Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant has suggested voters do not care about local authorities cancelling elections ahead of May 7.
Labour is facing a backlash after 4.6 million people were denied the right to vote in crunch polls slated for this year.
Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have fumed about a "democratic outrage", with both parties expected to pick up wards at the expense of Labour and the Tories.
However, Sir Chris appeared to argue that voters do not mind being denied the right to vote for local councillors.
“I don’t think voters like unnecessary elections very much,” Sir Chris told Sky News.
He added: “Some parts of England have unitary authorities.
"Others don’t, and I mean, it’s simply illogical, it would seem to me, to pursue having elections for people who will only be in post for another year.
“It just seems an unnecessary cost to local authorities, and that’s why we’ve moved to postponing the elections until the new local authorities have been created.
“I think in the end, it will be far more sensible. Why on earth would you have a director of finance for your local district council and a director of finance for your county council?
“This is going to be a much more rational system, which will save money and end up delivering better local services for people in England.
"I think creating unnecessary elections is a bit daft. And when it’s happened in the past, voters haven’t cared for it very much.”
Next UK-EU summit should 'go further', says PM ahead of talks
The Prime Minister said each summit with the EU should bring new agreements
|PA
Britain should look to “go further” at each UK-EU summit, Sir Keir Starmer has said ahead of talks with the bloc.
The Prime Minister has consistently ruled out rejoining the EU’s customs union, but said aligning with the single market was “the place to look” in future negotiations.
Speaking to reporters during his trip to China, Sir Keir said there had already been “progress on the single market”, including a deal on food and agriculture standards, and suggested further progress could be made in other areas.
His comments come as ministers prepare for another round of talks with EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic next week.
A second UK-EU summit is expected to take place later this year, following the first such summit in May 2025.
Sir Keir told reporters each summit with the EU should bring new agreements.
He said: “I think we should not just follow through on what we’ve already agreed.
“I think the relationship with the EU, and every summit, should be iterative.
“We should be seeking to go further.”
Lib Dems take Conservative seat in by-election as Ed Davey says Tory voters are 'backing us instead'
Sir Ed Davey said Conservative voters are "backing us instead" as he celebrated a Liberal Democrat by-election win.
The Lib Dems saw success in a by-election held this week in the Bearsden South ward on East Dunbartonshire Council, taking a seat previously held by the Conservatives.
Sir Ed said: "Fantastic win in East Dunbartonshire, where we’ve beaten the Conservatives into 6th place.
"Right across the UK, former Conservative voters have heard Kemi Badenoch tell them loud and clear that they’re not welcome in her party – and are backing us instead."
Lib Dem MP on 'secret ban' says all Chinese restrictions on parliamentarians must be lifted
Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong last year
|PA
A Liberal Democrat MP who was blocked from entering Hong Kong last year said a “diplomatic reset that ignores the existence of secret bans” is “not a reset at all”, after Chinese sanctions were lifted on parliamentarians.
Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP for Bath, said: “I was never on an official sanction list, yet I was arbitrarily denied entry to Hong Kong when trying to meet my newborn grandson.
“We need assurance from the Prime Minister that all parliamentarians can criticise the actions of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) without fear of retribution.
“A diplomatic reset that ignores the existence of secret bans on sitting Parliamentarians is not a reset at all. We parliamentarians have been given no clarity on how we are affected by this change.
“All restrictions must be lifted for all parliamentarians by the Chinese authorities.”
Lindsay Hoyle said he was 'unfortunately' made aware of easing Chinese sanctions on MPs through 'media reports'
Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he would “reflect on the implications” of the easing of Chinese sanctions on MPs, which he said he was “unfortunately” only made aware of through media reports.
The Commons Speaker said: “My strong position on the sanctions imposed by China on a number of our colleagues, and its impact on reciprocal access to the Houses of Parliament, has been long-held and consistent.
“I will now reflect on the implications of today’s announcement – which unfortunately I was only made aware of through media reports – and will ensure MPs are updated when the House returns next week on any changes regarding those able to access the parliamentary estate.”
Keir Starmer 'desperate' for China's support, says Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch has said Sir Keir Starmer is "desperate" for China's support following the PM's visit to the East Asian country.
The Conservative party leader said: "Keir Starmer went to China desperate for its support because his entire economic policy is reliant on Chinese imports: wind turbines, solar panels and car batteries.
"It is Labour’s policy choice to be dependent on China.
"Conservatives will always act in the national interest."
Chris Philp says Sudanese migrant who killed mum in Walsall 'should never have been here'
The Shadow Home Secretary said: "Illegal small boat immigrant Deng Majek from Sudan murdered Rhiannon Whyte by stabbing her 23 times with a screwdriver He will serve a minimum of 29 years.
"This despicable man should never have been here to start with.
"This is the consequence of mass illegal migration. We must leave the ECHR and deport all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival."
Keir Starmer hits back at Donald Trump's criticism over China visit as he declares trip a 'real success'
Sir Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump, after the US President said closer relations with China are "very dangerous".
The Prime Minister also revealed he did not get changed under cover to avoid being snooped on by Chinese spies and said he was a confident user of chopsticks.
Mr Trump made the comments at a premiere for a documentary about his wife Melania saying it "it is very dangerous for them to do that".
Asked to comment on the remarks, Sir Keir told GB News's Political Editor Christopher Hope: "This has been a success, this trip."
WATCH: Keir Starmer refuses to tell GB News how many small boats will be stopped by 'smash the engines' plan
Chinese sanctions on UK MPs and peers lifted after Starmer’s talks with Xi
Chinese sanctions against British MPs and peers have been lifted following Sir Keir Starmer’s talks with Xi Jinping, but the group of parliamentarians affected warned they should not be used as a “bargaining chip” in talks with Beijing.
The lifting of the restrictions, which included a ban on travel to China, was promised by the Chinese president in his talks with the Prime Minister.
However the MPs and peers, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, said lifting restrictions on them should not be used as part of a deal to ease sanctions on Chinese politicians involved in human rights abuses in Xinjiang province.
Sir Keir told GB News: "I know that the action taken in relation to our parliamentarians has been a real cause of concern, understandably so.
"Therefore I raised that issue whilst I was here, and the Chinese are absolutely clear in response, the restrictions no longer apply. President Xi said to me that that means all parliamentarians are welcome.
"And I think that shows that if you engage, you can raise the difficult issues, the issues that my parliamentary college would have expected me to raise, and therefore I can be clear, the restrictions no longer apply."
WATCH: Political commentator Nora Lee Notzon weighs in on President Trump warning Keir Starmer over the UK deepening ties with China.
Green Party confirms candidate for Gorton & Denton by-election
Leader of the Green Party Group on Trafford Council Hannah Spencer will be the candidate in Gorton & Denton
|GREEN PARTY OF ENGLAND AND WALES
The Green Party has announced the leader of the party on Trafford Council Hannah Spencer will be their candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
She said: "I work as a plumber, something I’ve done since leaving education at 16. I’m training to become a plasterer too. I’ve lived in the constituency and still work here. So, I know the issues and what people want to change.
“This is a crucial by-election. The choice is clear, Green v Reform. Hope v hate. Only the Green Party can stop Reform in this by election.
"I want to thank every single member and supporter who has already been out on the doorstep listening to voters. We know Labour’s vote is in free fall. They have banned their own Mayor from standing. The Labour government has abandoned voters in Gorton and Denton and failed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis
"I will be meeting voters day and night for these next few, short weeks of this vital campaign making the case for hope. Reform have chosen a candidate that will divide our community.
"He doesn’t even think many of the people who live and work here are even British.
"I will bring the people of Gorton and Denton together. With their support, I will join my Green MP colleagues in the House of Commons, hold the government to account and demand action to push down costs, raise wages and bring desperately needed investment into our community."
She is the fourth candidate to be confirmed, following Liberal Democrat Jackie Pearcey, Reform UK's Matthew Goodwin and the SDP's Sebastian Moore.
Warm Home Discount extension 'won't solve' Britain's energy bill problem, Tony Blair's think tank claims
Extending the Warm Home Discount scheme for pensioners and those on low income "won't solve" Britain's energy bill problem, researchers from the Tony Blair Institute (TB) have claimed.
The Labour Government has confirmed that millions of households will continue receiving the £150 Warm Home Discount on their energy bills each winter through to 2030/1.
Around six million families across England and Wales now qualify for the scheme following last year's expansion, which brought an additional 2.7 million households into eligibility.
Fresh protest in support of striking Birmingham bin workers
Refuse collections in Birmingham were suspended on Friday as a fresh union demonstration was held in support of bin workers involved in a long-running dispute over pay.
Members of Unite have been taking industrial action for over a year and launched an all-out strike last March in protest over planned reforms to the refuse collection service which the union says will lead to pay cuts.
The council is pressing ahead with the reforms, which it says are needed to improve the service.
A so-called mega picket was held today, attended by trade unionists from across the country, including a number of general secretaries.
The council told residents: "Due to expected disruption across all our depots because of the announced ‘mega-picket’ we have decided to suspend collections today."
Farmers stage overnight BLOCKADE of food supply route in latest protest against Labour
An arable farmer has told GB News their "backs are against the wall" as workers carry out their latest protest against the Government.
Speaking to the Late Show Live, farmers in Milton Keynes expressed their outrage at Chancellor Rachel Reeves's inheritance tax raid as they held an overnight blockade of a food supply route.
Farmers are continuing their demonstrations against Labour despite the party's climbdown on the tax threshold, increasing the amount from £1million to £2.5million.
Liberal Democrats confirm candidate for Gorton and Denton by-election
Local campaigner Jackie Pearcey will represent Sir Ed's party
|LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
The Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the Gorton & Denton by-election.
Local campaigner Jackie Pearcey will represent Sir Ed Davey's party at the vote.
She said: "I’m thrilled to have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the constituency where I live. Voters in Gorton and Denton deserve so much more than the failing Labour government or the divisive politics of Reform UK.
"We have a golden opportunity to champion the issues that matter most to people - the cost of living, fixing the NHS and supporting our local high streets and businesses.
"I’ve got a proven track record of delivering for residents and I’ll continue to fight for the people of Gorton and Denton through this election and beyond."
She becomes the third candidate to be confirmed, following Reform UK's Matthew Goodwin and the SDP's Sebastian Moore.
Labour minister insists he is 'content' with new Chinese embassy
Sir Chris Bryant defended the decision this morning
|GB NEWS
A Labour minister has insisted he is "content" with security risks surrounding the new Chinese embassy in London.
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant told GB News: "China has had an embassy in the UK since 1877, the new site was agreed by the Conservative Government in 2018 and up until then they've had seven different sites across London.
"As for the new site, MI5 and MI6 have looked very closely at all the security related issues to this. They say they are content. If they're content, then quite frankly, I'm content.
"We need to make sure British Embassy in Beijing is updated."
When asked if Sir Keir Starmer had raised the issue of the British Embassy with President Xi, he said he did not know.
Trade minister says it is 'childish and naïve' to ignore China
Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant has said it is "naïve" and "childish" to ignore China as a trading partner.
He told GB News: "A British Prime Minister not visited Beijing since 2018 and we've had an inconsistent relationship with China.
"We enter into it with our eyes wide open, we're going to be very clear about the issues where we disagree with China and we challenge on them.
"I know there are some people who say we have nothing to do with China, I think that is naïve and frankly childish."
WATCH: Alicia Kearns says Keir Starmer has 'no place as Prime Minister' if he continues to go to China 'with a begging bowl'
Alicia Kearns insists 'Britain matters on the world stage'
Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns on GB News this morning
|GB NEWS
A senior Conservative has insisted "Britain matters on the world stage" as she criticised Sir Keir Starmer's China trip.
Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns told GB News: "We have that heft, we have that respect and if you are not willing to respect our country and stand up for us, then you have no place being Prime Minister."
Senior Conservative says Keir Starmer has given Beijing a 'propaganda coup'
A Tory frontbencher told GB News the Prime Minister has given Beijing a "propaganda coup" as she slammed Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China.
Alicia Kearns said the Prime Minister has "gone out with begging bowl to try to solve his self inflicted economic woes and he's come back with so very little.
"He's sent a very clear message to the Chinese Communist Party that they can just crack on with hostile acts they've been conducting against our country."
WATCH: Deputy Political Editor of The Spectator James Heale discusses Keir Starmer’s trip to China
Tories accuse Labour of driving up private rental prices
James Cleverly blasted the plans
|GB NEWS
The Conservatives have accused the Government of driving up private rental prices, as figures showed they increased by seven per cent in England.
Average private rental prices across English local authorities rose by 6.9 per cent between July 2024 and September 2025, according to data collated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In cash terms, they rose by £91 a month.
The statistics, measuring the average price for rental properties down to a local authority level, suggest the most dramatic price change was in Camden, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s local council.
In Camden, private renters saw prices soar by £272, or 10.8 per cent over the 14 months.
The areas with the next steepest price changes were Lambeth (£254), Richmond upon Thames (£235), Oxford (£230), and Broxbourne (£215).
Sir James Cleverly: "Labour’s policies are increasing the cost of living, including by driving up rents. In Keir Starmer’s own backyard, rental prices are soaring by more than anywhere else in England.
"Labour’s red tape and tax hikes are driving landlords from the market, reducing choice for tenants and forcing them to fight ever harder to find somewhere to live.
"Meanwhile tenants are facing higher and higher council tax bills. Only the Conservatives will ensure a fair deal for tenants and for landlords."
A source from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: "The Tories trying to score points on housing is laughable. They failed for 14 years in every area, building private homes, protecting renters, improving and building social housing and they know it.
"We are sorting out their mess by reforming the planning system, investing in social and affordable housing and giving renters historic protections against unfair rent rises and no fault evictions."
Here's whats happening today
Good morning, and happy Friday from all of us on the GB News Politics team. Here's what's happening today in Westminster and beyond:
The Prime Minister touched down earlier this morning in a very drizzly Shanghai as his China visit continues.
President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on Sir Keir Starmer over the Prime Minister’s decision to visit China in a bid to reset relations with Beijing.
When asked by a reporter to comment on Sir Keir’s trip, President Trump said it was "very dangerous for them to do that." Our reporter Dan McDonald has the full story.
While our Political Editor Chris Hope is taking on table tennis champions in Beijing, Katherine Forster has stepped in for this week's Chopper's Political Podcast where she's joined by Labour MP for Mansfield Steve Yemm.
Mr Yemm, who has represented the Nottinghamshire seat since 2024, has called on Downing Street "to take stronger action" to tackle the migrant crisis, suggesting Sir Keir takes lessons from President Trump. You can watch the full episode here.
Our Senior Political Correspondent Nigel Nelson has taken a deep dive into an unlikely political alliance as he suggested Nigel Farage is "upending British politics in a way never before seen in our lifetime". Friends of GB News can read Nigel's full analysis here.
Zack Polanski's Green Party will officially announce their candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election at 11 am, as the third party to officially confirm who will be standing, following Reform UK's Matthew Goodwin and the SDP's Sebastian Moore.
Here on GB News, we'll be joined this morning by Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns and Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant.
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