British academic, barrister and Labour MP, Paymaster General since July 2024
Andy Burnham is the only declared candidate to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. Nominations are opening, with MPs backing Burnham. Some potential challengers are assessing their options, but a swift transition appears likely as Burnham moves toward becoming prime minister.
Capita has warned it could knock £25m-£40m off annual profits for 2026 as delays and backlogs in the Civil Service Pension Scheme persist. The outsourcing group has apologised for the poor service and faces government sanctions while MPs press for accountability as civil servants wait for payments and retirement quotes.
AstraZeneca has said its Wainua heart-drug failed to meet its primary endpoint in a phase 3 trial, dragging stock lower and offsetting gains in mining shares as markets shift on the setback for the drug’s prospects.
A former senior civil servant has called for the UK to start talking about rejoining the EU, citing economic and security concerns. While some government figures oppose this, polling shows growing public support for re-entry. The debate reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with Brexit's economic impact and international security challenges.
SoftBank has announced a €75bn plan to build AI data centres in northern France and to develop up to 5GW of capacity by 2031. Governments and companies are tightening domestic energy plans in response, prompting talks on interconnectors, local refineries and nuclear or modular-reactor options to meet the data centres’ huge electricity demand.
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.
Private messages reveal Wes Streeting pushing for Gaza action amid Labour divisions on recognizing a Palestinian state. Peter Mandelson labels Streeting’s warnings as “wild” and “hysterical.” Documents show cabinet tensions as Britain debates Gaza policy and a Palestinian statehood move.
Labour has said it will not rejoin the European Single Market or the Customs Union, but is open to recalibrating its Brexit stance within manifesto red lines as ministers push for closer EU energy and trade ties. The party leadership is facing pressure from rivals to re-examine its Brexit red lines amid ongoing reset diplomacy.
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.
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.
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.