Andy Burnham could appoint Manchester policing chief Kate Green as his No 10 chief of staff, sack David Lammy and bring Josh Simons – the former MP who quit to make way for the Manchester Mayor – into No 10, as his team wargame next steps if he wins Thursday’s Makerfield by-election.
The Greater Manchester Mayor has also been receiving advice from Baroness Sue Gray, the former senior civil servant who briefly worked as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, as he prepares for Downing Street.
Burnham and Starmer are gearing up for a showdown next week when the mayor hopes to return to Parliament to challenge the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Starmer said he would offer Burnham a job in his Cabinet – an offer which Burnham allies say he will reject.
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Number of job vacancies hits
five-year low
The increase in unemployment, which has exceeded expectations, was driven by people out of work for up to 12 months, the ONS said (Photo: Philip Toscano/PA Wire)
There are fewer jobs available than there have been for five years, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as firms blame wage growth and economic uncertainty for their reluctance to hire staff.
How bad is the job market?
Vacancies stood at…
707,000
in May this year, the lowest number since April 2021.
In the three months to May, vacancies fell by…
19,000
This is also the sharpest drop in five years.
The drop was most significant across retail, hospitality and professional services, as well as small employers across industries.
How did this happen?
With wage growth hovering at 3.4 per
cent, employers are reluctant to hire new staff, hire new staff, who will become an ongoing cost.
Rafe said that when a promising contact appeared through a large WhatsApp group for international students, he at first had felt a glimmer of hope (Photo: Getty)
Jeremy Hunt has been urged to help manufacturers expand (Photo: David Davies/PA)
The number of workers on payrolls fell by 53,000 during the same period, further suggesting companies are not looking to expand the workforce. The ONS said the key drivers are economic uncertainty and higher labour costs.
If Government is serious about tackling youth unemployment, it must
bring down the cost of employing young people
and ensure employment reforms support entry-level recruitment and progression.
helen dickinson, chief executive of the british retail consortium
Caption: Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium.
Photo: Jonathan Brady/ Reuters.
Caption: The Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally delivers a speech in the Leo Baeck College during a visit to the to Sternberg Centre to meet with the Jewish community in Finchley in a demonstration of solidarity following the recent antisemitic attacks in London. Picture date: Thursday May 14, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Photographer: Jonathan Brady
Provider: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
Source: PA
news
Everything you need to know about forced adoption scandal
The Church of England has apologised to those affected by historical forced adoptions organised by the church after the Government confirmed it would be apologising yesterday.
What you need to know
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was sorry for the “pain, trauma and stigma” experienced by mothers and children in homes affiliated with the Church.
She said she had heard first-hand stories from survivors and that they should not be ashamed, because “the shame is ours”.
Young Mother playing with children while sitting on floor at home with wooden toys – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Big Read
7 min read
What happened?
An estimated 185,000 babies of unmarried mothers were adopted in England and Wales between 1949 and 1976.
The Church of England believes up to tens of thousands of these adoptions took place in Church-affiliated homes, where mothers were forced into manual labour as punishment.
‘I could tell Josh wanted to run away. Things finally came to a head when we went to register the birth’ (Photo: Natalia Lebedinskaia/Getty)
- The apology does not mention compensation, but a wider redress scheme might mean survivors could be eligible for up to £660,000.
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@theipaper
England’s World Cup campaign has just begun, but should fans be allowed to decorate streets with St George’s flags? Councils across the West Country are warning people not to attach flags to lampposts, railings and other public property, saying it can create safety issues and may even be a criminal offence. We visited what’s been called England’s most patriotic street to hear what local people think. Read more on this story at the link above ⬆️ #WorldCup #FifaWorldCup #England #Englandflag
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news
Lidl toasts ‘milestone’ moment with launch of first Middle Ale bar
Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1500 THURSDAY JUNE 18
Undated handout photo issued by Lidl of Lidl Northern Ireland’s pub, The Middle Ale, in Dundonald, Belfast. The 60-seater pub is next door to Lidl Dundonald store and will operate independently, with a separate entrance, as a public house with off-sales. Issue date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. The pub’s wine list has been chosen by Lidl’s Master of Wine Richard Bampfield, and the spirits and liqueurs includes Lidl’s own-brand Dundalgan whiskey and Wild Burrow Gin, as well as range of pre-mixed cocktails and soft drinks, including their own-brand Freeway cola. Photo credit should read: Lidl/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lidl
Provider: Lidl/PA Wire
Source: PA
Supermarket chain Lidl has opened the doors to its first pub. The Middle Ale bar and off-licence is adjacent to the existing Lidl store in Dundonald, near Belfast.
Here is everything you need to know about the new venture.
Why has Lidl opened a pub?
The venture represents Lidl’s novel way of ensuring compliance with Northern Ireland’s strict and complex licensing laws.
The distribution of liquor licences are tightly controlled in the region and can only be obtained by purchasing them from businesses that are closing or no longer intend to sell alcohol.
Lidl, which operates some 11,000 stores across Europe and North America, is diverting vessels from its in-house shipping company around Africa to avoid the threat off attacks in the Red Sea. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
A closer look at the details
- Applicants must also prove there is an “inadequacy” of provision in the area.
- Having been unable to prove there was an inadequate number of off-licences in the Dundonald area, Lidl pivoted its strategy and applied for a pub licence instead, arguing there were not enough bars in the area.
- After a protracted process, the chain succeeded in securing a licence to sell alcohol in a pub, with an attached off-sales section.
NEWS
2 min read
Middle aisle to Middle Ale
Today marks an important milestone as we open our first-ever public house and begin welcoming customers
to The Middle Ale. We’re thrilled to finally bring the Dundonald community access to our full range of high quality, premium beers, wines and spirits for the first time in more than two decades.
Gordon Cruikshanks, regional managing director for Lidl Northern Ireland
Caption: EMBARGOED TO 1500 THURSDAY JUNE 18
Undated handout photo issued by Lidl of
bar manager Samantha Hill and regional manager Gordon Cruikshanks, Regional Managing Director for Lidl Northern Ireland outside Lidl Northern Ireland’s pub, The Middle Ale, in Dundonald, Belfast. The 60-seater pub is next door to Lidl Dundonald store and will operate independently, with a separate entrance, as a public house with off-sales. Issue date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. The pub’s wine list has been chosen by Lidl’s Master of Wine Richard Bampfield, and the spirits and liqueurs includes Lidl’s own-brand Dundalgan whiskey and Wild Burrow Gin, as well as range of pre-mixed cocktails and soft drinks, including their own-brand Freeway cola. Photo credit should read: Lidl/PA Wire
NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Photographer: Lidl
Provider: Lidl/PA Wire
Source: PA
football
Who are England’s top World Cup goal scorers?
Caption: England’s Harry Kane celebrates scoring their side’s first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup Group L match at Dallas Stadium, Arlington. Picture date: Wednesday June 17, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/PA Wire.
RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Photographer: Nick Potts
Provider: Nick Potts/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: PA Wire
As Harry Kane’s header against Croatia last night made him the joint top World Cup goal scorer in England history, we take a look at who else is on this list.
Who else is high on the list?
Sharing Kane’s spotlight – although surely not for long, with the rest of the tournament to play – is Gary Lineker, who also scored 10 goals across 12 games during his career.
Gary Lineker during the Premier League Hall of Fame 2024 Inductions event in London (Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Premier League)
Caption: Sir Geoff Hurst poses next to Alan Ball’s shirt (left) from England’s 1966 World Cup final victory (estimate ?150,000-?200,000), and Martin Peters? shirt from England?s 1966 World Cup Final (estimate ?30,000 – ?50,000), on display at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington in London, ahead of the World Cup memorabilia auction Picture date: Wednesday June 3, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Photographer: Yui Mok
Provider: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Source: PA
Copyright: Yui Mok
Next up is Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored five goals across six games, mostly on home turf during the 1966 tournament. Three of his goals were during the final against Germany, including the famous winning goal.
The four-goal team
Caption: The England Euro 2004 squad at their training ground, Manchester, Wednesday 2 June 2004. Left to right are, back row: Wayne Bridge, Ledley King, Jamie Carragher, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Emile Heskey, Owen Hargreaves. Middle Row: Kieron Dyer, Joe Cole, Gary Neville, Ian Walker, David James, Paul Robinson, Steven Gerrard, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt. Front Row : Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, David Beckham, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Michael Owen, Darius Vassell, Paul Scholes. PA photo: Nick Potts/pool.
THIS PICTURE CAN ONLY BE USED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF AN EDITORIAL FEATURE. NO WEBSITE/INTERNET USE UNLESS SITE IS REGISTERED WITH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PREMIER LEAGUE.
Photographer: PA
Provider: PA
Copyright: PA
Michael Owen
Owen scored four goals – two in 1998 and two in 2002 – before leaving 2006 goalless.
Bobby Charlton
Charlton also helped England secure its 1966 triumph with two goals, after scoring two in 1962.
Caption: Bobby Charlton lifts soccer’s European Cup in 1968 having beaten the Portuguese club, Benfica, in London. (Photo by ?? Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
Photographer: Hulton Deutsch
Provider: Corbis via Getty Images
Source: Corbis Historical
Marcus Rashford sealed England’s 4-2 win over Croatia with an impressive finish (Photo: Reuters)
Marcus Rashford
Another current player has four goals under his belt already after yesterday’s game.
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Andy Burnham has revealed he’ll call time on door-knocking before England’s opening 2026 World Cup match as he doesn’t want Labour campaigners interrupting voters as they settle down to watch the game at 9pm. The Greater Manchester Mayor and Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election shared his plans with The i Paper’s political editor Caroline Wheeler as he bids for a return to Westminster. Read the full story in The i Paper. #manchester #worldcup #england #uknews
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Quick and life-changing tricks for a calmer, tidier home
Easy habits to declutter your home
I need someone to tidy up my attitude towards tidying. Who does one hire for that?
(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The habits audit
Subconscious habits can cause clutter so take regular pauses to stop and notice what you are doing during the day.
The re-entry reset
Establish a routine you follow every time you come home so the entrance stays clear.
Two young children wearing school uniforms exit their front door – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Late toilet training has become more common, putting pressure on teachers and taking up learning time (Getty)
The exit mindset
Each time you leave the house, take a minute to think: ‘What can I take out with me?’ To the tip? To the charity shop? To recycle?
Easy habits to declutter your home
The drop zone
Doing a clear-out for charity doesn’t need to be a big task. Have a donate box in a practical location to drop any unwanted items as you come across them.
(Photo: Westend61/Getty).
(Photo: Getty).
Dedicated home
Create a logical home for everything so it’s easier to find and keeps everything in place.
Easy habits to declutter your home
The quick scan
Each time you open a drawer identify a few items you can bin, donate or return to their rightful home.
Woman carrying box while moving and cleaning up at home happily – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Follow these rules to declutter your own home (Photo: Nadzeya_Kizilava/Getty/E+)
One in, one out rule
To manage wardrobe clutter follow the rule that a new item can only go in if you give something else away.
The daily check-in
Give yourself a few minutes at the start or end of the day to acknowledge the progress you’ve made.
Woman Refreshing the Bed with Clean Bed Sheets in a Bright Room – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
NEWS
Inflation holds steady as food price rises ease
Caption: CARDIFF, WALES – MAY 22: A woman holds a shopping basket of groceries on May 22, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. Last week, the UK Office for National Statistics reported an 6% average increase of food and drink prices year on year, but some staples, such as milk and pasta, had risen by more than 10%. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Matthew Horwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
UK inflation unexpectedly flatlined last month as a slowdown in food price rises offset pressure from airfares, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation was recorded at 2.8 per cent in May, the same rate as in April. It was lower than expected by economists.
What does this mean for food prices?
The latest ONS inflation figures reveal the price of goods and services is still increasing, but at the same speed as in April.
Margarine, pizza, tea, rice and chocolate were among the groceries that saw their cost accelerate last month.
Caption: A customer places shopping bags in her car outside an Aldi Stores Ltd. supermarket in Benfleet, UK, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. UK grocery price inflation edged up in October as British shoppers flocked to supermarkets in the busiest month since the pandemic. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photographer: Bloomberg
Provider: Bloomberg via Getty Images
Source: Bloomberg
Caption: Undated file photo of a person holding a shopping basket in a supermarket. Trust in the grocery sector has plummeted to its lowest point in more than a decade as the majority of households grapple with supermarket prices, a survey suggests. Issue date: Tuesday August 29, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story CONSUMER Supermarkets. Photo credit should read: Julien Behal/PA Wire
Photographer: Julien Behal
Provider: PA
Source: PA
Coffee, fish, whole milk, frozen vegetables, pasta, meat, bread and potatoes recorded a smaller year-on-year rise in price in May than in April.
The impact on grocery staples
Caption: CARDIFF, WALES – MAY 22: A woman with a shopping trolley full of groceries in a supermarket aisle on May 22, 2022 in Cardiff, Wales. Last week, the UK Office for National Statistics reported an 6% average increase of food and drink prices year on year, but some staples, such as milk and pasta, had risen by more than 10%. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Matthew Horwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Cheese and curd
The average price of cheese and curd fell 2.4 per cent.
Meat
The average cost of meat rose by 2.3 per cent, compared to 3.6 per cent in the year to April.
Caption: A shopper walks along the meat aisle inside an ALDI supermarket near Altrincham, Britain, February 20, 2023. REUTERS/Phil Noble/
Photographer: PHIL NOBLE
Provider: REUTERS
Source: X01988
Caption: Grocery food shopping on conveyor belt at supermarket checkout till in Lidl, UK. (Photo by: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Photographer: UCG
Provider: UCG/Universal Images Group via G
Source: Universal Images Group Editorial
Copyright: Alex Segre
Yoghurt and jam
The average price of yoghurt dropped 0.6 per cent and jams and marmalades 3.0 per cent.
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 9: Fuel prices are displayed at a petrol station in Streatham on March 9, 2026 in London, United Kingdom. Fuel prices remain volatile as peace talks have stalled between the US and Iran in recent weeks. As a result, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be restricted, impacting the global supply chain of around one fifth of the world’s petroleum. In the face of rising costs of fuel, the UK government has eased sanctions on Russian oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) with a trade license that allows the import of Russian jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries, as well as the shipping of some LNG from Russia. (Photo by Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)
Photographer: Alishia Abodunde
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Various price changes offset each other
The main upward movement came from transport with airfares, vehicle taxes and petrol prices all pushing up inflation.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said. He added that these were offset by lower food prices.
WEATHER
The weather to expect this weekend
Caption: As record-breaking spring temperatures continue in the capital, visitors buy ice creams on Westminster Bridge, on 26th May 2026, in London, England. The record for the hottest day for May temperature in the UK has been broken for the second day in a row, with 35C recorded. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)
Photographer: Richard Baker
Provider: In Pictures via Getty Images
Source: In Pictures
Copyright: Richard Baker
Heatwave conditions are forecast for parts of the UK this weekend as temperatures rise, with some areas set to be hotter than Barbados.
Temperatures are expected to climb steadily into the high 20°Cs across the country later this week, and 30°C could be reached in southern parts of England by Friday, the Met Office said.
What is a heatwave?
In the UK, a heatwave is officially defined as a location recording at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, the Met Office says.
NEWS
4 min read
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
How hot will the UK get?
32°C
There is potential for 32°C to be reached in the south of England on Sunday and even higher temperatures could be recorded on Monday, when 33°C is forecast.
26-30°C
In comparison, the Caribbean island of Barbados is set to see temperatures fluctuate between 26°C and 30°C on Sunday.
Heat warnings issued
A yellow heat health alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, the east of England, London and the southeast of England from 3pm on Wednesday, and will remain in place until 8pm on Monday 22 June.
Unseasonal heatwaves have been recorded in southern California, as well as many other destinations (Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 06: People sit by the fountain during the hot weather in London, United Kingdom on September 06, 2023. The British Meteorological Office (Met Office), which issued a ‘red’ alarm by predicting that temperatures will reach 33 degrees this week, predicts that the temperature record of the year will be broken this week. According to the statement made by the Met Office, a temperature reaching 32-33 degrees is expected from today until Saturday, especially in the south of the country and London. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu Agency
Provider: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Source: Anadolu
A yellow heat health alert means there is likely to be a “greater risk to life of vulnerable people” and water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning, the UKHSA’s website states.
Which areas will see spells of rain?
Although it will be warm for many, some areas will experience spells of rain. Northern and western parts of the UK will be particularly affected by wet weather. There is also a slight chance of thunderstorms across southeastern England, forecasters said.
Caption: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 4: Citizens use umbrellas and raincoats to walk through the streets as rainy weather disrupts daily life across London, United Kingdom, on June 4, 2026. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Photographer: Anadolu
Provider: Anadolu via Getty Images
Source: Anadolu
Caption: LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 02: Lightning flashes are seen above homes on June 02, 2026 in London, England. The Met Office issued a weather warning that heavy rain was thunderstorms were expected to cross the whole country on Monday. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Photographer: Dan Kitwood
Provider: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images Europe
Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
WORLD
The country that has been ready for war with Russia for a century
VEKARANJÄRVI, FINLAND – Do you have three days worth of bottled water, food and medicine in your home? These are some of basic supplies that all Finnish people are instructed to maintain as part of the country’s radical civil preparedness plan.
Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, takes a whole-of-society approach to defence and security.
National service
Finland’s national service model means it could call up close to one million people to fight if required – nearly 20 per cent of the entire population.
- National service is mandatory for Finnish men and voluntary for women, with around 20,000 conscripts undergoing the programme each year.
- They can choose to undertake either military or non-military service, which involves a placement at a public sector institution like a school or hospital.
- On completion, conscripts are automatically transferred to the reserve forces.
A comprehensive approach
Government departments, volunteer organisations and civilian leaders work together to protect key social functions and freedoms. Known as the “comprehensive security” model, it is designed to counter a range of threats, from wars to natural disasters.
Analysis
6 min read
History of Russian aggression
Finland has seen first-hand the Russian aggression for which Europe is preparing. In 1939, Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union and forced to cede 11 per cent of its territory, a time still in living memory of some Finns.
“It’s in our DNA almost,” Colonel Ari Määttä, Deputy Commander of the Karelia Brigade, said. “We have had [this service] for more than 100 years now, so in every Finnish family, there’s always somebody who has done the conscript service.”
Onus for protecting the country falls on every citizen
Individuals are key security actors in society,” the Finnish Security Committee says.
It adds: “They have a constitutional right to security but also a responsibility to act within their abilities in a manner that enhances security and the sense of security in communities and society.”
If Burnham does claim the Labour leadership, he will bring a new team to No 10.
Labour insiders have told The i Paper that Green, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester for policing and crime since 2023 and a former Labour MP, is one of a number of names under discussion for the chief of staff role.
She was shadow education secretary in Starmer’s shadow cabinet from 2020 to 2021, but was demoted by the then opposition leader when he shuffled his team.
Kate Green is deputy mayor of Greater Manchester for policing and crime since 2023 and a former Labour MP (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Green resigned her Commons seat in 2022 after being nominated by Burnham for the deputy mayor role in Manchester.
Earlier in her parliamentary career she served as shadow equalities minister under former Labour leader Ed Miliband – who is touted as a potential chancellor in a Burnham cabinet.
Other Burnham allies set for jobs
Elsewhere, Burnham is supported by Kevin Lee, a long-time staffer who currently serves as director of the mayor’s office in Greater Manchester.
Burnham has also reportedly been receiving advice from afar from Gray, who was replaced as Starmer’s chief of staff by Morgan McSweeney. Gray was later appointed a Labour peer.
Simons – who gave up his Makerfield MP seat to let Burnham run – is likely to get a head of policy role in No 10.
Simons had previously resigned as a minister in Starmer’s Government in February because of his decision to commission public affairs agency, APCO, to investigate journalists’ reporting of the think-tank Labour Together which he was running at the time.
Josh Simons stepped aside as Makerfield MP so that Andy Burnham could run in Makerfield
Other aides in a potential Burnham government are likely to include Grace Pritchard – a special adviser to Miliband who has been seconded to Burnham’s campaign. There is also Donjeta Miftari, who is doing communications work in Makerfield.
Miftari briefly worked as a foreign policy adviser for Starmer in No 10, but left Downing Street shortly after Gray, whom she is close to.
Fears over infighting in Burnham’s team
Within the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), big jobs are expected for Miliband, current Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell, Culture Secretary Lisa Nady and Louise Haigh, who was forced to quit as transport secretary in November 2024 over a spent conviction and now chairs the influential Tribune group of “soft-left” MPs.
The diversity of opinion among Burnham’s supporters is fuelling concerns in Labour circles that the project could soon be riven by infighting and divisions.
For example, Simons is widely seen as on the right of the party, backing tougher immigration control and North Sea drilling – seemingly poles apart from the politics of Haigh and Miliband.
A Labour insider who has been in contact with Team Burnham said it was difficult to pin down where the team stood on various issues.
“It depends which camp is in ascendancy this hour… Josh or Tribune/Ed,” they said.
“It’s emblematic of their general issue, there’s no set team, politics or platform.”
They added: “The more things change the more they feel the same.”
Cabinet shake-up
Elsewhere, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper is keen to hang on to her current job, arguing that yet another change of Britain’s top diplomat would be bad for foreign policy.
It is understood that Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds are on a list of ministers likely to be sacked by Burnham.
Anneliese Midgley, the MP for Knowsley, is playing a key role bridging the Burnham camp with the wider PLP, including the whips.
She is said to be trusted by MPs from her time working as political director for the Unite union, when she had to handle often fraught relations between the PLP and former Unite general secretary Len McCluskey.
Other Burnham-supporting Labour MPs poised for ministerial roles include Miatta Fahnbulleh, Andrew Cooper, Connor Naismith, Anna Dixon and Luke Charters.
Think-tankers who could be brought into government include Neal Lawson from Compass, Mathew Lawrence at Common Wealth, and Luke Hurst, the national co-ordinator of the soft-left pressure group, Mainstream.
Economic advisers
On the economics front, Burnham has sought advice from Lord Jim O’Neill, a former chief economist of Goldman Sachs and minister in David Cameron’s government, who is now co-president of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. Michael Jacobs, an emeritus professor at the University of Sheffield, could also play a role.
Burnham’s team was contacted for comment.
The i Paper understands Starmer has gathered his key aides to see off a challenge from Burnham and has been taking advice from former aide McSweeney. On Tuesday, Starmer sent a rare direct mailshot to Labour members in which he set out his plans to ban social media for under-16s. “Together we are changing Britain,” he said in the email. Ultimately it will be for Labour’s grassroots to decide the party’s next leader.
An ally of Starmer said: “Keir is fired up because he is determined to deliver on his mandate from millions of voters across the country.”
A Cabinet minister told The i Paper any leadership contest should be “conducted with respect” and that Labour should not fall into the same trap as the Conservatives who tore themselves apart in four leadership elections between 2016 and 2022.
