UK politics
UK politics

Angela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs that clipped her wings'

Angela Rayner says she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in a tax investigation and is open to a Labour leadership bid without triggering a contest or making deals.

Angela Rayner says Starmer should reflect on' stepping aside after HMRC clears her over tax affairs - UK politics live

Labour leadership uncertainty is framed as a risk to economic recovery, while Angela Rayner rejects deals and emphasizes delivering change for struggling people.

Burnham pulls out of BBC phone-in amid speculation

Andy Burnham withdrew from a BBC Radio Manchester phone-in to prioritize post-election discussions, while rumours about his return to Westminster and Labour leadership challenges were denied.

Keir Starmer has 'full confidence' in health secretary despite leadership challenge talk

Wes Streeting met Keir Starmer at No 10 for under 20 minutes as Starmer faced mounting pressure to resign.

Angela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs that clipped her wings'

Angela Rayner says she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing in a tax investigation and is open to a Labour leadership bid without triggering a contest or making deals.

Angela Rayner says Starmer should reflect on' stepping aside after HMRC clears her over tax affairs - UK politics live

Labour leadership uncertainty is framed as a risk to economic recovery, while Angela Rayner rejects deals and emphasizes delivering change for struggling people.

Burnham pulls out of BBC phone-in amid speculation

Andy Burnham withdrew from a BBC Radio Manchester phone-in to prioritize post-election discussions, while rumours about his return to Westminster and Labour leadership challenges were denied.

Keir Starmer has 'full confidence' in health secretary despite leadership challenge talk

Wes Streeting met Keir Starmer at No 10 for under 20 minutes as Starmer faced mounting pressure to resign.

more#labour-leadership

Boost for Reeves as GDP shows 0.6% growth despite Iran war crisis

UK GDP grew 0.6% this year, with March growth of 0.3% surprising economists amid Iran war costs and political leadership turmoil.

#brexit

Labour is being destroyed by dithering: it should either do Brexit properly or rejoin the EU | Larry Elliott

Brexit reshaped British politics by breaking the two-party system, dividing the country, and forcing governments to solve problems without blaming the EU.

The king's speech: what is the government's legislative agenda for the next 12 months?

A legislative package targets EU reset, industrial intervention, growth pilots, faster competition reviews, late-payment penalties, NHS reform, and a ban on conversion practices.

Labour is being destroyed by dithering: it should either do Brexit properly or rejoin the EU | Larry Elliott

Brexit reshaped British politics by breaking the two-party system, dividing the country, and forcing governments to solve problems without blaming the EU.

The king's speech: what is the government's legislative agenda for the next 12 months?

A legislative package targets EU reset, industrial intervention, growth pilots, faster competition reviews, late-payment penalties, NHS reform, and a ban on conversion practices.

more#brexit

There's a risk of another Liz Truss moment': City raises spectre of bond market meltdown again

UK gilt yields spiked amid leadership uncertainty, reflecting investor fears of political instability and higher borrowing under Labour.

#uk-labour-party

UK politics

Labour descends into open warfare as five leadership contenders circle Starmer - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Full list of Labour MPs backing Starmer to deliver change the country needs'

111 Labour MPs urged unity and immediate focus on regaining public trust, opposing a leadership contest amid pressure on Keir Starmer.

UK politics

Wes Streeting: PM-in-waiting or this generation's David Miliband'?

UK politics

Streeting urged to 'be brave' and launch leadership bid against Starmer 'now' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

UK politics

Wes Streeting prepares to launch leadership challenge against Keir Starmer

22 hours ago

UK politics

Wes Streeting plans to resign and mount leadership challenge, allies say

Labour descends into open warfare as five leadership contenders circle Starmer - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Multiple Labour senior figures are preparing leadership bids against Keir Starmer, with Wes Streeting reportedly planning a Cabinet resignation to launch a campaign.

Full list of Labour MPs backing Starmer to deliver change the country needs'

111 Labour MPs urged unity and immediate focus on regaining public trust, opposing a leadership contest amid pressure on Keir Starmer.

Wes Streeting: PM-in-waiting or this generation's David Miliband'?

Wes Streeting planned for a leadership contest and then signaled he would resign and push for a Labour leadership election as the king’s speech approached.

Streeting urged to 'be brave' and launch leadership bid against Starmer 'now' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Wes Streeting should launch a leadership bid immediately, with hesitation risking losing the moment and requiring bravery to lead.

Wes Streeting prepares to launch leadership challenge against Keir Starmer

A leadership challenge could be triggered if Wes Streeting secures 81 MP supporters, prompting Labour to scramble for a candidate and Starmer to urge MPs to prevent chaos.

22 hours ago

Wes Streeting plans to resign and mount leadership challenge, allies say

Wes Streeting allies say he plans to resign as health secretary and mount a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer as early as Thursday.

UK economy defies gloom with surprise March growth as Iran war clouds outlook

GDP rose 0.3% in March and 0.6% in the first quarter, led by services growth, offering short-term relief amid expected summer economic deterioration from the Iran war.

#labour-party-leadership

UK politics

Potential leadership challengers jostle for positions as PM's allies warn of 'chaos'

Angela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs paving the way for potential leadership bid

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of deliberate wrongdoing in her tax affairs, settling unpaid stamp duty without penalties and reopening prospects for a Labour leadership bid.

Wes Streeting poised to resign to force leadership election against Starmer

The Labour Party faces a leadership crisis as Wes Streeting prepares a bid against Keir Starmer, with multiple ministers potentially resigning.

As Westminster rages, and Labour sinks into civil war: what about the people? | Aditya Chakrabortty

Westminster’s cocoon mentality leaves Labour without a plan to stop likely losses to Reform and ethnic-division politics.

Keir Starmer's health secretary reportedly readying to resign after talks with PM

Wes Streeting met Keir Starmer at No 10 for under 20 minutes as Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign.

Starmer must go before next election, say Labour-backing unions

Unions funding Labour say Keir Starmer will not lead into the next election and a plan is needed to elect a new leader.

Potential leadership challengers jostle for positions as PM's allies warn of 'chaos'

Leadership challenges are intensifying among Labour figures, with rivals seeking support while incumbents warn contests would destabilize government and delay economic progress.

Angela Rayner cleared by HMRC over tax affairs paving the way for potential leadership bid

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of deliberate wrongdoing in her tax affairs, settling unpaid stamp duty without penalties and reopening prospects for a Labour leadership bid.

Wes Streeting poised to resign to force leadership election against Starmer

The Labour Party faces a leadership crisis as Wes Streeting prepares a bid against Keir Starmer, with multiple ministers potentially resigning.

As Westminster rages, and Labour sinks into civil war: what about the people? | Aditya Chakrabortty

Westminster’s cocoon mentality leaves Labour without a plan to stop likely losses to Reform and ethnic-division politics.

Keir Starmer's health secretary reportedly readying to resign after talks with PM

Wes Streeting met Keir Starmer at No 10 for under 20 minutes as Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign.

more#labour-party-leadership

Starmer must go before next election, say Labour-backing unions

Unions funding Labour say Keir Starmer will not lead into the next election and a plan is needed to elect a new leader.

JP Morgan's warning is a push too far and banks will walk from London - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Capital is mobile and prestige projects depend on confidence; if sentiment turns hostile to banks, major UK investment can be reconsidered and shifted elsewhere.

'I've been exonerated': Angela Rayner says HMRC has cleared her over flat stamp duty

Angela Rayner said HMRC cleared her of wrongdoing over her tax affairs and she was exonerated of deliberately avoiding tax.

What was HMRC's investigation into Angela Rayner's tax affairs all about?

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness on her tax affairs, while confirming liability for higher stamp duty on a second-home purchase.

'I've been exonerated': Angela Rayner says HMRC has cleared her over flat stamp duty

Angela Rayner said HMRC cleared her of wrongdoing over her tax affairs and she was exonerated of deliberately avoiding tax.

What was HMRC's investigation into Angela Rayner's tax affairs all about?

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness on her tax affairs, while confirming liability for higher stamp duty on a second-home purchase.

more#hmrc

54 minutes ago

Starmer branded a 'communist' over free speech as Polish MEP threatens to sue him - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The UK blocks several right-wing figures from entering ahead of a major rally, prompting legal threats and accusations of censorship and authoritarianism.

Farage criticised for backing preacher who says homosexuality is abomination'

Nigel Farage has been criticised for giving his full support to a Christian church leader who preached that homosexuality was an abomination and would lead to eternity in hell. The Reform UK leader recorded a video with Stephen Clayden after Colchester council applied for a banning order to limit his street preaching. In the clip posted on his YouTube channel, Farage assured Clayden that he was fully on your side in the dispute and offered to enlist the help of contacts at the Free Speech Union campaign group.

UK politics

You've heard the king's speech but I think a better one might run like this | David Blunkett

Legislation would protect households from global conflict costs, freeze energy bills, curb inflation, and fund measures via a windfall levy.

#antisemitism

As the right moves in on antisemitism, where does that leave the Jewish left?

Some British Jewish leaders feel increasingly isolated as right-leaning figures gain trust in antisemitism condemnation and Israel defense, while left and liberal spaces face suspicion and booing.

10 hours ago

Harry speaks out about lethal violence' against UK Jewish community and Gaza

Prince Harry urged clear distinction between legitimate protest and antisemitic prejudice amid rising antisemitism in the UK.

As the right moves in on antisemitism, where does that leave the Jewish left?

Some British Jewish leaders feel increasingly isolated as right-leaning figures gain trust in antisemitism condemnation and Israel defense, while left and liberal spaces face suspicion and booing.

10 hours ago

Harry speaks out about lethal violence' against UK Jewish community and Gaza

Prince Harry urged clear distinction between legitimate protest and antisemitic prejudice amid rising antisemitism in the UK.

more#antisemitism

#labour-party

America's largest bank wades into Labour's leadership crisis

Jamie Dimon warned Labour not to become hostile to banks and threatened to withdraw major investment if Keir Starmer’s party moved leftward.

It's more incrementalism': Starmer's safe king's speech fails to quell mutiny

The legislative programme is seen as incremental and insufficient, with major reforms delayed or softened, failing to rebuild voter trust.

Labour needs a battle of ideas now, not a scramble to snatch the keys to No 10 | Rafael Behr

Labour MPs face mounting evidence that current leadership is driving electoral collapse, prompting demands for Keir Starmer’s departure after defiant responses and inadequate urgency.

UK politics

Labour unions signal Starmer exit as pressure mounts on Prime Minister - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Hold the line': Burnham tells allies in parliament he still has options to return

Labour MPs are resisting Andy Burnham’s return to parliament as several potential seats fail to materialise and MPs deny stepping aside.

Wes Streeting: Ambitious minister at centre of leadership speculation

Wes Streeting publicly denies launching a leadership bid while privately engaging with the prime minister, amid ongoing Labour leadership speculation and scrutiny of his alliances and appeal.

America's largest bank wades into Labour's leadership crisis

Jamie Dimon warned Labour not to become hostile to banks and threatened to withdraw major investment if Keir Starmer’s party moved leftward.

It's more incrementalism': Starmer's safe king's speech fails to quell mutiny

The legislative programme is seen as incremental and insufficient, with major reforms delayed or softened, failing to rebuild voter trust.

Labour needs a battle of ideas now, not a scramble to snatch the keys to No 10 | Rafael Behr

Labour MPs face mounting evidence that current leadership is driving electoral collapse, prompting demands for Keir Starmer’s departure after defiant responses and inadequate urgency.

Labour unions signal Starmer exit as pressure mounts on Prime Minister - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Affiliated unions say Labour cannot continue on its current path and that Keir Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election.

Hold the line': Burnham tells allies in parliament he still has options to return

Labour MPs are resisting Andy Burnham’s return to parliament as several potential seats fail to materialise and MPs deny stepping aside.

Wes Streeting: Ambitious minister at centre of leadership speculation

Wes Streeting publicly denies launching a leadership bid while privately engaging with the prime minister, amid ongoing Labour leadership speculation and scrutiny of his alliances and appeal.

more#labour-party

#keir-starmer

The Latest: UK's Starmer meets prospective leadership rival ahead of King's Speech

The UK government’s legislative program will be presented by King Charles III amid uncertainty over Keir Starmer’s leadership after Labour election losses.

UK politics

UK PM Starmer set to meet rival Streeting amid pledge to carry on governing

Keir Starmer plans to press ahead with reform while facing resignations and calls to resign, meeting Wes Streeting before the King’s parliamentary speech.

The Latest: UK's Starmer meets prospective leadership rival ahead of King's Speech

The UK government’s legislative program will be presented by King Charles III amid uncertainty over Keir Starmer’s leadership after Labour election losses.

UK PM Starmer set to meet rival Streeting amid pledge to carry on governing

Keir Starmer plans to press ahead with reform while facing resignations and calls to resign, meeting Wes Streeting before the King’s parliamentary speech.

more#keir-starmer

Starmer biographer warns Labour risks two leadership elections

Labour faces calls for Keir Starmer to resign, with warnings that leadership instability undermines the UK’s economy and security.

13 hours ago

As King Charles takes centre stage in UK political drama, here's the view from the US

The King’s State Opening drew major US media attention, contrasting British political instability with enduring appeal of monarchy and tradition.

How Starmer can reassert his authority by sacking Wes Streeting

The health secretary plans to resign to trigger a leadership election against the prime minister, raising questions about why the prime minister does not sack him now.

Andy Burnham: The King of the North' with No 10 in his sights

Quality journalism without paywalls relies on donations to keep reporters on the ground and separate facts from messaging.

#kings-speech

Immigration to feature in King's Speech amid calls for Starmer to resign

The King’s Speech is expected to prioritize immigration limits, green energy measures, SEND reforms, and laws targeting state-backed groups, including possible IRGC proscription.

What to expect from the King's Speech as Starmer fights for survival

The King’s Speech will set legislative priorities including immigration, green energy, and SEND reforms, with over 35 bills and a focus on defence.

UK politics

Starmer-Streeting latest: PM to hold showdown talks with rival ahead of King's Speech

Immigration to feature in King's Speech amid calls for Starmer to resign

The King’s Speech is expected to prioritize immigration limits, green energy measures, SEND reforms, and laws targeting state-backed groups, including possible IRGC proscription.

What to expect from the King's Speech as Starmer fights for survival

The King’s Speech will set legislative priorities including immigration, green energy, and SEND reforms, with over 35 bills and a focus on defence.

Starmer-Streeting latest: PM to hold showdown talks with rival ahead of King's Speech

The King’s Speech will set out the government’s legislative agenda for the new parliamentary session.

more#kings-speech

#parliamentary-standards

Nigel Farage faces parliamentary watchdog probe over 5m gift from crypto billionaire

Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards investigation over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he says was for lifelong private security.

Reform UK leader Farage faces parliamentary probe over nearly $7m gift

A standards investigation into Nigel Farage’s $6.7m gift could lead to suspension and a recall petition if parliamentary declaration rules were seriously breached.

Nigel Farage faces parliamentary watchdog probe over 5m gift from crypto billionaire

Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards investigation over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which he says was for lifelong private security.

more#parliamentary-standards

Reform UK leader Farage faces parliamentary probe over nearly $7m gift

A standards investigation into Nigel Farage’s $6.7m gift could lead to suspension and a recall petition if parliamentary declaration rules were seriously breached.

The Guardian view on the king's speech: an agenda for a government that lacks conviction | Editorial

Labour’s promised stability and change have not produced coherent, radical reform, weakening confidence and making a full term for the prime minister unlikely.

The 6bn bond yields drama unfolding behind the headlines

Rising UK gilt yields increase government borrowing costs and may force cuts to spending amid political and global economic pressures.

MoJ rebuked by regulator over toxic gas exposure of prisoners and staff at Dartmoor

HMP Dartmoor exposed prisoners and staff to illegal radon levels, prompting a maximum regulator sanction and a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice.

Majority of Britons would back a smoking ban in pub gardens

Public support in Britain favors expanding smoke-free rules to pub gardens, campuses, bus stops, and children’s play areas.

From tourist tax to digital ID: BBC correspondents on the key bills in the King's Speech

The government’s parliamentary agenda includes major northern rail upgrades and continued energy policy commitments, including renewables acceleration and a ban on new North Sea oil and gas licenses.

Starmer hopes to save his job with promise of change - and warnings of chaos

The King’s Speech outlined a radical legislative agenda while the prime minister faced imminent pressure from allies expecting a leadership challenge.

From tourist tax to digital ID: BBC correspondents on the key bills in the King's Speech

Starmer hopes to save his job with promise of change - and warnings of chaos

The King’s Speech outlined a radical legislative agenda while the prime minister faced imminent pressure from allies expecting a leadership challenge.

more#uk-parliament

22 hours ago

Starmer sets out changes to education, health and courts in king's speech

Legislative plans target NHS restructuring, special education reforms, jury trial limits, digital ID, leasehold abolition, and tighter migrant settled-status rules.

17 hours ago

Councillor who called Holocaust hoax' quits Reform days after election

A Reform councillor apologized for calling the Holocaust a hoax, quit the party days after election, and Farage said he was not welcome in Reform.

Dive-bombing' urban gulls snatching food sparks action in Inverness

Inverness faces escalating herring gull conflicts, prompting a new council strategy after repeated attacks, disturbances, and nesting-site pressures.

JPMorgan warns Labour it could rethink 3bn London HQ amid fears of anti-bank agenda - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

JPMorgan warns it may reconsider its London headquarters investment if Labour adopts a hostile stance toward banks.

Palestine Action barrister wins appeal against contempt of court charge

A Court of Appeal ruled a judge lacked power to refer contempt allegations over a barrister’s closing speech in a Palestine Action activists trial.

Legendary commentator has his say on Prince William supporting Villa

Aston Villa supporter William’s passion was described as genuine, with no manufactured support, linking the Royal family to national sport.

Keir Starmer's health minister reportedly readying to resign after talks with PM

A prime minister must retain the confidence of the House of Commons; losing it ends the ability to continue in office.

Keir Starmer clings to power: Rival Streeting visits No 10 - but crunch talks last less than 20 minutes

A prime minister must retain the House of Commons’ confidence; internal party processes cannot override that constitutional rule.

Flat owners to gain new rights to request faster broadband in leasehold overhaul

Flat owners in England and Wales will gain a legal right to request faster, reliable broadband that cannot be unreasonably refused under leasehold reforms.

Streeting resignation could plunge gilts, pound into crisis territory

A cabinet resignation and leadership challenge could rapidly push gilts and sterling into crisis territory by increasing uncertainty and signaling loss of government control.

Waspi campaigners to launch fresh legal challenge over compensation

Waspi campaigners confirmed fresh legal action against the Government after compensation was denied twice, citing rediscovered DWP evaluation and potential legal errors.

fromBusiness Matters

JPMorgan threatens to scrap Canary Wharf skyscraper if Labour swings left on bank taxes

JPMorgan will reconsider its Canary Wharf skyscraper if UK bank taxes rise too much or politics becomes hostile to banks.

King's speech might be the last word on Starmer as reluctant monarch does his duty | John Crace

A monarch’s state opening attendance proceeds despite political absences, with leaders exchanging tense, dismissive interactions amid looming pressure.

Starmer holds 16-minute meeting with Streeting amid leadership crisis

Wes Streeting met Keir Starmer at Downing Street amid Labour leadership turmoil, while allies renewed calls for Starmer’s resignation after poor election results.

Farage faces parliamentary probe over 5m 'security gift' from crypto billionaire - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Nigel Farage is investigated for failing to declare a £5 million personal gift from a crypto billionaire, raising questions about Commons financial transparency rules.

Palace moves to protect King from Labour leadership chaos - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The Palace seeks strict royal neutrality and does not want the King drawn into Labour leadership turmoil amid speculation about Keir Starmer.

The key questions for Nigel Farage over 5m gift from crypto-billionaire

A £5m gift received in 2024 raises unresolved questions about declaration, timing, and potential additional donations tied to Nigel Farage’s election plans.

fromtheregister

Greater Manchester still says no to NHS data platform with Palantir at its heart

This paper has not been produced yet and work has not started on this paper because it's clear that the public concerns have heightened rather than diminished since the deferral decision has been taken and there does not appear to be any compelling evidence that the value proposition for NHS GM from FDP has materially changed in favour of adoption.

UK politics

Starmer's 'government' descends into Westminster Punch and Judy show - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The Prime Minister was described as lacking authority, with Labour internal unrest and ministerial resignations cited as evidence of government fracturing.

Racing need not fear Green party conversation' but must continue efforts on horse welfare

Green Party gains record election results, prompting claims two-party politics is over and raising odds for future parliamentary success.

fromtheregister