Liam Thorp

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to open Number 10 North in Manchester, making it the first permanent base outside Westminster from which a serving prime minister works regularly. Burnham says the office will help transfer power and resources to local communities and serve as a central hub for economic growth. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and other regional leaders will join ministers at a revived National Economic Council, alongside business and labour representatives, to coordinate devolution, investment and job creation.

Andy Burnham begins his first full day as UK Prime Minister by reshaping the cabinet, removing several senior figures from the previous administration and appointing allies and experienced ministers to key roles, including John Healey as Chancellor and Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary. Angela Rayner, Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting return to prominent positions, while additional cabinet‑level appointments expand the new government’s leadership team. Burnham announces his first major policy, removing VAT from domestic electricity bills from October to ease cost‑of‑living pressures, with further ministerial appointments expected throughout the day.

Andy Burnham took office as UK Prime Minister after meeting King Charles and pledged immediate action to end rough sleeping. Addressing supporters outside Downing Street, he called for a reset in British politics, promising a new economic and political model focused on public control of essential services, backing British industry and easing the cost of living. He announced plans for a forthcoming 10‑year national strategy and immediate measures to support households, alongside commitments to reform education and expand council housing. He urged unity and a renewed sense of national purpose.

A planned three‑day strike by RMT‑represented Merseyrail staff during The Open Championship was suspended after workers accepted a revised pay offer worth 7.25 percent over two years. The agreement prevents major disruption as Merseyrail will run revised but normal services to support the event, with detailed schedules provided for affected lines across the region. Merseyrail leadership welcomed the decision, highlighting benefits for passengers and the Liverpool City Region.

A £1.2bn Kings waterfront development in Liverpool is expected to significantly reshape the city’s northern docks, featuring 10 buildings including a 70‑storey tower, thousands of homes, hotel rooms and commercial space. Urban regeneration expert Professor Michael Parkinson described the project as highly important, noting its potential to balance growth around the new Everton stadium and create a major new gateway to the city centre. Backed by Beetham and the TJ Morris Group, the development is viewed as a major step in maintaining momentum in Liverpool’s regeneration and improving the city’s overall mood and confidence.

The UK Government announced a large restructuring of local government, reducing two-tier councils across 14 areas and creating new unitary authorities to simplify services and improve decision-making. Major changes will occur in regions including Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Devon, while decisions for West Sussex, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough remain pending. The Liverpool City Region will not be affected because all its councils already operate as unitary authorities under the oversight of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority led by Mayor Steve Rotheram.

Parents raised concerns after Delph Side Primary School’s social media policy appeared to permit staff use of OnlyFans. Headteacher Liz Ormerod apologised, explaining the reference came from outdated guidance and did not reflect the platform’s current association with adult content. She stated that the policy has now been updated to remove the reference, while reaffirming that staff must uphold strict professional standards.

Family members of Hillsborough victims witnessed a major milestone as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, passed the House of Commons. After years of campaigning against institutional failures and cover‑ups, they marked the near‑completion of legislative reforms aimed at ensuring truth and accountability from public officials. Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham were acknowledged for their roles in advancing justice, but the day focused on the families whose persistence drove the effort. A sense of cautious optimism marked the occasion as campaigners recognized both the significance of the achievement and the challenges that remain before the bill becomes law.

The House of Commons approved the Hillsborough Law, aimed at criminalising the misleading of proceedings and expanding legal aid for bereaved families. Andy Burnham delivered an emotional maiden speech highlighting Liverpool’s role in the long campaign for justice and praising the Prime Minister’s commitment to passing the legislation. Amendments addressed security service concerns through compliance directions, unlocking progress after months of delay. Campaigner Margaret Aspinall welcomed the breakthrough as a national milestone benefiting future families facing inquests. The bill now advances to the House of Lords for further consideration.

The Hillsborough Law passed its final stages in the House of Commons, establishing a duty of candour for public officials and expanding legal aid for bereaved families. The milestone follows years of campaigning by Hillsborough families and other groups affected by public sector failings. After resolving disputes over the bill’s implications for security services, the government advanced the legislation with strong support from Labour figures including Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham. The bill now proceeds to the House of Lords, marking major progress toward long‑sought accountability reforms.

Keir Starmer praises the resilience of Hillsborough families as the Public Office Accountability Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law, reaches its final stages in the House of Commons after months of delays tied to national security concerns. The bill introduces a Duty of Candour and expands legal aid to ensure equal representation for bereaved families, with new amendments allowing compliance directions for intelligence personnel. Campaigners welcome the removal of exemptions for security services. Starmer highlights longstanding injustices from Hillsborough to Grenfell, Windrush, grooming gangs and the Horizon scandal, framing the legislation as a broader effort to ensure state accountability.

Periods of hot weather have led to severe littering and damage across Liverpool’s parks, prompting public frustration and calls for stronger enforcement. Newsham Park, Otterspool and Sefton Park have been highlighted as hotspots for rubbish, vandalism and unsafe conditions, with residents and councillors criticising inadequate oversight. Community groups report escalating issues linked to barbecues, waste and antisocial behaviour. Liverpool City Council acknowledges ongoing problems and points to recent staffing investments while urging residents to take responsibility for their waste.

The Hillsborough Law, formally the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, is set to complete its final House of Commons stages after months of delays linked to disputes over exemptions for security services. The government has agreed to pass the bill without carve‑outs, clearing a major obstacle and allowing it to move to the House of Lords. The legislation would create a statutory duty of candour for public officials, criminalise misleading inquiries, and expand legal aid for bereaved families. Campaigners and families of Hillsborough victims welcomed the breakthrough and expressed gratitude to supporters and government ministers while urging swift enactment to deliver stronger public accountability.

Michael Heseltine endorses Andy Burnham’s plan to decentralize political power by shifting authority from Westminster to regional governments, aligning with his long‑standing advocacy for devolution. He highlights Burnham’s mayoral experience as strong preparation for national leadership and supports the proposal for a northern branch of Downing Street to coordinate government departments. Heseltine reflects on his own work in Liverpool’s regeneration as a model for empowering local economies and urges Burnham to avoid policies pushed by party extremists. He expresses sympathy for Keir Starmer’s challenges managing global crises and emphasizes the demanding nature of national leadership.

Residents of Canella Drive in Norris Green report years of fear caused by anti-social behaviour at an unsecured electricity substation site after fencing blew down. Older tenants describe intimidation, vandalism and fly‑tipping, expressing frustration over unclear responsibility for repairs. The land belongs to Liverpool City Council while the substation is owned by Last Mile, with the council stating it is pressing the company to act. MP Dan Carden and housing provider Torus urge swift action to secure the area and restore safety for local residents.

Liverpool City Region plans to bring Merseyrail services into public ownership when the current contract ends in 2028, aiming to create an integrated transport network combining trains, buses and ferries. Mayor Steve Rotheram argues the change will simplify travel, improve connections and allow reinvestment in services. The proposal follows the region’s decision to bring buses under public control and forms part of a wider transformation of local transport infrastructure.

Nigel Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton while confirming he will stand in the resulting by‑election, framing the contest as a fight against the establishment. The move follows investigations into his undeclared £5m gift from donor Christopher Harborne and scrutiny over past support from George Cottrell. Opposition parties call for further inquiries as Farage criticises media coverage, particularly reporting involving his family. Reform UK’s recent electoral gains and political pressures surrounding national leadership changes form the broader backdrop.

Former Knowsley MP Sir George Howarth has died at 77, prompting warm tributes highlighting his decades of public service, integrity and dedication to the community. Serving nearly forty years in Parliament, he held ministerial roles in the Home Office and Northern Ireland Office and was recognised with a knighthood and Privy Council membership. Current MP Anneliese Midgley praised his commitment to Knowsley, his work supporting peace in Northern Ireland and his advocacy for diabetes awareness following the loss of his daughter. Tributes across Parliament reflected his reputation for decency, experience and steadfast public duty.

Rough sleeping in Liverpool has risen sharply, with government figures showing a 59% increase from 2025 to 2026. Individuals living on the streets describe traumatic experiences, barriers to accessing accommodation and support, and the dangers they face daily. Limited availability of social housing, long waiting lists and broader economic pressures are cited as major drivers of the crisis. Those affected consistently highlight that securing stable accommodation is essential to rebuilding their lives, yet many have lost hope amid prolonged waits and insufficient intervention.

Vandalism forced the closure of Sefton Park’s playground after significant damage to flooring and equipment, prompting frustration from families and calls for long‑term improvements. A local parent expressed disappointment but hoped the disruption would accelerate long‑discussed renovations. Liverpool City Council confirmed the closure, cited ongoing investment in city playground upgrades, and appealed for information about the vandalism.

A design and build partner has been appointed for Liverpool’s Pall Mall regeneration project, marking major progress toward delivering new Grade A office space, retail space and a new green area on the former Bixteth Street Gardens site. Backed by government investment through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the scheme aims to transform the area into a leading commercial destination. Liverpool City Council, working with Kier Property and VINCI Construction, expects the project to support business growth, job creation and long-term economic development, with further details to follow.

Residents across Liverpool express mixed views on Andy Burnham’s plans as he prepares to become Prime Minister, with some praising his optimism and proposals for northern investment while others question his credibility, experience and focus on Manchester. Opinions vary on his ‘Number 10 North’ idea, with supporters seeing potential for job growth and critics dismissing it as superficial. Burnham’s northern identity and political values draw both enthusiasm and scepticism as he readies to take office.

Mersey Ferries resumed service after a five‑day suspension caused by a technical fault affecting the Snowdrop ferry, the only operational vessel following the Royal Iris’s retirement. Merseytravel and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority provided replacement transport and updates while engineers completed engine maintenance and testing. A new ferry, the £26m Royal Daffodil, is expected to enter service soon, reducing future disruption risk.

Commuter and river explorer ferry services on the Mersey were suspended for five days due to a technical fault affecting the Snowdrop, the only operational vessel following the retirement of the Royal Iris. Merseytravel and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority confirmed engineers carried out maintenance and tests, allowing services to resume. A replacement bus and rail ticket acceptance were provided during the disruption. A new vessel, the Royal Daffodil, is undergoing sea tests and is expected to enter service soon, reducing future vulnerability to single‑vessel failures.

Andy Burnham sets out a reform-focused vision centered on devolving power away from Westminster, promising a major rebalancing of political authority, improved access to housing and education, and a government presence based in the north. Speaking in Manchester, he emphasizes his northern roots and cites the challenges of fragmented national politics while warning of electoral pressure from Reform UK. His message stresses fairness, structural change and revitalised governance, aiming to broaden appeal nationwide while maintaining a commitment to regional empowerment.

Andy Burnham outlines plans for major constitutional and economic reform, centred on creating a new Prime Minister’s office in Manchester as part of a wider shift of power from Westminster to the regions. He commits to a decade-long mission to raise living standards, expand council house building, reform utilities, support reindustrialisation and regenerate communities. His proposals emphasise public intervention, renewed technical education, reformed procurement favouring British industry and nationwide rollout of Housing First, framing the agenda as a break from decades of centralisation and stagnation.

Andy Burnham set out plans to create a northern Prime Minister’s office in Manchester if he succeeds Keir Starmer, aiming to shift power away from Whitehall and promote regional decision-making. In a speech focused on devolution and economic intervention, he outlined a vision of “Manchesterism,” emphasising bottom‑up growth, strong local governance and investment in universities, technology and infrastructure. Surrounded by regional leaders, Burnham pledged the largest rebalancing of power in UK history and committed to pushing Whitehall to support devolved authorities.