British trade union leader, general secretary of Unite since 2021
Unions allied with Labour have voiced mounting frustration with Keir Starmer’s government, urging a shift in leadership and strategy as Reform UK gains traction in local elections and critics call for bolder action on working-class needs.
Trade unions and Labour face a renewed clash with Reform UK as Farage invites unions to affiliate with his party. Unions warn against rolling back workers’ rights; polls show near parity between Labour and Reform among union members.
The price cap on gas and electricity has increased, raising the typical yearly bill to around £1,862 for direct-debit customers, with Ofgem data showing a sustained spike in wholesale prices. Households are urged to submit meter readings and seek cheaper fixed deals as bills stay high into winter.
Unite has organised 14 days of strikes by ICTS security staff at Aberdeen Airport starting 6 July, after talks through Acas failed to yield an offer. The action is expected to cause significant delays during the peak holiday period.
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.
The No 10 North operation in Manchester is expanding to bring devolution and local growth decisions closer to postcodes across the country. Burnham chairs the NEC from Manchester, with regional mayors and business leaders involved as scrutiny grows over costs and reach.
The Guardian and other outlets report that East London NHS Foundation Trust plans significant service redesign and job cuts to balance its budget, sparking concerns over access to mental health care and wider NHS strain.
Unite members employed by Arriva North London are set to walk out on 26 dates this August to October, citing dangerous heat in cabs and poor working conditions. TfL warns some routes will be busier and delays are expected while urging customers to plan ahead.