The Latest Breaking News from Westminster

Rebuffed Burnham can return to honing his stature and attack lines

Greater Manchester mayor will not be tested in tough byelection or against PM for now, but can continue to pose speculative threat

The Guardian - UK · Jan 25

Why has Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing as an MP?

The mayor of Greater Manchester has been seen as a potential rival to Sir Keir Starmer for leadership

The Independent UK · Jan 25

Burnham awaits Labour’s verdict on by-election bid

The party’s National Executive Committee is expected to meet virtually.

Evening Standard · Jan 25

Angela Rayner 'to back Andy Burnham's bid to return to Westminster'

Labour party commentators have warned the Manchester mayor’s return could lead to a damaging and unnecessary internal row

Evening Standard · Jan 23

The Guardian view on Labour’s judgment: blocking Andy Burnham would be a mistake

Editorial: Excluding a popular mayor would fracture Labour’s coalition and make Downing Street look fearful rather than authoritative

The Guardian - UK · Jan 23

Can Andy Burnham calm the anger in a Manchester seat Labour fears losing?

After Andrew Gwynne’s exit, voters in Gorton and Denton are fractured – and increasingly willing to look elsewhere

The Guardian - UK · Jan 23

Burnham warned not to ‘rock the boat’ with Starmer leadership challenge

Labour’s deputy prime minister David Lammy cautioned that his party – trailing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in the polls – could be forced to call an early general election if it changed leader

The Independent UK · Jan 23

Could Keir Starmer survive an Andy Burnham leadership challenge?

NEWS ANALYSIS: Despite the prime minister’s efforts to improve relations with his backbenchers, speculation about his future refuses to die down. With Andy Burnham confirming he is seeking to return to Westminster, can Sir Keir cling on to power? Kate Devlin and David Maddox report

The Independent UK · Jan 23

Stealth tax rises are on the horizon for Scotland ahead of its election

When Scotland’s finance secretary, Shona Robison, delivered the Scottish budget for 2026-27 on January 13, she framed it as a budget for families that would ease pressure on household finances. Coming only a few months before the Scottish parliamentary elections in May, this budget is especially significant.

The Conversation · Jan 23

Labour chiefs warned not to rig by-election selection to block Burnham

Labour heavyweight Andy Burnham could use a vacancy in a Greater Manchester seat to seek a path to return to Westminster.

Evening Standard · Jan 23