Is Wes Streeting, the John the Baptist to Andy Burnham?

  By this time tomorrow we will all know the result of the Makerfield by-election. Will Burnham be the new MP? I can see a role for Wes Streeting as the John the Baptist figure for Burnham. He could be the - stalking horse that causes Starmer to panic and fall on his sword. The epicentre of all these machinations is a small working men’s club in the constituency. Many Labour politicians have made the pilgrimage there to - kiss the ring of Burnham. I do hope we don’t have a protracted leadership contest. Nevertheless we don’t want a coronation, but an opportunity to discuss the - vision and overall plan for the country. The good news is that Starmer won’t be the prime minister anymore. 

A good result for England at 4/2.

 Despite the - huffing and puffing we eventually won against Croatia by 4/2 in our opening game in the World Cup. Two goals to Harry Kane and one each for Bellingham and Rashford. It was a - game of two halves with the first part being rather - lacklustre, but in the second England played with more conviction and courage. The opening game is always important and a win - settles the nerves. It wasn’t ‘squeaky bum’ time, but it got pretty close. We next play Ghana on 23 June, followed by Panama on 27 June. The good news is that the most formidable team is out of the way and we can concentrate on the next two games. So a good start for the - Three Lions. 

Make or break in Makerfield.

 In the next few hours the people of Makerfield, will be voting in the local by-election on Thursday. Can Andy Burnham - win this historic election and start the race for Downing Street? Many of the general public have - turned their backs on Starmer as he appears to lack charisma and ability to communicate effectively - his overall vision for the country. It could be closer tomorrow than many pundits predict. Nevertheless I predict a win for Burnham and eventually kicking Starmer out of office. How well will Reform Party and the Green Party do? This could be critical. 

The American Revolution.

 On BBC Four there is this brilliant 4 part documentary about the American Revolution and is excellent in every regard. Was it inevitable that eventually there would be a revolution against British rule or could a more rational and sensible government in London - got a better result? However cateris paribus the British government and the prime minister Lord North, plus King George III - were too stupid and politically naive and thought force and violence was the answer. A fatal mistake. The battle at Concord in 1775 was like crossing the Rubicon and there was no sensible way back. As one witness said ‘we were fighting in order to be free’. The British Red Coast were out numbered and out gunned This was a tragedy waiting to happen. I look forward to seeing the other three episodes. 

Here we go again.

 Tonight we play against Croatia in our first game in the World Cup. It’s imperative that we get off to a good start in this L Group of countries that also includes: Panama and Ghana, two formidable teams. In an interview for BBC Sport Kelly Somers - spoke to the England manager Thomas Turchel and he emphasised the ‘good bonding as a team’. It’s 60 years since we last one the World Cup against West Germany in 1966 - can this German manager get a second victory? It’s been too long a wait - come on England. 

John Healey.

 The former defence secretary, was withering in his damnation of the chancellor Rachel Reeves, in the House of Commons today. He claims she is ‘unwilling to spend what is necessary to keep the nation safe’. Could there be a more coruscating assessment of her role in government? Be in no doubt if Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham or Al Carns, become prime minister - she will be despatched very quickly to the - back benches - where she can lament her demotion. Wes Streeting, was on - manoeuvres today sketchy out his vision regarding the state of the nation’s defence. 

Carnage at the BBC.

 According to The Financial Times today the  BBC News department can expect serious job losses. The new director general Matt Brittin, has said that there needs to be at least 2,000 as the company must make serious financial savings. The.News department has in the region of 20,000 staff. Many therefore will be feeling rather anxious about the prospect of losing their jobs and careers. In addition there will be further downsizing over the next few months. So a career for life, similar to the civil service is not a prospect now - for new recruits to the corporation. Will we the public recognise the dramatic change in the status quo? I have often wondered - why there were so many, for example - reporter’s in North America? However in this turbulent - time we need reliable and trustworthy journalists to provide objective nonpartisan reporting and analysis. No doubt the right wing media will be cheering this bad news, but for those who value the Reithian tradition of: to entertain, inform and educate - this is without doubt a sad day. Moreover the Royal Charter, comes up for renewal on 31 December 2027 - so serious discussions about the future of the corporation will be inevitable.