British journalist; BBC News political editor since 2015
New prime minister has pledged to reduce the welfare bill and make some benefits conditional on work while warning that the NHS could collapse if social care is not fixed. He says there will be no early election and will defend Britain’s interests in dealings with the US, including Donald Trump.
The government has extended a 20% business rates relief for hospitality venues into next year, while clarifying that very large live music venues will not qualify. Officials say the measure will help almost 32,000 venues and ease costs for landlords and operators, though hotel and restaurant groups argue the package should be broader.
The UK is sharing the intellectual property behind its Stone Cloak electronic warfare system with Ukraine during a visit by President Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Burnham. Ukraine will mass produce the tablet-sized jammers to disrupt Russian air defenses, and Britain will integrate Stone Cloak into future long-range weapons.
The Prime Minister has decided that Axel the bichon-poodle cross will remain in the north of England after a BBC interview. Burnham says the dog will not join Larry the cabinet mouser in Downing Street, citing potential clashes.
The new government has announced measures to relieve cost-of living pressures, including energy VAT cuts, bus-fare caps, and business-rate relief for pubs, while warning that relief will require careful budgeting. Ministers are also preparing for the next budget, with a focus on fiscal discipline and potential funding shifts.
A by‑election has opened in Camden after Sir Keir Starmer resigned. The Green leader, Zack Polanski, has been campaigning locally and is considering standing for the seat; local members are reported to be supportive. Labour has shortlisted candidates and is expected to select Camden council leader Sagal Abdi‑Wali as its nominee by next Wednesday.
Undercover footage broadcast by Channel 4 has shown two senior Reform UK aides discussing ways to channel foreign money into the party. Dan Jukes and James Orr have stepped down pending an internal inquiry. Police and the Electoral Commission are assessing complaints. Nigel Farage has denied illegal activity and said he was not listening during the meeting.
Reform UK has received two large donations totaling £72m from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. The money is aimed at expanding the party’s reach with more staff, targeted campaigning and stronger policy preparation, while police investigations into donor rules and questions of influence mount. The donation surge raises questions about the role of money in politics as campaigns gear up for upcoming byelections and local elections.
Mega-donations to Reform UK have reshaped its campaign capabilities, fueling a nationwide push while triggering fresh questions over donor transparency and rules. The party argues the funds will build a robust ground operation; critics warn of sleaze and potential regulatory changes ahead.
Leaders of the Scottish National Party, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling on the UK government to prepare, plan and facilitate constitutional change. They have committed to cooperate on energy, the economy and relations with Europe and to press for referendums where domestic politics allow; Westminster has reiterated a referendum is off limits for now.
The Liberal Democrats have a conference that is meant to mark a gear shift, yet internal criticism suggests a failure to capitalise on past gains. MPs describe a lack of energy and clarity, with concerns that the party is losing social media traction to rivals while strategists debate how bold to be in messaging.
Labour leader has laid out an NHS-style universal social care system for England, promising free at the point of use funded by contributions from all and possibly taxes. He says details will be set out at the upcoming conference, while acknowledging funding challenges and political risk.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has seized the conference moment with proposals for social care reform and public control of utilities, supported by a bounce in polls despite high inflation and a tough economic backdrop. With a 2029 election date floated, ministers claim a chance to demonstrate early, tangible improvements while presenting a longer-term vision.
Conservative leaders have pledged to abolish the so-called 0,000 childcare cliff edge, extending free childcare to higher earners and promising to fund the move by cutting other spending. The policy is framed as pro-work and pro-growth, with officials arguing it would remove disincentives to work and boost economic activity. The plan follows earlier proposals to reform taxation and stamp duty.
The Green Party has adopted a motion declaring Zionism a form of racism and has made it party policy. Leader Zack Polanski has said he will not overturn the motion but wants to amend it at the next allowable opportunity in 2028. The vote has prompted internal splits, an equality watchdog inquiry and condemnation from other parties and Jewish groups.
The NHS has confirmed investigations into staff who allegedly accessed medical records related to high-profile cases, including the Nottingham 2023 attack victims and a tiger-attack incident in Yorkshire. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper says breaches are a “total disgrace” and action will be taken, with multiple staff already dismissed and ongoing inquiries across NHS trusts.