All articles tagged with #labour
The Conservative Party has pledged to construct 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales within seven years to reverse early-release policies. The plan, costing £2bn annually, would be funded by cutting foreign aid and culture budgets. Labour and Liberal Democrats dismissed the proposal as unrealistic, citing the party's poor historical record on prison expansion and the current staffing crisis.
A former Bank of England economist warned investors that Burnham risks a “traditional tax and spend” approach, but Burnham rejected the label, saying he would not gamble with the economy and has already made tough spending choices, including reprioritising spending and scrapping digital ID. With the October Budget approaching, he must balance cost-of-living relief and Labour’s pledge not to raise main taxes or debt targets, while inflation concerns and rising debt-servicing costs loom. Unions are pushing for higher taxes on banks to help subsidise energy bills, adding to the political pressures ahead of the budget.
In his first Commons speech as prime minister, Andy Burnham blames Brexit and Margaret Thatcher for a long spell of slow growth and pledges a blunt, honesty-based reset. He outlines three priorities—cutting the cost of living, regenerating communities, and expanding public control of essential services—with deputy-led task forces to drive them. He signals potential renationalisation of utilities, maintains a defence spending target of around 3% of GDP, keeps doors open to electoral reform, and hints at re-engagement with the EU, including a possible summit later this year and continued pursuit of green energy alongside pragmatic gas exploration. Starmer’s resignation as an MP also sets up a byelection test for Burnham, while the government weighs reforms to high streets and devolved powers to local authorities.
In his first Commons address as prime minister, Burnham blames Brexit for a 'decade of low growth,' calls leaving the EU one of a series of 'wrong turns' since the 1980s, and pledges practical reforms—such as revising the early-release scheme and expanding public control over essentials like water—while promising to restore hope across Britain.
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.
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’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 outlines a sweeping devolution plan, proposing a Manchester-based No 10 North to oversee a major council housing program and granting new powers to regional leaders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, signaling the biggest shift of political power away from Westminster in decades.
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.
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.
Nigel Farage blamed Reform UK’s Makerfield defeat on voters wanting to oust Keir Starmer, noting Andy Burnham’s Labour victory and losses to Restore Britain. He urged Restore supporters to back Reform as the main left-leaning challenger and acknowledged Reform’s drop in vote share as Restore won around 7% of the vote.
Andy Burnham’s Makerfield win intensifies pressure on Labour leader Keir Starmer and stokes talk of a leadership contest. Starmer says he will continue with a mandate for change, while Burnham prepares for a potential challenge and other MPs, including Wes Streeting, indicate they’d run if a leadership contest opens.
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.
Leaked government documents reveal private messages in which Lord Mandelson and ministers criticize the prime minister, No 10, and Labour MPs, discuss Mandelson's controversial US ambassador appointment and his Epstein links, and flag leadership and policy tensions—including a rebellious welfare bill and questions over Keir Starmer's authority.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces renewed pressure within the Labour Party after local election losses, as he meets party members and reiterates his agenda, signaling perseverance despite the setback.