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IrelandScotlandWalesHS2 failings blamed on high-speed focus and political pressure A new reviews confirms the high-speed rail line's "original sins" include a technical design, changing political priorities and ballooning costs.51 mins agoPoliticsPersonal decision for Starmer on whether to fight leadership contest, minister saysCulture Secretary Lisa Nandy tells the BBC that the prime minister has "shown before that he's up for a fight" and she "wouldn't write [him] off".13 hrs agoPoliticsBurnham cleared to run for selection in pivotal by-electionIf the Greater Manchester mayor goes on to win the by-election, he would be able to launch a leadership challenge against the PM. 2 days agoPoliticsHow Rayner, Streeting and Burnham weakened PM in 12 hours of political dramaThree interventions by three senior Labour politicians made for an unforgettable day in British politics.2 days agoPoliticsLabour leadership jostling puts Brexit back under political spotlightThe UK's relationship with the EU is shaping up as a key issue for a possible Labour leadership contest and the coming by-election in the Makerfield. 22 hrs agoPoliticsStreeting says he would join leadership race as Burnham vows to 'save' LabourThe former health secretary says there must be a "proper contest" while Burnham says Labour needs to be "saved from where it's been".1 day agoPoliticsThe race to replace Starmer is on - but he still faces a momentous choiceLabour is consumed by drama, but the PM still faces big decisions - and what could be his final choice.1 day agoBBC InDepthLondon mayor warning over northern Olympic bidThe government has commissioned UK Sport to conduct an "initial strategic assessment" into a potential bid for the north of England to host the Olympics and Paralympics in the 2040s.British firm vying to build next Red Arrows jets collapsesAeralis was hoping the UK government would award it a contract to replace the Hawk jets currently flown by the RAF.What does Makerfield make of by-election and can Burnham win?Andy Burnham says he will look to stand in the constituency, after Labour MP Josh Simons announces his resignation.Mandelson papers being withheld, says intelligence watchdogResponding to the criticism the government said it would "publish as much material as we can as soon as possible". Farage paid for £1.4m house with I'm a Celebrity cash, says ReformThe Reform UK leader is being investigated by Parliament's standards watchdog over a £5m gift from a billionaire.Features and analysisIs it harder than ever to be prime minister?Discontent with the political class is greater than ever - has the UK become ungovernable?Analysis: Andy Burnham's route back to Commons is clearer - but can he win in Makerfield?The Greater Manchester mayor faces a messy and bitter by-election battle with Reform UK. Who is James Murray, the new health secretary replacing Wes Streeting?What are the most pressing priorities for the new minister in charge of health? Andy Burnham: 'King of the North' with eyes on the top jobThe Greater Manchester mayor is lining up a third attempt to be Labour leader - but must get back to Westminster first.Richmond-upon-Thames: The borough with no oppositionLiberal Democrats won every single seat in Richmond-upon-Thames at the local election, but is that good for democracy?From our Political Editor Chris MasonChris Mason: Potential leadership challengers jostle for positionSir Keir Starmer and his backers argue a leadership contest would paralyse the government for months.Chris Mason: Big moment ahead for Streeting to decide whether to go for itThere is a big moment coming in the next 24 hours, for Sir Keir Starmer and for would-be challengers to the prime minister.Farage faces standards probe into £5m gift from crypto billionaireThe probe will examine whether the Reform UK leader should have declared the gift from crypto billionaire.Chris Mason: Why a coffee is overshadowing the King's SpeechThe King will set out the government's agenda in Parliament, but the political plotting continues. Chris Mason: PM hangs on by a thread as party revoltsA dam appears to have broken, with Labour MPs posting their public loss of confidence in the PM, our political editor writes.BBC InDepthIs it harder than ever to be prime minister?Discontent with the political class is greater than ever - has the UK become ungovernable?Relish and dread as Starmer 'shambles' hangs over Scotland and Wales electionsLaura Kuenssberg travels to Wales and Scotland to speak to candidates and voters ahead of May 7 polls.Why Starmer still can't move on from the Mandelson messThe decision to send Peter Mandelson to Washington has become a scandal that just won't go away for Labour.As Starmer faces war overseas, his party can't find peace at homeBritish politicians tend to stick together during dangerous moments abroad. In 2026? Not so much.Why Europe's leaders have struggled to speak as one on IranEuropean nations say they want to work better together but have differing prioritiesWatch/ListenReform now run Wakefield - so what do the locals think?Reform UK councillor Karl Johnson is set to become the new leader of Wakefield Council following a dramatic shift in power last week. Here's what some of the locals think.Will Makerfield decide the next PM?Could a Makerfield by-election decide who the next Labour Prime Minister will be?What do Makerfield residents think of the Burnham-prompted by-election?BBC Radio Manchester asked people in the constituency what they think of having a by-electionWatch: The day Labour's potential leadership race began to heat upPolitical turmoil continued in Westminster on Thursday after Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned Starmer's government saying he had "lost confidence" in his leadership.Skates compares Welsh Labour to Fellowship of the RingKen Skates compares Welsh Labour to the Lord of the Rings' Fellowship of the Ring in the Senedd.
