Andy Burnham plots Westminster return warning Labour has ‘let people down’ May 17, 2026 Andy Burnham has moved a step closer towards a return to Westminster after confirming that winning the forthcoming Makerfield by-election would be the “first stage” in a wider bid to reshape Labour. The Greater Manchester mayor has repeatedly distanced himself from Sir Keir Starmer’s government, criticised Britain’s economic direction over the past 40 years and [...]
‘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 [...]
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 [...]
Labour is doomed to irrelevance May 13, 2026 Social democratic parties across Western Europe have failed after abandoning support for capitalism and pursuing woke agendas. The same will happen to Labour, says Paul Ormerod So Keir Starmer wants a reset with the European Union. In typical Starmer fashion, it is as clear as mud as to what this will actually involve. But there [...]
Life after Starmer: What could a new Labour prime minister mean for your money? May 12, 2026 It could soon be time to face the music for Keir Starmer after dozens of MPs called for the Prime Minister to throw in the towel, which could unleash months of speculation and uncertainty. Leading frontrunners for the top job include the Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, former deputy PM Angela Rayner and health secretary Wes [...]
‘Bond market meltdown’: UK borrowing costs highest since 1998 as Starmer fights for survival May 12, 2026 Warnings of a “bond market meltdown” flashed through the City on Tuesday after government borrowing costs soared as pressure mounted on Sir Keir Starmer’s future in Downing Street. For weeks, City investors have been on high alert as fears mounted that a mass rebellion would be triggered after devastating local election results. Traders fear the [...]
Wealth managers shares fall amid Starmer political storm May 12, 2026 A host of the City’s top listed wealth managers suffered sharp sell-offs on Tuesday morning as questions over Starmer’s future caused government borrowing costs to soar. Investors have been on alert since fears of a rebellion against Starmer began after last week’s local election results, with the spike in gilt yields now triggering a sell [...]
The Festival of Words: From Gyles Brandreth to Anthony Scaramucci – all you need to know about the Fleet Street Quarter festival May 12, 2026 The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words covers everything from politics to culture, literature, storytelling, broadcasting and public life. It features a fascinating line-up of speakers and panel guests, from political heavyweights to stars of stage and screen. We’re pretty sure it will be a front-running for the Best Arts or Culture Experience category of [...]