Angela Rayner stakes out Labour’s path amid leadership turmoil, calling out “cronyism” after local election losses. MP for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015.
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.
Across multiple outlets, Labour faces mounting pressure as some MPs consider replacing Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham. By-elections and internal maneuvering feature prominently, with questions about Labour’s strategy and future direction dominating coverage.
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 been navigating a muting of leadership questions after a resignation letter signalled a push for fresh ideas. With MPs needing 81 backers to trigger a contest, a by-election path and potential by- election seat changes complicate the timetable.
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 Prime Minister is confronting questions at PMQs after Angela Rayner's leadership challenge and amid rising energy costs tied to the Middle East conflict. The government has unveiled targeted support for heating oil and is signaling de-escalation as essential to stabilizing prices, while critics argue that policy must go further to protect working people.
Angela Rayner resigned from government last September over an underpayment of stamp duty on her seaside flat. She has since sought further legal advice, which may support her paying the standard rate. HMRC is investigating, with a resolution expected before May's local elections. Rayner plans to settle any owed amount.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other Labour figures advocate rejoining the EU, citing Brexit's economic damage and global instability. Khan suggests Labour should commit to rejoining in the next election manifesto, while the government maintains its red lines against re-entry into the customs union and single market.
The UK government announced significant reductions in aid to African and other developing countries, prioritising conflict zones like Ukraine, Sudan, and Palestine. The cuts, part of a broader shift towards multilateral funding, will see aid spending drop sharply by 2029, sparking criticism from aid groups and opposition.
As of April 2026, the UK government is managing the economic and diplomatic fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies via the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces strained relations with US President Donald Trump over UK non-involvement in offensive strikes. The government is implementing targeted cost-of-living support, including a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund and energy price cap reductions, while urging de-escalation and closer ties with Europe.
G7 ministers are meeting via videoconference to address the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, focusing on soaring energy prices, supply disruptions, and US war aims. The meeting aims to coordinate responses and clarify US objectives as tensions escalate and oil markets remain volatile.
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.
Sir Keir Starmer has been criticised for not being fully informed about security vetting concerns, highlighting a government breakdown. Britain faces a rising dog attack crisis with three fatalities in a week, and a violent family incident disrupts a wedding. Meanwhile, international tensions with Iran and US influence are escalating, impacting domestic stability.
Keir Starmer's handling of recent controversies has raised questions about his grip on power. Despite efforts to focus on process, internal and external doubts about his leadership are growing, with potential implications for Labour's future and upcoming elections. The situation remains fluid as pressure mounts.
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.
Starmer has argued that Labour will face big challenges and restore hope by rebuilding Britain’s relationship with Europe, moving closer to the EU, and prioritising energy, economy and security. The plan follows local and regional election losses and rising calls for a timetable to change leadership.
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.