Month: July 2026
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Definitely better at Tik-Tok, not sure about “governmenting.” Every new Prime Minister inherits two jobs. One is to govern. The other is to convince the country that governing has already begun. Andy Burnham’s first week suggests that modern politics has become better at announcements, but worse at delivery. Following Andy Burnham’s coronation as King of…
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When Hope Meets Government. Politics increasingly rewards reassurance before reassurance has been earned. Every incoming leader needs to offer hope, but optimism eventually has to meet reality. Burnham’s imminent arrival in Downing Street and Trump’s handling of Iran illustrate two thankfully very different implementations of this wider phenomenon. The Reassurance of the New It is…
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The Commons said farewell to Sir Keir at PMQs, but the Chamber had been dominated over the previous week by the completion of the “Hillsborough Law”, discussion of the Immigration & Asylum Bill, triggering of the Clacton by-election, reflections on the murder of Anne Widdecombe and exasperation with the haphazard conduct of the US-Iran War…
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One word kept recurring this week: capability. Andy Burnham promised a Government with a worked-through plan. Nigel Farage attempted an extraordinary tactical reset through a by-election. Donald Trump alternated between negotiations and military escalation in the Gulf. Different countries, different politicians, but all confronted the same question: Can they actually do what they say they…
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The Commons seems to be spinning its wheels without direction or purpose. Impassioned speeches asking difficult questions are routinely ignored. Motions asking for urgent action are passed unanimously with no suggestion of any Governmental response. The Member for Makerfield has been absent from the benches, as has the Prime Minister. The train chugs on serenely…
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O tempora, o mores! Politics can change mood remarkably quickly. Only a fortnight ago Westminster revolved around Sir Keir Starmer’s increasingly fragile premiership. Today the conversation is dominated by Andy Burnham’s promise to govern differently, decentralise power and establish a “No. 10 of the North”. The atmosphere has undoubtedly changed; whether Britain’s underlying problems have…
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The House has already moved on – reflecting the mood in the country quite accurately. Sir Keir is done, the Member for Makerfield is most notable by his absence and his avoidance of questions. The House thunders on, but now, at a time where there are real and significant problems, the Commons feels that is…