WHITEHALL REPORTS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

FIRST IN HISTORY: ANDY BURNHAM ON BRINK OF MAYOR AND PM DOUBLE | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

23/6/2026

Andy Burnham has returned to House Of Commons after winning the Makerfield By Election in Greater Manchester on 18 June 2026 with a majority of more than 9,200 votes.

Andy Burnham's nine-year tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester, which began on 8 May 2017 and saw him win via Greater Manchester Mayoral Elections in both 2021 and 2024, came to an end on 19 June 2026.

Upon being elected as Labour Party MP for Makerfield in the By Election held the previous day, he was automatically disqualified from continuing as Mayor under the rules governing the office.

The By Election itself was triggered by the resignation of the sitting Labour Party MP, Josh Simons, on 14 May 2026, who stood down specifically to create the opportunity for Mr. Burnham to return to House Of Commons.

Andy Burnham is now widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed outgoing Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.

Sir Keir announced his resignation earlier this week following internal pressure, much of it linked to the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as British Ambassador to United States.

Lord Mandelson had failed security clearances because of his connections to the convicted Sex Offender and Child Abuser Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Keir has maintained that he was unaware of the security concerns at the time of the appointment, despite contrary claims from some senior advisers.

Lord Peter Mandelson was later removed from the post.

With a Labour leadership contest expected to conclude rapidly, possibly before the Summer recess, attention is turning to whether Mr. Burnham could make further political history.

Should he become Prime Minister before 01 January 2027, he would be the first British Politician to serve as both Prime Minister and a directly-elected Mayor in the same calendar year.

He would join Boris Johnson as only the second person to have held both offices.

DOUGLAS LUMSDEN SWORN IN AS ABERDEEN SOUTH MP AFTER HISTORIC NORTH EAST BY ELECTION | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

22/6/2026

Scottish Conservative Douglas Lumsden has been officially sworn in as Member Of Parliament for Aberdeen South, marking a significant moment for the constituency following his decisive By Election victory last week.

Mr. Lumsden secured a resounding win, defeating Scottish National Party by more than 6,000 votes and capturing nearly half of all votes cast.

He took the formal oath in House Of Commons this afternoon, expressing his deep honour at representing the people of Aberdeen South.

In his first public comments since the By Election, Mr. Lumsden described the outcome as sending "the loudest possible message" to both the UK Labour government and Scottish Government at Holyrood.

He urged whoever succeeds Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister (widely expected to be Andy Burnham) to take decisive action to support the Oil and Gas Sector by enabling renewed drilling activity in North Sea.

Mr. Lumsden emphasised that the industry has faced significant challenges in recent times and highlighted the need for policies that recognise ongoing importance to jobs, investment and energy security across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.

Mr. Lumsden pledged to be a steadfast champion for oil and gas workers in Westminster, noting the sector's vital contribution to Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

The new MP thanked all those who voted for him and promised not to let them down, stressing his intention to fight for a better deal for Aberdeen's businesses and residents.

With the political landscape at Westminster undergoing change following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation announcement, Mr. Lumsden’s arrival in House Of Commons brings a fresh voice focused on regional economic priorities and the long-term sustainability of Scotland's Energy Sector.

"THE PRIME MINISTER OF U-TURNS AND BROKEN PROMISES": RUSSELL FINDLAY ISSUES STATEMENT ON KEIR STARMER'S RESIGNATION | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

22/6/2026

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has issued a statement on Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as Prime Minister, acknowledging the challenges of leadership while highlighting a need for fresh thinking on key issues affecting Scotland and the wider United Kingdom.

In comments following Prime Minister's announcement on 22 June 2026, Mr. Findlay noted that Sir Keir had stepped aside before further internal pressure mounted, describing him as a figure who will be remembered for navigating a period marked by policy adjustments and ambitious pledges.

He welcomed the opportunity for renewal within The Labour Party but cautioned that a change at the top may not automatically resolve deeper structural questions facing the country.

Mr. Findlay expressed the view that installing Andy Burnham as the next Prime Minister would represent continuity rather than a fundamental shift in approach.

He highlighted ongoing concerns around taxation levels, the sustainability of the benefits system, and the importance of supporting Scotland's energy sector, particularly oil and gas, which continues to play a vital role in jobs and revenue.

The Scottish Conservative leader suggested that a balanced energy policy respectful of North Sea resources could benefit communities across Scotland, referencing his party's recent success in Aberdeen South as evidence of local support for such priorities.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of The Conservative Party, echoed similar themes in her own statement, listing several policy areas where she believes greater ambition and realism are required, including defence investment, welfare reform and domestic energy production.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately reinforced the point that the core challenge lies in delivering sustainable public services and encouraging employment, describing the current direction as one that risks entrenching dependency rather than fostering opportunity.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, said:

"Having jumped before he was pushed by Labour MPs, Sir Keir Starmer will be remembered as the Prime Minister of U-turns and broken promises.

"But putting Andy Burnham into Downing Street changes nothing because our country will still be stuck with a left-wing Labour government that will only ever increase people’s taxes while failing to tackle the out-of-control benefits bill.

“And they're too arrogant to end their idiotic war on Scotland's Oil and Gas Sector, despite our party's seismic victory in Aberdeen South.

"Fundamentally, this failing Labour government will take the same damaging approach seen by the SNP administration, which spells double disaster for Scotland."

KEIR STARMER RESIGNS: "I ACCEPT THE PARTY'S VERDICT WITH GOOD GRACE" | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

22/6/2026

Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Leader of The Labour Party, bringing to an end a turbulent tenure of just under two years in office.

In an statement delivered outside 10 Downing Street on the morning of Monday 22 June 2026, Sir Keir Starmer described becoming Prime Minister following The Labour Party's landslide victory in July 2024's General Election as the proudest moment of his life.

He acknowledged that he had "proved his critics wrong" on several fronts but accepted with "good grace" the clear message from his parliamentary party that he was no longer the best person to lead The Labour Party into the next General Election.

Sir Keir confirmed he would remain in post as a caretaker Prime Minister until an orderly transition could be completed, with a new leader expected to be in place before Parliament returns in September, later this year.

The announcement has triggered a rapid but largely managed leadership transition within The Labour Party.

Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who secured a decisive By Election victory in Makerfield only days earlier, immediately confirmed he would put himself forward as a candidate to succeed Sir Keir.

Wes Streeting, former Health Secretary who had resigned from the Cabinet last month, was quick to endorse Mr. Burnham and declared he would not stand himself, arguing that a prolonged summer contest would damage both the party and United Kingdom.

With no other credible challengers yet to emerge publicly, Mr. Burnham is widely regarded as the overwhelming favourite to become the next Prime Minister, potentially as early as mid-July if the process remains uncontested.

Senior Labour figures including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have paid warm tributes to Sir Keir's achievements in office, citing new workers' rights, renters' reforms, investment in social housing, the creation of Great British Energy and Great British Railways, and Britain's restored international standing, particularly in support for Ukraine.

The resignation marks the seventh change of Prime Minister in a decade.

KEMI BADENOCH SAYS THE LABOUR PARTY NOW IN CIVIL WAR AS COUNTRY LEFT WITHOUT DIRECTION | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

14/5/2026

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has described The Labour Party as being in a Civil War.

Her remarks, made on Thursday 14 May 2026, follow the resignation of Health Secretary Wes Streeting earlier in the day.

Ms. Badenoch stated that while The Labour Party deals with internal divisions, the business of government appears to have stalled.

She highlighted the resignation as evidence of deeper instability within the governing party.

The Labour Party is now in civil war.

Meanwhile no one is running the country. pic.twitter.com/O5HuozkCmV
— Kemi Badenoch (@KEMIBADENOCH) May 14, 2026

The comment was delivered via a short video message on Social Media.

It forms part of The Conservative Party ongoing critique of the current administration's performance.

No direct response from 10 Downing Street has been issued at the time of reporting.

The remarks coincide with wider speculation about the future direction of The Labour Party.

Wes Streeting who resigned as Health Secretary

Ms. Badenoch used the opportunity to contrast the situation with the need for stable governance.

The intervention comes amid continued political discussion about leadership and policy priorities across Westminster.

FORMER DEPUTY ANGELA RAYNER EXONERATED BY HMRC AFTER EIGHT-MONTH TAX INQUIRY | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

14/5/2026

Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of any deliberate wrongdoing in relation to Stamp Duty paid on a property purchase.

The former Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary confirmed on Thursday 14 May 2026 that the tax authority accepted she acted in good faith on expert advice and had paid the correct amount due.

Angela Rayner had resigned from government earlier to cooperate fully with the investigation.

She stated she had no personal financial interest in a trust linked to her son's financial award and did not own another property at the time of purchase.

HMRC concluded she took reasonable care and followed the advice received.

In her first television interview following the resolution, Ms. Rayner indicated she has not ruled out a future bid for the leadership of The Labour Party.

She confirmed there had been no agreement with any other senior figure regarding such a move.

The case had attracted significant public and media attention since the investigation began.

Ms. Rayner expressed relief that the matter is now closed and that she can focus on her parliamentary duties.

The development coincides with other senior Labour figures making statements on The Labour Party's direction.

No further tax liability or penalties were imposed beyond the original payment already made.

"LABOUR JUST DON'T GET IT, DO THEY?" - EMILY HEWERTSON HITS OUT AT WES STREETING DEMONISING REFORM UK VOTERS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

14/5/2026

A prominent Political Commentator Emily Hewertson, from United Kingdom, has hit out at Wes Streeting after the former Labour Party minister used his resignation letter to brand Reform UK supporters as part of a "dangerous English nationalism" and an "existential threat" to the country.

I see Wes Streeting has used his resignation to demonise Reform voters.

Labour just don’t get it, do they? pic.twitter.com/yJNsG1OxrD
— Emily Hewertson □□ □□□□□□□ (@EmilyHewertson) May 14, 2026

Sharing the key excerpt from Streeting's statement, Hewertson wrote:

"Labour just don't get it, do they?"

Emily pointed out that many Reform UK voters are former Labour Party supporters and questioned whether demonising them was the best way to win them back.

Emily's comments quickly gained traction on Social Media and highlighted the growing rift between The Labour Party and the millions of voters who supported Nigel Farage's Reform UK in last week's Local Elections and those held in Scotland & Wales.

Informing Britain has contacted Wes Streeting for comment.

WES STREETING STEPS DOWN WITHOUT IMMEDIATE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE TO KEIR STARMER | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

14/5/2026

Wes Streeting has resigned from his position as Secretary Of State For Health And Social Care.

In a detailed letter released on Thursday 14 May 2026, the Ilford North MP stated that the government lacks the vision and direction required to meet public expectations.

pic.twitter.com/9qI2Bj35ZK
— Wes Streeting (@WesStreeting) May 14, 2026

Mr. Streeting made clear he is not launching an immediate Leadership Challenge to the Prime Minister.

He called for a broad debate on The Labour Party's future that focuses on ideas rather than personalities or internal factions.

The letter highlights concerns over decision-making processes and the handling of dissenting voices within the parliamentary party.

The resignation comes at a time of heightened political activity, with multiple senior journalists confirming the development within minutes of the letter's publication.

Reactions on Social Media have been swift, reflecting a range of views on the timing and implications for The Labour Party's stability.

Mr. Streeting emphasised his commitment to Public Service and the NHS during his time in office.

He has not indicated immediate plans to return to the front bench, instead positioning himself as part of a wider discussion on the party’s direction ahead of the next General Election.

The Prime Minister's office has not issued an immediate response to the resignation.

Political observers note the move adds to existing speculation about the future leadership of The Labour Party.

16-MINUTE DOWNING STREET MEETING SPARKS NEW LEADERSHIP SPECULATION, INFORMING BRITAIN UNDERSTANDS | INFORMING BRITAIN ON WHITEHALL

13/5/2026

Allies of Health Secretary Wes Streeting have informed the BBC that he is expected to trigger a formal Leadership Challenge against Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday 14 May 2026, Informing Britain understands.

The development follows a 16-minute meeting between the two at 10 Downing Street on the morning of Wednesday 13 May 2026.

The brief encounter occurred amid ongoing speculation about The Labour Party's leadership stability.

Wes Streeting, who arrived at Number 10 without commenting to waiting media, left shortly afterwards.

Sources close to the Health Secretary have indicated his intention to resign from the cabinet and mount a bid for The Labour Party leadership.

The move comes at a time of internal party pressures following recent Local Elections setbacks and the ongoing fallout from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to United States.

Keir Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September 2025 after the release of The Jeffrey Epstein Files revealed the full extent of Mandelson's relationship with the convicted Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein, which had continued after Epstein's 2008 conviction.

Starmer later apologised publicly to Epstein victims, stating he had been misled during the vetting process and would not have made the appointment had he known the depth of the ties.

The scandal has intensified questions about judgement within the party leadership.

People within Keir Starmer's circles believe there is no consensus in The Labour Party about having a Leadership Challenge.