Eleanor Langford

England’s reservoirs are unusually low after a dry and hot spring and summer, prompting hosepipe bans and renewed concern over water security. Of the nine reservoirs promised by the government in 2025, the White Horse and Fens projects are furthest advanced but are not expected to open until 2040 and 2036 respectively; other schemes face unresolved sites, planning obstacles or construction dependencies. Reservoirs take 15–25 years to develop because of land, planning, geography and water-supply challenges, particularly in the flat and water-stressed South and East of England. Even if all nine are built, they would provide only 700 million extra litres a day against an estimated requirement for five billion litres by 2055. Experts therefore recommend combining reservoirs with wastewater reuse, reduced consumption, metering, water-saving requirements for new homes and accelerated leak reduction, while warning that continued delays and fragmented planning pose the greatest risk.

The Government has temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues because of heightened wildfire risks during the drought, but the ban does not automatically prohibit using grills purchased before it took effect. Use is already banned in many parks, beaches and other public areas through local Public Spaces Protection Orders, with fines of up to £100 and penalties of up to £1,000 if cases reach court. New powers expected to take effect later in 2026 could allow councils to raise the maximum fine to £500. The measures follow an emergency warning across England and Wales and calls from Andy Burnham for people to avoid all outdoor fires while conditions remain tinder-dry.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly remains on the Cabinet Office’s confidential planning list for a high-profile ceremonial funeral, despite losing his royal titles and public roles following scrutiny of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The proposed arrangements could include a service at St George’s Chapel and burial at Frogmore, with public funds potentially covering policing and security even if the funeral itself were not state-funded. Epstein victims’ lawyers and MPs Alicia Kearns and Joe Robertson have called for the plans to be revoked and for any funeral to be privately funded. The Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace declined to comment, while King Charles III and the government could reportedly remove or revise the ceremonial arrangements.

Reform UK's proposal to make company directors criminally liable for illegal workers, punish firms with fines of up to 10 per cent of global turnover and impose additional restrictions on delivery riders largely overlaps with powers already available under UK law. Its main departure would remove the protection for businesses that conduct proper right-to-work checks, potentially making them liable even when workers use forged documents. The policy also faces practical difficulties because gig-economy riders are self-employed contractors who can legally use substitutes, although Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat say they check substitutes voluntarily. The Home Office has already increased raids and arrests and is working with delivery platforms on facial-recognition checks and other measures, while Deliveroo disputes Reform's reliance on older enforcement data.

The UK Government is considering how regulators could respond if supermarkets or fuel retailers exploit disruption linked to the Iran conflict to raise prices unfairly. The Competition and Markets Authority can punish anti-competitive conduct and misleading practices but cannot act merely because prices or profit margins are high. Possible measures include publishing profit data, faster cooperation among regulators, temporary powers to block price rises, or price caps on essentials, although none has yet been implemented and price gouging is not currently a specific UK offence. Critics warn that intervention could encourage illegal coordination, suppress investment, or cause shortages, citing Venezuela’s failed price controls, while previous UK investigations found no evidence of supermarket profiteering.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh previously supported a frequent flyer levy while leading the New Economics Foundation. The proposed system would replace Air Passenger Duty, exempt a person’s first leisure flight each year and progressively charge frequent and business flyers, potentially raising £5bn annually while reducing costs for occasional travelers. Climate advisers have backed a similar approach, but Manchester Airports Group opposes it, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero says the levy is not government policy. There is no indication Fahnbulleh will pursue the measure as a minister.

Andy Burnham’s ambition to make social care free at the point of use could cost about £18.7bn a year by 2035, but no funding mechanism has yet been agreed. Options include replacing inheritance tax with a levy on all estates, imposing a payroll levy, reallocating money from existing budgets, or adopting a cheaper model such as free personal care or a cap on lifetime costs. The estate levy carries the highest political risk because of its association with a “death tax,” while a payroll levy could conflict with Labour’s pledge not to raise taxes on working people. Spending cuts face a £24bn funding gap and competing demands from the NHS, schools and defence; cheaper reforms would be less controversial but fall short of Burnham’s wider ambition.

The UK Government plans to introduce an Electric Vehicle Excise Duty from April 2028, charging fully electric cars 3p per mile and plug-in hybrids 1.5p per mile. Drivers will self-report mileage annually, with figures checked against MOT readings; overpayments will generally become credits rather than refunds, and mileage-clock tampering will become an offence. The average electric-car driver is expected to pay about £267 a year, while electric vans, buses, coaches and HGVs will initially be exempt. The policy could discourage electric-vehicle adoption, with the OBR forecasting around 120,000 fewer sales through 2030-31, and the motor industry warning that garages may struggle to investigate disputed or manipulated mileage readings. Primary legislation is still required before implementation.

Andy Burnham is expected to propose giving England’s regional and metro mayors a share of income tax revenue for local growth and infrastructure. Critics warn that areas without elected mayors, including Cornwall, could lose out and face pressure to adopt a model they have rejected. Cornwall MP Perran Moon says imposing a mayoral authority would be discriminatory and could damage Labour in the county, while Cornwall Council argues it would undermine Cornwall’s recognised national minority status. Research by King’s College London and Harvard Kennedy School also warns that fiscal devolution could reinforce regional inequalities without substantial redistribution. The Government says non-mayoral areas will receive alternative strategic authorities and other funding powers.

Andy Burnham’s new government is preparing cost of living measures that may include a VAT cut on energy bills, fixed‑price contracts for older renewable assets and a national bus fare cap, while scrapping the digital ID scheme to reallocate funds. Small businesses could benefit from reduced business rates funded by higher levies on warehouse operators and owners of empty high‑street properties. Pensioners stand to gain from the extension of the triple lock until at least 2029 and potential increases to the personal allowance. Wealthy homeowners and high earners may face higher liabilities through a lowered mansion tax threshold and possible alignment of capital gains tax with income tax bands, alongside discussions of broader wealth taxes. A proposal to replace inheritance tax with a universal national care levy is under active consideration as part of plans to accelerate social care reform.

Forecasts indicate that Andy Burnham will enter office with one of the strongest economic inheritances of any UK prime minister in the past five decades. Inflation is expected to fall to the Bank of England’s 2 percent target, unemployment is projected to decline, and public sector borrowing is forecast to improve. Economic growth is set to remain modest but positive, placing Burnham mid‑table compared with past leaders. Analysts note that the outlook provides meaningful fiscal room to manoeuvre, though public confidence and real wage growth remain weak.

Andy Burnham has not ruled out a wealth tax as he prepares to take office, facing pressure to raise revenue without increasing major taxes such as income tax, VAT or national insurance. Support for a wealth tax spans Labour MPs, unions, and advocacy groups, with proposals ranging from new levies on high-value assets to changes in capital gains and national insurance rules. Opponents warn of risks including capital flight, valuation difficulties, and reduced incentives for saving and investment. No decisions will be made until the autumn Budget, while business groups urge the Government to provide clarity sooner to avoid prolonged uncertainty.

Labour MPs express concerns that Andy Burnham’s plan to divide his time between London and Manchester and create a “No 10 North” may lead to perceptions of favouring northern regions, risking discontent in southern constituencies and potential electoral losses. MPs question whether devolution proposals will deliver benefits quickly enough and warn against concentrating investment on Manchester at the expense of other regional cities. Cornwall’s representatives resist a mayoral model, arguing it threatens local autonomy and could fuel support for Reform. Burnham maintains that the real issue is overcentralisation in London and argues that shifting power and resources to the regions would benefit the whole country. Balancing regional demands without alienating key constituencies is presented as a central test for his premiership.

The Government is closing a loophole that allowed returning UK residents to bypass a £100,000 cap on foreign political donations, a change that could limit major contributions to Reform UK from cryptocurrency investors Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo. The amendment to the Representation of the People Bill will apply the cap for a year after donors return to the UK and accompanies broader reforms, including stricter rules for company donations, new disclosure requirements for candidates, and a ban on cryptocurrency donations. The measures follow recommendations from the Rycroft Review and aim to improve transparency, prevent foreign influence, and strengthen election integrity, with potentially significant financial consequences for Reform UK and scrutiny intensifying around Nigel Farage’s declared interests.

Nigel Farage faces renewed scrutiny over alleged failures to declare financial benefits, including support from convicted fraudster George Cottrell and a £5m gift from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harborne. Reports claim Cottrell funded staffing, security, and accommodation before the 2024 election, while Farage declared only limited benefits. Additional questions concern undeclared properties within a £4m portfolio shared with partner Laure Ferrari. The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is formally investigating the Harborne donation and may assess the Cottrell claims. Potential sanctions for serious breaches include suspension from the House of Commons, which could trigger a recall petition and possible by-election in Clacton, a prospect Farage is reportedly concerned about.

Officials are preparing options for Andy Burnham to reduce household energy bills if prices stay high, following a rise in the Ofgem price cap driven by global conflict. Proposals include shifting remaining green levies onto general taxation funded by capital gains tax reform, imposing a windfall-style surcharge on banks to create a permanent social energy tariff, or implementing Louise Haigh’s investment‑focused measures such as taxing inherited asset gains, replacing stamp duty with an annual property tax, and allowing the National Wealth Fund to borrow independently. Any plan will compete with a £4.7bn defence spending shortfall for limited fiscal headroom, with further details expected ahead of the next price cap announcement in August.

Andy Burnham is set to inherit a £4.7bn funding gap in the Defence Investment Plan, which Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves left unresolved despite confirming £10.3bn in allocated funding. The shortfall, tied to cuts in road and energy projects, has provoked frustration among Labour MPs and regional leaders who argue their areas are being disproportionately affected. Starmer defended the trade‑offs as necessary to strengthen defence without increasing borrowing. Military figures and MPs continue to demand clarity on how defence spending will reach targets of 3 percent of GDP by 2030 and 3.5 percent by 2035. The situation leaves Burnham facing early decisions on cuts or borrowing once in office, with criticism from across the political spectrum over the lack of a fully funded plan.

Caroline Simpson, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been chosen by Andy Burnham to serve as deputy chief of staff if he becomes prime minister. Her experience running a £3bn budget, leading regional regeneration projects and overseeing public transport reforms positions her to run the proposed No 10 North office in Manchester. Supporters highlight her decisiveness and effectiveness, while some officials caution she may align too readily with Burnham’s agenda. Her departure creates a leadership gap at GMCA ahead of a mayoral by-election. The key question is whether her regional governance record can translate to national-level influence in delivering Burnham’s plan to shift power from London.

Andy Burnham proposes a major decentralisation of UK governance, shifting power and funding from Whitehall to regional authorities, with plans including a northern base for the prime minister’s office, expanded council housebuilding, greater public control of essential services, and devolved employment and welfare support. Areas with established mayors and devolution structures are best positioned to benefit early, while suburbs, rural regions and places without mayors may see slower gains. Experts note that fiscal devolution and long-term investment will be key, and that significant impacts will take time as Burnham’s reforms are designed as a decade-long programme.

Liberal Democrats urge Andy Burnham to exclude James Purnell from decisions on Thames Water due to his past role at advisory firm Flint Global, which has represented water industry clients. The call comes as the Government weighs options for rescuing the heavily indebted utility, including possible public ownership. Critics warn of potential conflicts of interest, while Burnham has expressed support for nationalisation but not confirmed a final decision. Purnell has resigned from Flint and cut all ties with the firm, as Burnham positions himself to succeed Keir Starmer as prime minister.

Advisers to Andy Burnham have indicated he may examine devolving aspects of income tax if he becomes prime minister, proposing a shift of fiscal power toward regional leaders. Options under consideration range from allowing areas to retain part of the income tax they generate to full rate‑setting powers similar to systems in Spain and Switzerland. Any approach would need to fit within Labour’s pledge not to raise income tax, making retention more feasible in the near term. Rachel Reeves has already proposed limited tax retention, while Burnham and Jim O’Neill have signalled openness to deeper constitutional devolution. The implications for taxpayers depend on the model chosen, with rate‑setting potentially leading to regional differences in tax bills. No immediate changes are expected as the policy remains under study.

Allies of senior Labour figures are lobbying for cabinet positions as Andy Burnham is expected to enter No 10, with the fiercest contest centred on the Treasury. Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper and Pat McFadden are leading contenders for chancellor, each drawing differing views among MPs about experience, market stability and party unity. Shabana Mahmood is likely to remain at the Home Office, while other key roles could see strategic reshuffles involving Rachel Reeves, Dan Jarvis and allies such as Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell, Heidi Alexander and Lisa Nandy. Further potential appointments include Louise Haigh, Anneliese Midgley, Miatta Fahnbulleh and Jonathan Reynolds as Burnham prepares his first cabinet lineup.

Opposition within Labour to Andy Burnham’s leadership bid has collapsed following Keir Starmer’s resignation, leaving Burnham on course to become prime minister without a contest. Wes Streeting has withdrawn his own challenge and endorsed Burnham after weekend talks, and potential rival bids from figures such as John Healey and members of the Labour left appear unlikely due to lack of support. MPs across the party acknowledge Burnham’s momentum and numbers, while some caution that policy shifts could still provoke a challenger. Nominations close on 16 July and, if uncontested, Burnham could take office by mid‑July, while Nigel Farage has called for a general election in response.

Keir Starmer’s resignation triggers a Labour leadership process that could see Andy Burnham become prime minister as early as mid-July if unopposed. Burnham now meets the requirement of being a sitting MP following his Makerfield by-election win, and his supporters are pushing for an uncontested “coronation” by securing early MP backing. Leadership candidates must obtain nominations from 20 percent of Labour MPs and support from party affiliates, making a single-candidate outcome possible. If multiple candidates qualify, the contest would run until late August. Potential challengers including Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, and John Healey have largely stepped aside or offered support to Burnham. Debate continues over whether the new leader should call a snap general election, with pressure from Reform UK and some Labour MPs, though no constitutional requirement exists.

Government plans under consideration would require social media platforms to give greater prominence to BBC and other public service broadcaster content, extending existing TV prominence rules to online platforms. Ofcom has warned that urgent action is needed to improve discoverability of public service media as younger audiences increasingly rely on social platforms for news. Viewing data shows YouTube surpassing the BBC in audience reach, fueling pressure for regulatory changes aimed at countering misinformation. Technology firms and free‑speech advocates are pushing back, arguing that proposed measures, including social media access restrictions for under‑16s, could isolate young people or lead to unintended harm. A consultation is expected, and no final decisions have been made.

Andy Burnham is preparing to pressure Prime Minister Keir Starmer to announce his resignation by Tuesday, with plans for coordinated ministerial resignations if he refuses. Labour MPs are increasingly optimistic about Burnham’s prospects following his strong by‑election win, while Starmer remains undecided and insists he will resist any leadership challenge. Burnham’s allies aim for a swift, uncontested transition, though figures such as Wes Streeting still signal interest in running. MPs are divided over whether a rapid coronation or a full leadership contest is preferable. Concerns include the impact of timing on government stability and upcoming international summits, while many within Labour argue that Starmer’s departure is necessary to reset the party’s direction.

Burnham proposes expanding migrant detention, accelerating returns and ending asylum hotels by shifting accommodation responsibility to councils. He supports maintaining restrictions on migrant benefits, including extending the wait for indefinite leave to remain. He advocates reforming asylum dispersal to reduce pressure on deprived areas and increase local authority involvement, though experts warn implementation would be difficult. The current government’s returns agreement with France and rising asylum accommodation costs form the backdrop to these proposed shifts in migration policy.

Cabinet ministers are pressuring Keir Starmer to set a timetable for his departure after Andy Burnham’s sweeping Makerfield by-election victory shifted momentum inside Labour. Burnham’s allies are canvassing MPs to secure overwhelming support for a leadership challenge, while Starmer is calling Cabinet members in an attempt to retain backing. Several previously loyal MPs have publicly urged him to resign, and some ministers may consider quitting to force his hand. Burnham aims to gather support from over 200 MPs to compel a smooth transition, with supporters expecting him to push for rapid change. Starmer insists he will contest any leadership challenge, but growing unrest across the party has intensified calls for him to step aside.

Labour MPs see an opportunity for major council tax reform amid rising interest in Andy Burnham’s leadership challenge following his Makerfield by‑election victory. Many backbenchers want to replace the existing system, based on outdated 1991 property values, with a proportional property tax that would cut bills for most households, particularly in the North, while increasing them in wealthy areas such as London. Burnham has expressed support for land value taxation, but has not endorsed full council tax reform, and Labour’s manifesto contains no commitment to change. Campaigners argue the current system unfairly burdens less affluent areas while undercharging wealthier ones, but political risk, administrative complexity and Treasury concerns have stalled progress. Reform UK’s rise in the hardest‑hit areas adds electoral pressure to act. Reform advocates say such a shift would deliver significant savings for millions of households, though wealthier regions would see higher bills. The feasibility of reform depends largely on political will and the government’s appetite for structural tax changes.

Andy Burnham’s prospective agenda as prime minister centres on maintaining Labour’s pledge not to raise income tax, VAT or national insurance while exploring reforms such as a care levy and land value tax. He proposes reducing the welfare bill through youth-focused employment support rather than cuts and supports maintaining the pension triple lock. On migration, he favours expanded detention and faster removals, moving away from previous opposition to no recourse to public funds. His housing plans include large-scale construction, rent control powers for mayors and bringing empty homes into public ownership. Burnham advocates a long-term defence strategy funded partly by welfare savings and prioritising British industry in procurement. He would inherit imminent Brexit reset negotiations and is expected to uphold compromises already agreed, though he has previously expressed long-term support for rejoining the EU.

Polling shows Andy Burnham’s hold on Makerfield at risk from Reform UK and Restore Britain, with right‑wing vote consolidation potentially costing Labour the seat. A defeat would force Burnham to remain as Greater Manchester mayor and damage any future leadership bid. Wes Streeting plans to push for a Labour leadership contest regardless of Burnham’s result, which could result in Streeting winning, Starmer setting a timetable for departure, or Starmer surviving a challenge. A Reform victory would signal the party’s growing strength in traditional Labour areas and sharpen the prospect of Labour–Reform battles at the next general election.

The UK plans to ban under‑16s from major social media platforms beginning in 2027, but significant questions remain about enforcement, age‑verification technology, and schools’ responsibilities. Concerns include teenagers bypassing restrictions with VPNs, the difficulty of distinguishing 15‑ and 17‑year‑olds with current age‑assurance tools, and whether tech companies will comply despite potential fines. Early evidence from Australia’s similar ban shows weak enforcement by platforms, with most existing youth accounts still active months later. Critics warn the policy may not improve safety and could create new risks, while public expectations for its effectiveness remain low.

British forces seized the Russian-linked tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel during a six-hour operation led by Royal Marines and the National Crime Agency after it changed course toward the UK coast. The MoD said the action was taken under international law to counter Russia’s shadow fleet used to evade sanctions and fund the war in Ukraine. Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the operation, which marked the first UK-led interdiction of its kind. The tanker, operating under a false flag and opaque ownership, is now anchored off Dorset as investigations continue. The incident follows similar actions by European allies, amid growing pressure for the UK to act against sanctioned vessels transiting its waters.

Mounting uncertainty surrounds Andy Burnham’s potential bid for Labour leadership as MPs question his policy clarity, recent U‑turns, and ability to unite the party. The Makerfield by-election is viewed as pivotal, with concerns that a split right-wing vote could distort any victory. Supporters and critics debate his ideological direction, governing approach, and readiness to challenge Keir Starmer, while rivals such as Wes Streeting attempt to position themselves despite setbacks. Internal tensions, fears of a premature coronation, and broader worries about Labour’s strategy against Reform UK shape an unsettled and highly volatile leadership landscape.

Ministers are considering cuts to major infrastructure projects to fund the Defence Investment Plan, expected to cost up to £18bn as the Government seeks to reach its defence spending target. Reports indicate Whitehall capital budgets could face reductions, affecting hospital construction, rail upgrades, and housing decarbonisation schemes. Senior figures, including David Lammy, signalled willingness for departmental cuts, while watchdogs criticised delays in publishing the plan. Several major projects—such as the New Hospital Programme, Northern Powerhouse Rail, the Lower Thames Crossing and the Geological Disposal Facility—are flagged as vulnerable due to cost overruns, delays or red ratings from infrastructure assessors. Potential cuts could slow or jeopardise critical programmes across health, transport and net zero strategy.

The Government is considering expanding its jobs guarantee scheme to include young people receiving health‑related universal credit, potentially offering subsidised roles with major employers such as KFC and Home Bargains. Pat McFadden has asked officials to explore further support following Alan Milburn’s review, which warned that nearly one million young people are disconnected from work. The proposal aligns with wider welfare reforms and growing political pressure to address falling entry‑level job availability. Polling indicates strong public support for benefit conditionality, while additional measures under discussion include changes to universal credit health payments and targeted national insurance cuts for employers. Milburn’s final recommendations are expected later this year as concerns grow that up to 1.25 million young people could be out of work or education by 2031.

Polling shows a majority of British adults support requiring young people to seek work, education or training to receive benefits, with nearly half of these favouring complete withdrawal of support for non‑compliance. The findings accompany an interim review by Alan Milburn warning that nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training, a figure that could rise significantly without reform. The review criticises benefit structures that discourage work and recommends expanding job placement schemes and offering trial work periods before reducing benefits. Government ministers and political figures are considering further measures, including employer incentives and broader welfare reform, ahead of Milburn’s final recommendations due later in the year.

Past online posts linked to Reform UK by-election candidate Robert Kenyon include remarks supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea, calling abortion the killing of babies, and making derogatory comments about women and LGBT people. Labour figures and campaign groups condemned the comments, while Reform UK defended Kenyon as a straight‑talking local candidate whose remarks predated his political career. Some posts also contradict his stated support for Brexit. The i Paper notes it has not independently verified all posts attributed to him.

A fierce dispute between Nigel Farage’s Reform UK and Rupert Lowe’s breakaway party Restore Britain is threatening to split the right-wing vote in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, potentially helping Andy Burnham secure the seat. The feud escalated after Lowe’s posts were amplified by Elon Musk, prompting sharp exchanges between figures in both parties and renewed scrutiny of candidates’ past statements. Reform insiders warn that Restore’s presence could cost them the seat, while polling suggests a tight race with Labour narrowly ahead. Experts note that voter perceptions of the split will determine whether the divide harms Reform or enables protest votes against Farage, leaving the contest finely balanced.

The UK Government has launched a £7.5m competition to establish a new national forest of 200 to 600 square miles in the Midlands or the North of England, forming part of Labour’s pledge to create three new national forests. The initiative aims to improve access to green space, with communities identified as most in need prioritised. An external delivery partner will oversee land identification, tree planting and long‑term management. Ministers cite the success of the existing Midlands national forest, where nearly 10 million trees have been planted and canopy cover has expanded significantly. The project contributes to national targets to increase woodland cover to 16.5 per cent by 2050 and protect 30 per cent of land for nature by 2030, despite ongoing concerns that woodland creation targets remain behind pace.

Reform UK proposes scrapping income tax on overtime for workers earning under £75,000, arguing it would reward extra hours and benefit employees in fields where paid overtime is common. Nigel Farage estimates the policy would cost £5bn and be funded through broad spending cuts previously outlined by the party. The plan faces questions about implementation because payroll systems do not separate overtime from regular pay, and changes to working time rules would be required. The Trades Union Congress criticizes the proposal as a gimmick and warns it could undermine worker protections.

A 10p increase to the tax‑free mileage rate raises the approved allowance to 55p per mile, backdated to April 2026, after pressure from unions and Labour MPs. The change aims to offset rising vehicle running costs and is estimated to save a typical employee about £120 a year. While workers benefit directly, employers must manage the tax implications if they reimburse above the approved rate. HMRC guidance is in place as employers update expenses systems to reflect the new rules.

GPs will have a reduced or removed role in issuing fit notes in four regions of England under new government pilot schemes aimed at overhauling the current system. The pilots test models that replace traditional fit notes with personalised work plans delivered by clinical and non‑clinical staff, shifting responsibility away from GPs in most cases. The reforms follow reviews showing the system is ineffective for both clinicians and employers and often fails to support people back to work. Findings from the trials will inform upcoming legislation, while the WorkWell service will expand nationally to support more people with health conditions in staying in or returning to employment.

Reform UK’s Makerfield by-election candidate Robert Kenyon faces scrutiny over a suspended X account and associations with individuals who have criminal convictions or far-right links. The Conservative Party questioned the suspension of an account appearing to use Kenyon’s name, which contained inflammatory posts. Additional concerns involve his nomination by a councillor with assault convictions and his association with individuals involved in violent disorder and far-right activism. Reform UK has dismissed the allegations as smears. The by-election is a significant contest between Kenyon and Labour’s Andy Burnham, with high political stakes for both parties.