Starmer Resigns, Burnham Poised for Downing Street
Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister on June 22, 2026, after losing the confidence of his parliamentary party. In a speech outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer acknowledged the party's decision and accepted it with good grace, fighting back tears as he paid tribute to his family. The resignation paves the way for Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, to become the UK's seventh Prime Minister in just over a decade.
Burnham's Farewell to Manchester
Earlier that day, Burnham bid farewell to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, where he served as mayor for nine years. The event at the Tootal Buildings saw standing room only, with deputy mayor Kate Green and chief executive Caroline Simpson among attendees. Staff also watched online. Burnham received a Manchester-themed chair as a parting gift, which he described as the best leaving present possible.
Sworn in as Makerfield MP
Burnham then traveled to Westminster, where he was sworn in as the new MP for Makerfield. Upon his arrival in the Commons, Tory veteran Sir Desmond Swayne heckled, 'Rome is saved!' Burnham's supporters hope his leadership will bring stability after a tumultuous period in British politics.
Northern Quarter Fightback
Meanwhile, in Manchester's Northern Quarter, residents and businesses are battling escalating anti-social behavior, drug dealing, and violence. Jason Carr, operations manager at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre, reported intravenous drug taking, dealing, and even two dead bodies outside the building over the past four years. Greater Manchester Police and the council have launched a crackdown, with a recent action day leading to arrests.
IRA Bomb Suspect Named
Thirty years after the IRA bomb in Manchester, the Manchester Evening News has exclusively named one of the prime suspects as Cyril McGuinness, a Dublin-born businessman and convicted criminal who died in 2019 at Stepping Hill Hospital. Survivor Steve Cope, who was injured in the blast, emphasized the lasting trauma: 'It wasn't for me and the other poor b******* who were there. I live with it every day.'
Parklife Festival Returns
Parklife Festival returned to Heaton Park for 2026, with tens of thousands in attendance. Calvin Harris headlined with his first Parklife set since 2010, closing the festival with a spectacular performance. The event was covered extensively by the Manchester Evening News, with photos and highlights available on their dedicated Parklife page.
Weather and Travel
Tuesday is forecast to be sunny and rather hot, reaching 33°C. Road closures include the A57 Snake Pass until July 3, the A58 Gerard Street in Ashton-in-Makerfield until November 22, and the A671 Rochdale Road in Royton until January 29, 2027.
