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.
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.
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.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has spoken with new Farrer MP David Farley regarding his apparent divergence from party policy on immigration intake and the flying of Indigenous flags. Farley's past statements on immigration and his intention to fly multiple flags conflicted with One Nation's platform, leading Hanson to address the issues directly.
Up to 3,000 Labour campaigners are descending on Makerfield for Andy Burnham's by-election, raising concerns about overwhelming voters. Hotels are booked, and activists will be deployed to polling stations and public spots to avoid door-knocking fatigue.
Up to 3,000 Labour campaigners are expected in Makerfield for Andy Burnham's by-election, raising concerns about overwhelming voters. Hotels are booked, and activists will be deployed strategically to avoid swamping residents.
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.
Labour's Andy Burnham is expected to win a consequential UK by-election in Makerfield, with polls showing a lead over Reform. The campaign has been marked by toxic rhetoric and a split right-wing vote, with the hardline Restore Britain party predicted to take crucial votes.
Pauline Hanson, once seen as a radical outlier, has evolved into a significant political force with her One Nation party topping polls. Her anti-establishment message, fueled by societal discontent over issues like migration and inequality, resonates strongly, positioning her as a serious contender for prime minister.
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.
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.
The Aberdeen South by-election is a tight contest between the SNP and Conservatives, largely focused on North Sea oil and gas policy. Job losses and energy security claims are central, with the Tories advocating for extraction and the SNP navigating between jobs and renewables.
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.
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.
