Andy Burnham is in the news for criticizing Labour’s recent losses and calling for stronger leadership in Greater Manchester. He’s been Mayor since 2017.
A by-election in Gorton and Denton on 26 February could signal shifts in Labour support amid internal party tensions and rising populist challenges. The race is complicated by the absence of popular candidate Andy Burnham and the presence of multiple parties including Reform UK and the Greens.
Keir Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in a Manchester byelection has intensified internal party tensions, risking electoral losses and damaging Labour's credibility. The move highlights factional struggles, leadership weakness, and concerns over party unity amid declining support and internal dissent.
The upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February is intensifying internal Labour party conflicts. Labour blocked Mayor Andy Burnham from standing, citing resource concerns, amid fears of losing the seat to Reform UK and the Greens. The decision has triggered criticism and increased speculation about leadership challenges within Labour.
Labour faces internal strife as Angela Rayner positions herself for a potential leadership bid amid setbacks for Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Starmer's foreign diplomacy efforts continue, with a focus on China, as internal party dynamics threaten to reshape the party's future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China aims to strengthen economic ties while addressing human rights concerns, notably the case of Jimmy Lai. Despite raising Lai's case with Chinese leaders, critics argue the UK failed to secure his release, highlighting tensions between diplomacy and human rights.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, was blocked from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election after Labour's NEC voted against his candidacy. Burnham criticized Westminster briefing culture and reaffirmed his support for Labour, amid internal party disputes and political tensions over the seat.
The EU is set to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization after weeks of hesitation, amid ongoing protests and crackdowns in Iran. The decision faces unanimous support challenges, with some countries warning of diplomatic repercussions. The move aims to increase pressure on Tehran but risks complicating EU-Iran relations.
Labour's safe seat in Gorton and Denton is under threat ahead of a February by-election, with Reform UK and Greens mounting strong campaigns. Labour's decision to block Andy Burnham's candidacy has sparked internal dissent and concerns about electoral prospects, amid wider political instability and voter disillusionment.
The Green party leader Zack Polanski has not stood in the Gorton and Denton byelection on February 26, citing he is waiting for the Holborn and St Pancras contest. Labour criticises his absence, claiming it shows a lack of confidence. The byelection is seen as a test of party support amid national political tensions.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have issued apologies after controversial comments on immigration, which drew criticism from politicians, campaign groups, and local residents. Both emphasized the importance of managed migration for economic growth, but their remarks sparked accusations of divisiveness and misinformation.
Keir Starmer's government is under intense pressure following a series of crises, including the departure of key aides, internal party dissent, and controversy over appointments linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer's resignation, but the Prime Minister survived a week of turmoil, with support from senior figures. Meanwhile, UK politics remains volatile as investigations and internal conflicts unfold.
On 12 February 2026, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked widespread condemnation after claiming the UK has been "colonised by immigrants," citing inaccurate population figures. Despite apologising for his language, he defended the need for controlled immigration. Political leaders, fan groups, and local officials criticized his remarks as offensive and divisive, highlighting the club's diverse makeup and the economic contributions of immigrants.
A by-election in Gorton and Denton saw the Green Party win, highlighting Labour's disconnect from traditional voters. The result signals potential political shifts, with Greens gaining ground amid Labour's internal struggles and the rise of Reform UK. The outcome is seen as a wake-up call for Labour.
Hannah Spencer, a Green Party candidate and former plumber, won a parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton, overturning nearly a century of Labour dominance. The result signals a significant shift in voter sentiment and challenges for Labour's leadership amid broader political fragmentation in Britain.
Labour faces internal and external challenges following recent poor election results, including a significant defeat in Gorton and Denton. Despite attempts to stabilize, party leaders and MPs remain cautious about future leadership stability, with May's elections seen as a potential turning point.
Labour suffered a significant defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with the Greens winning a seat Labour had held for nearly a century. Lucy Powell suggests Burnham's popularity could have helped Labour retain the seat, highlighting internal party disagreements and strategic missteps.
Andy Burnham has publicly criticized Labour's campaign approach following its recent loss in Gorton and Denton. He calls for a new political culture, emphasizing devolution and regional growth, amid ongoing tensions with Keir Starmer's leadership. The loss highlights voter disillusionment and calls for reform.
Angela Rayner has publicly criticised Keir Starmer's leadership, warning Labour is 'running out of time' and calling for urgent change. She attacked government immigration reforms and signalled her leadership ambitions amid upcoming local elections and party turmoil.
The UK government announced plans to create 15 new towns across England by 2028, each with thousands of homes, green spaces, and transport links. The initiative aims to boost housing supply and modernise local governance structures, with some locations already confirmed and others under review.
Hundreds of civic groups organized the largest protest in UK history to oppose right-wing extremism. The march drew between 50,000 and 500,000 participants, featuring speeches from politicians and musicians. Police made 25 arrests, including supporters of banned groups. The event occurred ahead of upcoming elections amid rising far-right support.
Labour MPs have criticised the UK government's shift towards renewable energy, calling for increased North Sea oil and gas exploration. Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged Britain to open North Sea oil fields, arguing it will boost energy security amid tensions in the Middle East. The debate highlights tensions between energy independence and climate commitments.