Thursday, June 18Thursday, June 184 days · 5 summary articles
Just hours remain before polls close in the Makerfield by-election, a contest that could reshape British politics and determine whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership survives the night. The vote, widely seen as a referendum on Starmer’s premiership, enters its final stretch with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham both positioning themselves to influence the outcome. On the ground in Makerfield, the atmosphere is described as “chaotic but pleasant” by *Politico* reporter Emilio Casalicchio, reflecting the high stakes amid a fragmented political landscape .
Burnham, a Labour figure with growing ambitions, has publicly suggested that a strong performance in Makerfield could give him leverage to urge Starmer to step aside. His remarks follow Labour’s loss in the by-election, which has already prompted calls from within the party for Starmer to set a resignation timetable. Labour MP Rachael Maskell has gone further, expressing hope that Burnham could become prime minister before the party’s annual conference in September .
The trial of two Russian-linked arsonists accused of targeting property connected to Starmer has added a layer of urgency to the political drama. The men, Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were found guilty on Monday of conspiring to carry out arson attacks under instructions from an online handler with ties to Russia. Starmer framed the incident as evidence of foreign efforts to exploit division and destabilise British democracy .
Burnham’s potential ambitions are not without scrutiny. The *Financial Times* has described him as Labour’s “charismatic chameleon,” a figure who has earned public respect by shifting from political insider to outsider, though economic doubts linger over his bid for Downing Street. To bolster his credibility, Burnham has sought advice from Richard Hughes, former chair of the UK’s fiscal watchdog, to prepare for how markets might react to his policies should he become prime minister .
As voters cast their ballots, the Makerfield by-election stands as a pivotal moment not only for Starmer’s future but for the broader direction of British politics. With Reform UK and Labour’s internal dynamics in flux, the results could signal whether the country is heading toward a new political era—or a prolonged period of instability.
2 further sources not geolocated
Just hours of voting remain in the Makerfield by-election. Despite the huge implications for PM Keir Starmer, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the future of British politics, the mood on the ground is chaotic but pleasant, @ecasalicchio.bsky.social writes👇 Live: www.politico.eu/article/make...
bluesky bot · about 2 hours ago
Doplňovacie voľby v Makerfielde môžu rozhodnúť o ďalšom smerovaní britskej vlády Británia sleduje doplňovacie voľby v Makerfielde ktoré môžu určiť osud lídra labouristov. Andy Burnham sa usiluje o mandát a mocenský vplyv.
aktuality.sk · about 2 hours ago
Andy Burnham being advised by former chair of UK fiscal watchdog Richard Hughes brought in to prepare Manchester mayor with how the markets might interpret policies should he become PM
financial times · about 2 hours ago
Who is Andy Burnham, Labours charismatic chameleon? Greater Manchester mayor has earned public respect by going from insider to outsider, but economic doubts have clouded his bid for Downing Street
financial times · about 2 hours ago
Polls open in historic byelection in Makerfield that could determine Keir Starmers future – as it happened Andy Burnham hopes a successful byelection will mean he can encourage Keir Starmer to step aside as prime ministerThe trial of two Russian-linked arsonists who targeted property connected to Keir Starmer shows that the UK is under attack from bad actors who want to exploit division and destabilise our democracy, the prime minister has said.Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, were found guilty on Monday of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on property linked to the prime minister, and appear to have operated under the instruction of an online handler with links to Russia. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 2 hours ago
Im engaged. My sister is single and feels behind. What can I say to that? | Leading questions How you respond will depend on who expects you to manage your sisters emotions, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Is it her, or something youve put on yourself?Read more Leading questionsIm engaged and my sister is single and feels behind. Lately she mentioned how the people in her life (me included) going through milestone moments triggers her. She even got upset and admitted she was worried shed never have kids. What can I say to that? How do you comfort someone who wants the things you have or might have soon? She has felt behind for a long time, and Ive had many a conversation with her when shes got upset about still living at home, still not having the career she wants, etc. But she is still in the same situation, and my empathy is running low. Especially now I know my engagement is triggering for her! I deserve to feel happy during my wedding planning era but after she told me how she felt, I feel guilty for being happy. I guess my question is: do I tiptoe around her and avoid wedding talk or should she just put a smile on her face and talk to her friend about her triggers? I hate to say it but my mental load is preferring the latter.Eleanor says: Why are the options that you tiptoe around or she puts a smile on her face? Continue reading...
theguardian · about 2 hours ago