| MP resigning so Burnham can stand 17:21 - May 14 with 10105 views | NthQldITFC |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/liv
Labour MP says he's resigning so Andy Burnham can stand
Labour MP Josh Simons has just issued a statement: "Today, I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield.
I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home." |  |
| |  |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:11 - May 15 with 829 views | redrickstuhaart |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:01 - May 15 by oldbeardy |
He'll go soon enough if he ends up in opposition though. He's not in it for the right reasons, he only wants the PM job. He didn't stay before and he won't stay in future if things don't work out. It shows how desperate the Labour PLP are and how little talent they have within their existing ranks. |
This is someone who has been serving as a mayor for a prolonged period.
Does tend to suggest he wants to be able to work and change things for people...
Do tell me which of the last 5 pms in this nation were in it for the right reasons, rather than just wanting to be the boss? |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:16 - May 15 with 818 views | StokieBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:02 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
When the Tories changed leader mid term Burnham demanded a general election because the Tories were “making major change of political direction”. Surely he has to stick to the manifesto Labour were elected on otherwise he’d be accused of rank hypocrisy? [Post edited 15 May 9:02]
|
Is there a reason you're so against Labour changing direction to try and keep Reform out? Surely keeping Reform out is the best thing for the country?
You could indeed accuse him of hypocrisy but since the Tories took no notice during their 4 leadership changes do you think Labour should be held to a different standard?
He could also continue with the current policies and draft a new manifesto to run on in the next election, he hasn't said he would change during this parliament as far as I am aware.
SB |  |
| Avatar - M101 - Pinwheel Galaxy |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:17 - May 15 with 799 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:11 - May 15 by redrickstuhaart |
This is someone who has been serving as a mayor for a prolonged period.
Does tend to suggest he wants to be able to work and change things for people...
Do tell me which of the last 5 pms in this nation were in it for the right reasons, rather than just wanting to be the boss? |
Most people who go into parliament want to be PM. Regardless of that both Gordon Brown and Theresa May had a huge sense of public duty. Likewise Starmer. |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:24 - May 15 with 778 views | ArnoldMoorhen |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:02 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
When the Tories changed leader mid term Burnham demanded a general election because the Tories were “making major change of political direction”. Surely he has to stick to the manifesto Labour were elected on otherwise he’d be accused of rank hypocrisy? [Post edited 15 May 9:02]
|
Was that the first or second time that the Conservatives changed leader in that Parliament?
If it was the second he has a technicality to wriggle on!
But he is a politician, and he will probably point to a leadership contest with millions of voters (via Unions) as evidence that he has a democratic mandate.
It's one of the Golden Rules of Politics: it's only "hypocrisy" when it's the other lot doing it! It's "expediency" when it is your lot! | | | |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:27 - May 15 with 769 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:24 - May 15 by ArnoldMoorhen |
Was that the first or second time that the Conservatives changed leader in that Parliament?
If it was the second he has a technicality to wriggle on!
But he is a politician, and he will probably point to a leadership contest with millions of voters (via Unions) as evidence that he has a democratic mandate.
It's one of the Golden Rules of Politics: it's only "hypocrisy" when it's the other lot doing it! It's "expediency" when it is your lot! |
Just checked. July 2022 when Boris Johnson resigned. So the first time. | |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:30 - May 15 with 749 views | JammyDodgerrr |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 08:25 - May 15 by StokieBlue |
Newsnight made an estimated result for this byelection based on the results from the surrounding local elections (weighted by geography etc) - far from perfect but had Reform winning with 50% of the vote and nearly twice as much as Labour.
A few people then went on to make the point that Burnham probably wants to try and win this seat, if he can overturn a Reform lead of that significance he is a certainty for PM as he will run on a ticket highlighting how he beat Reform and how Labour need to make those gains over the whole country and that he's shown it can be done.
It's risky, but if he wins he'll be PM.
SB |
It's beyond risk - it's borderline dumb to be honest. Reform just wiped all the seats around them and this particular area was two-thirds leave voters. I can fully see Reform winning this seat, and they'll probably run someone important in their group to give the biggest competition, maybe even Zia. I don't really understand why they picked this seat unless it was the only one. |  |
| |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 09:34 - May 15 with 741 views | C_HealyIsAPleasure |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 07:16 - May 15 by Dubtractor |
Sort of agree, but this post from Zackers suggests he does want Labour to have the 'right' kind of leader.
The next Labour leader must move decisively away from the status quo to beat Reform.
That means giving power and wealth to working class people. It means a democratic revolution, rent controls and public ownership of water.
It means someone who isn't Wes Streeting. — Zack Polanski (@zackpolanski.bsky.social) 2026-05-13T20:03:36.866Z
|
Think that’s just setting the groundwork to go on the attack in the event Labour’s next leader is Wes Streeting, or anyone of that ilk, rather than an indication they would rollover and tacitly support Burnham, personally (particularly given it was posted on Weds) |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:39 - May 15 with 726 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:16 - May 15 by StokieBlue |
Is there a reason you're so against Labour changing direction to try and keep Reform out? Surely keeping Reform out is the best thing for the country?
You could indeed accuse him of hypocrisy but since the Tories took no notice during their 4 leadership changes do you think Labour should be held to a different standard?
He could also continue with the current policies and draft a new manifesto to run on in the next election, he hasn't said he would change during this parliament as far as I am aware.
SB |
Where have I said I’m against Labour changing direction? Let alone “so against”. I think Starmer had been pretty bland considering the size of his majority. IMO he sent so much time concentrating on winning an election and not enough time on what to do once he had won it.
I’m pointing out what Burnham said when the Tories booted Johnson out. I thought you liked factual based debate? | |
| |
Login to get fewer ads
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:39 - May 15 with 732 views | Trequartista |
Reform win this and they win the election (or at least get most seats). We need to threaten to expel Manchester from the UK if they wreck this. I'm half joking. |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:44 - May 15 with 711 views | StokieBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:39 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
Where have I said I’m against Labour changing direction? Let alone “so against”. I think Starmer had been pretty bland considering the size of his majority. IMO he sent so much time concentrating on winning an election and not enough time on what to do once he had won it.
I’m pointing out what Burnham said when the Tories booted Johnson out. I thought you liked factual based debate? |
I've responded to your points on Burnham, you've not countered them, you've just had a minor pop about me liking factual debate.
You seem to be once again looking for an argument. If that is not the case then I suggest you look at how your posts are coming across.
SB | |
| Avatar - M101 - Pinwheel Galaxy |
| |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 09:44 - May 15 with 708 views | GlasgowBlue |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 07:16 - May 15 by Dubtractor |
Sort of agree, but this post from Zackers suggests he does want Labour to have the 'right' kind of leader.
The next Labour leader must move decisively away from the status quo to beat Reform.
That means giving power and wealth to working class people. It means a democratic revolution, rent controls and public ownership of water.
It means someone who isn't Wes Streeting. — Zack Polanski (@zackpolanski.bsky.social) 2026-05-13T20:03:36.866Z
|
He posted that on Wednesday when all the talk was about an imminent Streeting challenge.it would be political suicide fur the Greens to enable Burnham, if indeed he is going to take Labour in a leftwards position.
Talking of the left, Zarah isn’t overly enthused by a Burnham return.
| |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:48 - May 15 with 693 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:44 - May 15 by StokieBlue |
I've responded to your points on Burnham, you've not countered them, you've just had a minor pop about me liking factual debate.
You seem to be once again looking for an argument. If that is not the case then I suggest you look at how your posts are coming across.
SB |
You've accused me of being “so against Labour changing direction to try and keep Reform out” when I haven’t said anything of the sort. If anyone is looking for an argument it’s you. Maybe Benters isn’t biting.
You have a complete lack of self awareness. | |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:11 - May 15 with 634 views | StokieBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:48 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
You've accused me of being “so against Labour changing direction to try and keep Reform out” when I haven’t said anything of the sort. If anyone is looking for an argument it’s you. Maybe Benters isn’t biting.
You have a complete lack of self awareness. |
OK I'll bite.
Are you for Labour changing direction and trying to keep Reform out?
Saying they should have a GE if they did significantly change because Burnham said it previous would seem to indicate you are?
The Tories changed direction under Truss quite significantly without a GE for instance. I also asked you if he had actually said he would change direction this parliament because I am not aware that he has but I might have missed it.
For you to accuse others of a lack of self awareness is quite something. I don't even know where to start with that.
I don't want to derail the thread so I will leave it there. You can have your return pop - enjoy and have a good day.
SB | |
| Avatar - M101 - Pinwheel Galaxy |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:15 - May 15 with 615 views | oldbeardy |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:11 - May 15 by redrickstuhaart |
This is someone who has been serving as a mayor for a prolonged period.
Does tend to suggest he wants to be able to work and change things for people...
Do tell me which of the last 5 pms in this nation were in it for the right reasons, rather than just wanting to be the boss? |
Don't disagree with your point that they're all in it to be the boss. For me it's just that he jumped out of Westminster when the going got tough and it was going to be a slog and now opportunistically wants to jump back in. He wouldn't be doing it if it was, say, just a senior Cabinet post. He's happy to renege on his implied promise to the citizens of Manchester to serve his term having been elected on that basis, and to undermine the current PM (not alone there either) to serve his own ambitions instead. Still, that's politicians for you - I expect he really does think he's the messiah rather than a very naughty boy | | | |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:23 - May 15 with 588 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:11 - May 15 by StokieBlue |
OK I'll bite.
Are you for Labour changing direction and trying to keep Reform out?
Saying they should have a GE if they did significantly change because Burnham said it previous would seem to indicate you are?
The Tories changed direction under Truss quite significantly without a GE for instance. I also asked you if he had actually said he would change direction this parliament because I am not aware that he has but I might have missed it.
For you to accuse others of a lack of self awareness is quite something. I don't even know where to start with that.
I don't want to derail the thread so I will leave it there. You can have your return pop - enjoy and have a good day.
SB |
It shouldn’t be about changing direction to keep reform out. What does that even mean? It should be about doing what is right for the country and stacking to your principles and the policies you were elected on just two years ago. How is Burnham the antidote to Reform. He’s a stated rejoiner. So he won’t be winning over reform voters. He would take votes from the Greens, but is that what left leaning people want. All that said, it’s the business of the Labour Party to do what they want. I have no objection to them changing direction. Makes no difference to me.
Again putting words int9 my mouth. I didn’t say Burnham should call a general election if the changed direction . I was pointing out that Burnham said the Tories should do that in 2022 so he could be open to accusations of hypocrisy. I didn’t believe the Tories should call an election when they changed leaders. I recall pointing out to you at the time that constitutionally they didn’t have to do so. If memory serves, you believed they should have. But I can’t be bothered to dredge through old threads to link it. Happy to do so if you want though. | |
| |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 10:29 - May 15 with 576 views | GlasgowBlue |
| I wouldn't risk more than.... on 09:44 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
He posted that on Wednesday when all the talk was about an imminent Streeting challenge.it would be political suicide fur the Greens to enable Burnham, if indeed he is going to take Labour in a leftwards position.
Talking of the left, Zarah isn’t overly enthused by a Burnham return.
|
There is of course a flip side to this. Kemi may decide that an impotent Starmer is better for the Tories than a resurgent Burnham and put very little effort into what is already a lost cause. Sone Tories may vote tactically fur reform in order to keep Burnham out. | |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:31 - May 15 with 570 views | pointofblue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:02 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
When the Tories changed leader mid term Burnham demanded a general election because the Tories were “making major change of political direction”. Surely he has to stick to the manifesto Labour were elected on otherwise he’d be accused of rank hypocrisy? [Post edited 15 May 9:02]
|
In fairness, one of the issues currently is Starmer has strayed from the manifesto. | |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:36 - May 15 with 556 views | GlasgowBlue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:31 - May 15 by pointofblue |
In fairness, one of the issues currently is Starmer has strayed from the manifesto. |
But there doesn’t have to be a general election when a leader is changed or manifesto pledges aren’t delivered. They are only two years into a 5 year Parliament.
Edit. Election not ejection 😄 [Post edited 15 May 10:37]
| |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 10:37 - May 15 with 540 views | Benters |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 08:28 - May 15 by ArnoldMoorhen |
 |
Legends. |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 11:13 - May 15 with 459 views | Pendejo |
Saw Simmons on TV this morning, young fella only 2 years into his first term in parliament.
All that time away from home definitely not for everyone, foes he still get to collect his golden pension? |  |
| |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 11:58 - May 15 with 403 views | mellowblue |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 09:17 - May 15 by GlasgowBlue |
Most people who go into parliament want to be PM. Regardless of that both Gordon Brown and Theresa May had a huge sense of public duty. Likewise Starmer. |
I dispute this, they don't all have the megalomaniacal desire for absolute power, most of mps just wish to serve their constituencies and parties and assist in the running of the country wherever their talents suit best. | | | |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 12:08 - May 15 with 371 views | DJR |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 12:02 - May 15 by mellowblue |
From what I have read about Simons, his frontline political career was in tatters and wants out. No loss to the H.O.C. |
Suggestions in the Guardian that there might be an advisory role for him under Burnham.
He has always struck me as more of a think thank type person.
Hence his leadership of Labour Together.
But he was one of a number of such "wonky" people or acolytes parachuted into safe seats not long before the election. [Post edited 15 May 12:09]
|  | | |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 12:17 - May 15 with 343 views | Blueschev |
| MP resigning so Burnham can stand on 12:08 - May 15 by DJR |
Suggestions in the Guardian that there might be an advisory role for him under Burnham.
He has always struck me as more of a think thank type person.
Hence his leadership of Labour Together.
But he was one of a number of such "wonky" people or acolytes parachuted into safe seats not long before the election. [Post edited 15 May 12:09]
|
I don't understand why anybody involved in Labour Together would help facilitate Burnham's ascendency to No 10? |  | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
