Reform UK activists are being directed away from the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection to support Nigel Farage's "fake" contest in Clacton. A WhatsApp message urged members to volunteer in Clacton, suggesting the party doubts its chances in Greater Manchester and is prioritizing support for Farage amidst criticism of the Clacton byelection.
Andy Burnham, Labour politician and Mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a significant byelection in Makerfield, boosting his chances of becoming the UK's next Prime Minister. His victory signals a potential shift in British politics, challenging current leader Keir Starmer.
How a contest to become PM is triggered, and Andy Burnham’s chances in the Makerfield byelectionUK politics live – latest updatesWith Andy Burnham offered a path back to parliament, the chances of a Labour leadership challenge to Keir Starmer appear to have increased dramatically.Manchester’s mayor said he wanted to return to Westminster to “make politics work properly for people” after Josh Simons, the Labour MP for Makerfield, said he would stand down so Burnham could run in the seat in north-west England. Continue reading...
United Utilities share price jumped 11% after the water company announced an £800m share placing with Future Fund and Atlas as cornerstone investors. Ofwat's regulatory settlement a year ago has proven more generous than initially thought, particularly for companies not incurring heavy pollution fines. UU now targets 10-11% return on equity and seeks to spend an additional £2.5bn on infrastructure, potentially adding £10 to household bills. Severn Trent rose 7% in sympathy, with both companies at all-time highs.
