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Andy Burnham has cruised to victory in the Makerfield by‑election, delivering a critical blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reviving speculation of a leadership showdown within the Labour Party.Burnham’s Decisive Victory in Makerfield By‑ElectionThe former Greater Manchester mayor defeated Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon by a five‑point margin, securing the Westminster seat he needs to mount a prime‑ministerial challenge.Vote Share, Turnout, and Polls: The Numbers Behind the WinEligible voters: ~75,000Turnout: 58.75% (up from 52.4% in the 2024 general election)Burnham’s lead in the Opinium poll: 5 pointsIpsos preferred‑prime‑minister poll: 25% for Burnham vs 12% for StarmerImplications for Labour Party Leadership and UK PoliticsThe win could force Starmer to resign or trigger a contested leadership battle that may pit the prime minister against Burnham and former health secretary Wes Streeting. Burnham, dubbed the “king of the north,” has built a populist base by criticizing London‑centric policies and neoliberal economics.What the Next Weeks Could Hold for Starmer and BurnhamAnalysts expect a rapid escalation: Burnham is likely to announce a formal leadership challenge within weeks, while Starmer may attempt to consolidate support among Labour MPs. The outcome will shape the party’s direction ahead of the next general election and could redefine the political balance between northern England and Westminster.

Lead: A Cross‑Party Push to Block Legal IntimidationA coordinated effort to protect whistleblowers, journalists and victims of sexual assault from costly lawsuits has emerged in Westminster, with two private‑members’ bills targeting SLAPP abuse introduced within 24 hours of each other.Private‑Members’ Bills Target SLAPP Abuse in WestminsterTina Stowell, former BBC communications chief and ex‑Leader of the House of Lords, published a draft bill on Tuesday, followed by John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, who presented his own Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation Bill on Wednesday. Both bills aim to give defendants the ability to request early dismissal of cases that relate to matters of public interest, before costs spiral.Early dismissal mechanism for libel and related suitsAutomatic cost awards to successful defendantsPenalties for claimants who deliberately delay proceedingsPotential Cost Savings from Early Dismissal of Frivolous LawsuitsCurrent SLAPP cases can drive legal fees up to £1 million per party, with the losing side forced to cover the winner’s costs. By allowing judges to strike out unmeritorious claims early, the bills could save millions in public and private expenditures and reduce the chilling effect on investigative reporting.How Anti‑SLAPP Legislation Could Reshape the UK Free‑Speech LandscapeSupporters argue that the legislation will restore a functional democracy by preventing courts from being weaponised against legitimate public‑interest disclosures. The proposals have garnered backing from media organisations, the UK Anti‑SLAPP Coalition, and senior figures across the political spectrum, signalling a rare consensus on the need for stronger free‑speech safeguards.What the Passage of the Bills Means for Future Media and Whistleblower ProtectionsIf enacted, the bills would place the UK alongside US states and EU jurisdictions that already offer anti‑SLAPP protections. Critics note that the measures stop short of covering criminal matters, but the early‑dismissal framework could set a precedent for broader reforms, potentially prompting the government to introduce its own comprehensive legislation.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani used a flamboyant video on April 15 to announce New York’s new pied‑à‑terre tax, targeting empty luxury apartments worth $5 million or more. The measure is part of a broader trans‑Atlantic debate on how to curb the influence of ultra‑wealthy property owners on housing markets.Mamdani’s Pied‑à‑Terre Tax Takes Effect in New YorkThe tax, slated to begin on 1 July 2026, applies to second homes valued at $5 million or higher. It is framed as a fairness measure, with Governor Kathy Hochul supporting the initiative and urging owners of vacant high‑value units to contribute to essential city services.Revenue Projections: $500 Million a Year from 11,200 Luxury UnitsEstimated annual revenue: $500 millionTargeted properties: approximately 11,200 unitsAverage tax per unit: roughly $45,000NYC Comptroller Mark Levine cited these figures, emphasizing the tax’s potential to fund public services without burdening average residents.Parallel UK Policies: Labour’s Mansion Tax and Council‑Tax SurchargeAcross the Atlantic, Prime Minister‑designate Keir Starmer and Chancellor‑in‑waiting Rachel Reeves have quietly advanced a “mansion tax” on properties above £5 million and a high‑value council‑tax surcharge. Both measures aim at the same ultra‑rich segment that drives up prices in super‑prime areas such as Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.Broader Implications for Housing Affordability and Wealth TaxationThe combined effect of New York’s and the UK’s policies challenges the narrative that wealth taxes scare the rich away. Studies from the Fiscal Policy Institute show that the top 1 % are the least likely to relocate, while the real exodus is seen among middle‑class families squeezed out by soaring rents.Both jurisdictions face a deeper issue: the financialisation of real estate, amplified by post‑2008 monetary policies that have turned home ownership into a luxury.What Comes Next: Potential Expansion and Political RisksPossible extension of the pied‑à‑terre tax to properties valued above $3 million.Labour may adopt a more vocal stance if revenue data proves politically advantageous.Risk of backlash from high‑net‑worth individuals, though evidence suggests limited migration.If the taxes prove effective and politically sustainable, they could reshape the debate on wealth, housing, and urban equity for years to come.

The Proposal for Devolving Business Rates Ministers are considering handing over billions of pounds raised by business rates to regional mayors as part of one of the biggest shake-ups of the English tax system in recent years. Background and Context Steve Reed, the local government secretary, said the government was working on plans to devolve the tax, which has been the subject of recent protests by pubs and other hospitality businesses. The move is part of a wider plan to shift tax income to local leaders, due to be announced by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, at this year’s budget. Key Considerations and Challenges Reed told the Guardian: “The chancellor pointed to devolving aspects of income tax, as we discussed, but certainly we look at business rates, too – or elements of business rates.” He added that local areas would not simply be allowed to keep whatever they raised in business rates, given this could exacerbate regional inequality, but that the new tax system would reward those areas that grew their economies more quickly. The Potential Impact on Regional Inequality Experts say the centralisation of tax and power in the Westminster government is one of the reasons the UK has some of the worst regional inequality in the developed world. JP Spencer, director of devolution policy at the thinktank ThinkLabour, said: “Devolving the revenue from income tax or business rates to local areas would be a huge change in how our tax system and country works. “It would give places the longer-term certainty to invest, plan and deliver better services for their residents.” The Future Outlook The proposal is part of a broader push to give mayors more power over areas such as justice, health and education. Reed said: “The sky’s the limit … nothing is off limits.”

The LeadIn the heart of London's most exclusive neighborhood, a £210m palace stands empty while its only resident lives on the porch. The stark contrast between Britain's most expensive house and its sole occupant—a homeless man named Anders Fernstedt—highlights the growing disconnect between extreme wealth and housing inequality in global cities.The Empty Palace2-8A Rutland Gate is no ordinary house. With 45 rooms, four lifts, an indoor pool, and 116 windows (68 of which overlook Hyde Park), it's more accurately described as a palace. When it last changed hands in 2020, it became Britain's most expensive property, selling for £210m. Yet despite its staggering value and prime location in Knightsbridge, the property has remained vacant for years, its marble bathrooms and gold-leaf decorations gathering dust while Fernstedt lives in a makeshift tent on the porch.The Porch DwellerAnders Fernstedt has called the porch of this luxury property home for the past three years. His makeshift shelter, constructed mainly from umbrellas, is filled with personal belongings—baskets, books, newspapers, teddy bears, games, bicycles, and flowers. Despite the grandeur just feet away, Fernstedt must use a plastic bottle for bathroom needs, joking about 'Everest base camp problems.' His presence creates a powerful visual metaphor for the housing crisis in one of the world's wealthiest cities.The Ownership PuzzleThe property's ownership history is as complex as its architecture. Originally a row of terrace houses, they were purchased by Lebanese billionaire Rafik Hariri in the early 1980s and converted into a single palace. After Hariri's assassination in 2005, the property went to Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz. Following his death in 2011, the house was sold again in 2020 to a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, reportedly owned by Chinese billionaire Hui Ka Yan, founder of the property giant Evergrande.The Global Property MarketThis story reflects broader trends in global real estate. Research shows that over the past decade, the value of offshore residential property in England and Wales has increased from £64bn to £80bn. London serves as the hub, with 47,000 overseas-owned residential properties—45% of the total and 81% by value. Half of this total value is concentrated in just two local authorities: Westminster (34%) and Kensington and Chelsea (16%), where Rutland Gate is located.The Uncertain FutureThe current status of the property remains uncertain. After Evergrande's collapse in 2024 and Hui's guilty plea to fraud charges, the house's ownership has become entangled in legal complications. While the property was reportedly transferred to Hui's ex-wife Ding Yumei, her assets have been frozen, preventing any sale. Meanwhile, the luxury palace continues to sit empty, its potential as a home unrealized, while its porch remains occupied by a man with nowhere else to go.

The Political OutreachNigel Farage issued a call on Tuesday for trade unions to affiliate to Reform UK, suggesting that one union might be on the brink of doing so. The former Brexit Party leader extended an 'open offer' to unions to apply for affiliation and invited them to attend Reform's national conference in September. Farage claimed his party wanted to ensure 'what happens in Westminster finally reflects the interests of the working majority,' positioning Reform as a more authentic champion for workers than traditional parties.The Union ResponseLeaders of the TUC and five major trade unions including Unison, GMB, and Unite all rejected Farage's invitation. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak stated that Reform are 'no friends of working people' and accused them of planning to 'rip up workers' rights like day-one sick pay and protection from fire-and-rehire and zero-hours contracts.' Unison's Andrea Egan called Farage's approach a 'con,' while Unite's Sharon Graham suggested Labour needed to 'stop dithering and be the voice of workers.' GMB's Gary Smith dismissed Reform as 'rebadged Tories' that have 'voted against sick pay and other essential safeguards.'The Policy DivideThe unions highlighted significant policy differences with Reform UK, pointing to the party's opposition to new employment rights. TUC sources referenced comments from Reform's Andrea Jenkyns, who stated 'I don't like trade unions' and criticized the employment rights bill. The unions emphasized Reform's stance against day-one sick pay, protections against fire-and-rehire, and zero-hours contracts—positions they view as fundamentally opposed to workers' interests. Labour's Anna Turley added that Farage and Reform have promised to strip away 'vital changes which are set to benefit 15 million workers across the country,' including bereavement leave, maternity and paternity rights, and sick pay.The Political StrategyFarage's outreach to unions appears to be part of a broader strategy to position Reform UK as the authentic voice of working-class voters, particularly in traditional Labour heartlands. The approach comes amid a recent JL Partners poll showing Labour and Reform tied at 28% of the union vote each, with members of Unite and GMB particularly likely to support Reform. This represents a significant challenge to Labour's traditional base and suggests Farage is successfully positioning his party as an alternative for working-class voters disillusioned with mainstream politics.The Future OutlookThe rejection by major unions suggests Farage's outreach may have limited immediate success, but the polling data indicates Reform UK is making inroads among union members. The political battle for working-class support appears to be intensifying, with both Labour and Reform UK vowing to be the true champions of workers. As the next election approaches, we can expect to see continued efforts by Reform UK to appeal to union members, while Labour faces pressure to demonstrate its commitment to workers' rights and policies that benefit the working majority.

The Documentary's Tone Let's get one thing straight immediately: no documentary about Brexit should be this much of a hoot. The dread many felt when the referendum result came in – a fear that reactionary populism was on the rise and Britain was entering an era of managed decline – has only bloomed like mould in the intervening decade. Interviews with Key Figures The two-parter rakes over the ashes of the referendum and unearths an endless parade of sparky anecdotes in the process. Brexit-flavoured juice is served from the off, with Vote Leave bosses “didn’t really want to win”, says Nigel Farage. Boris Johnson's position had “nothing to do with the EU,” says George Osborne. “It was Game of Thrones.” The Impact of the Documentary Despite prioritising bon mots and tales of vicious infighting, there’s still time for plenty of compelling insight into Westminster machinations. Osborne, Cameron, Brown and Corbyn all attempt to justify their fatally divergent perspectives on how to influence the electorate. The Verdict Does this programme’s fixation on gossipy drama trivialise Brexit? Absolutely. Will you watch a more rollickingly fun documentary about politics this year? Absolutely not.

The Policy Initiative Andy Burnham has said he would consider cutting some employers’ national insurance contributions, and proposed a cut to business rates for pubs and small, family-run enterprises, in his first significant policy initiative during the Makerfield byelection. The Business Rates Proposal Burnham’s plans amount to a notable criticism of Keir Starmer’s policies in these areas. In his announcement on business rates, the Greater Manchester mayor said: “Labour have got it wrong on small businesses.” Pubs, clubs and music venues would receive a 20% cut next year. Smaller, independent hospitality, leisure and retail companies would have the threshold for paying business rates raised for the first time since 2017. The Funding Plan The cuts would be paid for, according to the proposal, by higher levies on giant warehouses operated by online firms such as Amazon, and targeting the owners of empty high street properties. The Impact Analysis Burnham's proposals go further than a Treasury plan announced in January for a 15% cut to business rates for pubs in England from 1 April, with bills then frozen in real terms for a further two years. The Prediction Burnham is hoping to return to Westminster in the byelection on 18 June, a contest triggered after the sitting MP, Josh Simons, stepped aside in the hope that the Greater Manchester mayor would take his place and go on to challenge Starmer for the Labour leadership.

The Rise of Reform UK's Billionaire Donors Keir Starmer may be relaxed about allowing millions from cryptocurrency billionaires to flow into Reform UK's coffers, but Labour MPs are tearing their hair out every time the quarterly data on electoral finance drops. The Scale of the Donations The latest figures show a further £7m went to Reform UK from just two men, Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo. Harborne, a crypto and aviation fuel investor based in Thailand, has given £15m to Reform and £5m to Farage personally. Delo, who co-founded the BitMEX trading platform, has become the UK's youngest self-made billionaire. The Data Analysis Harborne's donations to Reform UK: £15m Delo's donations to Reform UK: £7m (recent) and previously undisclosed amounts Labour's total private donations in Q1 2024: £6m The Impact Analysis The mood among many backbenchers about Reform's riches is panicked. 'It is unsustainable,' says another Labour MP, who would back any amendment to the government's new electoral finance bill to broaden the cap on overseas donors to all donors regardless of location. The Prediction Despite the opportunity of the new electoral finance bill, there is very little optimism among campaigners that the government will change its mind about a cap, or even an annual spending limit. However, some believe Andy Burnham, who backs electoral reform and a more consensual politics, may be more sympathetic to the idea of getting big money out of Westminster.