have to face him later. 

He has momentum, influence and would make a far better leader than Steamer. He even resembles a thunderbird puppet better than the current PM, which takes some doing. 

I feel that this isn’t the end of the story because it is now abundantly clear that there is deep division within a party that won in huge number by default, and not because they happened to be a unified, purposeful party. Which truly does highlight the need for strong opposition. God forbid that’s Reform - there is still plenty of time for that lot to hang itself, fortunately.

[man in the corner shop]

Back to the matter in hand, whatever anyone thinks of Burnham, blocking him from running as an MP looks very weak and makes Starmer look more insecure, not less. It's concerning that decision-makers in the Labour Party couldn't see that.

It does indeed. Like cup-tieing your outgoing best player for fear you’ll have to face him later. 

He has momentum, influence and would make a far better leader than Steamer. He even resembles a thunderbird puppet better than the current PM, which takes some doing. 

I feel that this isn’t the end of the story because it is now abundantly clear that there is deep division within a party that won in huge number by default, and not because they happened to be a unified, purposeful party. Which truly does highlight the need for strong opposition. God forbid that’s Reform - there is still plenty of time for that lot to hang itself, fortunately.

Ay it 
Their method from 2023 to 24 was just to sit quiet and say nothing.
They didn't seem to have any plan or vision 
As the last 18 months have shown

The only saving grace is that they brought an end to 14 years of a shitshow run by loons and egomaniacs. A leastworst shitshow apparently

[Derek Hardballs]

Back to the matter in hand, whatever anyone thinks of Burnham, blocking him from running as an MP looks very weak and makes Starmer look more insecure, not less. It's concerning that decision-makers in the Labour Party couldn't see that.

It does indeed. Like cup-tieing your outgoing best player for fear you’ll have to face him later. 

He has momentum, influence and would make a far better leader than Steamer. He even resembles a thunderbird puppet better than the current PM, which takes some doing. 

I feel that this isn’t the end of the story because it is now abundantly clear that there is deep division within a party that won in huge number by default, and not because they happened to be a unified, purposeful party. Which truly does highlight the need for strong opposition. God forbid that’s Reform - there is still plenty of time for that lot to hang itself, fortunately.

Ay it 
Their method from 2023 to 24 was just to sit quiet and say nothing.
They didn't seem to have any plan or vision 
As the last 18 months have shown

The only saving grace is that they brought an end to 14 years of a shitshow run by loons and egomaniacs. A leastworst shitshow apparently

Reform are putting the team back together…