BBC Politics
Faisal Islam: Burnham seeks to calm markets by committing to fiscal rules
Andy Burnham has moved to reassure financial markets by reaffirming his commitment to fiscal rules, a calculated signal that Labour's left flank can be trusted on economic discipline. The intervention comes as Burnham juggles broader political pressures, including the closely watched Makerfield by-election. The move reflects growing awareness among senior Labour figures that market confidence is now as much a political battleground as a financial one.
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John Swinney wins vote to be re-appointed first minister
John Swinney has secured a fresh mandate as Scotland's First Minister after winning a Holyrood vote, paving the way for his formal swearing-in on Wednesday. The SNP leader will then turn his attention to assembling a new cabinet. The appointment marks a consolidation of his leadership as the party navigates a challenging political landscape.
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Swinney defends food prices policy ahead of first minister vote
Scotland's SNP leader John Swinney is defending his party's proposed price cap on basic foodstuffs as he faces a first minister vote, insisting the policy is not designed to provoke a constitutional clash with Westminster. The move would place limits on the cost of essential groceries, a politically charged pledge aimed at addressing the cost-of-living crisis. How the policy would interact with reserved powers remains a central question as Swinney seeks to consolidate his leadership.
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More than 60 Labour MPs call for review of UK voting system
More than 60 Labour MPs have signed a letter calling for a formal review of the UK's first-past-the-post voting system, which they argue no longer serves British democracy. The push marks a significant internal pressure point for a government elected under the very system its own backbenchers want to scrap. With electoral reform historically a third-rail issue for Labour leaderships, the rebellion signals growing momentum for proportional representation within the parliamentary party.
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Andy Burnham vows to ‘change Labour’ in direct challenge to Keir Starmer
Andy Burnham is positioning himself as a reformist force within Labour, vowing to "change the party" as he prepares to contest the Makerfield byelection. The Greater Manchester mayor is framing the campaign as a vehicle for national pressure on Keir Starmer, arguing Labour must shift course to rebuild trust with disillusioned voters. It is a rare open challenge from within the party's ranks, and one that sets up a potential leadership collision down the line.
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