To find Andy Burnham’s sudden rise to the top odd?

[GarlicBiscuits]

A few weeks ago, I’d never heard of this man. A few weeks ago, he wasn’t even an MP.

Yet suddenly, he’s everywhere and going to be our next prime minister? What qualifies him for this role? It seems that all the Labour MPs love him. Why?

The whole situation is very odd to me… I’m not sure it’ll do Labour any favors at all.

Okaaaaaay, so that’s hardly a ringing endorsement of our Andy, then.

Thank you for emphasising that dealing with the grooming gangs was no part of AB’s HO remit. PPs warning ominously of nothing specific with no facts in their corner are just making a transparent attempt to stir the pot.

It's because they are fucking terrified of the bloke. He has few skeletons and has been preparing for the job his whole life. People are feeling some hope again.

I’m pro anyone who is likely to keep Farage out of Downing Street. Currently Burnham is the best bet. Frankly I’m bloody tired of having to constantly repeat this.

If Burnham is currently the best bet, as you say - who is/was your second choice?

I’m not engaging with you any more on this subject. I’m tired of you it.

I hear you, seriously.

Take a break - I will be here when you are ready to re-engage!

Don’t hold your breath.

And yet, you are still engaging with me…

Burnham won’t keep Reform out of Downing Street, country is far too disillusioned for that.

He kept them out of Makerfield. How many by-elections have they won recently?

Makerfield not representative as I’m sure you know. Apart from Makerfield there haven’t been any recent by-elections..

Yes, there were but you are right - it is like saying the Tories kept them out of Aberdeen South.

Gorton and Denton - Greens win
Caerphilly - Plaid win
Aberdeen - Tory win
Arbroath - SNP win
Makerfield - Labour win

Not a single Reform win in sight.

Surely the people of this country are not stupid and credulous enough to vote for this grifter. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8dg3883g7o

He’s been a high profile figure in the Labour Party for years. He ran for the Labour leadership before (wiki tellls me 2010 came 4th, and 2015 came second). He hasn’t come out of nowhere but I’m really interested that you think this. Does it make you trust him more or less?

How come you had never heard of him?

Labour got their arse handed to them in the May locals, and the devolved elections, of course.

Not sure how their supporters can spin that as win….

And still trailing in all the voting intention polls.

I am listening to a phone in about Farage following the latest revelation about his earnings. There are a lot of disillusioned Reform voters who are beginning to see through him, it seems.

Sounds riveting.

I would prefer a general election, but I accept that the Labour party has a massive majority and Andy Burnham is going to inherit it. If he does well, then I shall vote for his party. Studiedly neutral, and no fan of any political party.

If AB were to make SKS Foreign Secretary, I would applaud. I would like Shabana Mahmood to stay as Home Secretary. There is not an obvious candidate for Chancellor, but Ed Miliband would be catastrophic. Defence is going to be more important that it has been for 30 years but the PM will have to declare big money funding before any of the big beasts will accept that job.

It was interesting, thanks.

😀

Do you see a role for Angela?