Josh Halliday

Andy Burnham argues that his government’s programme to transfer financial and political powers from Westminster to regional mayors and local authorities strengthens the case for a written UK constitution. He wants a codified devolution model covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, inspired partly by Germany’s system of redistributing resources to equalise living standards. Plans would allow English regional mayors to retain part of locally generated income tax, with wealthier areas potentially supporting less prosperous regions. Constitutional experts describe the proposal as a major departure that could clarify the powers of different levels of government but also constrain Parliament and require rules extending well beyond devolution.

Labour’s Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection decisively, defeating Reform UK 66.3% to 33.7% in the second round after taking 47% of first-preference votes. She will succeed Andy Burnham, while the result offers a major boost to Labour and suggests it can recover support from both left- and right-leaning voters. Reform UK significantly underperformed after recent local-election gains, with Restore Britain taking 8.7% and raising questions about Reform’s leadership and funding crisis. The Greens won 12% of first preferences but argued that Labour’s result was weaker than Burnham’s previous performances. Turnout was only 25%, partly because of limited voter awareness and the summer timing.

Counting continued in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, with Labour’s Bev Craig expected to lead but possibly require second-preference votes under the supplementary voting system. Turnout was 25.14%, the lowest recorded for a mayoral election in the region. Andy Burnham advocated retaining access to jury trials, expanded mayoral control over transport and greater regional access to tax and business-rate revenues. Other developments included confirmation of an autumn budget for 28 October, plans for tighter funeral-home regulation after Robert Bush was sentenced to 20 years for abusing deceased people, record-high petrol prices linked to Middle East instability, criticism of FIFA’s proposed World Cup stake sale, and Diane Abbott’s readmission to the Labour Party.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled that he is likely to abandon plans to restrict jury trials in England and Wales, citing concerns shaped by his personal connection to the Hillsborough disaster and his instinct to preserve access to juries. The proposals, introduced by former justice secretary David Lammy, would have removed jury trials for defendants likely to receive sentences of three years or less, expanded magistrates’ powers and created judge-only swift courts to reduce a court backlog of almost 80,000 cases. The plans have faced fierce opposition from Labour MPs, legal bodies and thousands of lawyers, despite government claims that major structural reform is needed to prevent the justice system from collapsing.

UK prime minister Andy Burnham has called on FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, describing the organization’s plan to sell investors a $4.2bn stake in commercial World Cup rights as outrageous. The proposal has prompted fierce opposition from UEFA and other football bodies, with all 55 European nations reportedly threatening a boycott. Carlos Cordeiro, a senior Infantino adviser, resigned after condemning the plan as harmful to FIFA’s member associations and football’s long-term future. Burnham argued that football and the World Cup belong to supporters rather than investors.

Andy Burnham faces the prospect of a Labour revolt over indications that his government may approve new drilling at the Rosebank and Jackdaw North Sea fields. Labour MPs and climate experts argue that the projects would do little to reduce energy bills, undermine net-zero commitments and damage the party politically as voters experience heatwaves, drought, wildfires and climate-related inflation. Burnham says he will take a pragmatic approach, while some MPs may accept the two projects if the government then rules out further licences. Decisions are expected after consultations conclude in mid-August, with the issue potentially remaining live ahead of the October budget.

Andy Burnham is set to announce plans giving England’s regional mayors greater control over locally generated income tax and business-rate revenues, replacing some existing Treasury grants. From 2028, mayors would retain a share of income tax, while business-rate retention would expand by April 2027. The reforms could also let combined authorities borrow against projected revenue through 30-year loans, enabling major housing and transport projects without prior Treasury approval. Supporters say the changes would provide long-term certainty and end reliance on Whitehall funding, while critics and experts warn that fiscal devolution could create a two-tier England unless areas without mayoral authorities and less prosperous regions are protected. The detailed revenue shares are expected in the autumn budget.

Voting has opened in the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection, with more than two million eligible voters choosing Andy Burnham’s successor. Labour candidate Bev Craig leads Reform UK’s Sian Astley by 20 percentage points in a More in Common poll and is expected to win, helped by Labour’s improved national position and strong second-preference support under the supplementary voting system. Reform’s campaign has been overshadowed by Nigel Farage’s focus on a separate Clacton contest and scrutiny over party funding. The Green Party believes its support may be underestimated, while the Conservatives trail in the poll. The result will influence preparations for the 2027 local elections, though low public awareness and potentially weak turnout could complicate predictions.

Sunderland Reform UK councillor Glenn Gibbins has been charged under the Communications Act 2003 over a 2024 social media post that allegedly referenced Nigerians in a grossly offensive manner. The 66-year-old, who was reinstated by Reform UK after an internal investigation, is due to appear at South Tyneside magistrates court on 21 August. Northumbria Police has urged the public not to speculate, while Labour chair Bridget Phillipson has demanded that Nigel Farage explain why Gibbins was welcomed back into the party.

Andy Burnham plans to give mayors and local leaders in England greater influence over education for students aged 14 and above, enabling schools, colleges and employers to design technical and vocational training around local jobs. The scheme, expected to begin in September 2028, would prioritize funding for vocational qualifications and ask Ofsted to value them alongside academic routes. Burnham argues that the reform could improve employment prospects for young people, reduce reliance on benefits and end the educational preference for university pathways. The policy draws on Greater Manchester’s MBacc initiative, though experts say it is too early to assess its results. Alan Milburn welcomed the proposal as consistent with his review of the roughly one million young people not in education, employment or training.

Families of 29 military personnel killed in the 1994 RAF Chinook crash on Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre are asking Andy Burnham to order a new independent review. They argue that evidence about the helicopter’s airworthiness may have been withheld or inaccurately supplied by the Ministry of Defence, and say a fresh investigation could test the new Hillsborough law’s legally enforceable duty of candour. A 2011 inquiry exonerated the pilots without determining the cause, while a recent court ruling barred a late legal claim against the MoD. The Chinook Justice Campaign plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, although families say they would prefer a transparent review rather than years of further litigation.

Bev Craig, the Labour leader of Manchester City Council, is expected to succeed Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester mayor in a contest where Labour holds a clear polling lead. Reform UK hopes to build on major recent council gains, while the Greens seek to convert strong local support into their first major position of power. Craig’s campaign emphasizes regional investment, public services and extending free bus travel to 11- to 16-year-olds. Her personal account of poverty and family hardship in Northern Ireland contrasts with her rapid rise in Manchester politics. The result will test Labour’s ability to contain Green advances and Reform’s growing support across the region.

Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman, was fatally shot at her father Kris Harrison’s home in Prosper, Texas, in January 2025. Harrison said the Glock fired accidentally while he was showing it to Lucy, but evidence indicated the trigger had been pulled and police reportedly noted he had been drinking. A Collin County grand jury declined to indict him, while a Cheshire coroner later ruled that firing the pistol was grossly negligent and that Lucy had been unlawfully killed. Her mother, Jane Coates, says the Texas investigation was inadequate and is seeking support from Andy Burnham, the UK government and Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband to persuade US authorities to reopen the case.

Andy Burnham opened No 10 North in Manchester, describing the new northern government base as a way to rebalance power and enable major decisions outside London. He defended its cost despite warnings that enhanced security and policing could run into millions of pounds. The government also highlighted measures including a £2 bus-fare cap, the removal of VAT from household electricity bills and business-rates relief for pubs, clubs and live-music venues. Angela Rayner said ministers were under pressure to deliver on housing and the cost of living, while the SNP argued the measures would bring little benefit to Scotland. Other developments included a review of early prisoner release, calls from Ed Davey for Burnham to challenge Donald Trump over tariffs, possible support for North Sea oil and gas projects, and renewed debate over MPs’ security and rent controls.

A survey of more than 500 MPs’ staff members found that 78% had received threatening communications, nearly one-third frequently feared for their own or colleagues’ safety, and half were experiencing clinical levels of psychological distress. Staff reported physical attacks, racist and sexist abuse, suicide threats, traumatic disclosures and inadequate protection when working without an MP present. The Westminster-based wellness working group is calling for security arrangements to cover staff routinely and for Commons authorities to be able to impose safeguards when MPs or office managers fail to comply. The House of Commons says it is working with the group to strengthen support, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing a review of MPs’ security following the murder of former minister Ann Widdecombe.

Andy Burnham became prime minister and formed his first Labour cabinet, appointing John Healey as chancellor, Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper as health secretary and Wes Streeting as defence secretary. Angela Rayner returned as housing secretary, while Shabana Mahmood, Pat McFadden and Lisa Nandy retained their posts. Burnham said his government would act as a “circuit breaker,” prioritize ending rough sleeping, address the cost-of-living crisis, and introduce a 10-year plan for Britain, including possible cuts to energy bills and bus fares. Several senior ministers, including Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Peter Kyle and Liz Kendall, left government. Advocacy groups welcomed the focus on housing and urged urgent reforms to victims’ services, while Conservatives accused Burnham of making pledges without a credible delivery plan. Burnham also began international contacts, including discussions with Emmanuel Macron on Ukraine, the Middle East, energy and defence.

Andy Burnham’s close friendship with Steve Rotheram could give the Liverpool city-region mayor unusual access to the incoming prime minister, although Rotheram rejects the idea that personal ties will bypass rules governing public money. The two men have been allies since their time in Parliament and share a longstanding commitment to Hillsborough justice and regional devolution. Burnham has signalled that his government will extend powers over transport, skills, education, health and local economic development, including Rotheram’s ambition to bring Merseyrail into public ownership by 2028. Rotheram says he intends to remain mayor rather than return to Westminster, while other regional leaders are pressing Burnham to transfer substantially more decision-making from Whitehall to local authorities.

Nigel Farage denounces scrutiny of his financial backers as a coordinated attempt to undermine Reform UK amid investigations into a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and allegations of support from George Cottrell. Speaking at CPAC GB, he attacked Labour leader Andy Burnham and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch while urging an immediate general election. Farage’s resignation as MP has triggered a Clacton byelection featuring candidates including Count Binface and Laurence Fox, with Reform activists mobilised for his campaign. Police are separately examining a donation to Robert Jenrick’s Conservative leadership bid after warnings it may have come from a foreign donor.

Andy Burnham’s decision to leave Westminster after his failed Labour leadership bids and become Greater Manchester’s first directly elected mayor transformed his political career. Initially viewed by some local leaders as arrogant and opportunistic, he gradually built authority through his response to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, efforts to reduce rough sleeping and the creation of the publicly controlled Bee Network. His profile rose sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic when he challenged Boris Johnson’s government over lockdown restrictions and became known as the “king of the north”. The experience allowed Burnham to develop a broader public appeal beyond Labour and refine a more personal, emotionally direct style of politics as he pursued the premiership.

Investigators are examining whether political or single‑issue motives, including leftwing hostility toward Ann Widdecombe or Reform UK, influenced the killing of the former MP. Counter‑terrorism police took over the case after finding indications of potential political motivation, though no determination of terrorism has yet been made. Authorities are assessing the suspect’s background, planning and possible targeting of others, while senior political figures debate security provisions for public officials amid rising concerns about threats and intimidation. The suspect, a 28‑year‑old man from Rotherham, is believed to have acted alone and has been granted extended questioning time.

Andy Burnham is poised to become UK prime minister and must establish an effective approach to managing relations with Donald Trump, whose volatile and transactional style has strained ties with recent British leaders. Analysts suggest that Burnham’s low profile in the US could offer a chance for a fresh start, though Trump’s unpredictability and policy gaps with a Labour government pose challenges. Experts recommend strategies ranging from maintaining emotional distance and avoiding deference to focusing on shared interests, projecting confidence, and leveraging potential support from a Democratic-controlled Congress. Historical comparisons show varying outcomes in past US‑UK leader relationships, underscoring uncertainties as Burnham attempts to repair a strained partnership.

Andy Burnham proposes a major revival of council housebuilding amid long waiting lists and stalled construction, arguing for greater local authority control and reduced reliance on private developers. Past constraints as Manchester mayor illustrate the limits of current powers, while delays and two-tier development at Collyhurst highlight issues with private-sector partnerships. Labour’s existing housing initiatives, including large-scale funding and potential creation of a state-owned housing developer, could support Burnham’s agenda. Experts warn that financial pressures and the need for targeted efforts may limit what can be achieved, and public scepticism persists due to the legacy of flawed postwar estates.

Andy Burnham pledged to pursue all legal options to enable the deportation of convicted grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, whose release from prison has revived anger among victims and officials. A legal loophole under the Immigration Act 1971 prevents Ahmed’s removal to Pakistan despite the revocation of his British citizenship. Victims, former ministers and local officials expressed distress and called for legislative changes, while the Home Office emphasised strict release conditions and ongoing efforts to increase deportations of foreign national offenders.

Andy Burnham has selected Caroline Simpson, chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to serve as deputy chief of staff and lead the planned No 10 North office if he becomes prime minister. Simpson would coordinate devolution efforts aimed at expanding public ownership of key utilities, driving reindustrialisation and revitalising underinvested towns. Her appointment follows that of James Purnell as chief of staff. Simpson’s rapid rise in local government and her close working relationship with Burnham are highlighted, though her departure would leave the GMCA seeking another chief executive ahead of a major byelection on 30 July.

Andy Burnham outlines a proposal to create a No 10 North and shift power away from London as part of his pitch to succeed Keir Starmer, with analysis from the Guardian’s north of England editor.