Content from Last 48hrs

I'm flexible on the timing. I would want it to be short enough that MPs see the immediate risk to their seat, but long enough to effect a smooth transition of power. My problem is that at the moment it is too easy to chop and change leaders. Every MP jostles for power/position by switching allegiance from one leader to another. If all those marginal seat MPs had the choice of: change leader and risk getting binned off for Reform, or stick with the leader and let him see his manifesto (which everyone signed up to) through to the end. I think we'd see a lot more leaders see out their terms and more stable government generally. Obviously there would be times (Truss budget for example) where you have to make a snap decision that things have really gone off the rails, but Truss is really an example of what happens when you can sub in leaders with no risk to those making the decision.

I'd be in favour of them having to call a GE inside six months. As much as 'we don't vote for a PM', most people couldn't pick their local MP out of a lineup of two and the vast majority are voting to put their guy into number 10. Six months. I said that when the Tories were playing musical chairs and I hold to it now. I'm already seeing reports in the press about how things are improving. Gradually yes, but improving none the less. Starmer (for all his faults) has laid the groundwork for future success and I hope Burnham can continue that trend. It just seems a little silly that we waiting 15 year to get back into power, and then within 23 months we decided to ditch the guy who got us there because the media decided they needed to brew up this entire scenario.