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Labour

All articles tagged with #labour

Healey Named Chancellor as Labour Bets on Steady Hands After Defence Exit
politics1 month ago

Healey Named Chancellor as Labour Bets on Steady Hands After Defence Exit

John Healey, a long-time Labour MP and former defence secretary who quit last month over a criticised defence investment plan, has been appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Rachel Reeves. The move makes him responsible for funding across all government departments and signals alignment with Burnham’s priorities on reindustrialisation, cost-of-living relief, and growth. Healey is known as a steady, principled figure with deep Treasury and housing experience, and he has previously pressed for higher defence spending and Ukraine support.

Labour's Bold Pivot: Burnham Aims Bigger Reforms Within the Manifesto
politics1 month ago

Labour's Bold Pivot: Burnham Aims Bigger Reforms Within the Manifesto

Powell says Andy Burnham will be bolder as Labour leader while sticking to the 2024 manifesto, focusing on cost of living and the economy. As PM, he plans a reset that includes scrapping the Digital ID, expanding public ownership of water and energy (including Thames Water), and a council house-building programme, while taking a pragmatic line on North Sea oil and gas. His approach centers on redistributing power and challenging vested interests, though some opponents call for a general election.

Labour Women Demand 50/50 Gender Split in Burnham’s Potential Government
politics1 month ago

Labour Women Demand 50/50 Gender Split in Burnham’s Potential Government

Labour’s Women’s Parliamentary Labour Party draft letter urges Andy Burnham to commit to a 50:50 gender balance in a future government, backed by a 13-point plan calling for a female deputy prime minister, a separate first minister of state for women, zero tolerance for bullying and misogyny, better security for female MPs, and action to curb online abuse; Burnham has reassured the group that he will address misogyny in his team and prioritize inclusive staffing.

Burnham launches regional devolution drive in landmark leadership speech
politics1 month ago

Burnham launches regional devolution drive in landmark leadership speech

Burnham uses a Manchester speech to push a 10-year regional devolution agenda, giving mayors more control over housing, welfare and budgets to raise living standards and spur growth across the UK; the plan draws private-sector attention for specifics on taxation and energy, while Tory rivals push for concrete Westminster scrutiny and there is no chancellor named yet.

Burnham poised for PM role as Starmer seeks orderly Labour transition
politics2 months ago

Burnham poised for PM role as Starmer seeks orderly Labour transition

Sir Keir Starmer met Andy Burnham to discuss an orderly transition after announcing his resignation as prime minister. Access talks with civil servants will be opened to Labour leadership hopefuls to prepare for government, with Burnham the only declared contender and potentially able to take office as early as 17 July if unchallenged. The discussions will cover forming a government, policy priorities, and security briefings, while Starmer suspends major policy decisions until a new PM is in place. Burnham has pledged to follow Labour’s fiscal rules and not raise core tax rates; other potential candidates are being considered by some MPs.

politics2 months ago

Makerfield voters push for change as UK by-election tests leadership

A POLITICO focus group of Makerfield voters reveals deep anger over rising living costs, immigration concerns, and a perceived two-tier Britain. While Labour’s Andy Burnham has local credibility, many distrust Keir Starmer and some plan to back Reform UK under Nigel Farage, signaling a potential shift if Reform’s message resonates. The mood is cynical but hungry for change as the pivotal Makerfield by-election approaches.

Starmer pledges to press on as Labour reels from local election losses
politics3 months ago

Starmer pledges to press on as Labour reels from local election losses

Keir Starmer says he will remain prime minister despite Labour suffering heavy local-election losses across the north and Midlands, with calls for his resignation coming from some MPs. Reform UK makes significant gains, including taking Havering in London, underscoring a fragmentation of two-party politics. Labour held some London councils but lost others like Wandsworth and Westminster, while its cabinet remains loyal. Starmer accepts responsibility and plans to set out a renewed policy agenda in forthcoming speeches ahead of the king’s address, aiming to move closer to the EU to win back voters.

Reform surge hints at shift as Labour loses Redditch in early counts
politics3 months ago

Reform surge hints at shift as Labour loses Redditch in early counts

BBC’s Elections 2026 live blog reports counting underway across 46 English councils, with Redditch declaring Labour’s majority lost as Reform gains eight seats to Labour’s one (Greens and Conservatives also shedding). Early key ward results in Peterborough show Lib Dem gains amid rising Reform/Green shares, while Havering, Basildon and Chorley register Reform momentum. Labour ministers warn of difficult results, and Wales’ Senedd contest is shaping up as a potential Labour setback. Counting continues across England, with Scotland and Wales counts due Friday.