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  • PRESS RELEASE : Adults locked out of learning to access education with new reform [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Adults locked out of learning to access education with new reform [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 15 May 2026.

    Government announces first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer new bite-sized courses, with applications opening this September.

    Adults balancing responsibilities such as work and childcare will now have a new route into university and college thanks to radical reforms to create a new, more flexible student finance system.

    From September 2026, for the first time ever people will be able to access student finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses, known as “modules”, as well as traditional university degrees. 

    Today the government has confirmed the first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer the new smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September. 

    The change is part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, as set out in the government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year, with people now able to see the universities and colleges across the country where they will be able to use the new funding system.

    Traditionally, higher and further education has been built around full-time degrees and qualifications taken straight after school or college. But that doesn’t work for the many people who need to fit study around life commitments or want to return to learning later down the line to upskill.

    The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a rigid three-year full-time degree in one go, which previously locked thousands of people out of learning. 

    The modules on offer will focus on subjects that will tackle skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.

    These plans are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two‑thirds of young people are in a gold‑standard apprenticeship, higher training or university by the age of 25, helping to close skills gaps, cut the number of young people not in education, employment or training, and drive economic growth as part of our national renewal. 

    Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

    Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course, or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance in any stage of life.

    Whether it’s fitting study around a job, retraining for a completely new career, juggling childcare, or getting qualifications later in life, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will open up new opportunities for thousands more people to build the careers they want and get on in life.

    Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.

    Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160. 

    This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives. 

    Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs and funding will be provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied, rather than only through full academic years.

    People who already have a degree may still be able to access the new funding, either if they have remaining student finance available in their pot or want to retrain in certain priority subject areas. 

    Alex Stanley, National Union of Students Vice President said:

    Everyone should be able to study in the way that works best for them. For some that is going to university at 18, for others a changing job market might mean getting new qualifications at 40.

    We welcome the flexibility that the Lifelong Learning Entitlement allows, especially through the modular study. Higher education plays a vital role in our society, and we hope that this funding shift will allow more people study, gain new qualifications and invest in their future.

    Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of The Open University, said:

    As pioneers of flexible learning, The Open University has long focused on reaching learners where and how they need to study. The Lifelong Learning Entitlement provides a real opportunity to deliver a post-18 education system for the 21st Century, one that better reflects how people, live learn and work today.

    It has the potential to truly stimulate lifelong learning, by enabling institutions to build more flexible, modular pathways both into and through higher education, enabling people to train, retrain and upskill throughout their lives.

    Realising that potential will depend on ensuring the system works in practice for learners, employers, and further and higher education providers alike and require providers to challenge themselves as to what the future could look like.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to secure British borders to be agreed by Foreign Ministers in Moldova this week [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Reforms to secure British borders to be agreed by Foreign Ministers in Moldova this week [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 15 May 2026.

    The Foreign Secretary visits Chisinau to agree a more modern interpretation of the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR).

    • The UK will be able to take stronger action against illegal migration as Council of Europe Foreign Ministers, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, are set to agree an updated interpretation of Articles 3 and 8 of the ECHR today
    • The UK has led diplomatic efforts alongside like-minded partners over recent months, securing support for a principled and international approach to restoring order and control to the immigration system – whilst reaffirming shared commitment to ECHR as a vital protection for people’s rights in uncertain times 
    • New declaration set to support ambitious domestic efforts to restore order and control, including cracking down on individuals exploiting the system to avoid deportation 

    A more modern interpretation of the European Convention for Human Rights (ECHR) – which will help courts in the UK ensure that serious criminals are not able to avoid deportation – is expected to be agreed today in Chisinau, Moldova by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Attorney General, and fellow Foreign Ministers.

    The UK has been leading the debate across Europe, working with partners to reform the way the ECHR is interpreted to support prompt removals of those who have committed serious crimes or have exploited the system. If agreed, this collective agreement will demonstrate the success of UK diplomacy – and will provide clear evidence that a principled and international approach to combatting illegal migration can achieve change.

    The declaration is expected to help courts interpret how the ECHR is applied, ensuring that serious criminals are not able to exploit the system to frustrate their deportation and extradition, and ensuring that family rights under Article 8 are properly balanced against the public interest – including the ability of countries to be able to deport foreign criminals and address national security threats.

    The Foreign Secretary will attend the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Moldova to finalise the Political Declaration with Council of Europe ministers, which will support the UK’s ability to pursue wider reforms to restore order and control to its borders.

    The UK has led the push to modernise how the ECHR is interpreted throughout her time in government, launching a review of Articles 3 and 8 last year as Home Secretary, and driving engagement with European partners to ensure the Convention can adapt to solve the significant and complex migration challenges across the continent.

    She will tell the Council that the Convention is immensely important to European security and rights, but that the way it is interpreted must reflect the real challenges to domestic and border security that nations face today. 

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:  

    We have been working with neighbours across Europe to ensure that countries can take strong action against illegal migration, control borders, uphold the rule of law and respect international standards.

    The ECHR has protected democracy, human rights and the rule of law across Europe for 75 years. To ensure this continues, we need a common-sense approach that reflects the realities of today.

    We want to ensure that immigration systems can’t be unfairly gamed to prevent foreign criminals or those accused of crimes abroad being lawfully returned.

    We need a strong, principled, international approach to tackling illegal immigration.

    The UK will continue to build the partnerships abroad that make us stronger at home.

    Attorney General, Richard Hermer, said:

    The ECHR delivers meaningful protections for ordinary people in Britain and across Europe. The Convention is 75 years old, but it has never been static – it has shown its ability to adapt and to respond to new challenges.

    That is why this country is proud to be part of a process to work with colleagues across the continent to modernise how the ECHR works, including how to protect our borders in the national interest, to ensure the Convention endures for another 75 years and beyond.

    Furthering a manifesto promise, the Foreign Secretary, alongside over thirty-five of her counterparts, will confirm to the Council that the UK is committed to the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and pushing forward action to operationalise this unique judicial body to prosecute those responsible for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including those who may be sitting within the Kremlin. 

    The Council of Europe has also announced important work to tackle foreign information manipulation and interference. The Foreign Secretary will welcome the Council’s approach and highlight the importance of joint work to tackle hybrid and information threats. 

    Earlier this week, the Foreign Secretary announced some of the UK’s toughest action to date targeting Russia’s information warfare campaigns through sanctions hitting over fifty individuals and entities who are sowing pro-Kremlin narratives abroad in flagrant attempts to destabilise Ukraine and undermine European elections, including most recently in Armenia. 

    Notes to Editors:

    • Landmark legislation announced in this week’s King’s Speech [13 May] will bring into effect the main reforms announced in Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s Restoring Order and Control statement last November – the most significant in a generation. The Immigration and Asylum Bill will deliver radical reform to reduce pull factors driving illegal migration and increase the removal of those with no right to be here.  
    • To restore order and control to the immigration system and ensure it operates fairly and effectively, the legislation will tighten the application of Article 8 of the ECHR to prevent gaming of the system and ensure that the public interest carries proper weight in immigration decisions.
  • PRESS RELEASE : 13 new bathing sites open across England helping communities and waterways [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : 13 new bathing sites open across England helping communities and waterways [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 14 May 2026.

    Designated sites include first-ever site on the River Thames in London.

    Today (Friday 15 May) 13 new bathing sites open across the country, helping to restore pride in local areas, giving a boost to outdoor and swimming groups, and protecting cherished rivers and beaches.   

    The sites, including the first-ever on the River Thames in London, have now officially received designated status as the bathing water season begins.    

    The 13 new sites take the total to over 460 bathing waters, covering nearly every coastal county in England as well as several more inland swimming spots.   

    They will be rigorously and regularly tested by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season meaning swimmers are better informed about water quality, and can swim with greater confidence.   

    The designations follow a public consultation with each site receiving overwhelming public support, with 90% of responders in favour of designation and a record number endorsing the Ham & Kingston site.   

    The Government’s commitment to improving water quality and expanding monitoring is delivering clear results for swimmers and the environment, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’.    

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:    

    The introduction of these new bathing sites means better monitoring of our waterways, a boost for local tourism, and greater confidence for local swimmers.    

    Following years of indifference towards bathing waters, this government has expanded the number of sites as part of our overhaul of the water sector.   

    We’re committed to generational reform of our water industry and won’t stop until the job is done.

    The Environment Agency regularly monitors water quality at designated bathing water sites and assesses whether action is needed to cut pollution levels – working with local communities, farmers, and water companies to improve water quality at these locations.  

    What that means is environmental officers on site every week at each of these locations throughout the summer, taking and assessing water samples, and publishing that information online for the benefit of swimmers.  

    Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:  

    The growing number of designations across the country reflects the importance communities place in their local environment and water quality.  

    If you’re planning on going open water swimming this summer, I’d advise everyone to get informed – checking water quality and conditions before you go.  

    Across the bathing water season, Environment Agency teams will be out conducting over 7000 tests across over 460 locations. Through strong regulation and the right data, we will continue to drive improvements to bathing water quality, working closely with local partners to direct investment and target action in the right places.

    The filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch in Bridport, Dorset is another confirmed bathing water site. Government will also provide funding towards signage to ensure people have clear access to these new sites.  

    Sites also play a vital role in connecting people with nature – bringing important social and health benefits and helping towns prosper through increased tourism, delivering on the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed.   

    These new designations come alongside recent changes to the bathing water regulations that will modernise the system, helping to ensure it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches.  

    Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming, with 87% rated as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms will allow us to move away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach to better reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.    

    This announcement is in line with the upcoming Clean Water Bill, announced this week in the King’s Speech, which will continue momentum on once‑in‑a‑generation reforms to end weak oversight, stop water companies marking their own homework and restore public trust.  

    Supportive quotes: 

    Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban said:  

    The announcement of the first-ever river swimming site on the River Thames in London is a moment of celebration for Londoners and highlights the role of community groups in helping to make London’s rivers and waterways cleaner and more accessible spaces.  

    There is still more work to be done, and the Mayor and I are committed to improving water quality in all the capital’s waterways. This is why we are launching the Clean and Healthy Waterways plan in the summer to ensure they are safe and welcoming spaces for all, as we continue to build a better, greener London for everyone.

    Ben Seal, Head of Access & Environment, Paddle UK said:  

    The designation of these 13 new bathing sites, is another positive step forward in protecting our precious waters. For the millions of people who love being in, on, and beside the water, access to safe, regularly monitored blue space is vital. This expansion ensures that more communities can be better informed when choosing where and when to access the water. Furthermore, the overwhelming public demand for these new designated sites just proves how passionate the public is about being and being active in blue spaces.  

    Together, the increase in designated bathing water sites and the Clean Water Bill represent a historic opportunity to secure healthy, pollution-free waters for everyone to enjoy.

    Marlene Lawrence, Leader and Founder of the Teddington Bluetits chill swimmers, said:   

    We are absolutely delighted to have achieved Bathing Water status for the Thames at Ham and Kingston.  The river is widely used by all ages to swim, row, paddle and sail, and it is wonderful to have such a natural resource to use to enhance our health and mental well-being.   

    With water testing throughout the bathing water season, I really want to encourage more people to enjoy leisure time in and on the Thames here.

    Notes to editors:  

    Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).  

    The confirmed sites include:    

    1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals   
    2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty   
    3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.     
    4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.    
    5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II   
    6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.    
    7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows   
    8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town   
    9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps   
    10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney   
    11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, London’s first river bathing site on the Thames   
    12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary   
    13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports   

    The Bathing Water Regulations were updated in November 2025, introducing changes that prioritise public safety and water quality. We are now working towards implementing the reforms. The Bathing Water Reforms include:    

    • removing the automatic de-designation of sites that have been classified as ‘poor’ for five years running. Now waters with the potential to recover aren’t abandoned prematurely.  
    • prior to designation, consideration will now be given to the feasibility of a site’s ability to achieve the “sufficient” standard, as well as any known significant risks to the physical safety of bathers arising from the site, and wider environmental impacts.  
    • opportunity for flexible, site‑specific bathing seasons, allowing monitoring to align with when people actually use the water.
  • NEWS STORY : James Murray Appointed Health Secretary After Streeting Resignation

    NEWS STORY : James Murray Appointed Health Secretary After Streeting Resignation

    STORY

    James Murray has been appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care following the resignation of Wes Streeting from the Government. Downing Street said the King had approved Murray’s appointment as part of a small ministerial reshuffle announced on 14 May. Streeting, who had served as Health Secretary, has left the Government after saying he had lost confidence in Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

    Murray takes over one of the most politically sensitive jobs in Government, with the NHS still central to Labour’s claim that it can deliver change in office. His appointment comes shortly after the Government pointed to improvements in waiting lists, ambulance response times and NHS productivity, figures that both Starmer and Streeting had cited as evidence of progress before Streeting’s departure.

    The new Health Secretary will inherit a demanding policy agenda, including the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, reforms to social care, the National Cancer Plan and further work on mental health, maternity care and life sciences. Starmer said in his reply to Streeting that those programmes were part of the difference a Labour Government was making, but the change at the top of the department creates immediate pressure for Murray to show continuity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the Multinational Military Mission for the Strait of Hormuz [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 May 2026.

    Joint statement from the United Kingdom, France, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Sweden.

    Following the Leaders’ Level Summit co-chaired by the UK and France on 17 April, the UK, France, and partners affirm their commitment to using collective diplomatic, economic, and military capabilities to support freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Navigation must be free, as per the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and international law.   

    On 12 May 2026, the United Kingdom and France convened Defence Ministers and representatives from 38 nations to announce their political support to an independent and strictly defensive multinational military mission.  

    In consultation with relevant states and the maritime industry, this mission will support civilian shipping, provide reassurance to commercial shipping operators, and conduct mine clearance operations. Operations will only commence in a permissive environment and in full accordance with international law and national constitutions.  

    The mission will be distinct from any other military campaign and will maintain clear channels of communication and deconfliction with all relevant states and partners. The mission will complement ongoing diplomatic engagement and de-escalation efforts – which remain the primary focus – while demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade.  

    In readiness for operations commencing when the environment is permissive we, the undersigned states, announce our political support for the Mission. Noting there will be necessary national caveats and parliamentary procedures. We encourage further contributions.

  • Keir Starmer – 2026 Letter to Wes Streeting Following his Resignation

    Keir Starmer – 2026 Letter to Wes Streeting Following his Resignation

    The letter sent by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, to Wes Streeting on 14 May 2026.

    Dear Wes,

    Thank you for your letter. I am very sorry that you have stepped down from Government. We have worked together for many years and I want to thank you for all your hard work in helping to get us back into Government and for all that you have achieved as Health Secretary.

    When we came into Government the NHS was on its knees. Almost two years on, the statistics published today are a result of your work and determination and that of the whole of the NHS. Thanks to the choices we made to stabilise our economy, invest in our public services and reform the NHS, hospital waiting lists have been cut. Patients are now waiting less time for hospital appointments, ambulances are arriving sooner, the NHS is more productive, and people’s experience of healthcare is improving. The NHS is back on its feet.

    Alongside these performance improvements, you and your team have set out an ambitious policy agenda. The 10 Year Health Plan will modernise the NHS and wider health system. The Casey Commission and Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care puts us on a path to a National Care Service we can be proud of. Alongside this, the National Cancer Plan, HIV Action Plan, National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, and Life Sciences Sector Plan are all ambitious pieces of work. The Tobacco and Vapes Act will save lives, and the Mental Health Act will improve lives.

    This is the difference a Labour government makes. This is the change we are delivering.

    Last week’s local election results were extremely tough. I know many colleagues saw good friends lose seats. Everyone in our party is acutely aware that our opponents are more dangerous than ever before. They are a real threat to the values we care about, to the communities we represent and to the country we love.

    It is incumbent on all of us to rise to what I see as a battle for the soul of our nation. As part of that we must deliver on all of the promises we made to the country, including our promise to turn the page on the chaos that was roundly rejected by the British people at the last general election.

    I am truly sorry you will no longer be sat at the Cabinet table helping to transform our National Health Service. But I have no doubt you will continue to play an important role in our party for many years to come. I hope we can work together to show that Labour in power can address the problems our opponents exploit, can install hope where they want despair, and can bring people together where they want division.

    All best wishes,

    The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

  • PRESS RELEASE : More children eligible for eGates in boost for families this summer [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : More children eligible for eGates in boost for families this summer [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Home Office on 15 May 2026.

    Access to UK eGates expanding to children aged 8 and 9 years.

    Up to 1.5 million more children will soon be able to use UK eGates, speeding up journeys for them and their families this summer.

    Children aged 8 and 9 years, who are at least 120cm (3ft 11in) tall and accompanied by an adult will become eligible under plans announced today (14 May 2026).

    The age limit change will help families returning from their holidays with young children.

    Millions of passengers already use UK eGates each year.

    Based on 2025 UK arrival figures, an estimated 1.5 million more children will be eligible to pass through eGates with their families over the next year as a result of the age change.

    And there won’t be long for families to wait.

    The expanded access is set to begin from Wednesday 8 July 2026, covering more than 290 eGates in UK and juxtaposed ports (where border checks take place in Europe).

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said:

    Travel with young children can be stressful for parents.    

    By expanding eGate access, more families can experience a swifter and smoother journey home – freeing up precious time this summer holiday season. 

    We are delivering continued improvement to the passenger experience, while keeping our borders safe and secure.

    Border Force Director General, Phil Douglas said:

    eGates are an essential part of keeping our border secure.

    Expanding access for families will deliver safe, smooth journeys whilst freeing up highly-skilled officers to focus on intercepting those who pose a threat to the UK.

    Karen Dee, Chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said:

    This is a welcome development as it will give more families the ability to take advantage of this technology, speeding up the border process and reducing waiting times for many.

    Airports work very hard with border authorities to ensure the UK’s front door is both secure and welcoming, with those coming home and visiting enjoying a smooth experience.

     Patricia Yates, chief executive of Visit Britain said:

    We want to provide a world-class experience for the millions of visitors who travel here every year.

    Expanding eGate access boosts our competitive tourism offer and our message of welcome, inspiring even more visitors and families to book a trip to Britain this summer and beyond.

    Using an eGate typically takes just minutes.

    And with more people using eGates, this should also reduce queue times for those going through passport control.

    The announcement is the latest step in UK border transformation, delivering smooth journeys for passengers and protecting border security.

    As of February, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme has been enforced, providing a fuller picture of those seeking to come to the UK.

    Almost 25 million (24.8 million) ETAs have been issued since their introduction. The ETA scheme takes us one step closer to a contactless border.

    Contactless border will see state‑of‑the‑art facial comparison technology verify identity, rather than needing to present a passport. This is all whilst keeping our country’s borders secure.

  • PRESS RELEASE – Manor of Northstead (Stephen Mark Flynn) [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE – Manor of Northstead (Stephen Mark Flynn) [May 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 15 May 2026.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Stephen Mark Flynn to be Steward and Bailiff of the Manor of Northstead.

  • PRESS RELEASE – Three Hundreds of Chiltern (Stephen Patrick Gethins) – May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE – Three Hundreds of Chiltern (Stephen Patrick Gethins) – May 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 14 May 2026.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer has this day appointed Stephen Patrick Gethins to be Steward and Bailiff of the Three Hundreds of Chiltern.

  • NEWS STORY : Josh Simons to Quit as MP to Give Andy Burnham Route Back to Parliament

    NEWS STORY : Josh Simons to Quit as MP to Give Andy Burnham Route Back to Parliament

    STORY

    Labour MP Josh Simons has announced he will stand down from Parliament to allow Andy Burnham to contest a by-election in Makerfield, giving the Greater Manchester mayor a potential route back to Westminster during Labour’s leadership crisis.

    Simons, who was elected as MP for Makerfield in 2024, said he was standing aside so Burnham could “return to his home” and seek election to Parliament. Burnham, who currently serves as mayor of Greater Manchester, has confirmed he will ask Labour’s National Executive Committee for permission to stand as the party’s candidate in the by-election.

    The move is politically significant because Burnham cannot stand for the Labour leadership unless he is an MP. He has been widely discussed as a possible successor to Sir Keir Starmer, whose position has come under intense pressure after Labour’s poor local election results and a series of ministerial resignations.

    Makerfield is not without risk for Labour. Simons won the seat in 2024 with a majority of 5,399 over Reform UK, and Nigel Farage has said Reform would put major resources into the contest. A Burnham victory would strengthen his claim to be a national Labour figure again, while a narrow result or defeat would be a damaging blow to his leadership prospects.