It turns out that the Swiss bar hadn't been inspected since 2019! That is atrocious, and you can only think that someone somewhere has been given a backhander to turn a blind eye, because that foam soundproofing on wood would never have passed.
That '3 times in 10 years' nonsense was a smokescreen.
If those poor families aren't devasted enough already.
Magica said
Jan 6 4:36 PM, 2026
Red Okktober wrote:
It turns out that the Swiss bar hadn't been inspected since 2019! That is atrocious, and you can only think that someone somewhere has been given a backhander to turn a blind eye, because that foam soundproofing on wood would never have passed.
That '3 times in 10 years' nonsense was a smokescreen.
If those poor families aren't devasted enough already.
I hope the owner is imprisoned for this.
Syl said
Jan 24 5:43 PM, 2026
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
It turns out that the Swiss bar hadn't been inspected since 2019! That is atrocious, and you can only think that someone somewhere has been given a backhander to turn a blind eye, because that foam soundproofing on wood would never have passed.
That '3 times in 10 years' nonsense was a smokescreen.
If those poor families aren't devasted enough already.
The only other entrance to that basement was locked.
Magica said
Jan 24 10:19 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
Syl said
Jan 24 11:41 PM, 2026
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
He isn't another Starmer at all.
Burnham has a backbone, he tells the truth, and he doesn't try to ingratiate himself whilst stabbing people in the back.
Magica said
Jan 24 11:45 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
He isn't another Starmer at all.
Burnham has a backbone, he tells the truth, and he doesn't try to ingratiate himself whilst stabbing people in the back.
Ok miss
Syl said
Jan 24 11:54 PM, 2026
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
He isn't another Starmer at all.
Burnham has a backbone, he tells the truth, and he doesn't try to ingratiate himself whilst stabbing people in the back.
Ok miss
Mrs.
Magica said
Jan 24 11:56 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Magica wrote:
Syl wrote:
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
He isn't another Starmer at all.
Burnham has a backbone, he tells the truth, and he doesn't try to ingratiate himself whilst stabbing people in the back.
Ok miss
Mrs.
oh I luv ya xx
Syl said
Jan 25 12:04 AM, 2026
Red Okktober said
Jan 25 12:48 AM, 2026
I'm not a fan of Burnham - the self proclaimed 'king of the north', but absolutely anyone is an upgrade on Starmer, so he'll do for now. Labour are toast anyway, and there is no way they will survive the next GE. Fingers crossed it's called earlier than 2029.
The local elections in May will be a bloodbath for Labour, so hopefully that will trigger an early GE.
I'm not sure why Burnham is so keen to take over a sinking ship tbh - maybe he feels this will be his only window of opportunity to lead the party. Even if he manages to succeed, it's going to be very short-lived. He needs to be sectioned if he thinks he has any chance of steering Labour to vicory at the next GE.
Syl said
Jan 25 1:23 AM, 2026
I think he is taking a huge gamble. He will have to give up his position as Mayor of Greater Manchester, a job he has loved and done brilliantly in.
Maybe he hates to see the way the country is being run and will try to get some sense back into the government.
He is very popular in the north, he gets things done, and he is a decent human being. He campaigned for justice for the Hillsborough victims and commissioned reviews on child sexual exploitation in regards to the Rochdale grooming gangs, he fights to get things done when others prefer to cover up.
Time will tell how it all pans out.
Syl said
Jan 25 12:11 PM, 2026
Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from standing.
I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
Anonymous said
Jan 25 1:00 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from standing. I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
Almost as if Starmer is worried about something. What an absolute wuss.
Red Okktober said
Jan 25 1:27 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from standing. I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
It's yet another dumb move by Starmer - this will be seen as him running scared of a leadership challenge which he would be pretty certain to lose.
They are dressing it up as it being 'too expensive to replace Burnham as Mayor of Manchester during a cost of living crisis'
It's funny how they wheel out the cost of living crisis when it suits them. No mention of it when they spend millions each day on asylum seekers.
Starmer's under threat, so suddenly the country can't afford to get a new mayor in LoL
Syl said
Jan 25 1:28 PM, 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Syl wrote:
Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from standing. I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
Almost as if Starmer is worried about something. What an absolute wuss.
Red Okktober said
Jan 25 2:47 PM, 2026
I'm now wondering if this was Burnham's plan all along? He was blocked by 8 votes to 1 - quite a landslide defeat. He might have known in advance that he had no chance.
In which case, he's beloved mayor's job was never at risk, and he has succeeded in making Starmer look an even bigger fool and a coward, possibly paving the way for someone else to make a leadership challenge. I don't think Starmer could get away with blocking the next person as well.
If it was his plan, then well played Burnham!
Syl said
Jan 25 2:59 PM, 2026
Red Okktober wrote:
I'm now wondering if this was Burnham's plan all along? He was blocked by 8 votes to 1 - quite a landslide defeat. He might have known in advance that he had no chance.
In which case, he's beloved mayor's job was never at risk, and he has succeeded in making Starmer look an even bigger fool and a coward, possibly paving the way for someone else to make a leadership challenge. I don't think Starmer could get away with blocking the next person as well.
If it was his plan, then well played Burnham!
I don't know whether Burnham is that devious tbh.
On local radio, on Thursday, he said, as he often does, that it's a great privilege to be GM mayor....it didn't sound like a possible farewell speech....but who knows.
LOL...I have just seen on the news, that the reason given he has been blocked for standing, is because he is such a fabulous asset as Mayor of Manchester, and if he stepped down in order to be an MP, it would upset and inconvenience the people of Manchester who would lose their Mayor.
-- Edited by Syl on Sunday 25th of January 2026 03:04:58 PM
Magica said
Jan 25 3:19 PM, 2026
Anonymous wrote:
Syl wrote:
Starmer and his allies have blocked Andy Burnham from standing. I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
Almost as if Starmer is worried about something. What an absolute wuss.
Knew he was planning something, bloody dictator!
Red Okktober said
Jan 25 3:28 PM, 2026
Syl wrote:
I don't know whether Burnham is that devious tbh.
On local radio, on Thursday, he said, as he often does, that it's a great privilege to be GM mayor....it didn't sound like a possible farewell speech....but who knows.
LOL...I have just seen on the news, that the reason given he has been blocked for standing, is because he is such a fabulous asset as Mayor of Manchester, and if he stepped down in order to be an MP, it would upset and inconvenience the people of Manchester who would lose their Mayor.
....don't forget the cost of living crisis!
Whether Burnham meant it or not - and I think he probably did - he seems to have played a blinder, and is being hailed as a martyr!
Some comments from Labour MPs:
"Starmer told blocking Burnham will simply hasten your demise"
"This stitch-up puts control before country."
Streeting allies believe this "will finish Keir off"
McDonnell called it a "disgusting decision" and "cowardice".
That '3 times in 10 years' nonsense was a smokescreen.
If those poor families aren't devasted enough already.
I hope the owner is imprisoned for this.
Andy Burnham has thrown his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for a return to Parliament and a potential leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer.
The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labour’s powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest.
His supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that “nasty factionalism” was more important than beating Nigel Farage’s Reform in the seat."
Andy Burnham latest: Burnham takes on Starmer as he confirms Westminster comeback bid to become MP | The Independent
The only other entrance to that basement was locked.
I know you luv him Syl, but hes another Starmer. The jury, (meaning me) is out on this.one.
He isn't another Starmer at all.
Burnham has a backbone, he tells the truth, and he doesn't try to ingratiate himself whilst stabbing people in the back.
Ok miss
Mrs.
The local elections in May will be a bloodbath for Labour, so hopefully that will trigger an early GE.
I'm not sure why Burnham is so keen to take over a sinking ship tbh - maybe he feels this will be his only window of opportunity to lead the party. Even if he manages to succeed, it's going to be very short-lived. He needs to be sectioned if he thinks he has any chance of steering Labour to vicory at the next GE.
Maybe he hates to see the way the country is being run and will try to get some sense back into the government.
He is very popular in the north, he gets things done, and he is a decent human being. He campaigned for justice for the Hillsborough victims and commissioned reviews on child sexual exploitation in regards to the Rochdale grooming gangs, he fights to get things done when others prefer to cover up.
Time will tell how it all pans out.
I doubt this will go down well with the MP's who support a change in leadership.
Almost as if Starmer is worried about something. What an absolute wuss.
It's yet another dumb move by Starmer - this will be seen as him running scared of a leadership challenge which he would be pretty certain to lose.
They are dressing it up as it being 'too expensive to replace Burnham as Mayor of Manchester during a cost of living crisis'
It's funny how they wheel out the cost of living crisis when it suits them. No mention of it when they spend millions each day on asylum seekers.
Starmer's under threat, so suddenly the country can't afford to get a new mayor in LoL
In which case, he's beloved mayor's job was never at risk, and he has succeeded in making Starmer look an even bigger fool and a coward, possibly paving the way for someone else to make a leadership challenge. I don't think Starmer could get away with blocking the next person as well.
If it was his plan, then well played Burnham!
I don't know whether Burnham is that devious tbh.
On local radio, on Thursday, he said, as he often does, that it's a great privilege to be GM mayor....it didn't sound like a possible farewell speech....but who knows.
LOL...I have just seen on the news, that the reason given he has been blocked for standing, is because he is such a fabulous asset as Mayor of Manchester, and if he stepped down in order to be an MP, it would upset and inconvenience the people of Manchester who would lose their Mayor.
-- Edited by Syl on Sunday 25th of January 2026 03:04:58 PM
Knew he was planning something, bloody dictator!
....don't forget the cost of living crisis!
Whether Burnham meant it or not - and I think he probably did - he seems to have played a blinder, and is being hailed as a martyr!
Some comments from Labour MPs:
"Starmer told blocking Burnham will simply hasten your demise"
"This stitch-up puts control before country."
Streeting allies believe this "will finish Keir off"
McDonnell called it a "disgusting decision" and "cowardice".
"running scared"
"a shitshow"