Byelections, the Covid inquiry and a budget – what does UK politics have in store?

Conference season is here, along with significant electoral tests, followed by the king's speech and autumn statement

With a general election fast approaching - one has to be held by 28 January 2025 at the latest - there is little time for Rishi Sunak to come up with a masterplan. His party is way behind in the polls, and every week brings another crisis - small boats, school buildings, NHS waiting lists soaring, councils going bust.

Keir Starmer and Labour now look increasingly confident, and likely to form the next government.