The release of the much-awaited second tranche of documents on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador is being delayed until at least next month, MPs have been told.
The government has been under pressure to release all the documents.
Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs select committee Dame Emily Thornberry said obstacles were being put in the way of investigations into the appointment.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate in the forthcoming by-election in Makerfield, Greater Manchester – the next step in his plan to replace Sir Keir Starmer as party leader.
New polling has shown the Greater Manchester mayor – who needs to become an MP before he can challenge the prime minister – is the preferred candidate for the top job among Labour members and would win a leadership contest.
YouGov found that 59 per cent said they would back Mr Burnham while only 37 per cent would support Sir Keir Starmer.
The Independent has revealed that allies of Sir Keir have warned that Mr Burnham could bring back former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled in 2024 in a row over antisemitism.
Key Points
- Publication of Mandelson files pushed back to June
- Starmer and No 10 accused of attempts to sabotage Burnham
- Manchester mayor would beat Farage in a general election, top pollsters suggest
- Burnham 'plans social care system reform'
- Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies of ex-health secretary
Ex-defence secretary quits job over ‘perception of impropriety’
19:25 , Jane Dalton
A former Conservative defence secretary has quit his job with a missile manufacturer over concerns he broke rules governing former ministers’ jobs.
Sir Grant Shapps, who served as defence minister under Rishi Sunak, resigned as chairman of Cambridge Aerospace on April 30 “to simplify matters” following a “greater-than-anticipated focus on military technology” by the company.
Before quitting, he was contacted by ministerial ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus with concerns about his compliance with the rules in the light of Cambridge Aerospace securing a multi-million-pound missile contract with the government.
Sir Grant said he had no involvement with the contract or the company’s military work, saying despite his title of chairman, he had not chaired its board or even been a company director, but rather “one of several co-founders”.
But in correspondence with Sir Grant, Sir Laurie said the former defence secretary had “allowed a perception of impropriety to develop” and “failed to uphold the standards expected in the rules”.
Analysis: Who would want to be Burnham’s chancellor?
18:50 , Jane Dalton
By chief political commentator John Rentoul:
Who would want to be Andy Burnham’s chancellor?
Ex-Labour leader in Wales calls for Starmer to go
18:20 , Jane Dalton
Sir Keir Starmer should set out a timetable for his departure, a former Welsh Labour leader has said, calling the situation for the Prime Minister “irrecoverable”.
Mark Drakeford, who was first minister of Wales between 2018 and 2024, told Channel 4 News he would support Andy Burnham to be Sir Keir’s successor.
He said Sir Keir was a decent man who worked extremely hard every day to do his very best. “But a combination of circumstances and capacity mean that it hasn’t worked out, and it’s time to recognise that and make a plan to move ahead,” he said.
“I think it is irrecoverable, both his own personal standing and his ability to lead an effective government.”
Analysis: Who would want to be Burnham’s chancellor?
18:07 , Jane Dalton
By chief political commentator John Rentoul:
Who would want to be Andy Burnham’s chancellor?
Burnham may plan to tackle rising energy bills
17:42 , Jane Dalton
Andy Burnham’s team are considering including a policy to tackle rising household energy bills in a plan for his potential premiership.
They are working on a plan for his first 100 days in government, according to Politico.
He has previously called for privatised energy and water firms to be taken back under public control, backed reclaiming state control of housing and called for reforms to technical education.
Burnham 'plans social care system reform'
17:28 , Jane Dalton
Andy Burnham’s team are reportedly working on a plan for his potential premiership that is likely to include reforms to England’s creaking social care system, according to two sources.
Aides are drawing up a scheme for his first 100 days in government in the event that the Greater Manchester mayor wins the Makerfield by-election and replaces Keir Starmer, three people who have worked with him told Politico.
Promises to shake up the care system are likely to embarrass Wes Streeting, who quit as health and social care secretary to challenge Sir Keir.
Last year Starmer asked his ally Louise Casey, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, to lead a commission on the structure and funding of the social care system as part of his manifesto pledge to create a “national care service”.
But the final stage of her review is not due to report back until 2028.
A source said of Burnham’s team: “I think they would take umbrage with the view that we’re waiting for Louise Casey. There is a sense that it’s just too urgent an issue.”
No tailor-made EU deal for UK, ex-officials warn, as Brexit debate reopened
16:42 , Jane Dalton
UK won’t have ‘tailor-made’ deal to rejoin EU, former officials warn
Streeting allies brand Burnham ‘human shopping trolley’
16:16 , Jane Dalton
Exclusive by Simon Walters:
Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies
Who has been named as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election?
15:33 , Holly Evans
With the Makerfield by-election due to take place in June, several parties have now announced their candidates in what is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK.
So far, these following names will appear on the ballot:
- Andy Burnham, Labour
- Robert Kenyon, Reform
- Rebecca Shepherd, Restore
- Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope for the Monster Raving Loony Party
The Tories, the Greens and the Lib Dems are yet to name their candidates, but have confirmed that they will be standing in the Manchester seat.
John Swinney re-elected first minister of Scotland
15:23 , Holly Evans
MSPs have voted for John Swinney to continue to be the First Minister of Scotland.
After three rounds of voting Mr Swinney received 56 votes overall.
In the first round of voting Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton was eliminated with 10 votes and Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay was eliminated in the second round of voting with 11 votes.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord both received 17 votes and Scottish Greens leader Gillian Mackay received 15 votes.
Burnham says working class communities 'deserve so much better'
15:11 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham said he was “proud and humbled” to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
The Greater Manchester mayor wrote on X: “These proud working-class communities represent the very best values of our country and they deserve so much better. It would be my honour to work for them every day, if elected as their MP, to achieve that.
“Many people here feel Westminster isn’t working for them and they are right. I am standing to change that and get the voice of these communities heard loud and clear.
“I am glad that this by-election has finally put the places that make up the Makerfield constituency into the national spotlight. They have been neglected by national politics for too long. It is a good thing that all political parties are now on the hook to tell the voters here what they are going to do for them.”
I am proud and humbled to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for Makerfield.
— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) May 19, 2026
These proud working-class communities represent the very best values of our country and they deserve so much better. It would be my honour to work for them every day, if elected as their MP, to…
Lord Glasman backs Shabana Mahmood as next Labour leader
15:00 , Athena Stavrou
An influential Labour Peer has said he would back Shabana Mahmood to be the next Labour leader, as infighting within the party continues.
Lord Maurice Glasman, who founded the Blue Labour group, said he has “no doubts” about wanting to see the home secretary lead the party.
“I don't think that that's a futile hope,” he told the Brexit Unleashed conference in Westminster on Tuesday.
“Let's say Andy Burnham loses in Wigan and loses to Reform. I think that might concentrate the minds of Labour Party members quite clearly. So this is a fluid situation.”
He went on to say that he had been speaking to Blue Labour MP Jonathan Hinder about standing.
“If we don't have someone telling the truth in this leadership campaign, we will drift further and further into the EU progressive fantasy world, and then come the election, we will be obliterated,” he said.
Labour peer warns it’s ‘not a given’ Burnham will beat Reform in Makerfield
14:40 , Athena Stavrou
A Labour Peer has warned that it’s “not a given” that Andy Burnham will with the Makerfield by-election, as he warned his party of the threat of voters turning to Reform.
Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of the influential Blue Labour group, said the contest could mark a “very significant turning point”.
“I don't think it's a given that Andy Bernard wins this by-election in Wigan, not at all,” he told the Brexit Unleashed conference in Westminster on Tuesday.
“That could be a very significant turning point. He's not going to lose to the Greens, is he?
“He's going to lose to Reform, he's going to lose to a re-badged Brexit party.”
He added the by-election could show that the Labour Party may “have to have a reckoning with who are their people”.
Publication of Mandelson files pushed back to June
14:25 , Jane Dalton
By political reporter Athena Stavrou:
Ministers have confirmed the publication of the highly anticipated final tranche of the Peter Mandelson files has been delayed.
The government has been under pressure to release all documents related to the former Labour peer’s appointment as US ambassador.
The next tranche of files was reportedly due to be released this week, but Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has now confirmed they will now not be released until June, after Parliament returns from recess the week after next.
“Given the house is due to rise on Thursday and given the length of the publication, the second tranche will now be published after Whitsun recess to give to give the house sufficient time to review the material and to be able to ask me and the government questions,” he told MPs.
“It could have been published this Thursday but I thought that the House would deem that to be inappropriate, given it will be such a significant publication.”
Given the documents would have been ready to publish this week, they are likely to be released early in June - potentially threatening the Labour Party with fresh scandal ahead of the crucial by-election in Makerfield.
Watch: Makerfield by-election officially triggered
14:20 , Holly Evans
Farage accounts ‘not consistent with house payment claim'
14:15 , Jane Dalton
Farage accounts ‘inconsistent’ with claim he bought £1.4m house with I’m A Celeb fee
Reform UK unveils local plumber who ran in last election as Makerfield candidate
14:11 , Holly Evans
Minutes after Labour confirmed Andy Burnham would be standing in the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK also unveiled their candidate.
Local plumber Robert Kenyon will be going head to head with the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Mr Kenyon also ran as the party’s candidate in the 2024 general election, where he came second to Labour by 5,399 votes.
His candidacy comes after both Reform and Labour lost to the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, who was also a local plumber, in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
Announcing his candidacy, Nigel Farage called the Makerfield contest “a David versus Goliath battle”.
“Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election,” he said.
Makerfield was Andy Burnham’s back up plan.
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) May 19, 2026
For Robert Kenyon, it’s his home.
This battle will be David Vs Goliath. pic.twitter.com/Z8A5ay3EmD
Burnham was only name shortlisted for Labour candidate selection
14:05 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham will be Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, the party has announced.
It is understood that the Greater Manchester mayor was the only person shortlisted for selection by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee, bypassing a vote by the local party.
The decision sets up a contest between Mr Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who contested the seat for the party in 2024.
Mr Burnham has put himself forward as the candidate to “change Labour”, using a campaign video to call for a “new path for Britain”.
If he returns to Parliament, Mr Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, but the Prime Minister has insisted he will not “walk away” from Downing Street.
Congratulations to @AndyBurnhamGM - Labour’s candidate for Makerfield. pic.twitter.com/avag1HJon3
— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) May 19, 2026
Reform reveals by-election candidate
13:58 , Jane Dalton
Reform UK has announced its candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
The party said self-employed plumber Robert Kenyon, who has served as an army reservist and previously worked as a specialist technician for the NHS in Lancashire, will stand.
He ran in the 2024 election, where he finished in second place, according to Reform.
Party leader Nigel Farage said: “This by-election contest is now a David-versus-Goliath battle. This is ‘the plucky plumber’ taking on ‘open borders Burnham’. Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election.”
Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate in by-election
13:41 , Jane Dalton
Breaking news:
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the Labour candidate in Makerfield.
Watch: Starmer's new cabinet gathers
13:36 , Jane Dalton
Government 'creating obstacles' over Mandelson investigation
13:21 , Jane Dalton
Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Dame Emily Thornberry said “obstacles” were being put in the way of her committee and the International and Security Committee (ISC), who are trying to “get to the truth” of Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment.
Dame Emily said: “I rise to support the ISC in their carefully considered concerns and I am disappointed at the answer that the Government have given.”
She added: “It is very important that the public know and understand that we are learning from the mistakes that were clearly made, and we cannot know that those lessons have been learned unless they are checked.
“And the committees in this House, my committee and the ISC, are trying our best to get to truth of this, and we are having obstacles put in our way.
“It is for that reason I believe that, with proper redactions, it should be that the ISC are allowed to look at this, at this file, to understand why it was that mitigations could be put in place in order to make us safe when it came to the appointment of Pater Mandelson.”
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said: “The documents that related to the recommendation put to the Foreign Office and the Foreign Office’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, irrespective of the recommendation that was put to them, these documents have been referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
“What has not been referred was the raw data collected as part of interviews undertaken with Peter Mandelson, which in any circumstance we wouldn’t share in any in relation to any appointment.”
Row erupts over vetting information
13:17 , Jane Dalton
Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) deputy chairman Sir Jeremy Wright warned if the Government withholds information without MPs’ consent, “that would be an issue not just of process but of parliamentary sovereignty”.
Sir Jeremy, a Conservative former minister, said ISC members had “sympathy with the substantive arguments the Government may make for withholding information”.
He told the Commons: “There are, for example, valid concerns about the disclosure of information given in a vetting process inhibiting future subjects of vetting – or those who are asked about them – from being as open and forthcoming as they need to be for vetting to be effective.
“But we cannot accept that the Government is entitled to ignore or to unilaterally alter the terms of the humble address, so does the minister (Darren Jones) accept that if the Government wants to argue that the humble address is too broad as drafted and needs to be refined, it must come to this House and make that argument and get the House’s consent for any alteration?”
Responding, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr Jones said raw data related to security vetting “would never be published”, so as not to put people going through security vetting off from answering questions “honestly and frankly in any UK security vetting investigation in the future”.
Ministers accused of hiding Mandelson appointment information
13:13 , Jane Dalton
The government is withholding information related to the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US for reasons “not specifically permitted in the humble address”, the deputy chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has warned.
Sir Jeremy Wright, a Conservative former minister, told the Commons: “The ISC has been considering redactions to documents on the grounds that, if unredacted, those documents may prejudice national security or international relations.
“But it has become apparent to us that the Government also intends to redact documents for other reasons not specifically permitted in the humble address or, in some cases, to withhold those documents altogether.”
Sadiq Khan backs Starmer as he warns Labour rebels against leadership contest
12:55 , Holly Evans
Sadiq Khan has thrown his weight behind Sir Keir Starmer, insisting now is “not the time” for a Labour leadership contest.
The Mayor of London admitted the results from May’s local elections were “really bad” for his party and said they should be a “wake-up call” for the prime minister.
He warned that Labour must “change the pace of delivery” from now on to win voters back, as both Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have signalled their intentions to challenge Sir Keir for the keys to No 10.
However, Sir Sadiq told The Independent he does not believe now is the time for a change in leadership and called on the prime minister to do more to show people the change they voted for in July 2024 is possible.
Read the full article here:
Sadiq Khan backs Starmer as he warns Labour rebels against leadership contest
Public finances were 'turning corner' before Middle East conflict, No 10 says despite rising unemployment
12:50 , Millie Cooke
Downing Street has insisted that the government "has the right economic plan" and that the public finances were "turning a corner" before the conflict in the Middle East began - despite new figures showing that the unemployment rate has risen and vacancies tumbled to a five-year low.
The prime minister's official spokesperson told reporters: "Today's figures show that before the start of the conflict the Labour market was moving in the right direction… this is further proof that we have the right economic plan.
“We were turning a corner before the conflict began. Thanks to the choices we've made, we’re in a stronger position to deal with the costs of the conflict."
‘Dangerous’ Brexit row could cost Andy Burnham’s hopes of winning Makerfield by-election, leading pollsters suggest
12:44 , Kate Devlin
Labour’s ongoing row over rejoining the European Union risks costing Andy Burnham his hopes of returning to Parliament and challenging Keir Starmer, top pollsters have warned.
Makerfield’s Leave vote in 2016 makes it a “prime Reform target” and a seat “which is tailor made” for Nigel Farage’s party, Luke Tryl from More in Common said in a briefing on this month’s local elections results.
But he added that a “Burnham bounce”, based on the Greater Manchester mayor’s personal popularity, was worth an estimated 20 points in the polls, making him the “narrow” favourite to win the constituency in next month’s by-election.
However. Mr Tryl warned that what happened during the election campaign could affect that outcome.
He said there was a “big question about Brexit, and how much does it hurt” candidates.
And he emphasised the importance of what the current row within Labour signifies.
“If looking at rejoin is taken as a sign (by voters in Makerfield) that people in Westminster and the Labour Party, in particular, have now decided to move on from the lessons of the 2016 vote… that is more dangerous”, he said.
Burnham would beat Farage in a general election, top pollsters suggest
12:41 , Kate Devlin
Andy Burnham could beat Nigel Farage in a general election, top pollsters have suggested.
Luke Tryl from More in Common said that, when they carried out polling, in a straight head-to-head Mr Burnham beat Mr Farage by 14 percentage points.
The Greater Manchester mayor also performed about 10 points better than Sir Keir Starmer against Mr Farage.
The findings will be a boost to Mr Burnham’s supporters who argue he has to replace Sir Keir to save the UK from prime minister Farage.
However, in order to return to Westminster and challenge the PM, Mr Burnham must first win the Makerfield by-election, where the other frontrunner is Reform UK.
In a briefing on this month’s local election results Mr Tryl added, however: “This is a hypothetical. One thing always to remember is, you know, when people go outside of Westminster, they tend to do better. But he performs about 10 points better than the prime minister against Farage."
Inside the dirty tricks campaigns trying to stop Andy Burnham in race for No10
12:31 , Holly Evans
A meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) on Monday evening has inadvertently confirmed that the underhand tricks and backstabbing by MPs has got out of hand.
At the meeting, both foreign secretary Yvette Cooper and chief whip Jonathan Reynolds did their best primary school teacher impressions and gave their colleagues a dressing down for all their briefings against the prime minister and various leadership candidates.
It was apparently meant to be an appeal for unity. But one MP suggested it was the 21st century equivalent of King Cnut shouting at the sea to stop the tide coming in. It was seen as both a complete waste of energy – and a little hypocritical on a day it was revealed that Sir Keir Starmer’s allies are briefing against Andy Burnham, claiming he would bring back Jeremy Corbyn if he became prime minister.
Read the full analysis from our political editor David Maddox here:
Inside the dirty tricks campaigns trying to stop Andy Burnham in race for No 10
New poll shows Burnham pushing Labour ahead of Reform
12:14 , Holly Evans
A new poll conducted by Sky News and YouGov has shown Andy Burnham’s name making a significant difference to the public’s voting intention.
In this week’s poll, Labour appear eight points behind Reform, but when asked who the public wish to win in Makerfield, with Mr Burnham named, Labour lands ahead by eight points.
Amongst Northern voters, this increases to 16 points.
Amongst those who want Burnham to win Makerfield include:
- 16 per cent current Tories
- 46 per cent current Lib Dems
- 6 per cent current Reform UK
- 35 per cent current Greens
Pro Andy Burnham tactical voting?
— Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) May 19, 2026
In today's exclusive Sky-YouGov poll, it's striking just how much a difference Burnham seems to make. In this week's voting intention poll, Labour are 8 points behind Reform. But asked who you want to win in Makerfield - where the poll names… pic.twitter.com/jV9QRjTOe6
Makerfield by-election to take place in June
11:48 , Holly Evans
A by-election in the Makerfield constituency has been officially triggered, after Labour former minister Josh Simons resigned his seat.
It is likely to take place on June 18, following the issuing of the writ in the Commons on Tuesday.
Chief whip Jonathan Reynolds told the Commons: “I beg to move that Mr Speaker do issue his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the electing of a member to serve in this present parliament for the borough constituency of Makerfield, in the room of Joshua Cameron Simons, who since his election for the said borough constituency has been appointed to the Office of Steward and Bailiff of His Majesty’s Three Chiltern Hundreds of Stoke, Desborough and Burnham in the county of Buckinghamshire.”
Burnham ally suggests mayor would not immediately trigger leadership contest
11:36 , Holly Evans
On Monday evening, one of Andy Burnham’s supporters suggested the mayor would not seek an immediate leadership fight.
Leeds MP Alex Sobel told LBC it was not his “expectation” that Mr Burnham would immediately trigger a contest, saying he would “come back and potentially serve in the Government, try and help us turn this Government round”.
If he is elected at the Makerfield by-election and Sir Keir Stadoes not resign, Mr Burnham would need to secure the backing of 81 Labour MPs to mount a leadership challenge, potentially setting up a contest with the Prime Minister for party members’ votes.
Starmer attends infected blood memorial service after cabinet meeting
11:10 , Holly Evans
Sir Keir Starmer has arrived at a memorial service for those affected by the infected blood scandal at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Ahead of the service, Sir Keir paid tribute to the victims of what has been described as the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS.
It follows the first cabinet meeting he has held since Wes Streeting’s resignation as health secretary and Andy Burnham’s announcement that he intends to run in the Makerfield by-election.
Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies of ex-health secretary
10:50 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham has been described as a human “shopping trolley” by allies of Wes Streeting after performing a series of U-turns on key policies in recent days.
The attack on left-winger Mr Burnham came amid an increasingly bitter war of words between the two men who are bidding to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister.
A close ally of Mr Streeting has told The Independent that he intends to expose what he regards as a series of inconsistencies in Mr Burnham’s policies if a formal Labour leadership contest is triggered, after he backtracked on a his stance on Brexit and economic policies.
“Burnham is a human shopping trolley. Wes has a few surprises which will expose that to a wider audience,” said the source.
Read the full article here:
Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies
Watch: Starmer ally says 'unnecessary' by-election is a 'risk'
10:41 , Holly Evans
Reform UK launch political adverts targeting Burnham
10:30 , Holly Evans
Reform UK have launched online attacks on Andy Burnham accusing him of “personal ambition” and depicting him as an opportunist ahead of the Makerfield by-election.
Nigel Farage’s party performed well in the area during the local elections and have vowed to “throw everything” at the campaign.
Their adverts on X accuse the Greater Manchester mayor of standing “anywhere” in a bid to return to Westminster, and make reference to Clive Lewis’ casual suggestion once that he might give up his Norwich South seat for Mr Burnham.
However, Mr Burnham, who is yet to be officially confirmed as Labour’s candidate, grew up in the area and lives just outside the constituency, weakening this particular attack by Reform.
Andy Burnham will stand anywhere to get a seat.
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) May 18, 2026
This expensive by-election is all about his own personal ambition. pic.twitter.com/QOrE6iaFcG
Andy Burnham would beat Keir Starmer in leadership contest, new poll reveals
10:15 , Holly Evans
Andy Burnham is the clear favourite to win a Labour leadership contest, as new polling suggests he would decisively beat Sir Keir Starmer in a race.
The current Mayor of Greater Manchester has made it clear he has his sights set on No 10, as he prepares to fight a by-election that would pave his way back to Parliament to launch an official leadership bid.
Despite almost 100 MPs calling for his resignation in the wake of disastrous local election results, Sir Keir has vowed to fight any future challenge to his leadership.
But new polling by YouGov clearly suggests that in a contest between Mr Burnham and Sir Keir, the former would win.
The polling 59 per cent said they would back the mayor while only 37 per cent would support the prime minister.
Read the full article from our political correspondent Athena Stavrou here:
Andy Burnham would beat Keir Starmer in leadership contest, new poll reveals
Chief whip appeals for unity as party gears up for Makerfield by-election
09:59 , Millie Cooke
Chief whip Jonathan Reynolds appealed for unity among Labour MPs last night as Sir Keir Starmer gears up for another month of leadership jostling in the build up to the Makerfield by-election.
Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, Mr Reynolds told MPs: "I just want to say, whatever else is going on, we are the government.
"Our first duty, our first responsibility is to do the work, to be responsible, to understand why we do everything we do, and that is our duty to our constituents, but it is also our duty each other.
"I just wanted to highlight that in terms of some of the comments and exchanges I’ve seen between colleagues in the past few days. Let us never forget, please, why we are here and who we are here to serve."
In pictures: Ministers attend first Cabinet meeting without Wes Streeting
09:55 , Holly Evans
Reeves must go ‘much further’ to aid families in cost-of-living crisis, says SNP
09:44 , Holly Evans
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being urged to go “much further” to help households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis – with the SNP accusing the Labour government of having “abandoned the ‘squeezed middle’”.
Kirsty Blackman, the SNP’s economy spokeswoman at Westminster, raised concerns that a package of measures expected to be announced this week will not go far enough to help most families.
Ms Blackman pledged she would be “firmly on the side of the squeezed middle” in her new role, as she challenged the Chancellor to remove all VAT on fuel for the duration of the current energy crisis, which was started by the conflict in the Middle East.
Ms Blackman is calling on Ms Reeves to introduce a new household energy price cap – a move the MP said could cut bills by hundreds of pounds.
She was speaking ahead of Thursday’s expected announcement of help from the Chancellor.
UK won’t have ‘tailor-made’ deal to rejoin EU, former officials warn as Labour reopens Brexit debate
09:31 , Holly Evans
Former EU Brexit officials have warned that the UK would not enjoy “exceptional” terms if it decided to rejoin the EU, after Labour leadership candidates reopened the debate.
The question of whether Brexit should be reversed has returned to the spotlight over the weekend, with figures at the top of the party setting out their bids to be the next prime minister.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who has confirmed plans to stand in any leadership race, put a pitch to rejoin the trade bloc in the future at the heart of his first speech as a backbench MP.
Read the full article here:
UK won’t have ‘tailor-made’ deal to rejoin EU, former officials warn
Pictured: David Lammy arrives at No10 ahead of Cabinet meeting
09:14 , Holly Evans
UK taxpayers face £5.4bn ‘Burnham penalty’ over increased borrowing costs, Tories claim
09:05 , Holly Evans
Taxpayers are already facing a "Burnham penalty" as speculation surrounding the Labour leadership has driven up the government’s borrowing costs, Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride is set to claim.
The political turbulence in Westminster, fuelled by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham's potential return to Parliament and a possible challenge to Sir Keir Starmer for the party's top job, has been reflected in moves in the bond markets.
Gilt yields, which represent the interest rate on government borrowing, have seen an increase since Labour's recent election results cast doubt on Sir Keir's leadership.
Read the full article here:
Taxpayers face £5.4bn ‘Burnham penalty’ over increased borrowing costs, Tories claim
Starmer ally says 'unnecessary' by-election is a 'risk'
08:46 , Holly Evans
One of Sir Keir Starmer’s closest allies has said that the upcoming Makerfield by-election is “unnecessary” and referred to it as a “risk”.
Pat McFadden told broadcasters: "Look, any unnecessary by-election is always a risk. It's the voters who have their say.
"But like any by-election that is called, for whatever reason, I want Labour to win. I want to see a Labour MP for that seat. And that's what we'll all be working for between now and polling day in the by-election."
When asked about Mr Burnham’s claims on Monday that "the by-election is very necessary" because politics "doesn't work" for those in the north, the cabinet minister replied: "Well, of course the sitting MP chose to resign, that's always a risk to do.
"But now that it's been called, we will fight to win the by-election for Labour."
PM taking critique on Labour 'incredibly seriously', minister says
08:30 , Holly Evans
Minister Dan Jarvis said Labour needs to listen to the message delivered by voters in the local elections and act, when asked if his party needs to change.
Asked about Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s comments that “Labour needs to change if we are to regain people’s trust”, Mr Jarvis told LBC: “Well, I think the prime minister has acknowledged that the recent election results provide a critique on the performance of the Government.
“So, yes, we do need to make sure that we are delivering on the priorities of the people. The prime minister’s absolutely focused on that.
“He’s getting on with his job.
“My responsibilities are around national security and I know that the prime minister takes these things incredibly seriously.
“I’ve been working with him on matters relating to national security, but the priority has to be delivering for the public.
“We have to listen to what people have told us over the past couple of weeks and we have to act upon it.”
Editorial: We need to talk about Brexit
08:19 , Holly Evans
Whatever comradeship and fraternal fealty remain within Labour, the debate that has suddenly ignited in the party about Britain rejoining the European Union is hardly helping it.
Two men who actually agree on that eventual goal, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, have fallen into a tedious briefing war about whether raising this distant prospect right now is a cynical plot by Mr Streeting to undermine Mr Burnham’s chances of winning the Makerfield by-election, and thus the Labour leadership.
Mr Streeting claim that he is simply pointing out the lasting consequences of the “catastrophic mistake” the nation as a whole made in 2016, and that it cannot be ignored.
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Dan Jarvis rules out Manchester mayoralty bid
08:00 , Athena Stavrou
Government minister Dan Jarvis has ruled out running to be the next Mayor of Greater Manchester if Andy Burnham resigns to return to Parliament.
The national security minister was the elected as the first Mayor of South Yorkshire in 2018, working alongside Mr Burnham as a regional mayor.
Asked on Tuesday if he would consider returning to the role in Manchester as he had experience, he told Sky News: “On the other side of the Pennines.
“My job as the National Security Minister keeps me very busy, and that is my only focus.”
Miinister says unemployment figures are 'encouraging' given Iran war
07:52 , Holly Evans
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said unemployment figures are “encouraging” amid the impact of the Iran war on the labour market.
He said: “Today’s figures show there were 416,000 more people in work than there was this time last year. While this is encouraging, we know the conflict in the Middle East is casting a shadow on the labour market.
“However, thanks to the choices we have made, we are in a stronger position to deal with the continuing volatility and costs of the war in Iran with our economy ranking as the fastest growing of any European G7 country last year.
“Boosting opportunity and tackling youth unemployment in every area remains our priority, and through our jobs guarantee we are helping young people into work while engaging employers to ensure they have the skilled workforce that they need.”
‘Whole Labour family’ will get behind Makerfield by-election campaign
07:42 , Athena Stavrou
A government minister has insisted the “whole Labour family” will get behind the party’s candidate in Makerfield - even if it’s Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership rival Andy Burnham.
Security minister Dan Jarvis praised Mr Burnham’s “outstanding record of achievement as the mayor of Greater Manchester.
“Whoever the candidate is in MakerField, the whole Labour family will get behind that candidate,” he told Sky News.
“And we'll all be knocking on doors in Makerfield to make sure that we return the Labour MP to make sure that we beat Reform.”
Starmer and No 10 accused of attempts to sabotage Burnham
07:39 , Holly Evans
Downing Street did not rule out the prospect of Labour pledging to rejoin the EU ahead of the next election, while Sir Keir Starmer has also raised the prospect in what has been seen as a move to undermine Andy Burnham.
The prime minister said that a debate on Brexit “might happen years down the line”.
Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester mayor has attempted to distance himself from his Remain stance, given that he is standing in the Makerfield by-election which has a vote-Leave supporter base.
Speaking at the Great North summit in Leeds on Monday, he said he “respects” Brexit and told the crowd: “Britain will be stuck in a permanent rut if we’re just constantly arguing and people are pulling away from each other.”
Starmer to chair first Cabinet meeting since Wes Streeting’s resignation
07:32 , Holly Evans
Sir Keir Starmer will assemble his new-look Cabinet for the first time on Tuesday after insisting again that he would not “walk away” from Downing Street.
Tuesday’s regular Cabinet meeting will be the first since Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary and called on the Prime Minister to quit last week.
It also follows Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s announcement that he intends to fight the Makerfield by-election.
UK unemployment rises to 5 per cent
07:17 , Holly Evans
The rate of UK unemployment rose to 5 per cent in the three months to March, up from 4.9 per cent in the three months to February, the Office for National Statistics said.
Meanwhile in a positive for Reeves, UK average regular earnings growth fell to 3.4 per cent in the three months to March and was 0.3 per cent higher after taking Consumer Prices Index inflation into account,
Watch: Starmer will not set timetable to leave No 10 if Burnham wins by-election
07:00 , Bryony Gooch
Revealed: The Facebook accounts using AI to promote fake ‘good news’ stories about politicians
06:00 , Bryony Gooch
Revealed: The Facebook pages using AI to promote fake stories about politicians
80 charity leaders call on UK to show more ambition over global aid
04:00 , Bryony Gooch
80 charity leaders call on UK to show more ambition over international aid
