Labour Isn't Working - Thread 30

[WaffleBomb]

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/5506586-labour-isnt-working-thread-29?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

Another interesting by-election result week before last in Salford. Labour seat won with around 70% of the vote last time round. By-election taken by Reform - close run thing with Labour, the latter still getting 33% of the vote but quite a collapse from 70%. Turnout was just 18%.

I’d imagine Labour are relieved that a fair number of those traditional red wall councils who have elections next week, including Salford, only elect in thirds. Something I’ve never quite understood, surely it’s more effective and efficient to have a single all out election every four years?

one other perhaps of note was the Conservatives winning a reform held seat in a Cramlington ward of Northumberland.

just looking at April council by-elections in England , only nine of them, however voting wise

• Reform 34%
• Greens 26%
• Conservative 16%
• Labour 12%
• Lib Dems 9%
• Others 3%

Slighty different picture taking all 2026 English council by-elections

• Reforn 26%
• Conservative 21%
• Green 18%
• Labour 16%
• Lib Dem 15%
• others 4%

Those obesity levels are likely a future rat-health problem in the making. Still I’m sure Birmingham council can find some money for some rat well-being initiatives.

Thank you for the council seat insight. Interesting that the Tories stripped Reform of a seat in the NE.

As for the rats, I imagine there’s a well-paid team of Birmingham Labour council outreach workers interviewing obese rodents for qualification for welfare payments and tiny Motability vehicles so that they don’t feel stranded as the mice sneak in and eat the rats’ supper.

Manoeuvres for AB:

www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/a337f052a54db138

Thanks for the stats @boys3. I'm amazed that Labour are still in double figures tbh.

I think the Conservatives are under priced for these elections, but obviously I'm biased.

Just heard on the radio that they are close to a deal in Birmingham, but it will only be enacted if Labour control the council after the election. So vote Labour or continue swimming in your own rubbish. 🙄

Thanks for the gift access. Interesting article, and very factual, i.e. not a frothing Telegraph broadside against Starmer. Altogether credible, I think.

Labour’s now basically retreating into Liverpool and surrounding seats, plus a few unshakeably Labour London ones like Tottenham.

After the next GE we can look forward to rump Labour led by Burnham and Lammy!

And arise Lord Dowd!

As It should be!

Was there a vote for Johnson to face the committee, I’m wondering if they can call Starmer anyway without a vote

If anyone knows iff hand, I can google it if not.

If he did everything right as he claims why not give evidence?

No I don't think so Eastern.
AFAIK, it needs to come from the House. However MPs vote tomorrow, thats the decision of the house iyswim.

I don't remember Conservative MPs being whipped when Johnson faced the same though. It should be a free vote, but everything I've read is suggesting a three line whip tomorrow. I suppose will give Labour MPs an excuse to wiggle out of it.

This is quite informative of the process. So the tories didn't oppose the motion to refer Johnson to the committee.
They were then given a free vote on whether to accept the findings of the committee.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/keir-starmer-peter-mandelson-vetting-commons-sleaze-inquiry-b2965656.html

So what has happened to the rumoured early prorogation? It has all gone quiet and I’m not sure what has put a spoke in the wheel. The king being away is one theory I have heard!

Well, well, well.

Starmer couldn't come across as much more bent if he tried!

Tomorrow's Matt attached!

Thanks. So Starmer is more controlling and cowardly than Johnson and the MPs too scared to oppose. Terrible Labour

Aren't the optics shocking? But his authoritarian streak is a mile wide!

In a nutshell, yes.

Along with the whipped vote, I see that Gordon Brown’s been leant on to voice support for Starmer. What’s really interesting is that there’s no mention of Blair. He’s far too canny and sensible to lend his weight to the zombie PM. Those big Labour figures who keep quiet say much more than the few who are speaking out.

Starmer is hanging on by the slenderest of threads now.

God it’s annoying when they wheel out formers to help him. Mind you anyone associated with Mandelson era probably can’t help much.

Starmer’s so desperate he’d dig up Jim Callaghan’s corpse to parade in support. Mind you, if Sunny Jim could speak he’d tell Starmer to fuck off.

😬

Ik Labour are tanking but the level of loyalty and ability to defend whatever by some on mn still is something.

Jobs / sleaze whatever

Well written article in today's Times from Jenni Russell:

https://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/labour-damaging-country-industry-environment-2lnv5r2zf

https://archive.is/379Lj

Afternoon 😁

Keir Starmer should be thoroughly ashamed of himself today. All these people being put through the wringer by the committee, and having their integrity questioned because of Bollard's failings. Now Labour MPs being forced to vote for him to avoid scrutiny. He really is a disgrace.

I missed the start of the debate, but just heard Karl Turner's speech. I bloody love Karl Turner. 😂

Welcome.

Yep, she's spot on.

Nothing says 'we are all united in support of the PM' more then being whipped into voting in his favour.

Labour MPs are effectively being forced to put their own jobs on the line to prop up a PM that might be toast after the locals.