He has done it! The toolmakers son has resigned!

Primrose53

Wyllow3

ixion

A toolmaker's son

So what?
Totally unnecessary and disparaging.

Not just that, but what the O/P does not seem to recognise, it is disparaging to a whole class or group of people who make up our society. Such snobbery*.

Oh come on! How many times did KS trot out the line about his father being a toolmaker. He said it at every occasion until it became a standing joke.

Which is precisely why that thread title is treating him as a joke and ignoring his good qualities.

Wyllow3

Sundowngirl

Of course posters have over time called politicians a whole number of things. I have myself as a lefty and there has been much from the righties or in the middlers or not sure at all.

*However, that is very different from a goady nasty thread title, which is the point so many are trying to make*

👏👏👏👏

Sunshinegirls

I'm glad he's going and hope he takes Reeves and Hermer with him and most of the front bench the most despised PM in history.

You forgot the “imo”, which you’re entitled to have, however it’s not a fact, it’s your opinion. I can think of many more PM’s far worse than Starmer.

Sundowngirl

Of course posters have over time called politicians a whole number of things. I have myself as a lefty and there has been much from the righties or in the middlers or not sure at all.

However, that is very different from a goady nasty thread title, which is the point so many are trying to make

I have been emailed by Keir Starmer as a Labour Party member and I am copying it here to you. some of it you can whizz past, but do read the last bit please about this through decent man

and it gives you a timetable of the process which might be helpful Highlighted.

"Walking up Downing Street two years ago was the proudest moment of my life. A new Labour Government. The first in 14 years. A page in our country’s history turned after years of disappointment and despair. The chance to change the lives of millions of people for the better. That’s what I came into politics for.

The journey to that point was not easy. Six years ago, I inherited a Labour Party that was politically, financially, and morally bankrupt. I was told time and time again that my party was finished, that we were consigned to history, that a majority at the general election - let alone a landslide majority - was impossible.

But we proved those people wrong because we changed our party, ripping out the poison of antisemitism, restoring trust on the economy, defence, and national security, and becoming a party that once again stood proudly with, not against, our national flag.

The hard work of change was with a singular purpose: not power for power’s sake, but to change Britain for the better. To build a fairer country, with dignity and respect, where everyone is seen and everyone is valued. Wealth and opportunity for all, not just the privileged few.

And look at what we’ve achieved in just two years: an economy that is stronger, growing faster than our peers; wages rising faster than inflation in every single month since we came to power; investment secured; infrastructure being built; an end to austerity; with the fastest fall in NHS waiting lists for 17 years; the biggest improvement in rights for workers and renters in a generation; the biggest uplift in defence spending since the Cold War; small boat crossings falling; asylum hotels closing; protecting young people from social media; and half a million children being lifted out of poverty because of the choices that I made.

Our reputation in the world restored, with Britain once again standing up for decency, respect, and the rule of law. Securing trade deals, standing with Ukraine, standing up for our values, and rebuilding our relationship with our allies in Europe.

Change promised by a Labour Government. Change fought for by a Labour Government. Change delivered by a Labour Government.

But I know the question being asked now is not who was best placed to change the Labour Party to take us into power and to begin the vital work of improving lives for millions of people. Those questions have been answered.

The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question, and I accept that answer with good grace.

Every decision I’ve taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision.

I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable, with nominations opening on 9 July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September

I will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power. I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago, better prepared for the challenges ahead, and better able to ensure the Labour Party secures a second term in office

I want to thank all of those friends and colleagues who have been at my side for these past six years for their incredible commitment, service, and support. I want to thank the brilliant Number 10 staff, and our country’s extraordinary Civil Service, who dedicate their lives to public service.

And when I leave the biggest job in the country, I shall spend more time on the most important job: being the best husband I can to my fantastic wife, Vic, who has been a rock by my side through good times and bad, and being the best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and my joy

Thank you very much.

Keir

Keir Starmer

I am not a labour supporter and no fan of Starmer but I would much rather he had stayed as PM. I do not trust Andy Burnham over the way he has handled himself.

However considering calling Keir Starmer a tool maker's son as disparaging is a bit of a stretch, when posters are happy to be disparaging to Boris Johnson and Nigel Farrage. Just a couple within this threat:-

Johnson - "that ragged mop head Johnson"

Farrage - "he's a complete and utter grifter"

Cossy - "It’s the element of sheer spite towards another human being which I so vehemently object to, however, as time goes by it’s just what I’ve come to expect in our world of dog eat dog, “goadyness” and utter rudeness.

It won’t stop me, and others, calling it out"

One of the above quotes was from your own post - so do you only "call out" goadyness and utter rudeness to those politicians that you support??

I feel extremely sad. Sir Keir Starmer is a decent man. He kept us out of an illegal war and has handled many difficult situations with grace and diplomacy. He and Lady Starmer have not been treated with the respect they deserve by the media and the LP. I fear for the country at this time when we need a steady pair of hands, not a self publicist who is prepared to cause chaos.

Thank you Promrose53, I will. Sir Kier Starmer's Cabinet and a Labour MPs turned against him when they could see how unpopular he was with both the media and many of the general public. (Even his fellow Arsenal supporters gave him a hard time). Many in Labour were concerned for their own jobs due to their leader’s unpopularity.

Cossy I don't think AB can hold his ego in check.

Sunshinegirls

I'm glad he's going and hope he takes Reeves and Hermer with him and most of the front bench the most despised PM in history.

...the most despised PM in history.

In your opinion - and, obviously, by you.

Others might argue that he has competition for that title.

Will Burnham (assuming he becomes PM) be any better than Starmer?'

Just how much freedom does any Prime Minister actually have?'

Leaders change, but the economic interests, power structures, and pressures they face remain largely the same.

I think people often overestimate the power of individual politicians. Whether it's Starmer, Burnham, or anyone else, they all operate within the same economic and political system.

Yes shocking title SpinDriftCoastal mocking an honourable trade,

I'm glad he's going and hope he takes Reeves and Hermer with him and most of the front bench the most despised PM in history.

Nannee49

Imo the role of PM is a complete poisoned chalice but I guess spectacular downfalls are only to be anticipated & accepted when you start to climb the greasy pole of politics towards the top post, especially in today's world of trial by media and childish, instant gratification.

Even so, it's still startling to me to see his obvious distress coldly dismissed as "blubbing" - cruelly disparaging & callous as if he wasn't a human being with emotions on such a difficult personal day, as if losing your job is just nothing and something to be sneered at.

Well said and I utterly agree!

I didn’t feel any joy, at other PM’s resignations, whichever party it was and if the sneering and sheer spite shown here by a few posters truly reflect our electorate as a whole, then gawd help us all!

Sadly the second AB slips up, it’ll be the same for him.

Yet still Farage sits backs and counts his undeclared £5m and continues to create diversion, though I have to say, of late he has been conspicuous in his absence! Might need a thread all of its own!

He has done it! The toolmakers son has resigned!
Rather a disparaging slug line. This is reducing a political figure to the job of his father, which, I hasten to add, was/is a very honourable trade. Those people were the back bone of this country. They would weep to see the mess that is being made of it and then feasted upon! Shocking title!!

I feel sorry for Keir Stammer, I feel he is carrying the can for Rachel Reeves. She is tax mad and made so many mistakes that that worsen the cost of living and damaged the economy and he ended up paying for her mistakes with his premiership. He should have sack her long time ago.

I quite like Keir Starmer, imo, he is a decent fella, very pragmatic and not driven by socialist ideologies.

The question now who will replace Rachel Reeves?

The things other countries do to generate growth and create jobs is mind blowing. Recently Malaysia has decided to make a huge part of her southern state into an economic zone.

Together with Singapore, they are hoping to attract high value manufacturing companies to that area and replicate the success of Shenzhen, the southern state of China next to Hongkong.

Greyduster

It was toolmakers (especially in my home city) who put our country on the map, as far back as the early Middle Ages.

I’m not a labour supporter - never have been - but I feel sorry for Kier Starmer. I don’t like the way this leadership change has been orchestrated. It feels grubby. If Burnham does take the poisoned chalice, I shall be watching what his future cabinet’s stance on defence will be, given the parlous state of things at the moment.

👏👏👏👏

Sorry PM not OM!

Maremia

Going off piste for just a sec, if that's okay. Ignore, if not, but
what sort of people were 'outraged' by Starmer taking the knee for 'Black lives Matter'?

I wasn’t!

What’s more, he wasn’t even OM at the time so to try and somehow “link” this event somehow with today’s event is so disingenuous.

* Sir Keir Starmer most recently took the knee on June 9, 2020, in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and in memory of George Floyd.The Prime Minister (and then-Leader of the Opposition) was photographed alongside his deputy, Angela Rayner, kneeling in a parliamentary office to mark the day of Mr. Floyd's funeral.*

DaisyAnneReturns

Cabowich

nanna8

But he was a toolmaker’s son, wasn’t he ? Why so disparaging about toolmakers ? I don’t see that as an insult but tradies are very much respected in my country.

Quite, nanna8, and Starmer himself mentioned his father's trade ad infinitum, so I can't see what all the fuss is about the OP's heading.

Just out of interest I analysed the tone of the headline. It might help some to understand why others have commented.

Triumphant — "He has done it!" is an exclamation of victory or success.
Mocking or derisive — referring to someone as "the toolmaker's son" rather than by name can sound dismissive, especially if their background is being invoked as a rhetorical device rather than as relevant information.
Class-conscious — the phrase draws attention to the person's social origins. Depending on the speaker and audience, it could be intended either as a sneer at a working-class background or as a sarcastic reference to how that background was used in political branding.
Celebratory of a resignation — the headline is not neutrally reporting an event; it is expressing pleasure that it happened.

Hope this helps.

AI analysed it, you mean?

Andy Burnham is a kind of folk hero, a northern lad which is what the Labour voters want. Sir Keir was a bit to dry for them, more live David Cameron and I fear that Labour's first steps two years ago were to punish the great and the good othe this country, the pensioners, the farmers, the back bone of what we once knew. The slippery slope to nowhere. And Rachel Reeves was completely the wrong choice for Chancellor. You need someone strong with a voice. Even poor of Angela Rayner got her come uppance in the end. Will Burnham do any better? I doubt it. We are in a post modernist bind and things are only going to get worse unless we all pull together - which we won't.

Imo the role of PM is a complete poisoned chalice but I guess spectacular downfalls are only to be anticipated & accepted when you start to climb the greasy pole of politics towards the top post, especially in today's world of trial by media and childish, instant gratification.

Even so, it's still startling to me to see his obvious distress coldly dismissed as "blubbing" - cruelly disparaging & callous as if he wasn't a human being with emotions on such a difficult personal day, as if losing your job is just nothing and something to be sneered at.

Burnhams not going to be any better the scum rw press will chuck dirt at anything he does and there isn't any money in the coffers to do anything. The economy is down the toilet in large part due to Brexit.

Well why did everyone dislike him so strongly then ? Don’t tell me it was all the media’s fault because most people don’t even read it these days. I think a parallel universe maybe? nanna8

What makes you think they did?

Cabowich

nanna8

But he was a toolmaker’s son, wasn’t he ? Why so disparaging about toolmakers ? I don’t see that as an insult but tradies are very much respected in my country.

Quite, nanna8, and Starmer himself mentioned his father's trade ad infinitum, so I can't see what all the fuss is about the OP's heading.

Exactly this, it was tongue in cheek as he mentioned it sooooooo many times!