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Streeting fighting man? – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 13,173
edited May 12 in General
Streeting fighting man? – politicalbetting.com

Starmer’s strategy is to try and split the rebels. Challenge Streeting to move, then say to Burnham supporters “force me out if you like, but then you don’t get your man”.

Read the full story here

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Comments

  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,896
    edited May 12
    This is what I said earlier. There is a qualifying number of people saying he should go but they are not backing a single candidate. Does any candidate have 81 votes?

    If not, there is not an election. He is standing by the rules as you might expect. But is his cabinet willing to keep the show on the road? Some tough calls to be made.
  • Sweeney74Sweeney74 Posts: 635
    This is Typical Labour
    Surely Streeting must be able to scrape 80 backers...
  • eekeek Posts: 33,922
    Can I just groan at this headline
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 43,520
    @pickardje.bsky.social‬

    predisposition in Westminster to presume coups *always* succeed eg Thatcher & May & Johnson, but:

    1995: John Major saw off right wing rebels

    2009: Gordon Brown survived multiple cabinet minister resignations

    2016: Jeremy Corbyn saw off 64 resignations and 80% of PLP begging him to quit (172:40)
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 39,816
    Scott_xP said:

    @pickardje.bsky.social‬

    predisposition in Westminster to presume coups *always* succeed eg Thatcher & May & Johnson, but:

    1995: John Major saw off right wing rebels

    2009: Gordon Brown survived multiple cabinet minister resignations

    2016: Jeremy Corbyn saw off 64 resignations and 80% of PLP begging him to quit (172:40)

    This feels more like the fall of Johnson.
  • GarethoftheVale2GarethoftheVale2 Posts: 2,536
    Scott_xP said:

    @pickardje.bsky.social‬

    predisposition in Westminster to presume coups *always* succeed eg Thatcher & May & Johnson, but:

    1995: John Major saw off right wing rebels

    2009: Gordon Brown survived multiple cabinet minister resignations

    2016: Jeremy Corbyn saw off 64 resignations and 80% of PLP begging him to quit (172:40)

    True but all those leaders lost the subsequent elections.

    Depends if anyone quits after cabinet finishes
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 22,873
    DavidL said:

    This is what I said earlier. There is a qualifying number of people saying he should go but they are not backing a single candidate. Does any candidate have 81 votes?

    If not, there is not an election. He is standing by the rules as you might expect. But is his cabinet willing to keep the show on the road? Some tough calls to be made.

    Streeting probably needs two things.

    He needs 81 MPs, and he probably needs nobody else to get 81 MPs. Otherwise, I suspect that the membership would rather have someone else.

    This might be Streeting's best chance, but that doesn't make it a good chance.

    What was it LBJ said about being able to count?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,879
    From US State Department thread attacking the UN "Global Compact on Migration".

    This is the letter referred to, attempting to thwart the Rwanda scheme:

    https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28951

    https://x.com/StateDept/status/2053907257600188555

    While the United Kingdom faced unprecedented illegal boat crossings, UN agencies condemned plans for deportations.

    UN officials lobbied aviation regulators to prevent the deportation of migrants – an appalling violation of the UK’s national sovereignty.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 22,873
    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    If Wes has to retire to obscurity, he'll go Where The Streeting's No Name.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 59,789
    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    Next thread =

    "KEIR PRESSURE"

    You're welcome!
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 7,961
    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    Great song though..
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 39,816
    Even if I was minded to support Burnham (I was not) Burnham's sense of entitlement and conniving disloyalty would make me think again.

    Nonetheless Starmer out!
  • DopermeanDopermean Posts: 3,146
    The implication is that he's the compromise for the PLP and there is no guarantee that another PLP compromise would be accepted by the party.
    A satirical replaying of the Trump ME farce in minature
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,896
    Sweeney74 said:

    This is Typical Labour
    Surely Streeting must be able to scrape 80 backers...

    The price he may have to pay is that he agrees that any subsequent contest will be delayed to give Burnham a chance to return to the Commons. He might be finding that a little expensive.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,580

    From US State Department thread attacking the UN "Global Compact on Migration".

    This is the letter referred to, attempting to thwart the Rwanda scheme:

    https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadPublicCommunicationFile?gId=28951

    https://x.com/StateDept/status/2053907257600188555

    While the United Kingdom faced unprecedented illegal boat crossings, UN agencies condemned plans for deportations.

    UN officials lobbied aviation regulators to prevent the deportation of migrants – an appalling violation of the UK’s national sovereignty.

    They need a history lesson.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,863

    Scott_xP said:

    @pickardje.bsky.social‬

    predisposition in Westminster to presume coups *always* succeed eg Thatcher & May & Johnson, but:

    1995: John Major saw off right wing rebels

    2009: Gordon Brown survived multiple cabinet minister resignations

    2016: Jeremy Corbyn saw off 64 resignations and 80% of PLP begging him to quit (172:40)

    True but all those leaders lost the subsequent elections.

    Depends if anyone quits after cabinet finishes
    Starmer isn't worried about the next election as he won't be standing (for MP or PM).
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,225

    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    Next thread =

    "KEIR PRESSURE"

    You're welcome!
    The only thing there is to Keir is Keir itself.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,580
    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    No, you need to applaud the genius of my punning.

    Streeting is the most punnable candidate.
  • Sweeney74Sweeney74 Posts: 635

    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    No, you need to applaud the genius of my punning.

    Streeting is the most punnable candidate.
    It was quality Streeting

  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,563

    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    No, you need to applaud the genius of my punning.

    Streeting is the most punnable candidate.
    Again: we need buttons for 'I like this pun' / 'I spotted this pun' / 'I don't understand this pun'.

    FWIW, I do quite like this one.
  • GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 23,257
    Sounds like Kier is going to have to be dragged kicking and screaming from the bunker...
  • DopermeanDopermean Posts: 3,146

    Scott_xP said:

    @pickardje.bsky.social‬

    predisposition in Westminster to presume coups *always* succeed eg Thatcher & May & Johnson, but:

    1995: John Major saw off right wing rebels

    2009: Gordon Brown survived multiple cabinet minister resignations

    2016: Jeremy Corbyn saw off 64 resignations and 80% of PLP begging him to quit (172:40)

    True but all those leaders lost the subsequent elections.

    Depends if anyone quits after cabinet finishes
    PLP hasn't learnt from the moronic undermining of Brown.
    Guardian political journo who was constantly indulging Flint etc went on to ignominy as Boris' press secretary..
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,580
    I stand by my comment yesterday, the cabinet make Hamlet look decisive.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 32,591
    edited May 12
    FPT

    @cookie said.

    I saw a sign in a fast food shop on Wallgate (Wigan) last year: "We take card payments!" I was intrigued by the thought that this wasn't a given.
    But I'm glad to hear your report. I got the impression that Wigan was better than it used to be but I never really knew how it used to be.

    There was briefly a regular hourly fast service from Wigan to Manchester. It took 20 minutes or so. I'd argue that this was, and could be again (and especially if it were made half hourly) a massive benefit to the town. Not least because (in contrast to Rochdale), Wigan's train stations are gratifyingly central for the town.

    Me:

    Yes. One issue is the inaccessibility of Central Wigan itself. The town itself is doing quite well. But the collection of small ex-pit towns/villages to the south aren't. (Makerfield constituency where I'm from). Ashton, Bryn. Hindley, Abram and the like. Wigan is the big City to them, requiring preparation and a girding of loins to venture into (only when absolutely necessary).
    Yep. Card payments accepted. Furore over self service tills in Tesco, (some of which don't take cash!).
    Quite a number of shops have Cash Only signs.
    Can get a gorgeous meight 'n prayter pie anywhere, mind.
  • Sweeney74Sweeney74 Posts: 635
    Streeting needs to move today, surely?
    The longer this goes on, the sillier he looks.
  • edmundintokyoedmundintokyo Posts: 17,989
    GIN1138 said:

    Sounds like Kier is going to have to be dragged kicking and screaming from the bunker...

    Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, First Lord of the Treasury, Protector of the Bar Chart
  • edmundintokyoedmundintokyo Posts: 17,989
    Is the Home Secretary resigning because that would be like half the problems with the government solved.
  • Streeting must resign.
  • FishingFishing Posts: 6,356
    GIN1138 said:

    Sounds like Kier is going to have to be dragged kicking and screaming from the bunker...

    The last PM who left voluntarily was fifty years and two months ago. And even he had alcohol and memory problems.

    They ALL have to be dragged kicking and screaming, either by the electorate or by the men in grey suits ...
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,563
    dixiedean said:

    FPT

    @cookie said.

    I saw a sign in a fast food shop on Wallgate (Wigan) last year: "We take card payments!" I was intrigued by the thought that this wasn't a given.
    But I'm glad to hear your report. I got the impression that Wigan was better than it used to be but I never really knew how it used to be.

    There was briefly a regular hourly fast service from Wigan to Manchester. It took 20 minutes or so. I'd argue that this was, and could be again (and especially if it were made half hourly) a massive benefit to the town. Not least because (in contrast to Rochdale), Wigan's train stations are gratifyingly central for the town.

    Me:

    Yes. One issue is the inaccessibility of Central Wigan itself. The town itself is doing quite well. But the collection of small ex-pit towns/villages to the south aren't. (Makerfield constituency where I'm from). Ashton, Bryn. Hindley, Abram and the like. Wigan is the big City to them, requiring preparation and a girding of loins to venture into (only when absolutely necessary).
    Yep. Card payments accepted. Furore over self service tills in Tesco, (some of which don't take cash!).
    Quite a number of shops have Cash Only signs.
    Can get a gorgeous meight 'n prayter pie anywhere, mind.

    I have lived in Greater Manchester for 80% of my years but have to my mild embarrassment never been - or even through - Ashton in Makerfield, Bryn or Abram!
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 46,467
    FPT

    Sweeney74 said:

    Starmer lays down the gauntlet at Cabinet!
    "Come and have a go..."

    Why does he not just sack the shysters in cabinet and have a new one of young talent, they could not be worse than the ragtag bunch of losers trying to save their sorry skins by ousting him and certainly be no worse for the country.
    Call the losers bluffs and sack them, show he has a backbone and at worst he will take the whole ship down with him.
  • Sweeney74Sweeney74 Posts: 635
    malcolmg said:

    FPT

    Sweeney74 said:

    Starmer lays down the gauntlet at Cabinet!
    "Come and have a go..."

    Why does he not just sack the shysters in cabinet and have a new one of young talent, they could not be worse than the ragtag bunch of losers trying to save their sorry skins by ousting him and certainly be no worse for the country.
    Call the losers bluffs and sack them, show he has a backbone and at worst he will take the whole ship down with him.

    I agree he should do that.
    He won't.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,398
    Sweeney74 said:

    This is Typical Labour
    Surely Streeting must be able to scrape 80 backers...

    Question is, are there 80 anti-Burnham Labour MPs? Even if they support someomne other than sStreeting, get the party started, then file behind their favoured candidate - leaving Burnham to maybe get a Cabinet post under the new leader.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 17,430
    Trollope on political moments when one PM is out and another coming in. An urgent message is sent to the outgoing PM. Chapter 1 of Barchester Towers. Happy days:

    Mr. Harding went out and sent the message, and it may be as well that we should follow it to its destination. Within thirty minutes of its leaving Barchester it reached the Earl of –––– in his inner library. What elaborate letters, what eloquent appeals, what indignant remonstrances he might there have to frame, at such a moment, may be conceived but not described! How he was preparing his thunder for successful rivals, standing like a British peer with his back to the sea-coal fire, and his hands in his breeches pockets—how his fine eye was lit up with anger, and his forehead gleamed with patriotism—how he stamped his foot as he thought of his heavy associates—how he all but swore as he remembered how much too clever one of them had been—my creative readers may imagine. But was he so engaged? No: history and truth compel me to deny it. He was sitting easily in a lounging chair, conning over a Newmarket list, and by his elbow on the table was lying open an uncut French novel on which he was engaged.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 43,520
    @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social‬

    There are wholly logical reasons for Starmer deciding to tough this one out & it’s not just ‘don’t you know there’s a war on’ or him thinking it unfair; contenders not ready/hesitant +MPs nervous about what they’d be unleashing means coup might be quite brittle. But it does mean this ends messily.

    Either the party is resolved to do this, mass govt resignations follow (a la Boris Johnson) & recriminations last years. Or it’s not resolved & he survives, but authority diminished & minus some good people quit for nothing. Either way it’s going to be an emotional day with feelings running v high
  • stodgestodge Posts: 16,687
    If we are to believe someone from the previous thread, this country needs a Kemal Ataturk.

    Another option might be an M. Bison.
  • algarkirk said:

    Trollope on political moments when one PM is out and another coming in. An urgent message is sent to the outgoing PM. Chapter 1 of Barchester Towers. Happy days:

    Mr. Harding went out and sent the message, and it may be as well that we should follow it to its destination. Within thirty minutes of its leaving Barchester it reached the Earl of –––– in his inner library. What elaborate letters, what eloquent appeals, what indignant remonstrances he might there have to frame, at such a moment, may be conceived but not described! How he was preparing his thunder for successful rivals, standing like a British peer with his back to the sea-coal fire, and his hands in his breeches pockets—how his fine eye was lit up with anger, and his forehead gleamed with patriotism—how he stamped his foot as he thought of his heavy associates—how he all but swore as he remembered how much too clever one of them had been—my creative readers may imagine. But was he so engaged? No: history and truth compel me to deny it. He was sitting easily in a lounging chair, conning over a Newmarket list, and by his elbow on the table was lying open an uncut French novel on which he was engaged.

    Jeez, Trollope was shite
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 17,430
    dixiedean said:

    FPT

    @cookie said.

    I saw a sign in a fast food shop on Wallgate (Wigan) last year: "We take card payments!" I was intrigued by the thought that this wasn't a given.
    But I'm glad to hear your report. I got the impression that Wigan was better than it used to be but I never really knew how it used to be.

    There was briefly a regular hourly fast service from Wigan to Manchester. It took 20 minutes or so. I'd argue that this was, and could be again (and especially if it were made half hourly) a massive benefit to the town. Not least because (in contrast to Rochdale), Wigan's train stations are gratifyingly central for the town.

    Me:

    Yes. One issue is the inaccessibility of Central Wigan itself. The town itself is doing quite well. But the collection of small ex-pit towns/villages to the south aren't. (Makerfield constituency where I'm from). Ashton, Bryn. Hindley, Abram and the like. Wigan is the big City to them, requiring preparation and a girding of loins to venture into (only when absolutely necessary).
    Yep. Card payments accepted. Furore over self service tills in Tesco, (some of which don't take cash!).
    Quite a number of shops have Cash Only signs.
    Can get a gorgeous meight 'n prayter pie anywhere, mind.

    I know cash only takeaways/eateries in Cumberland.

  • Apparently Streeting has 200 or more backers in the PLP. Which makes sense as the majority of these would be former Starmer supporters, who are the majority of the PLP.

    So, I still think a Streeting coronation can be engineered.
  • Scott_xP said:

    @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social‬

    There are wholly logical reasons for Starmer deciding to tough this one out & it’s not just ‘don’t you know there’s a war on’ or him thinking it unfair; contenders not ready/hesitant +MPs nervous about what they’d be unleashing means coup might be quite brittle. But it does mean this ends messily.

    Either the party is resolved to do this, mass govt resignations follow (a la Boris Johnson) & recriminations last years. Or it’s not resolved & he survives, but authority diminished & minus some good people quit for nothing. Either way it’s going to be an emotional day with feelings running v high

    If he stays, all it means is that this will happen again in a few weeks/months when Burnham is back in the Commons. Burnham WILL get the 81 MPs, for sure, and he WILL beat Starmer, soundly

    So what’s the fucking point in Starmer staying on? It guarantees more pain down the line, certain humiliating defeat, a painful ejection, and replacement by a man he is said to abhor

    Does Skyr really need another 10 weeks wages that badly?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,896
    Sweeney74 said:

    Streeting needs to move today, surely?
    The longer this goes on, the sillier he looks.

    Resigning alone would very likely not achieve much. He needs Mahmood, Cooper and as many others as possible to come with him.
  • stodge said:

    If we are to believe someone from the previous thread, this country needs a Kemal Ataturk.

    Another option might be an M. Bison.

    That’s a good idea for an article. Ataturk. Bet someone steals it

    I know for a fact that famous Fleet Street hacks lurk on this site, waiting to purloin ideas
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 17,430

    algarkirk said:

    Trollope on political moments when one PM is out and another coming in. An urgent message is sent to the outgoing PM. Chapter 1 of Barchester Towers. Happy days:

    Mr. Harding went out and sent the message, and it may be as well that we should follow it to its destination. Within thirty minutes of its leaving Barchester it reached the Earl of –––– in his inner library. What elaborate letters, what eloquent appeals, what indignant remonstrances he might there have to frame, at such a moment, may be conceived but not described! How he was preparing his thunder for successful rivals, standing like a British peer with his back to the sea-coal fire, and his hands in his breeches pockets—how his fine eye was lit up with anger, and his forehead gleamed with patriotism—how he stamped his foot as he thought of his heavy associates—how he all but swore as he remembered how much too clever one of them had been—my creative readers may imagine. But was he so engaged? No: history and truth compel me to deny it. He was sitting easily in a lounging chair, conning over a Newmarket list, and by his elbow on the table was lying open an uncut French novel on which he was engaged.

    Jeez, Trollope was shite
    Other opinions are available. Waugh's opinions on Wodehouse are more or less applicable to Trollope, who has millions of admirers.

    “Mr. Wodehouse's idyllic (applicable to Wodehouse but not Trollope!) world can never stale. He will continue to release future generations from captivity that may be more irksome than our own. He has made a world for us to live in and delight in.”

    I once heard John Major say that 'The Small House at Allington' was his favourite book. I have thought well of him ever since.
  • edmundintokyoedmundintokyo Posts: 17,989

    Scott_xP said:

    @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social‬

    There are wholly logical reasons for Starmer deciding to tough this one out & it’s not just ‘don’t you know there’s a war on’ or him thinking it unfair; contenders not ready/hesitant +MPs nervous about what they’d be unleashing means coup might be quite brittle. But it does mean this ends messily.

    Either the party is resolved to do this, mass govt resignations follow (a la Boris Johnson) & recriminations last years. Or it’s not resolved & he survives, but authority diminished & minus some good people quit for nothing. Either way it’s going to be an emotional day with feelings running v high

    If he stays, all it means is that this will happen again in a few weeks/months when Burnham is back in the Commons. Burnham WILL get the 81 MPs, for sure, and he WILL beat Starmer, soundly

    So what’s the fucking point in Starmer staying on? It guarantees more pain down the line, certain humiliating defeat, a painful ejection, and replacement by a man he is said to abhor

    Does Skyr really need another 10 weeks wages that badly?
    It's still *if* Burnham gets back in the Commons not when, the NEC isn't obliged to let him run and the voters aren't obliged to elect him.
  • stodgestodge Posts: 16,687

    stodge said:

    If we are to believe someone from the previous thread, this country needs a Kemal Ataturk.

    Another option might be an M. Bison.

    That’s a good idea for an article. Ataturk. Bet someone steals it

    I know for a fact that famous Fleet Street hacks lurk on this site, waiting to purloin ideas
    They must be desperate or washed up or perhaps both.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 10,060
    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,959
    Get on with it.
  • Scott_xP said:

    @gabyhinsliff.bsky.social‬

    There are wholly logical reasons for Starmer deciding to tough this one out & it’s not just ‘don’t you know there’s a war on’ or him thinking it unfair; contenders not ready/hesitant +MPs nervous about what they’d be unleashing means coup might be quite brittle. But it does mean this ends messily.

    Either the party is resolved to do this, mass govt resignations follow (a la Boris Johnson) & recriminations last years. Or it’s not resolved & he survives, but authority diminished & minus some good people quit for nothing. Either way it’s going to be an emotional day with feelings running v high

    If he stays, all it means is that this will happen again in a few weeks/months when Burnham is back in the Commons. Burnham WILL get the 81 MPs, for sure, and he WILL beat Starmer, soundly

    So what’s the fucking point in Starmer staying on? It guarantees more pain down the line, certain humiliating defeat, a painful ejection, and replacement by a man he is said to abhor

    Does Skyr really need another 10 weeks wages that badly?
    It's still *if* Burnham gets back in the Commons not when, the NEC isn't obliged to let him run and the voters aren't obliged to elect him.
    I disagree on the NEC. I can’t see them blocking him again, not now. You make a fair point on the by election however. Can he win one? He is claiming he’s got a seat lined up….
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,809
    Stand against chaos. Stand against big egos. Stand with Keir.

    (Workshopping loyalist rallying cries)
  • algarkirk said:

    algarkirk said:

    Trollope on political moments when one PM is out and another coming in. An urgent message is sent to the outgoing PM. Chapter 1 of Barchester Towers. Happy days:

    Mr. Harding went out and sent the message, and it may be as well that we should follow it to its destination. Within thirty minutes of its leaving Barchester it reached the Earl of –––– in his inner library. What elaborate letters, what eloquent appeals, what indignant remonstrances he might there have to frame, at such a moment, may be conceived but not described! How he was preparing his thunder for successful rivals, standing like a British peer with his back to the sea-coal fire, and his hands in his breeches pockets—how his fine eye was lit up with anger, and his forehead gleamed with patriotism—how he stamped his foot as he thought of his heavy associates—how he all but swore as he remembered how much too clever one of them had been—my creative readers may imagine. But was he so engaged? No: history and truth compel me to deny it. He was sitting easily in a lounging chair, conning over a Newmarket list, and by his elbow on the table was lying open an uncut French novel on which he was engaged.

    Jeez, Trollope was shite
    Other opinions are available. Waugh's opinions on Wodehouse are more or less applicable to Trollope, who has millions of admirers.

    “Mr. Wodehouse's idyllic (applicable to Wodehouse but not Trollope!) world can never stale. He will continue to release future generations from captivity that may be more irksome than our own. He has made a world for us to live in and delight in.”

    I once heard John Major say that 'The Small House at Allington' was his favourite book. I have thought well of him ever since.
    Yes. That all makes total sense, and is about what I expected
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 32,591
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 103,809
    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
  • stodge said:

    stodge said:

    If we are to believe someone from the previous thread, this country needs a Kemal Ataturk.

    Another option might be an M. Bison.

    That’s a good idea for an article. Ataturk. Bet someone steals it

    I know for a fact that famous Fleet Street hacks lurk on this site, waiting to purloin ideas
    They must be desperate or washed up or perhaps both.
    Certainly shameless. I cry foul scorn on their larceny
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,959
    "No minister challenged the PM at cabinet"....

    Because the Prime minister banned it.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,398
    kle4 said:

    Stand against chaos. Stand against big egos. Stand with Keir.

    (Workshopping loyalist rallying cries)

    Er, keep working it...
  • GarethoftheVale2GarethoftheVale2 Posts: 2,536
    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    But it goes to the members surely?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,670

    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    No, you need to applaud the genius of my punning.

    Streeting is the most punnable candidate.
    Streeting Eagles.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 10,060

    Apparently Streeting has 200 or more backers in the PLP. Which makes sense as the majority of these would be former Starmer supporters, who are the majority of the PLP.

    So, I still think a Streeting coronation can be engineered.

    That 200 is as reported by the Telegraph without any evidence.
    If the majority are former Starmer supporters, many will also be current Starmer supporters who will support Starmer rather than Streeting. Your logic only works if Starmer voluntarily resigns and supports Streeting. He won't.
  • Get on with it.

    Yes, this pause in DRAMATIC EVENTS is a pain in the butt. If they don’t hurry up I may be forced to do actual work
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 22,873

    Get on with it.

    Either that, or get off the pot. There's a country to run and all sorts of problems heading our way.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,670
    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 6,589
    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    There’s truth here. I am not a bettor but i suspect the values bets are Miliband at 11 and Farage at 28.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,959
    Sky news is comedy gold, tried to follow a minister but all the mics were tethered.
  • FossFoss Posts: 2,726
    kle4 said:

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
    A year and 7 days would see him equal Brown.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,398

    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    No, you need to applaud the genius of my punning.

    Streeting is the most punnable candidate.
    You are treating us to some Quality Streeting puns...
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,670
    A pun for TSE to envy.

    Woe Vienna? Boycotts and blackouts mar buildup as Eurovision 2026 begins
    https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/may/12/vienna-boycotts-blackouts-buildup-eurovision-song-contest-2026-israel
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 5,446
    malcolmg said:

    FPT

    Sweeney74 said:

    Starmer lays down the gauntlet at Cabinet!
    "Come and have a go..."

    Why does he not just sack the shysters in cabinet and have a new one of young talent, they could not be worse than the ragtag bunch of losers trying to save their sorry skins by ousting him and certainly be no worse for the country.
    Call the losers bluffs and sack them, show he has a backbone and at worst he will take the whole ship down with him.

    I say this with some hesitation, but perhaps he needs around him people who do not need to be mentored, brought on, developed, as new young talent would be. His pattern of taking responsibility by sacking subordinates doesn't seem to indicate much ability to develop people.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,398
    Nigelb said:

    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL

    I didn't know there was a Rimmer MP.

    Titter.
  • squareroot2squareroot2 Posts: 7,961
    It will be a good month before Burnham can get into Parliament.. if and only if he can win the proffered seat.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 5,446

    Can I just say how annoyed I am that whoever prepared the sign for Starmer's lectern yesterday failed to centre the text "STRONGER FAIRER BRITAIN". Why would you not centre the text? It's so shoddy.

    Was it left or right aligned?
  • GarethoftheVale2GarethoftheVale2 Posts: 2,536

    Get on with it.

    Either that, or get off the pot. There's a country to run and all sorts of problems heading our way.
    In fairness , if Streeting goes for it he won't just send a letter. Presumably, he'll want to get a venue lined up fof a speech and get his backers there applauding him. So might take a few hours
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 10,060

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    But it goes to the members surely?
    Yes you're right. Sorry. So if Streeting challenges soon with 81+ MP support, then Raynor and Milliband need to get 81+ MP support in order to run. Burnham can't.
  • MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 60,398
    Foss said:

    kle4 said:

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
    A year and 7 days would see him equal Brown.
    What an exciting prospect...
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,563
    edited May 12

    Nigelb said:

    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL

    I didn't know there was a Rimmer MP.

    Titter.
    St, Helens South - St. Helens, remember, went almost entirely light blue last week - doesn't at first sight seem an obviously safe seat for Burnham to contest.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2026/england/councils/E08000013
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 10,060
    Barnesian said:

    Apparently Streeting has 200 or more backers in the PLP. Which makes sense as the majority of these would be former Starmer supporters, who are the majority of the PLP.

    So, I still think a Streeting coronation can be engineered.

    That 200 is as reported by the Telegraph without any evidence.
    If the majority are former Starmer supporters, many will also be current Starmer supporters who will support Starmer rather than Streeting. Your logic only works if Starmer voluntarily resigns and supports Streeting. He won't.
    Both our logic is wrong as it would go to the membership. The 200 is irrelevant. But there won't be a Streeting coronation.
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 61,689
    Russian military bloggers are starting to say it out loud:

    There’s no air defences left, and no tanks left. They’re now sitting ducks for Ukranian drones and missiles.

    https://x.com/jayinkyiv/status/2053803416787247611
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878
    I had not anticipated Starmer's response to be "Fuck off the lot of you, I'm the Prime Minister". But in retrospect I probably should have. That's how he got the job.
  • StuartinromfordStuartinromford Posts: 22,873
    Foss said:

    kle4 said:

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
    A year and 7 days would see him equal Brown.
    Starmer overtook Eden about a month ago. No celebrations.

    The next few names on the list sound more like pubs than politicians, then there's a whole cluster of failed modern Prime Ministers clocking out around 3 years. And the Duke of Wellington, who got the boot after 2 years, 320 days.
  • RochdalePioneersRochdalePioneers Posts: 32,342
    MP who wasn't on Burnham's radar says no, she won't stand aside for him.

    "Good" says Burnham. Who perhaps coincidentally has been spotted getting on the train to London earlier this morning...
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 61,689
    dixiedean said:
    If PB wants to get a reporter on the spot, I’m happy to volunteer to go there for a few days if the flights and hotel are covered!
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 6,589

    It will be a good month before Burnham can get into Parliament.. if and only if he can win the proffered seat.

    What a fascinating bi election that would be. One assumes there would be otherwise Labour voters that prefer Starmer or someone else to Burnham as PM. How would they vote? But then there will be lost Labour voters who think Starmer’s a W and might be swayed back from Greens or Reform at the prospect of seeing him knifed. How seriously would the Tories campaign?
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,863

    Sky news is comedy gold, tried to follow a minister but all the mics were tethered.

    https://x.com/GuidoFawkes/status/2054144971926540707
  • FossFoss Posts: 2,726

    Foss said:

    kle4 said:

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
    A year and 7 days would see him equal Brown.
    Starmer overtook Eden about a month ago. No celebrations.

    The next few names on the list sound more like pubs than politicians, then there's a whole cluster of failed modern Prime Ministers clocking out around 3 years. And the Duke of Wellington, who got the boot after 2 years, 320 days.
    Eden's dead, Brown isn't. Anyway, if he's decided to hang on then he needs something to aim for. Even if it is just a slightly better rank on a Wikipedia chart.
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 17,430

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    But it goes to the members surely?
    Yes. All candidates who get through the entire nomination process go on the ballot to members and affiliates. This could be 4 max as 81x5 is 405 and there are only 403 Labour MPs at this minute, + the PM who doesn't need nominating. The max is 4+ the PM.

  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878
    edited May 12
    Cookie said:

    Nigelb said:

    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL

    I didn't know there was a Rimmer MP.

    Titter.
    St, Helens South - St. Helens, remember, went almost entirely light blue last week - doesn't at first sight seem an obviously safe seat for Burnham to contest.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2026/england/councils/E08000013
    Amongst the least safe Labour seats today (certainly in by-elections) are the old Labour urban strongholds of the North.

    The best bet is probably somewhere with a middle class centrist demographic where Greens and LDs are both roughly equal in support at about 18% with no obvious claim to be best placed to beat Labour, Tories and Reform are down at about 14%, and Labour can win on 30% of the vote with the rest going to the assorted fruit loops who appear at special events. Probably somewhere they were comfortably on 38%+ at the GE.
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,225

    "No minister challenged the PM at cabinet"....

    Because the Prime minister banned it.

    This is ridiculous. Supposedly the big cabinet beasts were waiting until cabinet to tell Starmer to face reality, and to set out his departure timetable (or, y'know, just resign) and they flunked it.

    And wasn't Burnham supposed to announce the seat he had lined up on Monday?

    This looks like it could go on for ages.
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,090
    algarkirk said:

    dixiedean said:

    FPT

    @cookie said.

    I saw a sign in a fast food shop on Wallgate (Wigan) last year: "We take card payments!" I was intrigued by the thought that this wasn't a given.
    But I'm glad to hear your report. I got the impression that Wigan was better than it used to be but I never really knew how it used to be.

    There was briefly a regular hourly fast service from Wigan to Manchester. It took 20 minutes or so. I'd argue that this was, and could be again (and especially if it were made half hourly) a massive benefit to the town. Not least because (in contrast to Rochdale), Wigan's train stations are gratifyingly central for the town.

    Me:

    Yes. One issue is the inaccessibility of Central Wigan itself. The town itself is doing quite well. But the collection of small ex-pit towns/villages to the south aren't. (Makerfield constituency where I'm from). Ashton, Bryn. Hindley, Abram and the like. Wigan is the big City to them, requiring preparation and a girding of loins to venture into (only when absolutely necessary).
    Yep. Card payments accepted. Furore over self service tills in Tesco, (some of which don't take cash!).
    Quite a number of shops have Cash Only signs.
    Can get a gorgeous meight 'n prayter pie anywhere, mind.

    I know cash only takeaways/eateries in Cumberland.

    I was in a village shop last week, that had signs saying “cash is king” and highlighting bank charges for card payments. It was also a Post Office, so I drew some cash out at the Post Office counter, using my card, then paid for my purchases using cash. Honour satisfied.
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 9,354

    Is the Home Secretary resigning because that would be like half the problems with the government solved.

    Yes, it probably helps Starmer survive if he ditches Mahmood reforms (particularly if there is suspicion his successor won't).
  • SelebianSelebian Posts: 10,136
    eek said:

    Can I just groan at this headline

    As I walk through the volley of the cabinet's best
    I take a look at my strength and realize there's not much left
    'Cause I've been driftin' and failin' so long that
    Even Shabana thinks that my time is gone

    But I never crossed Burnham when he didn't deserve it
    Streeting may be a punk, but that's not unheard of
    Wes: watch how you're stalkin', where you're walkin'
    Or Ange with her homes might be doin the talk

    I really hate to quit, I don't wanna go
    As they vote, I see myself in a little poke: fools
    I'm the kinda Knight little homies wanna be like
    On my knee, next to Ange, we just bein woke, right?

    I've been spendin' most my life livin' in Keir Starmer paradise
    I've been spendin' most my life livin' in Keir Starmer paradise
    Wanna keep spendin' rest my life livin' in Keir Starmer paradise
    Wanna keep spendin' rest my life livin' in Keir Starmer paradise

    Power and the money, money and the power
    Minute after minute, hour after hour
    Everybody's runnin', but half of them are chicken'
    It's goin' on: it's Streeting, but dunno what he's cookin'

    They say I crash an' burn, but nobody's here to reach me
    I can't do empathy, why can't they teach me?
    I guess they can't, I guess they won't
    I guess they front, that's why I know my life is outta luck. Fools!
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,090
    Foss said:

    kle4 said:

    Barnesian said:

    I suspect that Starmer would win a head to head against Streeting with Labour MPs, either because they prefer Starmer to Streeting, or because they prefer a different candidate.

    If several candidates get 81+ supporting MPs (say Streeting and Rayner) then Starmer would still win against a split opposition.

    I think he is safe, unless there is a mass resignation of his cabinet or when Burnham gets into parliament.

    Buying himself a few months is not much, but he'd take it.
    A year and 7 days would see him equal Brown.
    He has already equalled Brown in Prime Ministerial competence.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,563
    mwadams said:

    Cookie said:

    Nigelb said:

    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL

    I didn't know there was a Rimmer MP.

    Titter.
    St, Helens South - St. Helens, remember, went almost entirely light blue last week - doesn't at first sight seem an obviously safe seat for Burnham to contest.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2026/england/councils/E08000013
    Amongst the least safe Labour seats today (certainly in by-elections) are the old Labour urban strongholds of the North.

    The best bet is probably somewhere with a middle class centrist demographic where Greens and LDs are both roughly equal in support at about 18% with no obvious claim to be best placed to beat Labour, Tories and Reform are down at about 14%, and Labour can win on 30% of the vote with the rest going to the assorted fruit loops who appear at special events. Probably somewhere they were comfortably on 38%+ at the GE.
    Labour's best areas now are those like where I live - fairly comfortably off, not too Muslim, not too council estatey, urban but not too urban ... basically the sorts of suburbs which used to vote Conservative 40 years ago.

    Its hard in the north to find enough of those areas to be contiguous enough to form a safe seat though!
  • FairlieredFairliered Posts: 8,090
    Barnesian said:

    Barnesian said:

    Apparently Streeting has 200 or more backers in the PLP. Which makes sense as the majority of these would be former Starmer supporters, who are the majority of the PLP.

    So, I still think a Streeting coronation can be engineered.

    That 200 is as reported by the Telegraph without any evidence.
    If the majority are former Starmer supporters, many will also be current Starmer supporters who will support Starmer rather than Streeting. Your logic only works if Starmer voluntarily resigns and supports Streeting. He won't.
    Both our logic is wrong as it would go to the membership. The 200 is irrelevant. But there won't be a Streeting coronation.
    Streeting needs to put up now, before Burnham is in parliament and Rayner is cleared. That’s if he wants to be PM. Is he a Streeting named Desire?
  • algarkirkalgarkirk Posts: 17,430
    moonshine said:

    It will be a good month before Burnham can get into Parliament.. if and only if he can win the proffered seat.

    What a fascinating bi election that would be. One assumes there would be otherwise Labour voters that prefer Starmer or someone else to Burnham as PM. How would they vote? But then there will be lost Labour voters who think Starmer’s a W and might be swayed back from Greens or Reform at the prospect of seeing him knifed. How seriously would the Tories campaign?
    Depends who's standing.
  • Fuck this. Work it is
  • LostPasswordLostPassword Posts: 24,225
    Cookie said:

    mwadams said:

    Cookie said:

    Nigelb said:

    Labour MP in seat eyed by Burnham allies says she will not stand aside
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/12/labour-mp-seat-burnham-allies-not-stand-aside-marie-rimmer

    "Backs Starmer."

    LOL

    I didn't know there was a Rimmer MP.

    Titter.
    St, Helens South - St. Helens, remember, went almost entirely light blue last week - doesn't at first sight seem an obviously safe seat for Burnham to contest.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2026/england/councils/E08000013
    Amongst the least safe Labour seats today (certainly in by-elections) are the old Labour urban strongholds of the North.

    The best bet is probably somewhere with a middle class centrist demographic where Greens and LDs are both roughly equal in support at about 18% with no obvious claim to be best placed to beat Labour, Tories and Reform are down at about 14%, and Labour can win on 30% of the vote with the rest going to the assorted fruit loops who appear at special events. Probably somewhere they were comfortably on 38%+ at the GE.
    Labour's best areas now are those like where I live - fairly comfortably off, not too Muslim, not too council estatey, urban but not too urban ... basically the sorts of suburbs which used to vote Conservative 40 years ago.

    Its hard in the north to find enough of those areas to be contiguous enough to form a safe seat though!
    Bury was one of the local council results that stood out as not terrible, so perhaps Bury North would fit the bill? But is the incumbent willing to give up their seat for Burnham?
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,879
    https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/2054129501789987060

    Labour MP: “Shabana Mahmood's briefing last night denied the Prime Minister the opportunity to leave with dignity, and as a result, the whole thing is going to descend into a bloody mess from which this government may never recover, no matter who takes over."
  • JohnLilburneJohnLilburne Posts: 8,261
    edited May 12

    algarkirk said:

    dixiedean said:

    FPT

    @cookie said.

    I saw a sign in a fast food shop on Wallgate (Wigan) last year: "We take card payments!" I was intrigued by the thought that this wasn't a given.
    But I'm glad to hear your report. I got the impression that Wigan was better than it used to be but I never really knew how it used to be.

    There was briefly a regular hourly fast service from Wigan to Manchester. It took 20 minutes or so. I'd argue that this was, and could be again (and especially if it were made half hourly) a massive benefit to the town. Not least because (in contrast to Rochdale), Wigan's train stations are gratifyingly central for the town.

    Me:

    Yes. One issue is the inaccessibility of Central Wigan itself. The town itself is doing quite well. But the collection of small ex-pit towns/villages to the south aren't. (Makerfield constituency where I'm from). Ashton, Bryn. Hindley, Abram and the like. Wigan is the big City to them, requiring preparation and a girding of loins to venture into (only when absolutely necessary).
    Yep. Card payments accepted. Furore over self service tills in Tesco, (some of which don't take cash!).
    Quite a number of shops have Cash Only signs.
    Can get a gorgeous meight 'n prayter pie anywhere, mind.

    I know cash only takeaways/eateries in Cumberland.

    I was in a village shop last week, that had signs saying “cash is king” and highlighting bank charges for card payments. It was also a Post Office, so I drew some cash out at the Post Office counter, using my card, then paid for my purchases using cash. Honour satisfied.
    Strangely, a lot of businesses seem to prefer card payments because of the cost and difficulty of handling cash
This discussion has been closed.