So Andy Burnham has been given the greenlight to stand in the by election in Makerfield Wigan Gtr Manchester. Reform have said they will throw everything even the kitchen sink to defear Burnham. If your a betting man Reform won in this area with over 75% as opposed to labour who only got 30 odd % Iin the local Elections. So as Reform said Bring it on and we will defeat Burnham.

Reform presently has probably sufficient support in that constituency to win on their proclaimed policies alone.

Burnham is being slotted in as candidate not to represent the constituency but to get him into Parliament, so he can stand for the Labour leadership.

That act of phenomenal arrogance on the part of Labours political establishment will further turn voters away from them.

I really do wonder at Labours grasp on reality - do they have a collective death wish?

The horror of witnessing Farages inevitable triumphalism will only be alleviated by watching the chaos within Labour! It is a bit nihilistic I suppose, but at least it will allow Kemi Badenoch the opportunity to do some good piss taking from the opposition front bench - cue the trademark ghastly rictus on Starmer's face!

Rupert Lowe is intent on spoiling Farage’s hopes by splitting the grievance vote.

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Rupert Lowe is intent on spoiling Farage’s hopes by splitting the grievance vote.

Farage doesn't want rid of immigrants, and all the Con and Lab MPs we hated are welcome to his party.

Until Lowe showed up, then Farage realised everyone would vote for the guy that wanted rid and had to pretend to change.

There will be no splitting of the vote, Lowe will get them all.

Unless a new guy pops up suggesting death camps (which is what the white population really want).

If Burnham should win the seat, I'm not sure he'll win a Leadership contest, if there is one. We need stability so I hope mistake ridden Starmer survives, next preferable is Burnham then Streeting. Rayner or Milliband would be a disaster.

IMO Reform will prove a 'puff of wind' before the General Election is due in 2 years time, atm being a manifestation of anti-incumbency, the prevalent force in UK. politics.

I read that the Local Election results translated to an Election would not result in an overall majority for Reform, who are IMO, an incompetent bunch. That's not to defend the Starmer Govt which has made dreadful mistakes.

Just save us from Badenoch, PLEASE !

Larry the Cat has a proven record.

Added to that, his recent side-work reporting for CNN (Cat News Network) has been exceptional.

On 5/22/2026 at 7:59 AM, JimHuaHin said:

Larry the Cat has a proven record.

Added to that, his recent side-work reporting for CNN (Cat News Network) has been exceptional.

At last a sensible comment I can get on board with.

Another Win for Reform, Graft your arse off all week then do a bit of overtime for a few luxuries and your Taxed on it, under Reform you will not pay income tax on overtime work.

On 5/22/2026 at 6:57 AM, TorquayFan said:

If Burnham should win the seat, I'm not sure he'll win a Leadership contest, if there is one. We need stability so I hope mistake ridden Starmer survives, next preferable is Burnham then Streeting. Rayner or Milliband would be a disaster.

IMO Reform will prove a 'puff of wind' before the General Election is due in 2 years time, atm being a manifestation of anti-incumbency, the prevalent force in UK. politics.

I read that the Local Election results translated to an Election would not result in an overall majority for Reform, who are IMO, an incompetent bunch. That's not to defend the Starmer Govt which has made dreadful mistakes.

Just save us from Badenoch, PLEASE !

Reform have been an absolute shambles at local council level - God forbid they should ever get anywhere near real power. Kirklees Reform councillors voting against something they had proposed.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYnOnwvDZCp/

The Reform leader of Doncaster not having a clue about anything in the budget that they had literally just passed.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVWyS3njFWG/

And let's not forget all the people who've already resigned because it is either too hard, or they have been exposed as nasty racists. Like Stuart Prior who has gone after he celebrated the rape of a Sikh woman with the tweet, "Good, reap it." And the other racist who has gone because he said they should melt down the local Nigerians and use them to fill potholes.

And this genius who was inspired to get involved because the swarms of immigrants coming in at the airport:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xXY9xr56ja0

Reform are not the answer. To anything.

Edit: Sorry they are the answer for two things - deregulating and lowering CGT on cryptocurrency if you are a crypto billionaire and can afford to throw a few million quid in to the leader's pocket. And it is the answer for how to get a free £1.4m house with £3.6m extra pocket money if you are Nigel Farage and you are happy to sell yourself out......pretend it didn't happen, and then lie about it when you get caught.

Yeah, they're the answer for two things.

Edited May 26May 26 by josephbloggs

You just can't resist slagging off Farage can you joe bloggs ? is he in your head and thats why you constantly slag him off? never mind putting extram money in workers pockets. All you see is an excuse to berate him why dont you give it a rest with your hatred of him. Your sounding like yagoda he praises Trump you on the other hand only have venom for Reform.

Edited May 26May 26 by BarraMarra

19 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

You just can't resist slagging off Farage can you joe bloggs ? is he in your head and thats why you constantly slag him off? never mind putting extram money in workers pockets. All you see is an excuse to berate him why dont you give it a rest with your hatred of him. Your sounding like yagoda he praises Trump you on the other hand only have venom for Reform.

It's a discussion of Reform, is it not?

I replied to another poster, not you, you don't control who I can and can't reply to. Sorry. He's not in my head until I read threads praising him then he does enter my head because I just read about it. How many threads have I started about Reform or Farage? None.

I gave my opinion of why Reform are not the answer, I gave evidence of the utter chaos and unprofessional shambles they have brought upon local councils. It is very relevant to a discussion of Reform at national level.

I know people want change. You say I am full of hatred, I say you are full of blind loyalty. Farage is a charlatan and he is being found out. They are not fit to govern, and that is evidenced already.

Thank you for reading.

If they are a shambolic party as you say how did they smash all the major party's up and down the country and why do they constantly top opinion polls if there a shambles, I think your just paranoid about them, your the same on Tommy Robinson, and if i rememember you laughed off GB News saying there a joke.

15 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

If they are a shambolic party as you say how did they smash all the major party's up and down the country and why do they constantly top opinion polls if there a shambles, I think your just paranoid about them, your the same on Tommy Robinson, and if i rememember you laughed off GB News saying there a joke.

I said they have been shambolic since getting voted in to local councils, almost without fail. Did you check any of the links I posted? There are many more. Absolutely embarrassing shambles.

They have no interest in governing on day to day matters. This is clear, and it was why so many of them have already resigned. They know if they shout at boats a certain demographic will vote for them. And that is pretty much all they've got. Apart from enriching themselves and their mates, celebrating rapes, and melting down Nigerians.

Answer the question, why did they defeat the other major partys. and why do they constantly top the poll's. If you fail to answer the basic questions i suggest you stop patronising again and stop the deflecting.

7 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

Answer the question, why did they defeat the other major partys. and why do they constantly top the poll's. If you fail to answer the basic questions i suggest you stop patronising again and stop the deflecting.

Can you hit the "quote" button then we don't miss replies and we know who you're talking to.

I did explain why they did well and why a certain demographic votes for them, I also explained why this isn't enough for them to govern on a national level - it's not even enough on a local level as we have seen, although I doubt you have checked any of my links.

Thats just your opinion most of the UK don't have your opinion and shown it with there feet at a polling booth next ?

Edited May 26May 26 by BarraMarra

Burnam's odds on to win and the bookies get it right more often than not. Personally I don't live there so don't have a vote in it.

Slowly but surely we are being faded out with another newly appointed Englands second City's Muslim Mayor.

20 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

Slowly but surely we are being faded out with another newly appointed Englands second City's Muslim Mayor.

Storm in a teacup.

1. It was 30 seconds.
2. It was also done in English.
3. It was part of an oath taking ceremony.

Only Reform got upset by it.

However if your point is that religion should have no place in official government ceremonies or workplaces - this was your point? - then I would actually agree with you. Religion can be divisive and should not form part of any official policy and has no part in government business.

I assume you are also up in arms about Reform wanting to recite The Lord's Prayer at council meetings? Yes?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2p4g86x0vo

All this faux religious nonsense by the right is sickening. How many times have any of them been to church do you reckon?

Edited May 27May 27 by josephbloggs

The usual clap trap from you. I suppose you would see no probelm watching them blocking the street praying disrupting traffic. Can't you see past your nose whats happening in the uk, specially in the Northern parts where most on the Mayors are Muslim slowly eredicating the UK's values and Traditions or are blinded.

Edited May 27May 27 by BarraMarra

When we lived in Wigan, Bolton Road, Ashton in Makerfield had the dubious record of having the most dug-up piece of road in the country.

1 hour ago, BarraMarra said:

The usual clap trap from you. I suppose you would see no probelm watching them blocking the street praying disrupting traffic. Can't you see past your nose whats happening in the uk, specially in the Northern parts where most on the Mayors are Muslim slowly eredicating the UK's values and Traditions or are blinded.

"They" were swearing in their newly elected mayor, who is a Muslim. As part of the oath taking he had a short 30 second verse read which was immediately then read in English. It spoke of how we should cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness, and do not co-operate in sin and transgression. If you look around there are many letters of support from other councillors. I say it again, only Reform got upset and they are now looking quite foolish - it has backfired.

How nasty, wishing peace and co-operation. Then they immediately ran outside and blocked traffic. Oh wait, no they didn't, it was just a reflective, open, and inclusive thing which is personal to him. And perfectly harmless. He is not insisting government business be conducted in Arabic, or that children be forced to recite the Quran.

I ask you again, do you support Reform's plan to recite The Lord's Prayer at council meetings? It would be nice if you could answer a question for once instead of getting all het up and going on the attack.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2p4g86x0vo

I ask you to stop posting nonsense and trying to wind up members. I live in England I am English in my opinion no one should be speaking Arabic or reciting a muslim prayer whilst being sworn in to an English council if he wants to speak in Arabic go to a mosque. Let me remind you about obstructing the public. No doubt you have a reply to this joebloggs.

13 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

I ask you to stop posting nonsense and trying to wind up members. I live in England I am English in my opinion no one should be speaking Arabic or reciting a muslim prayer whilst being sworn in to an English council if he wants to speak in Arabic go to a mosque. Let me remind you about obstructing the public. No doubt you have a reply to this joebloggs.

England is a country, it has many religious faiths within it. You dislike his 30 seconds of Arabic verse which was immediately translated into English and the rest of the day was conducted in English. That 30s has triggered you, I get it, you don't like it. Fair enough.

For the third time of asking:

Do you support Reform's plan to recite The Lord's Prayer at council meetings? It would be nice if you could answer a question for once instead of getting all het up and going on the attack.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2p4g86x0vo

Why should we have to recite the lords prayer were English. We should not bow down to other faiths. If you come to live here or your born here in England you should respect the laws and customs of England. Would you expect to recite the lords prayer in a Thai Temple ?

3 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

Why should we have to recite the lords prayer were English. We should not bow down to other faiths. If you come to live here or your born here in England you should respect the laws and customs of England. Would you expect to recite the lords prayer in a Thai Temple ?

So you support the idea of saying the Lord's Prayer before council meetings? I didn't really understand your answer. Do you or don't you?

Like it or not (and you clearly don't), the UK is a multicultural society and that is part of what makes it so great. It was a 30s verse which was immediately then recited in English. All it means is "And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." A good swearing in thing to say really.

"Respect the laws and customs of England"? Which law did that break exactly?

Would you expect to recite the lords prayer in a Thai Temple ?

You would be absolutely welcome to do that. Thai Buddhist temples welcome people of all faiths, and as long as you are respectful they are more than happy for you to pray in your own faith.

Bad example Bazzer.

Edited May 27May 27 by josephbloggs

Stop talking F Nonsense and stop trying to put words into my mouth about reciting the lords prayer. Where have i said we must say this at council meetings, you brought this argument up and your trying to worm your way out of the crap your posting. As far as im concerned and i suspect most members on here will agree with me our British values are being undermined by Islam and our Christian values. In one if there born here or move here you cant force your religion and beliefs on us exept our way of life or dont come go to a muslim country. No thoughts on the disruption caused by these praying in the streets Video i posted Joebloggs ?

12 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

Stop talking F Nonsense and stop trying to put words into my mouth about reciting the lords prayer. Where have i said we must say this at council meetings, you brought this argument up and your trying to worm your way out of the crap your posting. As far as im concerned and i suspect most members on here will agree with me our British values are being undermined by Islam and our Christian values. In one if there born here or move here you cant force your religion and beliefs on us exept our way of life or dont come go to a muslim country. No thoughts on the disruption caused by these praying in the streets Video i posted Joebloggs ?

Ok, I give up. I have not put words in your mouth, I have asked you a simple question. Do you support reciting the Lord's Prayer at council meetings or not? I'm just keen to get your perspective on that.

I didn't say you said they must say it, I just asked what you thought about that plan. Four times.

And I fail to see how a 30 second verse (about peace) - that was immediately then spoken in English in a day that was otherwise conducted entirely in English - is "forcing their religion and beliefs" on us. Reform and right wingers have posted a 30 second clip and blown it out of all proportion in order to sow more division. And look - it's working!

As I have said, personally I think it was a correct message (if you bother to read what it was about), but I disagree with prayers being said in any government setting. And that certainly includes forcing the recital of the Lord's Prayer. What do you think?

My thoughts on this matter are my buisness and mine alone. Iv'e made it clear where i stand on morals and upholding british values exept it or go elsewhere. Islamist will never take us over. Which will happen if we do not stop it now.

On 5/26/2026 at 6:07 AM, BarraMarra said:

Another Win for Reform, Graft your arse off all week then do a bit of overtime for a few luxuries and your Taxed on it, under Reform you will not pay income tax on overtime work.

The policy has all the classic problems of a badly designed tax relief. It draws an artificial line between ordinary hours and overtime. It rewards employees but penalises the self-employed. It treats someone contracted to work 50 hours worse than someone contracted for 40 hours plus ten hours’ overtime. It creates a £75,000 cliff edge where a £1 pay rise could cost almost £6,000.

22 hours ago, BarraMarra said:

The usual clap trap from you. I suppose you would see no probelm watching them blocking the street praying disrupting traffic. Can't you see past your nose whats happening in the uk, specially in the Northern parts where most on the Mayors are Muslim slowly eredicating the UK's values and Traditions or are blinded.

There are 9 mayors in UK that identify as Muslim. That's out of a total of nearly 300. Only 4 are in the north of England.

34 minutes ago, BarraMarra said:

My thoughts on this matter are my buisness and mine alone. Iv'e made it clear where i stand on morals and upholding british values exept it or go elsewhere. Islamist will never take us over. Which will happen if we do not stop it now.

Last two sentences are confusing. Make up your mind.

Edited May 28May 28 by youreavinalaff