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, 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.
Former British ambassador to the EU, Ivan Rogers, criticizes Labour's approach to the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, calling it unprepared and lacking a coherent vision. He argues their proposed solutions are technocratic and irrelevant to the EU's core concerns.
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."
Three senior defence figures, including former ministers John Healey and Al Carns, and Chief of Defence Staff Rich Knighton, have criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for underfunding the military. They argue the current defence investment plan is insufficient for future operations and alliances, urging for radical policy changes and increased spending.
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.
Tactical voting is key for Labour's Andy Burnham in Makerfield, with Green and Lib Dem supporters backing him. Reform's rival, Restore Britain, faces a challenge as its voters are less willing to switch, potentially splitting the right-wing vote.
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.
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.
Ten years after Jo Cox's murder, her sister Kim Leadbeater fears "kinder, gentler politics" has failed, with intolerance and division worsening. Experts cite identity politics, social media, and scapegoating as key drivers. Politicians face increased threats, impacting recruitment and safety.
