Andy Burnham has established a new Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, led by Louise Haigh, consolidating parts of the Cabinet Office, Treasury, and housing ministry. This move aims to make No 10 North in Manchester the "dominant driver of the UK’s economy" and shift power from London.
Louise Haigh, who resigned as Transport Secretary in November 2024 after a fraud conviction from her twenties emerged, has been brought back into government by Andy Burnham. She will serve as First Secretary of State and head the Cabinet Office, cementing her senior role after supporting Burnham's political rise.
Louise Haigh claims Keir Starmer's allies briefed "viciously" against her after her 2024 cabinet sacking. She alleges a "cabal of men mistreating women" targeted her and colleagues. Haigh was dismissed after admitting to fraudulently reporting a lost phone as stolen, a fact she claims Starmer knew.
Andy Burnham's year-long project to return to Westminster culminated in his Makerfield by-election victory and Keir Starmer's resignation. Dissatisfaction with Starmer's leadership, particularly from figures like Louise Haigh and Ed Miliband, fueled the chaotic campaign to bring Burnham back to challenge for Labour leadership.
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.
Prominent MPs, including former ministers Louise Haigh, Ian Murray, and Jeremy Hunt, have indicated they do not expect the assisted dying bill to be resurrected using the Parliament Acts, which could bypass the House of Lords. The bill previously fell in the Lords after extensive amendments prevented a vote. While some MPs are considering reintroducing it, invoking the Parliament Acts faces significant opposition due to ethical concerns and procedural complexities.
