Andy Burnham could trigger a “chaotic” leadership contest and an early General Election, a Labour veteran has warned.
Former deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman has expressed concern a leadership challenge to Sir Keir Starmer could see the nation “tipped into a new General Election”.
Despite the Labour peer saying she would welcome the return of Andy Burnham to Westminster, his potential leadership campaign would be “kind of chaotic”, she admitted.
Speaking to Sky News, she said: “I don’t want to say that a change of leadership is inevitable.
“I don’t want a leadership challenge, and I also don’t a general election.”
She continued: “There is a scenario in which the new leader, call him Andy Burnham for example, actually thinks, ‘I need a new mandate’ and Nigel Farage will be saying ‘well yes the country does want a new Prime Minister but they want me, they don’t want Andy Burnham, nobody’s voted for him, he’s a usurper'”.
The Labour peer suggested Mr Burnham may feel the need to seek this own electoral mandate rather than continuing Sir Keir’s agenda, particularly if he were to experience a surge in the polls if he takes over.
Therefore, he may call a General Election, she said, rather than repeat the error of Gordon Brown, who chose not to seek his own mandate despite a polling bounce when he became Prime Minister – a decision widely seen as the beginning of his political decline.
Defending why she thinks a leadership contest would be a bad idea, Baroness Harman added: “Stability is such a kind of fusty and unsexy proposition. But actually, I think people just want to get on with their lives, get on with their businesses, get on with things.
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Keir Starmer defends record on migrant crisis as UK braces for ‘tidal wave of illegal migrants this summer’
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman has defended Labour’s record on the migrant crisis as the Prime Minister has been warned of a “tidal wave of illegal immigrants” arriving through the summer.
Today is the fifth day in a row that hundreds of migrants have launched from French and Belgian beaches, taking advantage of a run of good weather in the Channel.
GB News exclusively revealed three boats crossed yesterday, carrying at least 150 people in UK waters.
On Friday, 394 migrants reached the UK, the following day 287 people successfully made the illegal crossing and on Sunday, 231 people crossed over the Channel unlawfully.
Read full story here.
Nicola Sturgeon displayed ‘remarkable lack of curiosity’ over SNP finances, says former MP
Former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon displayed a “remarkable lack of curiosity” over SNP finances, according to a former MP who claims those seeking answers were deliberately blocked by the party hierarchy.
Joanna Cherry KC, a former high-profile member of the SNP’s Westminster group, was elected to the party’s national executive committee with a specific mandate from members to investigate what had happened to hundreds of thousands of pounds donated to fund the campaign for Scottish independence.
A subsequent police investigation culminated in former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who is also Ms Sturgeon’s estranged husband, pleading guilty to embezzling around £400,000 from the party.
Speaking to the BBC the former MP said: “I would like to see a properly independent inquiry into how this was allowed to happen and in particular why the efforts of those of us who were elected to get to the bottom of the party’s governance and financial mismanagement were frustrated from doing so.”
Social media measures within ‘weeks, not months’, says Keir Starmer
The parents of children whose deaths were linked to social media have been told by the Prime Minister new measures will be announced within “weeks, not months” following a meeting in Downing Street.
Meeting Sir Keir Starmer today, the group met as part of the Government’s Growing Up in the Online World consultation drew to a close, having explored potential measures including an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s, app curfews and restrictions on addictive features.
Keir Starmer assures bereaved families ‘we will act’ on children’s access to social media
Sir Keir Starmer has told bereaved families where their children were negatively impacted by social media, “it is important we act and we will act” on the issue.
Speaking at an event in No10 this afternoon, the Prime Minister said: “It is important for me to hear from you and to listen to all of you. I have read the stories of all your family members.
“It is important that we act and we will act. I can absolutely assure you of that.”
PICTURED: Families who tragically lost their child by suicide at Downing Street
PA
Families who have tragically lost their child by suicide arrived at Downing Street this afternoon as they are due to speak with Sir Keir Starmer regarding children’s use of social media.
This comes as today is the last consultation opportunity for the possible ban on social media for under-16s.
UK Government not meeting Northern Irish needs, says First Minister
The UK Government has “failed” Northern Ireland in terms of funding, the region’s First Minister has said.
Michelle O’Neill said the current level of funding allocated to Northern Ireland from Westminster is insufficient, saying it “simply does not match the scale” of the challenges the region’s public services are facing.
Speaking during questions for the Executive Office today, Ms O’Neill said she and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wrote to Sir Keir Starmer on April 17 expressing their concerning around funding and “outlining the scale of financial pressures”.
She said Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland responded on Sir Keir’s behalf, saying funding was adequate.
The Northern Irish First Minister continued: “We invited the Secretary of State to meet to discuss these issues and challenges and agree a 2026 to 30 budget, and that meeting has not yet taken place.”
John Swinney: Scots will ‘resoundingly’ back independence if second referendum takes place
Scots will “resoundingly” back the “golden opportunity” of Scottish independence if another referendum takes place, First Minister John Swinney has said.
Speaking at the start of a debate on Scottish independence, Mr Swinney said leaving the UK will enable “greater prosperity” for Scotland, with more control over its energy and closer ties with the possibility of rejoining the EU.
The First Minister said: “Together, these offer Scotland a golden opportunity, and it is one that I believe people will vote for resoundingly when our nation has, once again, the ability to decide our own future in an independence referendum.”
Rupert Lowe says Nigel Farage is ‘managed opposition’
Rupert Lowe took aim at his former party
| PA
Rupert Lowe has suggested Nigel Farage is “managed opposition” as he took aim at the Reform UK leader.
The Restore Britain leader told The Spectator: “I would have helped Nigel become Prime Minister but I don’t think he is fit to become Prime Minister. My personal opinion is that he is managed opposition.
“I think that if you look at the mainstream media, it is now pushing Nigel…so I’m not really interested in Reform”.
Jess Phillips ‘thrilled’ the Fordingbridge rape case sentences going to Court of Appeal
Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has said she is “thrilled” that the Fordingbridge rape case sentences are being referred to the Court of Appeal.
Speaking on Sky News, the Labour MP said it was “obvious” what the outcome of the case should have been.
She said: “We have a massive problem in our country with regard to child sexual abuse being perpetrated by children, and that is the responsibility of parents.
“But it’s also a responsibility of the state to look at the statistics where over half of all child sexual abuse in our country is perpetrated by somebody aged 10 to 17, about what we should be doing in the prevention space.
“However, in this case, I think it is unforgivable that a…premeditated rape with more than one person there…on 11 counts of rape. It is very obvious to anyone in the British public what the outcome of that case should have been.”
She added that there would have been previous indication of the boys’ behaviour and “that’s when we should be dealing with prevention”.
Labour MPs prepare to DEFECT if Andy Burnham fails to oust Keir Starmer from No10
Labour backbenchers have been in discussions with the Greens about switching allegiances should Andy Burnham fail to secure victory in the Makerfield by-election, it is understood.
Left-wing MPs initiated contact with Zack Polanski’s party several months ago to explore the possibility of joining.
These conversations have been put on hold pending the outcome of the crucial vote on June 18, which Mr Burnham hopes will provide his springboard to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the premiership.
MPs on the party’s left flank believe a victory for the Greater Manchester Mayor would steer Labour towards policies more aligned with their political outlook.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Nicola Sturgeon scolded over ‘gobsmacking’ SNP embezzling scandal: ‘Serious questions to answer!’
Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband was arrested by police
| PA
Nicola Sturgeon has “serious questions to answer” about what she knew about the SNP embezzlement scandal, Cabinet Office minister Anna Turley has declared.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Turley took aim at the former Scottish First Minister after her estranged husband Peter Murrell admitted to embezzling £400,000 from the Scottish National Party.
Ms Sturgeon has assured via her lawyers that she had “no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever” that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds.
Reacting to the scandal, Ms Turley told GB News that the embezzling is a “gobsmacking” scandal.
WATCH THE FULL CLIP HERE.
Fresh sanctions issued against cryptocurrency exchanges
The UK has announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and the so-called “A7 network”, which the Foreign Office said was being used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and channel funds to fuel its war against Ukraine.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “If the Kremlin thinks it can evade our sanctions by hiding behind crypto networks and shadow financial systems, it is gravely mistaken.
“The UK is adapting and strengthening our approach to target the evolving tactics Russia is using to evade restrictions. We are going after the infrastructure that underpins its war economy at the same time as Ukraine is increasing the pressure on Russia on the battlefield.
“We are tracking down and shutting off the financial lifelines that sustain Putin’s war machine. There will be no safe havens for those enabling Russia’s aggression.
“We will continue to act fast and decisively, alongside our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those enabling Russia’s aggression face consequences.”
The department said the “A7″ gang was using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network, alongside a major global cryptocurrency exchange that which officials suspect has channelled over $1.5billion (around £1.1billion) back into the Kremlin’s hands.
A package of 18 designations will come into effect immediately, the Foreign Office said.
Attorney General praises victims in Fordingbridge rape case for their ‘immense bravery’
The sentences of all three boys convicted in the Fordingbridge rape case are being referred to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme, the Attorney General’s office has confirmed.
Attorney General Lord Hermer said: “There has understandably been a huge amount of public interest and concern at this horrific case.
“I directed my officials to work urgently to allow me to consider this decision swiftly, and to begin to bring closure to the victims and their families.
“It is clear to me from their powerful personal statements that these girls have displayed immense bravery in coming forward.
“There is an epidemic of violence against women and girls in this country, and this Government will not hesitate in taking action to ensure all women and girls feel safe and have confidence in the justice system.”
Keir Starmer says social media policy will be a ‘game-changer’
Keir Starmer has confirmed the consultation closes this evening
| REUTERS
Sir Keir Starmer has tasked the Government with putting together “a game-changer” policy to tackle social media harms affecting children.
The Prime Minister said: “The consultation on children and social media is closing this evening. We’ve had very, very many people being part of the process, either responding or in discussions with me and with others.
“I’m meeting some of the parents this afternoon. I’ll be really clear, the question now is not whether we do something, we are going to act. I’m absolutely clear that this needs to be something where there’s a game-changer.
“The question is only what we do, and that will be coming very quickly, because we took powers earlier this year to make sure we can act very, very quickly.
“So, consultation will finish. We will then act, and we will be decisive, because it’s absolutely clear to me that we need to take action to protect children, and we can act quickly.”
Zia Yusuf clashes with Robert Jenrick over Reform’s social housing policy
Zia Yusuf has clashed with Robert Jenrick over Reform UK’s social housing policy.
Speaking to Sky News over the weekend, the party’s treasury spokesman Mr Jenrick was asked “If a foreign person who is legally resident but lives in social housing, will [they] be deported under a Reform Government, just because they live in social housing?”
The Newark MP responded saying: “Not exclusively because of that, no.
“If they fail to meet our criteria because they’re not in work or they’re not working as many hours, not earning enough money, then they won’t be able to renew their work visa because ILR won’t exist, they’ll be asked to leave.”
Mr Yusuf, Reform’s Home Affairs spokesman has now said: “Robert’s answer is not Reform policy.
“As the person responsible for our deportation plan I want ensure people know where we stand: If a foreign national lives in social housing at taxpayer expense, they automatically fail our economic test and will be deported.”
Keir Starmer says there are ‘questions that need to be answered over SNP embezzlement scandal
Sir Keir Starmer has said there are “questions that need to be answered” after former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling around £400,000 from the party.
Asked if SNP leader and Scottish First Minister John Swinney had questions to answer about the matter, Sir Keir said: “Well, I think anybody looking at what’s happening up in Scotland will be baffled that those at the top of the SNP say they didn’t know anything about what was going on.
“So clearly there are questions that need to be answered.”
Keir Starmer confirms teenage rape sentences will go to the Court of Appeal
Sir Keir Starmer has announced the sentences that saw two teenage boys spared jail will go to the Court of Appeal after being reviewed by the Attorney General Lord Hermer for being too lenient.
The Prime Minister said: “There are questions about the sentence. The Attorney General has power to refer a case to a court of appeal if the Attorney General thinks that the sentence is too lenient.
“The Attorney General has now exercised that power. So I can announce that case now will go to a Court of Appeal… and that is clearly the right outcome.”
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Liz Kendall claims she will be ‘unstoppable’ in new social media policy
Liz Kendall has said she will be unstoppable in cracking down on social media harms affecting children.
The Technology Secretary is facing pressure to change the rules which social media firms must follow if they operate in the UK.
In a BBC interview, Ms Kendall said: “No-one’s going to stop me from doing what I think is right for this country.”
A consultation to help the Government decide what action it should take, titled Growing Up In The Online World, closes later today.
It could pave the way for an Australia-style ban on under-16s using social media or lead to other measures, such as a limit on scrolling or overnight curfews for children.
Asked if she had already made up her mind on what action to take, Ms Kendall said: “I actually started out in this whole thing open-minded. I wouldn’t have had the consultation if I didn’t feel we needed to hear everybody’s views.”
One foreign murderer a week deported as Labour hails removal of nearly 10,000 criminals
New figures have revealed one foreign murderer a week has been deported, with 10,000 foreign offenders sent back to their home countries since Labour came to power.
According to the Home Office, 800 thieves and 600 sexual offenders have been removed from the UK in the past year.
The figures also showed 600 violent criminals, 200 fraudsters and 2,300 drug offenders were removed in the past year, representing a 36 per cent rise on the previous 21 months.
Albanian, Romanian, Polish and Lithuanian were identified as the leading nationalities represented in the statistics.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Labour Party Chair confirms law officers are ‘looking into’ Hampshire rape sentencing
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley
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GB NEWS
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley has confirmed law officers are “looking into” the sentencing of three teenage boys in Hampshire.
The trial at Southampton Crown Court heard two girls were raped in two separate incidents in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, the first attack on November 26, 2024 and the second on January 17, 2025.
The three boys, two aged 15 and one aged 14, were given youth rehabilitation orders (YRO), with the older pair also made subject to intensive supervision and surveillance (ISS).
Ms Turley told GB News: “I think I would be as shocked as everybody around the country.
“I was horrified to read of what took place with that horrendous crime, and my heart goes out to the victims, because what we see time and again is not only that they become the victims through the horrendous incidents, but also then they have to relive the crimes that happen to them in court.
“I think we can encourage young women and girls to go through that process. If they feel at the end of it, there will be justice. Those poor victims have been very clear that they don’t feel here that justice has been served.
“That’s why it’s absolutely right that the law officers are looking again at this sentence, because I think everyone can see that this is a horrendous crime. I know the attorney general is taking this very seriously. We’ll be looking at this.”
Wes Streeting warns lawmakers are ‘asleep at the wheel’ over social media
Wes Streeting has warned lawmakers are “asleep at the wheel” on social media and technology regulation.
The former Health Secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Our approach to mobile phones and social media has been akin to basically saying, ‘kids need to learn how to use woodwork, let’s give three-year-olds, five-year-olds some saws, some nails and hammers, and leave them unsupervised and see what happens, because they need to learn how to use the tools’.
“We wouldn’t do that with traditional tools. We shouldn’t do it with modern tools either.”
Rachel Reeves criticises ministers for failing to ‘buy British’
Rachel Reeves has criticised her own ministers
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PA
Rachel Reeves has criticised some of her own cabinet colleagues for not “buying British” as expressed disappointment that ministers have been sending too much Government business abroad.
In a letter which was co-signed by the Cabinet Office minister Chris Ward, the Chancellor wrote: “We should all want to see more businesses grow and prosper and create good, skilled jobs and apprenticeships here in Britain.
“Every secretary of state can and must lead this agenda within their departments if we are to deliver the change the public expect.”
“Therefore, it is disappointing that we are still seeing too many government contract awards where this is not happening.
“We have instructed officials to take further steps to ensure your departments act in the wider national interest rather than solely focusing on narrow operational priorities.”
A Government spokesman told The Guardian: “For the first time, procurement of shipbuilding, along with steel, AI and energy infrastructure, will be recognised as critical for national security.
“We will also issue new guidance prioritising contracts for British business where necessary to protect our national security.”
Green Party confirms candidate for Makerfield by-election
The Greens have announced their new candidate in the Makerfield by-election as Manchester City Councillor, Sarah Wakefield.
On being announced as her party’s candidate, Ms Wakefield said: “I am proud to be representing the Green Party in the Makerfield byelection. It is vital in a democracy that voters are given a choice of who they want to vote for.
“Together we can bring back the hope that politics can create a better life for ourselves and our children. This is what the Green Party represents.
“We showed in Gorton and Denton we can take on and beat Reform, whose backward-looking and divisive politics needs to be challenged head-on with a message that the future can be better and fairer than the failed status quo.
“Don’t vote in anger, vote in hope.”
Katie Lam slams ‘lack of urgency’ over social media ban
Shadow Home Office Minister Katie Lam spoke about the policy on GB News
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GB NEWS
Shadow Home Office Minister Katie Lam has slammed Labour for a “lack of urgency” over social media ban legislation.
She told GB News: “I know that parents and of course bereaved parents are deeply worried, frustrated and upset at this issue.
“Like with everything it is important to get it right and sometimes that can take a little bit of time, but there doesn’t seem to be any urgency from this Government on this issue.”
Rachel Reeves to tax cash held in stocks and shares ISAs in major savings raid
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to impose a 22 per cent charge on interest generated by cash holdings within stocks and shares ISAs from April 2027 under sweeping reforms to the savings system.
The levy forms part of broader “anti-circumvention rules” designed to prevent savers from exploiting loopholes in the reformed ISA regime, according to sources with knowledge of Treasury discussions.
It mirrors the pre-2014 ISA framework, when a 20 per cent charge applied to cash interest held within stocks and shares accounts.
Our Money reporter Joe Sledge has the full story here.
Labour lost more voters to Greens than Reform UK at local elections, damning poll reveals
Zack Polanski has called for the Prime Minister to resign
| PA
A new poll has revealed Labour lost more voters at this year’s local elections to the Green Party than they did to Reform UK, a shock to Sir Keir Starmer’s party.
According to the YouGov poll of 1,173 people, just 46 per cent of 2024 Labour voters stayed with the party earlier this month, with 22 per cent going to Zack Polanski’s party, compared to 16 per cent going to Sir Ed Davey’s Liberal Democrats and just six per cent going to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
By contrast, 33 per cent of Conservative 2024 voters went to Reform UK, with 55 per cent sticking with the Tories.
Meanwhile, the Lib Dems also kept hold of 55 per cent of their 2024 voters, with 21 per cent going to the Greens.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Holyrood set to back call for second independence referendum
MSPs are expected to back a call for Westminster to hand over the powers to allow a second Scottish independence referendum.
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney has tabled a motion calling on the UK Government to make a Section 30 order, to devolve to Holyrood the powers needed for such a vote to take place.
It comes the day after Mr Swinney apologised to SNP members after former chief executive Peter Murrell admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12-year period.
However, the debate – the first to take place at Holyrood since the May 7 Scottish election, makes clear the First Minister’s determination to win another referendum, despite the SNP’s failure to win an overall majority.
Successive UK governments have dismissed repeated calls from SNP first ministers for a second referendum, with Sir Keir Starmer the latest Prime Minister to rebuff such demands.
Mr Swinney insists, however, there is an “emphatic democratic mandate” for such a vote, after elections earlier this month saw the largest ever number of independence supporting MSPs voted in at the Scottish Parliament.
Wes Streeting likens tech companies to the tobacco industry – ‘We’ve got to give our children their childhood back’
Wes Streeting has likened tech companies to the tobacco industry, and medical leaders have compared the dangers of social media to smoking, as pressure grows on ministers to impose a ban for under-16s ahead of the closure of an online safety consultation.
The Government’s Growing Up In The Online World consultation, which floated measures such an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s, app curfews and limits on addictive features, closes later today.
In his first intervention on the issue since he quit Government earlier this month, former health secretary Mr Streeting said: “Social media should be treated like tobacco, it’s extremely addictive, bad for our health, and Big Tech is borrowing the Big Tobacco playbook to avoid regulation.
“We’ve got to give our children their childhood back. A ban for under-16s must be the start, not the end.
“We have given the pen to tech moguls to write our future for us. It’s time to take the pen back.”
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