Andy Burnham will officially launch his campaign as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election on Friday morning, as he looks to secure a return to parliament after nine years.
It is widely believed that Mr Burnham, who is currently the mayor of Greater Manchester, is looking to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he becomes an MP.
The prime minister has made clear he has no intentions to step down and said on Thursday he would campaign alongside Mr Burnham in the by-election, which will be held on 18 June.
“I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it’s really important – that’s a straight fight between Labour and Reform,” Sir Keir said.
But current polling of Labour party members shows that Mr Burnham would win comfortably if there was a leadership contest between the pair.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir’s government is looking to seize back control of the headlines after a turbulent two weeks with Rachel Reeves announcing a series of measures to help ease cost of living pressures for Britons on Thursday.
Read MoreInside Reeves’ cost of living plan which could see UK consumers save more than £150 million a year
Cheaper food and free bus rides for children in Reeves’ cost-of-living plan
How would a cap on food prices even work?
Treasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost-of-living crisis
Key Points
- Burnham set to officially launch Makerfield by-election campaign
- Analysis: What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t – and who will really benefit?
- Chancellor announces VAT cut on family attractions
- Reeves confirms U-turn on fuel duty increase
- 'Great British Summer Savings' plan to cost £300m
- Reeves cuts food tariffs and bus fares for children to address cost of living
Watch: Streeting reveals he told Starmer he would 'challenge him' in first interview post-resignation
06:00 , Bryony GoochAnalysis: Those really set to benefit from Reeves’ great summer giveaway
05:00 , Bryony Gooch
What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan – and who will really benefit?
In pictures: Burnham gets campaigning around Makerfield
04:00 , Bryony Gooch
Reeves cuts VAT on summer family trips but is urged to be bolder to tackle living crisis
03:00 , Bryony Gooch
VAT slashed to 5% on summer attractions in Chancellor’s cost of living plan
Pay rises for senior civil servants to be linked to performance, Darren Jones says
02:00 , Bryony GoochChief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones has announced changes to “modernise” the civil service including pay rises linked to performance for senior servants.
“Earlier this year, I set out plans to modernise the civil service - rewarding high performers, and strengthening accountability for those who fall short. Now, for the first time ever (!), pay rises for senior civil servants will be linked to performance - including the delivery of our political priorities.”
Earlier this year, I set out plans to modernise the civil service - rewarding high performers, and strengthening accountability for those who fall short.
— Darren Jones MP (@darrenpjones) May 21, 2026
Now, for the first time ever (!), pay rises for senior civil servants will be linked to performance - including the delivery… https://t.co/e82bUE4X6Q
Watch: Jess Phillips says Starmer has resilience of a cockroach in a nuclear war in first interview since resignation
01:00 , Bryony GoochRecap: Reeves backs Starmer to stay in post
00:00 , Bryony GoochChancellor Rachel Reeves backed Sir Keir Starmer to stay in post and said she expected to be delivering the next budget, in a series of broadcast interviews.
She told Sky News: “The Prime Minister is getting on with his job in being Prime Minister, and there is no vacancy. Let’s see what happens in the future.
“But Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister. He has chosen me to be his Chancellor, and I’m getting on with my job, delivering for the country and delivering for our Prime Minister.”
Burnham set to officially launch Makerfield by-election campaign
23:08 , Alex CroftAndy Burnham is set to officially launch his campaign as the Labour candidate in the Makerfield by-election on Friday morning.
The mayor of Greater Manchester is looking to secure a return to parliament after nine years - after which it is widely expected he will launch a bid to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister.
As we reported earlier, Sir Keir said he will campaign alongside Mr Burnham.
“I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it’s really important – that’s a straight fight between Labour and Reform,” Sir Keir said.
Health experts hit out at Reeves’ snack food price cuts
23:00 , Bryony Gooch
Health experts hit out at Reeves’ snack food price cuts: ‘We’re in an obesity crisis’
Watch: Documents on Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy released
22:00 , Bryony GoochTrans people still protected says Phillipson as single-sex spaces guidance laid
21:00 , Bryony GoochWomen and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said the landmark Supreme Court ruling “made it clear that sex means biological sex” under the Equality Act but that “trans people are still protected by the Act” as she laid the long-awaited updated single-sex spaces guidance in Parliament.
The code of practice for services, public functions and associations, which runs to more than 300 pages, covers nine protected characteristics including age, sex, disability, race and gender reassignment, and has been updated in full for the first time since 2011.
It is aimed at guiding businesses and other organisations such as leisure centres and hospitals on how they can follow equality law, including in provision of single and separate-sex services such as toilets and changing rooms.
A draft code was handed to ministers by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last September and the Government has faced criticism for the delay in publishing it.
Reform UK council to introduce Lord’s Prayer and national anthem at meetings
20:00 , Bryony GoochReform UK’s “flagship” council has voted through changes to introduce the Lord’s Prayer and national anthem at meetings for “patriotism and heritage”, while opposition branded the move “performative politics”.
Members at Kent County Council have approved updates to its constitution following majority votes at its annual council meeting on Thursday.
It will mean that county council meetings will start with the recital of the Lord’s Prayer and end with singing of the national anthem.
Putting forward the move, Reform UK’s Christopher Hespe said: “We are a Christian monarchy, and this is about standards, it’s about patriotism, it’s about heritage, and it’s about our roots.
“It’s about grounding us and accepting that we have duties and responsibilities.”
Conservative former minister tops private members’ bills ballot
19:00 , Bryony GoochA Conservative MP will have the first opportunity of this parliamentary session to begin steering a Bill of his choosing through the Commons.
Former minister Sir Desmond Swayne, who is now a backbencher, won a ballot to decide who is at the front of the queue for a private member’s bill (PMB) debate.
More MPs entered this year’s draw than in any other held during the last decade, with 485 in the running, deputy speaker Nusrat Ghani said.
A set of 20 were selected to be at the front of the queue, after Ms Ghani drew numbered balls at random from a glass bowl in front of a small audience of MPs, press and visitors.
The winning MPs are due to introduce their chosen bills to the Commons on Wednesday June 17.
PMB debates are held on select Fridays throughout the session, a day of the week when the House does not normally sit.
After the last ballot in 2024, winner Kim Leadbeater chose to introduce the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, to set up a framework for assisted dying in England and Wales.
Another Labour MP quits Starmer’s government
18:07 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Luke Charters, the Labour MP for York Outer, has become the latest MP to quit Keir Starmer’s government, resigning as parliamentary private secretary for the Department for Business and Trade.
Mr Charters waited until the legislation to nationalise steel was introduced and said he was “proud” of the work he has been involved in.But he warned that Labour needs to be “bolder” in government.
In a statement, Mr Charters said: “After much reflection over recent weeks, I've thought carefully about where I stand on things. As a party, we have to be bolder with our ideas and more confident in our approach, kinder to ourselves as one Labour family, and we must make people in every corner of this country feel that politics is genuinely working for them in their everyday lives.”
Today I was proud to be part of the team that carried the Steel Industry Nationalisation Bill through its second reading in Parliament. On Labour’s watch, Britain’s industrial heartlands will never be forgotten.
— Luke Charters MP (@lukejcr) May 21, 2026
As the Commons rises for recess, I have let colleagues know that…
In pictures: Starmer and Reeves visit a children's activity centre in Brentwood to announce Great British Summer Savings
18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Analysis: There is only one way Labour can win the North Sea oil and gas debate
17:00 , Bryony Gooch
There is only one way Labour can win the North Sea oil and gas debate
Green Party re-opens nominations for Makerfield by-election candidate
16:50 , Bryony GoochThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
The Green Party is re-opening nominations this evening for the upcoming by-election in Makerfield. The move comes after the selected candidate, Chris Kennedy, withdrew from the role for personal and family reasons.
A Green Party spokesperson said, “We wish Chris the best and understand that family has to come first. As a party, we are re-opening nominations now because we believe people in Makerfield deserve a real choice at this by-election, and the Green Party will be standing to offer exactly that.
“Across the country, more and more voters are turning away from the old parties and looking for politicians who will genuinely stand up for their communities. We will also be redoubling our efforts on campaigning to expose the risk of Reform, a party who seeks to divide our communities.
“This election has to be about how to make the super-rich pay their fair share, how we tackle the cost-of-living crisis with lower bills and affordable housing, and how we protect our public services and our green spaces. It has to be about offering Makerfield hope over hate.”
Burnham's office welcomes PM's offer to campaign in Makerfield
16:45 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham’s office welcomed Sir Keir Starmer’s offer to campaign for him in Makerfield.
A spokesperson for Labour’s candidate in the by-election said: “Anyone who wants to embrace Andy’s campaign message is welcome on the campaign.”
Starmer refuses to say whether he was frustrated by MPs talking about Burnham and Streeting as economy grows and migration falls
16:30 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer declined to say whether he was frustrated by Labour MPs talking about Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting despite the economy growing in the first three months of the year and net migration falling.
The prime minister told reporters on a visit to Essex: “Well, there’s been a lot going on in the last two weeks, but what it is important for me to draw out is that actually the last week in terms of what we’ve delivered is really significant, because economic growth is at the highest predicted in the G7… That’s really important, because it means more money into the economy, more money to be spent on our public services.
“The NHS waiting lists, which we’ve been investing in, and driving down, they fell.
“The numbers came out last week – the sharpest rate for 17 years. Migration has come down. The last government lost control. It was nearly a billion.
“It’s down to about a fifth of that in the figures that came out today, so all of these things show that, and I’m really proud of this, that despite all the other discussions that are going on, this is a Government that is delivering for people across the country.”
Starmer: 'I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved' in Makerfield campaign
16:15 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer said he wanted the “whole Labour movement” to be involved in the Makerfield by-election campaign.
Asked whether he would be out campaigning in Makerfield for leadership hopeful Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister told reporters on a visit to Essex: “Yes, and I’ve said to the whole Labour movement that I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on, it’s really important – that’s a straight fight between Labour and Reform.
“It’s about the values that we take into politics, and it’s really important that we all pull together and fight in that by-election, as we will do.”
He added: “I want to be part of that, of course I do, and I want everybody to be part of that, but also by being clear about the steps we’ve taken to stabilise the economy, because all of this that we’ve announced today has only been possible because of the steps we took on the budget, the fact that inflation dropped is because of the steps – that didn’t drop out the sky – that’s because of the decisions the Government took.
“So, we’ve got a very good story to tell.”
Breaking: Starmer to campaign for potential Makerfield candidate Andy Burnham
16:03 , Bryony GoochSir Keir Starmer has said he will be campaigning in the Makerfield by-election for potential leadership challenger Andy Burnham, telling reporters: “I want everybody to be involved in the campaign, whatever other discussions are going on.”
Cinemas welcome Reeves VAT announcement
15:57 , Holly EvansCinemas and other attractions have welcomed the news of a VAT cut from 20 per cent to five per cent over the summer holidays, to help families with the cost of living.
Odeon Cinemas Group managing director Mark Way said: “Odeon welcomes today’s announcement focused on making cinema even better value and support any measures that seek to help cinema-goers, the industry and consumers more broadly.
“As the UK’s largest cinema operator, we believe these measures will continue to help drive strong demand and we’re excited that our guests will be able to enjoy the big screen for less over this blockbuster summer.”
Meanwhile, Tim Richards, chief executive of the Vue cinema group, said: “As we anticipate an incredible summer of family films, we welcome this step from the Government to help more families enjoy the big screen experience over the holidays.”
Campaign group calls 'bolder and stronger' plan to tackle cost of living
15:41 , Holly EvansResponding to this afternoon's cost of living speech to the House of Commons, Conor O'Shea, coordinator of the Cost of Living Action campaign, said: “Unfortunately, despite positive steps on food support, the Chancellor’s speech did not deliver the scale of response we need to address the crippling crisis this country faces.
“Reports that the government has been exploring rent controls and food price controls are encouraging, but their absence from this package of measures is disappointing.
“Our research showed that four in five people think the government is doing badly at tackling the cost of living.
“It is crystal clear that the government needs to change its approach and implement a bolder and stronger platform that will address the root causes of the cost of living crisis.”
Speaker scolds Labour ministers for making major announcements on TikTok before Parliament
15:27 , Holly EvansGovernment not expecting to publish more Andrew files, minister says
15:18 , Holly EvansThe government is not expecting to publish any more files about the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as trade envoy, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant said.
Responding to a statement from Conservative shadow minister Dame Harriett Baldwin after he had given a statement on the release, Sir Chris said: “Will there be more was one of her questions, I suspect there won’t.
“I think this is everything we have come across so far, certainly. Of course we will keep on looking notwithstanding the complexity that there is about searching in paper-based systems in multiple different departments.
“I guarantee the House that if there is more to publish, I will come back to the House with more, but I suspect that this may be our last tranche.”
Breaking: Five people arrested for fraud offences over Tameside local elections
15:11 , Holly EvansFour men and a woman have been arrested today on suspicion of fraud offences as part of an investigation into the process of how candidates were put forward for the local election in Tameside, Greater Manchester Police said.
A police statement said: “This morning, officers in Tameside arrested five people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into alleged offences committed leading up to the local elections.
“In the days leading up to and following the election on May 7, we received reports surrounding concerns about candidates within the St Peter’s ward.
“Following initial enquiries last week, we have launched a full investigation into the allegations.
“The work is specifically investigating the process of how candidates were put forward and represented in the ward, and if this adhered to the relevant legislation and electoral procedures.”
Amusement parks and summer attractions welcome VAT cut
14:55 , Holly EvansTheme parks and cinemas welcomed the the slashing of VAT, with British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions chief executive Paul Kelly saying it was “a very welcome and timely boost for the UK’s visitor attraction sector”.
“Our members stand ready to pass on this benefit and deliver brilliant, memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.”
UK Hospitality chairwoman Kate Nicholls said a lower rate of VAT for hospitality was “the quickest and simplest way to lower prices and boost consumer confidence”.
What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t, and who will really benefit?
14:37 , Holly EvansWestminster has a special obsession with plumbers at the moment – and it is not just because the state of the toilets in the Houses of Parliament borders on the scandalous.
The victory of plumber Hannah Spencer for the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election, as well as the selection of Reform UK’s own ‘plucky plumber’ Robert Kenyon to fight Andy Burnham for the Makerfield seat, has brought a new appreciation for white van man and woman – the “real working people” Sir Keir Starmer is so fond of referencing.
So it is no surprise that the biggest “cost of living” measure Rachel Reeves announced in the Commons to deal with the impact of Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East is aimed at helping those who need their vans and cars for work. She even name-checked plumbers.
Read the full analysis from our political editor David Maddox here:
What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan – and who will really benefit?
Charity calls for Labour to introduce Energy Debt Relief Scheme
14:31 , Holly EvansResponding to the Chancellor's announcement, Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: "With budgets strained across the country, free bus travel and help with food costs will make a real difference for families this summer.
"But the people coming to us every 30 seconds in crisis aren't just worrying about August, they're already struggling now and fear things will only get worse as winter hits.
“Today's announcement doesn't address the urgent need for a plan to tackle record energy debt, or the huge uncertainties people face with their finances.
“The government must deliver the much-delayed Energy Debt Relief Scheme now and ensure any targeted support reaches those who need it most, such as families with children and disabled people.
“To truly get a grip on cost-of-living pressures, it must also look at the biggest challenges for household budgets, including housing costs and record debt levels. Summer savings are welcome, but the government needs to help people now and make a serious plan for winter."
Think tank urges government to do more to cut costs
14:20 , Holly EvansA leading think tank has called on the government to “go much further” after announcing a series of VAT cuts to summer activities and children’s meals.
Hannah Peaker, deputy executive of the New Economics Foundation, said: “It’s good to see the government recognising that it needs to take action to tackle the cost of living.
“But with many household costs significantly higher than they were and the war in Iran due to push prices up even further, a temporary discount on kids’ bus fares doesn’t go far enough.”
The think tank urged the government to take “tougher action on rents, energy and transport costs”.
It said this would “help tackle inflation and prevent the Bank of England having to intervene with rate rises”.
Starmer reminisces on childhood holidays to Lake District
14:04 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has reminisced about his childhood summer holidays in the Lake District as his chancellor announces the ‘Great British Summer Savings’.
This includes a VAT cut on attractions such as cinemas, theatres, zoos and museums, as well as a cut from 20 per cent to five per cent on children’s meals in cafes and restaurants.
He wrote on his Substack: “Every year, my parents would pack us into my dad’s Ford Cortina and make the journey north. To us, it meant everything.”
The prim minister added that it is “not right” that “global instability” is driving up prices, making “a trip to the seaside, a visit to the zoo, a bus ride into town for a day out … feel out of reach”.
The prime minister said that was why the government was reducing VAT to 5 per cent “on a wide range of family experiences”.
Reeves must be bolder and 'wage war on bills' to tackle the cost of living, says IPPR
13:36 , Dan HaygarthResponding to Rachel Reeves’s speech Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director at the Institute For Public Policy Research said: “The Chancellor is right to cut costs for families this summer, but the cost-of-living crisis demands much bolder action. The government needs to wage an all-out war on bills.
“Ministers should show working people whose side the government is on by capping rents, using competition policy to tackle price gouging, and shifting the tax burden from work to wealth.
“There are plenty of levers the government can pull to lower the cost of living. They must prove they will ‘do whatever it takes’ to help families through this challenging time.”
Ceramics announcement comes as Labour battles rise of Reform in ‘The Potteries’
13:32 , Analysis by Whitehall editor Kate DevlinStoke-on-Trent is known as the ‘World Capital of Ceramics’.
The city, also nicknamed ‘The Potteries’, has been shaped by its production of pottery for centuries.
It was also a once solid Labour stronghold.
That is, until the shock loss of the ‘red wall’ area to the Tories in 2019.
Labour took back all three seats in the city in 2024, but even then they were facing the spectre of a growing Reform vote.
This announcement by Rachel Reeves will be good news for Stoke MPs, including Gareth Snell, who lost Stoke-on-Trent Central in 2019 only to win it again in 2024. Whether or not it is enough to save his seat at the next general election remains to be seen
Full story: Rachel Reeves increases mileage rate for drivers using cars for work
13:30 , Dan HaygarthChancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a 10p per mile increase in tax-free mileage rates claimed by people who have to use their cars for work.
In the Commons on Thursday, Ms Reeves gave details of policies to tackle the cost-of-living squeeze triggered by Donald Trump’s war in the Middle East, but did not announce immediate help with rising energy bills.
Rachel Reeves announced a 10p per mile increase in tax-free mileage rates claimed by people who have to use their cars for work, backdated to April 2026, up from the current rate of 45p.
Read more below.
Rachel Reeves increases mileage rate for drivers using cars for work
Nutritionist warns cutting price of UPFs won’t help the obesity crisis
13:17 , Rebecca WhittakerKim Pearson, a nutritionist that specialises in weight loss, said the “midst of a chronic health and obesity crisis” is not the time to cut the price of snack foods.
“We should definitely not be implementing policies that will likely further encourage the consumption of ultra processed foods,” she told the Independent.
She added: “Many of the products highlighted, including crisps, biscuits, chocolate and sugary condiments, are foods that we know are typically be high in refined starches, sugar, unhealthy fats and additives, and excessive consumption of ultra processed foods is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and poorer overall health.
“Rather than making ultra processed foods cheaper, I would much prefer to see greater support for making healthy whole foods more affordable and accessible.”
Prime minister said measures will allow families to enjoy their summers with less financial strain
13:15 , Dan Haygarth
Sir Keir Starmer said the package of summer cost-of-living measures would allow “families to enjoy moments that matter without the same level of financial strain”.
Writing on Substack, the prime minister said it was “not right” that “for too many families those things – a trip to the seaside, a visit to the zoo, a bus ride into town for a day out, even a simple treat at the end of the week – are starting to feel out of reach”.
“This summer, we are making it easier and more affordable for families to get out, spend time together, and make memories they will cherish for life,” he wrote.
He said the VAT cut on summer activities and free bus travel for children would mean “the cost of a day out drops overnight”.
“It means more freedom for parents and more independence for young people. Opportunities to explore towns, parks, seaside resorts and countryside that might otherwise have felt out of reach.”
The Government was providing “a serious response” to the “concerns people have about the months ahead”, he added.
Analysis: What’s included in Reeves’ cost of living plan, what isn’t – and who will really benefit?
12:52 , David MaddoxIt is 15 years since the tax free mileage rate was last raised by a chancellor when George Osborne took it from 40p to 45p.
Rachel Reeves’ 10p increase backdated to April 2026 is a big boost for people who use their vehicles for work - a win for white van man in particular. It will help offset costs against their tax.
The chancellor had already extended the fuel duty cut until the end of the year and it comes amid concerns over the price of oil and gas rising sharply with the ongoing uncertainty with the war in the Middle East.
That was the biggest help in the measures but there was more to try to deal with household bills and the costs for younger people.
Ms Reeves’ plans for free bus travel over the summer holiday had already been trailed along with her announcement of removing tariffs from important of 100 food items which includes biscuits and baked beans among other things.
There was also a VAT cut to 5 per cent on tickets for summer attractions and children’s meals.
That should help families a little with household costs, especially over the summer holiday as well as boosting the UK’s domestic tourism industry.
But the mooted big ticket items were missing. The chancellor ducked a war with supermarkets with a suggestion of putting a price cap on essentials like bread, milk and eggs.
She also avoided a package to cap energy bills - a measure which scuppered Liz Truss’s government - almost certainly because she could not afford it.
'Great British Summer Savings' plan to cost £300m
12:48 , Holly EvansRachel Reeves’ “Great British Summer Savings” scheme is estimated to cost around £300 million, the Treasury said.
Final costings for all the measures will be detailed at the next budget following scoring from the Office for Budget Responsibility, the department said.
It said the Government expects businesses to pass on VAT savings from the cut from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on summer activities to customers.
HMRC has published guidance for businesses on how to operate the scheme.
Chancellor announces VAT cut on family attractions
12:33 , Holly EvansRachel Reeves has announced a temporary cut to VAT on certain attractions over the summer holidays.
The VAT is set to be slashed from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on activities such as fairs, museums and children’s meals in restaurants and cafes.
She told the Commons: "I recognise that what matters for families is not just getting by, but being able to enjoy time together without worrying about the next bill.
"That is why I am launching the Great British Summer Savings Scheme to help families and support our hospitality sector.
"So I can today announce a temporary cut in the rate of VAT on summer attractions from 20 per cent to 5 per cent over the summer holidays.
"This will apply to ticket prices for both adults and children, covering attractions such as fairs, theme parks, zoos and museums.”
This includes tickets for cinemas, concerts, soft play and the theatre, and will apply from 25 June until the end of the holidays on 1 September.
Reeves confirms U-turn on fuel duty increase
12:29 , Holly EvansRachel Reeves has confirmed a U-turn in her planned increase to fuel duty, as a result of the war in Iran.
She told the Commons: “On fuel duty, I have already extended the 5p cut twice since the election, and I can confirm today that there will be no rise in fuel duty this year, recognising the pressure that the war has put on fuel prices.”
She also announced a 10p per mile increase in tax-free mileage backdated to April 2026, which will support those such as care workers and plumbers who are regularly on the road.
