Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed he will personally campaign for Andy Burnham in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, describing the contest as a “straight fight between Labour and Reform.” Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Starmer urged unity within the Labour movement, stressing the importance of pulling together in the campaign.
In other developments, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a temporary VAT cut to 5% on summer attractions such as theme parks and soft play centres during school holidays, aimed at easing household financial pressures amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. Separately, official figures showed net migration to the UK fell by nearly 50% to 171,000 last year, a boost for the government.
Controversy emerged over the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy, with the government admitting formal security vetting and due diligence were not carried out before his role. It was also revealed the late queen had been “very keen” for her son to take up the position.
Former health secretary Wes Streeting outlined plans for a “wealth tax that works,” proposing equal taxation on assets and income. Meanwhile, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published updated guidance on single-sex spaces, clarifying that under the Equality Act, sex refers to biological sex following a Supreme Court ruling.
The Green Party announced its candidate for Makerfield, Chris Kennedy, has withdrawn “for personal and family reasons.” The party said it would reopen nominations and continue campaigning to offer voters a real choice in the byelection.
