'I don't know what the future holds': Burnham refuses to rule out Starmer challenge

Keir Starmer has defended his trip to South Africa for the G20 summit, which takes place just days before the budget announcement. The Prime Minister aims to secure investment to address the cost of living crisis and bolster support for Ukraine. His attendance comes despite the absence of Donald Trump, who has chosen to boycott the summit.

An inquiry into the UK government's handling of the Covid pandemic has revealed significant delays and inaction under Boris Johnson's leadership. Bereaved families expressed devastation over the lives that could have been saved with different leadership. Keir Starmer defended the government's decision to delay a review of educational provisions for students with special needs, emphasizing the need for thorough consultation.

Cabinet ministers have condemned allegations of racism against Nigel Farage from his teenage years as 'repulsive.' Approximately 20 individuals have come forward, claiming to have witnessed or experienced Farage's behavior. Liz Kendall expressed her shock at the reported accounts, while Keir Starmer has called for Farage to address these serious claims.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has unveiled a £1 billion growth plan aimed at pioneering a new model for economic growth in the region over the next decade. This initiative reflects the city's ambition to innovate and enhance its economic landscape.

Labour has implemented significant changes to the UK's immigration rules within just four days, extending the period for asylum seekers to gain settled status from five to ten years. However, the details of these changes suggest a much stricter approach, raising concerns among various stakeholders about the implications for asylum seekers and their families.

The UK government has stated it will take the necessary time to finalize new rules regarding access to single-sex spaces, following concerns raised by a leaked guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The guidance, submitted in September, outlines how public bodies and service providers should respond to a recent supreme court ruling on biological sex. The EHRC's outgoing chair has urged for prompt approval of the guidance by the equalities minister.

Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, has stated that he is currently focused on his role but has not ruled out the possibility of challenging Starmer for leadership in the future. His comments suggest uncertainty regarding his political ambitions.

Welsh Labour is facing significant challenges in regaining voter confidence following the recent by-election in Caerphilly. The party's credibility is under scrutiny as it prepares for the upcoming 2026 Senedd election, with many voters expressing disillusionment with Labour's leadership and policies.