Josh Simons

From a ‘plucky plumber’ to the ‘King in the North’: Who are the Makerfield by-election candidates?

From a ‘plucky plumber’ to the ‘King in the North’: Who are the Makerfield by-election candidates? Polls suggest it will be a tight race between Labour candidate Andy Burnham and Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments In two weeks’ time, the people of Makerfield will head to the polls in what could be the most important by-election in recent history. The outcome of the contest – triggered by the resignation of Labour MP and former minister Josh Simons – will likely...

Burnham backlash: UK Digital ID plans in peril if Manchester mayor succeeds Starmer

A political nerd’s guide to Britain’s by-election

For a few seismic days this summer, a scattering of towns and villages in the north of England will become the center of the political world. The Makerfield parliamentary by-election on June 18 is an improbable setting for a political earthquake. By-elections — the British equivalent of a U.S. special election — are held when a member of Parliament resigns, dies or (this being Britain) becomes so enmeshed in tabloid scandal that they are flung out of office by angry voters.

Does UK’s new far-right party, Restore, pose a threat to Farage’s Reform?

Does UK’s new far-right party, Restore, pose a threat to Farage’s Reform? Restore Britain’s manifesto has pledged to implement the ‘most ambitious programme of mass deportations ever seen in Britain’. When Nigel Farage, leader of the far-right, anti-immigration party Reform UK, addressed the nation while bizarrely standing in a field this week, he was a man on a mission.

Andy Burnham has said he wants to be the next Labour leader – here’s what that could mean for Britain

Andy Burnham has said he wants to be the next Labour leader – here’s what that could mean for Britain ‘Manchesterism’ underpins the Labour mayor’s plan for Britain. Here’s what Andy Burnham says he would do as prime minister - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham’s make-or-break by-election is just over a week away, prompting questions of what the UK might look like with the popular northern mayor as the next leader of the Labour Party. On 18 June, voters in Greater Manchester’s...

Andy Burnham could introduce 10-year plan to nationalise ‘broken’ water industry

Andy Burnham could introduce 10-year plan to nationalise ‘broken’ water industry The Greater Manchester mayor said reform is needed to put the public interest first - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham has outlined a potential 10-year strategy to bring the water industry back into public ownership, arguing that such reform is essential to prioritise public interest. The Greater Manchester mayor, currently campaigning in the Makerfield by-election for a return to Parliament – a...

Andy Burnham accuses water companies of ‘profiteering’ during cost-of-living crisis

Andy Burnham accuses water companies of ‘profiteering’ during cost-of-living crisis Mr Burnham promised a vote for him in Makerfield would be a vote to ‘change Labour’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Andy Burnham has launched a scathing attack on "profiteering" water companies, demanding United Utilities cancel its final dividend payment to shareholders in August. The Greater Manchester Mayor argued the money should instead be used to lower consumer costs, following a surge in the North...

Reform 'sexist plumber' savaged and Farage 'gift' branded shameful on fiery BBC Question Time

Reform 'sexist plumber' savaged and Farage 'gift' branded shameful on fiery BBC Question Time Reform UK's 'sexist plumber' Robert Kenyon was blasted by an audience member as he again declined to apologise to Carol Vorderman - and also failed to defend Nigel Farage's £5million gift from a crypto billionaire Reform UK's "sexist plumber" has been savaged over his refusal to apologise for sexist remarks - including a vile slur about Carol Vorderman. In a fiery exchange on BBC Question Time, an...

Keir Starmer draws battle lines after Andy Burnham challenge vow - 'I'm not walking away'

Keir Starmer draws battle lines after Andy Burnham challenge vow - 'I'm not walking away' Keir Starmer insisted he was going nowhere after Andy Burnham indicated he would challenge him if he becomes an MP, and accused the government of losing touch with working class people by overtaxing small businesses Keir Starmer has said he will not walk away from No10 after Andy Burnham confirmed he will join a leadership race if he becomes an MP. The Prime Minister defiantly said it would be wrong to...

How Rayner played key role in Mandelson files release – and Labour’s humiliation

How Rayner played key role in Mandelson files release – and Labour’s humiliation Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara has highlighted how pivotal the ex-deputy prime minister was to the document release - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner played a pivotal role in the release of the Mandelson files – and may have unwittingly damaged her party by doing so, former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara has argued. The second release of...