Counting begins after polls close in Rochdale by-election

Voters in the Greater Manchester seat are choosing a new MP following the death of Sir Tony Lloyd.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0eWOZvU

MP Julian Knight will face no criminal charges

The former Conservative strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made against him.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/d2J3mAq

Looming election takes centre stage in Budget week

The parties are jostling for voters' attention ahead of this year's poll, amid a stagnant UK economy.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/I60zGtX

Nineteen councils can sell assets to cover services

Nineteen local authorities have been given extra flexibility to help balance their books next year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/trRlDf0

What does the Speaker of the House of Commons do?

Sir Lindsay Hoyle's position is under threat, after a Gaza-ceasefire debate descended into chaos.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/zMCXgO5

Rochdale by-election: Voters go to the polls

The people of Rochdale will have their say on who will be the town's next MP.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9VmIcSt

UK descending into mob rule, PM warns police

Officers need to demonstrate to the public they will use their powers, Rishi Sunak says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ciR8xWN

Plaid Cymru joins calls for Lindsay Hoyle to quit as Speaker

The party says the handling of last week's vote on Gaza showed a "disregard for smaller parties".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/z0fxAoK

Gething automatically deleted messages, Covid inquiry hears

Labour leadership candidate used disappearing messages when he was health minister, inquiry told.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/916lVFt

MP Sir Christopher Chope tries to block cat abduction offence

Sir Christopher Chope wants pet abduction laws to be initially limited to dogs potentially delaying the bill.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PFfjwAx

By-election candidate received death threats - Reform UK

A video purporting to show the threat to Simon Danczuk has been posted on X by Reform UK.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KCcop8W

Paul Scully MP defends saying parts of Tower Hamlets 'no-go' areas

It comes after Paul Scully told BBC Radio London parts of Tower Hamlets are "no-go areas".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/HcI73Ml

General election 2024 poll tracker: How do the parties compare?

How do people say they will vote in the UK general election? Our poll tracker measures the trends.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/i6YNWJ2

Kemi Badenoch: Key figure tipped for future leadership

Profile of the business secretary, who has not shied away from public clashes with opponents - and even fellow Tory MPs.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/CI82yug

Rishi Sunak urges MPs not to inflame debate amid Lee Anderson row

Rishi Sunak says Lee Anderson was wrong to say London Mayor Sadiq Khan is controlled by "Islamists".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KjSgOh0

HS2: Midlands and northern England to get 'reallocated' funds

Labour says the plans are a "reannouncement" of funds from scrapping parts of the high-speed line.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/zvd6WKU

Post Office hires ex-police to check its investigators in Horizon scandal

The Post Office says the team will look into allegations that have emerged during a public inquiry.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/wWVfe8i

Oliver Dowden silent over whether Lee Anderson's comments Islamophobic

The comments from suspended Tory MP Lee Anderson about Sadiq Khan have led to a wave of criticism.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Rqox7ga

SNP to push for fresh Gaza debate after Commons vote chaos

The party wants another debate on the conflict, after a vote on Wednesday descended into chaos.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/IdP9JaG

RMT leader Mick Lynch gives Jeremy Corbyn general election backing

The former Labour leader is the independent MP for Islington North after being suspended from the party.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Y2vWPqk

Kaja Kallas: Estonian PM urges Nato to bolster support for Ukraine

Ms Kallas says leaders risk ignoring lessons from 1930s and 1940s as war continues to rage in Europe.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/i42OlN5

Lee Anderson: Sadiq Khan criticises PM for failing to condemn MP's remarks

Lee Anderson is facing criticism over comments he made about the Mayor of London on GB News.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LE2IBWd

Rochdale: Is this the most chaotic by-election ever?

There has never been anything quite like the contest taking place in Rochdale right now.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/4ZoMNce

Ukraine war: UK reaffirms Ukraine support on war anniversary

Saturday marks two years since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/78mtAoJ

UK to sign new deal with EU to tackle small boat crossings

The agreement aims to improve the sharing of information and expertise to tackle illegal migration.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/l8LCWp6

Political violence review eyes new police powers

The report will recommend allowing police to shut down protests outside Parliament and in other spaces.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ajp3zrX

Gaza vote chaos highlights pressure on MPs

Freedom of speech jostles with safety concerns as MPs weigh up the complexities of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AQbPf9e

Conservatives need a bigger bazooka, Truss tells US right-wing event

The UK's shortest-serving PM was speaking at the US's biggest annual gathering of conservatives.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6hVkywo

Watch: Chaos in the Commons over Gaza ceasefire vote

The Speaker of the House of Commons apologises to MPs following a fractious debate over Gaza ceasefire votes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pctaTFe

Commons descends into chaos over Gaza ceasefire vote

The Speaker is accused of allowing the debate to be "hijacked" by Labour, sparking fury from SNP and Tories.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/oMxgfvd

Libby Squire's mother urges women to report non-contact sex offences

Lisa Squire has been campaigning for women's safety since the rape and murder of her daughter Libby.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/sX0cImB

Chris Mason: Gaza vote exposes awkward choices for Labour

Today's debates at Westminster over the UK's outlook on the Israel-Gaza conflict are rooted in domestic politics.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/2QTLsFi

Henry Staunton: Ex-Post Office chair escalates compensation row

Henry Staunton has released a note of a call with a senior official, amid a row over Horizon payouts.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VqU7NS6

Government finances show big surplus in January

The £16.7bn surplus was double last January's but lower than economists expected.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gdfCPiT

Labour pledges to cut red tape for British farmers

The party says it would make it easier to export British produce and cut reliance on imports if it wins power.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6CZd0ic

Scott Benton: Lobbying scandal MP loses suspension appeal

Blackpool South MP Scott Benton loses an appeal against a recommended 35-day suspension.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ep2uL9S

PM announces support for farming amid industry 'crisis'

Rishi Sunak is to unveil support for farming and food production, at the NFU's annual conference.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/AbK5zlx

'Bankrupt’ Birmingham reveals 21% council tax rise

The rise will be over two years as 'bankrupt' Birmingham City Council makes drastic savings.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/YsCZN2U

Stats watchdog criticises Treasury tax cut claims

Two Treasury ministers, Laura Trott and Bim Afolami, have been criticised over recent claims on tax cuts.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/iO20bGh

Ofcom to investigate GB News show featuring Rishi Sunak

The broadcast regulator says it received around 500 complaints about a special programme on the network.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/MhscqV8

New controls on holiday lets to be introduced

From the summer, planning permission may be needed to turn homes into new short-term lets.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Sr0GUV9

Post Office scandal: Kemi Badenoch hits back at ex-chairman

Business secretary says claims made by Henry Staunton over his dismissal are a "misrepresentation".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1ioNwDq

Rwanda plan will deal with asylum claim loophole, government says

The Illegal Immigration Minister says the bill will fix a loophole costing taxpayers millions of pounds.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/mXLCEgc

Labour considers backing SNP Gaza ceasefire motion

David Lammy says he will "scrutinise" the text of the SNP motion the party seek to avoid being divided on the issue.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7nfjD5q

No discussion over Falklands, says Lord Cameron ahead of visit

Ahead of his visit, the foreign secretary says the Islands will be British as long as they want to be.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/gmQjp7x

What happened to Westminster's famous pub division bell?

The chimes that tell MPs in pubs it is time to vote seem to be dying out.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/DsKhLtB

Scottish Labour backs motion for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

Anas Sarwar has called for the ceasefire, while Sir Keir Starmer says he wants a "sustainable" end.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/6queNyf

Sir Keir Starmer paid nearly £100,000 in taxes in 2023

The Labour leader's tax bill was lower than Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who paid £508,308 last year.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/lZTXuca

Labour 'will put Scotland at heart of government' - Anas Sarwar

Anas Sarwar tells the Scottish Labour conference that his party has more ambition for Scotland than the SNP or Tories.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7ygjMHL

General election: When is the next one and who decides?

A UK general election has to be held by 28 January 2025, but could take place earlier.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/M8fm0OY

Wellingborough and Kingswood by-elections: Labour scores double victory over Tories

The party overturns big majorities to win former Conservative seats of Wellingborough and Kingswood.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/tFoPnKU

John Curtice: By-election results leave Tories with mountain to climb

Polling expert Prof Sir John Curtice says the party will be worried by the scale of its defeats by Labour.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/hCrGdD6

Brianna Ghey's mother and Molly Russell's father join forces to combat online harm

Esther Ghey and Ian Russell want better protection for teenagers on social media.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ng7pFJq

Kirklees councillors quit Labour Party over Israel-Gaza stance

Jo Lawson and Imran Safdar are the latest Kirklees Labour councillors to leave the party.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/mPtjwgG

Kingswood and Wellingborough by-elections: Voters go to the polls

Polls open to elect new MPs in Kingswood and Wellingborough.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/E0Z4cth

Lord Cameron urges US Congress to back Ukraine funding package

The UK foreign secretary warns against showing "the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/vrzHFOk

Tory mayor Atiqul Hoque sacked for antisemitic comments

Salisbury mayor Atiqul Hoque is accused of making antisemitic comments, the BBC understands.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ubdLYiK

Gaza campaigners protest outside MP's Bournemouth home

Dozens of protesters gather outside the constituency home of Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kbRXH9w

Labour will block those not fit to be MPs, says John Healey

The party has suspended two parliamentary candidates over alleged remarks about Israel and Jewish people.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pzHhRPy

Sadiq Khan says fake AI audio of him nearly led to serious disorder

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the law on deepfakes is not "fit for purpose" after Armistice Day hoax.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/pwoa36J

Azhar Ali: Keir Starmer insists he was decisive on Rochdale candidate

Labour has faced criticism for initially standing by Azhar Ali as its by-election candidate.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8GvrFgL

Why can't Labour remove its former candidate from Rochdale ballot papers?

The Labour party has withdrawn support for its former candidate, but he will still appear on voting slips.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/LsxuEFH

Pay growth slows but still outpaces rising prices

Pay, excluding bonuses, grew by 6.2% in the last three months of 2023 compared with the year before.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UznOy1v

Labour withdraws support for Rochdale candidate

The party said the decision was taken after "new information about further comments" made by Mr Ali came to light.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/e1RXr0v

Andrew Rosindell: Police drop rape investigation into Tory MP

Andrew Rosindell is "completely exonerated" after the police decision, his spokesperson says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/KFDl1dv

Azhar Ali: Labour defends standing by Rochdale by-election candidate

Nick Thomas-Symonds says Azhar Ali's words were "unacceptable" but Labour will still campaign for him.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/d1yRwSr

Rwanda plan flawed at core, says cross-party report

A key parliamentary committee says the asylum plan is incompatible with UK human rights safeguards.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/utQDYZW

Water company bosses could see bonuses stopped over sewage spills

Rule breaches such as sewage spills should cost bosses their bonuses, the environment secretary says.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/NbPkdRW

No-fault eviction ban by next election, Gove promises

The housing secretary says courts will be given funding to enforce a ban by the next general election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/8mS2zqL

Child maintenance enforcement to be sped up, government says

The government also sets a date for removing a £20 application fee for parents seeking intervention.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/kuTRWUx

Housing crisis: Gove eyes quick shop conversions to create more homes

Government expected to announce any empty commercial building can be converted into homes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/BE451N3

Fujitsu bosses paid £26m during Horizon contract

Accounts show former execs made millions while sub-postmasters were chased for thousands.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/PveMcAC

Kuenssberg: Are the politics of climate change going out of fashion?

With net zero targets fast approaching, the debate is shifting to concerns about cost, says Laura Kuenssberg.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nBUZYyT

Conservative donors and 27-year-old among new peers

New peers list published late on Friday during a parliamentary recess.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/TRXKAqP

Renters will still face unfair evictions under 'inadequate' new bill, say campaigners

Campaigners call for stronger legislation to stop people unfairly losing their homes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/EMeBNrj

Ed Miliband: I didn't think of quitting over Labour's green U-turn

The shadow net zero secretary says the party will still make the UK a world leader on green energy.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/3L9cyab

Wellingborough: What do 'left behind' voters want?

People on one estate speak of the fear of crime, need for safe spaces and the cost of living.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/NSPg8dy

Senior Labour MP says party lost Muslim voters' faith over Gaza

Shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood says Labour needs to "rebuild" relations with Muslim voters.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Wyav2tx

Surge in no-fault evictions by bailiffs in England

The number of renters being removed from their homes by bailiffs rose by almost 50% in 2023.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bu1n4qO

Keir Starmer 'shocked' by Rishi Sunak trans jibe in Commons

Sir Keir Starmer says that prime ministers have a duty to make every person in the UK "feel safe".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/OK4RImu

Why Labour junked its £28bn green investment pledge

Labour has been in a public tangle and a private tussle over the figure attached to the pledge, BBC political editor Chris Mason writes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1k6JCHf

Labour ditches £28bn green investment pledge

A U-turn on the policy is set to be announced on Thursday, following confusion over the party's position.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/THvAyt1

Mike Freer: Man admits making threatening call to north London MP

Mike Freer, a north London MP, is already standing down at the next election over safety fears.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/xc5fw3G

Dentists to get £20k NHS bonus to treat most in need

The move is part of a wider plan to improve access in England but dentists say it will not solve problems.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/u6dleX0

Will voters unhappy with the Conservatives be attracted to Reform?

The party says it targets Labour supporters, but it is the Tories who are most worried about Reform UK's polling.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/9RwUFEv

Mike Freer: Man charged over threatening call made to MP

Tory MP Mike Freer has said he plans to stand down at the next general election over safety fears.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/39lkMye

King Charles to continue paperwork and private meetings during cancer treatment

Charles is stepping back from public-facing duties, but his private work continues, BBC political editor Chris Mason writes.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/D2rv8WG

Labour works on plan for power

Behind the scenes, Labour is working out how it might put its ideas into action if it wins the next general election.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/ryqLj5D

King Charles III diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace says

The King "remains wholly positive about his treatment" which began on Monday, says Buckingham Palace.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/RtUbjrG

Martyn's Law: Consultation into anti-terror legislation launched

The proposals would require venues to take "necessary but proportionate steps" to protect the public.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/nYBTSJ7

Abuse of councillors and staff putting democracy at risk, say local government groups

Stalking, threats and assaults are putting people off standing for election, local government groups warn.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/7Zjrp5Q

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale admits voting SNP

Kezia Dugdale tells the BBC she backed the party at the 2019 European Parliament election because of Brexit.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/q269H0A

Protesters climbing war memorials could face jail and £1,000 fine

The home secretary said the law would punish activists "insulting those who paid the ultimate price".

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bzNh5t8

Laura Kuenssberg: When will politicians make their minds up on key plans?

No wonder voters are unconvinced when politicians may seem unclear on economic plans, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/VPK6lY5

UK armed forces not ready for high-intensity war, MPs warn

The Commons defence committee says the services are losing people faster than they can recruit them.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/bIscovG

Bereaved parents win online harm battle

Tech firms will have to hand over personal data of children whose death may be related to online harm.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/t7sRXe8

Can 'super libraries' survive spending cuts?

Libraries are transforming what they offer, but will that be enough to save them?

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/Yzjbs6N

Sturgeon gave phone used during Covid to relative

The former first minister gave the device to a family member "whose own phone was broken" in December 2020.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/yMR4hrO

Stormont: Party leaders to meet ahead of assembly sitting

Northern Ireland's assembly will meet on Saturday, two years after power-sharing collapsed in 2022.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/UKiTc0q

Derek Draper: Elton John and Tony Blair attend funeral service

Stars and politicians gather to mourn Kate Garraway's husband at a private ceremony in London.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/fiMkuZ8

Cash offer for new childcare workers amid shortage

A £1,000 payment will be offered to thousands joining the early-years sector in England.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/1mKVkAg

Mike Freer: North London MP to step down over safety fears

Mike Freer says threats against him had become too much, a month after his office was set alight.

from BBC News - UK Politics https://ift.tt/QaH1cbJ