Local Government

Infographic showing the Makerfield by-election result on 19 June 2026: Andy Burnham (Labour) wins with 54.8% of the vote, ahead of Reform UK's Robert Kenyon on 34.5%. Includes a timeline of events leading to the result and polling showing Burnham preferred as PM over Keir Starmer.

Labour, Local Government, Party Watch

Andy Burnham Wins Makerfield: Starmer Now Faces the Leadership Challenge He Tried to Block

admin / 20/06/2026

Andy Burnham is back in the House of Commons after eight years away, and the road to Downing Street he […]

Infographic showing nine councils designated under Section 62A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 on 15 June 2026, stripping their powers to decide major planning applications. Includes a separate Torbay local plan intervention panel showing 42% of housing need met and a 10,980-home shortfall. Source: MHCLG.

Local Government, Planning

What Happens When a Council Loses Its Planning Powers? 9 Just Found Out

admin / 15/06/2026

In a notable intervention, the Secretary of State has stripped nine local councils of their authority to manage major planning applications, citing poor performance. Critics argue this undermines local democracy and hands significant power to a distant national authority, intensifying concerns about a top-down approach to housing development.

Poll graphic showing Makerfield by-election voting intention: Burnham (Labour) 45%, Kenyon (Reform UK) 40%, with Reform UK up 8.2 points since the 2024 general election. Source: More in Common / UCL Policy Lab, June 2026.

Labour, Local Government

Makerfield 2026: The Most Important Vote Since the General Election

admin / 14/06/2026

Οn Thursday 18 June 2026, voters in Makerfield will cast ballots in what appears to be a routine by-election in