Darren Jones rules out Labour leadership challenge

annekin1.bsky.social12

I agree. I understand the desire not to draw things out bc government is essentially at a standstill until a new PM is announced. But not challenging Burnham to give a clear argument regarding his policies & how he will enact them, means the electorate are left not knowing what he really stands for.

Rob Jacobs10

I've got an awful feeling that large swathes of people who are presently overjoyed with Burnham's arrival are, in 6 to 12 months, going to be shouting, 'hang on, we didn't know he would do this.' This may not be a popular idea just now but give it a year or so.

thepolyorchid7

There‘s little (no?) point in a contest where the outcome was known 3 months before the contest was called. And the media will bitch whatever Labour does - let them. Labour should just get on with the job of running the country while the windbags windbag.

Todd Kendall6

I'm a Burnham sceptic but having the contest for the sake of having a contest and having party members choose is an exercise in extreme vanity. In the British settlement, the PM is the person who commands the confidence of the MPs, not the bloody members.

Suzy Brewster5

Labour will regret having turned on Starmer.

Get Me Zarniwoop5

As a now ex-member of the Labour party, I am very angry I have not been given the opportunity to have a say in who leads the party. If there was to have been an election, I might have reinstated my direct debit, but not now.

Rachel57425

This is a no win game...neither way good & the RW & media will be picking holes whichever way seeking an election. Whichever way more important Burnham creates an integrated politically, economically, socially progressive democratic vision for the Country looking to reform not Reform within the EU.

Kaye Wadland4

Sadly it seems he's been promised a job and he probably knows he wouldn't have the numbers. Jones would have been my choice

Makalicha 🇬🇧 🇳🇬4

Put Darren Jones in charge of Comms. The man kissed the blarney stone.

Breffni, girly swot 🕷️🍃🇺🇦3

After what the media has done to SKS , no-one in their right mind would want that job.

Stephen Cox2

A significant issue is if there is no challenge on the central point - does chasing the most conservative quarter of the electorate and alienating the most progressive half work as an electoral strategy, or does it simply validate and empower the right. Any fule kno the answer.

Dom2

Carns needs to stand. I don't think anyone else would be able to get the support.

Pat Daly2

But would a faux competition be even worse? Jones as chancellor to Burnham PM might provide Blair-Brown balance as opposed to the No.10 / 11 hegemony experienced over the past two years.

This is where Starmer gallops back to London, to save us......?

Dan Bucknall5

Seems like Starmer's prefernce is for a direct handover. There are good arguments in favour of this and in favour of a contest. Considering the desperate state of the country, plus that Burnham would prob. win anyway, I'm tilting towards this. But, it's uncomfortable to think he won't be tested.

Debbie Kennedy4

Didn't get enough support? Private Eye below. Does the Labour Party and media realise they are satirising themselves?

Sue2

The way he spoke with Beth Rigby was as impressive as ever. She wasn’t even a bitch as he gave her absolutely nothing to bitch about. He comes across as thoughtful and honest.

Noel2

Labour and the country needs talent like Darren Jones in the cabinet. Although, I could improve his comms.

Robin Bird5

At least this one isn't pulling the same face. If he does he'll blend in immediately. Currently he's only distinguishable as the one with teeth

it's she coolcab3

the most honest answer is for class reasons you can't so much as get elected as dog catcher for the tories without going to private school, so if you're an ambitious middle managing briefcase wanker you joined Labour. this look is Cheeky Nandos Chic

Leftback2

I still think he's a twat, but he's a twat with a measure of self reflection so I have to nod in approval in his general direction.

David Pax2

How many PMs does it take for the UK to realize that Brexit is the real problem?

Margaret4

This interview also confirms to me he should be the next leader leader after Burnham, in about 2 years time when we’re ready to go to the country and the Parliamentary Party has found its collective mind again.

George Hotchkiss2

That’s a fair summery. There’s talk of a coronation. Unless Labour take time to analyse what went wrong they’ll just do it again.

mhari-mac.bsky.social2

For us scots nothing will change no matter who’s is in charge in England or what party it is. The only way things will get better in Scotland is when we have full control of everything

Malcolm Hitchens2

Be interesting if a left winger steps forward and messes up the coronation.

M☿th7

it's sort of funny to compare this to 2007 where there was *a lot* of discourse around Brown and his platform, and the decision to not challenge was in itself an indication of support for that platform - while here it's all a bit cultish?

Into Battle with the Noise of Shart5

Yeah, it would fundamentally just be a complete waste of time against either or both of them, like it would achieve nothing bar delaying the inevitable

Claire S (UK not USA)8

Such a shame and as soon as that's officially announced I'm off, hell mend them all.

Stewart Macdonald6

Absolutely raging Burnham is gonna walk in,no ask of the members,no ask of the public and no ask of fucking anybody except his ego That ain’t democracy and I don’t care if it’s in the ‘rules’ My vote meant nothing I know we vote for a party but you want the leader to be someone you want. Fck labour

Annie5

I’m not happy with the situation but the last thing the country needs is in fighting, the only thing to come out of it is would be a Farage government.

I do think it is too soon for Darren Jones just yet. Hopefully he’ll be ready to step up and pick up the pieces after Burnham, if there is anything left.

Evelyn 🏳️‍⚧️2

I just don't see how Labour can ever achieve anything good again when every key figure in the party and its leadership are obsessed with nothing but retaining power and maintaining status quo.

Jane6

It's important to include this nasty hit job on one of his constituency's (many) Green councillors by Al Carns when considering him for next Labour leader. The Daily Mail has corrected + deleted their piece completely. Times also clarified theirs Al Carns still has his version up (debunk in 🧵)

Jane Harbison4

Good I hope he does Burnham needs a challenge

midlander4

Fair point - let’s see a range of candidates & get polling from the wider UK electorate & see Burnham & others under scrutiny. Can still be a new leader by conference. If Burnham wins - fine. What’s he afraid of? People seem to think a quick Westminster stitch up won’t be noticed by this country?

Bruce Gorrie3

Any idea if he's ex-Marines? He never mentions it

SusanDonovan52

No chance. A performative resignation to bring down a decent man does not make a patriot. Al has found himself on the same side as Reform, Farage, Musk, Yaxley Lennon and Putin this week. Fool