British Labour MP and former Deputy Leader, trade unionist
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour leader and will become Britain’s prime minister on Monday after securing overwhelming backing from Labour MPs and trade unions. He has promised a "distinctively Labour" government focused on devolving power to regions, cutting cost-of-living pressures and reforming utilities and social care, and must now name a cabinet and set policy quickly.
Andy Burnham has been installed as Britain’s prime minister and is outlining a reformist programme. He pledges to cut costs of living, devolve power from Whitehall, and loosen state controls, while facing pressure over his Cabinet choices and the economics of North Sea drilling.
Andy Burnham has won the Labour leadership and is preparing to become Britain’s prime minister, with a government lineup and priorities taking shape as Sir Keir Starmer steps down. The transition is moving quickly, with cabinet appointments and policy promises expected in the coming days.
The Public Office (Accountability) Bill has progressed to its final Commons stages, with amendments ensuring intelligence services are not exempt from the duty of candour. Campaigners say the measure will transform accountability in public life, while supporters argue it closes a long-running gap in truth-telling by state bodies.
In a London speech, Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for Labour’s poor local election results and argues a Labour government remains the country’s best path forward, despite pressure from MPs and rivals.
Gilt yields have surged on leadership speculation and fiscal uncertainty as Keir Starmer contemplates his position amid mounting calls for him to go. Markets are pricing higher long-term borrowing costs, with 30-year yields near multi-decade highs and the pound softening.
The New York Yankees have promoted top prospect Jazz Jones to the majors after Jasson Domínguez sustains an AC joint injury. Jones will debut as the designated hitter and may see outfield action as he joins a powerful lineup led by Aaron Judge.
A global study shows obesity has continued to rise in many countries since 1980, but several high‑income nations have seen a slower increase, plateau, or slight decline by 2024. Trends vary by country, sex, and age, with low‑ and middle‑income countries still reporting rising rates. Experts urge unpacking country‑specific drivers and considering policy responses and medicines.
Labour has faced mounting pressure as a wave of lawmakers call for a timetable on leadership changes. Starmer is pushing a plan to restore ties with Europe and address economic and public-service failures while facing internal opposition and a volatile electoral landscape.
The UK economy has grown 0.3% in March and 0.6% in the first quarter, surprising economists as the Iran war continues to weigh on outlook. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the government’s stance on economic stability, saying choices have strengthened the economy as political leadership questions persist.
Labour MPs have signalled potential leadership challenges to Sir Keir Starmer following dismal local election results. Streeting has resigned, with backers and talks of a by-election for Burnham; Angela Rayner has been cleared in a tax inquiry. The path to a contest remains uncertain as the party navigates internal support and NEC processes.
Global bond yields have risen amid fears of inflation and political instability. The United States, Japan and the United Kingdom are facing higher borrowing costs as markets react to regional tensions and potential leadership changes.
Labour is facing mounting pressure as discussions swirl about replacing Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham. By-elections loom, while internal manoeuvring and leadership questions dominate coverage across outlets, with varied takes on Labour’s future direction.
Labour figures are in flux as Andy Burnham eyes Makerfield for a Westminster return, while Keir Starmer faces pressure over leadership timing. Streeting and Lammy are among potential contenders as the party confronts Brexit and EU questions ahead of by-elections.
The Commons has rejected a Conservative amendment calling for licences to explore Rosebank and Jackdaw. Labour and Conservative MPs clash over energy policy as the government pursues an Energy Independence Bill, while Labour argues for continued fossil fuel use alongside renewables.
Since mid-May 2026 Labour has been forced into open leadership turmoil after heavy local election losses. Wes Streeting has resigned and declared a challenge; Andy Burnham has been enabled to seek a Commons seat via a Makerfield by-election; party members are expressing stronger support for Burnham than Keir Starmer.
The government is evaluating measures to curb social media harms for young people, with options including a blanket ban for under-16s or restrictions on features such as infinite scrolling, location sharing and autoplay. The consultation closed recently, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to act quickly, amid pressure from bereaved families and cross-party voices.
Tony Blair has published a 5,700-word essay urging Labour to prioritise policy over personality and return to a “radical centre.” Keir Starmer has rejected major elements of the critique. Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting have publicly attacked Blair’s omissions on inequality, leaving the party divided as the June 18 Makerfield by-election and a potential leadership contest approach.
The Mandelson files have been published, revealing extensive private communications with the prime minister and other officials. The government says disappearing messages are allowed if they do not affect record-keeping, while critics warn about gaps in transparency as MPs push for full disclosure.
Several families on care worker visas have received letters ordering them to leave the UK, even as partners and children are allowed to stay. Reports highlight potential human impact as government tightens visa rules post-Brexit, with care workers and their dependants facing uncertain futures.
Labour has pledged to remove discriminatory age bands and equalise pay for 18–20-year-olds with older workers. Ministers say reforms aim to reduce insecure work while acknowledging challenges faced by hospitality and high street employers amid cost-of-living pressures. The LPC timeline remains central to when youth rates will align with adult pay.
Labour has won Makerfield by-election with a large margin, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to quit and paving the way for Andy Burnham to pursue leadership. Ministers are weighing resignations and Burnham is moving to establish a Downing Street operation while Starmer vows to fight on.
A 45-year-old man has been charged with arson after a fire damaged a memorial wall linked to Iran protests and a 2023 attack in Israel. He faces the charge for the first time at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The memorial wall remains a peaceful tribute–officials seek accountability.
Andy Burnham has secured a decisive Makerfield by-election victory, prompting renewed talk of a leadership transition. Labour figures warn against a prolonged leadership contest, as Burnham appears set to assume power in July if no challenger surfaces.
Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer and is using a Manchester speech to press a major devolution agenda. He has proposed shifting decision‑making and parts of the prime ministerial operation north, a 10‑year mission on living standards and changes to public procurement to favour British jobs.
Andy Burnham has outlined a plan to devolve power away from Whitehall, establishing a No 10 North unit in Manchester to oversee regional reform, housing, transport and economic policy. He has positioned himself as the voice for English regions and signalled potential changes to where key decisions are made.
The Labour leader has resigned after a seismic Makerfield by-election result, triggering a leadership contest. Andy Burnham is positioned to challenge for the helm, as the party confronts historic local and regional losses under the premier’s tenure.
The government has introduced an Immigration and Asylum Bill that will recover costs from asylum seekers with sufficient funds and create new safe routes funded by community groups, universities, and employers. The policy is controversial, drawing criticism from charities and opposition who warn it could deter refugees and overburden families.
Andy Burnham faces mounting expectations as Labour's leadership transition looms. Reports from multiple outlets suggest renewed calls for credible direction and delivery, with key policy questions shaping the coming leadership reshuffle.
Keir Starmer has stepped down as UK prime minister after Labour MPs withdrew support, triggering a leadership contest that could install Andy Burnham as the next prime minister. Burnham’s by-election win in Makerfield boosts his bid amid a broader map of Labour challenges and Reform UK’s rise.
Andy Burnham has consolidated support after Makerfield by-election and is positioned to lead Labour. Polls show rising backing, but MPs warn against an early general election. He faces the task of forming a new government and defining a policy agenda, with a potential reshuffle and cabinet choices pending.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a standards inquiry over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions about lobbying the Bank of England for crypto interests. The investigation follows a string of donor-related and financial disclosures that have unsettled the party and shifted public perception.
Andy Burnham is moving toward Westminster with plans to devolve power and shift growth to every postcode. Labour factions debate welfare, devolution and the economy as unions shape the policy landscape ahead of a potential premiership.
Keir Starmer has announced his resignation as prime minister. He says the decision is intensely personal and will keep his mouth shut under his successor. Andy Burnham is expected to take the helm, with the Makerfield by-election shaping the leadership race. The new leader will face both domestic challenges and ongoing global diplomacy.
Labour leadership discussions have outlined a plan to reinvest in defence, increase transparency, and pursue a stronger, Europe-facing foreign policy, as Nimble leadership contest continues to unfold.
M&S has opened Pantheon, a four-floor flagship on Oxford Street spanning almost 100,000 sq ft, with a food, fashion, home and beauty blueprint for future stores. The project features made-to-order tailoring, a dedicated beauty hall, and a revamped homeware section, as the retailer presses ahead with broader London refurbishments amid regulatory battles and urban redevelopment.