#uk-politics
#uk-politics

UK politics

Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election

UK politics

Who is James Murray, the new health secretary replacing Wes Streeting?

UK politics

Kettering MP resigns from Department of Health job

No more chancers or failures the coming contest must produce a British PM worthy of the name | Jonathan Freedland

Labour leadership actions and speeches failed to deliver major change, instead reinforcing doubts and leaving calls for leadership change unresolved.

He's just down to earth': Ashton-in-Makerfield receptive to Burnham run

Andy Burnham plans to contest the Ashton-in-Makerfield byelection after Josh Simons steps aside, facing a difficult challenge against Reform’s strong local support.

2 hours ago

How Rayner, Streeting and Burnham weakened PM in 12 hours of political drama

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of tax dodging or carelessness, enabling her to manage timing and media strategy amid Labour leadership uncertainty.

Burnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-election

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was cleared to seek Labour selection for the Makerfield by-election, potentially enabling a return to Westminster and a challenge to the prime minister.

Who is James Murray, the new health secretary replacing Wes Streeting?

James Murray became health secretary after a career of loyal, low-profile party work, positioning him as a test case for Starmer’s managerial Labour project.

UK politics

Kettering MP resigns from Department of Health job

No more chancers or failures the coming contest must produce a British PM worthy of the name | Jonathan Freedland

Labour leadership actions and speeches failed to deliver major change, instead reinforcing doubts and leaving calls for leadership change unresolved.

He's just down to earth': Ashton-in-Makerfield receptive to Burnham run

Andy Burnham plans to contest the Ashton-in-Makerfield byelection after Josh Simons steps aside, facing a difficult challenge against Reform’s strong local support.

more#labour-party

#labour-party-leadership

UK politics

Andy Burnham will push to become PM before Labour conference, allies say

13 hours ago

UK politics

Digested week: Starmer's day of reckoning was foreseen just not the level of drama | John Crace

15 hours ago

UK politics

Starmer loyalist warns against copying Tories' but admits PM is unpopular

UK politics

The Guardian view on a cabinet resignation: Labour's leadership crisis is really an identity crisis | Editorial

Four key excerpts from Streeting's resignation letter

Streeting resigned as health secretary, citing loss of confidence in Keir Starmer’s leadership and urging a broad leadership contest with the strongest candidates.

From council estate to cabinet: the political life of Wes Streeting so far

Wes Streeting resigned from government, with expectations of a Labour leadership contest and a potential bid to shape the next prime minister.

Andy Burnham will push to become PM before Labour conference, allies say

Andy Burnham seeks Labour candidacy for the Makerfield byelection, aiming to return to parliament and potentially position for a future leadership contest.

13 hours ago

Digested week: Starmer's day of reckoning was foreseen just not the level of drama | John Crace

Internal Labour leadership conflict escalated after election results, with over 100 MPs demanding Keir Starmer step down amid rising Reform electoral pressure.

15 hours ago

Starmer loyalist warns against copying Tories' but admits PM is unpopular

Labour should unite behind Keir Starmer despite low popularity and avoid repeated leadership changes that harmed the Conservatives.

The Guardian view on a cabinet resignation: Labour's leadership crisis is really an identity crisis | Editorial

Supreme power opportunities are rare, so challengers to Keir Starmer act cautiously, constrained by Labour rules and the difficulty of uniting MPs, unions, activists, and members.

Four key excerpts from Streeting's resignation letter

Streeting resigned as health secretary, citing loss of confidence in Keir Starmer’s leadership and urging a broad leadership contest with the strongest candidates.

more#labour-party-leadership

From council estate to cabinet: the political life of Wes Streeting so far

Wes Streeting resigned from government, with expectations of a Labour leadership contest and a potential bid to shape the next prime minister.

Ukraine flag removed from council HQ by Reform

The Ukrainian flag has been removed from outside Essex County Council's offices by the newly elected Reform UK administration. A second Union flag was instead put up in its place outside County Hall in Chelmsford on Friday. Council leader Peter Harris said it was a "proud moment", but in response, Tory opposition boss Lee Scott warned it could encourage "pro-Kremlin politics" locally. The Ukraine flag had flown outside the building since March 2022, weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country.

Europe politics

#nigel-farage

6 hours ago

Questions over Farage's houses and 5m gift renew scrutiny of finances

An official inquiry has been opened into a £5m gift, while questions persist about multiple properties and a £1.4m Surrey home.

10 hours ago

Farage paid for 1.4m house with I'm a Celebrity cash

A 1.42m Surrey house bought in cash in May 2024 was funded by Farage’s I’m a Celebrity payment, according to Reform UK, despite a separate 5m gift inquiry.

Farage says 5m gift a reward for Brexit campaigning

£5m received from a Reform UK donor was described as an unconditional reward for decades of Brexit campaigning, while an inquiry examines possible undeclared gift rules.

Farage bought 1.4m house after receiving 5m donation from crypto billionaire'

Investigations into Nigel Farage’s undeclared multi-million-pound gift and cash purchase raise questions about compliance with donation disclosure rules.

6 hours ago

Questions over Farage's houses and 5m gift renew scrutiny of finances

An official inquiry has been opened into a £5m gift, while questions persist about multiple properties and a £1.4m Surrey home.

10 hours ago

Farage paid for 1.4m house with I'm a Celebrity cash

A 1.42m Surrey house bought in cash in May 2024 was funded by Farage’s I’m a Celebrity payment, according to Reform UK, despite a separate 5m gift inquiry.

Farage says 5m gift a reward for Brexit campaigning

£5m received from a Reform UK donor was described as an unconditional reward for decades of Brexit campaigning, while an inquiry examines possible undeclared gift rules.

Farage bought 1.4m house after receiving 5m donation from crypto billionaire'

Investigations into Nigel Farage’s undeclared multi-million-pound gift and cash purchase raise questions about compliance with donation disclosure rules.

UK politics

Badenoch 'flattered' by Thatcher comparison from Nicki Minaj

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.

UK politics

Badenoch 'flattered' by Thatcher comparison from Nicki Minaj

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.

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#labour-leadership

UK politics

What does Makerfield make of by-election and can Burnham win?

Where we need vision, we have a vacuum': Streeting's resignation letter in full

Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, citing loss of confidence in Keir Starmer’s leadership and urging him to listen to colleagues.

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.

UK politics

Burnham pulls out of BBC phone-in amid speculation

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.

What does Makerfield make of by-election and can Burnham win?

A Makerfield by-election could determine Labour leadership momentum, with Andy Burnham seeking a parliamentary seat while Reform UK targets a breakthrough.

Where we need vision, we have a vacuum': Streeting's resignation letter in full

Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, citing loss of confidence in Keir Starmer’s leadership and urging him to listen to colleagues.

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

UK politics: How Starmer survives as Farage waits in wings

Labour’s major local and devolved election losses have sharply reduced Keir Starmer’s popularity, while internal party pressure and leadership rules shape his remaining options.

fromenglish.elpais.com

Keir Starmer, stripped bare: neither charisma nor political acumen

Keir Starmer’s appeal was pragmatic, but he lacked charisma and failed to deliver serious policy competence.

fromwww.dw.com

9 hours ago

UK politics: How Starmer survives as Farage waits in wings

Labour’s major local and devolved election losses have sharply reduced Keir Starmer’s popularity, while internal party pressure and leadership rules shape his remaining options.

fromenglish.elpais.com

Keir Starmer, stripped bare: neither charisma nor political acumen

Keir Starmer’s appeal was pragmatic, but he lacked charisma and failed to deliver serious policy competence.

Who is James Murray, the new health secretary replacing Wes Streeting?

James Murray becomes Health and Social Care Secretary, inheriting major NHS and social care challenges including resident doctor disputes and waiting-time pressures.

fromPinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

13 hours ago

Greens suggest they will properly contest byelection in blow for Burnham

Greens will campaign in Makerfield byelection, aiming to win despite Reform pressure and Labour’s smaller majority, while Burnham seeks Labour nomination to replace retiring MP Josh Simons.

14 hours ago

New Health Secretary James Murray's views on trans rights

Murray has served as the MP for Ealing North since 2019, and was previously the Chief Secretary to the Treasury between September 2025 until his appointment as Health Secretary. Streeting's time as Health Secretary saw him fall out of favour with many in the LGBTQ+ community, as his time in office brought a ban on puberty blockers for trans youth.

LGBT

#reform-uk

14 hours ago

Farage predicts Labour exit as Starmer struggles to steady party - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Bond markets signal trouble for Labour, and Reform claims it could win a general election within 12 months while preparing for government.

Farage criticised for backing preacher who says homosexuality is abomination'

Nigel Farage backed a church leader whose preaching condemned homosexuality as abomination and warned of hell, drawing criticism for amplifying homophobic remarks.

14 hours ago

Farage predicts Labour exit as Starmer struggles to steady party - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Bond markets signal trouble for Labour, and Reform claims it could win a general election within 12 months while preparing for government.

Farage criticised for backing preacher who says homosexuality is abomination'

Nigel Farage backed a church leader whose preaching condemned homosexuality as abomination and warned of hell, drawing criticism for amplifying homophobic remarks.

more#reform-uk

#labour-leadership-challenge

16 hours ago

Why Al Carns' military experience makes him a credible wartime Prime Minister - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

A former Royal Marines officer turned Labour MP is being promoted as a potential wartime Prime Minister amid rising national security pressures and Armed Forces concerns.

UK politics

Westminster waits in frenzied limbo before Wes jumpstarts day of drama | John Crace

A planned leadership challenge day stalled because no clear mechanism for removing the prime minister was in place, leaving chaos and unscripted outcomes.

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.

Westminster waits in frenzied limbo before Wes jumpstarts day of drama | John Crace

A planned leadership challenge day stalled because no clear mechanism for removing the prime minister was in place, leaving chaos and unscripted outcomes.

more#labour-leadership-challenge

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.

#reproductive-rights

What to know about contenders who could replace Keir Starmer as Britain's Labour leader

The Independent funds on-the-ground reporting without paywalls, while UK Labour faces leadership turmoil after local election defeats and a Cabinet resignation.

Rayner tax issues explained after HMRC clears her of wrongdoing

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of wrongdoing over tax affairs after she settled unpaid stamp duty, enabling potential leadership challenges amid political speculation.

What to know about contenders who could replace Keir Starmer as Britain's Labour leader

The Independent funds on-the-ground reporting without paywalls, while UK Labour faces leadership turmoil after local election defeats and a Cabinet resignation.

Rayner tax issues explained after HMRC clears her of wrongdoing

HMRC cleared Angela Rayner of wrongdoing over tax affairs after she settled unpaid stamp duty, enabling potential leadership challenges amid political speculation.

more#reproductive-rights

#parliamentary-standards

Nigel Farage bought 1.4m property shortly after receiving 5m gift

A 1.4m cash property purchase followed a 5m gift, prompting standards investigation and demands to fully declare how the gift was used.

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.

Nigel Farage bought 1.4m property shortly after receiving 5m gift

A 1.4m cash property purchase followed a 5m gift, prompting standards investigation and demands to fully declare how the gift was used.

more#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.

#parliamentary-confidence

Wes Streeting resigns from Starmer's cabinet amid potential leadership challenge: 'It's clear you won't lead Labour into next general election'

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

Wes Streeting resigns from Starmer's cabinet amid leadership challenge: 'It's clear you won't lead Labour into next general election'

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

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.

Wes Streeting resigns from Starmer's cabinet amid potential leadership challenge: 'It's clear you won't lead Labour into next general election'

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

Wes Streeting resigns from Starmer's cabinet amid leadership challenge: 'It's clear you won't lead Labour into next general election'

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

more#parliamentary-confidence

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.

Games

fromPinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

Gotta catch an MP! Players debate' UK politicians in Pokemon-style game

Players catch and train UK politicians in a Pokemon-style mobile game by debating them and using parliamentary manoeuvres to build dominant parties.

Zack Polanski confirms he has never dated Wes Streeting

Gay Green Party leader Zack Polanski has officially confirmed that he has never dated Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting. His jest came in response to a post shared by a Green supporter on X on 13 May. Lawyer Dr Iain Darcy remarked that the only thing that would bring Polanski down "is if it is revealed he used to date Wes Streeting", adding that there would be "no coming back from that."

LGBT

#antisemitism

No one should get a free pass on antisemitism so why does the right?

Antisemitism must be eliminated everywhere, and invitations or media portrayals that undermine solidarity should be rejected.

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.

No one should get a free pass on antisemitism so why does the right?

Antisemitism must be eliminated everywhere, and invitations or media portrayals that undermine solidarity should be rejected.

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

#hmrc

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.

'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.

more#hmrc

Emergency brake needed on runaway' rent rises, experts warn

Rents are rising across England, straining low-income renters, and new Labour housing laws need stronger affordability measures like emergency caps on rent increases.

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.

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.

UK news

The bizarre line-up of Tommy Robinson allies due to speak at major march

Travel bans have disrupted plans for Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march, blocking multiple allies from entering the UK while police prepare for very large crowds in London.

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.

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.

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.

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.