AIBU to think Burnham’s words may haunt his premiership?

[Greyrock79]

To think that Burnham’s words are going to haunt his premiership?

‘…national security can’t come at the expense of social security…’

It's out there who's "coughed it up".

Unions are collectives, open to anyone who wants to join them. Anyone worried about the direction they may influence Labour in has the option to join the union and influence its direction.
A hugely wealthy donor like this is just one man. So any influence he exerts on Reform will be his alone. No way in for anyone else.

I saw that, that is so much. Labour’s efforts haven’t done as they wanted.

Watch Labour do all they can to amend PPERA.

Is it fair to assume those unbothered by these massive donations are Reform supporters?

Of course if they’re legal then it’s part of the system, and one of the donors made the point that Reform are spending time fundraising when - in his view - they should be preparing for government. If you support a party and have the money to fund them then that’s very sensible position. I think he overestimates how much Nigel wants the job of PM, which would require more commitment and energy for public service than he actually has.

I do think that very large donations from individuals creates a difficult relationship though. People here constantly snipe about what the unions will ‘allow’ a Labour PM to do. Presumably they’ll have the same concerns about the influence two individuals (one of whom doesn’t live here, one of whom has just come back) will have on any Reform govt.

Addressing your first sense, nah, just anti-Labour.

Think you've got the Labourites rattled. Maybe they don't like huge donations helping to prep an opposing party for winning a GE.

Those huge donations will repel as many people as they attract. So much for Farage not being for sale.

Let me guess, these donations are somehow different. Sour grapes I presume.

Different from what? What do you think those two individuals will want in exchange? They’re not altruistic, are they?

Good look to Reform. I hope they use the money wisely.

They rather dent the 'man of the people, on your side against the elite establishment' pose IMO. What could all these billionaires have to gain from a Farage led government? 🤔

Elections are won from good campaigning and ground game. Of course money helps but we've seen what the Greens can do with a willing army of motivated volunteers. That's still what Reform are lacking.

How are Labour’s donations, YTD?

Would you call Union donations, altruistic?

Yes, I think so too.

October’s budget should knock their polling numbers, still further.

The Labour party total income was over £40 million. Union contributions are said to be between £5-£10 million on average. So they're getting £30million from other backers. You've got to be very naive to think that the people behind the £30million of donations don't want some influence or something else in return.

Over what period?

Last full year of published accounts, covering 2024.

And 2026 YTD?

members opt in to political fund. You don’t have to. My union isn’t affiliated to LP. At the moment the political fund is going on fighting far right. And before you ask, I don’t mean Conservatives!

Well said.

The PP has gone uncharacteristically silent.

Based on AB's demonstrated priorities one might assume it comes from bus companies.

Well there's a thought. They can afford to donate with the massive disportionate pay rise he gave them. You can take the man out the unions but...you know how the saying goes.

Have a crack at bus driving then.

Quite, which is why very large donations raises concerns, and should even for supporters of the receiving party. Are their interests aligned with the donors, will their needs as taxpayers and citizens who are resident in this country be prioritised above those of the donors?

Reform have already said they would seek to punish Green voters for example, by hosing asylum seekers in Green supporting areas. Obviously whether you consider that a punishment or not varies! But what should non Reform supporters expect from controlling donors like this?