The Guardian Politics

How Burnham’s team could reshape the Bank of England

Taking a fresh look at the Bank’s role would send a strong signal that a Burnham government is prepared to do things differentlyUK politics live – latest updatesBusiness live – latest updatesWhen Louise Haigh – then a lowly backbencher – wrote a policy prospectus for the leftwing Renewal journal back in May, it contained a little-noticed nugget: a rethink of the Bank of England’s mandate.Haigh, who quit as transport secretary in 2024 after it emerged she had been convicted of fraud over a missin

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

First Reform UK police commissioner elected

This is expected to be the final police and crime commissioner election held, unless anyone else steps down or leaves the role by other means.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham promises big change - but offers few clues on how he will deliver it

The next prime minister promised nothing less than the biggest change in British politics in 40 years in his first speech as Labour leader.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Andy Burnham is Labour leader: What is he promising?

The BBC's chief political correspondent Henry Zeffman explains what Andy Burnham intends to do as the new prime minister.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham promises to 'bring hope back' as he becomes Labour leader

The new Labour leader says he will give "hope back" to working class communities across the UK.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

'I have a plan,' Labour's new leader says

The new Labour leader says he has listened over the past 25 years and he has a plan going forward.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Can Andy Burnham solve the housing crisis?

The Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes in England over the course of this Parliament - but it is already falling behind on this target.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Police investigate death threat against Reform politician

Senedd member Cai Parry-Jones said the alleged threat was made against him and his family.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Moment Andy Burnham's declared new Labour leader

The Makerfield MP is confirmed as party leader at a special conference in central London, before he becomes PM.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

'I am ready' - Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham delivers a speech accepting his appointment as leader of the Labour Party.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Greens leader renews call for extra security after Ann Widdecombe death

Zack Polanski says he "hasn't been offered anything" despite concerns over he and other politicians' safety.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

'He'll be a brilliant prime minister' - Liverpool mayor

The Liverpool City Region mayor tells BBC Breakfast that he thinks Andy Burnham will be a "brilliant" prime minister.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

'We are reaching breaking point in this country' - Green Party leader

The Green party leader speaks to BBC Breakfast ahead of Andy Burnham's speech.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Americast

The US president accuses China of interfering in 2020 election.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Five big challenges facing Andy Burnham - and how he might tackle them

From defence spending to housing - the next UK leader has a series of challenges to deal with.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

When does Andy Burnham become prime minister? Six key questions answered

He is set to replace Sir Keir Starmer as the UK's PM on Monday after winning Labour's leadership race.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

The Manchester years: how Burnham’s rebirth as ‘king of the north’ set him on road to No 10

In the second part of a two-part profile, Josh Halliday charts PM-in-waiting’s journey northward, where as mayor he revelled in his Covid-era popularity – and changed his approach to politicsPart one: From Cambridge ‘impostor’ to New Labour starAndy Burnham was a broken man. In a pub a short walk from parliament, which he had taken to calling “the madhouse”, he plotted his escape over beers with three trusted colleagues.It was late March in 2016. Burnham, the MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester,

politics  Jul 17, 2026

The Guardian Politics

Ann Widdecombe’s death should make Britain ask itself: what sort of political culture do we want? | Gaby Hinsliff

Dehumanising politicians is the first step towards justifying their elimination. It matters more than ever to keep putting the person back into the pictureAnn Widdecombe was never one to hide from an argument. And she wasn’t afraid for her safety either. She scoffed at friends’ suggestions that she should get electric gates, as an elderly woman with a public profile living alone on Dartmoor, just as she dismissed concerns about her health at 78.Having lost friends in the Brighton hotel bombing t

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

Burnham's 'Manchesterism' got him to No 10 - but will it work for the UK?

Economics editor Faisal Islam examines whether the north-west city can be a template for the entire country.

politics  Jul 17, 2026

BBC Politics

MP calls for Widdecombe memorial in Parliament

Helen Grant replaced Ann Widdecombe as MP for Maidstone and the Weald in the 2010 general election.

politics  Jul 17, 2026