'Farage will throw everything at us': Burnham risks losing a by-election, insiders fear
Andy Burnham should abandon his ambitions to return to Westminster amid fears the Labour Party could lose both the mayoralty of Greater Manchester and a by-election, Cabinet ministers told The i Paper.
Senior Labour strategists have been looking with dismay at last week’s local election results in Greater Manchester. Reform UK won every single ward up for election in Wigan, alongside 18 out of 19 seats in Tameside, with 50-point swings from Labour to Reform.
Labour was also humbled in places like Oldham and Rochdale, while in the centre at the City Council, it was the Greens who triumphed, winning more than twice as many seats up for election than Labour. In Bolton, Labour lost five of the seven seats it had up for election. In other parts of the Greater Manchester conurbation, the results were more positive for Labour. The party retained its overall majority in Trafford and Wigan and Salford but also shed multiple seats.
What Burnham as PM could mean for your taxes
Will World Cup be too hot for players? Scientists think so
Patsy Kensit to return to Emmerdale after two decades
Dentists reveal how to choose the best toothpaste
All the acts set to headline World Cup final half-time show
How a Labour leadership race actually works
How Burnham as PM may affect tax, welfare and immigration
There are reports that Andy Burnham is poised to attempt a dramatic comeback to Westminster. His record in government, mayoralty in Manchester, and a string of disagreements with Downing Street give a clearer picture of what his premiership might look like.
Can he make a bid for PM?
A path to parliament
Burnham’s allies claimed he found a Labour MP ready to stand aside so he could return to parliament.
He cannot stand in a leadership contest without a seat. He was blocked from securing one in January.
But with over 90 MPs calling on Starmer to go, pressure on the Prime Minister is growing.
Welfare spending and the NHS
Burnham has been among the most vocal Labour figures to oppose the Government’s welfare cuts. He is unlikely to continue the scale of cuts to welfare spending currently being pursued.
Burnham was health secretary under Gordon Brown between 2009 and 2010. His core argument is that the NHS and social care must be fully integrated into a single publicly run system, free at the point of use – what he calls a National Care Service.
What about tax and the economy?
Burnham has consistently argued that Britain taxes work too heavily and wealth too lightly.
He proposes a revaluation of council tax bands, land value taxation reform and replacing inheritance tax with a “care levy” to fund a National Care Service.
He caused turbulence when, in 2025, he said politicians needed to “get beyond this thing of being in hock to the bond markets”.
What Burnham as PM could mean for your taxes, welfare and immigration
Immigration and foreign policy
Burnham has criticised the Government’s hardline stance on immigration, suggesting he would be less aggressive in pursuing lower net migration figures. In foreign policy, he was one of the first senior Labour figures to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, and urged the Government to recognise Palestinian statehood in 2025. He also said he hoped to see the UK rejoin the EU.
Inside the Burnham campaign launch plan – and the seat he's targeting
Burnham allies 'offer MPs peerages to stand aside' so he can run for PM
Watch more from The i Paper
@theipaper “Andy Burnham’s allies have been offering peerages to MPs willing to stand aside so he can return to Westminster, The i Paper has been told. Multiple sources claim the Mayor of Manchester’s allies have been making moves to position him for any leadership challenge which may come after the local elections. The results are likely to pile further pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who has long known that these elections could be make or break for his premiership.” #Westminster #Parliament #KeirStarmer ♬ original sound – The i Paper – The i Paper
“Andy Burnham’s allies have been offering peerages to MPs willing to stand aside so he can return to Westminster, The i Paper has been told. Multiple sources claim the Mayor of Manchester’s allies have been making moves to position him for any leadership challenge which may come after the local elections. The results are likely to pile further pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who has long known that these elections could be make or break for his premiership.” #Westminster #Parliament #KeirStarmer
Fifa is risking player safety in heat at World Cup, scientists say
World-leading scientists have said Fifa’s current heat safety measures for the 2026 World Cup are “inadequate” and could risk serious harm for players.
International experts in health, climate and sports performance have called on Fifa to introduce stronger measures. Heat is expected to be an issue at the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. Researchers said temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums in use could exceed dangerous levels.
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Fifa has introduced compulsory three-minute cooling breaks in each half of all matches.
There will be climate-controlled benches for technical staff and substitutes at all outdoor matches.
Fifa uses the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) as a heat measure, which assess heat stress on the body.
If the WBGT is near, at or above 32°C, match organisers will agree precautions to prevent harm.
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An open letter has been signed by 20 experts, including leading academics from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. They want Fifa to change its approach, including:
Delaying or postponing matches above 28°C WBGT.
Longer cooling breaks of at least six minutes.
Improved cooling facilities for players.
Regular updates to guidelines based on the latest science.
Things can go wrong quickly
Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat. We’re worried that Fifa is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players. andrew simms, director of the new weather institute
Player safety is an immediate and urgent concern because things can go wrong very quickly when people overheat. We’re worried that Fifa is playing recklessly with the health and safety of players.
Patsy Kensit is making a return to Emmerdale
Patsy Kensit will return to Emmerdale after two decades to reprise her role as Sadie King. The actress played the villainous character on the ITV soap for a two-year stint between 2004 and 2006.
Sadie King arrived in the Yorkshire Dales by helicopter as the glamorous, scheming wife of Jimmy King.
Her devious ambition drove dramatic storylines including a house explosion and high-stakes affair.
'I didn't speak until I was 10 – but now I'm in Emmerdale'
A closer look at her career
Kensit went on to play Faye Morton in Holby City between 2007 and 2019.
“I am really excited to return to Emmerdale. I treasure the years I was here before,” she said.
“Sadie King is a character that I really loved playing. The cast and crew are absolutely brilliant and I am so grateful for the chance to return to the show.”
Her character will return to the soap later this year.
Be prepared for drama
Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales Laura shaw, emmerdale producer
Her return will be explosive and guaranteed to shock. Sadie’s seductive demeanour, combined with her utterly ruthless nature, are set to deliver a spectacular and highly dramatic touch of class to the Yorkshire Dales
How to choose the best toothpaste, according to the experts
As the price of toothpaste rises in supermarkets, dentists reveal what you should look for on the box and which expensive extras can be avoided
Fluoride is the most important ingredient to look for in toothpaste, dentists told Sky News.
The amount of fluoride is listed on the side of the tube, and is measured in parts per million (ppm).
Dr Deepak Aulak, co-founder of Toothfairy, said the best fluoride level is between 1,350 and 1,500ppm for adults.
He said the ingredient helps with strengthening enamel and reduces the risk of decay.
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Fluoride is one of the biggest success stories in public health. It strengthens the enamel and dramatically reduces decay. Opt for fluoride-free if you enjoy the taste of higher dental bills. dr James davies, specialist orthodontist at quayside orthodontic
Fluoride is one of the biggest success stories in public health. It strengthens the enamel and dramatically reduces decay. Opt for fluoride-free if you enjoy the taste of higher dental bills.
Which brand is best?
Dentists said there isn’t a single “perfect” toothpaste for everyone, but supermarket owned brands are suitable as long as they have the right level of fluoride.
A premium toothpaste can feel nicer, but doesn’t add protection. Dr Davies said: “You are often paying for the flavour, branding, fancy packaging and the celebrity smile.”
What ‘s best for children?
Fluoride is still important for children but they need less of it in their toothpaste.Under-threes should use a “smear of toothpaste” that contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride, Dr Aulak said. Children aged three to six should have a “pea-sized” amount.
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Madonna, Shakira and BTS to headline World Cup half-time show
They will co-headline the Super-Bowl style show at the tournament this summer, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The first ever half-time show
Pre-match performances at showpiece occasions such as the Champions League final are common, but this is set to be the first half-time show at a World Cup final.
The final is taking place in New Jersey on 19 July.
The show will be 11 minutes long, according to the BBC, and has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
The performances will raise money for the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative raising $100m (£73m) for children around the world.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said the show “will be a historic moment for the Fifa World Cup”.
Who are the performers?
Madonna is the best-selling female music artist of all time. She is currently preparing to release her 15th album, Confessions II, on 3 July.
The seven members of boyband BTS are the best-selling music act in South Korean history. They are returning after a three-year break to complete mandatory military service.
A closer look at the detail
Colombian singer Shakira is releasing her official World Cup song ‘Dai Dai’, on Thursday. The title is an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on”.The track also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
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How a Labour leadership challenge would actually work
Labour has never removed a sitting prime minister in its 126-year history. After the party lost more than 1,400 councillors in Thursday’s local elections, that record is under serious threat.
Pressure is mounting for Sir Keir Starmer to step down or set a timetable for when he will.
Over 90 MPs have called for Starmer to quit, while four ministers and six parliamentary private secretaries have resigned.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting is reportedly preparing a formal leadership challenge.
The five stages of contest
1An election would begin if either Starmer resigns or a challenger comes forward to force him out.
2Candidates must get the backing of at least 81 Labour MPs to be successful, with extra requirements if Starmer resigns.
3The contest starts if enough candidates have secured sufficient backing.
4Once it begins, Labour’s National Executive Committee sets out the rules.
5Paid-up Labour members and affiliated trade union supporters vote for their preferred leader.
Why this could benefit Starmer
The contest uses a preferential ballot where members rank candidates.Polling showed that Andy Burnham was the first preference of 42 per cent of members, but he is not an MP and would need to win a by-election.Without him, votes are more evenly distributed amongst candidates, which could allow Starmer’s second-preference support to prove decisive.
The five stages of a Labour leadership challenge – and why it favours Keir Starmer
Streeting allies 'begged' Starmer loyalist MPs not to back PM
“Look, [Nigel] Farage will throw everything he has at both fights and then we find ourselves in an even worse mess,” a Cabinet minister told The i Paper. “And how much will they [Reform UK] outspend us by? And then [Green Party leader Zack] Polanski can sweep in too.”
Burnham is understood to have told allies he has lined up a parliamentary seat. His supporters have been offering peerages to MPs willing to stand aside so he can return to Westminster, The i Paper reported last week. He was photographed arriving at Euston station hours after Sir Keir Starmer told his Cabinet he was remaining in post as he battles to save his premiership during a growing Labour revolt.
In January, Burnham was blocked from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election by a Starmer-led coalition on Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC). But on Monday, Starmer said it was a matter for the NEC, as senior Labour voices former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he should be allowed to stand.
A second Cabinet minister told The i Paper: “Andy has got many, many good qualities, and I get on with him. But if he wanted to be back, he could have come back in 2024. I get the frustration that he was blocked in Gorton and Denton, but it was genuinely for a good reason, and he’s made it hard on himself. He could be back now. He could have come back as an MP in 2024. Had he done so, I’m pretty confident he’d now be in the Cabinet. But he didn’t do that, that was his choice. He made that decision, and that decision has consequences.
“I don’t see an easier, straightforward route back for Andy Burnham, or that Andy Burnham alone is going to solve all of our problems. No one person is going to solve the big political malaise and the huge challenges the country is facing and the threat of Reform.”
Nonetheless, Burnham’s personal branding is strong in the area and he remains popular in Manchester. During the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign multiple voters told The i Paper they would have voted for Labour had Burnham been the candidate. Focus group and polling data suggests he could have won the seat and others in the area.
“Andy Burnham does have a powerful appeal with Greater Manchester voters which I suspect sets him apart from the Labour Government or a generic Labour candidate. But such is the unpopularity of Labour right now, and the pull of more radical options on both left and right, that nothing is guaranteed,” Robert Ford, professor of political science at the University of Manchester, said.
A spokesman for Burnham did not immediately reply to requests for comment.