Labour Party

UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch carried out a major frontbench reshuffle, sacking former cabinet ministers Mel Stride and Priti Patel and appointing Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor. Griffith was a key architect of Liz Truss's 2022 mini-budget, which caused economic turmoil. Tom Tugendhat became shadow foreign secretary. Critics accused Badenoch of "shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic" and promoting figures tied to past failures.

6 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 1, 07:19 AM UTC

On August 24-25, 2026, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced legislation to ban children under 16 from social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, citing mental health and safety concerns. The bill would require age verification via facial estimation or digital ID, with fines up to 10% of global revenue for non-compliance. However, it lacks sufficient parliamentary support from coalition partners ACT and NZ First, and faces opposition from privacy groups. The move follows Australia’s similar ban in December 2025.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 25, 04:28 AM UTC

Labour candidate Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election triggered by Andy Burnham's move to become Prime Minister. Craig secured 66.3% of the final vote, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley. Turnout was a record low of 25.14%. The election, the first electoral test for Burnham's government, saw Labour retain control of the £3 billion budget authority, though with reduced public engagement.

15 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 8, 02:02 AM UTC

Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott and MP Joani Reid have been readmitted to the UK Labour Party and had the parliamentary whip restored. Abbott was suspended twice over comments about racism and antisemitism, including a tweet misnaming the Israeli Defence Force; she apologized and completed an antisemitism awareness course. Reid resigned the whip after her husband’s arrest on suspicion of spying for China, though she was not accused. The readmissions followed an independent party process, with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging unity.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 31, 07:53 AM UTC

On July 30, 2026, Greater Manchester will elect a new mayor following Andy Burnham's departure to become British Prime Minister. The article reports from Oldham, one of the most deprived areas in England, where residents express disillusionment with politics. Labour leads polls with 38-39%, but a new preferential voting system is expected to secure them over 60%. Reform UK and the Greens compete for second place. The piece highlights local regeneration projects, voter ID issues disenfranchising some residents, and the broader question of whether Labour can maintain its hold on the region.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 05:13 AM UTC

Four major trade unions affiliated with the UK Labour Party—ASLEF, the Musicians' Union, USDAW, and Unison—have announced they will boycott the party's women's conference in September 2026. The boycott is in protest of a decision to exclude trans women from participating in debates and voting on the conference floor, citing compliance with a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of 'woman'. Trans women will still be allowed at fringe events. Unison, a major Labour donor, stated the restrictions contradict its policy on trans equality. Labour for Trans Rights expressed disappointment, while Labour Women's Declaration criticized the boycott as 'petulant performative politics'. The Labour Party defended the decision as legally compliant and committed to advancing women in politics. The boycott does not affect attendance at Labour's national conference.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 11:28 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce the largest education overhaul in 15 years, shifting focus away from the traditional university pathway toward technical education. The plan, aimed at addressing a youth unemployment crisis affecting over a million young people, will allow 14-year-olds (Year 10) to combine core academic subjects with technical skills, work experience, and local employer links. Regional mayors, schools, and businesses will collaborate to shape these pathways. Funding will come from an existing £570 million for college places and a £4.7 billion schools funding increase from the 2025 Spending Review. Burnham emphasizes parity between academic and technical routes, stating Britain will 'value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap.' The reform builds on his Greater Manchester MBacc initiative and marks a departure from New Labour's push for 50% university attendance. Reactions are mixed: former minister Alan Milburn calls it a 'big step' but urges a wider system reset, while Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticizes it as insufficient to undo Labour's damage to the job market.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:11 AM UTC

Unite Students, the UK's largest student landlord, reported a £417m pre-tax loss for the six months to June, reversing a £186m profit from the previous year. The FTSE 250 firm was hit by a £530m revaluation of its property portfolio and 'extremely challenging' building costs. Earnings slipped 2% to £142m. The company is cutting rents in cities like Leicester, Nottingham, and Sheffield to boost occupancy, targeting 94-96% occupancy this year. Unite plans to sell up to £400m of properties, focusing on top-tier universities, and has already disposed of £130m in assets. The firm criticized Labour's Renters' Rights Act, claiming it pushes private landlords out of the sector, and warned that high build costs make new developments viable only at rents above £300 per week, far above its current £190 average. Shares fell 3.4% in early trading.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:06 AM 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

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as Chair of the Labour Party by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Anna Turley who joined the Home Office. The appointment ended nearly a week of speculation over the role. Phillipson will focus on preparing Labour for the next general election, including modernizing the party for digital campaigning, strengthening engagement with members, trade unions, and local parties, and building the infrastructure and policy platform needed for a second term. Her appointment comes almost a year after she lost the Labour deputy leadership race to Lucy Powell. Burnham expressed confidence in Phillipson's ability to drive culture change and keep Labour focused on working people. Phillipson said she was honored and emphasized unity, hope, and fairness for working communities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:16 PM UTC

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has been appointed as Chair of the Labour Party by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Anna Turley who became a Home Office minister. The appointment ended nearly a week of speculation over the role. Phillipson will oversee preparations for the next general election, focusing on modernizing the party for digital campaigning, strengthening member and trade union engagement, and building the infrastructure and policy platform needed for a second term. Her appointment comes about a year after she lost the Labour deputy leadership contest to Lucy Powell. Burnham expressed confidence in Phillipson's ability to drive cultural change and ensure the party is 'match fit' for the next election. Phillipson said she was honored and emphasized unity, hope, and delivering justice and opportunity for working people.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 07:16 PM UTC

Reform UK has lost its 16-month lead in UK voting intention polls just one week after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. A More in Common survey shows Labour at 28% (up 4 points), while Reform UK dropped to 24% (down 2 points), marking the first time since March 2025 that Reform has fallen to second place. The Conservatives remain at 22%, just two points behind Reform. The poll comes amid a flurry of cost-of-living-focused policy announcements from Burnham, including a £2 bus fare cap, a pledge to end rough sleeping, VAT cuts on energy bills, and a 20% business rate cut for pubs and venues. Nigel Farage, facing a Clacton by-election in August after resigning his seat, is also under scrutiny over a £5 million gift from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne. Major parties have declined to field candidates against Farage, leaving only comedy candidate Count Binface as a serious rival.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:19 PM UTC

A new More in Common poll shows Labour has overtaken Reform UK in voting intentions for the first time in 16 months, just one week after Andy Burnham became Prime Minister. Labour now stands at 28% (up 4 points), while Reform UK has dropped to 24% (down 2 points). The Conservatives remain at 22%, with Liberal Democrats at 12% and Greens at 8%. The poll comes after Burnham announced a series of cost-of-living focused policies including a £2 bus fare cap, a pledge to end rough sleeping, VAT cuts on energy bills, and a 20% business rate cut for pubs and venues. Reform leader Nigel Farage is preparing for a Clacton by-election in August, which major parties have dismissed as a stunt and declined to contest. Burnham has ruled out an early general election despite the positive polling. More in Common's UK Director Luke Tryl noted the early momentum but cautioned it is too soon to determine if the lead is sustainable.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:19 PM UTC

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into donations made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a fundraising vehicle controlled by the party's deputy leader Richard Tice. Two donations of £250,000 each were made ahead of the 2024 general election. The money originated from donor Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted criminal George Cottrell, who previously funded Nigel Farage's security. Reform UK's bank account was reportedly frozen during the election. The Met confirmed two people have been interviewed under caution for alleged offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. Richard Tice dismissed the probe as a politically motivated smear campaign, while Labour accused Reform of repeated financial misconduct. The investigation follows separate controversies over a £5 million gift to Nigel Farage from a crypto billionaire.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 09:53 AM UTC

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into donations made to Reform UK by Britain Means Business, a company controlled by the party's deputy leader Richard Tice. Two donations of £250,000 each were made ahead of the 2024 general election, funded by donor Fiona Cottrell, mother of convicted criminal George Cottrell. The Electoral Commission referred the case to police in February 2025, leading to two people being interviewed under caution. Reform UK's bank account was reportedly frozen during the election. Richard Tice dismissed the probe as a politically motivated smear campaign, while Labour accused Reform of repeated financial misconduct. The investigation concerns alleged offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 09:53 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has definitively ruled out calling an early general election, stating that voters do not want to return to the polls just two years after the last election. In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Burnham dismissed mounting speculation at Westminster that he might call a snap election to capitalize on Labour's improved poll ratings and secure his own five-year mandate. Burnham, who became Prime Minister just a week ago after returning to Parliament as MP for Makerfield, emphasized that 20 million people voted for a manifesto and that he intends to honor it within the framework of parliamentary democracy. He noted that he has already faced voters in his constituency during a by-election. Reform UK, whose poll lead has recently diminished, had been among the most vocal proponents of a fresh election. Burnham stressed that his priority is to focus on getting the country back on track rather than calling an early vote, which is not required until 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 05:33 AM UTC

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has definitively ruled out calling an early general election, stating that voters do not want to return to the polls just two years after the last election. Speculation had been mounting at Westminster that Burnham, who became Prime Minister barely a month after returning to Parliament as MP for Makerfield, might call a snap election to capitalize on a bounce in Labour's polls and secure his own five-year mandate. Reform UK, whose poll lead has recently been slashed, had been leading calls for a fresh election. In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Burnham emphasized that 20 million people voted for a manifesto in a parliamentary democracy, and he intends to honor that mandate. He stated his priority is to focus on getting the country working again, rather than calling an early election.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 26, 05:33 AM 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

Ireland's parliament passed the Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026, allowing pharmacists to renew contraception prescriptions for the pill, patch, and ring for up to four and a half years, though an initial prescription from a GP remains required. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill resisted opposition attempts to lower the free contraception scheme's age of access from 17 to 16, citing clinical advice linking earlier sexual debut to adverse outcomes. She also rejected calls to extend eligibility from age 36 to 40, citing a €5 million annual cost and competing health priorities. A proposal to allow pharmacists to dispense oral contraceptives without prescription was defeated due to contraindication concerns. The bill, which passed with technical amendments, now awaits the Irish president's signature.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:02 AM UTC

Ireland's parliament passed the Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026, allowing community pharmacists to renew contraception prescriptions for the pill, patch, and ring for up to four and a half years, though an initial prescription from a GP remains required. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill resisted opposition attempts to lower the age of access from 17 to 16, citing clinical advice that earlier sexual debut is associated with adverse outcomes. She also rejected calls to extend the free scheme to women aged 36-40, citing budgetary constraints and competing health priorities. A proposal to allow pharmacists to dispense oral contraceptives without a prescription was defeated, with the minister citing contraindications for combined hormonal contraception. The bill now awaits the Irish president's signature.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:02 AM UTC

Reform UK Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick has been accused of spreading disinformation after posting a doctored audio clip that misrepresented Labour MP Jo White's comments on immigration. Jenrick's tweet falsely claimed White said 'I don't care if we stop the boats' regarding asylum seekers crossing the English Channel. White, recently appointed immigration minister by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, released the full audio proving she actually said: 'My focus is to make sure that we stop those boats. I don't care who will stop the boats. My number one priority is to stop those boats.' White's husband and predecessor John Mann called Jenrick 'a liar and a fraud,' stating Jenrick knew the quote was fabricated for a year. Both Jenrick and Reform UK deleted the offending tweets. Jenrick has been contacted for comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 07:35 AM UTC

Reform UK Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick has been branded a 'liar and a fraud' after deleting a tweet that featured doctored audio misrepresenting Labour MP Jo White's comments on immigration. Jenrick falsely claimed White said 'I don't care if we stop the boats' at a public meeting. White, the newly appointed immigration minister under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, released the full audio proving she said: 'I don't care who will stop the boats. My number one priority is to stop those boats.' White's husband and predecessor, John Mann, accused Jenrick of knowingly spreading a fabricated quote for a year. Reform UK also deleted its version of the tweet. Jenrick has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 07:35 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

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

Former England footballer and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has joined over 100 UK-based millionaires in a letter organized by the Patriotic Millionaires group, calling on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to implement a wealth tax. The signatories, including film director Richard Curtis and former Greggs chairman Ian Gregg, argue that the richest should pay more to create a fairer society. The letter proposes a 2% tax on assets over £10 million, which could raise £24 billion for the Treasury, affecting fewer than 0.04% of the population. Burnham, who recently entered No10, did not rule out a wealth tax in a previous interview with Lineker. The article details how such revenue could fund schools, free school meals, housing benefits, and defense spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:00 PM UTC

LabourList reports on the latest ministerial appointments in Andy Burnham's government. The appointments span multiple departments including Treasury, Business, Cabinet Office, Digital, Energy, Environment, Defence, Education, Foreign Office, Health, Home Office, Housing, Justice, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Transport, Wales, and Work and Pensions. Key reappointments include Torsten Bell as Treasury and Work & Pensions Parliamentary Secretary, and several others. New appointments include Dan Tomlinson as Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Office and Treasury, and Blair McDougall as Business and Energy Security Under-Secretary. The list also includes whips and Lords positions. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the new government lineup.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:30 PM 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