Burnham says 'this is a final chance to change' in his victory speech

Labour's Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by-election, paving the way for him to challenge Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader. "Everyone knows that politics isn't working," he says in his acceptance speech. "Tonight could, just could, be the turning point". Burnham previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest - he would need the support of at least 81 Labour MPs to join the race. The newly-elected MP for Makerfield, who held cabinet positions under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, says he always knew he would seek to return to Westminster to "complete that unfinished business" so the north of England could fulfil its "potential". 1 hour ago Labour Party Keir Starmer Share Save King Charles III has unveiled the government's agenda in a speech to Parliament. BBC’s Sarah Smith examines how the Iran war has led to discrepancies between the US president and UK prime minister. A BBC reporter goes undercover and speaks to an adviser encouraging migrants to cheat the asylum system. As a US trial finds Meta and Google intentionally built addictive social media platforms, will the UK change its rules? Migration minister Mike Tapp is unable to answer one of the questions on the UK citizenship test. The conflict in the Middle East could continue "for some time”, the UK prime minister has warned. Labour, which took the Greater Manchester seat with more than 50% of the vote in 2024, was pushed into third place. In her acceptance speech, Hannah Spencer said she was “no different from every single person in this constituency”. The Metropolitan Police said a 72-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says joining Reform would be like swapping Boro for NUFC. The Green Party leader reiterates his backing for "legalising and regulating" drugs. The UK was among several allies to join the US in Afghanistan from 2001, after it invoked Nato's collective security clause following the 9/11 terror attacks. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the former shadow justice secretary says Reform UK are the only party who can fix Britain. Starmer dismisses 'caretaker PM' label from Badenoch at PMQs Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the mayor of Greater Manchester did not reply when pressed about a possible challenge to Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. Watch: Lib Dem MPs take on Farage in parliament Watch: Tom Tugendhat accuses government of inaction over China spy case into former researcher.