Burnham's win is a real Hannibal moment: standing at the gates, the question of whether he knows how to use a victory more than just win one will be what decides the next few years for Labour. Nothing is certain.
Last night's results show that politics have changed, but not in the way that perhaps many expected. The next general election has edged further away from a foregone conclusion, and increasingly becomes all to play for as local teams put the work in. Exciting times ahead
Including two low-light shots I was beyond surprised actually survived. I'm particularly in love with the Madeleine Altar, and how the majority of the light which survived is on Mary Magdalene, lifted by Angels
I always wonder to some extent how different things may have been in Afghanistan had the US not blocked the restoration of the Padshah to the throne after the invasion. Could a constitutional Afghan monarchy have been more stabilising?
Maternal deaths in Afghanistan could rise by 50% this year.
After the Taliban's ban on contraception, women are being forced to give birth without doctors, miscarrying without treatment, and losing access to even basic medicine.
@GuidoFawkes Has Mr Benn read the legislation, which already puts a duty on online platforms to tackle "false information" or information which someone could infer is criminal? Does this entire Government just exist to re-announce things in the hope that the headlines are better this time
@JackElsom Think there's a phonolinguIstic aspect. "Pee-Cee-Aitch" is a triplism, like "ABC", whereas "PH" feels clunky. Same reason people don't shorten the Home Office to "HO", but will shorten The Foreign Office to FCO.
@NJ_Timothy Very real conversation to be had about how many of these bodies exist rather than are just ministerial powers. A left wing government may lose but their appointees remain, inflicting their decisions beyond the political grave. Fewer appointed positions and orgs the better!
Listen to the Mayor talk about phone theft, or antisocial behaviour, or housing shortages, or nightlife, or other issues. His response is always "we need", "we hope", "the Government", or "it should". You'd be forgiven for thinking he was in opposition, rather than the Mayor
Khan does this incredible thing where he (1) identifies a problem, (2) proposes a solution, and then (3) distances himself from being able to intervene.
What do you mean "needs to be saved"? You are the Mayor of London, what is the use of you if you can't save it
#Lewisham's new Green Party mayor hikes salary after vowing a 20% pay cut... 🤦♂️
If you are tired of empty promises, vote for a strong opposition — vote for Caitlin Pugh @CaitlinPPugh in #CroftonPark on June 18 🗳️
"We've eliminated crime by telling criminals that if they don't stop, we will change the law to make it illegal," announced the Home Secretary, standing behind a lectern that was slightly on fire. "This is how a real Government delivers."
Labour ask why the public don't think they're doing anything, and then proceed to announce they've achieved things by... announcing that it'll be achieved? Never has so much of a Government's time been spent "urging", "encouraging", "asking", and flailing
Abuse online is far too common, and we will not tolerate it.
Tech companies have a moral duty to act by making it impossible for children to take, share or view nude images.
If they don’t, we will legislate.
@PolitlcsUK@thetimes "we can't afford to prevent against war because the cost of war is too expensive" is just so on the nose as to be beyond the point of parody, isn't it?
@PolitlcsUK The only time Keir Starmer has shown any decent political judgment in his life, to not want Mandelson's messages saved, and it ends up blowing up for him like this. Useless man
I can't wait to get my council tax bill next year to see the breakdown on how much gets spent on "Sanctuary and Healing". These people just cannot help themselves
A Green councillor who once branded David Lammy a ‘coconut’ has been handed a top job in Lewisham council’s new cabinet.
Hau-Yu Tam was made cabinet member for “sanctuary and healing” last night.
Congratulations to Andy Burnham on beating absolutely no one to become the Labour candidate for Makerfield; politics without the training wheels on is liable to be slightly more difficult however