The Labour Party is set to unite behind Andy Burnham as its next leader, with key figures like Lucy Powell and Steve Reed backing his coronation over a potentially damaging contest, ahead of a pivotal economic policy speech on Monday.
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell endorses Ed Miliband as a potential chancellor, citing his ability to challenge Treasury orthodoxy. Andy Burnham, the likely next PM, is set to deliver a key economic speech, focusing on devolution and reassuring markets, with his chancellor decision pending.
Labour's NEC has approved Andy Burnham to stand in the Makerfield byelection, potentially challenging Keir Starmer for leadership. Burnham's candidacy faces challenges from Reform UK and the Greens, despite some internal Labour support.
Labour's NEC allows Andy Burnham to stand in Makerfield byelection; Burnham's potential win could challenge Keir Starmer's leadership
Andy Burnham gains support for Makerfield byelection, UK bans 11 foreign far-right activists ahead of Tommy Robinson's rally, and Labour's NEC to decide on Burnham's candidacy
Andy Burnham gains support from Wes Streeting and unions for Makerfield byelection, potentially paving way for Labour leadership challenge against Keir Starmer.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said he would discourage pro-Palestine protesters from using the chant "globalise the intifada" but stressed he is "not interested" in policing language. Speaking to the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Polanski said he would not personally use the phrase as it distracts from more effective protest messaging. The comments come amid controversy over his retweet of a post criticizing police actions during the arrest of the Golders Green attack suspect, which he described as "traumatic". Meanwhile, Labour faces speculation about potential leadership challenges ahead of local elections, and the SNP has said it will seek a new independence referendum if it wins a majority in next week's Scottish parliament election.
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell is campaigning in Leeds, where the party faces stiff competition from the Green party and Reform UK. Labour is struggling to communicate its national achievements, leading voters to look elsewhere for political change.
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell has warned there is "no magic bullet" to reverse the party's fortunes as it grapples with fallout from the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal and poor local election predictions. Powell acknowledged "huge anger and despondency" among Labour MPs but expressed confidence Starmer would not repeat the mistake of appointing Mandelson. The party faces potential loss of over 75% of council seats, losing power in Wales and failing to beat the SNP in Scotland.
