Here's a summary of today's events
Labour’s ruling body, the national executive committee, has given the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham permission to stand in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield byelection.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has voiced his support for Andy Burnham to compete in the Makerfield byelection, describing him as one of Labour’s “best players on the pitch”.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has backed Andy Burnham’s efforts to return to parliament, saying there will be no attempt to stop the Greater Manchester mayor from fighting in Makerfield.
The Greens are going to campaign for the upcoming Makerfield byelection, complicating Andy Burnham’s potential route back to parliament against what is expected to be a strong Reform UK challenge.
Meanwhile, the former Green leader Caroline Lucas has suggested the party should not campaign, as she shows her support for Andy Burnham.
A powerful parliamentary committee tasked with reviewing files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador has revealed that the government is withholding his vetting file despite not having the authority to do so.
The pound was heading for its worst week in 18 months on Friday as City traders anticipated that the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, could face a challenge from the Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, later this year.
Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property using money he received for taking part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Reform UK has said.
Donald Trump has given his two cents on whether Keir Starmer can survive as prime minister, saying “he’s a nice man actually,” but “it’s a tough thing”.
Eleven foreign far-right activists have been banned from coming to the UK ahead of tomorrow’s march by supporters of Tommy Robinson, as the prime minister said there was a “fight for the soul of the country”.
This blog will now be closed.
Updated
NEC gives Burnham permission to stand in candidate selection process for Makerfield byelection
Labour’s ruling body, the national executive committee, has given the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham permission to stand in the candidate selection process for the upcoming Makerfield byelection, a party spokesman said.
The mayor still has two more years of his term, meaning that if he stands there will need to be a mayoral byelection. Under Labour rules, sitting mayors need NEC approval to stand for Westminster. He would also need to be formally selected.
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