Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has pushed back against criticism of her joint video with The Only Way Is Essex star Gemma Collins in the DfE building. The first was released yesterday…
In one of the videos released by the government Collins said:
“You better make sure, honeys, that whatever you’re going to be learning, you concentrate because you’re going to be taking it into your future career. And one day, kids, this could be you. I hope this will help people to be ambitious. I didn’t even get a grade in maths because I found it so panicky and so stressful. Part of that was not believing in myself. All that pi in the sky or whatever it is…”
Some people pointed out that Collins may not have been the best choice for advertising the government’s new push on vocational education. The latest announcement on that came overnight: “Regional funding pots announced to train next generation of construction workers “…
Phillipson complained to Radio 5 Live today: “There’s a big dose of snobbery here… You know ‘what does she have to offer?’, ‘what does she have to contribute?’… She can reach some of the audiences we want to reach to make sure they know what the government is trying to do...” Phillipson attacked “killjoys”…
The videos have achieved a massive reach. Guido hears there is a bit of consternation among some in DfE, with Director of Communications Robin Punt, installed this January, said to have made the call to bring in Collins. For no cost – until she is appointed a “tsar” of something…
Not sure what she expected…
Hat-tip: The Sun…
Discussion around Burnham’s team is ramping up since Guido revealed a possible No10 staffing structure in an Andy premiership. It’s not just going to be him you know…
Some Labour sources speculate that Sue Gray, the erstwhile No10 Chief of Staff, could take up a role in a Burnham government. Gray and the Manchester mayor worked closely together and Burnham was full of praise for her long after she left government:
Burnham recently went campaigning with Gray’s son, the Labour MP Liam Conlon, in London. Conlon, while serving as a PPS, said he supported Burnham’s return to Westminster. He was seen canvassing with Burnham and Lucy Powell on 17th May, three days ago. Curious…
The Manchester mayor has kept up his strong focus on maximum devolution during this by-election so far. Sue, now Baroness Gray of Tottenham, could enjoy an advising or even ministerial role in a new administration looking to drive this and other more radical changes through. After all there is revenge to extract. Make sure you pay her enough, though…
Flanked by a few allies, and speaking to a depleted chamber, Wes Streeting declared he resigned because “we are in the fight of our lives against nationalism“. And the crowd goes mild…
Scottish tycoon Duncan Bannatyne has withdrawn his support for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election and endorsed Restore Britain. Burnham’s previous calls to allow trans men into women’s spaces really, really didn’t sit well…
Bannatyne tweeted this morning:
“Last week I decided to throw my support behind @AndyBurnhamGM for leadership of the Labour Party and on to PM. But I cannot do that now that I find out he says Transwomen. IE men. Should be allowed to use the ladies toilets. I can never support anyone that does this.
Biological Women must have single sex spaces.”
Rupert Lowe immediately jumped in…
Lowe: “A local businesswoman, Rebecca, is our candidate . We’d love to have your support Duncan. She is very passionate about small business and rejuvenating our high streets. Just what Makerfield needs.”
Bannatyne: “She has my support for the bye election [sic] now.”
“With regret, I’m out…”
Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP backing Andy Burnham, told Times Radio there wouldn’t be trouble from the markets under Burnham:
“The markets will have to fall in line.”