Andy Burnham won Makerfield

GemmaMack

But it’s a great result for Andy Burnham and a huge blow to Reform

Hopefully, people are seeing Reform as a Limited Company governed by foreign billionaires. They are snake oil salesmen fooling the British public. How is Brexit going? They can never deliver. I don't know why people are not asking his Clacton constituents how hard he is working as their MP. Well he certainly can't use the security argument for not having surgeries as I think the £5m donation was for his personal safety.

A lot of knee jerk responses to the Makerfield by-election, with some derogatory name calling too. Have to say I don’t always know how to interpret many of the single word metaphors
; my view is they are shorthand for lazy thinking as distinct to political analysis.

However the results are v. Interesting. An absolute majority for Burnham, and we don’t really know whether it’s because that population wants a change to the current PM or wants to change the perceived direction of the LP. Whether I support the PM or not, this govt has achieved a huge amount in the 2 yrs since taking power, whether to do with housing, transport, nurseries and childcare, health etc, debates around assisted dying etc. Clearly, in preparation for change the groundwork had or has been laid in preparation for major legislative change across a number of areas.

Whilst I dont believe in celebrity type politicians, clearly many people, and on grans net too seem to believe that an individual holds responsibility and makes all the decisions, and we don’t, at least yet have a President, and I hope we never have powers residing in a single individual. That would be disaster.

This govt and in particular Starmer has been exemplary in international negotiations, and his demeanour and handling around Iran in particular is unsurpassable.

I would hate to see the media provoke more splits, I would hate to see the media whip up more belief in short term change too. I hope the LP will not be seduced into short-termism and the rhetoric that goes with it. I am not sure that whoever might be the leader, will not be subjected to dissection by the media. Most of all I would love to see more of a move towards the left, back into Europe, progressive education and health policies. Death to Palantir too, which goes without saying.

I hope whatever will be the complexion within the govt, we can move forward, without a return to what the tories have done since Cameron came in and the total disaster that has ensued.

And by the way, even with the triple lock my state pension is below the minimum wage, I would drown if it were removed. I have worked at weekends since the age of 13, in the holidays whilst studying and held a professional career, subsequently, until retired sick, and still continuing with work as much as I can, in my late seventies. That’s with no benefits, my pension being an entitlement, and not a benefit.

I wonder what income these people who wish the end to the triple lock actually have at their disposal, and what experience they have of the wider world.

pomegranatejuice

A lot of knee jerk responses to the Makerfield by-election, with some derogatory name calling too. Have to say I don’t always know how to interpret many of the single word metaphors
; my view is they are shorthand for lazy thinking as distinct to political analysis.

However the results are v. Interesting. An absolute majority for Burnham, and we don’t really know whether it’s because that population wants a change to the current PM or wants to change the perceived direction of the LP. Whether I support the PM or not, this govt has achieved a huge amount in the 2 yrs since taking power, whether to do with housing, transport, nurseries and childcare, health etc, debates around assisted dying etc. Clearly, in preparation for change the groundwork had or has been laid in preparation for major legislative change across a number of areas.

Whilst I dont believe in celebrity type politicians, clearly many people, and on grans net too seem to believe that an individual holds responsibility and makes all the decisions, and we don’t, at least yet have a President, and I hope we never have powers residing in a single individual. That would be disaster.

This govt and in particular Starmer has been exemplary in international negotiations, and his demeanour and handling around Iran in particular is unsurpassable.

I would hate to see the media provoke more splits, I would hate to see the media whip up more belief in short term change too. I hope the LP will not be seduced into short-termism and the rhetoric that goes with it. I am not sure that whoever might be the leader, will not be subjected to dissection by the media. Most of all I would love to see more of a move towards the left, back into Europe, progressive education and health policies. Death to Palantir too, which goes without saying.

I hope whatever will be the complexion within the govt, we can move forward, without a return to what the tories have done since Cameron came in and the total disaster that has ensued.

And by the way, even with the triple lock my state pension is below the minimum wage, I would drown if it were removed. I have worked at weekends since the age of 13, in the holidays whilst studying and held a professional career, subsequently, until retired sick, and still continuing with work as much as I can, in my late seventies. That’s with no benefits, my pension being an entitlement, and not a benefit.

I wonder what income these people who wish the end to the triple lock actually have at their disposal, and what experience they have of the wider world.

Thanks. A much more rational dissection of the result than I am capable of at the moment but pretty much says what my scrambled brain would like to say.

pomegranatejuice

A lot of knee jerk responses to the Makerfield by-election, with some derogatory name calling too. Have to say I don’t always know how to interpret many of the single word metaphors
; my view is they are shorthand for lazy thinking as distinct to political analysis.

However the results are v. Interesting. An absolute majority for Burnham, and we don’t really know whether it’s because that population wants a change to the current PM or wants to change the perceived direction of the LP. Whether I support the PM or not, this govt has achieved a huge amount in the 2 yrs since taking power, whether to do with housing, transport, nurseries and childcare, health etc, debates around assisted dying etc. Clearly, in preparation for change the groundwork had or has been laid in preparation for major legislative change across a number of areas.

Whilst I dont believe in celebrity type politicians, clearly many people, and on grans net too seem to believe that an individual holds responsibility and makes all the decisions, and we don’t, at least yet have a President, and I hope we never have powers residing in a single individual. That would be disaster.

This govt and in particular Starmer has been exemplary in international negotiations, and his demeanour and handling around Iran in particular is unsurpassable.

I would hate to see the media provoke more splits, I would hate to see the media whip up more belief in short term change too. I hope the LP will not be seduced into short-termism and the rhetoric that goes with it. I am not sure that whoever might be the leader, will not be subjected to dissection by the media. Most of all I would love to see more of a move towards the left, back into Europe, progressive education and health policies. Death to Palantir too, which goes without saying.

I hope whatever will be the complexion within the govt, we can move forward, without a return to what the tories have done since Cameron came in and the total disaster that has ensued.

And by the way, even with the triple lock my state pension is below the minimum wage, I would drown if it were removed. I have worked at weekends since the age of 13, in the holidays whilst studying and held a professional career, subsequently, until retired sick, and still continuing with work as much as I can, in my late seventies. That’s with no benefits, my pension being an entitlement, and not a benefit.

I wonder what income these people who wish the end to the triple lock actually have at their disposal, and what experience they have of the wider world.

Thank you. A good summing up.

JenniferEccles

A post earlier said something about being pleased that Reform didn’t come anywhere.
Well they came second so they most certainly did come somewhere !

Interesting times. Starmer has insisted he’s not going anywhere and would most certainly stand if there’s a leadership challenge.

He doesn’t need to “stand” - see below,

“How do Labour MPs initiate a leadership challenge against the leader?

There is only one way for Labour MPs to formally initiate a leadership challenge. A challenger (or challengers) must be nominated by at least 20% of the combined ranks of Labour MPs.

Currently, 81 Labour MPs would need to jointly nominate a challenger. Nominations must be submitted in written form to the general secretary of the party. This triggers a leadership contest.

In these circumstances, *a sitting leader is not required to seek nominations (they are on the ballot paper by default).•

Can Labour MPs remove a leader through a vote of no confidence?
Unlike the Conservative Party, there is no formal role for a vote of no confidence as part of the process of a leadership challenge.

Although the Parliamentary Labour Party held a no confidence vote in the leader in 2016, Jeremy Corbyn refused to resign and argued that his support among party members outweighed his lack of support from Labour MPs.

What is the voting system used in a Labour leadership election?

The Labour Party has used a one-person-one-vote system for leadership elections since 2015. As both Labour Party members and affiliated trade union supporters are able to vote, this system ensures that the same person cannot vote both as a trade union member and as a Labour Party member. Until October 2021, it was also possible for registered supporters to vote without becoming a full party member. However, this is no longer the case.
Affiliated trade union members have to opt-in to be affiliated supporters of the Labour Party. Members of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) also have one vote each in the leadership election. This means that a large membership can vastly outvote the PLP.
Voting takes place using the alternative vote system (a preferential ballot). If one candidate gets more than 50% of the vote, they are elected. If no candidate manages this, then the candidate who came last is removed and their votes are redistributed to voters’ second preference candidates. This process is repeated until one candidate has more than half of the votes.“

Self-serving Burnham dumped the people of Manchester, and will shortly dump the duped people of Makerfield while he goes for his own agenda and splits the work of the current government and if he wins will take all of the credit for the foundations laid by Starmer to fix Tory budget decimation. He is only out for himself.

I am delighted that the Reform candidate was thoroughly beaten in this election.
I would really like to see Starmer and Burnham working together as they both have differing attributes which could change our country for the better. Other places have job share opportunities why not in Government?
I really don’t want a leadership contest. Starmer was vilified by much of the press from the word go and he was beginning to steady the ship until Trump went out of control and damaged our economy.
I hope they put egos aside, work together and find common ground . I am ever optimistic.

FranP

Self-serving Burnham dumped the people of Manchester, and will shortly dump the duped people of Makerfield while he goes for his own agenda and splits the work of the current government and if he wins will take all of the credit for the foundations laid by Starmer to fix Tory budget decimation. He is only out for himself.

Very true sadly. Makerfield is just a stepping stone for him.
Really 85% of our politicians are self-serving. Very sad and very dangerous.
It should have been Corbyn but he was stabbed in the back.

Back in '24, the Labour Party won he election to remove the Conservative Party, not Starmer, Micky Mouse could have been leader and they still would have won. Since then Starmer has shown a total lack of empathy or understanding of the wishes of the majority of UK citizens. He is first and foremost a lawyer, whether or not his decisions benefit the UK, and unwilling to challenge anything with a precedent he can use. He has had wins, but nothing on the big issues facing the country. So now a decision to change the leader to someone with a bit more charisma, no change to the manifesto as it's not a GE, and no indication from the prospective candidates of any ideas to implement the changes the Country needs on the important issues that were in the manifesto. So what are we gaining? The bill from the taxpayer's pocket for the by-election and the following mayoral election!

FranP

Self-serving Burnham dumped the people of Manchester, and will shortly dump the duped people of Makerfield while he goes for his own agenda and splits the work of the current government and if he wins will take all of the credit for the foundations laid by Starmer to fix Tory budget decimation. He is only out for himself.

I’m afraid there’s quite a big part of me who agrees.

It’s not where a govt starts or is mid term, but more importantly where the country is at the end of their term.

For whatever reasons you might believe Starmer won his job fairly and squarely and he deserves to see it through and then be judged.

Really 85% of our politicians are self-serving. Very sad and very dangerous.

I think that sums up lots of politicians in general. It's not surprising they are spoken about disrespectfully because they are often just opportunists and schemers.
I wish it hadn't come to this for Starner, but he has been master of his own destiny.

Nancat

Back in '24, the Labour Party won he election to remove the Conservative Party, not Starmer, Micky Mouse could have been leader and they still would have won. Since then Starmer has shown a total lack of empathy or understanding of the wishes of the majority of UK citizens. He is first and foremost a lawyer, whether or not his decisions benefit the UK, and unwilling to challenge anything with a precedent he can use. He has had wins, but nothing on the big issues facing the country. So now a decision to change the leader to someone with a bit more charisma, no change to the manifesto as it's not a GE, and no indication from the prospective candidates of any ideas to implement the changes the Country needs on the important issues that were in the manifesto. So what are we gaining? The bill from the taxpayer's pocket for the by-election and the following mayoral election!

Whilst I don’t agree with the Mickey Mouse part, I do agree with the majority of the rest of your post.

By all accounts the Mayor election alone is going to cost a little under £5m. Has anyone thought about how a Reform Mayor might be elected to Manchester? A huge and powerful role covering many people.

It was more of a vote to get rid of Stamer.
As far as l am concerned.

And Burnham made hay whilst the sun shined. It was a Traditional Northern, old Labour stronghold constituency .Simple as that.

And don't think Reform have gone away yet.

Bye bye Reform

I liked the fact that a fairly new, unknown (to some) party knocked conservative and lib dem out and came third. Can't stand Starmer, Farage gives me the creeps and politics in general leave me cold. BUT the fact that a small party came third, with a leader who dares to upset the "establishment" has peaked my interest. If they have enough people to stand in the next GE I may well actually vote 🗳 😁

You do realise that Restore is even more toxic than Reform surely? Please read up about them and know your facts before thinking of how to vote when the occasion arises.

Susieq62

You do realise that Restore is even more toxic than Reform surely? Please read up about them and know your facts before thinking of how to vote when the occasion arises.

Definitely. Quite worrying that they had a decent result as far as they are concerned in Makerfield. Rupert Lowe's words at times are pure toxic.

Tooyoungytobeagrandma

I liked the fact that a fairly new, unknown (to some) party knocked conservative and lib dem out and came third. Can't stand Starmer, Farage gives me the creeps and politics in general leave me cold. BUT the fact that a small party came third, with a leader who dares to upset the "establishment" has peaked my interest. If they have enough people to stand in the next GE I may well actually vote 🗳 😁

Hopefully, you will find out what the "third party" stands for and it's something you can live with.

Sarnia

MayBee70

Not aware that Labour were planning to abolish it

I have never trusted Rachel Reeves with her itchy fingers. Hopefully if all Burnham's plans come to fruition he will find another Chancellor. Quite frankly, anyone would be better than her.

But it seems that Ed Miliband may take over from Rachel Reeves! Amazing considering how badly he’s screwed up on the environmental issues.

Nancat

Back in '24, the Labour Party won he election to remove the Conservative Party, not Starmer, Micky Mouse could have been leader and they still would have won. Since then Starmer has shown a total lack of empathy or understanding of the wishes of the majority of UK citizens. He is first and foremost a lawyer, whether or not his decisions benefit the UK, and unwilling to challenge anything with a precedent he can use. He has had wins, but nothing on the big issues facing the country. So now a decision to change the leader to someone with a bit more charisma, no change to the manifesto as it's not a GE, and no indication from the prospective candidates of any ideas to implement the changes the Country needs on the important issues that were in the manifesto. So what are we gaining? The bill from the taxpayer's pocket for the by-election and the following mayoral election!

I trust you're not even thinking of voting for Reform, which is owned by a former City metals market trader, which I doubt gave him much experience of "ordinary people".

Kamiso

Sarnia

MayBee70

Not aware that Labour were planning to abolish it

I have never trusted Rachel Reeves with her itchy fingers. Hopefully if all Burnham's plans come to fruition he will find another Chancellor. Quite frankly, anyone would be better than her.

But it seems that Ed Miliband may take over from Rachel Reeves! Amazing considering how badly he’s screwed up on the environmental issues.

Maybe he knows more about economics than the environment.

'Not another one'!!🤣

Tooyoungytobeagrandma

I liked the fact that a fairly new, unknown (to some) party knocked conservative and lib dem out and came third. Can't stand Starmer, Farage gives me the creeps and politics in general leave me cold. BUT the fact that a small party came third, with a leader who dares to upset the "establishment" has peaked my interest. If they have enough people to stand in the next GE I may well actually vote 🗳 😁

Reform and Restore are just incarnations on the BNP with varying degrees of right wing policies. As for being anti establishment imo if Rupert Lowe had his way we’d go back to having a feudal system.

The idea that Corbyn could lead, or was stabbed in the back is imo ludicrous.
Andy Burnham hasn’t dumped us in Manchester. He was a good MP, a good Mayor and much as he will be missed in Manchester he will be good in Westminster

MayBee 🌞. Yes