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.
Andy Burnham secured a landslide by-election victory in Makerfield, returning to Westminster after nine years as Greater Manchester mayor. His win was attributed to a coalition of voters from the left, centre, and even the right, united against the 'divisive' politics of the right-wing parties Reform UK and Restore Britain.
Andy Burnham secured a landslide by-election victory in Makerfield, returning to Westminster after nine years as Greater Manchester mayor. His win was attributed to a coalition of voters from the left, centre, and even the right, united against the 'divisive' politics of the right-wing parties.
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.
Andy Burnham secured a striking 54.82% of the vote in Makerfield, surpassing Labour's 2024 and 2019 general election results. Reform UK's candidate saw a slight increase but fell short of expectations, while Liberal Democrats and Greens received minimal votes, highlighting tactical voting trends.
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.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a by-election, with Douglas Lumsden winning by 6,050 votes. The result is seen as a referendum on the North Sea oil and gas industry.
Andy Burnham's allies are discussing a potential 10-year plan for public ownership of utilities, starting with Thames Water. Other proposals include cost of living support, greater devolution of power to regional leaders, and reforms to the parliamentary "whipping" system and voting.
Andy Burnham's allies are discussing a potential 10-year plan for public ownership of utilities, starting with Thames Water. Other proposals include cost of living support, greater devolution of power to regional leaders, reforms to MP 'whipping' systems, and potential electoral reform.
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.
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.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a surprise by-election result. The seat was previously considered safe for the SNP.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a surprise by-election result. The Tories invested heavily in the constituency, focusing on North Sea oil and gas. The defeat may be linked to voter backlash over party fund theft.
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.
Keir Starmer stated the UK and EU should not dwell on Brexit, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to building a closer relationship. He confirmed a "reset" summit on July 22 in Brussels, despite previous delays. Starmer highlighted progress made through professional, quiet diplomacy and a mutual recognition to move past the Brexit debate.
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.
A British couple, Jane and Alan Kelvey, on a yacht in the Channel reported a Russian warship, Admiral Grigorovich, fired warning shots near them. The couple downplayed the incident, stating it was unnecessary and the Russian account was untrue, emphasizing they were not on a collision course and had right of way.
A by-election in Makerfield, UK, on Thursday is significant not just for electing a new MP but also for its potential impact on Labour's leadership. Andy Burnham, a popular figure, is contesting the seat, with a win potentially positioning him to challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Reform UK's Robert Kenyon is a strong contender, highlighting the rise of the far-right.
