Thread 1 Burnham: Esperanza en cada Corazón

[DuncinToffee]

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https://bsky.app/profile/downingstreet.bsky.social

I think it is an official account, but not completely sure. Follow at your own peril

I was undecided whether Streeting had done a pact with Burnham behind the scenes in return for not running against him,

or

whether he thinks this is going to be a shitshow so is protecting his reputation, hoping to remain untainted so he can launch his own leadership challenge at a future point.

I think probably the latter. Streeting possibly views this as a poison chalice right now and doesn’t want to be associated with it. He’ll want a clean run for the top job in the future, no question.

Good point re devolution. Let's see how that goes.

He needs to hold on to his seat first! Can't stand the man.

Ha! Very true. His seat is very marginal as well.

I’m not a fan of Streeting either - I think he’s a career politician who blows whichever way will bring him success.

Mind you, I think pretty much the same is true of AB but as he’s PM now I’m hoping for the best.

I felt a bit better about Streeting after hearing his JO’B podcast long form interview, but his role in this coup has taken that away.

We are talking about a £1.2 trillion budget holder. It is about what he can do. Why would you mention his state pension unless you are ageist?

I do wonder whether keeping Shabana Mahmood in her role is a shrewd move.

She’s certainly more conservative in her views than many in Labour and some of her new policies are quite tough. They appeal to Reform-lite type voters and were quite well-received.

It feels like an attempt to attract those on the centre/centre-right who could be persuaded to vote Labour if they “stop the boats” (I hate that phrase!)

I’m not saying I agree with her appointment but I can see his reasoning.

The latter - a shit show

Why would anyone mention the shinning hair styles and gorgeous lovely dress?

It might attract those that care about this country and its future if the Home Secretary was serious about security, thus it’s likely we are going to be very disappointed. The commitment required to stop human trafficking and ths gangs making millions is going to be well beyond Labour.

Do I need to deploy my GIF already???

Immigration is down.

Small boat crossings are down.

The ones you know about are, with the statistics being massaged. Along with the NHS figures. It’s so incredibly dishonest.

Bloody hell, so many posts today many visitors to the thread and so much total rubbish in amongst the knowledgeable posters.

Some of these postings are unexpected, one of my concerns is continuity as the new ministers get to grips with their portfolios- they had time to transition with Starmer, now no time to get to know the departments, the people in them or the strengths and weaknesses of how they run, yet we are to expect changes in direction.

It's going to be challenging, I hope they are up to it.

There are people who have lost on the polymarkets with their Chancellor predictions.

Who would be able to deal with it? Reform? Conservatives had their opportunity and did fuck all about it, so they aren’t an option.
And, as above, immigration and small boat crossings are already down.

Staying on topic….

I see Lucy Powell has gone into number 10. Not a surprise as she’s an AB ally.

And - god help us - Bridget Phillipson. Not a fan of her either I’m afraid!

Oh and a woman convicted of fraud has now made it into the cabinet. You really couldn’t make this up! Why choose Haigh? He is really scratching around. Perhaps Burnham will start recruiting cabinet ministers in open prisons in the name of woke diversity. How we have fallen!

It must be quite tiring

I suppose they’re used to it - occupational hazard I guess?

I agree it can’t be helpful though. Much as I dislike a lot of what AB has done and how he’s done it, we really need the continuity so he has to make this work.

McFadden stays at DWP

Yvette Cooper Health Secretary

Yvette Cooper appointed health secretary

So much

That will fox those who were convinced it was Rayner.