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The Wesignation has left punters unimpressed as Burnham surges – politicalbetting.com

SystemSystem Posts: 13,169
edited May 14 in General
The Wesignation has left punters unimpressed as Burnham surges – politicalbetting.com

In the past 24 hours we have seen Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband, and Wes Streeting be the favourite in this market, this should serve as your regular reminder the betting markets are frequently, laughably, wrong.

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Comments

  • oxfordsimonoxfordsimon Posts: 6,012
    The No10 smear machine is being vicious this afternoon

    Unattributed attacks are clearly being coordinated

    Not a good look

  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 63,498
    edited May 14
    If they devoted half the energy they spend on infighting, on learning how to be good at infighting…
  • FishingFishing Posts: 6,355
    edited May 14
    "This should serve as your regular reminder the betting markets are frequently, laughably, wrong."

    It depends what you expect from them.

    Of course they won't predict what they claim to with any fidelity - if they could, gamblers could be replaced by computers and they would render themselves entirely redundant.

    On the other hand, as a resource for what fairly informed people think at any given time, they are invaluable.

    The analogy is with futures markets for commodity prices - they move largely in line with current spot prices, but are very imperfectly correlated with spot prices at the expiration dates, because traders are excessively influenced by current mood.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 43,511
    @pippacrerar.bsky.social‬

    BREAKING: Andy Burnham now has a route back to parliament after Josh Simons, MP for Makerfield announced he would stand down, triggering a byelection, and putting the Greater Manchester mayor in contention to become the next Labour leader.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,564
    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,564
    edited May 14
    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    https://x.com/los_fisher/status/2054959077759828420?s=46
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 43,511

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    Ooh, shame you weren't first to post that...
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 55,424
    edited May 14
    By-election in Makerfield!

    2024: Lab 45%, Reform 32%, Tory 11%, LD7%, Green 4%, Edem 1%
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 64,489
    Well.

    Full credit to Burnham. This is going to be an extremely interesting race:


  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 81,137

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    https://x.com/los_fisher/status/2054959077759828420?s=46

    Burnham layers COOKED
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791
    Should be a reform gain.

    Be an interesting test of whether the £5mill has traction.
  • Worcestershire:


    “And a Tory source tells me: “As soon as she heard about this, Kemi instantly demanded this arrangement be stopped. The group leader was suspended with immediate effect. Kemi was clear she would not put up with this sort of nonsense.””

    https://x.com/jaheale/status/2054930521155650015?s=46

    Well done Kemi! I’m starting to admire her, quite a lot. She’s gaining in confidence - inside the Commons, and beyond. She’s finding herself

    Perhaps she will drag me back from Reform. I’m certainly prepared to give her a hearing
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,949
    Fat Pat might finally get that thong on.....
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878
    edited May 14

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    https://x.com/los_fisher/status/2054959077759828420?s=46

    He's from a proper College, I note.

    ETA: Though he soiled it a bit by going to Harvard afterwards.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 59,748
    Oooooh! Even more exciting news!!
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791
    Scott_xP said:

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    Ooh, shame you weren't first to post that...
    He was second like Burnham?
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 64,489
    Fishing said:

    "This should serve as your regular reminder the betting markets are frequently, laughably, wrong."

    It depends what you expect from them.

    Of course they won't predict what they claim to with any fidelity - if they could, gamblers could be replaced by computers and they would render themselves entirely redundant.

    On the other hand, as a resource for what fairly informed people think at any given time, they are invaluable.

    The analogy is with futures markets for commodity prices - they move largely in line with current spot prices, but are very imperfectly correlated with spot prices at the expiration dates, because traders are excessively influenced by current mood.

    There are other reasons why spot prices and futures prices diverge at expiration dates - like the requirement to post physical delivery, and the fact that storage and takeaway capacity from delivery points are not unlimited.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,126
    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 50,671
    edited May 14
    Delete. Superceded by events!
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 35,219

    Should be a reform gain.

    Be an interesting test of whether the £5mill has traction.

    Usually yes, but I think Burnham in Manchester reaches places others cannot. So I don't think it's typical.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 8,319
    Whatever happens . Thank heavens we’re not going to end up with Ed M.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 55,424

    Worcestershire:


    “And a Tory source tells me: “As soon as she heard about this, Kemi instantly demanded this arrangement be stopped. The group leader was suspended with immediate effect. Kemi was clear she would not put up with this sort of nonsense.””

    https://x.com/jaheale/status/2054930521155650015?s=46

    Well done Kemi! I’m starting to admire her, quite a lot. She’s gaining in confidence - inside the Commons, and beyond. She’s finding herself

    Perhaps she will drag me back from Reform. I’m certainly prepared to give her a hearing

    Where you live, its Labour or Green
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791
    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878
    IanB2 said:

    By-election in Makerfield!

    2024: Lab 45%, Reform 32%, Tory 11%, LD7%, Green 4%, Edem 1%

    Wow. That's a Reform-heavy constituency.
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 9,132
    Ooh. Makerfield risky for Burnham with that Reform vote. All very interesting.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 40,148
    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,834
    edited May 14
    mwadams said:

    IanB2 said:

    By-election in Makerfield!

    2024: Lab 45%, Reform 32%, Tory 11%, LD7%, Green 4%, Edem 1%

    Wow. That's a Reform-heavy constituency.
    In 2019, the Tory + Brexit Party vote was higher than Labour. It's very losable in a by-election.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,564
    Pulpstar said:

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    https://x.com/los_fisher/status/2054959077759828420?s=46

    Burnham layers COOKED
    Ed Miliband has saved me from going to the poorhouse, as has Ange.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791

    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight

    You've been saying that since Friday. On balance, I still think he'll be PM this time next year.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 8,319
    In an era where politicians aren’t held in high regard hats off to Josh Simon’s for sacrificing his career for what he sees as the greater good .
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,564

    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight

    You've been saying that since Friday. On balance, I still think he'll be PM this time next year.
    He's been saying that since Currygate back in 2022.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,949
    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    This could end up in a huge farce.
  • FossFoss Posts: 2,726
    edited May 14
    Entirely coincidentally, electoralcalculus.co.uk looks to have fallen over...
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 59,748

    Should be a reform gain.

    Be an interesting test of whether the £5mill has traction.

    Usually yes, but I think Burnham in Manchester reaches places others cannot. So I don't think it's typical.
    "Anyone but Reform"?
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 47,887
    Isn’t Simons a McSweeneyite, ie get Jezza out, get Keir in? Can’t trust these buggers farther than you can throw them
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 50,671

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791

    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight

    You've been saying that since Friday. On balance, I still think he'll be PM this time next year.
    He's been saying that since Currygate back in 2022.
    And deriding HYUFD in particular whenever he's suggested otherwise. But I know which of those two's insight I value most.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    That was exactly my reaction. A bit of a test of cullions for Burnham here.
  • stjohnstjohn Posts: 2,007
    Drama!
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 64,489

    mwadams said:

    IanB2 said:

    By-election in Makerfield!

    2024: Lab 45%, Reform 32%, Tory 11%, LD7%, Green 4%, Edem 1%

    Wow. That's a Reform-heavy constituency.
    In 2019, the Tory + Brexit Party vote was higher than Labour. It's very losable in a by-election.
    It is: it's a massive risk by Burnham.

    This would be very high on the Reform target list.

    On the other hand, if he does win it, he's proved himself capable of seeing off Reform (in Greater Manchester at least).
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 64,489
    Cookie said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    That was exactly my reaction. A bit of a test of cullions for Burnham here.
    Indeed: lose and his career is over.

    I must admit, I quite like his cullions here. He's really backing himself.
  • DecrepiterJohnLDecrepiterJohnL Posts: 36,323
    edited May 14
    FPT
    .
    Vox pop in Wes's constituency finds Ilford North's answer to Brenda from Bristol: "I don't trust any of them. I think they're all out for themselves so whoever gets in it don't bother me, dear. But I like that Wes Streeting; I like him."

    Unfortunately there is no direct link. It is a carousel item on the BBC's news page: "Who would Streeting's constituents prefer as PM?"
  • EabhalEabhal Posts: 14,281
    Is this 4D chess from a Streeting ally?
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878
    mwadams said:

    BREAKING: Josh Simons announces he will step down to make way for Andy Burnham to return to Parliament

    https://x.com/los_fisher/status/2054959077759828420?s=46

    He's from a proper College, I note.

    ETA: Though he soiled it a bit by going to Harvard afterwards.
    And one fewer Meta stooge in Parliament is a good thing.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 8,319
    This buys Starmer a lot of time .

    I don’t expect the NEC to block this as it will just re-ignite the civil war in the party . There’s no guarantee that Burnham can win this seat but if he can then even putting aside it’s a local one it would show that Burnham can win in what is not exactly a safe seat .

  • FossFoss Posts: 2,726
    Foss said:

    Entirely coincidentally, electoralcalculus.co.uk looks to have fallen over...

    Their April MRP has Reform 11 percentage points ahead of Labour.
  • mwadamsmwadams Posts: 3,878

    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    This could end up in a huge farce.
    I think however it turns out it is all set up to be a huge farce.
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791
    kinabalu said:

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
    Yes, politically more difficult for them second time round. But the argument that Burnham has a job to do as Mayor of Manchester is still a strong one.
  • TazTaz Posts: 28,082
    Wesignation !!

    Welease woderick
  • RobDRobD Posts: 61,131
    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    Popcorn on standby.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,872
    Can't help feeling that Sadiq Khan must be feeling pretty sore about this. Why isn't he the Prince across the water? What's Burnham got that he doesn't?
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 9,132
    kinabalu said:

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
    We didn’t think it was politically possible for Starmer to refuse to go, but here we are.

    I think it’s entirely possible he has another go at getting his supporters to block Burnham. What has changed in the reasons since they blocked him last time?

    I think the blocking might eventually be doomed to fail. But Starmer does seem very bullish with these things, and unwilling to bend.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    edited May 14
    rcs1000 said:

    Cookie said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    That was exactly my reaction. A bit of a test of cullions for Burnham here.
    Indeed: lose and his career is over.

    I must admit, I quite like his cullions here. He's really backing himself.
    Has Burnham actually said he'll stand? Or has Josh Simons just stood down offering him a seat he has yet to accept?

    My understanding is that this is actually where Burnham lives, so presumably he can count on his own vote at least.
  • RandallFlaggRandallFlagg Posts: 1,493
    edited May 14
    Presuming he isn't blocked by the NEC... fear is this will end up strengthening Reform if he loses. Farage will claim he's seen off his strongest opponent.
    He should have gone for a different seat.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 8,319
    If Starmer blocks Burnham from standing then there would be an immediate challenge from the soft left so i think he has to let him stand .
  • RogerRoger Posts: 23,126
    josh Simons doesn't sound too bad

    https://www.facebook.com/joshsimonsmp/?locale=en_GB
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,126

    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight

    You've been saying that since Friday. On balance, I still think he'll be PM this time next year.
    Many have including a large number of his own mps and the unions
  • bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 23,700
    The Non League allocation for next season are out

    Burnham Ramblers will be taking on East Thurrock Community in the Eastern League (Step 6) as the latter were promoted

    nls-56-club-allocations-202627-v1-140526 (1).pdf
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 58,872
    nico67 said:

    If Starmer blocks Burnham from standing then there would be an immediate challenge from the soft left so i think he has to let him stand .

    nico67 said:

    If Starmer blocks Burnham from standing then there would be an immediate challenge from the soft left so i think he has to let him stand .

    I agree. He simply no longer has the power to block this for anything more than a few days. His time is over.
  • DougSealDougSeal Posts: 13,462

    Looks like taxi for Starmer tonight

    You've been saying that since Friday. On balance, I still think he'll be PM this time next year.
    Many have including a large number of his own mps and the unions
    Tonight is a bit of a stretch TBH
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 5,791
    edited May 14
    DavidL said:

    Can't help feeling that Sadiq Khan must be feeling pretty sore about this. Why isn't he the Prince across the water? What's Burnham got that he doesn't?

    Unlike many on PB, I quite like Khan and I despise Burnham. But even I can see that the mismatch in charisma is rather in the favour of the latter.
  • eekeek Posts: 33,905
    edited May 14

    Presuming he isn't blocked by the NEC... fear is this will end up strengthening Reform if he loses. Farage will claim he's seen off his strongest opponent.
    He should have gone for a different seat.

    Burnham has gone for the only seat that he could convince someone to give up.

    It's definitely not ideal but great for popcorn suppliers.
  • HeathenerHeathener Posts: 7,116

    Worcestershire:


    Well done Kemi! I’m starting to admire her, quite a lot. She’s gaining in confidence - inside the Commons, and beyond. She’s finding herself

    Perhaps she will drag me back from Reform. I’m certainly prepared to give her a hearing

    Hello my old enemy.

    You said exactly the same thing about Liz Truss. How did that work out?
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 9,132
    nico67 said:

    If Starmer blocks Burnham from standing then there would be an immediate challenge from the soft left so i think he has to let him stand .

    But Starmer says he’ll contest any challenge.

    I am not sure which way things will go - but what I would say is that the idea Starmer feels he has to do anything has been shown to be incorrect. When confronted with the fact huge numbers of his MPs want him to resign, he has said they will need to challenge him through the Labour Party processes. I don’t think he is incapable of trying to hide behind process once again. In his defence, why should he do everything he can to enable Andy Burnham to try and unseat him?
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    DavidL said:

    Can't help feeling that Sadiq Khan must be feeling pretty sore about this. Why isn't he the Prince across the water? What's Burnham got that he doesn't?

    He's genuinely good at connecting with people, including those outside of natural Labour voters and other lefties. Sadiq, less so.
  • Brixian59Brixian59 Posts: 2,185
    edited May 14
    rcs1000 said:

    Well.

    Full credit to Burnham. This is going to be an extremely interesting race:


    Surely he only has to give up Mayorality IF he becomes MP.

    So it's a shot to nothing.

    Win and he not only becomes an MP and heir apparent but he slays Reform balloon.

    However, thus has the sniff and smell of Starmer's boys club.

    Simons is up Morgans ass...

    Give Andy a hospital pass and ask him to gamble.

    He could end up politically paralysed or deemed a complete gutless coward

    10d Chess.... 10 being the emergency ward
  • londonpubmanlondonpubman Posts: 3,865
    LOL

    Labour Burnham or no Burnham have literally zero chance of winning this Makerfield by election. Keir should be very pleased if Burnham ends up as the Labour candidate
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 50,671

    kinabalu said:

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
    We didn’t think it was politically possible for Starmer to refuse to go, but here we are.

    I think it’s entirely possible he has another go at getting his supporters to block Burnham. What has changed in the reasons since they blocked him last time?

    I think the blocking might eventually be doomed to fail. But Starmer does seem very bullish with these things, and unwilling to bend.
    Let's see - but it would amaze me if Starmer manages to do that a 2nd time in these changed circumstances.

    We're going to have a by-election in Manchester deciding the PM, I think.

    Incredible script.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 61,131

    Site notice.

    I am taking a three month sabbatical from PB so I can join Reform and move to Makerfield so I can campaign for Reform in this by-election.

    But only if Burnham is the Labour candidate.

    For the Greater Good.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    mwadams said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Makerfield? You're joking. One of the worst seats that could have been selected for Burnham to contest.

    This could end up in a huge farce.
    I think however it turns out it is all set up to be a huge farce.
    That's usually been the case so far this parliament, certainly. (And indeed the last one.)
  • kinabalukinabalu Posts: 50,671

    LOL

    Labour Burnham or no Burnham have literally zero chance of winning this Makerfield by election. Keir should be very pleased if Burnham ends up as the Labour candidate

    His chances are closer to 100% than zero IMO.
  • HeathenerHeathener Posts: 7,116
    Anyone else think Makerfield iis a No 10 stitch up?

    If Starmer's cronies had even a scintilla of the nous of Malcolm Tucker or Francis Underwood I'd believe it.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 128,564
    Should note that in last week's council elections, Reform took 24 of the 25 seats up for grabs on Wigan council (where this by-election will take place).

    https://x.com/meganekenyon/status/2054963654311715273?s=46
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,834
    kinabalu said:

    LOL

    Labour Burnham or no Burnham have literally zero chance of winning this Makerfield by election. Keir should be very pleased if Burnham ends up as the Labour candidate

    His chances are closer to 100% than zero IMO.
    52/48?
  • MikeLMikeL Posts: 7,996
    Interesting that Burnham couldn't get anyone to resign in a better seat for him.

    This seat looks like a massive risk.

    Given he only really has one shot at this, might it have been better to wait a while and try harder to persuade someone else to resign?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 89,589

    Worcestershire:


    “And a Tory source tells me: “As soon as she heard about this, Kemi instantly demanded this arrangement be stopped. The group leader was suspended with immediate effect. Kemi was clear she would not put up with this sort of nonsense.””

    https://x.com/jaheale/status/2054930521155650015?s=46

    Well done Kemi! I’m starting to admire her, quite a lot. She’s gaining in confidence - inside the Commons, and beyond. She’s finding herself

    Perhaps she will drag me back from Reform. I’m certainly prepared to give her a hearing

    Pretty pathetic control freakery.
    I can understand your being a fan of her backing an unsavoury set of Reform councillors, though.
  • RattersRatters Posts: 2,027
    My guess is Burnham's gamble pays off and there's enough people in the Manchester constituency they want their mayor to become Prime Minister in place of Starmer or the other rather uninspiring candidates. Burnham then wins the leadership election easily.

    But there's still a few independent events that need to go in his favour. Including NEC approval. So just over evens is probably about right until he clears more hurdles.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 27,842
    Interesting seat for Burnham! It might be quite clever. Turn it into Burnham v Reform and squeeze out the Greens.
  • GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 22,024

    Ooh. Makerfield risky for Burnham with that Reform vote. All very interesting.

    I keep arguing that the make up of the constituency is irrelevant. If Burnham cannot win a seat like this, he cannot win an election. If Burnham can win a seat like this, then he gets the big mo. It’s a win - win really for Labour.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    kinabalu said:

    kinabalu said:

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
    We didn’t think it was politically possible for Starmer to refuse to go, but here we are.

    I think it’s entirely possible he has another go at getting his supporters to block Burnham. What has changed in the reasons since they blocked him last time?

    I think the blocking might eventually be doomed to fail. But Starmer does seem very bullish with these things, and unwilling to bend.
    Let's see - but it would amaze me if Starmer manages to do that a 2nd time in these changed circumstances.

    We're going to have a by-election in Manchester deciding the PM, I think.

    Incredible script.
    GREATER Manchester. Makerfield is about as far from Manchester - geographically and culturally - as it is possible to get in GM. More George Formby than Terry Christian.
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 9,352
    Gulp. I'm red on Burnham.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,126
    Gary Neville and Burnham campaigning together but not sure Neville is an asset
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 59,748
    edited May 14

    Should note that in last week's council elections, Reform took 24 of the 25 seats up for grabs on Wigan council (where this by-election will take place).

    https://x.com/meganekenyon/status/2054963654311715273?s=46

    By contrast, only 1 seat in Wes Streeting's half of Redbridge fell to Reform.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 72,351
    (((Dan Hodges)))
    @DPJHodges
    Key thing to the Burnham challenge. To win the seat he has to be able to say explicitly he is coming back to seek to lead the Labour Party in a new direction. Voters will respect and respond to that. If he has to feign loyalty to Starmer people will see through it, and he won't win.

    https://x.com/DPJHodges/status/2054962083545186562
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 59,834
    Heathener said:

    Anyone else think Makerfield iis a No 10 stitch up?

    If Starmer's cronies had even a scintilla of the nous of Malcolm Tucker or Francis Underwood I'd believe it.

    A very cunning plan. Call Burnham's bluff by making him stand in a Reform target seat and in the process undermine the case for a turn to the left leaving things perfectly aligned for Streeting.
  • HeathenerHeathener Posts: 7,116
    edited May 14
    I see one or two folk on here don't seem to like Andy Burnham. Well all I can report is that people I know outside politics really like him, including at least one who is a tory living in Manchester. His family don't want Burnham to stand down because they think he's doing a great job for the city as mayor.

    This guy reaches parts that others in Labour don't even spot on the distant horizon.

    And he's the only reason I would EVER consider voting for Labour shysters again.
  • CookieCookie Posts: 17,551
    edited May 14

    LOL

    Labour Burnham or no Burnham have literally zero chance of winning this Makerfield by election. Keir should be very pleased if Burnham ends up as the Labour candidate

    I wouldn't say no chance. Four years ago, Burnham won every ward in GM. And it's his home seat. And for the stop-reformers, there is only one choice here.
    I'd put his chances here at about 35%.
  • Herner_WerzogHerner_Werzog Posts: 16
    Just leaving this here:

    https://news.sky.com/story/final-tranche-of-mandelson-files-expected-to-be-released-next-week-13543738

    Given the aplomb exhibited so far on his handling of the Mandelson files, might Starmer's attempts to hang on become untenable when these get released?
  • numbertwelvenumbertwelve Posts: 9,132
    kinabalu said:

    kinabalu said:

    And still far from certain as to whether the NEC will allow Burnham to run.

    Close to certain imo. I don't think it's politically possible to block him again.
    We didn’t think it was politically possible for Starmer to refuse to go, but here we are.

    I think it’s entirely possible he has another go at getting his supporters to block Burnham. What has changed in the reasons since they blocked him last time?

    I think the blocking might eventually be doomed to fail. But Starmer does seem very bullish with these things, and unwilling to bend.
    Let's see - but it would amaze me if Starmer manages to do that a 2nd time in these changed circumstances.

    We're going to have a by-election in Manchester deciding the PM, I think.

    Incredible script.
    I am going to be very interested as to how the public react to this, certainly. I could see it going either way.

    One possibility is people are so relieved Starmer is being challenged and there might be an alternative that Burnham wins handily and the country sees things more positively.

    But there is a dangerous risk here that this all looks a bit “playing politics” in that someone is being parachuted into a constituency for the pure purpose of becoming PM. It could backfire.

    I genuinely don’t know which way it will go.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 39,736
    Roger said:
    32, and a Harvard graduate. In 20 years he could be a contender. Why throw it away now for this dork?
  • Leon_VotedForStarmerLeon_VotedForStarmer Posts: 69,000
    edited May 14
    As others have said, at least Burnham has EXHIBITED THE CULLIONS

    But what a risk

    It might come down to a contest between those who want to kick Starmer - vote for Burnham - and those who want to kick the entire government - vote for Reform
  • rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 64,489

    LOL

    Labour Burnham or no Burnham have literally zero chance of winning this Makerfield by election. Keir should be very pleased if Burnham ends up as the Labour candidate

    "literally zero chance"

    Presumably you'll happily offer me 20-1?
  • TazTaz Posts: 28,082
    Party in the Red Wall for Burnham, the returning king

    https://x.com/Footballfights/status/2054848822598160718/video/1
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 72,126
    edited May 14
    Andy Burnham has asked the NEC for permission for him to stand
  • GarethoftheVale2GarethoftheVale2 Posts: 2,536
    Looking at the makerfield local elections some of the wards weren't even close e.g. Hindley Ref 1832, Lab 750 Ince Ref 1809 Lab 608.

    Think the closest was Ashton S but even that was Ref 1572 Lab 1100
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 91,949

    Andy Burnham has asked the NEC for permission for him to stand

    Computer says.....
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 39,736

    Andy Burnham has asked the NEC for permission for him to stand

    God, what an evil, entitled little s***!
This discussion has been closed.