From pensions to healthcare: UK state spending on old age surges May 18, 2026 Government spending on the elderly has dramatically increased the size of the state, analysis by the official statistics body has shown. Fresh research by the Office for National Statistics has suggested a steady rise in spending on health and old age has contributed to a rise in government consumption as a share of GDP. In [...]
UK property taxes are highest in world – and they’re rising May 18, 2026 The UK has the highest level of property taxes of any major economy in the world as a share of the economy, according to new analysis, with new business reforms only set to add to the load. The global tax firm Ryan said the UK suffered a heavier property tax burden than the likes of [...]
Rachel Reeves to scrap fuel duty hike May 18, 2026 Rachel Reeves is set to scrap plans to hike fuel duty, following pressure over the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices and the cost of living. Fuel duty was first frozen by the Tories in March 2022 and the Chancellor had extended this hold on the rate until the end of August this [...]
‘I’ll be standing’: Streeting gears up to join leadership race as Burnham vows to save Labour May 16, 2026 Former health secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed he will join any potential leadership race, as pressure piles on Starmer’s premiership. Speaking to Sky News, Streeting spoke of his intention to join the race. He said: “We need a proper contest with the best candidates on the field, and I’ll be standing.” He went on to [...]
UK government at risk of grinding ‘to a halt’ amid leadership race drama May 16, 2026 Ministers and senior civil servants have warned that sections of the UK government are at risk of hitting a standstill amid the growing likelihood of a Labour leadership contest. Government figures have expressed concern a contest could overshadow Starmer’s agenda and key initiatives, including the push for closer UK relations with the EU. Worries have [...]
Starmer prepares for leadership battle as Streeting declares UK must rejoin EU May 16, 2026 Prime minister Keir Starmer is expected to approve an £18bn increase in defence spending, as he prepares to battle for his political survival. Senior defence insiders said the investment would enable the armed forces to modernise and prepare to fight a future war. According to reports in The Times, national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, has [...]
Burnham return attempt ushers new borrowing cost record May 15, 2026 Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s attempt to return to parliament has alarmed traders as gilt yields reached another 28-year high, beating last week’s high. Burnham overcame the first hurdle on his path towards becoming Prime Minister after Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, announced he would resign on Thursday night to let the Manchester mayor try [...]
What does new City minister Rachel Blake have in store for the Square Mile? May 15, 2026 The Westminster drama has hit the City in more ways than one. After Wes Streeting’s resignation triggered a mini-reshuffle, Felix Armstrong and Samuel Norman take a look at what the new City minister might have in store. In just under two years, the City has its fourth minister. Tulip Siddiq resigned in January 2025 after [...]
Andy Burnham confirms Westminster run as Wes Streeting resigns from government May 14, 2026 Andy Burnham has declared his intention to stand in a by-election after a sitting Labour MP quit to make way for him. The current Mayor of Manchester will seek permission from Labour’s ruling body to stand in the Makerfield constituency after Josh Simons announced he would vacate the seat. In a statement, Burnham said: “Millions [...]
Rayner says she has been cleared by HMRC in fresh Labour leader twist May 14, 2026 Angela Rayner has said she was cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, which is set to shake up a divided Labour Party just as Sir Keir Starmer‘s leadership seemed poised to fall apart. Rayner said that she settled a case of unpaid stamp duty and added that she had been [...]