Tuesday, July 14Tuesday, July 142 months · 3 summary articles
Labour MPs back Burnham as UKs next prime minister with unchallenged leadership bid
Burnhams Makerfield by-election bid tests Labour leadership ambitions amid Reform UK challenge.
Wes Streeting challenges Keir Starmer for Labour leadership, backing EU re-entry.
The Makerfield by-election, scheduled for 18 June 2026, has emerged as a pivotal contest with potential long-term implications for British politics. Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, has been confirmed as the party’s candidate for the seat, which was vacated by Josh Simons. Burnham faces Robert Kenyon, a plumber and army reservist representing Reform UK, who previously contested the seat in the 2024 general election. Reform UK has framed the race as a battle between a "local champion" and a "professional politician" leveraging the by-election for personal advancement .
The by-election is seen as a critical test for Burnham, who is a frontrunner in the Labour leadership race following Keir Starmer’s resignation. His team is reportedly drafting a 100-day plan for government, including reforms to England’s social care system, should he succeed Starmer . However, questions have been raised about how Burnham would fund his policy proposals, with tax rises appearing the most likely option under current fiscal rules .
The contest has also drawn attention to Nigel Farage’s absence from the campaign trail, with Reform UK’s leader canceling a scheduled appearance in Sunderland—a key target for the party. His disappearance has fueled speculation, though Reform UK has downplayed its significance .
Beyond the immediate race, the by-election reflects broader shifts in UK politics, particularly regarding Brexit. Burnham’s cautious but sympathetic stance toward the EU, alongside Wes Streeting’s call for rejoining, signals a growing mainstream acceptance of revisiting Britain’s relationship with Europe. However, EU officials have warned that any potential return would require a "focused review" with no political shortcuts .
> Background: **Labour confirms Andy Burnham as Makerfield by-election candidate amid leadership speculation.** — *12 hours ago*
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theguardian · about 2 months ago
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theguardian · about 2 months ago
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financial times · about 2 months ago
Has anybody seen Nigel? Speculation swirls as Farage performs disappearing act As campaigners take to the streets for what could be the most significant byelection for decades, the Reform leaders absence remains a mysteryIt has been six days since Nigel Farage cancelled a scheduled appearance at a Reform UK rally in Sunderland, a key election target in Labours heartlands.The reasons given – chaos in government and what appeared to be an impending Labour leadership race – seemed logical. After all, as a quotation sometimes attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte goes: never interfere with an enemy while he is in the process of destroying himself. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 2 months ago
Andy Burnham to face Reforms Robert Kenyon in crucial Makerfield byelection Outcome of contest for seat just outside Wigan could change the course of British politics for years to come Andy Burnham will face Reform UKs Robert Kenyon in next months crucial Makerfield byelection in a clash that could change the course of British politics for years to come.Reform are billing Kenyon, a plumber and army reservist who contested the seat just outside Wigan in the 2024 general election, as a local champion taking on a professional politician who is using the seat for his own advantage. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 2 months ago
UK defense secretary tells Labour leadership hopefuls: Dont you know theres a war on? John Healey warned about the risk of losing political credibility as the Labour leadership drama escalates.
politico.eu · about 2 months ago
How will Andy Burnham pay for his plans for the UK? Labour leadership frontrunners promise to stick to chancellors fiscal rules leaves tax rises as most likely option
financial times · about 2 months ago
Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham working on 100-day plan for government The Greater Manchester mayors team is drawing up a plan for his first 100 days in Downing Street that will likely include reforms to Englands creaking social care system.
politico.eu · about 2 months ago
Reform UK unveils candidate to challenge Andy Burnham in by-election Plumber who came second in Makerfield in 2024 election will take on Manchester mayor seeking to become Labour leader
financial times · about 2 months ago
Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate for Makerfield byelection Party confirms that no other candidates have been shortlisted for election expected to take place on 18 JuneUK politics live – latest updatesAndy Burnham has been confirmed as the candidate for the Makerfield byelection as Labours national executive committee rubber-stamped the mayor of Greater Manchester.Labour confirmed no other candidates had been shortlisted in the seat vacated by Josh Simons – with the byelection now widely expected to take place on 18 June , once the date is confirmed by Commons authorities. Continue reading...
theguardian · about 2 months ago
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brussels morning · about 2 months ago
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brussels morning · about 2 months ago