Keir Starmer

Green Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he intends to stand in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, triggered by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation. Polanski framed the contest as a "referendum on ending rip-off Britain" and criticized Starmer's legacy on welfare, foreign policy, and Gaza. The by-election, expected in autumn 2026, is seen as a major electoral test for new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham in a traditionally safe Labour seat.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 3, 01:10 PM UTC

BP announced the sale of its entire North Sea oil and gas division, ending 60 years of production in its home market. The decision follows a UK government windfall tax increase, a ban on new drilling, and a strategic shift toward higher-return projects in the US and Brazil. CEO Meg O’Neill aims to divest $20 billion in assets by year-end. The move marks the last major oil company to exit the region, sparking concerns over UK energy policy and jobs in Aberdeen.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 3, 11:19 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an £8.4 billion investment in nuclear submarines, framing it as a boost to national security and a driver of reindustrialisation through 47,000 jobs and apprenticeships, primarily in Barrow-in-Furness. The funding was originally agreed under Keir Starmer's government as part of a £15 billion defence uplift. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the Dreadnought Class submarines' role as a deterrent. Burnham avoided committing to a 3% GDP defence spending target by 2030, instead pledging to meet NATO's 3.5% goal by 2035. The announcement drew mixed reactions: the Conservatives welcomed it but criticized the lack of a 3% commitment; the Liberal Democrats supported it but called for broader military investment; Reform UK dismissed it as a rehashed press release.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 07:01 AM UTC

After Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England in Atlanta, players held a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” reigniting the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute. FIFA is reviewing the incident under its ban on political displays, with UK politicians calling for player bans. The White House defended the act as free speech. Argentina was fined £20,000 for a similar stunt in 2014. The banner reportedly remains with the squad ahead of the final.

25 reports · 12 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:54 PM UTC

Shadow UK home secretary Chris Philp accused a French warship of firing 17 live rounds near his boat in the English Channel while he was being interviewed by the BBC about illegal migrant crossings. Philp described the incident as 'warning shots or attempted intimidation.' The French warship Flamant passed close to his vessel off Boulogne, and a French navy officer fired a handgun aimed away from the politician. The French government reportedly told British counterparts it was a routine training exercise, but the fishing boat captain said such exercises are usually announced and he had never seen anything like it. The article also notes that 77,183 migrants crossed the Channel during Keir Starmer's premiership, with 13,007 arrivals in 2026 so far, a 45% decrease from the previous year.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:39 PM UTC

Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion was forced to relocate its pre-season training camp from Evian-les-Bains, France, to Austria after soccer pitches were damaged by helicopters used by world leaders attending the 52nd G7 Summit in June 2026. Among the leaders who landed on the fields were former U.S. President Donald Trump, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The turf did not recover in time for Brighton's scheduled use. The club reviewed the pitches and decided to move their European camp to Austria. Brighton's 2026/27 Premier League season begins on August 23 against Aston Villa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:00 PM UTC

Former Labour anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's major government reshuffle, which removed most of Keir Starmer's allies from positions of power. Siddiq expressed frustration over the sacking of competent parliamentary private secretaries (PPS), particularly noting the removal of Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman to serve as PPS to a prime minister. The reshuffle, announced in Burnham's first week in office, includes new PPS appointments made in consultation with cabinet ministers. Siddiq, who resigned from Starmer's government in January 2025 amid scrutiny over her links to her aunt, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, was convicted in absentia in Bangladesh in December 2025 on corruption charges related to a 2013 nuclear deal with Russia, which she denies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:42 AM UTC

Former Labour anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has publicly criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's major government reshuffle, which saw the removal of most of Keir Starmer's allies from positions of power. Siddiq expressed frustration on X, particularly noting the dismissal of Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman to serve as Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to a prime minister. The reshuffle, implemented within Burnham's first week in office, also includes new PPS appointments with promises of enhanced responsibilities. Siddiq, who resigned from Starmer's government in January 2025 amid scrutiny over her ties to her aunt, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and was later convicted in absentia in Bangladesh on corruption charges, rejected the allegations as malicious. The government has been approached for comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:42 AM UTC

Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq publicly criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's major government reshuffle, which saw most of Keir Starmer's allies removed from power. Siddiq expressed frustration over the 'unceremonious sacking' of competent parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs), specifically noting the removal of Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman to serve as PPS to a prime minister. The reshuffle, occurring within Burnham's first week in office, aims to strengthen junior roles under a new chief whip. Siddiq, who resigned from Starmer's government in January 2025 amid corruption allegations linked to her aunt, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, has been convicted in absentia in Bangladesh. The government has been approached for comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:42 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Portsmouth Naval Base, his first foreign leader visit since taking office. Burnham reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine, announcing the transfer of intellectual property for the 'Stone Cloak' drone jammer to enable Ukrainian mass production. The leaders met 200 Ukrainian personnel training in Exercise Sea Breeze for Black Sea missions. The UK’s total aid to Ukraine has reached £25 billion since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

7 reports · 5 sources · Updated Jul 28, 02:00 PM UTC

US President Donald Trump commented on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation, calling him a “lovely man” but blaming his failures on energy policies (banning new North Sea oil drilling) and refusal to let US use UK bases for offensive Iran strikes. Trump had predicted the resignation on social media a day prior. Incoming PM Andy Burnham was also criticized by Trump as “extremely liberal,” signaling ongoing tensions over energy and foreign policy.

11 reports · 3 sources · Updated Jul 27, 05:06 AM UTC

Brighton & Hove Albion have been forced to cancel a pre-season friendly against French Ligue 2 side Annecy after the training pitches they planned to use in Evian-les-Bains were damaged by helicopters used during the G7 summit in June. The summit, attended by world leaders including US President Donald Trump, former UK PM Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, used the pitches as landing grounds. Brighton staff arrived on Wednesday to prepare for the camp but found the pitches unusable. The club has abandoned the camp and arranged an alternative training base in Austria. The friendly against Strasbourg next Saturday is still expected to go ahead. Brighton will play an in-house match behind closed doors on Saturday before flying to Austria on Sunday. The club has qualified for the Conference League play-offs and begins its Premier League season against Aston Villa.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:26 PM UTC

On his first day as UK Prime Minister, Andy Burnham executed a sweeping cabinet reshuffle, dismissing key Keir Starmer loyalists including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy PM David Lammy, and others. He appointed John Healey as Chancellor and Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, signaling a shift toward Northern English representation. The purge consolidates Burnham’s power and marks a decisive break from the Starmer era, with pledges on housing, fiscal rules, and an early election.

23 reports · 6 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:40 PM UTC

Wes Streeting, newly appointed as Britain's Defence Secretary under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will not receive a salary for his first three months in the role. This decision comes after he resigned as Health Secretary two months ago in protest of Keir Starmer's leadership, which entitled him to a £16,876 severance payment equivalent to three months of a cabinet minister's salary. Rather than returning the lump sum, Streeting will forgo his ministerial salary for the same period, following House of Commons guidance that is not mandatory. The article contrasts this with former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who was reappointed as Housing Secretary by Burnham 10 months after resigning amid a tax dispute later cleared by HMRC. Rayner rejected Tory calls to return her severance pay, stating she earned it through prior government service.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:51 AM UTC

HuffPost UK reveals that Wes Streeting, newly appointed Defence Secretary under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will not receive a salary for his first three months in the role. This decision follows his resignation as Health Secretary two months ago in protest of Keir Starmer's leadership, which entitled him to a £16,876 severance payment equivalent to three months' cabinet minister salary. The article notes that while ministers reappointed within three months are expected to forgo salary, it is not mandatory. It contrasts Streeting's decision with former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who rejected calls to return her severance pay after being reappointed Housing Secretary 10 months after resigning over tax issues, from which she was cleared by HMRC.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:51 AM UTC

Newly appointed UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will not receive a salary for his first three months in the role, HuffPost UK has exclusively learned. Streeting, who resigned as Health Secretary two months ago in protest of Keir Starmer's leadership, received a severance payment of £16,876 (equivalent to three months' cabinet minister salary) upon leaving his previous post. His rapid return to government under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham raised questions about whether he would return the lump sum. Instead, he will forgo his ministerial salary for the three-month period, in line with House of Commons guidance that is not mandatory. The article contrasts Streeting's decision with that of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who was reappointed as Housing Secretary by Burnham after a 10-month absence and has refused calls to return her severance pay, stating she is under no obligation to do so.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 06:51 AM UTC

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is under investigation by Parliament’s standards watchdog for failing to declare a £5 million gift from a Thailand-based crypto billionaire and separate benefits from convicted criminal George Cottrell. Party spokesman Robert Jenrick defended Farage, insisting he will lead Reform into the next election and dismissing allegations as baseless. The controversies have sparked political debate and media scrutiny, though Reform UK continues to top opinion polls.

71 reports · 14 sources · Updated Jul 23, 11:13 AM UTC

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office on July 20, 2026, has finalized his cabinet, promoting British-Indian MP Kanishka Narayan to the role of Minister for AI within the Cabinet Office and Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Narayan, 36, born in Bihar and raised in Wales, called his elevation a sign of Burnham's deep commitment to AI's importance, describing AI as the most significant technology in human history. He pledged to focus on securing British influence in shaping AI while addressing public concerns about jobs and change. Burnham also purged allies of predecessor Keir Starmer from the government. Lisa Nandy, another Indian-origin minister, retained her role with added responsibility for digital services. Narayan emphasized continuity in the India-UK relationship.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:52 AM UTC

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar to the House of Lords and as a minister in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, despite Sarwar having called for former PM Keir Starmer’s resignation over the Peter Mandelson scandal. The move sparked fury among Scottish Labour MPs, as Sarwar led the party to its worst Holyrood election result (17 MSPs) and is now stepping down as Scottish leader. Critics accuse Sarwar and allies of “failing upwards,” deepening internal party turmoil.

5 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:02 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues, a £100 million commitment funded by cracking down on vape shops and tax-avoidant online sellers deemed not to make positive contributions to local communities. The policy, a key pledge during Burnham's Makerfield by-election campaign, aims to give Brits 'breathing space' on the cost of living and is the first business-focused measure from his government. It follows industry outcry over tax hikes in Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget. Chancellor John Healey welcomed the move, stating venues are 'at the heart of communities.' The British Beer and Pub Association praised the cut but called for broader reform. The announcement comes alongside other cost-of-living measures, including VAT cuts on electricity bills and a £2 bus fare cap, though funding questions remain.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:01 AM UTC

The article analyzes the fiscal challenges facing UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new government, highlighting a £22bn black hole of unfunded commitments inherited from Keir Starmer's administration, including NHS pay rises and the Defence Investment Plan. Additional proposals like a foreign aid boost could push the figure above £60bn. Small cost-of-living measures such as a £45 electricity bill subsidy and a £2 bus fare cap are described as insignificant gestures that still require funding. Industry groups warn of a 'cost of doing business crisis' with rising taxes, costs, and red tape. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has assured bosses that business interests are central to the agenda, but the author expresses skepticism, noting the influence of far-left advisors and a focus on bank levies and windfall taxes. The piece concludes that Britain's private sector will likely continue facing headwinds from energy prices and employment taxes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:13 AM UTC

Andy Burnham has become the new leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 17, 2026, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer who resigned in June 2026. Burnham ran unopposed and secured overwhelming support from 379 Labour MPs and most affiliated trade unions. In this analysis, Alan Vallance, CEO of ICAEW, argues that businesses are watching Burnham's early signals closely. He calls for an immediate commitment to no new business taxes and regulatory simplification to restore confidence. ICAEW's Business Confidence Monitor shows sentiment declining into negative territory due to global uncertainty. While 40% of ICAEW members support the government's growth plans for towns, infrastructure, and skills, 57% say addressing the tax burden should be the top priority. Vallance concludes that if Burnham provides stability and certainty, businesses will support his growth agenda.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:05 AM UTC

This analysis from LabourList examines how new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approached his first days in office, contrasting his style with predecessor Keir Starmer. While Starmer's government emphasized fiscal constraints and difficult choices—exemplified by the controversial Winter Fuel Payment cut—Burnham has framed his premiership around hope and tangible action. Key early policies include a VAT cut on domestic energy bills and reversing the bus fare cap from £3 back to £2. The article argues that Burnham's direct, possibility-focused approach aims to restore public faith in politics and the Labour Party, though it notes that two days do not guarantee long-term success. The piece positions Burnham as representing a 'last chance' to change course before public trust erodes further.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:03 PM UTC

In this second part of a series on local government, former Boris Johnson policy adviser Amy Selman argues that the 2026 local elections were dominated by national issues rather than local concerns, contributing to voter fatigue and low turnout. She uses Barnsley as a case study, where Reform UK gained 42 council seats and Labour lost 37, with turnout at just 37.25%. Selman highlights that Labour voters defected to the Greens (22%) and Liberal Democrats (16%), while 6% switched to Reform. She notes that Liberal Democrat wins nationally occurred only where turnout exceeded 60%. Selman calls for better campaign basics, targeted research, and vigilance to re-engage voters, emphasizing that local issues like council tax and recycling are being overshadowed by national politics.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 02:00 PM UTC

Alan Mak MP, a former Treasury and Business Minister, argues that Labour under Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves has left a legacy of high taxes, high regulation, and low growth, damaging Britain's economy and especially high-growth scaleup companies. He criticizes specific Labour policies including the 'Jobs Tax' (raising employer National Insurance), anti-employment legislation, energy policy driving up industrial costs, and taxes on family farms and businesses. Mak warns that these policies are driving entrepreneurs to scale up abroad, with 94% of high-growth businesses selling early or moving overseas. He calls on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to adopt Conservative plans to cut energy bills, scrap red tape, and restore incentives for investment and work, warning that Burnham's instincts toward more state control would compound Labour's failures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the removal of 5% VAT on domestic electricity bills from October 1, 2026, saving households about £45 annually, funded by scrapping a £1.8 billion digital ID program. He also introduced a £2 cap on single bus fares across England from January 2027, backed by £400 million in public funding. These measures aim to reduce the cost of living, support families, and curb inflation, following a 13% rise in the energy price cap due to global gas price increases.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:21 AM UTC

Lucy Rigby has been reappointed as City minister after being demoted from her role as chief secretary to the Treasury in a major reshuffle led by Prime Minister Burnham. Rigby, who previously served as City minister under Keir Starmer for nine months before being promoted in May, will now hold the dual brief of economic secretary to the Treasury and City minister. The reshuffle saw Angela Eagle promoted to environment secretary and Emma Reynolds, a former City minister, become chief secretary to the Treasury. Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, has left the government. Rigby was a popular figure among City investors and accompanied Starmer on a state visit to China. As City minister previously, she introduced a stamp duty tax holiday for newly-listed companies. The Treasury changes also include John Healey as Chancellor and Murray as financial secretary, replacing Lord Spencer Livermore. Lord Jason Stockwood has been removed as investment minister.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:43 AM UTC

The article, published by Conservative Home, describes the early days of Andy Burnham's premiership, marked by a purge of Keir Starmer's cabinet members and the emergence of internal Labour factionalism. Burnham's first major policy—cutting VAT on household electricity bills funded by scrapping the Digital ID scheme—has been criticized as an unfunded commitment. Former minister Darren Jones and opposition leaders Kemi Badenoch and Ed Davey have questioned the fiscal credibility of the move. The piece portrays a Labour Party in turmoil, with markets and commentators skeptical of Burnham's economic strategy despite appointing a compromise Chancellor.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:00 AM UTC

Conservative MP Katie Lam argues that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has avoided scrutiny by refusing interviews and blocking parliamentary debate. She asserts that Burnham's record as Health Secretary, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and his cabinet appointments (including Louise Haigh, Ed Miliband, and Angela Rayner) demonstrate poor judgment and failed policies. Lam contends that Burnham shares the same flawed Labour instincts as his predecessor Keir Starmer, predicting no improvement in governance despite the change in leadership.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 05:30 AM UTC

Chancellor John Healey is expected to announce major tax rises in the autumn after a City AM analysis revealed £22bn in uncosted spending pledges from Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration. The pledges include ending rough sleeping and removing VAT from energy bills, adding to commitments inherited from Keir Starmer. Economists warn that a third consecutive tax-raising budget would damage business confidence. The £22bn figure does not include other costly proposals such as unfreezing personal allowances, nationalising Thames Water, or increasing foreign aid, which could add at least £45bn. Healey is constrained by fiscal rules and manifesto promises not to raise income tax, VAT, or employee national insurance, leaving limited options to generate revenue. The analysis highlights the tension between spending ambitions and fiscal discipline, with markets and investors skeptical that many commitments will be fulfilled.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:00 AM UTC