Mailwatch(ed) Forum

For example:

Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, has said it would be a “democratic outrage” if Labour were to block Andy Burnham from standing as a byelection candidate in Andrew Gwynne’s seat.

Amid claims Keir Starmer’s allies on the national executive committee do want to stop Burnham being a candidate, Wright said:

" It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked from seeking selection as Labour’s byelection candidate in this seat.

In the event that a byelection takes place, as an affiliated union, the FBU will not stand by and allow senior Labour politicians like Andy to be carved out of this process.

Our union will fiercely resist any attempts to stitch up the selection.

It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure to choose Labour’s candidate to fight this byelection.

Anything less would be unacceptable."

Burnham is the only major politician currently with a net positive approval ratings (about +5). I'd give it about a month of being PM until they're minus 20 or more.

I think Andy would put big boy trousers on in a by-election, but his silly pop at Reeves for caring about (checks notes) the cost of borrowing on our not inconsiderable recurrent borrowings, was not encouraging.

If he became leader, I think he'd have to commit to Reeves keeping her job to avoid a market rout. I can't really think of anyone else who do her job.

Which Andy would get on immigration? The tough guy that's looking over his shoulder at Kippers (who are not uncommon in parts of Greater Manchester) or the relaxed Blair-era politician?

Gwynne's fucked off.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c14rrez0mr4o

Oh God, this is all we bloody need.

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Jan 22, 2026 1:16 pm Labour's strongest card currently is Keir's performance in the face serious international tension. Would Andy show his statemenship in a by-election by fully backing the PM? Or is he a Labour Kemi?

That's the problem with Burnham, you never know which one you're going to get.

I think Burnham may rule out standing pretty fast, actually. It's pretty early in the Parliament still. Burnham might wish to jump in later, towards the end of his mayoralty term (2028).

Tubby Isaacs wrote: ↑Thu Jan 22, 2026 6:23 pm I think Burnham may rule out standing pretty fast, actually. It's pretty early in the Parliament still. Burnham might wish to jump in later, towards the end of his mayoralty term (2028).

That would gain him more friends and one in the eye for the yapping media who are currently jerking off with speculation stories.

If there's a serious Reform challenge and Burnham is the man to beat them then so be it.

Youngian wrote: ↑Thu Jan 22, 2026 6:59 pm ... the yapping media who are currently jerking off with speculation stories.

BBC reporter having an orgasm live on air...

More fun than reporting the economy doing better than they told us it was.