David Herdson
@davidherdson.bsky.social
Part-time writer. Political activist. Fan of Bradford City and rail travel (amongst other things). Bibliophile. Dad. List not necessarily in order of importance.
It was a lot easier talking about Labour's NEC blocking Burnham yesterday, when it was a theoretical question, rather than now it's a real, live one.
I don't think they'll do it with the opprobrium it'd bring on Labour.
Besides, he's already crossed a Rubicon in Manchester declaring his interest.
I don't think they'll do it with the opprobrium it'd bring on Labour.
Besides, he's already crossed a Rubicon in Manchester declaring his interest.
January 24, 2026 at 5:44 PM
It was a lot easier talking about Labour's NEC blocking Burnham yesterday, when it was a theoretical question, rather than now it's a real, live one.
I don't think they'll do it with the opprobrium it'd bring on Labour.
Besides, he's already crossed a Rubicon in Manchester declaring his interest.
I don't think they'll do it with the opprobrium it'd bring on Labour.
Besides, he's already crossed a Rubicon in Manchester declaring his interest.
Well, he left that late.
Ball lobbed into Labour's NEC court.
Ball lobbed into Labour's NEC court.
BREAKING: Andy Burnham says he has sought permission to stand in the by election.
January 24, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Well, he left that late.
Ball lobbed into Labour's NEC court.
Ball lobbed into Labour's NEC court.
This is true (broadly - there are exceptions: Britain's courts aren't remotely politicised as American ones are).
On the other hand, I think civic culture would not be as tolerant of the kind of Trumpite takeover as America has been.
On the other hand, I think civic culture would not be as tolerant of the kind of Trumpite takeover as America has been.
Remember that the UK has far, far weaker protections against state power than did the US. And the latter folded up like a pack of cards. The US is a warning from the British future.
January 24, 2026 at 5:06 PM
This is true (broadly - there are exceptions: Britain's courts aren't remotely politicised as American ones are).
On the other hand, I think civic culture would not be as tolerant of the kind of Trumpite takeover as America has been.
On the other hand, I think civic culture would not be as tolerant of the kind of Trumpite takeover as America has been.
Reposted by David Herdson
Although the odds of some type of civil war are still low in the US, they are not I am afraid zero. For the UK and the EU to remain dependent on American arms and tech is grotesquely unwise.
January 24, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Although the odds of some type of civil war are still low in the US, they are not I am afraid zero. For the UK and the EU to remain dependent on American arms and tech is grotesquely unwise.
Has Burnham bottled it yet?
January 24, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Has Burnham bottled it yet?
I appreciate the school of 'Vance would be even worse than Trump because of his techbro allies' but I doubt it.
Power comes from authority, credibility and respect, as well as from office - and Vance doesn't have the ability to dominate as Trump does, nor to forge and wield a coalition.
Power comes from authority, credibility and respect, as well as from office - and Vance doesn't have the ability to dominate as Trump does, nor to forge and wield a coalition.
The funniest part is Vance never ad libs, he's painfully terrible and awkward at extemporaneous speaking. He sat and read this line and said yes that works, load it into the teleprompter (he's also bad at making it look natural and not obvious he's reading off one).
Vance on the economy:
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
"You don't turn the Titanic around overnight"
January 24, 2026 at 11:37 AM
I appreciate the school of 'Vance would be even worse than Trump because of his techbro allies' but I doubt it.
Power comes from authority, credibility and respect, as well as from office - and Vance doesn't have the ability to dominate as Trump does, nor to forge and wield a coalition.
Power comes from authority, credibility and respect, as well as from office - and Vance doesn't have the ability to dominate as Trump does, nor to forge and wield a coalition.
It is somewhat ironic that the mechanism by which peers can resign / retire from the House of Lords is a lot more modern and efficient than the process for MPs to leave the Commons.
Me: Absolutely ridiculous that this is how we handle MPs resigning in 2026
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Also me: Explaining these weird quirks of parliament keeps me in a job
Treasury announcement: "The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Andrew John Gwynne to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead."
January 24, 2026 at 11:17 AM
It is somewhat ironic that the mechanism by which peers can resign / retire from the House of Lords is a lot more modern and efficient than the process for MPs to leave the Commons.
The Palace should put out a press statement restating the King's support and appreciation for British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and other allied forces who served on the front line in Afghanistan.
With a bit of luck, it might prompt Trump into withdrawing the state visit invitation too.
With a bit of luck, it might prompt Trump into withdrawing the state visit invitation too.
Trump prompts outrage with claim Nato troops avoided frontline in Afghanistan
Trump prompts outrage with claim Nato troops avoided frontline in Afghanistan
UK MPs and veterans condemn US president’s comments and highlight his avoidance of military service in Vietnam
Donald Trump has provoked outrage among British MPs and veterans after claiming Nato troops stayed away from the frontline in Afghanistan.
The US president made his comments in an interview with Fox News in which he reiterated his suggestion that Nato would not support America if asked. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:02 AM
The Palace should put out a press statement restating the King's support and appreciation for British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and other allied forces who served on the front line in Afghanistan.
With a bit of luck, it might prompt Trump into withdrawing the state visit invitation too.
With a bit of luck, it might prompt Trump into withdrawing the state visit invitation too.
I dislike sporting boycotts for multiple reasons.
1. They're invariably ineffective but masquerade as 'doing something' when stronger action is required.
2. They punish the athletes rather than the host.
3. Going allows the media better access to report on the country. It's a platform.
1. They're invariably ineffective but masquerade as 'doing something' when stronger action is required.
2. They punish the athletes rather than the host.
3. Going allows the media better access to report on the country. It's a platform.
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
German soccer federation official wants World Cup boycott considered because of Trump
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it’s time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
bit.ly
January 24, 2026 at 9:51 AM
I dislike sporting boycotts for multiple reasons.
1. They're invariably ineffective but masquerade as 'doing something' when stronger action is required.
2. They punish the athletes rather than the host.
3. Going allows the media better access to report on the country. It's a platform.
1. They're invariably ineffective but masquerade as 'doing something' when stronger action is required.
2. They punish the athletes rather than the host.
3. Going allows the media better access to report on the country. It's a platform.
FPTP* doing its wonderful thing again, this time in California.
* Technically SNTV as it's two past the post here, with one vote per elector.
* Technically SNTV as it's two past the post here, with one vote per elector.
Case in point for why top two jungle primary is terrible. It can produce perverse results and CA should repeal it. Unfortunately that'd take a constitutional amendment. But... the legislature can right now avoid the worst-case scenario simply by restoring write-in votes as an option in the general.
January 24, 2026 at 9:43 AM
FPTP* doing its wonderful thing again, this time in California.
* Technically SNTV as it's two past the post here, with one vote per elector.
* Technically SNTV as it's two past the post here, with one vote per elector.
Given the media's attention to Biden's mental and physical state in 2024, their complete refusal to note Trump's clear issues on both scores - routinely confusing Greenland with Iceland in his Davos speech, or the swelling and bruising on his hands, for example - is either cowardice or complicity.
January 24, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Given the media's attention to Biden's mental and physical state in 2024, their complete refusal to note Trump's clear issues on both scores - routinely confusing Greenland with Iceland in his Davos speech, or the swelling and bruising on his hands, for example - is either cowardice or complicity.
It's not just weird but an abuse waiting to happen.
The method by which MPs 'resign' is based on the Good Chaps Principle, and assumes the government wouldn't abuse its power. We shouldn't assume that.
The method by which MPs 'resign' is based on the Good Chaps Principle, and assumes the government wouldn't abuse its power. We shouldn't assume that.
It remains weird that this is how a UK member of parliament resigns his or her seat:
January 23, 2026 at 4:57 PM
It's not just weird but an abuse waiting to happen.
The method by which MPs 'resign' is based on the Good Chaps Principle, and assumes the government wouldn't abuse its power. We shouldn't assume that.
The method by which MPs 'resign' is based on the Good Chaps Principle, and assumes the government wouldn't abuse its power. We shouldn't assume that.
Reposted by David Herdson
This point about time is really vital and unappreciated - its something I notice in comms (and history) continually
Previously you had at least 6 hours+ to get your refined - even more if you go back further.
Now it has to be instant and institutions simply don't move at that pace.
Previously you had at least 6 hours+ to get your refined - even more if you go back further.
Now it has to be instant and institutions simply don't move at that pace.
In the old system, institutions had temporal buffers, which meant they could verify before public judgment cohered. In the new system, those buffers have collapsed. Meaning now stabilises for the public in hours, long before institutional processes can finish.
January 23, 2026 at 10:05 AM
This point about time is really vital and unappreciated - its something I notice in comms (and history) continually
Previously you had at least 6 hours+ to get your refined - even more if you go back further.
Now it has to be instant and institutions simply don't move at that pace.
Previously you had at least 6 hours+ to get your refined - even more if you go back further.
Now it has to be instant and institutions simply don't move at that pace.
As if it wasn't obvious before, Trump will not allow anyone who speaks against him to be on his Board. Those signed up for it should ponder on that point.
Presumably his deal is that they get some of the kick-backs in return for their silence and support.
Presumably his deal is that they get some of the kick-backs in return for their silence and support.
The thinnest-skinned man in the world withdraws his offer for Canada to join his so-called Board of Peace.
Which shows exactly why the organisation is so pointless.
Which shows exactly why the organisation is so pointless.
Trump withdraws Canada's invite to join Board of Peace
Trump did not provide a reason for the decision, which comes after Canada's PM Mark Carney warned of a
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 2:01 PM
As if it wasn't obvious before, Trump will not allow anyone who speaks against him to be on his Board. Those signed up for it should ponder on that point.
Presumably his deal is that they get some of the kick-backs in return for their silence and support.
Presumably his deal is that they get some of the kick-backs in return for their silence and support.
There are 4 possibilities here for Labour.
1. Burnham declines to try. In which he's widely seen as chickening out and ends his national career.
2. He stands and wins. Perma-crisis in Westminster.
3. He stands and loses. Embarrassment.
4. He is blocked. Massive row, further slump in support.
1. Burnham declines to try. In which he's widely seen as chickening out and ends his national career.
2. He stands and wins. Perma-crisis in Westminster.
3. He stands and loses. Embarrassment.
4. He is blocked. Massive row, further slump in support.
I feel like I am going mad here. If Andy Burnham did run he would be doing so to become and MP and topple the Labour leader. That's it. No political party would allow that. It would immediately trigger a huge civil war that would dominate absolutely everything. How can people not see this?
👀 Could Greater Manchester's Mayor be off to Westminster? 🐝
🔴 If so, what does the journey look like to get there? 🤔
✍️ @DanGreenJourno.bsky.social reports on the potential hurdles, should Andy Burnham wish to make his return to Parliament...
Read here👇
labourlist.org/2026/01/andy...
🔴 If so, what does the journey look like to get there? 🤔
✍️ @DanGreenJourno.bsky.social reports on the potential hurdles, should Andy Burnham wish to make his return to Parliament...
Read here👇
labourlist.org/2026/01/andy...
January 23, 2026 at 11:50 AM
There are 4 possibilities here for Labour.
1. Burnham declines to try. In which he's widely seen as chickening out and ends his national career.
2. He stands and wins. Perma-crisis in Westminster.
3. He stands and loses. Embarrassment.
4. He is blocked. Massive row, further slump in support.
1. Burnham declines to try. In which he's widely seen as chickening out and ends his national career.
2. He stands and wins. Perma-crisis in Westminster.
3. He stands and loses. Embarrassment.
4. He is blocked. Massive row, further slump in support.
Trump's rants here are typical of his attitude to everything: that his fantasy visions really should be the truth.
When the US next has a financial crisis - which might be quite soon - he will do everything to cover it up and pretend it's not happening.
It'll crash and burn. We should be ready.
When the US next has a financial crisis - which might be quite soon - he will do everything to cover it up and pretend it's not happening.
It'll crash and burn. We should be ready.
January 23, 2026 at 11:28 AM
Trump's rants here are typical of his attitude to everything: that his fantasy visions really should be the truth.
When the US next has a financial crisis - which might be quite soon - he will do everything to cover it up and pretend it's not happening.
It'll crash and burn. We should be ready.
When the US next has a financial crisis - which might be quite soon - he will do everything to cover it up and pretend it's not happening.
It'll crash and burn. We should be ready.
This is wholly unacceptable and an embarrassment to the UK government and military.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Dozens of sanctioned Russian tankers navigate Channel despite UK vow of 'assertive' action
Some 42 sanctioned tankers has passed through the Channel since 11 January, a BBC Verify analysis finds.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 23, 2026 at 9:46 AM
This is wholly unacceptable and an embarrassment to the UK government and military.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Americans tend to forget that there were considerably more than 13 British colonies in North America in 1776. The Canadian provinces* did not join in the rebellion, did not want to become 'American' and wished to remain loyal to the crown. A state of affairs confirmed in 1812.
* Also Florida.
* Also Florida.
Canadian PM Mark Carney: “Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in rich cultural exchange.
“But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
“But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
January 23, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Americans tend to forget that there were considerably more than 13 British colonies in North America in 1776. The Canadian provinces* did not join in the rebellion, did not want to become 'American' and wished to remain loyal to the crown. A state of affairs confirmed in 1812.
* Also Florida.
* Also Florida.
It's very rare these days for a major political figure to attempt to return to Westminster at a by-election - even more so for a member of the governing party to try.
I'm not sure who the last such Labour example would be? Patrick Gordon Walker?
I'm not sure who the last such Labour example would be? Patrick Gordon Walker?
🔺 BREAKING: Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
www.thetimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:42 AM
It's very rare these days for a major political figure to attempt to return to Westminster at a by-election - even more so for a member of the governing party to try.
I'm not sure who the last such Labour example would be? Patrick Gordon Walker?
I'm not sure who the last such Labour example would be? Patrick Gordon Walker?
I can well believe this. Labour apparachiks tend to exist in an even bigger bubble than their opposite numbers in other parties (maybe something to do with Labour's institutionalised factions and Byzantine structures).
If Burnham does want the nomination, and is blocked, the public won't like it.
If Burnham does want the nomination, and is blocked, the public won't like it.
Have asked a number of NEC members to tell me the chances Andy Burnham has of being selected to fight a by-election.
Every single one says zero.
Every single one says zero.
January 22, 2026 at 4:31 PM
I can well believe this. Labour apparachiks tend to exist in an even bigger bubble than their opposite numbers in other parties (maybe something to do with Labour's institutionalised factions and Byzantine structures).
If Burnham does want the nomination, and is blocked, the public won't like it.
If Burnham does want the nomination, and is blocked, the public won't like it.
Labour won Gorton & Denton by over 35% in 2024, and have held the seat (or its predecessor) since 1935.
Reform finished second in 2024 but with only 14%, marginally ahead of the Greens, with Galloway's lot also in double-figures.
Decent chance of a Lab hold on a low share and split opposition.
Reform finished second in 2024 but with only 14%, marginally ahead of the Greens, with Galloway's lot also in double-figures.
Decent chance of a Lab hold on a low share and split opposition.
Burnham has to apply for this. He can't back out because 'Greater Manchester is my priority' after all the national comment he's been given: that would widely (and rightly) be seen as cowardly; sniping while afraid to strike.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
🔺 BREAKING: Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
January 22, 2026 at 1:47 PM
Labour won Gorton & Denton by over 35% in 2024, and have held the seat (or its predecessor) since 1935.
Reform finished second in 2024 but with only 14%, marginally ahead of the Greens, with Galloway's lot also in double-figures.
Decent chance of a Lab hold on a low share and split opposition.
Reform finished second in 2024 but with only 14%, marginally ahead of the Greens, with Galloway's lot also in double-figures.
Decent chance of a Lab hold on a low share and split opposition.
Burnham has to apply for this. He can't back out because 'Greater Manchester is my priority' after all the national comment he's been given: that would widely (and rightly) be seen as cowardly; sniping while afraid to strike.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
🔺 BREAKING: Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
The MP for Gorton & Denton in the North West was sacked as health minister over a WhatsApp group called Trigger Me Timbers
Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
Andrew Gwynne set to stand down as MP, clearing way for Andy Burnham
www.thetimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Burnham has to apply for this. He can't back out because 'Greater Manchester is my priority' after all the national comment he's been given: that would widely (and rightly) be seen as cowardly; sniping while afraid to strike.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
Whether he's allowed to stand, and whether he'd win are another matter.
Reposted by David Herdson
posted without comment, but the BBC needs to get a grip
January 22, 2026 at 12:37 PM
posted without comment, but the BBC needs to get a grip
As @nickdearden.bsky.social says here, Britain is again going through a Guilty Men (and Women) period, deludedly appeasing dictators (or would-be ones), out of the hope their word means anything.
The media could help by giving more air-time to Lib Dems and others who oppose the approach.
The media could help by giving more air-time to Lib Dems and others who oppose the approach.
The government is living in an alternate reality. During WW2, Michael Foot and others wrote Guilty Men about the disastrous failure of the British elite’s appeasement policy: their inability to grasp the world they were living in. He’d have a field day with this lot.
January 22, 2026 at 10:05 AM
As @nickdearden.bsky.social says here, Britain is again going through a Guilty Men (and Women) period, deludedly appeasing dictators (or would-be ones), out of the hope their word means anything.
The media could help by giving more air-time to Lib Dems and others who oppose the approach.
The media could help by giving more air-time to Lib Dems and others who oppose the approach.
Ladies and gentlemen: the Leader of the Free World.
“The system’s power comes not from its truth but from everyone’s willingness to perform as if it were true.”
Mark Carney explains how totalitarianism works.
The lesson couldn’t be more clear: do not obey in advance. That is how freedom erodes and dignity disappears.
Mark Carney explains how totalitarianism works.
The lesson couldn’t be more clear: do not obey in advance. That is how freedom erodes and dignity disappears.
January 22, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Ladies and gentlemen: the Leader of the Free World.