Aaron Benson

UoB MRes postgraduate student, politics researcher, talk and write ( a bit) about football

[BBC Question Time @bbcquestiontime]

“Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest, so if that is running, I would seek to join it”

Labour’s Andy Burnham confirms that if elected, he would run against Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest

#bbcqt

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

@WalderMaine @RamsbottomUtd @stevewilkes1 Gutted to read this Maine. You have been an excellent player and ambassador for the club. Good luck in whatever comes next.

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

Great start to Bank Holiday Monday talking about the legacy of @PepTeam at Man City on @BBCWorld

It was nice to appear live with @kippaxgirlemily as well

Now onto the farewell party at @TheCoopLive

[Manchester City @ManCity]

North Stand to be renamed ‘The Pep Guardiola Stand.' 🩵

Read more 🔗 https://t.co/IcuzmBkVXV

[Manchester City @ManCity]

We see things they'll never see 🏆🐐

[Manchester City @ManCity]

"What a time we have had together." 🩵

[Manchester City @ManCity]

Pep Guardiola to step down after incredible decade as City Manager 🩵

🔗 https://t.co/u84AZYY23t

[Andy Burnham @AndyBurnhamGM]

I can confirm that I will be requesting the permission of the NEC to stand in the Makerfield by-election.

I grew up in this area and have lived here for 25 years. I care deeply about it and its people. I know they have been let down by national politics.

Ten years ago, I decided to leave Westminster. Why? Because, after 16 years, I came to the conclusion that our national political system does not work for areas like ours. I learnt this fighting its failure to invest in the Wigan borough, for justice for the Hillsborough families and against its treatment of Greater Manchester during the pandemic.

Over the last decade, I have been challenging this failure from the outside and building a new and better way of doing politics. We have built Greater Manchester into the fastest-growing city-region in the UK and put buses back under public control, introducing a £2 fare cap to help people with cost-of-living pressures.

However, there is only so much that can be done from Greater Manchester. Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again. This is why I now seek people’s support to return to Parliament: to bring the change we have brought to Greater Manchester to the whole of the UK and make politics work properly for people.

Millions are struggling and they need the Labour Government to succeed. It has already made changes to make life better for them in its first two years. After this week, we owe it to people to come back together as a Labour movement, giving the Prime Minister and the Government the space and stability they need as the by-election takes place.

I want to recognise the difficult decision taken by Josh Simons and the sacrifice he and his family are making. I have worked closely with him as Mayor on issues like flooding and illegal waste dumping and have seen first-hand how effective he has been. He has put the communities of Makerfield first, made a real difference for them and should take great pride in that.

Finally, I truly do not take a single vote for granted and will work hard to regain the trust of people in the Makerfield constituency, many of whom have long supported our party but lost faith in recent times. We will change Labour for the better and make it a party you can believe in again.

ENDS

[Josh Simons @joshsimonsmp]

For decades, Westminster has overseen the managed decline of towns like mine. We have talked big, then acted small, stuck in a politics of incrementalism that cannot meet the moment. We have lost the trust of those our party was built to serve.

It is my unwavering belief that nothing short of urgent, radical, courageous reform will make a difference. That must start with a change in leadership.

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, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for.

This has not been an easy decision. This is my family’s home, where only a few weeks ago, doctors and nurses at Wigan Infirmary saved our newborn son’s life.

But we all must make choices and in recent days I found myself with a difficult one: defend the status quo or step forward and act. I have made my choice.

I am in politics because politics is how you change lives for the better. My party has one last chance to do that: deliver for the people and places I represent, drive economic growth, secure our borders, reform our state and politics, and change a status quo that is not working.

That is the fight. I believe Andy is the one to lead it.

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

2/2 I am excited that Tony Cunningham is taking on a new role. I know that his ambitions for the club are unmatched and have every confidence that he can take the club forward.

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

1/2 All change at the HWRS. A massive thank you to Harry Williams for all his service over the last 60 years.

There is nobody in football quite like Harry. I hope he enjoys watching the matches from the suites next season.

[Ramsbottom United @RamsbottomUtd]

𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗

After 60 years in charge, Ramsbottom United Chairman Harry Williams has decided the time is right to stand back.

Having been instrumental in setting up the club back in 1966, and after what is probably a record-breaking spell as a football club chairman, Harry suggested that the time is right for a new committee to be formed to take the club forward.

Former secretary Tony Cunningham explained, “Harry told me he was thinking of stepping back, and after 60 years at the helm, he has certainly earned a break”.

“He then suggested we run the club with a new committee, and offered me the position of Vice-Chairman, with the aim of creating that committee. This has now been done, and we are all excited at the prospect of being able to guide the club over the coming years.

“As for Harry, he will hopefully still attend matches, but now with the ability to enjoy the games without all the other duties which have restricted his viewing time for so long.

“He has deserved to be able to sit in the sponsors lounge, enjoying a couple of ciggies and a couple of beers!”

The new committee’s first move was to appoint popular coach Rob Henry as the new club manager following the retirement of former boss Steve Wilkes.

Exciting times await for the Rams who have missed out on promotion over the last two seasons, bowing out on both occasions at the play-off stage.

Hopes are high among the committee and supporters that Rob and the players will complete the job during the upcoming season.

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

@robhenry1987 @RamsbottomUtd 2/2 Having amassed 195 points over the past two seasons and reached two play-off semi-finals, the Rams have come so close to promotion. Let’s hope that Rob gets us over the line this coming season.

[Aaron Benson @aaron_b100]

1/2 I am delighted to learn that @robhenry1987 is taking over the reins at @RamsbottomUtd. This appointment will hopefully mean that the squad that has come so close to promotion will remain at the club.

[Ramsbottom United @RamsbottomUtd]

𝗥𝗢𝗕 𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗬 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗥

Ramsbottom United are delighted to be able to announce that Rob Henry will take over as our new manager following Steve Wilkes’ retirement at the end of last season.

Rob, 38, holds a UEFA A license and joined the club last summer having previously worked as assistant manager at Lancaster City, FC United of Manchester and Bootle.

That was all after a 450+ game playing career in non-league for the likes of Lancaster City, Chorley, Bamber Bridge and Kendal Town, as well as a handful of appearances in Rammy blue back in 2018.

With the club just missing out in the play-offs again last season, keeping some continuity after Steve stepping down was imperative as we look to hopefully go one better next season and a return to the NPL.

“I’m delighted to be appointed as the new manager of Ramsbottom United F.C. following what has been a whirlwind few days,” said Rob.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead and to build on the momentum and foundations built last season. There is a real togetherness around the club, which has been evident over the past few days, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the players, staff, supporters and volunteers to continue driving standards forward and helping the team keep progressing.

“My aim is to create an environment where everyone is aligned and working collaboratively towards the same goal – bringing continued success and pride to the football club.”

We’re delighted to have you leading the Rams, Rob, and wish you every success in the seasons ahead.

[The Open @TheOpen]

Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club.

The stage is set for 2028.

[York City F(C) @YorkCityFC]

BNDJNCKLCAMKKMLnkcCNdc
#
WEVESCORESD

[Rochdale AFC (P) @officiallydale]

THIS PLACE HAS JUST ERUPTED!! as;dnwljfnewjjfkkjw

#rafc 1-0 #york

[Manchester City @ManCity]

Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.

ℹ️ https://t.co/WEbbmCmebZ

[Simon Bajkowski @spbajko]

Manchester City freeze season ticket and matchday prices for the 2026/27 season.

The club have also changed the unpopular ticket transfer system and will have a new category for some midweek games (£25 adult tickets)

Well done to all involved 👏 #mcfc

https://t.co/7toykqCzN3

[UK Prime Minister @10DowningStreet]

Britain is rejoining Erasmus+.

From 2027, thousands of students, apprentices and young people will be able to study and work across Europe, gaining international experience and new skills.

Run by the @BritishCouncil, the programme will unlock a range of opportunities for people from different backgrounds across the UK.

[Joey D'Urso @josephmdurso]

If you want an injection of optimism on this often-miserable island where everyone seems glued to their phones, look up non-league football attendances in April and May. It's just an incredible success story. Vastly better than a decade or two ago. 🚀📈👍