Scottish Labour leader and MSP, shaping the party's stance
Scottish Labour has selected a new leader after Anas Sarwar steps down to join the House of Lords and take a UK government role. Marra and Lennon lead the leadership race, with nominations opening soon and a conference date set for September.
Anas Sarwar has indicated a transition from Scottish Labour leader to a Westminster role, moving to the House of Lords as a business minister. The shift follows Labour's worst Holyrood showing and questions about leadership succession, with analysis noting cross-UK dynamics and implications for party strategy.
Keir Starmer is attending the European Political Community summit in Armenia and has signalled Britain’s interest in joining the EU’s €90 billion loan for Ukraine. The move follows Hungary’s veto lift and comes as Tory and Labour lines clash over Brexit terms and future economic ties. Downing Street says negotiations are ongoing, with Britain seeking deeper defence and economic links with Brussels.
The SNP has secured a fifth consecutive Holyrood term, while Labour ties for second with Reform UK. Greens win constituencies in Edinburgh Central and Glasgow, and Lib Dems win Orkney. The anti-independence vote is split, shaping a potentially new balance of power in Scotland as counting continues.
Labour figures have been facing internal pressure after local election losses, with leadership questions intensifying as Makerfield prepares for a by-election on June 18. Andy Burnham is contesting the seat, while Wes Streeting signals a shift in policy, including a wealth tax proposal.
Aberdeen South by-election has become a focal point for energy policy and regional economic concerns as Conservative, Reform, and SNP candidates campaign around oil jobs, decarbonisation, and Holyrood Westminster power dynamics. Voters weigh support for drilling against environmental and economic questions.
Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, arguing the government has fallen short in funding the Defence Investment Plan. Sir Keir Starmer says the plan will deliver a sustainable, increased defence budget, but warns of reallocations across government. The move follows days of resignations and mounting pressure over readiness and international threats.
Multiple Edinburgh schools face overcrowding as VAT on private school fees is cited as contributing to demand shifts. Parents report cramped spaces, with pupils eating in toilets and sharing facilities while councils contemplate urgent action and longer-term plans.
A major fire has broken out near Edinburgh’s Princes Street, affecting the old Debenhams building and surrounding blocks. Fire crews are damping hotspots, with road closures in place and tram and bus services disrupted. No injuries have been reported. Updates are ongoing.
A large railway embankment fire in Walthamstow has drawn more than 100 firefighters, prompting road closures, rail disruption, and evacuation of nearby residents. Authorities advise keeping windows and doors shut and avoid the area as the blaze continues to burn and investigators assess the cause.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour's new leader, pledging to unite the party and reverse four decades of neoliberal policies. He outlines five points, including devolution and a distinctively Labour approach, while delaying final cabinet selections until after the handover. The speech signals a shift but leaves policy details unclear as Reform gathers momentum.
New PM Andy Burnham has moved quickly to reassure voters with cost‑of‑living measures, a cabinet reshuffle, and promises to curb immigration, signaling a shift from Labour’s Starmer era. Early reactions praise the direction but warn of looming intra‑party battles.
Scottish Labour has confirmed Anas Sarwar has stood down as party leader and will join UK government, prompting acting leadership by Dame Jackie Baillie and potential leadership bids from Michael Marra and Monica Lennon as the party reassesses after a heavy Holyrood defeat.
The Prime Minister has met Scotland’s First Minister in Glasgow amid Commonwealth Games coverage, arguing for deeper devolution to spur growth while ruling out a new independence referendum. Both leaders commit to constructive engagement and addressing the cost of living.
The government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April next year, excluding the very largest venues. The move is funded by reviewing reliefs for businesses that do not contribute positively to local communities and by cracking down on online marketplaces that avoid VAT. The policy aims to support hospitality on high streets as part of a broader cost-of-living package.