Dear Millers – it's been a weekend of high drama in Manchester, with Andy Burnham making a break for Westminster and then being ruthlessly blocked from standing by Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour machine.
Several Mill staff members disappointed family members over the weekend by forgoing them in favour of taking calls from gossipy Labour powerbrokers and exchanging WhatsApp messages with fearful local councillors, all in service of bringing you the latest insights. Jack Dulhanty even spent this morning staking Burnham out at an event at the Whitworth like a frenzied member of the paparazzi… you’ll hear more about that further down.
So what’s next for Burnham? Who is going to stand for Labour in what will be one of the most high-profile and cacophonous byelections in recent memory? And who is expected to win? We've got all of that below.
Before that, in case you missed it, our weekend read about HOME, which shone a light on the recent huge exodus of staff there, has been pulling in the punters. Over 40 people signed up to read it over the weekend, and if you’re a punter who hasn’t yet pulled in, take this as your cue. It promises revelations about the continued fallout of a cancelled-then-uncancelled Gaza event at the organisation two years ago, and the untimely death of not one but two hives of bees.
What else last week? We were excited to introduce you to a new writer, Cameron Baillie, who reached out to us with a searching question a few months back: why is everyone’s nan Irish? What he produced was a fantastic piece which doubles as an investigation into that question and an ode to the mammies of Manchester. Then on Friday we went a little off-piste, alighting upon a topic few of you were likely expecting to see in these pages: Andy Burnham and his attempt to stand in the Gorton and Denton seat. So thank you for indulging us there.
This story is free to read. You just need to sign up to join The Mill's mailing list. And why wouldn't you? You'll get our journalism in your inbox the second we publish, keeping up to date on this and all our stories. No card details required.
Ai Weiwei, Sinéad O’Connor and the ENO: Factory International announces its stellar new season
Factory International have just announced their new season, bringing some of the world's most exciting premieres to Manchester this spring. Highlights include the Pulitzer Prize winning opera 'Angel's Bone' in collaboration with the ENO, ‘The Surge’, a new dance work honouring the life and music of Sinéad O’Connor, a new monumental exhibition from Ai Weiwei, and Lily Allen performing 'West End Girl' in a unique and intimate live gig. On top of that, there's Factory International's amazing family programme, with 'Return to the Forest' - an immersive puppet show - and lots of art and craft workshops. It'll be an unmissable season, with tickets starting from just £10. Click below to find out more.
This story is free to read - you just need to join our mailing list. And why wouldn't you? By becoming a Mill subscriber, you'll get our scoops, features, and insights into Manchester, in your inbox, the second we hit publish. No card details required.
Already have an account? Sign In
