Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 7hI think this is a good statement by @pscupdates.bsky.social: palestinecampaign.org/solidarity-w... 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Three Years of Genocide: Tomorrow, Saturday 3rd October in Newcastle. Meet opposite the Haymarket Metro from 12 noon, then march to Baltic Square. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 01/10/2026mrbensellers.substack.com/p/hope-again...mrbensellers.substack.comHope again?Why socialists can’t afford to abandon their critical faculties. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 28/09/2026If you’re part of a community group, involved in any community activism in County Durham or the North East - or if you’re just interested in what’s happening out there, please have a look at the Redhills Assembly programme below. 1/3 100
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 17/09/2026I must admit, back in May 2025, I didn’t expect Reform’s collapse to come so quickly in Durham. It’s easy to forget that, at the local elections 18 months ago, they had a comfortable majority of 32: mrbensellers.substack.com/p/reforms-co...mrbensellers.substack.comReform’s collapse in DurhamI must admit, back in May 2025, I didn’t expect Reform’s collapse to come so quickly in Durham. 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Great speech by @lyndarooke.bsky.social of @equityuk.bsky.social at #TUC2026 in support of motion C02, making the v important point that many other workers in the creative industries & gig economy are excluded from basic rights, while the Single Status of Workers has been kicked into the long grass. 110
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 10/08/202625 years ago today, me & Charlotte got hitched. That’s a long time to be with someone, and I think it’s fundamentally about friendship - and being kind to each other, when sometimes the world isn’t. Happy anniversary Charlie. 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Just returning to these Andy Burnham Ministerial appointments briefly, because there’s a lot of talk about it, and it’s important we get it right. substack.com/@mrbenseller...substack.comBen Sellers (@mrbensellers)Just returning to these Andy Burnham Ministerial appointments briefly, because there’s a lot of talk about it, and it’s important we get it right. So, a week ago, we had a raft of Cabinet appointmen... 011
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 26/07/2026Incredible display at St James’ Park today. We know how to honour our heroes & Kevin Keegan was the best of them. #RIPKevinKeegan 030
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 20/07/2026#RIP King Kev. Everyone will have stories. Here are a couple of my own. open.substack.com/pub/mrbensel... 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Devastated at this news. It would have been so like Kevin Keegan to somehow escape this one, but cancer, man. My one genuine hero as a kid. RIP King Kev. 080
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 18/07/202616 years after being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I’ve been told that there is a good chance I’m in remission. I’ve gradually come off the drugs & cautiously optimistic. This wasn’t what I was expecting: open.substack.com/pub/mrbensel...open.substack.comRemissionAbout 16 years ago, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 021
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Shouldn’t we be talking about a New Lucas Plan? I would say so. Luckily, some of those involved in the original plan & a new generation of activists have already done a lot of the work. Here: lucasplan.co.uk 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 16/07/2026As a Unite member (and a voter in this general secretary election), I would like to see a proper response to the detailed arguments being made here. www.counterfire.org/article/a-un...counterfire.orgA union election, the movements and the military-industrial complexThe Unite the Union leadership election ought to be a moment to take stock of its supposedly radical and militant leadership, argues Kevin Crane ‘BACK TO THE WORKPLACE’ proclaims the promotional ma... 111
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 15/07/2026How are Palestinians & Palestinian advocates dehumanised? The terrorism narrative is so incredibly dishonest, but deeply ingrained. Some thoughts about the way we challenge it - on my Substack: open.substack.com/pub/mrbensel...open.substack.comDehumanising PalestineOne of the big issues with perceptions of Palestine is the way it has been identified with terrorism. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 12/07/2026Mike Danson on the limits of Andy Burnham’s ‘Manchesterism’ - definitely worth a read: bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/07/08/o...bellacaledonia.org.ukOn No 10 North and the Limits of ManchesterismThere have been no fundamental changes in the powers of neighbourhoods, communities or boroughs within the city-region: Manchesterism isn’t based on principles of community empowerment, subsidiarit… 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 11/07/2026A wonderful day at the Durham Miners' Gala. I made a decision a little while ago that I was going to try to experience the Big Meeting as a punter, rather than an organiser - shedding some of the self-inflicted pressure & just enjoy it. It makes you realise, again, why people love it so much. 040
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 11/07/2026Never, ever tire of this view. Another brilliant Durham Miners’ Gala today. #BigMeeting #DurhamMinersGala 070
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Really looking forward to the Durham Miners’ Gala on Saturday. It’s a special day, not just for us in Durham and the North East, but the whole movement, from all four nations & beyond. (1/4) 110
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Friday night at the Big Meeting - The Institute of Employment Rights / Campaign for Trade Union Freedom ‘Eve of Gala’ rally - at Elvet Methodist Church, starting at 6. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 03/07/2026🧵 A few weeks ago, the organisation I work for - The Democracy Collaborative - published a ‘UK Index of Systemic Trends’. Since then, British politics has been consumed with the drama of the Labour leadership, and Andy Burnham’s coronation as the new PM. 1/7 101
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Never mind all this politics, what about the Mandarin Ducks, I hear you say. Well, I happened to be passing the Boathouse today & spotted them, diving around all over the place, annoying the Mallards. Female & six ducklings (one less than before, but looking much bigger & very healthy). Love it. 041
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 23/06/2026The establishment media & the Parliamentary Labour Party keep telling us what a ‘decent’ guy he is. So, here’s a long list of Keir Starmer’s crimes & misdemeanours, lest we forget. Published on @leftlanepolitics.bsky.social: theleftlane.media/the-starmer-...theleftlane.mediaThe Starmer years: A charge sheet, not a eulogy - The Left LaneFrom purging the left to arming a genocide, Keir Starmer's resignation shouldn’t come with a free pass on the damage he did to Labour and the country, says Ben Sellers. 141
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Having a quiet celebratory pint. Not because I think Starmer’s resignation fundamentally changes anything, but just to acknowledge that this has been a long time coming. He has not just been toxic for the Labour Party, which I left in August 2022, but for the country as a whole. 040
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 22/06/2026🧵 I never thought that it was possible that we’d have a more self-serving & damaging leader of the Labour Party than Tony Blair (and going back in history, to Ramsay MacDonald). But Starmer was that. It already feels good to be talking about him in the past tense. (1/5) 132
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 21/06/2026People have short memories, so let’s just remember when we’re treated to the sanctimonious nonsense that will follow Keir Starmer’s resignation tomorrow. My latest on Substack 👉 open.substack.com/pub/mrbensel...open.substack.comNo soft soaping Starmer.People have short memories, so let’s just remember when we’re treated to the sanctimonious nonsense that will follow his resignation tomorrow - as Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, Keir Starmer... 051
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 19/06/2026Joe Guinan puts it very simply - and he’s absolutely right. 040
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 19/06/2026🧵 Pretty convincing win for @andyburnham.bsky.social in Makerfield. I’m sure he’ll go on to despatch Keir Starmer - who has categorically been the worst Labour leader we’ve ever seen & is a despicable human being on top of it. 1/6 161
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 18/06/202615 years ago today, I opened the Peoples Bookshop in Durham. I had just been made redundant by the TUC & decided to do something that I’d always wanted to do. Read on Substack: substack.com/@mrbenseller... 031
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 16/06/2026Today marks 50 years since the #SowetoUprising. I’m for reconciliation, but let's never forget, actual, real history. Because it does matter. It always matters. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 16/06/2026The system is failing consistently, predictably, and by design. This is the speech made by the Democracy Collaborative’s Neil McInroy at last weeks launch of our new publication, ‘The UK Index of Systemic Trends’. Read / watch it here: www.democracycollaborative.org/blogs/uk-ind...democracycollaborative.orgThe system is failing consistently, predictably, and by design — The Democracy CollaborativeTDC Global Lead for CWB, Neil McInroy, was one of the speakers at the launch event for the UK Index of Systemic Trends at Northumbria University, Newcastle. This post is an adapted version of his spee... 100
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 12/06/2026On Sunday, I’m hosting a workshop at the People’s Bookshop in Durham, using Saul Alinsky’s ‘Rules for Radicals’ as a jumping off point for a discussion about how we organise at a moment where the far right are fanning the flames of racism & Reform are winning in former industrial heartlands. 👇 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Really is incredible to think that we’ve just sat through the most terrifying bloodbath, a genocide in Gaza, with a daily illustration (via live-streamed footage) of what the latest generation of weaponry & military technology can & will do to entirely innocent human bodies… 1/3 120
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 09/06/2026🧵 This is ridiculous. AI tutors for 450,000 pupils on free school meals to ”close the attainment gap”. So far from a ‘solution’ to the crisis in our school system, it’s beyond belief. (1/6) 110
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 05/06/2026🧵 Last minute reminder that this is happening today at Northumbria University, Newcastle - starting at 2pm. The Democracy Collaborative are an organisation that have focused on Community Wealth Building & economic democracy throughout … (1/3) 100
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 03/06/2026🧵 The reason why Tommy Ten Names legged it down to Southampton wasn’t simply to cause a riot, it was part of a targeted political campaign on so-called ‘two tier policing’: the ludicrous idea that ethnic minorities are treated better by the police than white people. (1/5) 143
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 31/05/2026New Index shows the British economy plummeting & lacking resilience to future shocks. This is going to be a vital publication for community & political activists, trade unionists & campaigners. Read The Democracy Collaborative’s ‘UK Index of Systemic Trends’ here 👉 ukindex.democracycollaborative.orgukindex.democracycollaborative.orgUK Index of Systemic TrendsThe Index of Systemic Trends quantifies, tracks, and visualizes key crises to show the need to move towards a new system to produce better outcomes. 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 30/05/2026Ok, question for you all. Who do you think were having the better time today? Those at #DurhamPride, or those sitting at home, tapping away on their phones, moaning their silly little arses off about it? 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 30/05/2026Hope there is a real, big turnout for #DurhamPride today, to stick it to our ridiculous & vicious Reform UK council, who thrive on division & hatred. ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ - Martin Luther King, Jr. 020
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 30/05/2026I agree with Laura on this. Naive & enraging. But equally important, I don’t think there is anything like enough discussion about the structural dimensions of prostitution, or understanding of feminist critiques of the various justifications for prostitution. 110
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Haha. Someone in this house wants to go to #DurhamPride. 💃🕺🏽 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Haha. Someone in this house wants to go to #DurhamPride. 💃🕺🏽 000
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 27/05/2026I've just signed my name calling for the government to investigate Brits who have returned from serving in the IDF - you should too! @DeclassifiedUK.org secure.declassifieduk.org/page/189081/...secure.declassifieduk.orgNobody wants to live next to a war criminalI've just signed my name calling for the government to investigate Brits who have returned from serving in the IDF - you should too! 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 14/05/2026Don’t want to be too cynical, but isn’t there just a small possibility that Josh Simons, neck-deep in the Labour Together scandal, was going to have to resign anyway & just saw an opportunity to rehabilitate himself by “putting the people I represent & the country I love first”? 020
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 11/05/2026It sounds obvious, but if the Labour left doesn’t want go down with the sinking ship, it’s going to have to do much more work to distinguish itself from this leadership & the party in Parliament. This isn’t a time for clever games. 231
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 09/05/2026Be wary of the idea that Reform will somehow ‘self-subvert’. The roots of this go much deeper than that & require deeper, more active engagement. open.substack.com/pub/mrbensel...open.substack.comDon’t mourn, organise again.I understand that people are looking for chinks of light in the darkness, but please be wary of the idea that Reform will simply fall on their own sword. 010
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 08/05/2026We have to reverse the inevitable, dreary trajectory leading to Reform. 001
Ben Sellers @mrbensellers.bsky.social · 07/05/2026No elections in Durham today. We’ve already got our Reform council - though the only way you’d know these days is because of the endless stream of resignations. They are absolutely clueless. Some of the contests I’ll be keeping an eye on though: substack.com/@mrbenseller...substack.comBen Sellers (@mrbensellers)No local elections in Durham today. We’ve already got our Reform County Council - though the only way you’d know these days is because of the endless stream of resignations. They are absolutely cluele... 010
