Kingmakerfield (A Song For Jason)

Cotton mills, collieries
Weaving sheds and potteries
Hinges, locks, files and nails
Labour leadership emails
From Makerfield
Made in Makerfield
Kingmakerfield

Now there’s too much derelict land
Spoil tips, we understand
Where the pits used to be
In the a la mode constituency
Of Makerfield
Makerfield
Kingmakerfield

Wes didn’t fire the starting gun
For the race to be number one
He’s waiting for the northwest son
From Makerfield
Kingmakerfield

The diocese of Liverpool
Granada TV’s gritty cool
Joe Gormley OBE
Who will be the next MP
Of Makerfield
Makerfield
Kingmakerfield

Wes didn’t fire the starting gun
For the race to be number one
He’s waiting for the northwest son
From Makerfield
Kingmakerfield

Jason and Joanna, and The Leadership Challenge

JASON is sat at the kitchen table, staring at his laptop. JOANNA is emptying the dishwasher, putting cutlery and crockery away in various drawers and cupboards. LBC plays in the background.

JASON: They say that there’s going to be a coup.

JOANNA: A coup? Right. Do you think that we should take some biscuits?

JASON: Yeah. They reckon that Streeting will resign today.

JOANNA: Oh (pauses) I’m sure that there will be tea, but Mum always likes a biscuit with her tea.

JASON: Lots of people are saying Burnham.

JOANNA: Those nine hours in A&E can’t have been easy for her, particularly not at her age. I hope that she was able to get a cup of tea, at least.

JASON: No (pauses) But he’s not even an MP. Someone would have to stand down.

JOANNA: I suppose I should check what time we can visit. Will you come?

(The news bulletin on the radio is discussing Angela Rayner’s tax affairs)

JASON: Yes, no (pauses) maybe. Apparently, Rayner’s cleared to stand.

JOANNA: I suppose I could get the bus. That might be better. Did you hear about Karen’s letter?

JASON: What letter? Rayner! Honestly.

JOANNA: She’s been told that her job is at risk. She might be made redundant.

JASON: No, she’s been cleared by the taxman (pauses) Oh, Karen. Right, yeah.

JOANNA: She really doesn’t know what to do with herself. She won’t be able to afford the rent on that place without a job.

JASON: Hmm. Miliband! Of course! That’s why he’s saying that he’s not interested.

JOANNA puts the last cup away and closes the dishwasher

JOANNA: Well, if I’m going to get the bus, I’d better get going.

JASON looks up at her, briefly, then returns his gaze to the laptop.

JASON: Okay.

JOANNA (to herself): Nothing’s going to change, is it?

JASON: Hmm? No. Probably not.

JOANNA leaves.