Andy Burnham plotting to return to Westminster 'within weeks' amid surge in support

Ed Griffiths
Fri, 01 May 2026 06:55:24 +0000

Andy Burnham is reportedly plotting his return to Westminster "within weeks" amid a surge in support.

The Greater Manchester mayor is understood to be exploring byelections in which he can stand as a route into the Commons before mounting a leadership challenge.

Labour allies have reported to the Guardian that the plan will commence "within weeks".

Sir Keir Starmer's allies previously had blocked the Labour leadership contender from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

One major concern was the Greater Manchester mayor role, which Mr Burnham’s team is now said to have lined up an "impressive" candidate to plug the gap.

The Prime Minister faces another potentially devastating week as he braces for a Labour wipeout in the upcoming 2026 Local Elections.

Nigel Farage looks poised to hoover up 1,550 seats, with a turquoise tsunami sweeping over councils outside of London.

Meanwhile, Zack Polanski’s Green Party is expected to sweep up a new set of predominantly urban seats with net gains of 500.

It was reported that Angela Rayner is considering a leadership challenge immediately after the local elections, with Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, also widely seen as a favourite for the next Prime Minister.

Allies of Mr Burnham claim he plans to outline a "radical rewiring" of the state in the coming weeks, including sweeping changes to the electoral system and a 10-year growth plan.

Green Party turn on Zack Polanski over 'inappropriate' and 'divisive' repost

Zack Polanski has faced a backlash from fellow Green Party politicians over his “inappropriate" and "divisive” repost about the police's response to a stabbing attack in North London.

Mr Polanski retweeted a post on X criticising police officers for using force on a suspect in Golders Green after two Jewish people were stabbed.

Senior figures within the Greens have now turned on Polanski, with Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter distancing himself publicly during a live Senedd Election debate.

Mr Slaughter refused to defend Mr Polanski, instead describing the retweet as "inappropriate”.

Former Green Party deputy leader Shahrar Ali went further by accusing Mr Polanski of failing to stand with the Jewish community at a time when it was "under siege like never before”.

The fury came shortly after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley last night penned an open letter to Mr Polanski.

Sir Mark warned the Green leader risked "inflaming tensions" and amplifying "us-and-them rhetoric".

He has since apologised.

Liberal Democrats accuse Zack Polanski of 'non-apology' amid Golders Green police row

Zack Polanski has faced further criticism over his response to the Golders Green arrest.

The Liberal Democrats accused the Green leader of making a "cynical non-apology" when he apologised earlier today.

The party's home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP said: "It says a lot that when everyone else has been standing in solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community as a whole, his instinct was to attack the police officers who are keeping us safe.

"Polanski should, in unambiguous terms, disown the content of the ridiculous statement he shared."

Keir Starmer brands Zack Polanski 'disgraceful' and 'not fit' to lead a political party

Sir Keir Starmer has called Zack Polanski "disgraceful" and argues the Green Party leader is "not fit" to lead a political party following his reposting of criticism of police in the Golders Green attack.

Mr Polanski reshared a post on X that criticised the police's conduct in arresting the suspect.

He has now apologised for sharing the message.

Speaking on the first responders, the Prime Minister told the BBC: "In those circumstances, I think you can quite see why what could have gone through their mind."

He added: "Now, when I then see Zack Polanski come out and retweet or support a criticism of that, I think it's disgraceful... He's not fit to lead any political party."

Council by-election results in full: Find out how Britons voted after Reform UK makes local debut

A crunch council by-election took place in the heart of Worcestershire this week after a former councillor resigned.

Residents cast their ballot for a new councillor for the Tenbury ward on Malvern Hills District Council on Thursday after Conservative Andrew Willmott stepped down.

Last time locals headed to the polls was in 2023 when the local Conservative Party took home 37 per cent of the vote on the district council.

Ahead of the election, 11 Tories, seven Greens, seven Liberal Democrats and three independents sat on the local authority.

GB NEWS MEMBERS CAN READ THE RESULTS HERE

Zack Polanski apologises after explosive row with Sir Mark Rowley

Zack Polanski has issued an apology after he became embroiled in a row with the head of the Metropolitan Police over the sharing of a post on social media about the Golders Green attack.

The Green Party leader reshared a post that criticised how police handled the arrest of a suspect.

In a statement, Polanski said: "Everyone in leadership has a responsibility for lowering the temperature at a time of such tension, and I apologise for sharing a tweet in haste.

"Police responses to emergency situations such as these do need later reflection in the right forums, but I accept that social media is not the appropriate channel for doing so.

"I have invited Mark Rowley to meet with me to discuss the police response and the wider issues raised in his letter."

Ed Davey: Government must expel Iranian ambassador

Following the inflammatory comments from the Iranian ambassador to the UK on social media, which included urging the diaspora in the UK to "sacrifice their lives for the homeland", Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats called for the diplomat to be expelled.

He wrote on X: "Inciting violence on our streets is abhorrent.

"The Government must expel the Iranian Ambassador immediately. The Iranian regime has been plotting UK terror attacks for years.

"Enough is enough."

Wimbledon MP responds to fresh charges on driver in fatal car crash

Paul Kohler, Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon has released a statement over the news that Claire Freemantle, the driver of the care involved in the death of two girls in July 2023, has been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He wrote that he "trusts the judicial process".

Mr Kohler wrote in a statement: "The parents of beautiful Nuria and Selena have been demanding answers since the day of this terrible tragedy almost three years ago.

"I can only imagine the range of emotions they are feeling today.

"I trust the judicial process will commence without undue delay, so that the families and every affected can have the clarity they deserve."

Read Susanna Siddell's story on the new charges here.

John Swinney: Donald Trump indicated to my 'significant influence' in securing whiskey deal

President Donald Trump indicated to Scottish First Minister John Swinney's "significant influence" on the removal of tariffs on Scotch whiskey, he claimed.

The SNP leader received a message from Mr Trump ahead of the announcement, which the First Minister said the US President referenced his influence.

During a visit to Deanston Distillery near Stirling today, Mr Swinney said: “The President indicates to me in his note the significant influence on his thinking of the Kentucky-Scotland deal, as he puts it and he references that in his post on social media last night.

“I don’t think people should be surprised by the actions that I take as First Minister, my primary duty is to promote the interests of the people of Scotland, to make sure our economic interest is looked after, that people’s jobs and livelihoods are protected.”

EXPLAINED: The Renters' Rights Act

From today, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 comes into force, bringing significant changes for anyone renting privately in England.

These are the key points:

No more fixed-term tenancies: every tenancy automatically becomes a rolling periodic tenancy, usually on a monthly basis. If your contract had an end date, it no longer applies.

No-fault evictions scrapped: landlords can no longer issue a Section 21 "no-fault" eviction notice. Landlords wanting to sell or move family members in cannot use those grounds for the first 12 months of a tenancy.

Rent increases: rent review clauses in existing contracts no longer apply. Any increase must reflect open market rates - if you think it does not, you can challenge it at the First-tier Tribunal.

Giving notice: tenants can end their tenancy at any point by giving at least two months' written notice, timed to end on a rent due date.

Pets: tenants now have the legal right to request a pet. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse and must respond in writing with reasons if they do.

Students: full-time students renting privately may still be asked to leave at the end of the academic year under a specific ground.

John Swinney mocked after claiming credit for King Charles's Donald Trump tariff victory

Scottish First Minister John Swinney has been mocked after appearing to take credit for Donald Trump's decision to remove tariffs on Scotch whisky.

In a post on social media, the Scottish National Party said: "John Swinney fought for Scotch whisky. And he delivered."

However, Mr Trump confirmed the real reason behind the decision to drop the tariff last night.

The US President, whose mother hailed from Scotland, said: "In honour of the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, who have just left the White House, soon headed back to their wonderful country, I will be removing the tariffs and restrictions on whisky."

A series of amended posts started circulating on social media, including one suggesting Mr Swinney had discovered America.

Others joked the SNP landed on the moon, parted the Red Sea, built the pyramids and defeated the Franco-Spanish fleet at Trafalgar.

Greens turn on Zack Polanski over 'inappropriate and divisive' Golders Green police post

Zack Polanski has faced a backlash from fellow Green Party politicians over his “inappropriate" and "divisive” repost about the police's response to a stabbing attack in North London.

Mr Polanski retweeted a post on X criticising police officers for using force on a suspect in Golders Green after two Jewish people were stabbed.

Senior figures within the Greens have now turned on Polanski, with Welsh Green leader Anthony Slaughter distancing himself publicly during a live Senedd Election debate.

Mr Slaughter refused to defend Mr Polanski, instead describing the retweet as "inappropriate”.

Former Green Party deputy leader Shahrar Ali went further by accusing Mr Polanski of failing to stand with the Jewish community at a time when it was "under siege like never before”.

The fury came shortly after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley last night penned an open letter to Mr Polanski.

Sir Mark warned Mr Polanski risked "inflam[ing] tensions" and amplifying "us-and-them rhetoric”.

However, a Green Party spokesman said: “Zack has seen the video like everyone else and doesn’t know the full picture and knows it was a very difficult situation for the authorities, but we do need to understand more about the response.”

Labour MPs plot to block Angela Rayner's path to No10 as leadership rivals prepare to topple Keir Starmer

Labour MPs have been accused of plotting to block Angela Rayner's path to No10 as leadership rivals prepare to topple Sir Keir Starmer after the upcoming local elections.

The former Deputy Prime Minister, who is still being investigated for her tax dealings, is understood to be laying the groundwork for a leadership challenge against Sir Keir.

Sir Keir is expected to face the biggest test of his premiership on May 7, with a disastrous night at the polls expected to trigger a leadership vote.

However, a group of Labour MPs have expressed fears about Ms Rayner succeeding Sir Keir, warning the party risks "sleepwalking" into her premiership if she manages to rally support.

"A lot of us are saying 'anyone by Ange'," one minister told The Times.

Another Labour MP said there was a "big... 'anyone by Ange' sentiment".

Ms Rayner's critics within the Labour Party fear the ex-Housing Secretary would likely win the membership vote if she ended up in the top two spots in a leadership contest.

If in power, there are concerns Ms Rayner would shift the party to the left – including on immigration and spending.

Polling published this week revealed that only 15 per cent of Britons believe Ms Rayner would make a better leader than Sir Keir.

Greens to pledge for a £15 minimum wage

The Green Party has pledged to go further on Labour's workers' rights legislation and to include one day rights on unfair dismissals and £15 minimum wage for all ages.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski is set to launch a “Workers Charter” at a May Day rally in Manchester today.

Mr Polanski said Labour’s Employment Rights Act, which became law in December, was “watered down after pressure from corporate lobbyists”.

He said: “The reforms introduced by Margaret Thatcher nearly half a century ago began the long march downwards in the balance of power and wealth in our country - from those who produce and do the work to those who profit from it.

“Successive governments have continued this, and the current Labour Government’s measures on workers’ rights, while an improvement, are weak and have been watered down after pressure from corporate lobbyists.

“The Greens are the new workers’ party, and we will address the massive imbalance in our workplaces and give control back to workers.”

Kemi Badenoch calls for Chagos funds to build Royal Navy frigates

Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch has urged the government to formally abandon Labour's blocked Chagos Islands deal and redirect £400 million of the savings to accelerate the delivery of new Royal Navy frigates.

Under the Conservative proposals, the eight Type 26 and five Type 31 frigates, ordered under the last Tory government, could enter service up to two years earlier than planned through round-the-clock construction shifts.

Mrs Badenoch said Labour "continually puts our national security at risk", pointing to the Chagos deal as a "disgraceful surrender" of British territory, the Daily Mail reports.

Met Police chief thanks Britons for standing up for Golders Green officers amid 'nonsense' Zack Polanski row

Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has directly thanked Britons for standing up for the two officers who responded to a stabbing attack in Golders Green after Green Party leader Zack Polanski shared a critical post on social media.

Appearing on GB News this morning, Sir Mark revealed Scotland Yard received praise from Britons in response to the body camera footage and his open letter to Mr Polanski.

He said: "I am really grateful for the support of Britons who have, both in response to the body-worn footage released and in response to my letter, have been so effusive and assertive in their support for what those officers did."

The two officers apprehended Somali-born British national Essa Suleiman, who has since been charged with three counts of attempted murder, by using Tasers and later kicking the knife-clutching suspect.

Read Jack Walters' story here.

Alex Davies Jones: the Government "will act" against those who are inciting violence during protests

PICTURED: Alex Davies Jones speaking on GB News this morning

Speaking to GB News, Justice Minister Alex Davies Jones, said that whilst she will defend the liberty to peacefully protest "to the hilt", the Government will strike down on people who are inciting violence during demonstrations.

The MP for Pontypridd said: "Ultimately, we are a country and a nation of free speech. We have the right to peacefully protest and I will defend that liberty to the hilt.

"Anyone has the right to express their views and opinions, to government, to organizations about how they feel.

"But if you are going on these marches and you are taking part in anti-Semitic chants or are calling for globalizing the intifada, you are wearing slogans of paragliders, for example, and glorifying terrorist organisations, then the government will act, and I would expect the police to act and arrest anyone behaving illegally."

Three hundred extra police in capital to protect Jewish community, says Metropolitan Police Commissioner

PICTURED: Sir Mark Rowley speaking on GB News this morning

Sir Mark Rowley welcomed the government's initial announcement of 300 extra officers to strengthen local and specialist policing, but warned that sustaining the increased presence in north west London remains his key concern given the Met is a "shrinking organisation".

He said conversations with government over funding are ongoing and urgent.

Sir Mark, speaking to GB News, said: ""I need to ensure that the men and women I'm privileged to lead have the confidence to act as they rush towards danger and I need finances to do that."

Mark Rowley defends officers' response in Golders Green attack

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has strongly defended the two officers who apprehended the Golders Green suspect, explaining that the force used was entirely justified given the suspect was non-compliant, armed with a knife, and potentially carrying explosives.

Speaking to GB News, he revealed he had written an open letter to the Green Party leader Zack Polanski over his criticism of the officers' conduct.

Sir Mark was clear that while he stays out of politics, he felt compelled to speak up when an "eminent person" challenges officers in a way that could undermine their confidence.

Heroes in blue: Shadow Defence Minister praises officers after Golders Green attack

PICTURED: David Reed MP speaking to GB News this morning

Shadow Defence Minister David Reed has praised the two police officers who apprehended the suspect charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following stabbings in Golders Green.

Speaking to GB News, David Reed MP, said: "The word hero is bandied around far too often, but to show the courage and bravery that those two police officers showed - they weren't specialist counter-terrorism police officers, they were just regular bobbies."

He confirmed he would be writing to the relevant authorities to ensure the officers' bravery receives formal recognition.

David Reed: the Jewish community does not believe "enough is being done" to protect them

Speaking to GB News, Shadow Defence Minister David Reed said the Jewish community does not believe "enough is being done" by the Government to protect them.

He said: "Looking at the reaction that the Prime Minister received when he went to Golders Green is testament to the fact that the Jewish community, especially in that part of London, don't think enough is being done to protect them."

The Shadow Defence Minister called for the Met police to have the full powers in order to shut down protests that begin to incite violence.

He drew a firm line between peaceful protest and hate speech, warning that "when hate speech turns into physical violence and turns into terrorism, it needs to be stamped out as quickly as possible".

What is happening in Westminster today

Good morning, happy Friday from the GB News Politics team.

Today the country is waking up to the news that Somali-born British national Essa Suleiman has been charged with attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green on Wednesday - we'll be hearing from Alex Davies Jones MP, Justice Minister just after 9am.

David Reed MP, Shadow Defence Minister will be joining GB News around 8am.

Three men, two Ukrainians and a Romanian national born in Ukraine, go on trial today charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson over fires at properties and a car linked to Sir Keir Starmer.

England's Renters' Rights Act comes into force today, ending "no fault" Section 21 evictions, capping rent increases to once a year and shifting all private tenancies to rolling monthly contracts with two months' notice to quit.

The Tony Blair Institute has proposed scrapping the triple lock and replacing the state pension with a flexible "lifespan fund" that builds entitlement through work, caring and study, providing up to 20 years of support at current pension levels.

Stay tuned for more politics news throughout the day.