Streeting Throws Support Behind Burnham for Makerfield Byelection
Former health secretary Wes Streeting has publicly endorsed Andy Burnham as the Labour candidate for the upcoming Makerfield byelection, describing him as one of the party’s "best players on the pitch." Streeting, who is considered a potential leadership contender himself, expressed his views in a post on X, stating:
"We need our best players on the pitch. There is no doubt that Andy Burnham is one of them. The Makerfield byelection will be tough. Votes will need to be earned. Andy is the best chance of winning and that should override factional advantage or propping up one person."
If Burnham is successful in the byelection, he is widely expected to mount a challenge to Keir Starmer for the Labour party leadership.
Intelligence Watchdog Criticises Government Over Document Redactions
In other developments, the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), parliament’s intelligence watchdog, has criticised the government for excessively broad redactions in documents related to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the United States. The ISC has completed its review of 337 documents connected to the appointment, applying redactions on national security grounds.
However, the committee expressed concerns about wider redactions, including the removal of individuals’ personal data, email addresses, and the identities of junior civil servants. The ISC suggested that redactions on non-security grounds were being applied too broadly and accused the government of withholding documents without proper authority.
The committee stated it did not believe the Commons motion demanding documents related to Mandelson’s appointment permitted redactions other than on grounds of prejudice to UK national security and international relations.
Notably, the government withheld a vetting file compiled by UK Security Vetting (UKSV). It was revealed in April that UKSV had recommended against granting Mandelson the developed vetting clearance necessary for his appointment.
Scottish Tories Urge Support to Prevent SNP Win in Aberdeen Byelection
In Scotland, a byelection is imminent following the resignation of former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who has taken a seat in the Scottish Parliament. Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, has called on voters to support his party in the forthcoming Westminster byelection to prevent an "SNP patsy" from winning.
Findlay visited Aberdeen on Friday, a day after Flynn resigned his Aberdeen South seat. The Scottish Tories are optimistic about their chances and are reportedly prepared to invest significant resources in the campaign, with MSP Douglas Lumsden seeking the party’s nomination.
Speaking after a visit to AJT Engineering in Aberdeen, Findlay said:
"I’m here today because we want to win this byelection. It’s a straight fight between the SNP and the Scottish Conservatives. If you want a pro-oil and gas MP representing this area in the House of Commons, or if you want an SNP patsy who won’t speak up for the industry – that’s the clear choice."
The Tories intend to frame the byelection as a referendum on oil and gas, with Findlay and UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch championing the sector, which supports thousands of jobs in northeast Scotland.
Labour Pressure Group Advocates for Burnham’s Candidacy in Makerfield
The Labour pressure group Mainstream has urged the party to allow Andy Burnham to seek selection as its candidate in Makerfield. The group, which identifies as "radical realists" and opposes the "populist right," believes this decision would demonstrate Labour’s commitment to putting "country before party."
The group’s interim council stated:
"Uniting behind the strongest possible candidate and running a positive, hopeful campaign with an offer of transformative change at its heart is how Labour will earn the kind permission to continue representing the people of Makerfield in parliament. That is why we hope Labour’s National Executive Committee will ensure Makerfield CLP is free to choose from the widest possible field of candidates in this by-election, a field that should clearly include Andy Burnham."
Greens Confirm They Will Contest Makerfield Byelection
The Green Party has announced it will actively campaign in the Makerfield byelection, complicating Andy Burnham’s potential return to Westminster amid a strong challenge expected from Reform UK.
A party spokesperson said candidate selection is underway, noting lessons learned from their recent victory in another Greater Manchester seat in February, where they overturned a 13,000-vote Labour majority. Labour holds a smaller majority of just over 5,000 in Makerfield, where Reform UK finished second in the 2024 general election.
The sitting MP, Josh Simons, announced his resignation on Thursday, expressing support for Burnham to replace him.
"We are looking forward to the campaign. We’ve learned from our campaigning and wins in Gorton and Denton and the recent local elections, and we’ve shown we can beat Reform,"
Andy Burnham was seen in good spirits during a morning run in Warrington, Cheshire.
Donald Trump Comments on Keir Starmer’s Prospects as Prime Minister
Former US president Donald Trump offered his views on Keir Starmer’s chances of surviving as prime minister, citing issues with energy policy and immigration.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One following a visit to Beijing, Trump said:
"He’s very bad on energy. He should open up the North Sea. He’s got a goldmine and he should open up oil in the North Sea. And he doesn’t. They have a tremendous value."
When asked again about Starmer’s political survival, Trump replied, "it’s a tough thing," before returning to criticism of the prime minister’s energy policies:
"Unless he can straighten out immigration, where he’s weak, and if he doesn’t start drilling, stop with the windmills all over the place that are causing havoc … most expensive form of energy. They kill the birds. They’re unsightly. They’re ruining the landscape. If he doesn’t stop with the windmills … he’s got to open up the North Sea."
Trump declined to say whether Starmer should resign, commenting, "I think he’s a nice man actually." However, he criticised Starmer for refusing to join the US and Israel in striking Iran, claiming the conflict was "sort of finished militarily … probably 70-75%."
Usdaw Union Supports Burnham’s Westminster Bid
Joanne Thomas, general secretary of Usdaw and chair of the TULO group of Labour-affiliated trade unions, has declared the union’s support for Andy Burnham’s candidacy in Makerfield.
Thomas stated:
"There is a consensus building that it would be wrong for members in Makerfield to not have the opportunity to select Andy Burnham as their candidate for the Makerfield byelection. Therefore, Usdaw’s NEC representatives have decided they will vote for the Greater Manchester mayor to be allowed to seek selection as a parliamentary candidate."
Usdaw has two representatives on Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), including one who previously sat on the officers committee that blocked Burnham from contesting the Gorton and Denton byelection in February, according to PA.
The NEC officers committee, responsible for deciding whether Burnham can stand in Makerfield, is scheduled to meet this weekend, according to . Earlier reports suggested the meeting might occur today, but it is now expected over the weekend, with the full NEC meeting planned for Tuesday.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has indicated there will be "absolutely no attempt to stop" Burnham from standing.
The Press Association has reported that the Makerfield byelection could cost taxpayers up to £226,000, the maximum amount the area’s returning officer can claim from the Treasury. In comparison, a mayoral byelection in Greater Manchester would cost millions, with the 2024 mayoral election costing £4.7 million.
Foreign Far-Right Activists Banned Ahead of Tommy Robinson Rally
Eleven foreign far-right activists have been banned from entering the UK ahead of a march by supporters of Tommy Robinson, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the situation as a "fight for the soul of the country."
Downing Street stated that Starmer is taking measures to "protect British communities from vile hate," including banning foreign extremists such as US-based Valentina Gomez.
Tens of thousands are expected to attend the self-styled "Unite the Kingdom" march promoted by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon.
Visiting the Metropolitan Police’s command and control special operations room, Starmer said:
"We’re in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple. We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law. My government will always champion peaceful protest but will act decisively against hatred. We all have a responsibility to speak out against those spouting vile divisive views wherever we see it. We are a country built on decency, fairness and respect, at our best when people from different backgrounds come together in common purpose. That is what we must fight for."
Starmer met with police chiefs earlier in the day. Downing Street noted that he "made clear he recognises that the majority expected to attend are law-abiding citizens, who want to protest peacefully, and urged everyone attending a protest to act with decency and respect."
Tomorrow’s day is expected to be marked by multiple demonstrations, including a pro-Palestine protest and anti-fascist groups organised by Stand Up to Racism.
Keir Starmer spent the morning visiting a south London police station, where he met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley in preparation for the weekend’s protests.
