British politician and journalist, long-serving Conservative figure
A June 18 Makerfield by-election has become a national leadership test after Labour has installed Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate. A string of ministerial resignations and polling showing Reform UK divided with a Farage splinter have left Keir Starmervulnerable; a Burnham win will force a leadership contest and intensify political instability.
Keir Starmer has resigned as Britain's prime minister following Labour's byelection victory. Andy Burnham is positioned to assume leadership, with front pages framing the shift in power and calling for early elections. Front pages highlight contrasts between Burnham's ascent and Starmer's exit as the country looks to the next steps.
The BBC has revised context on Brexit anniversary, with senior figures urging closer Europe links as polling shows Gen Z favors rejoining; leaders caution against reopening the debate as the UK navigates post-Brexit dynamics.
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.
The Covid inquiry has found a “vast” waste of taxpayers’ money in PPE procurement during the pandemic, with almost two-thirds of the £14.9bn spent wasted. It criticises the VIP lane for favoured contracts and highlights inadequate stockpiles and planning.
The government has unveiled a major reform to place technical education on par with academic routes for 14-year-olds, starting from September 2028. The plan links studies to local jobs, expands work experience, and shifts school performance measures to reflect technical pathways. Reactions from unions and educators highlight funding and implementation questions amid a broader debate on youth unemployment and post-16 education.