Labour isn't working - Thread 25

[TheNuthatch]

A chat thread for those who don't like this Labour government. 💙 🩵

The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

Previous thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5463559-labour-isnt-working-thread-24?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/25/andy-burnham-blocked-from-byelection-race-by-labour-ruling-committee

Well if they lose to Reforn or other Labour can put it on decisions made politically

Labour constituents and crucially canvassers will be totally demoralised that their opportunity to be represented by a big name was whipped away from them by party leaders. I reckon Reform might have this in the bag now.

I’m not sure about Reform’s chances. The calculations in a seat like that will be complicated.

What is certain is that Westminster Labour is in deep shit with the party foot soldiers. They are a terrible collection of self-important shouty bores who believe they and their opinions actually matter. Being shat on by Starmer will hurt.

I also can’t see a quiet way out for Labour and Starmer now. When Starmer is deposed in May, or earlier, they could have swiftly crowned Burnham, given some backroom deals. Now it will be a right old fight.

Anybody who had anything about them and was not desperate for money, which Andy Burnham cannot be, would resign from the Labour Party immediately. Thus, announce to the World, that he was the Independent Mayor for all the People of Greater Manchester, regardless of party affiliation.

This, just goes to show what I have always known about Andy Burhnam that he is a weak man who like most Labour associates have been over promoted in life.

“I have no intention of just abandoning what we’re trying to build here.”

“I’ve got—well, I consider it the best job in politics, which is Mayor of Greater Manchester.”

“This could be Greater Manchester’s big moment, and there’s no way that I’m walking away.”

“I am committed as Mayor of Greater Manchester.”

“Believe me when I say this—you know, it’s such a privilege. It’s the job I’ve loved every minute of. And yeah, I’m completely committed to.”

A. Burnham quotes - 2025

Another fucking liar - he would make a fantastic Labour PM, then.

You have to wonder what the people of Manchester now think of their ‘champion’.

Ha ha. If I was a Labour supporter I’d vote for him because he’s less painful to look at and listen to than any of the others. I’d consider if his eyelashes are extra efficient at batting off all of that Manchester rain. Does he blink more or less than the average length eyelash person. That sort of thing. Sadly these thinking options have now been cruelly snatched away.

As a pp said previously. It’s quite fun being in opposition, a little break. A chance to observe the carnage of Labour in a detached yet bemused fashion. Although admittedly that quickly gets subsumed by the ongoing horror of their commie actions.

It is enjoyable to see them implode politically. The few remaining unbelievably loyal ones and Labour generally.

Merseyside Labour MPs are absolutely furious. This could get very nasty.

In other news it's rumoured streeting allies think there is enough support to launch a leadership challenge

I would agree with your second paragraph, if many of us had not been directly impacted by the real world consquences resulting from this Labour government’s policies.

I despise them with every double helix in my body.

Oh yes totally agree obviously. We’re many thousands of sounds year poorer because of these fckers

Ah, that is interesting. I did think that Starmer’s petty self-interest and cowardice so blatantly on display might accelerate a challenge. When the polls and forecasts strongly suggest the death of the Labour Party it must be Imodium time for the party’s backbenches.

A Streeting-Burnham deal - anyone think that’s likely? Couldn’t agree on the kingpin?

I can’t see it but…I see papers saying Streeting has 200 MPs.

Luckily for her! Let’s her off the hook so she can straddle both camps.

A friend texted me earlier that this is payday for Wes. Burnham neutralized and Starmer stitched up like a kipper 😂.

When I heard about the 8 to one, I just assumed it was Starmer who had abstained. It seems really weird to me that he gets a vote.

One good thing about that is he can’t distance himself if it all goes south. That usual I didn’t see it crap.

His vote is on record if they lose the by election and GE even. Perhaps without him at the latter they’d do better.

Methinks Labour has a fight on their hands against Reform….

Based on data from 2023–2025, the Gorton and Denton constituency in Greater Manchester is characterized by significant economic deprivation, low household income, and high levels of social need, often placing it within the most deprived areas in England.

Key Socio-Economic Indicators

• Deprivation Levels: Gorton and Denton is ranked in the top deciles for deprivation, with a 2023 analysis suggesting a high proportion of households (over 75% in some areas) may require significant support.
• Income and Employment: The area has lower-than-average household income (£33,914 compared to a £42,397 national average) and a lower percentage of residents in higher managerial or professional roles.
• Child Poverty: Estimated child poverty in the constituency is around 47.2%, which is significantly higher than the 29.3% national average.
• Cost of Living Challenges: Households in the area face high, above-average rates of financial strain, including 35.5% of residents worried about having to use a foodbank (vs. 28.7% nationally).
• Housing and Fuel Poverty: 61% of homes in the area are rated EPC D or below, leading to high energy costs. Approximately 33.4% of households are estimated to be in fuel poverty, significantly higher than the 17.9% national average.
• Housing Tenure: There is a higher-than-average reliance on social rented housing (25.1% vs 16.8% national).
• Health: The area faces higher-than-average levels of poor health, with 6.7% of the population reporting "bad or very bad" health.

Demographic and Other Factors

• Diversity: The area has a diverse population, with roughly 51% White British and a high percentage of residents identifying as Asian or Asian British (26.6%).
• Commuting: 33% of households do not have a car, and only 2% of commuters cycle to work.
• Industry: A large proportion of the working population is employed in public administration, education, and health (12.3%), followed by retail/hospitality.

Yep no brainer. Unless they get a candidate who eg. Wins the Muslim vote. Look at Lancashire, Reform won there. It is v v similar.

Looking up odds

Betting market gives Labour 56% chance in Gorton & Denton by-election; Reform 24%; Green 18% pre block to -

Dramatic shift in betting since Burnham blocked: Labour 34% chance in Gorton & Denton by-election; Reform 33%; Green 33%

But presumably Starmer had the option to abstain?

No idea on that one. But it’s good if not, he has to commit to something and be accountable for once.

Labour MPs are circulating a letter seeking to overturn the decision.

The letter to Sir Keir, which is being circulated by the Left-wing MP Clive Lewis, urges the full NEC to “re-evaluate” its decision and let the local party in Gorton and Denton decide whether Mr Burnham should be the candidate.

The letter warned that losing the by-election would be “unimaginable... blocking him from even making his case to local members risks sending a message that the party does not respect devolution”.

It added: “It risks telling our own local members that we do not trust them to make the important decision on who is best placed to fight this election for them and serve as the next MP. Fundamentally it risks playing into the kind of division and disunity that Nigel Farage and Reform thrive on.”

John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor under Jeremy Corbyn, said the NEC – as the governing body of the party – had the authority to overrule the panel that blocked Mr Burnham.

Earlier, he had posted on X: “Message to Keir: Do not underestimate the depth of anger people will feel about this disgusting decision.
“If you think it strengthens you I tell you it will simply hasten your demise. You could have shown magnanimous leadership but instead it’s cowardice.”

I was just musing on what the timeline for the next U-turn is going to be