The release of the second tranche of documents regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador has been postponed until at least next month, according to MPs. The government faces mounting pressure to disclose all relevant files. Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, accused the government of obstructing investigations into the appointment.
Burnham Confirmed for Makerfield By-Election
Andy Burnham has been officially selected as Labour's candidate for the upcoming by-election in Makerfield, Greater Manchester. This move is part of his strategy to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as party leader. New polling by YouGov indicates that 59% of Labour members would back Burnham in a leadership contest, compared to 37% for Starmer.
Starmer Allies Warn of Corbyn Return
Allies of Sir Keir have cautioned that Burnham could pave the way for the return of former leader Jeremy Corbyn, who was expelled in 2024 over antisemitism allegations. A Starmer ally described the by-election as an unnecessary risk.
Government Accused of Obstruction
Dame Emily Thornberry expressed disappointment over the government's response to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). She stated, "It is very important that the public know that we are learning from mistakes, and we cannot know those lessons have been learned unless they are checked. The committees are trying to get to the truth, and we are having obstacles put in our way." Chief Secretary Darren Jones confirmed that raw data from interviews with Mandelson would not be shared, as is standard practice.
Candidates Announced for Makerfield
Several parties have declared candidates for the Makerfield by-election, expected to be a tight race between Labour and Reform UK. Confirmed candidates include:
- Andy Burnham (Labour)
- Robert Kenyon (Reform UK)
- Rebecca Shepherd (Restore Britain)
- Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope (Monster Raving Loony Party)
The Conservatives, Greens, and Liberal Democrats have yet to name their candidates but have confirmed they will stand.
Labour MPs Push to Scrap Migration Reforms
Labour MPs are expected to use an anticipated drop in net migration to pressure the Home Office into reversing further immigration reforms.
Defence Secretary Warns of Credibility Crisis
Defence Secretary John Healey warned that Labour's credibility in government is at stake. He said, "We must not lose sight of the duty people gave us in 2024. The very credibility of Labour in government is at stake. We must get serious. It's not about us, but the interests of the country." Healey also acknowledged that Labour has "turned in on ourselves" over a tough 10 days, marked by losses in local elections.
Other Developments
Former Welsh Labour leader called for Starmer to step down. MPs rejected a Tory amendment to allow new oil and gas field exploration, with the government reaffirming its commitment to clean energy. Key figures in the Blue Labour faction have instead backed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for leader, dealing a blow to Burnham.
