Starmer has ‘absolutely no authority’, says Labour peer as pressure grows on PM to step aside for Burnham – UK politics live

Peer and former cabinet minister Charlie Falconer says PM could have at most weeks to go'

• Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exit

A losing streak? Makerfield shows mounting dangers for Nigel Farage

From Restore and tactical voting to questions over that 5m gift, the Reform leader faces challenges on several fronts, writes senior political correspondent Peter Walker.

As those around Nigel Farage are fond of pointing out, Reform UK has now led in more than 300 consecutive national polls. When it comes to byelections, though, it is fair to say the party's results are more mixed.

Yes, Robert Kenyon came second in Makerfield to a popular regional mayor backed by a Labour campaign so relentless that the main risk was annoying voters by knocking too often on their doors. Kenyon also increased his and Reform's share of the vote from the 2024 general election.