uk-politics3.32 min read
UK urged to hold public inquiry into media harassment of ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday
11 days ago•Source: Euronews.com
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Clacton by-election closes as Farage seeks return in record-long ballot
Polls closed at 22:00 BST in Clacton as counting begins in a record-breaking by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation; 51 polling stations served 79,785 eligible voters with 10,716 postal votes, and 34 candidates appear on the longest ballot in British history. Farage, Reform UK leader, aims to regain the seat he won in 2024, while major parties like the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems did not stand. Results are expected between 05:00 and 07:00 BST, with the winner to be sworn in when Parliament returns in September.
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Burnham signals tax flexibility to back high-street relief
UK Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham said there is room for movement on tax within Labour's manifesto, proposing higher business rates on large warehouses to fund tax cuts for pubs and other high-street venues while pledging not to raise VAT, income tax or national insurance, and stressing credibility on public finances alongside defence and welfare considerations.
Keir Starmer's Downfall: How a Labour Premiership Unraveled
A BBC analysis traces how Sir Keir Starmer’s government lost governing capacity as internal dissent, policy U-turns, and a string of public and private crises (including staffing departures, the Mandelson controversy, and the Tapp row) fractured discipline in No 10. With Labour MPs losing faith and popularity waning after the May elections, party figures look to Andy Burnham as the likely next prime minister, signaling the terminal erosion of Starmer’s authority as his departure timetable looms.
Trump brands Burnham 'extremely liberal' amid UK leadership race
Donald Trump weighed in on UK politics, calling Andy Burnham “extremely liberal” and “the mayor of a town” as Burnham contemplates becoming Labour’s next leader. Burnham’s team declined to comment. Trump’s remarks touch on energy policy implications, suggesting Burnham would be unlikely to open the North Sea to more oil and gas drilling, as the UK navigates energy security ahead of major international summits.
Starmer under pressure as Burnham fuels leadership talks
Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over his leadership as ministers and MPs urge him to set an exit timetable after Andy Burnham's Makerfield by-election win, intensifying speculation about a Labour leadership contest; Burnham allies push for a decision while Starmer has signalled he would fight any formal bid, highlighting tensions that could unsettle the party and government.
Labour leadership doubt grows as Burnham gains traction
The prospect of Keir Starmer fighting on as Labour leader is fading as Andy Burnham’s appeal and leadership potential rise; insiders warn a leadership contest may be likely after the Makerfield by-election, ministers warn of possible party splits, and some see Starmer’s grip weakening despite past electoral gains.
UK forces warned they may have to dial back training without more funding
UK’s defence leadership warns that the Defence Investment Plan is underfunded for day-to-day operations and training, risking reduced military readiness unless more funding is provided, as Defence Secretary John Healey resigns and Dan Jarvis reviews how the money will be spent.
UK leans toward Australia-style ban on under-16s on major social platforms
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil an Australia-style plan to ban under-16s from major social platforms (TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, and more), stop livestreams on so-called safer sites, and restrict talking to strangers on gaming apps, with curfews for older teens under consideration; full details will be announced next month after a public consultation showed broad support for online-safety measures.
Green candidate quits Makerfield bid amid 'false flag' post row
Green Party candidate Chris Kennedy withdrew from Makerfield's by-election hours after being named, apologising for social media posts describing an ambulance arson attack as a 'false flag'; the posts have been deleted and the Greens say they do not reflect party views. The by-election, triggered by Labour MP Josh Simons' resignation, is due on 18 June, with a replacement candidate to be decided on Monday.
Murray Takes Health Secretary Post with a Guarded Stance on Trans Rights
James Murray is appointed UK Health Secretary after Wes Streeting resigns. A gay MP and former Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Murray inherits a policy landscape shaped by Streeting’s controversial stance on puberty blockers and ongoing debates over trans rights. His own record shows a 2022 claim that trans women are women, mixed responses on trans women in sports, and, after the April 2025 Supreme Court ruling, public statements emphasizing dignity for trans people and support for a trans-inclusive ban on conversion practices, while advocating that single-sex spaces align with biological sex. The article suggests scrutiny of how his leadership will influence LGBTQ+ policy in light of legal rulings and party dynamics.
Five forks in Labour’s road as Starmer battles a leadership stalemate
Starmer faces a five-path crisis: he could stand down; Streeting could trigger a leadership contest without Burnham; Burnham could win the Makerfield by-election and mount a leadership bid; Burnham could win the by-election and force Starmer out; or Burnham could lose the by-election, prolonging Labour’s paralysis and opening the field to other contenders such as Streeting and Rayner.