Summary

  1. Burnham due at business event as leadership speculation mountspublished at 12:46 BST

    Andy Burnham is due to appear at the Great North Summit in Leeds shortly, where he is listed as a keynote speaker.

    It remains to be seen whether he will attend, or if he will address the mounting leadership speculation surrounding him and his party.

    If the Greater Manchester mayor does speak it will be the first time we've heard from him directly today.

  2. Analysis

    Prime minister shows no indication of stepping down in speech to Labour staffpublished at 12:26 BST

    Henry Zeffman
    Chief political correspondent

    We have not heard from Keir Starmer for a few days now and he spent the weekend at Chequers at the end of a bruising week which has put his premiership in greater peril than ever before.

    This morning, the prime minister visited Labour headquarters to thank party officials for their work in the local and national elections, and one key passage gives us a clue to what he will say when we next see him on camera.

    He told the staff: “I am focused on the job that I was asked to do, which is to serve my country and to carry out my duties as Prime Minister of this country.

    "Delivering for the very many people who voted us into office, who are saying, ‘just get on with it, get on with the job, get on with the change that I need to see in my life’. And that is what I am going to be doing."

    In other words, he is not setting a timetable for his departure. All the signs from last week are that the prime minister intends to fight as hard as possible to stay in office, and that is continuing into this week for now.

  3. UK growth forecast upgraded - but war and 'domestic uncertainty' hang over economypublished at 12:08 BST

    A factory production lineImage source, Getty Images

    Away from the politics, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its forecast for the UK's growth this year, but warned the Iran war and "domestic uncertainty" could hit the economy.

    The growth estimate has been upgraded to 1% from 0.8% for 2026 by the influential body, which said last month that the UK would be hit hardest by the Iran war among the world's advanced economies.

    In its latest forecast, it said the UK "remained resilient" but added a prolonged conflict in the Middle East risked hitting growth and resulting in "higher energy and food prices".

    "Domestic uncertainty could also add to the already volatile global environment, holding back consumption and investment decisions," it added.

    You can read more on the outlook for the British economy here.

  4. Eleven days that shook Labour - how did we get here?published at 11:51 BST

    Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C), flanked by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (2R) and Police Commander Clair Haynes (L), listens as he meets with Metropolitan police officers to discuss operational planning ahead of this weekend's planned protests, in the Lambeth area of London on May 15, 2026Image source, Getty Images
    • 7 May - Labour suffer massive losses in elections in Wales, Scotland and some parts of England, prompting public questioning of the prime minister's approach within Labour
    • 9 May - Backbench MP Catherine West told cabinet ministers that she would challenge Keir Starmer if a senior figure in the party did not
    • 12 May - Four government ministers quit, including Jess Phillips
    • 14 May - Wes Streeting became the first - and, so far, only - cabinet minister to resign, saying he had "lost confidence" in Starmer's leadership. Later that day, Makerfield MP Josh Simons said he was leaving Parliament, triggering a by-election
    • 15 May - Labour's ruling body confirmed Andy Burnham would be allowed to stand if selected by the local party as their candidate
    • 16 May - Burnham told BBC he would look to "save" the Labour Party, which he said "not been good enough" and "requires a lot of change"
    • 18 May - Starmer says he will support any Labour candidate in Makerfield, though it remains to be seen whether potential challenger Burnham will definitely be on the ballot

    So far, no Labour leadership contest has been triggered - to do so would require one challenger with the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs.

  5. Voters don’t feel that their lives have changed quickly enough - Starmerpublished at 11:36 BST

    More now on Starmer's address to Labour staff, where the prime minister addressed "really tough" losses suffered by the party in the local elections earlier this month.

    He says Labour has got the economy into a "good position" despite inheriting a "real basket case" from the Conservatives, calling last week's growth figures the "best in the G7".

    He also highlights investment in the NHS and efforts to reduce child poverty.

    But he says the government needs to act with greater "urgency" because people "don’t feel that their lives have changed quickly enough".

    On his own position, he says: "I am focused on the job that I was asked to do, which is to serve my country and to carry out my duties as prime minister."

  6. Starmer indicates Burnham will have his full support if he stands in by-electionpublished at 11:27 BST
    Breaking

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer says he will "one hundred per cent" support Labour's candidate in the Makerfield by-election "whoever they are", with Andy Burnham eyeing a return to Westminster.

    The Greater Manchester mayor has approval from Labour's ruling body to participate in the selection process, with formal nominations set to close at noon today.

    In a speech to Labour Party staff, Starmer says the by-election will be a case of "Labour versus Reform".

    He adds that he wants "every member, everyone in our movement" to support whichever candidate is selected.

    "A Labour candidate to beat Reform. That is the fight that we are in," he adds.

    We'll have more comments from Starmer shortly.

  7. Makerfield MP formally steps downpublished at 11:26 BST

    As expected, Josh Simons has formally stepped down as Makerfield MP after announcing his intention to do so last week, triggering a by-election.

    Andy Burnham has already announced his ambition to stand in the seat.

    No date has been set yet but the by-election is expected to be held on 18 June.

  8. Labour backbenchers split on the party's futurepublished at 11:09 BST

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer pictured wearing white shirt and black suit jacket with dark-rimmed glasses. He appears to adjust collar, while other people can be seen faintly in the backgroundImage source, Getty Images

    Labour MPs are bracing themselves for a possible leadership contest that's likely to be divisive.

    Two elected in the East of England in 2024 have been speaking to the BBC's Politics East programme.

    South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy says carrying on in the same way could result in a "defeat at the next election, which Reform UK could win".

    "We want a better vision and we need to articulate it better," he says, calling for Starmer to set out a timetable for his departure.

    But Ipswich MP Jack Abbott is supportive of the PM and says he is "embarrassed" over turmoil in the in party in recent days.

    He says the election results were "terrible" but now is the time to "pull together" rather than "tear[ing] each other apart".

  9. Public give the BBC's Nicky Campbell their views on Labour and Brexitpublished at 10:46 BST

    BBC Radio 5 Live screen shot of Nicky Campbell's programme

    Listeners are sharing their opinions on BBC Radio 5 Live's Nicky Campbell programme this morning about whether Labour should take the country back into Europe.

    Steve in Plymouth believes "anyone in power should take us back in", saying the country didn't get what it was promised with Brexit.

    "It is harder to do trade with our largest trading partner, the security situation has changed radically," he says. "There was a case made for Brexit, I voted on that case - 10 years further on, I don’t think the world of 2026 is the world of 2016."

    Suzanne near Plymouth questions whether Europe would allow the UK to rejoin, or what terms they would insist on, after the UK left with "a great deal of fuss".

    She says Wes Streeting's decision to set out an explicitly pro-EU platform was designed to "undermine" Andy Burnham, calling it "incredibly Machiavellian" - but adding "that political ambition that is so out there, is quite sickening".

  10. How Starmer has tried to 'reset' relations with Europepublished at 10:28 BST

    Keir Starmer in front of red podiumImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Keir Starmer pledged to put Britain 'at the heart of Europe' in a speech last week

    The UK government and the EU held their first joint summit since Brexit in May 2025, where they outlined a new UK-EU strategic partnership billed as a "reset" in relations.

    Another summit is expected later this summer, and last week Keir Starmer emphasised his government "will be defined by rebuilding our relationship with Europe". This is where ties have been strengthened so far:

    Studying abroad: The UK will rejoin the Erasmus study scheme from 2027, allowing UK nationals to spend a year studying at European universities as part of degree courses without paying extra fees - and vice versa for European students.

    Fishing: EU boats were given continued access to UK waters until 2038, with the UK continuing to agree yearly quotas and issue licences to control who fishes in its waters.

    Farming exports: In return for extending current fishing rules, the UK has secured a deal to reduce checks on food exports to the EU - meaning the vast majority of checks on animal and plant shipments to and from the EU are dropped.

    Defence and security: A formal UK-EU defence and security pact has been established - with officials to meet every six months to discuss defence and foreign policy.

    Passport e-gates: British holidaymakers will be able to use e-gates at more European airports. Each EU country will decide if UK citizens can use e-gates at its ports but the government has promised to work to expand access "as soon as possible".

  11. The numbers behind Labour's leadership speculationpublished at 10:16 BST

    As it stands, there is no Labour leadership contest but we know that Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham - if he can get elected to Parliament - will run against the prime minister in the event there is one. Here is what we know for sure now:

    • The BBC has counted 92 Labour MPs publicly urging the PM to resign immediately or draw up an exit timetable
    • Four junior ministers - Jess Phillips, Zubir Ahmed, Alex Davies-Jones and Miatta Fahnbulleh - have resigned from the government
    • One cabinet minister - Streeting - has also quit, announcing his intention to eventually run for leader
    • Six ministerial aides quit on 11 May and have since been replaced; a seventh, Rosie Wrighting with the Department of Health and Social Care, resigned on 14 May
    • More than 150 MPs have come out in support of the PM or said it is not the right time for a leadership contest
  12. Reeves could ditch planned fuel duty increase - reportpublished at 10:03 BST

    United Kingdom Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves leaves 11 Downing Street in London, United Kingdom on May 13, 2026Image source, Getty Images

    Away from leadership speculation and debate over Brexit, the government is reportedly considering reversing a planned change to fuel duty.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves may scrap a 5p increase that was set to come into force from September, according to the Times, external.

    A reduced tax rate for petrol and diesel was first introduced by the Conservative government after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine pushed prices up in 2022.

    Under Labour's Budget, that reduction was to be phased out from September, with fuel duty initially increasing by 1p per litre, followed by a further 2p in December and another 2p in March 2027.

    However, with concerns mounting over fuel prices due to the Iran war, the Times reports that Reeves will announce on Thursday those plans have been shelved.

  13. Key points from David Lammy's morning interviews with BBCpublished at 09:51 BST

    David Lammy and Wes Streeting walk together out of No 10 Downing Street carrying their red government folders on a sunny day in LondonImage source, Getty Images
    • The deputy prime minister addressed recent infighting among Labour MPs, saying the last 10 days have been "an extraordinary own goal" and they now need to continue "delivering for the British people"
    • Lammy says he was "sad" to see Wes Streeting leave government last week, but would not be drawn on the health secretary's comments about "one day" rejoining the EU
    • He says the UK has been made "poorer as a result" of Brexit and is now "reconnecting" with Europe, but reiterated Labour's manifesto pledge to not rejoin the bloc
    • Lammy stresses that Keir Starmer will "fight on" and would stand if any leadership contest is triggered, adding the prime minister has his "full support"
    • The minister said he would "of course" campaign for Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election and "all of us in cabinet" will be pushing for a Labour win
  14. The constituency poised for a pivotal by-electionpublished at 09:37 BST

    Map showing location of Makerfield constituency, just south of Wigan in Greater Manchester

    Makerfield in north-west England finds itself at the centre of the battle to lead the Labour Party and country, with Andy Burnham seeking to stand in the by-election there - and eventually challenge for No 10.

    The constituency of around 100,000 people is made up of suburbs in the south of Wigan and the town of Ashton-in-Makerfield.

    Labour has traditionally dominated in Makerfield and won it again in 2024 with 45.2% of the vote.

    But Reform UK ran the party fairly close in that election, coming second on 31.8%, about 5,400 votes short of a win.

    Earlier this month, Nigel Farage's party took around 50% of the vote share in the region during local election, suggesting it could make the upcoming by-election in Makerfield tight.

    In the 2016 referendum, 65% of people in Makerfield voted for Brexit, so Reform will hope to make the upcoming by-election close regardless of whether or not Burnham is Labour's candidate.

    Graphic comparing the constituency of Makerfield with national averages: 105,000 residents in 57 sq km (22 sq miles). Makerfield has higher UK-born population (96% vs 84%), lower unemployment (3.1% vs 3.9%), slightly lower pay (£762 vs £767), higher over‑65s (20.9% vs 18.9%), and much lower house prices (£192k vs £295k). Includes a UK map marking the location in north-west England. The source is the House of Commons Library constituency dashboard.
  15. Labour leadership speculation reopens Brexit debatepublished at 09:18 BST

    Wes Streeting, former UK health secretary, at the Progress Conference 2026! in London, UK, on Saturday, May 16, 2026Image source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting branded Brexit a "catastrophic mistake" on the weekend

    Following Labour's poor local election results, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted his government to be "defined" by "rebuilding our relationship with Europe, by putting Britain at the heart of Europe", during a speech intended to reset his premiership.

    After his resignation, Wes Streeting went further, saying on Saturday that Brexit was a "catastrophic mistake" that left the UK "less wealthy, less powerful and less in control".

    The former health secretary said the UK needs a "new special relationship with the EU", adding that "Britain's future lies with Europe - and one day, back in the European Union".

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy thentold Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that Streeting's comments were "a bit odd" and that she doesn't "understand why the sudden focus on Europe" - despite agreeing the UK should not have left the EU.

    Later that day, Andy Burnham said he was in favour of rejoining the EU "in the long-term", but that he is "not advocating that in this by-election".

    Earlier this morning, David Lammy said the Brexit delivered by "Boris Johnson and his cronies" left the UK "poorer as a result" and said the government is making "step-by-step" improvement to reconnect with Europe - but will stick to its "red lines" not to to return to the single market, customs union or freedom of movement.

  16. Brexit back in the spotlightpublished at 09:09 BST

    Over on BBC Radio 5 Live, callers are being asked: Should Labour take us back into the EU? You can watch live at the top of this page.

  17. Andy Burnham reveals what people told him at Everton v Sunderlandpublished at 08:50 BST

    Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham in the stands during the Everton-Sunderland matchImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Burnham in the stands at Hill Dickinson Stadium yesterday

    We have not heard from Andy Burnham today - but the Greater Manchester mayor did tweet last night.

    After watching the Everton-Sunderland match, which Everton lost 1-3, he thanks "everyone who came up to speak to me today".

    He says the one bit of feedback that "sticks most" in his mind is: "You need to be clearer that Labour left us. We didn’t leave Labour."

    He says his "campaign" will aim to "change Labour back to the party people used to know" - a party "solidly on the side of working class people. Make no mistake about that".

    He also says: "Appreciate all the advice and agree with the main consensus: 'Get new running shorts'."

    Burnham in retro Everton shirt and running shortsImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    Burnham was pictured running near his home in Cheshire on Friday

  18. Labour MPs 'lighting the match and standing in the petrol' - Lammypublished at 08:47 BST

    Asked why there is currently no timetable for Stamer to step down, Lammy says the prime minister won a "historic majority" in the 2024 election, adding: "Let me say this - personally, he is the most resilient person I know."

    Asked explicitly if Starmer will stand if a leadership contest is triggered, Lammy says "yes", before repeating that there is no race as things stand.

    He says that "introspection and internecine warfare" and "colleagues lighting the match and standing in the petrol" will only "usher in" Reform UK and Nigel Farage.

  19. Lammy likens Brexit speculation to 'sixth form debate'published at 08:46 BST

    Davis Lammy speaking on Radio 4's Today programme

    Lammy repeats that Burnham and Streeting are free to state their positions on Europe as neither are in government, likening the recent discussions around future EU membership as "sixth form debate".

    The deputy prime minister says leadership speculation over the last 10 days doesn't set back Labour's attempts to stay in power and deliver for the people, adding he's less interested in debate, and more on delivering policies.

    But he says he would campaign for Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, telling Radio 4: "I've known Andy for over 25 years, we were both protegees under the great Tessa Jowell. He's very able, very committed, of course I'll be working alongside him."

  20. Labour has 'clear red lines' on Brexit - Lammypublished at 08:30 BST

    Lammy is asked about Streeting's view that Britain's future lies "one day back in the European Union" and whether a similar position is on the cards for the government.

    The deputy prime minister repeats that Streeting is "free to say whatever he wants" as a backbencher, but refuses to be drawn on his own views about Labour's future Europe policy.

    He says Labour's manifesto had "clear red lines" on the EU and the government is "committed" to them - adding that he won't speculate about what the party may propose at the next general election.