Politics latest: Starmer under pressure over Mandelson vetting files release after fresh delay

Sir Keir Starmer could stay at No 10 until early next year, his allies have said, as the prime minister refuses to set out a timetable for his resignation.

Andy Burnham could still face significant challenges getting the keys to Downing Street even if he wins the by-election in Ashton-in-Makerfield, sources told The Times.

They suggested Mr Burnham could not take over as prime minister until at least November following the mayoral by-election that will take place if he is elected as an MP.

Some also said his campaign to become leader could face further challenges if Labour lose that by-election, undermining his credibility.

In that scenario, sources close to Sir Keir predicted a full contest for the succession that could run into early 2027 while Starmer remains in Downing Street.

The rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in April from 3.3 per cent in March, the Office for National Statistics said.

Experts say the drop came from a fall in household energy bills which offset a jump in fuel prices – but warned of turbulence ahead as the Iran energy price shock “catches up” with the cost of living.

Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee Dame Emily Thornberry said obstacles were being put in the way of her committee and the International and Security Committee (ISC), who are trying to “get to the truth” of Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment.

Dame Emily said she was disappointed at the answer that the Government have given to the ISC.

She added: “It is very important that the public know and understand that we are learning from the mistakes that were clearly made, and we cannot know that those lessons have been learned unless they are checked.

“And the committees in this House, my committee and the ISC, are trying our best to get to truth of this, and we are having obstacles put in our way.”

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said the documents had been referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee.

“What has not been referred was the raw data collected as part of interviews undertaken with Peter Mandelson, which in any circumstance we wouldn’t share in any in relation to any appointment.”

Several parties have announced their candidates for the the Makerfield by-election in what is expected to be a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK.

So far, these are the candidates announced:

• Andy Burnham, Labour
• Robert Kenyon, Reform UK
• Rebecca Shepherd, Restore Britain
• Alan ‘Howlin’ Laud Hope, the Monster Raving Loony Party

The Tories, the Greens and the Lib Dems have yet to name their candidates, but have confirmed that they will be standing in the Manchester seat.

The credibility of Labour in government is at stake, the defence secretary has warned, as he praised Sir Keir Starmer.

John Healey said he did not care about “photo ops or PR firms”, in an apparent swipe at leadership hopefuls jockeying within Labour.

He said: “We must not lose sight now of the duty people gave us in 2024. The special opportunity of government. We must not throw away so lightly the power we were given.

“I don’t care about photo ops or PR firms. Politics – to me – is not about the individual. People will not forgive us if they think we’re more concerned about ourselves than we are about them.

“And I say to my colleagues what Michael Gove once said: that ‘we govern by consent’. Through the way we behave, the change we deliver, the trust with the public.

“And right now, the very credibility of Labour in government is at stake.

“We must get serious. It’s not about us, not about the insiders of politics, it’s about the interests of the country. We must be a government that steers Britain through the conflicts and looming crises we face, and be a party that manages ourselves in a constructive, well ordered way.”

Defence secretary John Healey said Labour had “turned in on ourselves” over a “tough” 10 days.

“These have been a difficult few weeks. Politics is fracturing. Communities are struggling. Wars are raging. People are worried,” he said.

“Our world is changing, fast. It is less predictable, more dangerous, with rising demands on defence.

“For Labour, the last 10 days has been tough. We’ve lost many hundreds of good councillors across the country.

“We’ve turned in on ourselves.”