British politician and Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015
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.
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. The move follows a series of policy missteps and electoral losses that weakened Starmer’s grip on power. Leaders from rival parties and analysts say the party must unite to confront a rising Reform UK and a volatile political landscape.
Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Labour leader and leave Downing Street within weeks, and will remain as caretaker prime minister until a successor is chosen. Nominations open on July 9; if Andy Burnham faces no rival he could be installed as prime minister in mid-to-late July. Labour will likely have new leadership by Parliament's return on Sept. 1, 2026.
Britain has announced new safe and legal routes for refugees, modeled on Canada, with community groups, universities and employers sponsoring arrivals. The plan tightens human rights rules to deter “vexatious” claims and strengthens removals where possible. A work and university sponsorship will open next year, with arrivals expected from 2027.
Labour is under intense scrutiny as local and devolved election results unfold. While leaders deny immediate plans to quit, backbenchers and allies are weighing the party’s direction, amid warnings of potential leadership challenges if results catastrophically worsen.
Labour has been facing mounting pressure as local and devolved elections open across England, Wales and Scotland. The party is seen as likely to suffer historically poor results amid policy U-turns and controversies, with Reform UK and Plaid Cymru making gains and Green support rising in several regions.
The local elections across England and the semiautonomous parliaments in Scotland and Wales are likely to yield a heavy setback for Keir Starmer’s Labour. Polls open early and results are expected by Friday afternoon, with Reform UK and the Greens poised to gain at Labour’s expense amid wider disillusionment with the government.
Local and devolved votes held 7–8 May have produced major gains for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and for the Green Party while Labour has lost hundreds of council seats and control of key authorities. Scotland and Wales results are reshaping national parliaments; Keir Starmer has said he will stay in office and has taken responsibility for the losses.
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.
Labour has lost control of several councils across England while Reform UK and the Greens gain ground; the results signal a reshaping of the political landscape ahead of any general election, with the SNP and Plaid Cymru also indicating shifts in power in Scotland and Wales.
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.
Labour has faced mounting calls to quit after the party suffered its worst local election losses in more than three decades. A former minister has signalled she may trigger a leadership contest unless the cabinet acts by Monday. Starmer has reaffirmed his intention to stay on and lead Labour into the next general election.
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.
Labour’s future leadership is being debated as MPs weigh a trigger for a contest. Potential contenders include Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting, and Angela Rayner, though each faces hurdles and timing questions amid a fallout from recent elections.
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.