Speaking to the BBC, Reeves said: “I’m supporting Andy to be prime minister,” signaling her support for Burnham despite speculation that he could replace her in the Treasury with a more junior role if he wins the leadership.

Burnham, who was sworn in earlier this week as the MP for Makerfield, is widely expected within parts of the Labour Party to take over as both party leader and Prime Minister. Reports suggest he could appoint a new chancellor should he assume office, though no official cabinet plans have been confirmed.

Reeves acknowledged that her future role would ultimately depend on Burnham’s decisions, emphasizing that she would respect the authority of the incoming leader. She also said she remained prepared to deliver targeted, temporary support on energy bills in the autumn, amid ongoing concerns over household costs.

Responding to reports that Burnham could demote her within a reshuffled cabinet, Reeves reiterated her backing for him, stating: “I’m not going to pre-empt the decisions that the new prime minister will make. I’m backing Andy. I think he’d be a great prime minister, but those are his decisions, not mine to make.”

Burnham has emerged as a leading figure in Labour’s internal discussions following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation earlier this week, which came after a wave of senior cabinet departures. Party insiders say he is currently the only declared candidate for the leadership, raising the possibility of an uncontested path to the top job.

If no other candidates enter the race, Burnham could become Prime Minister as early as 17 July, marking a rapid and unexpected shift in the party’s leadership.

The unfolding situation has added further uncertainty to UK politics, with attention now focused on how a potential Burnham-led government would reshape Labour’s economic and domestic policy direction.

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Speaking to Sky News, Jones said he had been “reassured” following a direct conversation with Burnham about his economic approach, particularly his commitment to existing fiscal rules. His remarks suggest that key concerns among Labour MPs about economic credibility may be easing, at least for some senior figures within the party. Jones added that while he had received encouragement from colleagues to stand, he would not enter the contest, effectively removing a potential rival who could have tested Burnham’s support within the parliamentary party.

Jones also highlighted continuing unease among MPs, noting that more than 100 Labour members had expressed concerns either about the prospect of an uncontested leadership transition or about Burnham’s economic direction. Despite this, he argued that Burnham would likely win a membership vote comfortably, raising questions about whether a formal contest would meaningfully alter the outcome or simply deepen internal divisions.

The comments come at a politically sensitive moment for Labour, with speculation mounting over the composition of a future leadership team and the direction of economic policy. Jones stressed the importance of clarity on fiscal discipline, suggesting there is limited but necessary scope for additional borrowing to fund priority projects. His remarks reflect an ongoing tension within the party between ambitions for increased public investment and the need to maintain market confidence.

Attention has also turned to potential appointments within a future Burnham administration, particularly the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer. Debate is reportedly intensifying within Labour circles over possible candidates, including senior figures such as Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband, with differing factions backing different economic and political approaches. Concerns among some MPs centre on whether a future chancellor would be able to balance party priorities with financial stability and credibility with investors and trade unions.

Jones outlined what he described as strict criteria for the role, emphasizing that the next chancellor must understand the workings of the Treasury, maintain a constructive relationship with the prime minister, and reassure both markets and the wider Labour movement. He warned that the relationship between the prime minister and chancellor would be critical, given the potential for internal power struggles that could undermine policy delivery.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Burnham is already assembling elements of a leadership team, including the appointment of former colleague James Purnell as a key adviser, indicating preparations for a rapid transition in leadership structure.

With Jones stepping aside and other potential challengers yet to confirm their intentions, Burnham’s path to the leadership appears increasingly unopposed. However, underlying divisions within Labour over economic policy, fiscal strategy, and senior appointments suggest that while the leadership question may be settling, internal debates over direction and ideology are far from over.

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The decision follows months of intensifying strain within Labour ranks, driven by weakening poll numbers and a growing sense that the government had lost its political momentum. What began as quiet concern within party circles escalated into open dissatisfaction, as MPs and senior figures increasingly questioned Starmer’s leadership and strategic direction.

The tipping point came after a series of damaging election results across Wales, Scotland, and local authorities in England. Long viewed within Labour as a crucial test of public confidence, the May elections instead delivered a severe blow to the party’s standing. The losses were not only numerical but symbolic, exposing fractures within Labour’s support base and triggering a wave of political consequences in Westminster.

The fallout was immediate. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from his post, followed by several junior ministers who stepped away from government roles in protest and disillusionment. The resignations highlighted the depth of instability inside the administration and accelerated calls for a change at the top.

Further political tension emerged as internal party rivalries resurfaced. The resignation of an ally of Andy Burnham from the Commons reopened the pathway for the former Greater Manchester mayor’s potential return to Westminster, fueling speculation about a leadership challenge. Burnham, long seen as a powerful figure within the Labour movement, quickly became a focal point in discussions about the party’s future direction.

Starmer’s authority, once seen as firmly established, eroded rapidly under the weight of electoral disappointment and internal dissent. Attempts to maintain unity proved increasingly difficult as MPs openly demanded accountability and strategic change. Ultimately, faced with the prospect of prolonged instability and widening rebellion, Starmer chose to step aside as party leader.

His resignation marks a decisive shift in British politics. It reflects not only the pressures faced by a single leader, but also the volatility of public trust and the speed at which political fortunes can change. For Labour, the departure opens a new and uncertain contest for leadership, with competing visions likely to emerge over how the party should rebuild its identity and reconnect with voters.

As Starmer remains temporarily in office as prime minister, attention now turns to the race that will define Labour’s next era. The outcome will determine not only the party’s future direction but also the broader balance of power in UK politics.

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Doubts about Starmer’s political future have circulated for weeks, driven by internal Labour Party tensions, mixed polling performance, and growing debate over potential challengers within the party. However, Trump’s public declaration introduced a new international dimension to the discussion, amplifying scrutiny of the prime minister’s position and drawing immediate attention across British media and political circles.

Downing Street has not officially responded to the US president’s remarks, but senior government figures have privately dismissed the claim as speculation with no basis in fact. Ministers have stressed that Starmer remains focused on domestic policy priorities, including economic stability, public services, and ongoing international commitments.

Opposition politicians, meanwhile, seized on the episode as evidence of political uncertainty at the highest levels of government. Some suggested that foreign commentary on internal leadership questions risked inflaming speculation at a sensitive time, while others argued it reflected broader global interest in Britain’s political direction.

Political analysts in London noted that while speculation about leadership changes is not uncommon in Westminster politics, direct intervention or commentary from foreign leaders—particularly sitting US presidents—is highly unusual. One analyst described the situation as “an extraordinary overlap between domestic political fragility and international political theatre.”

The remarks come at a time when Starmer is facing mounting pressure within parts of his party over policy direction and electoral strategy. Although he retains the formal support of much of the Labour leadership, internal debates have intensified over how best to respond to economic challenges and shifting voter sentiment.

Despite the controversy, there is currently no formal leadership challenge underway, and Starmer continues to operate as prime minister with full cabinet backing. Party officials have reiterated that leadership speculation is “not grounded in current political reality,” while acknowledging the pressures that naturally accompany governing during a difficult economic period.

Trump’s post has nonetheless added fuel to an already active political conversation, raising questions about the influence of international figures on domestic political narratives in the age of social media. For now, attention in Westminster remains focused on whether internal tensions within Labour will ease or continue to build in the weeks ahead.

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The incident occurred near a railway line in the United Kingdom during peak evening travel hours, when two passenger trains collided under circumstances that are still being examined by investigators. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, including paramedics, fire crews, and specialist railway rescue teams, as passengers were evacuated from the damaged carriages.

Authorities confirmed that at least one passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Dozens of others sustained injuries ranging from minor to serious, with several individuals transported to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment. Medical teams at multiple facilities were placed on high alert as casualties began arriving shortly after the collision.

British Transport Police have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, working alongside railway safety officials and network operators. Early inquiries are expected to focus on signaling systems, track conditions, and operational procedures leading up to the incident. Investigators are also reviewing communication logs and train control data to determine how the two services came into contact on the same section of track.

Rail operators expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the victim’s family, while also assuring full cooperation with authorities. They emphasized that passenger safety remains their highest priority and stated that immediate steps are being taken to assess any potential failures in the system.

Eyewitness accounts described a sudden impact followed by confusion and alarm inside the carriages. Some passengers reported feeling a violent jolt before the trains came to a halt, while others worked together to assist injured travelers before emergency crews arrived on the scene.

Rail services in the affected area were suspended following the collision, causing significant disruption to evening travel schedules. Replacement transport services were arranged in some locations, while passengers were advised to avoid the area as investigations continued overnight.

Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing, noting that it may take time to fully establish the sequence of events that led to the crash. A preliminary report is expected once investigators have completed initial assessments of the wreckage and system data.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, attention remains focused on supporting the injured and understanding how such a serious incident occurred on a passenger rail network that is typically regarded as one of the safest in the world.

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The constituency in Greater Manchester has become the focus of an unusually intense political mobilisation, with local hotels fully booked and campaign teams preparing for a continuous rotation of MPs, volunteers and party workers across polling stations, transport hubs, school gates and residential streets. Some residents are expected to be approached repeatedly throughout the day as activists aim to maximise turnout for Labour.

Party insiders say the operation has reached a scale rarely seen in a British by-election, with some estimating that every door in the constituency has already been knocked on six or seven times. The logistical challenge has forced organisers to establish multiple campaign centres beyond the main headquarters in order to manage the influx of activists arriving from across the country.

Cabinet ministers and senior MPs are among those expected to participate in the final push, with figures including David Lammy, Bridget Phillipson and Jonathan Reynolds having already visited the area in recent days. Former health secretary Wes Streeting has also been present, amid growing speculation about leadership tensions within the Labour Party.

Andy Burnham is contesting the seat against Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon, with the race widely viewed as a key test of Labour’s ability to maintain dominance in traditional strongholds while fending off the growing influence of Reform UK. Although internal polling suggests Burnham holds a comfortable lead, some MPs on the ground have described the contest as tighter than expected.

The campaign has also been complicated by the presence of smaller parties, including Rupert Lowe’s Restore movement, which could split the right-wing vote and potentially influence the final margin. Analysts say even a modest share of support for Restore could reshape the narrative around the result, particularly if Reform UK performs strongly.

Despite Labour’s organisational advantage, some campaigners have privately raised concerns about voter fatigue, with repeated door-knocking and leaflet drops risking irritation among residents. One MP involved in the effort acknowledged the intensity of the campaign, saying there is a limit to how often households can be contacted before it becomes counterproductive.

Supporters of Burnham argue that the scale of mobilisation demonstrates Labour’s renewed grassroots strength and could serve as evidence of his broader political appeal beyond Greater Manchester. Some within the party believe a strong result would bolster Burnham’s standing as a potential future leadership contender, adding further national significance to what might otherwise have been a local contest.

With polling day approaching, both Labour and Reform UK are treating Makerfield as a symbolic battleground that could shape narratives around party momentum, leadership credibility and the shifting dynamics of British politics.

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Speaking in an interview marking the 10th anniversary of the murder of her sister, MP Jo Cox, Leadbeater reflected on the long-term impact of political violence and rising tensions in public debate. Jo Cox was killed in 2016 by a far-right extremist during the heated weeks leading up to the Brexit vote, an event that shocked the country and prompted widespread calls for greater civility in politics.

Leadbeater said that although there were promises at the time to reduce hostility and promote compassion in political discourse, those efforts were short-lived. In her view, the tone of debate has since deteriorated, with online and public rhetoric becoming more aggressive and divisive over the past decade.

She stressed that those who promote division represent a minority, but are often highly vocal and influential in shaping public perception. According to Leadbeater, it is the responsibility of the wider political community and society to counteract this by amplifying messages of unity and highlighting positive stories within the country.

Everyone in public life, she argued, has a role to play in reducing tensions and preventing further escalation of hostility. She warned that failure to do so risks normalising extreme rhetoric and deepening societal fractures.

Her comments come amid renewed discussion about political violence and public unrest following recent incidents that have sparked debate across the UK. Leadbeater said these events should serve as a reminder of the consequences of division and the importance of maintaining respectful democratic discourse.

Reflecting on her sister’s legacy, she said the anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder should not only be a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity to reassess the direction of political culture in Britain. In her view, the country must “look at how we can change that narrative” and rebuild a sense of shared understanding.

As the anniversary approaches, her message highlights a broader concern among many public figures: that without conscious effort to reduce polarisation, political discourse risks becoming even more fragmented and hostile in the years ahead.

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The proposed policy would block under-16s from using platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, YouTube, Twitch, Threads and Kick. The move follows Australia’s landmark decision in December 2025 to introduce the world’s first outright social media ban for under-16s.

Under the UK plan, restrictions would also go beyond social media access. Children would be prevented from livestreaming on platforms deemed “safer” and from communicating with strangers through gaming apps. Ministers are also considering the introduction of digital curfews for children, although further details are expected to be released next month.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Sir Keir said the government was taking a firm stand on online harms affecting young people. “This is a choice about whose side we’re on: families across the country, or a status quo that isn’t working,” he said. He added that the government would “call time on a system that’s failing our kids.”

Whitehall sources say the policy is designed to build on Australia’s framework but expand its scope significantly, reflecting growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful content, addictive algorithms and online exploitation.

A government consultation found that a majority of respondents supported stronger age restrictions on social media use, particularly for younger teenagers. Officials argue that existing safety measures have not been sufficient to protect children in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

However, the proposals are expected to face opposition from digital rights groups and some child safety campaigners, who warn that strict bans could have unintended consequences. Critics argue that such measures may push children toward unregulated platforms or make enforcement difficult without extensive digital monitoring.

Technology companies are also likely to come under pressure to redesign age verification systems and strengthen parental controls if the policy is implemented.

The announcement marks one of the most significant interventions in children’s digital lives in the UK in recent years and is expected to spark a broader global debate over how governments regulate access to social media.

Full details of the legislation and enforcement mechanisms are expected to be published in the coming weeks, with the government signaling that protecting children online will be a central policy priority going forward.

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