Brett-Butler

Apparently the last by-election winner not to turn up to the declaration was Bobby Sands, although in fairness he did have a good excuse.

The 1% candidate for what it’s worth is Gerry Smith (female), who is campaigning for better support for people who have left the care system. She’s given an address in Glasgow; quite a few of the candidates are not of the parish.

Box Office Mojo is projecting $355 million(!) this weekend for the USA alone, and over $900 million worldwide, so £50 million may actually be on the cards.

£50 million? Is every screen in the UK just playing Spider-Man or something? Those are US #1 numbers.

Suede. That’s it. That’s the post.

Burnham should roll the dice and take a chance on an early election whilst his halo is still shining. If he leaves it until 2029, then a poo-choo train of despair that’s on its way will hit Labour station and decimate their chances, and give the Conservatives and Kemi a real chance of winning. If he does it now, then he kneecaps Reform whilst they’re on the descent, whilst also nobbling the Tories before they can take over as the main party of the right. Kemi Badenoch is now the 2nd most popular active UK politician behind Burnham, and I can see her popularity continue to grow before 2029, but an early election would finish her off. The risk is that Labour lose seats, or even their majority, and some Labour MPs may refuse to vote for one out of that fear. But if one is called, the worst case scenario in all likelihood would be a Labour/Lib Dem coalition.

Goodness, next week is a graveyard for new releases. It wouldn't surprise me if none of them make the top 10, even with low box-office figures near the back end - Chicken Run's re-release could scrape it.

Just interested to see who Burnham is going to punish by making them Northern Irish Secretary.

John Healy chancellor. Didn’t see that one coming. I wonder what department will get a financial boost…

His favourite band is the Stereophonics.

SHAKIRA DRESSED UP AS BATTENBERG. I APPROVE.

THAT WAS THE MUPPETS YOU CULTURAL PHILISTINE.

Yeah, don’t think Ed Miliband will be in his cabinet - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c935yx2z9d4o

Good news for It. Returning to a house may be imminent.

They’re running out of options for 90s Disney animations to remake to be fair. I think all that’s left is Hunchback of Notre Dame and Pocahontas. The former is likely too dark for a kids remake, and the latter they wouldn’t touch with a barge pole for cultural reasons.