5 h. ago Tories withdraw ‘mental health’ briefing about Suella Braverman after former Tory home secretary joins Reform – UK politics live

Her defection means there are now eight Reform MPs in the CommonsKeir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.The battle of our times is the battle between patriotic, Lab...

Society

7 h. ago Labour says Farage ‘stuffing his party full of failed Tories’ after Suella Braverman joins Reform – UK politics live

Her defection comes shortly after Robert Jenrick joined Nigel Farage’s party, meaning there are now eight Reform MPs in the CommonsKeir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellen...

Politics

8 h. ago ‘I feel like I’ve come home’: former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman defects to Reform UK – UK politics live

Her defection comes shortly after Robert Jenrick joined Nigel Farage’s party, meaning there are now eight Reform MPs in the Commons.Keir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excelle...

Society

9 h. ago POLL OF THE DAY: Is Keir Starmer running scared by blocking Andy Burnham's bid to become an MP?

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is being warned that the by-election block on Andy Burnham has made it more likely he will face a leadership challenge.

Events

10 h. ago Starmer brushes off claims blocking Burnham from byelection was ‘cowardly’ – UK politics live

PM praises Manchester mayor and urges Labour to unite to fight Reform Keir Starmer was being interview by Beth Rigby from Sky News this morning when he defended the decision not to let Andy Burnham be a byelection candidate.After Starmer delivered his first answer (see 10.15am), Rigby asked him to what he would say to Labour MPs who think he is being “cowardly” and just blocking Burnham to avoid the risk of a leadership contest.Millions of people will be better off if we have the continuation of a Labour government in Wales, and if we’re able to win the government in Scotland and retain and win councils across England.When I came into politics in 2015, the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign. The first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham. And in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together ..So there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.The battle of our times is the battle between patriotic...

Politics

25 h. ago Andy Burnham speaks out on his 'disappointment' over being blocked from returning to Westminster to avoid a leadership challenge

In a move that widened Labour's civil war, a committee that includes the Prime Minister voted this morning to prevent the Greater Manchester mayor from contesting a Commons seat.

Politics

26 h. ago ‘Huge mistake’: Labour in turmoil as Burnham blocked from byelection race

Allies of Greater Manchester mayor say No 10 has ‘chosen factionalism’ as decision leads to a furious backlashThe Labour party faced the prospect of civil war on Sunday night after Keir Starmer and his allies blocked Andy Burnham’s return to parliament to stave off a potential leadership challenge.There was widespread anger among Labour MPs and union backers after the 10-strong “officers’ group” of the party’s ruling body, including the prime minister himself, voted overwhelmingly to reject Burnham’s request to seek selection for the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. Continue reading...

Politics

31 h. ago 'There will be blood': Furious Labour MPs and allies hammer rattled Keir Starmer for blocking Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster to avoid a leadership challenge

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee today voted 8-1 against letting the Greater Manchester mayor and self-styled 'King of the North' stand in an upcoming by-election.

Events

33 h. ago Starmer's leadership rival Andy Burnham 'blocked' from MP by

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Politics

44 h. ago As Andy Burnham fires the starting gun for the Labour leadership race

Although Andy Burnham has effectively fired the starting gun for the Labour leadership race, this will be far from a coronation.  It is also unlikely to a one-horse race.

Events

45 h. ago How Labour's civil war meltdown unfolded: Andy Burnham finally makes his move after months of unsubtle manoeuvering as supporters say it's 'game on' for the Labour leadership

When the time came to make his move, Andy Burnham hesitated: did he have enough support among Labour MPs to justify the gamble of facing down the PM and beating Nigel Farage?

Sport

51 h. ago Burnham takes fight to Starmer as he launches new bid to become Labour MP

Supporters have warned Labour not to block the mayor of Greater Manchester, a leading rival of the prime minister, from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election

Events

3 d. ago MP Andrew Gwynne resigns as Starmer warned of Labour civil war if he blocks Burnham return to Parliament in by

Mr Gwynne was sacked as a minister and suspended from the Labour Party last year over offensive messages in a WhatsApp group

Events

3 d. ago Burnham warned not to ‘rock the boat’ with Starmer leadership challenge

Labour’s deputy prime minister David Lammy cautioned his party – trailing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in the polls – could be forced to call an early general election if it changed leader

Events

3 d. ago Could Keir Starmer survive an Andy Burnham leadership challenge?

Despite the prime minister’s efforts to improve relations with his backbenchers, speculation about his future refuses to die down. With a path back to parliament opening up for Andy Burnham, can Sir Keir cling on to power? Kate Devlin and David Maddox report

Events

3 d. ago Will Andy Burnham stand as an MP and what would a challenge to Starmer look like?

Could an opening at a Greater Manchester constituency mark the first step of a long journey to Downing Street for the ‘King of the North’?

Events

3 d. ago 'Let the north decide': Starmer faces Labour rebellion over 'London stitch up' plot to block Burnham leadership move

Labour MPs and union leaders went on the warpath amid claims Starmer loyalists are plotting to block the Greater Manchester mayor from standing in a by-election in his home city.

Politics

3 d. ago Andy Burnham camp's very rude attack on Starmer as they accuse PM of blocking leadership challenge before it has even begun

Starmer loyalists are said to be ready to prevent the Greater Manchester mayor from running in a by-election in a city seat vacated yesterday by disgraced former minister Andrew Gwynne.

Events

3 d. ago Starmer allies ‘plan to block Andy Burnham’s route back to Westminster’

Starmer allies on Labour’s national executive committee reportedly trying to stop potential leadership rival from standing at by-election

Events

4 d. ago Starmer’s allies launch ‘Stop Andy Burnham’ campaign to block parliamentary return

Speculation has spread over whether Burnham will attempt to return to pursue a Labour leadership bidKeir Starmer’s allies have launched a “Stop Andy Burnham” campaign to prevent the Labour mayor from returning to parliament after the resignation of a Manchester MP triggered a byelection.Multiple members of the party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) predicted it would be impossible for Burnham to make it through the selection process given the number of Starmer loyalists on the body desperate to avoid a leadership challenge. Continue reading...

Politics