Labour MPs are pressuring Keir Starmer to set a departure timetable, with Andy Burnham emerging as a strong contender for leadership. Ministers loyal to Starmer are divided, with some urging an "orderly exit" while others prepare for a potential contest.
Reform UK is investigating if sexist social media posts by its Makerfield byelection candidate, Robert Kenyon, hurt its chances. Despite hopes for a close contest, Andy Burnham won decisively, with voters citing Kenyon's lewd comments, particularly women, as a deterrent. Nigel Farage acknowledged disappointment and urged Restore UK voters to switch to Reform.
Labour MPs and cabinet ministers are urging Keir Starmer to consider an "orderly exit" amid growing support for Andy Burnham to become leader and potentially prime minister. Burnham's significant byelection victory has fueled speculation about a leadership challenge, with some MPs prepared to back him. Starmer, however, insists he will fight any contest.
Labour cabinet ministers and grandees are reportedly urging Keir Starmer not to fight a leadership challenge and to prepare for an 'orderly exit.' Andy Burnham, following a significant byelection victory, is seen as a potential successor, with sources suggesting around 200 MPs could back his nomination. Starmer, however, insists he will fight any contest.
British elections feature a tradition of joke candidates, like Count Binface and a fox mascot, who stand in elections to protest or make political points. These candidates, often seen at televised results, highlight the manual counting process and the unique British electoral culture.
Nigel Farage urged Restore Britain voters to switch to Reform UK after a "disappointing" by-election result in Makerfield. Reform's candidate came second but was far behind winner Andy Burnham. Farage expressed concern over votes lost to Restore and called for unity behind Reform as the main challenger party.
Labour peer Thangam Debbonaire confronted Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin during a byelection count, accusing her of racism and defending Nigel Farage's undeclared £5m gift. The exchange, broadcast on Sky News, touched on Farage's financial dealings and Pochin's past controversial remarks about diversity in advertising.
Keir Starmer announced he will run in a Labour leadership contest if one occurs, following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. Burnham's win, with 55% of the vote, was hailed as a potential turning point for change and devolution.
Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection has intensified speculation about a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Allies hope Burnham can be installed as PM within days, citing his emphatic win as proof of his ability to unite the party and challenge Reform UK.
UK public sector net borrowing hit £23.3bn in May, significantly higher than the £18.5bn forecast by economists. This surge, attributed partly to the economic impact of the Iran war and increased interest costs, presents fiscal challenges for potential Labour leader Andy Burnham.
Andy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, winning by a large majority. His win is seen as a potential turning point and a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership, with Burnham expressing a desire for more power for the north and a new politics based on unity.
Andy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, winning by a large majority. The Greater Manchester mayor's win is seen as a potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour party, with Burnham emphasizing a call for change and more power for neglected regions.
Polls close in Makerfield by-election, a key contest for Andy Burnham's political future. The Labour candidate faces Reform's Robert Kenyon in a seat traditionally safe for Labour but recently leaning towards Reform.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has enlisted three prominent economic advisors, including former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, to bolster his fiscal credibility. This move precedes a potential return to Parliament via the Makerfield by-election and a possible challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership.
The article outlines scenarios for Andy Burnham to become Labour leader and potentially Prime Minister. The fastest route involves Keir Starmer stepping down without other challengers, leading to a swift coronation for Burnham. A slower path includes a full leadership contest, which could take months if not accelerated.
Andy Burnham's campaign is reportedly trying to prevent ministers from resigning to avoid destabilizing Keir Starmer's government amid fallout from the Makerfield byelection. Burnham's team seeks a managed transition, not immediate chaos, should he win the election. Starmer's allies are discussing strategies to counter a potential challenge.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, believes Andy Burnham is Labour's strongest candidate to defeat Reform in a general election. Wrack expressed deep concern over Reform's potential impact on education and trade unions, citing hostility from Reform councillors. He also called for more robust change from Labour than currently seen, particularly on academisation and SEND provision.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, believes Andy Burnham is Labour's strongest candidate to defeat Reform in a general election and potentially lead the party. Wrack expressed deep concern over Reform's potential impact on education and trade unions, citing hostility from Reform councillors. He also criticized the current Labour government's continuation of Tory policies on academisation and SEND provision.
Keir Starmer indicated he would offer Andy Burnham a cabinet role, calling him a "huge asset," as he braces for a potential leadership challenge after the Makerfield byelection. Wes Streeting also signaled readiness to challenge Starmer, demanding an end to "uncertainty and paralysis."
Reform UK's proposed Women and Motherhood Protection Act, intended to "strengthen women's rights," is criticized by unions for potentially undermining equal pay for work of equal value and effectively repealing the 2010 Equality Act. The party claims it will restore 1970s/90s protections and extend maternity leave claim limits.
This article speculates on potential appointments to Keir Starmer's shadow cabinet, focusing on key roles like Chancellor and Foreign Secretary. It highlights potential allies and rivals, discussing their policy stances and past relationships. Key figures mentioned include Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, Wes Streeting, Rachel Reeves, Louise Haigh, Anneliese Midgley, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Josh Simons, Kevin Lee, Lisa Nandy, Dan Jarvis, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Heidi Alexander, and Bridget Phillipson.
Speculation surrounds potential cabinet appointments if Keir Starmer were replaced by Andy Burnham as Labour leader. Key figures like Ed Miliband, Shabana Mahmood, and Louise Haigh are discussed for roles such as Chancellor and Home Secretary, with policy advisors also highlighted.
Nigel Farage announced plans to ban foreign nationals from social housing and deport those unable to find private accommodation, intensifying anti-immigration rhetoric ahead of the Makerfield byelection. This move comes amid polls showing Reform UK losing support to the more extremist Restore Britain.
Reform UK's Makerfield byelection candidate, Robert Kenyon, has faced criticism for sharing a video endorsing Ant Middleton, a former soldier and TV presenter known for controversial views. Middleton has made anti-Muslim comments and has been linked to far-right figures. The endorsement comes amid pressure from the Restore Britain party in the same contest.
