Andy Burnham is the preferred candidate for prime minister among Labour members and would win a leadership contest, new polling has shown.
Figures collected by YouGov found that 59 per cent said they would back the mayor while only 37 per cent would support Sir Keir Starmer.
Overall, Mr Burnham would be Labour members’ preferred candidate for leader, with 47 per cent saying he would be their first choice for the job.
In an interview with The Independent however, London mayor Sadiq Khan has reiterated his support for Sir Keir and said now was “not the time” for a leadership contest.
It comes after the prime minister has been accused of attempting to undermining Mr Burnham by raising the prospect of the UK rejoining the EU “years down the line”.
Mr Burnham has attempted to distance himself from his previous Remain stance and his desire to reverse the 2016 referendum, given that he is standing in the Makerfield by-election, a constituency that voted Leave.
It was also revealed in The Independent that Labour MPs have been told by allies of Sir Keir that Mr Burnham could bring back former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled in 2024 in a row over antisemitism.
Read MoreDowning Street accused of plot to derail Andy Burnham’s by-election hopes
Keir Starmer to chair first Cabinet meeting since Wes Streeting’s resignation
UK taxpayers face £5.4bn ‘Burnham penalty’ over increased borrowing costs, Tories claim
Key Points
- Starmer and No 10 accused of attempts to sabotage Burnham
- Burnham would beat Farage in a general election, top pollsters suggest
- Sadiq Khan backs Starmer as he warns Labour rebels against leadership contest
- Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies of ex-health secretary
- Burnham would beat Starmer in a Labour leadership contest according to polling
- PM ally says 'unnecessary' by-election is a 'risk'
Sadiq Khan backs Starmer as he warns Labour rebels against leadership contest
12:55 , Holly EvansSadiq 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 CookeDowning 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 DevlinLabour’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 DevlinAndy 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 EvansA 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 EvansA 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 EvansA 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 EvansOn 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 EvansSir 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 EvansAndy 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 EvansReform UK launch political adverts targeting Burnham
10:30 , Holly EvansReform 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 EvansAndy 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 CookeChief 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 EvansChancellor 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 EvansFormer 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 EvansTaxpayers 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 EvansOne 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 EvansMinister 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 EvansWhatever 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.
Read our full editorial here:
Dan Jarvis rules out Manchester mayoralty bid
08:00 , Athena StavrouGovernment 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 EvansWork 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 StavrouA 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 EvansDowning 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 EvansSir 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 EvansThe 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 GoochRevealed: 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
Public deserve full 'transparency' over Farage's £5m gift, says Labour chairwoman
03:00 , Bryony GoochNigel Farage faces further calls for “transparency” over a £5 million gift from a Reform UK donor following reports questioning his claim he bought a house using the fee from a reality TV appearance.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley said: “It’s clear he’s treating the public for fools and thinks he can just brush this scandal under the carpet. He can’t.
“First, the reason why a Thai-based crypto-billionaire gave him a multi-million pound donation changed, and now the claims about how he paid for one of his houses is being called into question.
“His story just keeps on changing.
“One thing is clearer than ever – Farage is just in it for himself and isn’t on the side of working people.”
Shadow cabinet office minister Alex Burghart said the gift from Christopher Harborne “looks ever more suspect”.
He added: “This extraordinary sum of money is more than most people will see in a lifetime.
“His excuses for taking it keep changing.
“The public deserve full transparency about who has put money in Farage’s private accounts and the influence they have bought with that cash.
“He must come clean.”
Burnham left no one in doubt – he intends to be PM
02:00 , Bryony Gooch Burnham left no one in doubt – he intends to be PM
Watch: Starmer opponents are ‘lighting a match and standing in the petrol’ says Lammy
01:00 , Bryony GoochThe picture that proves we’re not such a divided nation after all
Tuesday 19 May 2026 00:00 , Bryony Gooch
The picture that proves we’re not such a divided nation after all
Furious backlash over dirty tricks revelations
Monday 18 May 2026 23:48 , Joe MiddletonThere has been fury over revelations by The Independent that Downing Street and Starmer loyalists may be trying to sabotage Andy Burnham’s campaign to win the Makerfield by-election.
In particular revelations that MPs are being warned Mr Burnham may allow former leader Jeremy Corbyn back into the party after his expulsion has caused anger.
Independent MP Karl Turner, who was suspended from Labour over his criticism of attempts to scrap the right to a jury trial, hit out at the tactics in a post on X.
He said: “They can’t help themselves can they. Jeremy Corbyn doesn’t want back in Labour.
He’s said: ‘That ship has sailed’. Stop the dirty tricks campaign. It’s utterly pathetic. And dishonest. Stop it now.”
EXCLUSIVE: Downing Street accused of plot to derail Andy Burnham’s by-election hopes
Monday 18 May 2026 23:25 , Joe MiddletonDowning Street is involved in a plot to derail Andy Burnham’s hopes of returning to parliament, allies of the Greater Manchester mayor have claimed.
Fears have been raised that the Labour leadership will “soft-play” support for Mr Burnham in the by-election, asking MPs to campaign for him but not setting a three-line whip.
Labour MPs have also been told by allies of the beleaguered prime minister that Mr Burnham could bring back former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled from the party in 2024 due to a row over antisemitism.
Downing Street accused of plot to derail Andy Burnham’s by-election hopes
Tories bid for vote on oil and gas drilling as King’s Speech debate continues
Monday 18 May 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochMinisters face a commons challenge to their plan to block new licences for exploring new oil and gas fields.
The Conservatives have prepared an amendment to the King’s Speech, in an effort to force a vote on Tuesday on the government’s opposition to new licences.
Sir Keir Starmer’s second parliamentary session as prime minister began with the King’s Speech last Wednesday, which MPs are in the process of debating.
The address contained plans for an energy independence bill, designed to meet a Labour manifesto promise to not issue new licences to explore new fields.
But Conservative shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho warned the proposal risked leaving the UK “more dependent on foreign countries” for its energy supply.
“The Government is about to ask struggling families on £30,000 or £40,000 a year to pay more in tax to fund an energy bill bailout for those on benefits,” she said.
“They are determined to do anything but address the root cause of the problem – the levies and taxes that make our electricity prices the most expensive in the world.”
Downing Street accused of plot to derail Burnham’s by-election hopes
Monday 18 May 2026 22:00 , Bryony Gooch Downing Street accused of plot to derail Andy Burnham’s by-election hopes
Hillsborough law could make foreign services ‘reluctant’ to work with UK
Monday 18 May 2026 21:00 , Bryony GoochA former MI5 chief has warned the Hillsborough law could make foreign intelligence services “more cautious” in sharing information with the UK.
Baroness Manningham-Buller said peers would have to “work hard” to ensure the draft legislation does not “compromise national security”.
It could make foreign intelligence services and human sources “reluctant” to work with the UK, if they believe they could be compromised, the crossbencher warned.
The draft legislation, formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, was carried over from the last parliamentary session in last week’s King’s Speech.
It will require public officials to tell the truth during inquiries and investigations, and was promised by Labour in its 2024 manifesto.
Sir Keir Starmer had previously pledged to deliver the draft law by April 15 last year, to mark the 36th anniversary of the disaster where 97 Liverpool football fans were killed.
What to know about the political chaos engulfing the UK's Labour Party and efforts to unseat Starmer
Monday 18 May 2026 20:00 , Bryony Gooch
What to know about the political chaos engulfing the UK's Labour Party and efforts to unseat Starmer
Burnham would beat Starmer in a Labour leadership contest according to polling
Monday 18 May 2026 19:35 , Bryony GoochAndy Burnham would decisively beat Sir Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest according to polling from YouGov.
Polling of 706 Labour members showed that the Greater Manchester mayor would receive 59 per cent of the vote share when up against to the current prime minister.
In pictures: Starmer and Georgia Gould speak to small business owners as economic growth better than expected
Monday 18 May 2026 19:00 , Bryony Gooch
Can Andy Burnham actually beat Reform to take on Starmer? What the data shows...
Monday 18 May 2026 18:00 , Bryony Gooch
Can Burnham actually beat Reform in crucial by-election? Here’s what the data shows
Father of October 7 victim condemns Starmer’s response to antisemitic incidents
Monday 18 May 2026 17:30 , Bryony GoochThe father of a British man who was killed in the October 7 attacks in Israel has condemned Sir Keir Starmer’s response to antisemitic incidents in the UK.
Michael Marlowe, whose son Jake was killed in the terror attack at the Nova festival in 2023, said: “In 2021, he (Jake) said I don’t feel safe in this country any more, I don’t like this country any more, I don’t see a future in this country. He was a visionary.
“Do we feel safe in this country? No. The Government have been abhorrent, the Foreign Office even worse, the Met Police have been diabolical.
“Those marches each Saturday should have been stopped years ago. They called us baby-killers and daft things like that.
“We are bitter to the world, we hate the world, we are blessed we had Jake for 26 years.
“You never ever expect to bury your child. It breaks you, you will never be whole again.”
Pictured: Andy Burnham at the Great North Investment Summit
Monday 18 May 2026 17:00 , Bryony Gooch
Dawn Butler denies bid for London Mayor
Monday 18 May 2026 16:22 , Bryony GoochLabour MP for Brent East Dawn Butler has denied reports that she was planning on campaigning to be Mayor of London.
Responding to reports she would announce her campaign on Wednesday, she said: “While I have always said that being Mayor of London would be the honour of my life and I have never hidden my desire to run... one day, it is simply the case that there is no vacancy at present.
She continued to praise Sir Sadiq Khan, who recently marked a decade as the Mayor of London.
My statement on today’s story from @PoliticsJOE_UK regarding announcing running for mayor of London. pic.twitter.com/bdZrAuVx2q
— Dawn Butler ✊🏾💙 (@DawnButlerBrent) May 18, 2026
