When & how will Burnham’s honeymoon come to an end?

[Theblueyonder]

Burnham’s leadership has been relatively free of drama, so far, and certainly when compared to his hapless predecessor.

What do we think will represent Burnham’s first real test? The budget, or something else?

The birth rate’s going down. The number of pensioners is going up. I don’t want literally millions of children living in poverty - do you?

It’s not where the issue lies. The bigger problem is Andy Burnham as PM will say anything. Whether it’s Brexit sticking at Makerfieid or lobbing various things in a podcast that have to be reversed on.

It’s not coherent, rigorous or useful.

I think once people see how much their heating bills actually will go up this winter + whatever additional tax raids there will be in budget, that's when the honeymoon will end.

Another question with a false premise - classic. But following your theme - I don’t want to see pensioners dying of hunger and cold, do you?

You otherwise ignore the qualitative/productive/net contributor angles.

I didn’t like the way Keir Starmer was ousted. I think the number of Prime Ministers we have cycled through since Brexit is embarrassing and shameful. But it happened - and, I have to admit, everything Andy Burnham has said since he came to power makes me glad it did, because I do believe he is the only current political leader with a clear vision for the future of the country. Again, if the opposition spent less time attacking him, and more time articulating their own ideas, maybe I’d change my mind on that.

On Russia, what he said on both the Rest of Politics and in the House of Commons is is accepted that Russia clearly attempted information warfare. He never said - in either place - that their disinformation efforts altered the referendum result. But this is what I mean by talking to the public like we are grown ups. Surely, we all know Russia will have attempted disinformation over Brexit. It’s obvious - and a former head of M16 was on LBC saying so: https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/former-mi6-chief-very-confident-in-burnhams-assertion-russia-meddled-in-brexit-v-5HjdjnW_2/
Why pretend otherwise?

I just don’t think the opposition, or sections of the press, are used to hearing a politician speaking in such a nuanced way about what he actually thinks, instead of in soundbites or with lines that have been focus grouped to death.

But I do agree, I don’t see how his current popularity can last in the current political climate - and the budget is going to be a very, very challenging moment because expectations are so high. I hope he rises to the challenge. But we’ll see!

I think his popularity is already waning and will continue to do so. He wants to drag us back into the EU which is hell bent on a war with Russia. France, Italy, Germany, Hungary all in economic decline. He thinks somehow rejoining the EU will fix the illegal immigration problem - it won't. He's pro net zero - a terrible thing for this country. His policies are going to see increasing problems and therefore his popularity will plummet. My two penneth.

Andy Burnham can't say he wants consensus and working together but then say he wants everything done his way. So he gives the illusion of being concilliatory and can complain that when the other side don't agree with his socialist principles that they are the ones being difficult.

Obviously not but the triple lock is now raising pensions disproportionately relative to wages. It’s fulfilled its original purpose and is now both unnecessary and unaffordable. Former Tory chancellors and economists are all in agreement on this. The only rationale for keeping it is to retain the pensioner vote.

The Conservatives have loads of good ideas of their own. Ideas that have a better chance of succeeding. Socialism that AB is proposing has never succeeded in any other country and will not succeed here.

Why raise the Brexit issue now? We know why. He likes the politics of division.

More people are seeing through his matey say whatever. Especially on major topics such as Brexit. To flip in four months isn’t rigorous, coherent nor reliable.

Plus the ‘grown ups’ line was used for Starmer and it didn’t work for him either.

Yes, very good ideas - aimed at helping the wealthiest 5%.

I do think this is a really fair point - it is easy to say you want consensus, and then dictate the terms.

But on social care, and the triple lock, for example, I do think the Conservatives could, and should, choose to work with the government - rather than arguing against the triple lock adjustment, despite it being the fiscally responsible choice.

I suppose I find it deeply frustrating, because in Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch I do think we have two of the most articulate and intelligent political leaders we’ve had in a while and I think if they engaged constructively, they could actually get some things done for the long term good of the country.

As for being ‘nuanced’ on a podcast or just saying stuff without clarity then clarify it in the house where he has to be truthful.

He should be precise and not lie when answering re interference.

He didn’t lie however much you might wish he had.

Right back at ya.

The only reason for removing the two child benefit cap was to secure votes for Labour.

Were you calling for the end of the triple lock prior to Burnham’s speech, incidentally? Doubt it. And how popular do you think it is amongst the majority of pensioners (rhetorical).

I thought I agreed with the end of tbe triple lock and I think I still do. But apparently it won't make much difference financially. Labour are the only party that can make proper changes to the benefits system in my opinion. The Conservatives would just be labelled the nasty party again. So youre right it is a good opportunity.

I think at least we can't say they are the uni party any more!

He’s a populist weathervane, and a people pleaser. It’s in his DNA.

Yes I was and I am a pensioner.

Its not a good sign though whenever you open your mouth that your team then have to backtrack or clarify what you say. Its getting to be a bit of a habit of Andy B now.

Great, that’s ONE alleged pensioner for the abolition of the triple lock.

You are quite a comfortable pensioner though Blossom. I hope I am not speaking out of turn or being presumptuous. You're not a pensioner on the breadline for example that may have a different view.

Yes, just ask the WASPI.

The pp will back Burnham whatever.

Yes, although I suspect it’s more that they are fervently anti-right than pro-Labour. I mean, how can one continue to defend the indefensible, with anything approaching a straight face?

I’m a Waspi. The ship’s sailed. We’ve all got our pensions now and none of us with any common sense expected any compensation because the country’s broke. You’re really struggling now.

And you will slate him whatever @EasternStandard. Pot/kettle.