Andy Burnham allies launch new plot to get mayor back into Westminster following by-election 'stitch-up'

Major pub chain with 62 locations at risk of closure days before Rachel Reeves' announcement 

A leading pub chain with dozens of venues has fallen into administration mere days before Chancellor Rachel Reeves's announcement of rescue plans to save the sector.

The Revel Collective, which manages 62 pubs across the UK, has filed for administration in a move that places 3,000 jobs at risk.

Previously, the pub chain had warned against the Labour Government's tax raid on businesses, including the hike to National Insurance and the minimum wage

Some 62 venues are at risk of closure with this latest development, which includes more than 20 locations attached to the Peach Pubs brand.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Conservative party chairman said it was 'common knowledge' Suella Braverman had been 'drifting to Reform' 

Conservative party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said Suella Braverman's defection to Reform UK was "not at all a surprise".

He wrote to X: "It’s common knowledge that Suella had been drifting to Reform for some time.

"While it is disappointing to lose colleagues you have worked with and campaigned for, it is ultimately her decision and not at all a surprise. In 2024 voters in Fareham and Waterlooville elected a Conservative to represent them, not a Reform candidate.

"People come into politics for different reasons and paths do diverge. Suella previously sought the Conservative leadership twice and was unsuccessful, most recently in 2024.

"She has now chosen to pursue a different political route. As ever, Reform will focus much of its energy on attacking us rather than holding the Labour Government to account, even as Labour faces mounting internal difficulties.

"Our task does not change. We remain the only serious opposition to Labour, with the experience and credibility to argue for smaller government, sustainable public finances and a welfare system that rewards work. That is where our focus must stay."

WATCH: Robert Jenrick tears into 'disgusting' Tory statement on Suella Braverman defection

Suella Braverman hints at more Conservative defections to Reform UK: 'I don't think I'm going to be the last one' 

Suella Braverman has hinted at further Conservative party defections to Reform UK.

Speaking to GB News, the former home secretary said: "I don't think I'm going to be the last one.

"I know there are a lot of unhappy Conservative MPs really searching their souls right now.

"It is a big thing to do and I think it is very difficult to grapple with this tension that many Conservative MPs are finding themselves with - party versus country.

"That is not an easy reconciliation. The way I think it should be resolved is by coming to Reform UK."

When pressed on how many more Tories could defect, she said: "It is very hard for me to say.

"There are a handful of people who share my views but there is a lot of low morale and a lot of fear in the Conservative party right now."

Conservative party's response to Suella Braverman's defection are 'last thrashings of a dying political animal', says Nigel Farage 

Reacting to Tory comments about Suella Braverman’s mental health, Nigel Farage said: “I think these are the last thrashings of a dying political animal, is my view.”

Mrs Braverman branded it a "bit pathetic".

She told a Reform UK press conference: "As I said, it says more about them than it does me. I’m not really going to dignify it.

“It is, I’m afraid, just more sorry signs of a bitter and desperate party that seems to be in free fall.”

Suella Braverman says she has felt 'politically homeless for the best part of two years' 

Suella Braverman has said she has felt "politically homeless for the best part of two years".

The Fareham and Waterlooville MP said: "So for some years now, I think you can see that I have been out of step with the Conservative party.

"In truth I have felt politically homeless for the best part of two years. I have been ashamed of the Conservative party.

"It is why I spent the 2024 General Election campaign apologising to local voters for my party's record and asking them to vote for me, in spite of my party allegiance not because of it.

"It is why I was the first Conservative mp re-elected that night to apologise directly to the nation for my party's failings.

"It is impossible to defend the party’s record in office or even to believe in its policy for the future. The people, the instincts, the factions are all the same."

Suella Braverman calls on Tory supporters to join Reform as she slams Tory 'betrayal' 

Newly-defected Reform MP Suella Braverman has called on her Tory supporters to join Reform UK and said she has "had enough of Conservative betrayal".

She told a press conference in Westminster: "To those local supporters who have confided in me about their frustrations about the Conservative party but who have only stayed put because of me, come join me.

"Come and join Reform UK if you believe in saving Britain, strong borders, a strong economy and a strong defence.

"And to those who still believe that we should remain loyal to a party that has betrayed them and our country countless times, please listen to why I say that ‘enough is enough’.

"It is time to put country first because we are in the fight of our lives to save Britain and only Reform UK can do it. Our country is in deep peril.”

She added: "I've had enough of Conservative betrayal, I've had enough of Conservative denial, I have had enough of the political chameleons who populate the Conservative party, enough of Conservative delusion."

Only Reform UK can 'fix' 'broken' Britain, says Suella Braverman 

Suella Braverman has said only Reform UK can "fix" "broken" Britain.

The newly-defected Reform MP said: "As I said earlier this feels like coming home and I am incredibly grateful for the welcome, for the support and the fact that I am finally part of a mission that I can believe in, because the truth is for the first time in years I now feel that I can truly believe in something.

"The truth is, as I said to our veterans earlier this morning, our country is broken and only Reform UK can fix it."

Reform's mission is to 'unite the centre-right', says Nigel Farage

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is holding a press conference with Suella Braverman following her defection to the party.

Mr Farage told reporters: "Our mission is to unite the centre right of British politics and you have been watching that process being unveiled before your eyes over the course of the last few weeks and today is another very significant step in that direction.

“Their reaction to Suella’s defection has been pretty abusive. Don’t please ask any questions about that we will not lower ourselves to that level.

"I know the other big story of the day of course is that Andy Burnham is being denied the opportunity to run in the Manchester by-election which again I think sends quite a big message that on the day the Prime Minister has rejected putting talent onto his frontbench, we on Reform are more than willing to accept talent.”

WATCH: Suella Braverman's defection is down to 'frustrated personal ambition', says Chris Philp

WATCH: Shabana Mahmood announces policing reforms in the Commons

Facial recognition technology and AI to be rolled out as part of police reforms 

Shabana Mahmood has revealed facial recognition technology is to be rolled out across England and Wales as part of sweeping police reforms.

The Home Secretary told the Commons that some police forces are “fighting crime in a digital age with analogue methods”.

She said: “We will ensure that every force is adopting the latest technology led out of the new National Police Service.

“This will include the largest-ever rollout of live facial recognition technologies across England and Wales. We know this approach works.”

She added: “When the future arrives, there are always doubters.

“One hundred years ago, fingerprinting was decried as curtailing our civil liberties, but today we could not imagine policing without it.

“I have no doubt the same will prove true of facial recognition technology in the years to come.”

Ms Mahmood also said £115million would be invested in AI and automation to “make policing more effective and efficient”.

Richard Tice accuses Labour of 'giving away national sovereignty' over 'deeply irresponsible' Chagos Islands deal 

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has accused Labour of "giving away our national sovereignty" over the Chagos Islands deal.

Parliament’s debate on the deal, which would see sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago handed to Mauritius, was due to be held today but was postponed.

Britain will lease back a military base on the island of Diego Garcia, which is jointly used with the US, for at least 99 years under the plans.

The deal came under fire from US President Donald Trump last week amid strained transatlantic relations despite previous support from the White House.

Mr Tice told the Commons: "I will tell the minister what is deeply irresponsible and that is to give away our national sovereignty, to damage our national security interests, that is what is deeply irresponsible minister and thank heavens the US administration have now realised that they were delibiltarely misled by our national security adviser, deliberately misled by the foreign office."

"They are angry, they are furious at what has gone on and that is why the American administration has changed their tune," he added.

Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty accused Reform of being "fake patriots".

He told MPs: "I'm not going to take any lessons in national security from the fake patriots over there.

"How quite frankly a party who's leader in Wales took bribes from Russia to promote narratives from the Kremlin.

"I think members opposite ought to be very careful who they associate with."

UK and US are 'continuing to work together' to ensure future operation of Diego Garcia base, says No10 

Britain and the US are “continuing to work together” to ensure the future operation of the Diego Garcia military base, Downing Street has said after the Government postponed a parliamentary debate on its Chagos Islands deal.

No10 insisted the UK remains “fully committed” to the agreement after the Conservatives tabled an amendment calling for a pause “in light of the changing geopolitical circumstances”.

Sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago would be handed to Mauritius through the deal, which came under fire from US President Donald Trump last week amid strained transatlantic relations despite previous support from the White House.

But Britain will lease back a military base on the island of Diego Garcia, which is jointly used with the US, for at least 99 years under the plans.

Asked about the postponement today, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “On the Lords debate, the Government remains fully committed to the deal to secure the joint UK US base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for our national security.

“The timing for the rescheduled debate on the Bill will be announced in the usual way. And this is irresponsible and reckless behaviour by peers whose roles are to check legislation not interfere with our national security priorities.”

Gorton and Denton by-election expected to be held on February 26

A by-election to replace former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne is likely to take place on February 26 after the process was officially triggered by MPs.

Business in the House of Commons today began with Government chief whip Jonathan Reynolds asking for the writ for the vacant Gorton and Denton constituency to be issued.

The by-election has to take place between 21 and 27 working days from the issuing of the writ, suggesting it will scheduled for Thursday February 26.

Mr Reynolds said: “I beg to move that Mr Speaker do issue his warrant to the clerk of the Crown to make out a new writ for the electing of a member to serve in this present Parliament, for the borough constituency of Gorton and Denton, in the room of Andrew John Gwynne who, since his election for the said borough constituency has been appointed to the Office of Steward and Bailiff of His Majesty’s Manor of Northstead in the county of York.”

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle repeated the text of the motion, with MPs agreeing to it.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing in the by-election by Labour's National Executive Committee.

Nigel Farage admits Reform UK might have lost Gorton & Denton by-election if Andy Burnham had stood

Nigel Farage has said he thinks Andy Burnham not standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election has boosted Reform’s chances of winning the seat.

He told reporters: "Burnham would have galvanised the anti-Starmer vote. He’d have pushed the turnout up, and I think it would have been very difficult for us to beat him.

"I’m being absolutely frank about that.. we might have come a good second. Now he’s not there. I think that the anti-Starmer vote will coalesce around us, so I think our chances have improved massively overnight.

"Is it a pushover? Of course it’s not; it’s rather like Runcorn. It’s one of those traditional safe Labour seats with a big majority and it’ll probably be very close, but are we now in with a serious shout? Absolutely."

Conservatives break silence over Suella Braverman defection

A Conservative Party spokesman said: "It was always a matter of when, not if, Suella would defect.

"The Conservatives did all we could to look after Suella’s mental health, but she was clearly very unhappy. She says she feels that she has 'come home; which will come as a surprise to the people who chose not to elect a Reform MP in her constituency in 2024."

“There are some people who are MPs because they care about their communities and want to deliver a better country. There are others who do it for their personal ambition.

"Suella stood for leader of the Conservatives in 2022 and came sixth, behind Kemi and Tom Tugendhat. In 2024 she could not even muster enough supporters to get on the ballot.

"She has now decided to try her luck with Nigel Farage, who said last year he didn’t want her in Reform. They really are doing our ‘Spring cleaning'!

"As always happens with Reform, they unveil defections just when the Labour government is tearing itself to pieces, Rayner, Mandelson, now Burnham.

"Reform are too busy opposing the Conservatives to hold the Labour government to account. The Conservative Party is now the only party that believes in smaller government, less welfare and Britain living within its means, and has the team and the experience to get Britain working again."

Suella Braverman has 'selective amnesia' warns Lib Dem deputy leader

Responding to Suella Braverman’s defection to Reform UK, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper MP said: "Farage has recruited yet another Conservative minister with selective amnesia, one who complains about broken Britain while conveniently forgetting they helped break it.

"Suella Braverman was so bad she was forced to resign from Liz Truss’ cabinet and got sacked by Rishi Sunak.

“With Kemi Badenoch promising to pull the Conservatives further to the right to chase after Nigel Farage, only the Liberal Democrats are standing up for the silent majority who believe in a decent, caring country."

Labour Party Chair says Reform is accepting 'the very worst of the Conservative Party'

Labour Party Chair Anna Turley said: "Nigel Farage is stuffing his party full of the failed Tories responsible for the chaos and decline that held Britain back for 14 years.

"Suella Braverman helped botch Brexit and got sacked as Home Secretary, her defection shows Farage is willing to accept the very worst of the Conservative Party and exposes his complete lack of judgment.

"While Reform’s band of failed Tories focus on their careers, Keir Starmer’s Labour Government is focused on cutting the cost of living and fixing our NHS."

Reform UK refuses to rule out second independence referendum in Scotland

The Scottish leader of Reform UK has said that the party would not look at the possibility of a second independence referendum for at least ten years.

Speaking at a press conference, Malcolm Offord said his "appeal to Scots" is to "deal with the constitution later."

He said: "My appeal to all Scots is to unite their own common vision of prosperity and justice for all now, and deal with the constitution later, and Reform UK is the only party in Scotland with that vision.

"I believe it will take 10 years… to turbocharge the economy of Scotland, which in turn will unleash the innovation required to deliver significant improvements to our health service, our education, our housing and our infrastructure.

"That is why I say no to distraction of another referendum, or at least another ten years, without ruling one out in the future."

Suella Braverman heaps praise on Nigel Farage

The former Home Secretary said "Courage means keeping your promises to your country and that is why it is the honour of my life to join your team today."

She added the Conservatives cannot "destroy" Nigel Farage, adding the political "establishment" had been trying to shut down the Clacton MP for "years."

Suella Braverman says she is 'calling time' on 'Tory lies'

Suella Braverman said: "I'm calling time on Tory betrayal, Tory lies, on Tory promises with zero intention of keeping them.

"Our country is crying out for authentic leadership."

Suella Braverman says Britain has been 'humiliated' on the world stage

Mrs Braverman said: "We can’t even defend ourselves and our nation stands weak and humiliated on the world stage.

"So we stand at a crossroads. We can either continue down this route of managed decline to weakness and surrender, or we can fix our country, reclaim our power, rediscover our strength."

Suella Braverman says 'immigration is out of control' as she resigned from the Conservative Party

The newest Reform UK MP Suella Braverman resigned her membership from the Conservative Party

She said: "Immigration is out of control, our public services are on their knees, people don't feel safe, we can't even defend ourselves and our nation stands humiliated on the World stage."

Mrs Braverman added a "better future is possible" under Reform UK.

Suella Braverman becomes newest Reform UK MP

Suella Braverman has become the eighth sitting Reform UK MP as she announced she was resigning the Tory whip and joining Nigel Farage's party.

The Fareham and Waterlooville MP served as Home Secretary under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

She said: "I resigned the Conservative whip and my party membership, my party membership of 30 years. It’s gone. It’s over today."

Nigel Farage confirms plans to end any ongoing prosecutions of British veterans

The Reform leader said: "I promise you a Reform Government will end vexation claims against veterans from conflict after conflict.

"For those who have been found guilty of dubious codes of Human Rights Act we will grant a Royal of Pardon of Mercy on their name."

Nigel Farage on stage to announce Veterans for Reform

The Reform UK leader said: "I can tell from the energy and enthusiasm that we are going to turn this into a mass organisation that fights for the rights of our military veterans.

"None of them ever should be left behind.

"This Government does not have a patriotic bone in its body."

Former Labour deputy leader says Andy Burnham will be MP 'sooner rather than later

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, predicted Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will "be an MP sooner rather than later"

In a post on his Substack, he said he "wouldn’t have rushed" the selection process in a veiled swipe at the decision to bar him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

He said: "Instead, we chose a public rebuke of one of our strongest, if occasionally tricksy, assets."

Scottish Conservative councillor slams 'broken' Scotland as he joins Reform UK

Argyll and Bute Councillor Daniel Hampsey has defected to Reform UK, as he slammed the "broken political establishment" in Scotland.

The former Conservative councillor for Dunoon ward said: "I am delighted to of joined Reform UK, it is clear Reform is the only alternative to the broken political establishment in Scotland.

"I am confident with the leadership of Malcolm Offord, Reform will bring the much needed change the people Scotland are crying out for.“Scotland is broken and Scotland needs Reform."

Reform MP Sarah Pochin takes aim at 'woke councils'

Runcorn and Helsby MP Sarah Pochin said: "We need to instill and restore a pride in our armed forces in this country.

"We need to make sure we cherish and value the contribution by our armed forces.

"We need to allow the citizen of this great country to openly show their national pride by flying our flag without recriminations from woke councils."

Matthew Hellyeh announced as Veterans for Reform Chairman

Former SAS Officer Matthew Hellyer has been announced as the President of Veterans for Reform.

Speaking at a launch event in London, he said: "We want to make sure the armed forces covenant in place is set in law and reflects what we believe and what we deserve.

"It's a pretty weak document at the moment."

Mr Hellyer served in the parachute regiment and SAS for 25 years before he was diagnosed with cancer.

Speaking at a launch event this morning in London, he said: "I had no longer a service, a brotherhood and sisterhood to look to.

"What was told to me when I suffered from cancer was that I had to go seek help from the NHS. Those statements are not good enough in this country today.

"I have fought on every battlefield since the 1980s and I still serve this nation now.

He added the new wing of the party aims to create policy supporting veterans "from the bottom up".

Reform UK set to unveil 'Veterans for Reform' wing

Nigel Farage is set to unveil a "Veterans for Reform" wing in London today.

The Reform leader has announced this morning the party would terminate any ongoing prosecutions of British veterans, using either legislation or the royal prerogative of mercy.

The party would also seek to make future court cases less likely by requiring Government ministers to sign off on any prosecutions of soldiers for their actions in combat.

He said: "Veterans have been betrayed and thrown under the bus by successive British governments who put 'human rights' above the rights of veterans."

As it currently stands, the Legacy Act offers immunity from prosecution to anyone accused of crimes during the Troubles in Northern Ireland if they provide information to a truth recovery body.

While the Legacy Act was approved in 2023, it was not enacted.

The then-Conservative government began the process of appealing against the High Court decision, but this was dropped by Labour ministers after the 2024 general election.

More than 3,500 people died during 30 years of bloodshed and bombings known as the Troubles, which began in January 1969 when the UK government sent troops to Northern Ireland.

Andy Burnham tells reporters he is 'getting on with my job'

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham told reporters he was "getting on with my job now."

Mr Burnham made the brief comment after he gave a speech at an event at Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery.

As he entered a lift, he said: "I have said everything that I needed to say and I’m getting on with my job now."

Minutes earlier, he addressed an audience at the launch of a new report, Class Ceiling, which highlights how the region’s working class are struggling to break into the arts world.

At the start of his speech, he quipped: "You’ve all been probably trying to escape sight of me all weekend but here I am, Monday morning.

"Fantastic to be here. To be honest, I have read every single word of the report because I have not had anything else to do this weekend."

Keir Starmer insists he has good working relationship with Andy Burnham

Sir Keir Starmer insisted he had a good working relationship with Andy Burnham, despite voting at the Labour National Executive Committee (NEC) to block him from running for Parliament.

The Prime Minister said: "Andy Burnham is doing a really great job.

"When I came into politics in 2015 the first thing I did was support Andy Burnham’s leadership campaign, the first team I worked in was for Andy Burnham and in the job he’s doing now, he and I work closely together.

“Last year, in sad circumstances, we had to respond together to the attack in a synagogue in Manchester, standing side by side, reassuring the community.

"This year with the Northern Powerhouse Rail, we’re working together to deliver something that matters to Andy Burnham, to the region, to millions of people.

"So, there’s no question of me and Andy not working very well together. He’s doing an excellent job.

"The question the NEC had to address was whether we should take the focus away, which it would have done, from the elections in Wales, in Scotland and the elections we must have, by introducing an election which we don’t have to have.

"Two years ago, the Labour Party changed the rules to say that presumption is really against doing that, because we need to fight where we must fight."

WATCH: Crowborough residents call for Shabana Mahmood to RESIGN as they fume: 'Reform UK wouldn't do this!'

Residents in Crowborough have spoken out against plans to house asylum seekers at a former military site, with locals warning the move has left parts of the community feeling “angry and scared".

The concerns follow confirmation that asylum seekers have begun arriving at the Cadet Training Centre, which residents insist is not a disused army barracks, despite repeated claims from the Home Secretary that it is.

Locals say several coachloads have arrived in recent days, with plans to significantly scale the site up.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Keir Starmer blocking Andy Burnham is 'weak and cowardly' according to Labour Minister

A Labour minister has warned the decision to block Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election makes the party look "weak" and "cowardly".

They added the winner from the ongoing fallout was Health Secretary Wes Streeting, with reported concerns among allies of the Prime Minister that Mr Streeting might try to exploit the upset to move against Sir Keir.

One minister told The i that Sir Keir's blocking of Mr Burnham looked "weak, cowardly and another injury to an already broken man [the Prime Minister]."

They added: "Who wins? Wes."

Senior Labour minister says Andy Burnham is doing 'hugely important' role

A senior Labour minister has said Andy Burnham is doing a "hugely important" role as he defended the decision to block him from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander told GB News: "As the Labour Party we're facing critical elections in just 101 days.

"Yesterday officers of the NEC had to weigh in the balance specific rules in the rulebook about whether sitting mayors can stand.

"The reality is if he was successful there would be a by-election in the Manchester mayoralty.

"We need to be laser focused on those 101 days until taking those fights to Reform, the Greens, Plaid and the Scottish National Party.

"Andy's a great guy, he's not only someone I hugely admire, he's also a friend. You'll hear no criticism of Andy from me. He's doing a hugely important role in the mayoralty in Manchester."

Education Secretary issues plea to headteachers over mobile phone use in classrooms

The Education Secretary has written to headteachers in England, stressing that schools should be phone-free throughout the entire school day, it has been reported.

According to the letter, reportedly seen by the BBC and The Times, Bridget Phillipson said it was "not appropriate for phones to be used as calculators, or for research" both inside and outside of class time.

Last week, the Government issued updated guidance around phone use in schools, stressing pupils "should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch times, or between lessons."

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said it will also be taking immediate action on children’s social media use, including directing Ofsted to examine schools’ mobile phone policies and how effectively they are implemented during inspections.

The letter said: "Schools should make sure those policies are applied consistently across classes and at all times and we want parents to back these policies too."

WATCH: Greater Essex Mayoral candidate hits out at Labour over delayed local elections

Could Reform UK's Gorton & Denton candidate be a former Tory?

At the last Westminster by-election, Sarah Pochin who previously served as a borough councillor in Cheshire East from 2015 until 2023, was chosen as the party's candidate for Runcorn and Helsby.

Ms Pochin was expelled from the Conservatives in 2020, after a bust-up over her candidacy to become mayor.

She went on to win the Runcorn and Helsby by-election by just six votes.

Out of the seven current sitting Reform MPs, four defected straight from the Conservatives.

Former Conservative Party Deputy Chair Lee Anderson joined Reform in March 2024, becoming the party's first ever MP.

Danny Kruger, the former Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions, defected in September 2025, followed by Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell earlier this month.

Party leader Nigel Farage had joined the Conservative Party in 1978 but left in 1992 in protest at then-Prime Minister John Major's signing of the Treaty on European Union at Maastricht.

Over the past two weeks, the party has been teasing a Labour defection to the party, however this has yet to be announced.

Shabana Mahmood to axe non-crime hate incidents in ‘common-sense’ policing overhaul

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to scrap non-crime hate incidents in their current form, insisting police must stop monitoring lawful social media activity.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Mahmood said: "I don’t want them to be policing perfectly legal tweets. I want to make sure that they’re focused on the day job."

She stressed that officers should concentrate on "catching criminals, cutting crime and making sure people in our neighbourhoods feel safe."

"I want them out of the business of essentially policing social media. That’s not where they need to be," she added.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Labour backbencher slams 'weak leadership' as he demands emergency NEC meeting

A prominent left-wing Labour backbencher has called for an "emergency NEC meeting" as he accused the party leadership of being prepared to lose the Gorton and Denton by-election to protect "factional interests."

Richard Burgon, who is secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs, said: "Keir Starmer and his clique have shown they’re prepared to lose Gorton and Denton to Reform, just to protect narrow factional interests.

"It’s weak leadership, and will only deepen the crisis the party is in. There should now be an emergency NEC meeting to resolve this mess."

Zack Polanski will NOT stand in Gorton & Denton by-election

Green Party leader Zack Polanski will not be standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Last week, there had been speculation that Mr Polanski, who was born in Salford, would stand as the party's candidate.

However, a Green Party source told the New Statesman the local party branch will democratically choose the the party's candidate.

Current polling for the seat shows the Greens polling on 24 per cent in the Greater Manchester constituency behind Labour on 29 per cent and Reform on 27,

Matt Vickers said Keir Starmer is a 'man scared of his own shadow' as Labour blocks Andy Burnham from by-election

Matt Vickers has said Sir Keir Starmer is a "man scared of his own shadow" after Labour blocked Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election

The Deputy Conservative Chairman told GB News: "The Government is in a mess, Keir Starmer lacks the leadership to take country forward.

"This is a party without a plan and without a direction. The reality is their chances of winning this by-election have gone down."

Decision to block Andy Burnham from standing was more 'focus than factionalism' 

A Cabinet Minister said the decision to block Mr Burnham from seeking a return to Westminster was more about "focus than factionalism."

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander acknowledged Sir Keir Starmer’s role in the decision to block his potential leadership rival, telling Times Radio: "This was a decision, of course, that the Prime Minister was involved in, but was actually a decision taken by a subcommittee of Labour’s national executive committee (NEC)."

He said: "The judgment was more about focus than factionalism."