News, scrutiny and analysis from across UK politics.
Reform UK accepted more than £5.3 million in donations during the second quarter of 2026, comfortably out-raising Labour and the Conservatives, according to new Electoral Commission figures.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readBritain has summoned Russia's Chargé d'Affaires after Germany blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Russia denies responsibility.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readRecognised modern-slavery victims on Skilled Worker visas can now leave an exploitative sponsoring employer and work elsewhere for the remainder of their existing visa.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readGreen Party leader Zack Polanski has confirmed he wants to contest the Holborn and St Pancras by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s departure from Parliament, although he must still be formally selected by local party members.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Burnham Government has announced a cross-government team to examine the influence of UK-based political ‘mega-donors’, but ministers have not yet agreed a numerical cap on domestic donations.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFrance is deploying 45 additional officers to western beaches as the UK and France respond to smugglers using larger ‘mega-dinghies’ and launch sites further along the French coast.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch is setting out a Conservative plan for an extra £10 billion a year in defence spending and a 3% of GDP target by 2029-30, funded through welfare reforms and other spending cuts.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readJohn Healey is set to deliver his first major speech as Chancellor on Monday, with UK borrowing costs at their highest level since 2007 and pressure mounting ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe Burnham Government has launched a cross-government taskforce to examine greater public control across housing, water, energy and transport, while stressing that detailed ownership models and any nationalisation plans have not yet been decided.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readRupert Lowe’s Restore Britain has secured its first major financial backer, with technology entrepreneur Simon Galbraith donating £500,000 through Cade Hill Investments.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readForeign Secretary Ed Miliband says the Burnham Government is preparing a comprehensive package of measures over Israeli settlement expansion, including possible restrictions on British companies involved in new West Bank settlements.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readCouncils in England must now notify schools, GPs and health visiting services when children are placed in temporary accommodation, as the Government says around 177,530 children are living in such housing — the highest number on record.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFormer SAS soldier Andy McNab says he would not join the regiment today as veterans warn fears of future prosecution are affecting recruitment and retention, while the Government insists lawful service personnel will be protected.
Charlotte Mercer · 7 min readSmall-boat arrivals fell to 7,371 across June, July and August, roughly half last summer's total, as ministers credit stronger UK-French enforcement while acknowledging more people are being packed onto each vessel.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has offered devolution deals to every part of England without devolved powers and said Cornwall's agreement could proceed with or without an elected mayor.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSir Keir Starmer has announced he will stand down as Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years in Parliament, paving the way for a high-profile by-election.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMore than three million children from Universal Credit families are now eligible for free school meals as the Government rolls out a wider package of breakfast clubs, childcare and school-cost support.
Daniel Whitmore · 4 min readThe Government is bringing forward £110 million from existing budgets to accelerate prison construction and conversions as ministers pursue a target of 14,000 additional places by 2031.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readChancellor John Healey says the 2027 Spending Review will set a target date for Britain to reach 3% of GDP on defence and a clear path towards the NATO core-defence commitment of 3.5% by 2035.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has completed her Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, promoting 2024 MPs Katie Lam, Rebecca Paul and Harriet Cross to major portfolios as the Conservatives bring a new generation onto the front bench.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readA government cap preventing Plan 2 and Plan 3 student-loan interest rates from exceeding 6% has taken effect for the 2026/27 academic year, with ministers citing the risk of inflationary shocks linked to conflict in the Middle East.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUK businesses now have full access to all 11 other CPTPP members after the agreement entered into force with Canada, completing Britain's accession to a trading bloc worth almost £13 trillion including the UK.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readA major change to the legal definition of regulated activity with children has taken effect, removing the supervision exemption and bringing more regularly supervised staff and volunteers within the barred-list regime.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has removed Sir Mel Stride as Shadow Chancellor and promoted Andrew Griffith to lead the Conservatives' economic team, with Claire Coutinho taking over the business brief.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDame Priti Patel will become International Secretary of the Conservative Party after leaving the Shadow Cabinet, with Kemi Badenoch asking her to strengthen links with conservative and centre-right parties around the world.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readPriti Patel has confirmed she is leaving the Shadow Cabinet and Stuart Andrew has also returned to the back benches, accelerating Kemi Badenoch's major Conservative frontbench reshuffle.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readKemi Badenoch is preparing a major Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, with Tom Tugendhat reportedly set to replace Dame Priti Patel as Shadow Foreign Secretary after Sir James Cleverly quit the front bench to pursue a London mayoral bid.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch has reportedly asked Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo to seek approval for formal pre-election Civil Service access talks as the Conservatives prepare for the possibility of an early election under Andy Burnham.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Burnham Government has approved an Avanti West Coast train-driver deal giving Aslef members a 3.6% pay rise, time-and-a-half on Sundays and improved rest-day payments after a threat of strike action.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has ordered all manslaughter offences to be excluded from forthcoming prison release changes, alongside death by dangerous or drunk driving, causing or allowing the death of a child and historic child-sex offences.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readChancellor John Healey is reportedly considering windfall taxes on banks and oil companies as Treasury officials look for ways to plug an estimated £4.7bn gap in the public finances ahead of the October Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has pledged a police-led taskforce to scrutinise asylum-accommodation contractors and proposed criminal liability for senior executives where residents commit violence against women and girls.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSuella Braverman has categorically ruled out joining a Reform-Conservative coalition government, reversing her previous support for cooperation between the parties on the political right.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe UK Government has declared its support for the Falkland Islands 'unwavering' after a senior US official reportedly refused to rule out using Washington's position on the islands as leverage in the dispute over NATO defence spending.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSir James Cleverly has quit Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet with immediate effect to launch a bid for the Conservative nomination for Mayor of London in 2028.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBridget Phillipson has defended the Government's early-prison-release reforms, warning that without action to ease overcrowding police could ultimately be forced to cancel arrests because the justice system had run out of custodial space.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readFormer prime minister Gordon Brown has predicted that Ireland will eventually be united, just days after Andy Burnham said a referendum on Irish unity was 'off the table'.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readJohn Swinney's Scottish Government has demanded a Scottish Visa, Rural Visa and Scottish Graduate Visa just a day after publishing its draft legislation for another independence referendum.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readThe Royal Navy has tracked Russian warships and sanctioned cargo vessels through the North Sea and English Channel as British naval activations to monitor Russian activity rise 25% year-on-year.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readThe review drawing up a new map of larger regional police forces has reportedly been pushed into the autumn after proposed boundaries clashed with Andy Burnham's devolution plans.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has published a draft Bill for a second Scottish independence referendum, but Holyrood still needs Westminster to transfer the legal powers required to hold the vote.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a crackdown on rogue builders and private bailiffs, including a new Approved Code and milestone-linked payment system — but participation in the flagship trader scheme will be voluntary.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has unveiled sweeping election-law proposals including English-language comprehension checks at polling stations, severe restrictions on postal voting, the removal of Commonwealth voting rights and limits on foreign-language campaign material.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered every police force in England and Wales to establish specialist rape and sexual-offence teams by December 2027, alongside £13.3m for up to ten specialist protection-order teams.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readRepublican Congressman Michael Rulli has introduced the GRANITE Act, aimed at preventing US courts from recognising or enforcing foreign online-speech penalties as Washington's dispute with Britain's Online Safety Act escalates.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readChancellor John Healey is reportedly preparing to shelve the 2030 deadline he once championed for defence spending to reach 3% of GDP as he confronts a £4.7bn funding gap in the existing Defence Investment Plan.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readDowning Street has reaffirmed Andy Burnham's ‘unwavering’ commitment to every part of the Good Friday Agreement after his declaration that an Irish unity referendum was ‘off the table’ sparked a political row.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readMike Ashley has launched a fierce attack on Andy Burnham's high-street strategy, branding parts of the Government's business-rates approach ‘delusional’ and calling for urgent action on retail costs and shoplifting.
Daniel Whitmore · 5 min readLabour has taken Billinge & Seneley Green from Reform UK in a St Helens council by-election, less than four months after Reform swept all three seats in the ward.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readThe Green Party has gained Guston, Kingsdown & St Margaret's-at-Cliffe from the Conservatives, winning 28.8% as Reform UK finished narrowly behind on 27.5%.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has held Throckley, Walbottle & Newburn in Newcastle, with Martin Evison winning 39% as the Liberal Democrats surged into second place on 29%.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readLabour has held Trinity in Wandsworth by 127 votes, defeating the Conservatives 47.5% to 43.6% and denying the Tories the seat needed for an outright council majority.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAlmost 200,000 people were granted permanent UK settlement in the year ending June 2026, up 24% and the highest annual total since 2011, new Home Office figures show.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has been accused of a U-turn after newly reported correspondence showed he previously backed a £500,000 political donations cap and argued that the limit should be reduced further over time.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has declared an Irish unity referendum 'off the table' during his first visit to Northern Ireland as Prime Minister, prompting a sharp challenge from Sinn Féin over the Good Friday Agreement.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readIsrael is considering expelling British officials from the US-led Gaza coordination centre as tensions rise with Andy Burnham's Government over planned measures targeting Israeli settlements.
Staff member · 4 min readRussia has threatened that British military assets could be targeted in response to Ukrainian strikes using British-supported missiles, following Andy Burnham's agreement to help Kyiv produce long-range Storm Shadow weapons.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readSmall-boat arrivals fell 23% to around 33,000 in the year ending June 2026 while the number of supported asylum seekers living in hotels halved to 16,000, new Home Office statistics show.
Staff member · 4 min readMore than 100 organisations have challenged Andy Burnham over the early release of domestic abuse perpetrators, warning the policy conflicts with Labour's pledge to halve violence against women and girls.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has dropped support for a general cap on large political donations as Labour MPs push for tougher limits on mega-donors ahead of the Representation of the People Bill returning to the Commons.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readForty people who disappeared while they were children living in Home Office asylum hotels remain unlocated, with Parliament demanding answers over efforts to trace them.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is poised to impose a trade ban on Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as ministers prepare a wider response to the E1 settlement expansion.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readDavid Dinsmore will leave his role as the Government's communications chief on 30 September, with the Cabinet Office explicitly linking the timing to the change of Prime Minister and administration.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain will host a permanent Five Eyes counter-extremism hub bringing together specialists from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to identify emerging threats and tackle online radicalisation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritons are set to be urged to keep food, bottled water and other emergency supplies at home as the Government steps up national resilience preparations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readSerious sexual and violent offenders could be confined to tightly controlled areas just a few miles wide after leaving prison under new restriction zones launching in October.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is considering reforms to the special administration regime that could make it easier for the Government to take failing utilities into public control.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is facing pressure over electoral reform as 98 Labour MPs join a cross-party push for a National Commission to examine the Westminster voting system.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readHousehold energy bills are set to rise again from October after Ofgem increased its price cap by 4% to £1,723, despite the Government removing VAT from domestic electricity.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readMauritius is reportedly preparing to press Andy Burnham at the UN over the stalled Chagos sovereignty agreement, leaving the Prime Minister caught between Port Louis and Donald Trump's opposition to the deal.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham is preparing further measures targeting Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, with trade restrictions and additional sanctions reportedly under consideration.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is exploring giving English mayors powers to suspend Right to Buy locally as ministers seek to protect council housing stock and accelerate social housebuilding.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK has pledged to replace the UK's GDPR framework with a lighter-touch privacy regime modelled on New Zealand as part of a wider package aimed at small businesses.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readKemi Badenoch is preparing a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet after Parliament returns, with expected departures creating space for changes ahead of the Conservative conference.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has backed increased US economic pressure on Iran and revealed that the UK Government has imposed more than 240 sanctions on Iran since taking office.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham is preparing for his first face-to-face talks with Donald Trump as he plans to press the US President over access to Patriot air-defence interceptors for Ukraine.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readNearly 100 Labour MPs are backing a parliamentary move for a National Commission on Electoral Reform, increasing pressure on Andy Burnham over the future of first-past-the-post.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government is preparing a public resilience campaign urging households to keep basic emergency supplies as it steps up planning for extreme weather, cyber attacks and hostile-state threats.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readDUP MP Gregory Campbell is under investigation by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority over whether office-cost spending complied with MPs' funding rules.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readAndy Burnham has reportedly decided not to place Thames Water into special administration immediately amid concerns over taxpayer costs, legal risks and practical difficulties.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has allocated £9.58 billion to 33 strategic housing partners for 73,600 homes, as scrutiny turns to Andy Burnham's pledge to revive council housebuilding.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the October Budget as he warned that Britain's public finances are in a challenging position.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain has become the first international partner to gain access to Ukraine's Avengers AI Labs under a new defence and artificial intelligence partnership signed in Kyiv.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Coalition of the Willing has reaffirmed preparations for a multinational force that could deploy to Ukraine once a credible cessation of hostilities is in place.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Treasury has launched an independent review of business rates valuations for pubs and hotels, but any resulting changes are expected to feed into the 2029 revaluation.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Government has told social media platforms to remove content celebrating dangerous driving after seven people died in a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has said Britain must be bolder in seeking closer ties with the European Union as he and António Costa called for a step change in relations.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has travelled to Kyiv on his first overseas visit as PM as Britain backs plans to assemble long-range SCALP missiles in Ukraine.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readReform UK has proposed giving British-born workers under 35, young families and veterans greater priority for social housing while pledging 50,000 affordable homes a year.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain, Australia and Canada have condemned Israel’s decision not to pursue criminal investigations into the 2024 strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe UK borrowed £1.8 billion in July, £2.3 billion more than the OBR expected, adding to the pressure on Chancellor John Healey before October's Budget.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readLabour's Abbas Hussain has won the Leen Valley by-election in Nottingham, defeating Nottingham People's Alliance candidate Parveen Begum by 166 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readReform UK's Josh Kirkwood has won the Harraby South by-election in Carlisle, taking the Cumberland Council seat from Labour by 91 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLiberal Democrat Ian Pele Taylor has won the St Neots Eynesbury by-election, taking the Huntingdonshire Council seat from Reform UK by 377 votes.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLabour's John Roberts has won the Penistone East by-election with 1,728 votes, taking the Barnsley Council seat from Reform UK by a majority of 933.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSue Gray has described her experience as Keir Starmer’s Downing Street chief of staff as “unbearable”, citing internal briefings and a breakdown of trust.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBritain and six allied governments have demanded that Israel withdraw construction tenders for the disputed E1 settlement project in the West Bank.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA public dispute and the suspension of Tim Montgomerie have exposed tensions inside Reform UK, encouraging Conservatives who believe their party may yet recover.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readTravelodge chief executive Joanna Boydell is stepping down after the hotel company faced sustained political scrutiny over guest security and its room-access procedures.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the Government is involved in live international discussions about return hubs for people whose UK asylum claims have failed.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readIsraeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has rejected Ed Miliband’s demand to halt the E1 settlement project, calling the UK’s position one-sided.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readVoters in Harraby South are choosing a new Cumberland councillor today after Labour’s Lucy Patrick resigned. Five candidates are contesting the seat.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readVoters in St Neots Eynesbury are choosing a new Huntingdonshire district councillor today after Reform UK's Tony Nelson resigned weeks after his election.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readLabour has suspended the whip from Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba while the party investigates questions concerning Covid-era business loans.
Charlotte Mercer · 1 min readAndy Burnham's government is approaching a major decision on the Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea developments as the final public consultation closes and ministers weigh climate effects against jobs and energy security.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readLabour has introduced a new presumption in favour of suitable housing developments close to well-connected railway, tram and Underground stations in England, including some sites in the green belt.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readZia Yusuf has repeated Reform UK's pledge to fine companies 10% of their global revenue and impose strict criminal liability on bosses where businesses employ people working illegally.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readReform UK says almost all foreign nationals would lose access to welfare benefits under a future government, with Zia Yusuf also pledging to reserve social housing for British citizens.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA parliamentary standards investigation concerning Nigel Farage has resumed following his return to the House of Commons, but no finding has been made that he breached the rules.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readAndy Burnham has warned that Britain faces an acute wildfire threat while his government consults on potentially reducing the proportion of new cars that manufacturers must sell as zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readEight candidates will contest the Penistone East ward by-election on 20 August 2026, with Reform UK defending a Barnsley Council seat following the resignation of Kay Hughes.
Staff member · 3 min readZia Yusuf has threatened to review Vodafone's public contracts after the company defended its charity SIM card programme and said its connectivity was provided for distribution and use in the UK.
Staff member · 3 min readLiberal Democrat Rhys Wallis has won the Honiton St Michael by-election for East Devon District Council, taking the seat from Labour with a majority of 326 votes.
Staff member · 2 min readNigel Farage has returned to Parliament after comfortably winning the Clacton by-election, securing 22,239 votes as Count Binface finished second in the record 34-candidate contest.
Staff member · 2 min readBritain’s economy grew by 0.4% between April and June, but the Bank of England expects underlying growth to slow to around zero as renewed Middle East conflict, higher energy costs and Budget uncertainty test Andy Burnham’s new government.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readReform UK’s Zia Yusuf has warned Vodafone chief executive Margherita Della Valle and the company’s directors that they could face prison under a future Reform government if SIM cards continue to be supplied through Care4Calais.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readHouseholds within 500 metres of eligible new electricity transmission infrastructure could receive £250 a year off their electricity bills for ten years, with 43 expected projects named across England, Scotland and Wales.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFifty policing and law-enforcement leaders have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to examine every lawful option to prevent the earlier release of two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper.
Charlotte Mercer · 6 min readZia Yusuf’s posts accusing former defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace of treachery remained online after Nigel Farage publicly called the language ‘over the top’ and promised his Reform UK spokesman a ‘ticking off’.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readShadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has attacked the Government's £662 million border agreement with France after a record 230 people crossed the Channel in a single overcrowded inflatable boat.
Staff member · 6 min readThe UK State Pension age is in the middle of a phased rise from 66 to 67, a change that began affecting people earlier this year and continues month by month through to 2028.
Staff member · 4 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham will begin a month-long tour of the UK on Monday, promising to listen to communities and announce further measures addressing living costs, consumer practices and struggling high streets.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readDefence Secretary Wes Streeting has visited the Rosyth shipyard and forces housing in Edinburgh, highlighting Scotland’s role in Royal Navy shipbuilding, skilled employment and national security.
Peter Jackson · 4 min readThe Charity Commission has urged charities affected by the Beacon CRM cyber security incident to assess the risks and report serious incidents, while the ICO leads on data protection concerns.
Peter Jackson · 4 min readReform UK’s Paul Powers has gained the Heacham ward from the Conservatives with 289 votes, completing a double West Norfolk by-election victory for the party.
Staff member · 4 min readReform UK’s Ben Griffin has gained the Snettisham ward from the Conservatives, defeating Liberal Democrat Lee Henson by just 18 votes.
Staff member · 4 min readGreen candidate Nick Abear has gained the Hooley, Merstham and Netherne seat from the Conservatives with 934 votes, while Reform UK finished second.
Staff member · 4 min readPlaid Cymru’s Anthony Cook has won the Hengoed ward by-election for Caerphilly County Borough Council with 509 votes, defeating Reform UK by a majority of 138.
Staff member · 4 min readVictoria’s new premier Ben Carroll wants the state to secure more jobs and investment from AUKUS, as Australia, Britain and the United States expand their shared submarine and defence-technology programme.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readKemi Badenoch has written an open letter to Clacton voters criticising Nigel Farage's by-election, as the Conservatives sit out the contest.
Peter Jackson · 3 min readReform UK's Katie Groom has won the Harton ward by-election in South Tyneside with 628 votes, defeating Labour's Neil Maxwell by 274 votes.
Staff member · 3 min readLiberal Democrat Clare McManus has won the Coppice Valley by-election for Harrogate Town Council with 579 votes, finishing 432 ahead of Reform UK.
Staff member · 3 min readReform UK Wales candidate Stephen Eldred has won the Meliden ward by-election for Prestatyn Town Council, defeating Welsh Conservative Carys Kilkelly by just 10 votes.
Staff member · 3 min readLabour candidate Ange Cooper has won the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe by-election for Kidsgrove Town Council, defeating Reform UK's Olivia Westcott by 26 votes.
Staff member · 4 min readThe UK's Nuclear Institute and the Australian Nuclear Association have agreed reciprocal membership, giving nuclear professionals free cross-border access.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readSenior Labour MP Emily Thornberry has backed an Islington Labour statement expressing concern about the effect of the new statutory EHRC code governing services, public functions and single-sex provision.
Staff member · 4 min readThe Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry initially examining eight unnamed charities following allegations that charitable funds were sent to organisations operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readBusinesses bidding for major central government contracts will receive greater credit for creating local jobs, apprenticeships, training and work placements under procurement rules taking effect in January 2027.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readUp to 159 NHS mental health facilities will open across England under a £343 million programme designed to provide earlier walk-in support and specialist emergency care away from busy A&E departments.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPolice representatives are considering legal action over plans allowing Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole to leave prison earlier, as Sentencing Minister Jake Richards defended the Government’s position.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the limits of his changes to the early prisoner release scheme, saying broader exclusions would risk the prison system reaching capacity and collapsing within months.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readCoventry South MP Zarah Sultana has written to Liverpool FC urging the club to reconsider commercial partnerships which campaigners allege are connected to Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readA major Anglo-French rescue operation was launched after an overcrowded dinghy reportedly carrying around 160 migrants caught fire in the English Channel.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK MP Sarah Pochin has faced criticism after invoking France’s defeat in June 1940 during a dispute over Operation Fortress, with critics pointing to the tens of thousands of French soldiers killed defending their country.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative candidate Dani Seymour has been elected to Monmouth Town Council after defeating independent Laura McCartney in the Drybridge Ward by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readLissie Harper has accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government of an ‘utter betrayal’ after two men convicted of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper remained eligible for earlier release despite new exemptions for serious sexual offenders.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readReform UK’s Operation Fortress has sparked a confrontation with France, an attack on the BBC from Richard Tice and a provocative Second World War jibe from Sarah Pochin.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readRupert Lowe has accused Nigel Farage of misrepresenting a private message exchanged after the Restore Britain leader offered to cooperate with Reform UK—but says his offer remains open.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readAndy Burnham has promised to be relentless in tackling small-boat crossings, but more than 2,000 people arrived during his first 12 days as Prime Minister as questions continued over enforcement on French beaches.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readA tribunal has ruled that the Cabinet Office does not have to reveal whether serving ministers declared criminal convictions during the appointment process, or how many did so.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative councillor Ed Godwin has stepped aside from the One Nation Conservative Network following the departure of its founder Cody Butler.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readTributes have been paid to Reform UK councillor Arty Hume, who represented Amble on Northumberland County Council, following his death aged 71.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readVoters in Trinity will elect a new Wandsworth councillor on 27 August following Labour councillor Lizzy Dobres's resignation. Five candidates are standing.
Staff member · 4 min readVoters in Leen Valley will elect a new Nottingham city councillor on 20 August after Nadia Farhat was disqualified for non-attendance. Six candidates are standing.
Staff member · 4 min readLiberal Democrat Paola Davies has won the Almondbury ward by-election in Kirklees, taking the seat from Reform UK with a majority of 671 votes.
Staff member · 1 min readRestore Britain leader Rupert Lowe has publicly offered to explore cooperation with Nigel Farage and Reform UK, while making any agreement conditional on five policy demands.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readCody Butler has resigned as chair of the One Nation Conservative Network and left the Conservative Party, saying he no longer believes the party offers a home for One Nation conservatism.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readThe Clacton parliamentary by-election will be held on Thursday, 13 August 2026, with Nigel Farage facing a record field of 33 other candidates.
Staff member · 3 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has approved a data centre and wider redevelopment around Brick Lane despite demands for a housing-led future for the former Truman Brewery estate.
Charlotte Mercer · 5 min readFormer SNP MP Mhairi Black is moving from Westminster to television with a police detective role in the forthcoming BBC legal drama Counsels.
James Ashcroft · 3 min readLabour’s Bev Craig has been elected Mayor of Greater Manchester after defeating Reform UK’s Sian Astley in the second stage of voting.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readForeign Secretary Ed Miliband has welcomed the announcement that Hamas will disarm, while warning that Israeli withdrawal, the ceasefire and humanitarian access must also be delivered.
Charlotte Mercer · 3 min readChancellor John Healey will present the Government's next Budget on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, alongside a new economic and fiscal forecast from the OBR.
Charlotte Mercer · 1 min readReform UK has retained Castle Ward on Scarborough Town Council after Susan Rumford defeated Labour candidate Fiona Stephenson by just one vote.
Staff member · 1 min readAn Independent candidate has won the Rumworth ward by-election in Bolton, defeating Labour in a closely watched contest triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Abdul Atcha.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Government has announced plans to give English mayors a share of locally raised income tax as part of one of the biggest transfers of power away from Westminster in decades.
Charlotte Mercer · 2 min readPlaid Cymru has retained the Bro'r Llynnoedd seat on the Isle of Anglesey County Council after Jon Paul Taylor defeated Reform UK in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Conservatives have gained the Great Dunmow North seat on Uttlesford District Council after Will Church defeated Reform UK and Residents for Uttlesford in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Liberal Democrats have retained the Hedge End South seat on Eastleigh Borough Council after Jim Paine secured victory in the 30 July 2026 by-election.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK’s Robbie Woods has won the Long Sutton by-election for South Holland District Council, securing approximately 56% of the vote.
Staff member · 2 min readDiane Abbott has been readmitted to the Labour Party following an independent disciplinary process. The Jewish Leadership Council has questioned whether the decision is consistent with Labour's approach to antisemitism.
Staff member · 2 min readScottish Labour MP Joani Reid has been restored to the Parliamentary Labour Party after an independent review, saying she was never a suspect or witness in any police investigation.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham has welcomed investment in the UK's nuclear deterrent, highlighting the creation of 22,000 apprenticeships and the role of defence manufacturing in supporting skilled jobs.
Staff member · 2 min readHackney Mayor Zoë Garbett has apologised after setting a 7 October consultation deadline in correspondence with the Israeli city of Haifa over plans to end the borough's twinning agreement.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will take no further action against Green Party leader Zack Polanski after complaints over an Instagram post featuring a guillotine-themed image referring to Nigel Farage.
Staff member · 2 min readJustice minister and Labour MP Sarah Sackman has called on Barnet Council to remove Union Jack and St George's flags attached to public lamp posts without permission after the 2026 World Cup.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham has called for a new cross-party approach to social care, with Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey backing efforts while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the talks.
Staff member · 3 min readGreen Party deputy leadership candidate Zack Polanski declined to apologise during an appearance on BBC Newsnight, while acknowledging mistakes over a social media post and condemning political violence.
Staff member · 2 min readEducation Secretary Lucy Powell has said reviewing England's student loan system is "at the top of my in-tray", describing the current system as needing reform while stressing that no decisions have yet been made.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK MP James McMurdock has said an HMRC review concluded that he was owed a tax refund, describing the outcome as a vindication following scrutiny of his business affairs and conduct.
Daniel Whitmore · 2 min readGreater Manchester votes for a new mayor on Thursday 30 July 2026. Here's what the top four candidates by polling, Labour, Green, Reform UK and Restore Britain, are promising voters.
Charlotte Mercer · 4 min readConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to repeal provisions allowing the early release of certain serious offenders, arguing ministers can halt the scheme before further releases take place.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Bridget Phillipson as Chair of the Labour Party following his recent Cabinet reshuffle, with the Houghton and Sunderland South MP taking on responsibility for the party's organisation and election preparations.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are making enquiries after receiving a report relating to an Instagram post shared by Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski that prompted criticism from Reform UK figures.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Kate Osborne has defended her comments following the Berlin Pride attack, saying she did not blame GB News and accusing some critics of misrepresenting her original post.
Staff member · 2 min readFormer Home Secretary Suella Braverman has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission asking it to investigate Staffordshire Police's custody policy following reports about its treatment of transgender detainees.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Government has announced plans to work with major UK pension providers on a proposed £1 billion scale-up fund designed to invest in Britain's fastest-growing science and technology businesses.
Staff member · 2 min readShadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has written to Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh urging her to investigate allegations made by whistleblowers about the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
Staff member · 2 min readLiberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham to work across party lines to reform social care, calling the issue the "key test" of collaborative politics.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Kate Osborne has faced criticism from Conservative and Reform politicians after a Facebook post referencing Reform UK, GB News and the fatal attack at Berlin Pride.
Staff member · 2 min readConservative leader Kemi Badenoch has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham offering to work with the Government on social care reform, while setting out two key conditions for Conservative support.
Staff member · 2 min readLong-serving Labour National Executive Committee member Ann Black has announced she will not seek re-election, bringing to an end more than two decades of service to the party.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed his support for banning trail hunting, telling the Labour Animal Welfare Society he wants to see the government's animal welfare strategy implemented in full.
Staff member · 3 min readScottish Ballet has cancelled five Edinburgh performances of Cinders, warning that rising accommodation costs and Edinburgh's new visitor levy are making touring to the capital increasingly difficult.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham's appointment of Andy Slaughter as Solicitor General has prompted criticism from Conservative MPs over meetings Mr Slaughter held with Hamas representatives during visits to the Palestinian territories in 2010.
Staff member · 2 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has requested military aerial support from the UK Government to help tackle the Cairngorms wildfire, now in its 11th day, as residents are evacuated from Nethy Bridge.
Staff member · 3 min readNew Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will forgo his salary for three months to offset his resignation pay-off, in contrast to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, who has refused to return her own severance payment.
Staff member · 3 min readLord John Horam, the former Gateshead and Orpington MP who served as a minister under both Labour and Conservative governments, has died aged 87 following a fall.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice has accused the National Crime Agency of leaking confidential banking information to a national newspaper. The NCA has not publicly confirmed the allegation.
Staff member · 2 min readA cross-party group of MPs and peers, including Kim Johnson, has written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging sanctions on Israel and full implementation of the ICJ's ruling on Palestinian rights.
Staff member · 3 min readShadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel has called for a wider investigation into former ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following his dismissal, while Mr Khan continues to deny allegations of sexual misconduct.
Staff member · 2 min readChancellor John Healey has confirmed the Treasury is committed to ensuring pensioners whose only income is the state pension will not pay income tax, as the triple lock pushes payments toward the personal allowance.
Staff member · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham said the opening of No 10 North was "the best day of my life" as he outlined his vision to bring government closer to every part of the United Kingdom.
Staff member · 2 min readAndy Burnham is facing criticism after flying by government jet to Manchester for his first day working from No10 North, with estimates suggesting the trip cost taxpayers over £30,000.
Staff member · 3 min readGraham Hardwell has held Longwell Green for the Conservatives in a South Gloucestershire Council by-election, fending off a strong first-time challenge from Reform UK.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Conservatives have held the Exmouth Brixington seat on East Devon District Council in a by-election, fending off a strong first-time challenge from Reform UK and a resurgent Liberal Democrat vote.
Staff member · 2 min readThe Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act comes into force today, with Edinburgh becoming the first UK city to charge a 5% tourist tax on overnight stays.
Staff member · 3 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has ruled out freezing rents as part of Andy Burnham's cost of living measures, telling BBC Breakfast the government would not be pursuing rent controls.
Staff member · 3 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham will work from No 10 North in Manchester for the first time tomorrow, as part of his plan to move some Downing Street functions out of London.
Staff member · 3 min readFirst Minister John Swinney has confirmed that US tariffs on Scotch whisky have been fully removed, calling it a significant benefit for the industry after months of lobbying.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour's Jo Potter has narrowly won the Grays Riverside by-election in Thurrock, seeing off a close challenge from Reform UK and the Green Party in the second of two Grays by-elections.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour's Amin Hoque has won the Grays Town by-election in Thurrock, taking the seat from Reform UK with a 182-vote majority as part of a double Labour win in Grays.
Staff member · 2 min readReform UK's William Burvill has won the Cuxton, Halling & Riverside by-election in Medway, ending decades of Conservative control in the ward following the death of long-serving councillor Phil Filmer.
Staff member · 2 min readRestore Britain leader Rupert Lowe MP has publicly called on the Justice Secretary to reverse the decision to move Southport killer Axel Rudakubana to Broadmoor psychiatric hospital.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ruled out discussions on a second Scottish independence referendum as he seeks a more practical relationship with Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
Staff member · 2 min readDowning Street has said there are currently no plans to abolish jury trials following reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham could abandon proposals introduced under former Justice Secretary David Lammy.
Staff member · 1 min readHousing Secretary Angela Rayner has defended her decision not to repay a £16,876 ministerial severance payment after returning to government, saying she was out of office for almost a year before rejoining Cabinet.
Staff member · 2 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has paused the Government's planned September prisoner release scheme, saying no inmates will be released under the policy until an urgent review has been completed.
Staff member · 2 min readLeading figures from the pensions industry have welcomed the decision to keep Torsten Bell as Pensions Minister, saying continuity will help deliver the Government's reform programme.
Staff member · 2 min readOlivia Bailey has announced she is leaving government following the latest ministerial reshuffle, reflecting on her time as Minister for Early Education and Equalities and thanking colleagues for the opportunity to serve.
Staff member · 2 min readNigel Farage has shared a video on X showing a woman shouting at him before appearing to lose control of her car moments later. The Reform UK leader described the incident as "instant karma."
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England, with the Government saying nearly 32,000 businesses will benefit from the new relief scheme.
Staff member · 2 min readAnas Sarwar has announced he is joining Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Government as UK Minister of State for Trade, saying he is "delighted" to take on the role.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Jo White has been appointed Minister for Migration and Citizenship, replacing Mike Tapp. Her appointment comes after she responded to reports surrounding a leaked audio recording.
Staff member · 2 min readLabour MP Natalie Fleet has announced she is stepping down as Minister for Safeguarding, saying the role became "overwhelmingly triggering" and that victims deserve "someone at their best."
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has ordered a review of the Government's early prisoner release scheme following concerns over the potential early release of two of PC Andrew Harper's killers.
Staff member · 2 min readMike Tapp has confirmed he is leaving his role as Minister for Migration and Citizenship, thanking Home Office staff and pledging to continue supporting the Government from the backbenches.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Environment Agency has commenced criminal proceedings against Southern Water and several former employees over alleged conduct involving wastewater monitoring between 2012 and 2017.
Staff member · 1 min readThe Edinburgh Festival returns in August 2026 with politicians past and present joining debates, interviews and live shows covering Westminster, Scottish independence, political leadership and global affairs.
Staff member · 2 min readScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is reportedly set to resign and join Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government as a minister, triggering a Scottish Labour leadership contest.
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has stepped back from plans to increase the personal income tax allowance, citing the state of the public finances despite raising expectations during the Makerfield campaign.
Staff member · 1 min readPrime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to introduce a £2 cap on single bus fares across England from January 2027 as part of a wider package of cost-of-living measures.
Staff member · 1 min readCabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh has lost responsibility for tackling public sector fraud following her appointment, with the Government reallocating the brief after renewed scrutiny of her previous conviction.
Staff member · 1 min readReports are suggesting Prime Minister Andy Burnham has approved the continued use of British military bases for certain US strikes against Iran, with the Government describing the authorised operations as limited and defensive.
Staff member · 1 min readDefence Secretary Wes Streeting and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have apologised after remarks about the Government's early prisoner release policy were caught on a live microphone, prompting criticism from political opponents and victims' groups.
Staff member · 2 min readEd Miliband is Britain's Foreign Secretary. Britain needs a serious and credible politician to represent our country on the world stage.
Staff member · 1 min read