Andy Burnham now officially Leader of Labour Party.

Even the majority of those who reluctantly began to agree Keir should go will feel sad about this. I hope Andy Burnham can improve things and lift the gloom a bit

I have some sympathy with those who vote Tory (less so with Reform voters, but let's not spilt hairs), as for most of my adult life there has been a government I didn't vote for, didn't want and didn't agree with. It's rubbish, but that's democracy.

There is no point in moaning about everything they do, though. Yes, when a government or PM ruins the area you live in by closing the industries that have sustained it for generations, lies to the queen, parties whilst punishing students for having snowball fights in contravention of government rules about mixing, spends billions on pointless PPE and so on people will complain, and rightly so. There is nothing wrong with criticising actions we dislike.

But looking for things to moan about, and inventing reasons why the new PM shouldn't be there, even though he has behaved no differently from three Tory PMs in the past decade or so is not helpful to anyone. As the saying goes - holding onto bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the enemy to die.

Gransnet was horrible after the GE a couple of years ago. I really hope we aren't going to revisit that shameful time.

Well said, Doodledog.

I listened to AB speech outside no 10 as it was broadcast in full on BBC Radio 4.

He's setting himself high ideals especially on homelessness. I think after what happened to Keir, he will be very aware the attacks to come, and what their nature will be, and be as effective as anyone could be against them. No gifts - no sudden early disastrous announcements like winter fuel.

A commentator said the difference would be - to give and example - for example that AB will take a much more lead from the front approach.

He will have learnt from the Mandelson business and the likes of Morgan McSweeney.

I dont expect he will manage to do all he wants to do because of funding - but maybe tomorrow will show us his fiscal policy.

Sorry but it is perfectly reasonable for people to express concerns about Burnhams ascent to power, it is not bitterness, it is a different perspective.
I think homelessness is a good first priority and it will be within his comfort zone.

I got a notification from The Standard (fornerly the Evening Standard) which had picked up a rumour that the new PM may be considering reviewing the Personal Tax Allowance Threshold.

I hope so, but at this time there's rumours about everything.

Galaxy

Sorry but it is perfectly reasonable for people to express concerns about Burnhams ascent to power, it is not bitterness, it is a different perspective.
I think homelessness is a good first priority and it will be within his comfort zone.

Sorry, but I disagree.

IMO, which is what I am expressing, there is a difference between criticising what people do and sniping before they've done anything.

It was that sniping that brought down Starmer, at least in part, and I'm saying that I hope that doesn't happen again. If I'm honest that hope is partly because I would like to see a fairer Britain than we've had for the last ages, but also because the instability that comes from constant changes of leadership is playing into the hands of our enemies.

I could understand if changing leaders was unprecedented, but it has become the rule, rather than the exception of late, so I'm finding the objections now it's happening in the LP rather than the Tories rather hollow.

Crumbly159

I got a notification from The Standard (fornerly the Evening Standard) which had picked up a rumour that the new PM may be considering reviewing the Personal Tax Allowance Threshold.

I hope so, but at this time there's rumours about everything.

So long as he reviews it upover (ie increasing the nil rate) I think that would be a good idea. It would save him from the complains when State Pensions become taxable (I think that date falls within the term of this government?) and wouldn't be seen as generational unfairness.

We are life long labour ish voters and we both voted for labour with a heavy heart.

I’m hoping Andy will be what the LP and their voters need but I’m a bit surprised by it all. Though it is the end of term..,

Galaxy

Sorry but it is perfectly reasonable for people to express concerns about Burnhams ascent to power, it is not bitterness, it is a different perspective.
I think homelessness is a good first priority and it will be within his comfort zone.

I am on Facebook pages that are full of Labour members like me who are unhappy about Burnhams rise to power, especially as it’s obvious that it has been a long time in the planning and we had no say in the matter. I wonder how many non Labour voters voted for them in the election and will now never vote for them again. Because if they don’t they will depend on getting the Reform vote next time.

Andy Burnham had ending rough sleeping as an aim as our Mayor. Despite his best efforts. It’s increased over the past five years, as it has in the majority of cities and towns.

He’s in central not local government now, so hopefully in A better position to influence the policy decisions . I know I’m repetitive on this but we are living with the damage austerity caused to all our public services. People who become homeless usually have complex needs, mental health, drug/alcohol addiction and are often in a hard to reach category, even if we did have the services and housing to help them

Selling council homes while refusing to allow councils to use revenue raised to build more has been a disaster . Many separated fathers were allocated two bed flats so their children could stay over. The bedroom tax left many unable to pay the extra rent, losing their home as a result.

Public service was pushed onto its knees. Many current problems were inherited by Starmer’s government which is being blamed for this. I wish Andy Burnham well because that’s best for the country. People calling for a general election weren’t doing that as the tories replaced PMs frequently

Nominating Sky's Beth Rigby for today's Endurance Award.
16.45 and still going strong since (my) breakfast.

Has Chris Mason fallen by the wayside?

Maybe our local Labour Party Facebook group seems to wish we weren’t in this position but relieved Andy is on place

ixion

Nominating Sky's Beth Rigby for today's Endurance Award.
16.45 and still going strong since (my) breakfast.

Has Chris Mason fallen by the wayside?

One can but hope

😂

AB Says he is going to make rough sleeping his priority. People were ringing in on the Matt Allwright show today (first time watching) saying he promised to do that in Manchester but he has never sorted it and there are still loads of rough sleepers in shop doorways.

How can someone sort out rough sleeping in a city? There are no walls around Manchester, so as fast as he housed the existing rough sleepers there would be new ones coming in from outside.

It must be easier to do it on a National basis, particularly when you can make policies to support your initiatives. I'm looking on the bright side, anyway. I suspect that eradication is too high a goal, but making it a priority is a good thing, I'm sure.

To be fair his sackings are hopeful.

Galaxy

To be fair his sackings are hopeful.

A mixed bag ie PK, LK - others as expected

I like his plan to end rough sleeping. It’s measurable and I’m hoping he will put a timeline for it happening.
Everyone who lives in a city, or town or any where it happens will be looking to see improvements .

Sackings?
Did AB actually sack them or did they resign?
It seems to depend which source you read, so I’d love to hear from anyone who actually knows, and the source of that inside knowledge.

My guess is(and that's all it is) is that they'll be told there is not a role for them in the new cabinet. So not really a sacking, more that their contract won't b renewed.

Whole story came out in the extended R4 world at one.

No he didn't eradicate rough sleepers in the long term but he made a very big difference for quite some time. People actually were given cards and a contact who had to find them a bed for the night.

But what happened was of course more people came to Manchester

Which is why it has to be a national plan of course.

I think that’s right Doodledog, I think you can tell from the way they announced their departure who walked, and who was not offered a role, although they wanted to stay in government.

And Beth is still there😳

Which Beth? (genuine don't know)