Politics latest: Former Asda boss slams ‘idiotic, unworkable’ reports of supermarket price caps

A former Asda boss and member of the Lords has slammed reported plans for government-imposed price caps as “idiotic” and “unworkable”.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme Lord Stuart Rose said capping the price of essential groceries would “backfire” on the government.

It comes after reports the Treasury is urging supermarkets to limit food price rises as officials fear the Iran war will push up bills for households already struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“I think the whole idea is the stuff of nonsense and it will never fly,” Lord Rose said. “This smacks of state control.”

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson has insisted the government is “not looking” to impose price caps on everyday items.

He said the government is instead looking at “different ways that we can help households” amid economic fallout over the Iran war.

New data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Wednesday shows the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in a boost for Rachel Reeves.

But experts widely agree progress is likely to stall due to the ongoing conflict.

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Key Points

• Minister rejects reports supermarkets urged to cap prices of essential groceries
• Government 'creating obstacles' over Mandelson investigation
• Labour has turned in on itself, says defence secretary
• MPs reject new oil and gas field exploration
• No tailor-made EU deal for UK, ex-officials warn, as Brexit debate reopened

UK still 'leading' in Ukraine support, minister says

09:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson insisted the UK could still be an international leader in support for Ukraine while easing sanctions on Russian crude oil.

Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme whether it was right to put “people’s holidays” ahead of sending the clear signal to Vladimir Putin that the UK will pay the price necessary to disapprove of his actions, he said: “(I) reject the binary that you’ve offered me, there.

“I think it is entirely possible, and plausible, and as in fact, what the government is doing, to have one of the strongest sanction regimes in the world, to be leading the international effort to support Ukraine, and to make sure that Vladimir Putin doesn’t get what he wants from his things.

“And at the same time, to take responsible choices that that prioritise, rightly as we should, the domestic security, the family finances here in the UK, and the ability for important products to be available not just for holidays but for international movement of freight and goods and business activity as well.

“And that’s why this time-limited change has been announced by the government.”

Badenoch criticises easing of Russian oil sanctions as 'insane'

09:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Watering down sanctions on Russian oil is “insane” when the UK government is refusing to fully exploit North Sea resources, Kemi Badenoch said.

The Conservative leaders hit out after sanctions were eased, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs due to the Iran war.

A trade licence, which came into effect on Wednesday, permits the imports “indefinitely”.

The sanctions were imposed as part of the package of measures targeting Vladimir Putin’s economy after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Mrs Badenoch said on social media: “After 18 months of ‘standing up to Putin’ the Labour govt quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries.

“Yesterday Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences. We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea.”

After 18 months of “standing up to Putin” the Labour govt quietly issued a licence allowing imports of Russian oil refined in third countries.

Yesterday Labour MPs voted AGAINST UK oil and gas licences.

We are now importing from Russia instead of drilling in the North Sea.… https://t.co/UBOyWRRiEt

— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) May 20, 2026

Minister says he has seen no evidence of 'significant price gouging' in supermarkets

08:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson said he had not seen evidence that supermarkets are profiteering from higher prices.

He told LBC: “My personal view is that the supermarket sector is a highly competitive and important industry in the UK.

“I think that often profiteering happens when businesses and sectors are not competitive.”

But he said stronger powers being given to the Competition and Markets Authority would allow it to look closely at different industries.

“But right now, my view is that this is a competitive market, and I haven’t seen personally evidence of, you know, of significant price gouging in the supermarket sector, but that’s precisely why we want the CMA, when it comes to future shocks like this, to have the powers to look at it.”

Recap: Government reportedly met supermarkets to discuss price cap

08:35 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The Treasury is reportedly urging supermarkets to limit food price rises as officials fear the Iran war will push up bills for households already struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The policy, which would be voluntary, would apply to common items such as bread, eggs and milk, according to the Financial Times.

In return, it’s expected the government would ease packaging regulations on supermarkets and potentially delay rule changes on healthy foods.

But ministers have this morning denied that the government is looking to impose a price cap on essential groceries.

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News “this isn’t something we’re looking at”.

You can read more below:

Treasury urges supermarkets to cap food prices to alleviate cost of living crisis

Supermarket price cap suggestions 'unworkable' and 'idiotic', former Asda boss says

08:19 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

A former supermarket boss has said any plans for government-imposed price controls are “idiotic” and “absolute nonsense”.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, former Asda boss Lord Stuart Rose said the idea is “unworkable” and will “backfire” on ministers.

“I think the whole idea is the stuff of nonsense and it will never fly,” he said. “This smacks of state control.”

He continued: “I want to know who is going to pay the bill, who decides what products, who polices it, who is involved, is it small retailers, big retailers, I mean it is absolute nonsense.

“We have no better system than free market economy,” he said. “Free market economy does work. If you start pushing into one side you won’t get a reaction somewhere else. You’ll get the unintended consequences of trying to do something to keep prices...it’ll backfire and it’s impossible to police.

“It’s unworkable.”

Ukrainians 'very let down' by relaxing sanctions on Russian oil, Emily Thornberry says

08:11 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The people of Ukraine have been “very let down” by the government’s decision to relax sanctions on Russian crude oil, the Foreign Affairs Committee chairwoman has said.

Dame Emily Thornberry told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We are talking about our allies in Ukraine who have been fighting a war bravely against Russia for years and years with our support.

“They have looked to Britain as one of their most important allies, and they don’t understand, given that we promised that we would stop this loophole in October, and we still haven’t done it. In fact, it seems to have got worse. People feel very let down.”

She said that Ukraine has been able to attack oil refining facilities, adding: “The capacity in Russia has gone down by 10%.

“It is really hurting the Russian economy and they believe that every bit of joint pressure they make with their allies is pushing Russia ever closer to ending the war because this is absolutely crippling their economy.”

Minister insists govt is 'protecting national interest' over easing sanctions on Russian oil

08:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

A minister said the government needed to make sure it was “protecting the UK national interest” after it relaxed sanctions on Russian crude oil to allow for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs.

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News: “When there are international conflicts, we’ve just been talking about the conflict in Iran, talking about the conflict in Russia … what we have to do as a government is make sure that we’re protecting the UK national interest, making sure that this impact of conflicts that wash up on our shore, that we’re protecting individual families.”

He later added: “The government has announced yesterday this time-limited change to the rules around oil and refining given the extremes of the impacts of the conflict in Iran, and the impact of it washing up on our shores.”

Minister rejects reports supermarkets urged to cap prices of essential groceries

07:52 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

A minister has rejected reports that the government has urged supermarkets to voluntarily cap the prices of essential groceries.

Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson told Sky News “this isn’t something we’re looking at” when asked if there had been conversations with supermarkets about bringing in price caps.

He said: “You have to talk to the supermarkets about that.

“The government is not looking at doing this.

“Instead, what we’re doing is looking across the economy at what are the different ways that we can help households.”

Reeves insists UK has 'right economic plan' as CPI falls

07:45 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

In response to fresh inflation data which shows the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent, Rachel Reeves said the UK has the “right economic plan”.

The chancellor said: “The war in Iran is not our war but one we will need to respond to, and the decisions I took in the Budget last year have kept inflation down as we deal with global instability.

“We have the right economic plan, and to change course now would risk our economic stability and leave working people worse off.

“We have already taken £117 off energy bills, frozen rail fares, and lifted the two-child limit, and over today and tomorrow I’ll set out the next phase of how we will support UK households.”

Starmer 'unlikely' to step down before Christmas, reports say

07:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

Sir Keir Starmer could stay at No 10 until early next year, his allies have said, as the prime minister refuses to set out a timetable for his resignation.

Andy Burnham could still face significant challenges getting the keys to Downing Street even if he wins the by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, sources told The Times.

They suggested Mr Burnham could not take over as prime minister until at least November following the mayoral by-election that will take place if he is elected as an MP.

Some also said his campaign to become leader could face further challenges if Labour lose that by-election, undermining his credibility.

In that scenario, sources close to Sir Keir predicted a full contest for the succession that could run into early 2027 while Starmer remains in Downing Street.

CPI falls to 2.8 per cent

07:19 , Nicole Wootton-Cane

The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in April from 3.3 per cent in March, the Office for National Statistics said.

Experts say the drop came from a fall in household energy bills which offset a jump in fuel prices – but warned of turbulence ahead as the Iran energy price shock “catches up” with the cost of living.

Top 'Blue Labour' members turn on Burnham over Brexit and back Mahmood

07:00 , Jane Dalton

Senior figures in Blue Labour turn on Burnham over Brexit

Watch: Starmer ally says 'unnecessary' by-election is risk

05:59 , Jane Dalton

Government 'creating obstacles' over Mandelson investigation

04:35 , Jane Dalton

In case you missed it:

Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Dame Emily Thornberry said obstacles were being put in the way of her committee and the International and Security Committee (ISC), who are trying to “get to the truth” of Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment.

Dame Emily said she was disappointed at the answer that the Government have given to the ISC.

She added: “It is very important that the public know and understand that we are learning from the mistakes that were clearly made, and we cannot know that those lessons have been learned unless they are checked.

“And the committees in this House, my committee and the ISC, are trying our best to get to truth of this, and we are having obstacles put in our way.”

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said the documents had been referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee.

“What has not been referred was the raw data collected as part of interviews undertaken with Peter Mandelson, which in any circumstance we wouldn’t share in any in relation to any appointment.”

Candidates announced so for for key by-election

03:15 , Jane Dalton

Several parties have announced their candidates for the the Makerfield by-election in what is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK.

So far, these are the candidates announced:

• Andy Burnham, Labour
• Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
• Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
• Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope, the Monster Raving Loony Party

The Tories, the Greens and the Lib Dems have yet to name their candidates, but have confirmed that they will be standing in the Manchester seat.

Labour MPs ‘to urge ministers to scrap migration reforms’

02:00 , Jane Dalton

Labour MPs ‘to urge ministers to scrap migration reforms’ if net migration drops

Labour's credibility in government at stake, minister warns party

Wednesday 20 May 2026 00:50 , Jane Dalton

The credibility of Labour in government is at stake, the defence secretary has warned, as he praised Sir Keir Starmer.

John Healey said he did not care about “photo ops or PR firms”, in an apparent swipe at leadership hopefuls jockeying within Labour.

He said: “We must not lose sight now of the duty people gave us in 2024. The special opportunity of government. We must not throw away so lightly the power we were given.

“I don’t care about photo ops or PR firms. Politics – to me – is not about the individual. People will not forgive us if they think we’re more concerned about ourselves than we are about them.

“And I say to my colleagues what Michael Gove once said: that ‘we govern by consent’. Through the way we behave, the change we deliver, the trust with the public.

“And right now, the very credibility of Labour in government is at stake.

“We must get serious. It’s not about us, not about the insiders of politics, it’s about the interests of the country. We must be a government that steers Britain through the conflicts and looming crises we face, and be a party that manages ourselves in a constructive, well ordered way.”

Labour has turned in on itself, says defence secretary

Tuesday 19 May 2026 23:30 , Jane Dalton

Defence secretary John Healey said Labour had “turned in on ourselves” over a “tough” 10 days.

“These have been a difficult few weeks. Politics is fracturing. Communities are struggling. Wars are raging. People are worried,” he said.

“Our world is changing, fast. It is less predictable, more dangerous, with rising demands on defence.

“For Labour, the last 10 days has been tough. We’ve lost many hundreds of good councillors across the country.

“We’ve turned in on ourselves.”

Watch: Ex-Labour leader in Wales calls for Starmer to go

Tuesday 19 May 2026 22:25 , Jane Dalton

Politics Explained: Why rising unemployment means more bad news – whoever is in No 10

Tuesday 19 May 2026 21:15 , Jane Dalton

Why rising unemployment means more bad news – whoever is in No 10

MPs reject new oil and gas field exploration

Tuesday 19 May 2026 20:45 , Jane Dalton

A bid to permit licences to explore new oil and gas fields has been rejected by MPs.

The Commons voted 108 to 323, majority 215, to throw out a Tory amendment to the King’s Speech that pressed ministers to approve drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields.

In the King’s Speech, the Government reiterated its manifesto commitment not to issue new licences to explore new fields.

Under its Energy Independence Bill it intends to accelerate the development of offshore wind, hydrogen and grid technologies.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband defended his party’s approach, telling MPs £90 billion of private investment had gone towards “clean energy” since the 2024 general election.

Existing oil and gas fields will stay open for their lifetime, under Labour’s plans.

Key 'Blue Labour' MPs turn on Burnham over Brexit

Tuesday 19 May 2026 20:15 , Jane Dalton

Key figures in one of the Labour factions thought to be backing Andy Burnham to become Labour leader have instead thrown their support behind home secretary Shabana Mahmood, in a significant blow to the Greater Manchester mayor.

Senior figures in Blue Labour turn on Burnham over Brexit

Ex-defence secretary quits job over ‘perception of impropriety’

Tuesday 19 May 2026 19:25 , Jane Dalton

A former Conservative defence secretary has quit his job with a missile manufacturer over concerns he broke rules governing former ministers’ jobs.

Sir Grant Shapps, who served as defence minister under Rishi Sunak, resigned as chairman of Cambridge Aerospace on April 30 “to simplify matters” following a “greater-than-anticipated focus on military technology” by the company.

Before quitting, he was contacted by ministerial ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus with concerns about his compliance with the rules in the light of Cambridge Aerospace securing a multi-million-pound missile contract with the government.

Sir Grant said he had no involvement with the contract or the company’s military work, saying despite his title of chairman, he had not chaired its board or even been a company director, but rather “one of several co-founders”.

But in correspondence with Sir Grant, Sir Laurie said the former defence secretary had “allowed a perception of impropriety to develop” and “failed to uphold the standards expected in the rules”.

Analysis: Who would want to be Burnham’s chancellor?

Tuesday 19 May 2026 18:50 , Jane Dalton

By chief political commentator John Rentoul:

Who would want to be Andy Burnham’s chancellor?

Ex-Labour leader in Wales calls for Starmer to go

Tuesday 19 May 2026 18:20 , Jane Dalton

Sir Keir Starmer should set out a timetable for his departure, a former Welsh Labour leader has said, calling the situation for the Prime Minister “irrecoverable”.

Mark Drakeford, who was first minister of Wales between 2018 and 2024, told Channel 4 News he would support Andy Burnham to be Sir Keir’s successor.

He said Sir Keir was a decent man who worked extremely hard every day to do his very best. “But a combination of circumstances and capacity mean that it hasn’t worked out, and it’s time to recognise that and make a plan to move ahead,” he said.

“I think it is irrecoverable, both his own personal standing and his ability to lead an effective government.”

Analysis: Who would want to be Burnham’s chancellor?

Tuesday 19 May 2026 18:07 , Jane Dalton

By chief political commentator John Rentoul:

Who would want to be Andy Burnham’s chancellor?

Burnham may plan to tackle rising energy bills

Tuesday 19 May 2026 17:42 , Jane Dalton

Andy Burnham’s team are considering including a policy to tackle rising household energy bills in a plan for his potential premiership.

They are working on a plan for his first 100 days in government, according to Politico.

He has previously called for privatised energy and water firms to be taken back under public control, backed reclaiming state control of housing and called for reforms to technical education.

Burnham 'plans social care system reform'

Tuesday 19 May 2026 17:28 , Jane Dalton

Andy Burnham’s team are reportedly working on a plan for his potential premiership that is likely to include reforms to England’s creaking social care system, according to two sources.

Aides are drawing up a scheme for his first 100 days in government in the event that the Greater Manchester mayor wins the Makerfield by-election and replaces Keir Starmer, three people who have worked with him told Politico.

Promises to shake up the care system are likely to embarrass Wes Streeting, who quit as health and social care secretary to challenge Sir Keir.

Last year Starmer asked his ally Louise Casey, a crossbench member of the House of Lords, to lead a commission on the structure and funding of the social care system as part of his manifesto pledge to create a “national care service”.

But the final stage of her review is not due to report back until 2028.

A source said of Burnham’s team: “I think they would take umbrage with the view that we’re waiting for Louise Casey. There is a sense that it’s just too urgent an issue.”

No tailor-made EU deal for UK, ex-officials warn, as Brexit debate reopened

Tuesday 19 May 2026 16:42 , Jane Dalton

UK won’t have ‘tailor-made’ deal to rejoin EU, former officials warn

Streeting allies brand Burnham ‘human shopping trolley’

Tuesday 19 May 2026 16:16 , Jane Dalton

Exclusive by Simon Walters:

Streeting will expose ‘human shopping trolley’ Burnham, say allies

Who has been named as a candidate in the Makerfield by-election?

Tuesday 19 May 2026 15:33 , Holly Evans

With the Makerfield by-election due to take place in June, several parties have now announced their candidates in what is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK.

So far, these following names will appear on the ballot:

• Andy Burnham, Labour
• Robert Kenyon, Reform
• Rebecca Shepherd, Restore
• Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope for the Monster Raving Loony Party

The Tories, the Greens and the Lib Dems are yet to name their candidates, but have confirmed that they will be standing in the Manchester seat.

John Swinney re-elected first minister of Scotland

Tuesday 19 May 2026 15:23 , Holly Evans

MSPs have voted for John Swinney to continue to be the First Minister of Scotland.

After three rounds of voting Mr Swinney received 56 votes overall.

In the first round of voting Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton was eliminated with 10 votes and Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay was eliminated in the second round of voting with 11 votes.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Reform UK Scotland leader Malcolm Offord both received 17 votes and Scottish Greens leader Gillian Mackay received 15 votes.

Burnham says working class communities 'deserve so much better'

Tuesday 19 May 2026 15:11 , Holly Evans

Andy Burnham said he was “proud and humbled” to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election.

The Greater Manchester mayor wrote on X: “These proud working-class communities represent the very best values of our country and they deserve so much better. It would be my honour to work for them every day, if elected as their MP, to achieve that.

“Many people here feel Westminster isn’t working for them and they are right. I am standing to change that and get the voice of these communities heard loud and clear.

“I am glad that this by-election has finally put the places that make up the Makerfield constituency into the national spotlight. They have been neglected by national politics for too long. It is a good thing that all political parties are now on the hook to tell the voters here what they are going to do for them.”

I am proud and humbled to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for Makerfield.

These proud working-class communities represent the very best values of our country and they deserve so much better. It would be my honour to work for them every day, if elected as their MP, to…

— Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) May 19, 2026

Lord Glasman backs Shabana Mahmood as next Labour leader

Tuesday 19 May 2026 15:00 , Athena Stavrou

An influential Labour Peer has said he would back Shabana Mahmood to be the next Labour leader, as infighting within the party continues.

Lord Maurice Glasman, who founded the Blue Labour group, said he has “no doubts” about wanting to see the home secretary lead the party.

“I don't think that that's a futile hope,” he told the Brexit Unleashed conference in Westminster on Tuesday.

“Let's say Andy Burnham loses in Wigan and loses to Reform. I think that might concentrate the minds of Labour Party members quite clearly. So this is a fluid situation.”

He went on to say that he had been speaking to Blue Labour MP Jonathan Hinder about standing.

“If we don't have someone telling the truth in this leadership campaign, we will drift further and further into the EU progressive fantasy world, and then come the election, we will be obliterated,” he said.

Labour peer warns it’s ‘not a given’ Burnham will beat Reform in Makerfield

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:40 , Athena Stavrou

A Labour Peer has warned that it’s “not a given” that Andy Burnham will with the Makerfield by-election, as he warned his party of the threat of voters turning to Reform.

Lord Maurice Glasman, the founder of the influential Blue Labour group, said the contest could mark a “very significant turning point”.

“I don't think it's a given that Andy Bernard wins this by-election in Wigan, not at all,” he told the Brexit Unleashed conference in Westminster on Tuesday.

“That could be a very significant turning point. He's not going to lose to the Greens, is he?

“He's going to lose to Reform, he's going to lose to a re-badged Brexit party.”

He added the by-election could show that the Labour Party may “have to have a reckoning with who are their people”.

Publication of Mandelson files pushed back to June

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:25 , Jane Dalton

By political reporter Athena Stavrou:

Ministers have confirmed the publication of the highly anticipated final tranche of the Peter Mandelson files has been delayed.

The government has been under pressure to release all documents related to the former Labour peer’s appointment as US ambassador.

The next tranche of files was reportedly due to be released this week, but Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones has now confirmed they will now not be released until June, after Parliament returns from recess the week after next.

“Given the house is due to rise on Thursday and given the length of the publication, the second tranche will now be published after Whitsun recess to give to give the house sufficient time to review the material and to be able to ask me and the government questions,” he told MPs.

“It could have been published this Thursday but I thought that the House would deem that to be inappropriate, given it will be such a significant publication.”

Given the documents would have been ready to publish this week, they are likely to be released early in June - potentially threatening the Labour Party with fresh scandal ahead of the crucial by-election in Makerfield.

Watch: Makerfield by-election officially triggered

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:20 , Holly Evans

Farage accounts ‘not consistent with house payment claim'

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:15 , Jane Dalton

Farage accounts ‘inconsistent’ with claim he bought £1.4m house with I’m A Celeb fee

Reform UK unveils local plumber who ran in last election as Makerfield candidate

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:11 , Holly Evans

Minutes after Labour confirmed Andy Burnham would be standing in the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK also unveiled their candidate.

Local plumber Robert Kenyon will be going head to head with the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Kenyon also ran as the party’s candidate in the 2024 general election, where he came second to Labour by 5,399 votes.

His candidacy comes after both Reform and Labour lost to the Green Party’s Hannah Spencer, who was also a local plumber, in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Announcing his candidacy, Nigel Farage called the Makerfield contest “a David versus Goliath battle”.

“Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election,” he said.

Makerfield was Andy Burnham’s back up plan.

For Robert Kenyon, it’s his home.

This battle will be David Vs Goliath. pic.twitter.com/Z8A5ay3EmD

— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) May 19, 2026

Burnham was only name shortlisted for Labour candidate selection

Tuesday 19 May 2026 14:05 , Holly Evans

Andy Burnham will be Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, the party has announced.

It is understood that the Greater Manchester mayor was the only person shortlisted for selection by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee, bypassing a vote by the local party.

The decision sets up a contest between Mr Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon, a local plumber who contested the seat for the party in 2024.

Mr Burnham has put himself forward as the candidate to “change Labour”, using a campaign video to call for a “new path for Britain”.

If he returns to Parliament, Mr Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership, but the Prime Minister has insisted he will not “walk away” from Downing Street.

Congratulations to @AndyBurnhamGM - Labour’s candidate for Makerfield. pic.twitter.com/avag1HJon3

— The Labour Party (@UKLabour) May 19, 2026

Reform reveals by-election candidate

Tuesday 19 May 2026 13:58 , Jane Dalton

Reform UK has announced its candidate for the Makerfield by-election.

The party said self-employed plumber Robert Kenyon, who has served as an army reservist and previously worked as a specialist technician for the NHS in Lancashire, will stand.

He ran in the 2024 election, where he finished in second place, according to Reform.

Party leader Nigel Farage said: “This by-election contest is now a David-versus-Goliath battle. This is ‘the plucky plumber’ taking on ‘open borders Burnham’. Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election.”

Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate in by-election

Tuesday 19 May 2026 13:41 , Jane Dalton

Breaking news:

Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the Labour candidate in Makerfield.