UK politics
Starmer to quit as Labour leader, opening race for No 10
The prime minister says he will stay in office until Labour chooses a successor, with Andy Burnham already confirming he plans to stand
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- UK politics Starmer to quit as Labour leader, triggering race for next prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said he will stay in Downing Street until Labour chooses a successor, with nominations due to open on 9 July
- U.K. politics Starmer steps down as Labour leader as Burnham moves to replace him Andy Burnham’s decisive Makerfield by-election win returned him to Westminster and positioned him for a Labour contest that could determine Britain’s next prime minister
- United Kingdom Starmer backs national inquiry into grooming gangs after Casey audit The British prime minister said the statutory inquiry will cover England and Wales and follow a recommendation from Baroness Louise Casey’s review of group-based child sexual abuse
Labour leadership
Streeting warns Labour race must not become a pledge auction
The former health secretary said he would not make costly campaign promises he might have to reverse, as pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership continues
Online safety
Five questions shaping the UK’s under-16 social media ban
The government wants restrictions in force by early 2027, but the scope, exemptions and enforcement tools are still being worked through
U.K. courts
Two Men Found Guilty in Arson Attacks Linked to Keir Starmer
An Old Bailey jury convicted Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc over fires at north London properties and a car connected to the U.K. prime minister
Online safety
UK plans under-16 social media ban as enforcement doubts mount
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Britain will pursue an Australia-style age ban while adding tighter rules for livestreaming, gaming and other features used by minors
Music reunion
Mis-Teeq reunite for Wembley show marking 25 years of debut album
The UK garage-era trio will play London’s Wembley Arena in September, with Alesha Dixon saying the comeback began in the group chat
UK defence
John Healey resigns as defence secretary over spending plan
In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Healey said the government’s defence investment plan does not meet the demands facing the UK
West Ham governance
West Ham faces ownership test after Sullivan steps down
David Sullivan denies allegations about his private life, but the football regulator’s request for urgent information has deepened uncertainty around the relegated club
UK politics
Mandelson files leave gaps over messages, vetting and Epstein
More than 1,500 pages have been released on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US, but key records and answers remain undisclosed
Pop culture
How viral dance routines became part of pop’s rollout
Choreographers behind routines for PinkPantheress and Zara Larsson say the dances that travel fastest often feel simple, communal and unforced
British LGBT Awards
Boy George receives lifetime achievement honour at LGBT Awards
Jean Paul Gaultier surprised the Culture Club singer with the award at a central London ceremony, where Boy George also won music artist of the year
BP leadership shake-up
Ousted BP Chair Albert Manifold Rejects ‘Lies’ About His Conduct
Manifold said he accepted BP’s decision to remove him but denied crossing a line, while the company said it stood by its statement on governance and conduct concerns
Tennis
Serena Williams in talks over Queen’s doubles return
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has completed the required drug-testing period, but no deal has been finalised for the London grass-court event
Parliament
Second batch of Mandelson papers delayed until after recess
Darren Jones told MPs the documents will be released after Parliament returns, amid questions over withheld files and new redaction grounds
Parliamentary scrutiny
Mandelson appointment papers are being withheld, intelligence watchdog says
The Intelligence and Security Committee says ministers should seek MPs’ approval before holding back some material tied to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US
UK politics
King’s Speech sets out 37 bills as Starmer faces pressure
King Charles outlined the government’s legislative programme for the year ahead, but leadership speculation around the prime minister quickly became Westminster’s dominant question
UK politics
Who could challenge Keir Starmer if Labour turns on him?
No Labour leadership contest has been triggered, but Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are among the figures being discussed as pressure builds on the prime minister
U.K. politics
Starmer vows to fight on as Labour revolt rattles gilt market
The British prime minister promised a sharper agenda on growth, defence, Europe and energy after local election losses triggered calls from dozens of Labour MPs for him to quit
Markets
European shares slip as Trump threatens 25% EU auto tariffs
The Stoxx 600 reversed early gains as automakers fell and investors watched renewed trade tensions alongside security risks in the Strait of Hormuz
Green Party
Zack Polanski apologises over repost criticising police arrest
The Green leader said he should not have commented on the police response on social media after criticism from Sir Keir Starmer, the Met chief and figures in his own party
Markets
CNBC flags oil, gas and commodity themes in studio strategy roundup
A CNBC London studio segment teased three investment approaches for a noisy market, but the available source summary did not provide the full recommendations or rationale
Westminster
Starmer avoids Commons inquiry over Mandelson vetting claims
MPs rejected a Conservative-led bid to send the prime minister’s comments to the Privileges Committee, despite a small Labour rebellion
Cancer research
Women call for £20m study into under-funded lobular breast cancer
Campaigners say lobular breast cancer accounts for 15% of cases but is too often missed or under-studied because it may not form a typical lump
Employment tribunal
Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije withdraws claims involving Dan Walker
ITN and Channel 5 agreed an undisclosed payment to resolve the tribunal matter, with no admission of liability, after denying the claims in full
Energy pricing overhaul
UK plans shakeup to electricity pricing to blunt gas-driven bill spikes
Government sets out consultation to weaken the link between power bills and gas prices within about a year; windfall tax on some generators to rise to 55% from July
Education policy
England to make phone-free school days a legal requirement under government plan
Ministers will table an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to put guidance on a statutory footing; details, enforcement and potential exemptions are still to be set out