British Liberal Democrat leader since 2020
Andy Burnham has announced an 850 million VAT reduction on domestic electricity bills from October, funded by scrapping the digital ID programme. The move aims to ease cost of living pressures, with ministers pledging immediate relief and a broader cabinet reshuffle follows.
Burnham has vowed to reform England's social care system, promising to spend political capital to address a long-running crisis. He has faced questions on funding as he outlines pledges in his early weeks as prime minister.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed a team aimed at delivering his cost‑of‑living plan while maintaining fiscal rules. He has dismissed Reeves, names Healey as chancellor, Miliband as foreign secretary, and Mahmood as a pivotal, market‑calming figure in the Treasury plan, with a broad reshuffle underway.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged he was wrong to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after learning this week that Mandelson had failed security vetting and that Foreign Office officials had overruled that recommendation without informing ministers. Starmer has sacked top official Olly Robbins, will brief Parliament, and is facing calls for inquiry and possible Privileges scrutiny.
The king has delivered a speech to both houses in Washington, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. He has acknowledged recent strains in UK-US relations, referencing shared history and values, and emphasizing the importance of trade, security, and mutual understanding. The trip proceeds after a security review following a shooting at a Washington dinner.
Voters are shifting toward Reform UK in Scotland and Wales amid concerns about local economies and longstanding dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. The party is poised to become a major force in the Scottish and Welsh parliaments, while national polls show it leading opposition to Labour and the Conservatives.
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.
The UK government has published documents detailing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as trade envoy (2001–2011). The Queen’s wish for a prominent role is shown, but there is no evidence of formal due diligence or vetting at the time. Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing amid Epstein-related probes.
Defence Minister Healey has resigned amid conflict over the Defence Investment Plan, pressuring Prime Minister Starmer as by-elections loom. Ministers warn that funding and readiness must rise to meet growing threats, while Burnham mulls a leadership bid.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards inquiry over a £5m donation from crypto magnate Christopher Harborne, with competing accounts of its purpose and use while questions over declaration persist.
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.
Pizza Express has conducted an internal inquiry into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 2001 Woking visit, testing his alibi amid Virginia Giuffre’s allegations. BBC and Guardian reports say no evidence confirms or disproves the claim, while Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing and remains under police investigation.
The Reform UK leader has quit as an MP to trigger a Clacton by-election, arguing the people of Clacton should judge his actions amid ongoing scrutiny over a 35m gift and separate fundraising allegations. Most major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving Count Binface as the primary challenger; the by-election carries potential legal and financial implications for Farage and Reform.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton, arguing the voters should judge his actions. With major parties abstaining, Count Binface and a slate of independents are contesting the race, which is drawing scrutiny over Farage’s finances and a parliamentary standards inquiry.
Labour faces renewed pressure to pursue electoral reform as Sir Ed Davey urges Andy Burnham to move quickly. In talks at the Institute for Government, the two leaders discuss changing Britain’s voting system toward proportional representation to better reflect public support.
Keir Starmer has delivered a final PMQs, defending his record as prime minister while paying tribute to colleagues and supporters. MPs applaud as he says goodbye; Andy Burnham is expected to become the next prime minister on Monday after a turbulent two-year tenure.
World Cup controversy surrounds Balogun’s suspended ban after a call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Infantino. The ban was suspended for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play in the last-16. European football bodies and critics say the decision undermines the game’s credibility ahead of 2027–31 reform talks.