Sir Keir Starmer will seek to regain control of the political agenda on Thursday with a series of announcements on the cost of living and empowering local communities, as Westminster remains fixated on the upcoming Makerfield by-election and the potential leadership challenge from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
By-election and leadership speculation
The Makerfield by-election, now confirmed for June 18, has sparked intense speculation about Mr Burnham's intentions. Allies of the mayor have suggested he may not launch an immediate bid for the top job if he returns to Westminster. Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell, who supported his previous bid to contest a by-election in Gorton and Denton, told LBC she did not expect that was what Mr Burnham was coming in to do. However, a contest is widely anticipated after Mr Burnham's call for a 'new path' and his promise to 'change Labour'.
This expectation has led to conjecture over the policies Mr Burnham would pursue in Downing Street, including reports that he could continue with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plan to significantly extend the time immigrants must wait to receive permanent residency. Mr Burnham's team declined to comment on reports in the Guardian that he would support the proposal to increase the wait for indefinite leave to remain from five years to between 10 and 20 years.
Government policy focus
Away from the by-election, ministers will seek to move on from speculation about Sir Keir's future with a focus on policy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce plans to cut tariffs on certain food products to mitigate the impact of the Iran war. She will also announce the introduction of free bus travel for children during August, following the Government's decision to postpone a rise in fuel duty planned for September.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed will use a speech on Thursday to set out proposals to give local communities more power over their areas. His proposals include minimum standards for services such as pothole repairs and street cleaning, as well as powers to limit the number of vape shops and gambling businesses on high streets.
Campaigning continues
Meanwhile, campaigning will continue in Makerfield, where Mr Burnham faces Reform UK's Robert Kenyon, who contested the seat in 2024, and Conservative Michael Winstanley, who last stood in the constituency in 1997. The Green Party and the Liberal Democrats are yet to announce their candidates.
