Andy Burnham's plan to devolve power by allowing England's regional mayors a share of income tax aims to address regional inequalities. While economists support the principle, challenges include avoiding weaker economies falling behind, repairing damage from austerity, and a lack of local government expertise and resources.
UK publishers advocate for greater local media support to ensure accountability under Andy Burnham's devolution plans, citing challenges from big tech, misinformation, and limited journalist access, despite a new £12m government fund to address "news deserts."
Chancellor John Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham have issued a joint letter to cabinet ministers, emphasizing adherence to existing spending limits while funding new policies. This comes as Burnham's government introduces cost-of-living measures and prepares for Healey's first budget on October 28, which will prioritize fiscal discipline.
Labour's Bev Craig secured a decisive victory in the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, winning 66.3% of second-preference votes and reclaiming areas from Reform UK and the Greens. This outcome provides a significant boost for Labour and raises critical questions for Nigel Farage's party regarding its national standing and funding issues.
Bev Craig has won the Greater Manchester mayoral special election, succeeding Andy Burnham. She pledged to improve constituents' lives, facing lower turnout and a challenge from Reform UK, whose resources were diverted to a separate by-election.
Chancellor John Healey and PM Andy Burnham have jointly instructed cabinet ministers to fund new policy pledges within existing spending limits. This comes as Healey prepares his first budget on October 28, emphasizing fiscal discipline despite inflation and new cost-of-living policies.
Andy Burnham's government has scheduled an autumn budget for October 28, aiming to decentralize money and power from Westminster. Chancellor John Healey stated Labour would adhere to fiscal rules, but the government faces market unease over high national debt and rising borrowing costs, potentially leading to tax considerations.
Clacton prepares for a byelection after Nigel Farage's resignation, with 34 candidates, including satirist Count Binface, vying for the seat. Locals express frustration with political neglect, economic decline, and media portrayal, yet community spirit and resilience shine through in Jaywick, a deprived yet vibrant part of the constituency.
A surge in UK consumer confidence, dubbed the 'Burnham bounce', driven by optimism in economic prospects, coincides with England's strong World Cup run and policy interventions like VAT cuts. However, deep inequalities and gloomy outlooks among older Britons and the poorest households threaten sustainability.
Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured when a marine policing unit boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London. The incident, at around 3:40pm on Friday, saw officers enter the water before being rescued. Injuries are being treated, with no public casualties reported.
Five Metropolitan Police officers were injured when their Marine Policing Unit boat struck Westminster Bridge in central London. Several officers entered the River Thames but were recovered, with no members of the public involved in the incident.
A survey reveals 78% of UK MPs' staff receive threats and 30% fear for their safety, a significant increase from five years ago, prompting calls for urgent security enhancements following the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe.
An opinion piece criticizes Andy Burnham's initial policies as Prime Minister, arguing they contradict his localist promises by centralizing control over homelessness, bus fares, social housing, and care services, drawing parallels with previous leaders who failed to decentralize power in the UK.
New UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh faces immediate pressure from climate activists to halt new North Sea oil and gas drilling, particularly at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields. Her appointment, following Ed Miliband, signals a continuation of decarbonization efforts, despite internal party and trade union lobbying for new fossil fuel expansion.
New data from the Metropolitan Police shows a significant drop in neighbourhood crime and homicides in London, with the Mayor attributing success to record police funding and the Violence Reduction Unit. The report aims to counter online disinformation portraying London as a "lawless" city.
Former British politician Ann Widdecombe, 78, was fatally struck 21 times with a hammer at her home in south-west England. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder, with prosecutors stating he attacked her, took her wallet, and left within two minutes. Police are investigating his motive, including potential political or terrorist connections.
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, who was found dead at her Haytor, Devon home on July 9. Kerry allegedly attacked her with a hammer and took her wallet, with a potential political or terrorism motive under investigation.
Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham swiftly removed Keir Starmer's closest allies from his Cabinet, appointing John Healey as Chancellor and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary. The reshuffle signals a focus on domestic policy, re-industrialization, and significant reforms, while rewarding those who supported Burnham's rise to power.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, 78. Counter Terrorism Policing continues to investigate the motivation, including any political links, following Widdecombe's death in Haytor, Devon.
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, has been charged with the murder of former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, whose body was found in her Devon home. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster magistrates court on Tuesday.
Andy Burnham's vision to reform Westminster politics by ending briefing culture and factionalism faces immediate challenges within Labour, with internal disputes over policy and roles emerging despite his calls for unity as the new leader.
Andy Burnham assumes the UK premiership amidst economic shocks and weak growth, pledging "good growth in every postcode" by reindustrialising, devolving power, tackling the cost of living, addressing youth unemployment, boosting social housing, and navigating defence spending and fiscal rules.
Australian politicians, their staff, and families face unprecedented security threats, including online abuse, in-person intimidation, and physical attacks, described as the most dangerous security environment in decades. This follows a rise in politically motivated violence in the UK and US, prompting calls for urgent security reviews and a de-escalation of political rhetoric.
London residents express serious concerns about dockless e-bikes and scooters, citing risks to pedestrians and disabled people due to careless riding and improper parking. Letters call for stricter regulation, user registration, insurance requirements, and increased penalties for misuse to ensure public safety and accessibility.
