Topic Lifecycle: Dormant

This topic is currently dormant in the news cycle. It was last covered on Sunday 2 August 2026 and has not appeared in recent broadcasts.

Coverage trend (last 30 days)

How much coverage this topic got from each channel over the past month.

On screen

Stills are sampled automatically at 60-second intervals. Where shown, the still is the nearest available frame from the relevant broadcast segment and is included to show what was on screen during that part of the broadcast. A still may not correspond to the exact second of a quoted phrase.

Sky News, Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, 29 June 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News at One including..., 29 June 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker, 29 June 2026
ITV1, ITV Lunchtime News, 29 June 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker, 29 June 2026
5, 5 News with Dan Walker, 29 June 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News, 29 June 2026
GB News, New: Dewbs & Co, 29 June 2026
Channel 4, Channel 4 News, 29 June 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News and Weather, 29 June 2026
BBC TWO, Newsnight, followed by Weather, 29 June 2026
ITV1, ITV News at Ten, 29 June 2026
GB News, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 29 June 2026
GB News, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 1 July 2026
GB News, Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 2 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News at One including..., 2 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News and Weather, 2 July 2026
BBC TWO, Newsnight, followed by Weather, 2 July 2026
BBC NEWS, Signed: BBC News, 3 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today with Sam Washington, 3 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today, 3 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News at One including..., 3 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News, 3 July 2026
BBC TWO, Newsnight, followed by Weather, 3 July 2026
GB News, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 8 July 2026
BBC NEWS, BBC News, 9 July 2026
ITV1, ITV Lunchtime News, 9 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News at One including..., 9 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today with Jayne Secker, 9 July 2026
5, 5 News with Dan Walker, 9 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News, 9 July 2026
Channel 4, Channel 4 News, 9 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News and Weather, 9 July 2026
BBC TWO, Newsnight, followed by Weather, 9 July 2026
GB News, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 9 July 2026
BBC NEWS, BBC News, 10 July 2026
5, 5 News at Lunchtime, 10 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today, 11 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today With Matt Barbet, 12 July 2026
Sky News, Sky News Today with Gareth Barlow, 13 July 2026
BBC ONE West, BBC News and Weather, 13 July 2026
GB News, New: Patrick Christys Tonight Late..., 30 July 2026
GB News, New: Lee Anderson's Real World, 31 July 2026
Channel 4, Channel 4 News, 2 August 2026
BBC TWO, Newsnight, followed by Weather, 11 August 2026

Recent stories

The latest story timelines linked to this topic, newest activity first.

Updated Tuesday 11 August 2026

Dormant

Labour poll bounce to 26% after Burnham's first two weeks

A Channel 4 report indicates Labour's poll rating has risen to 26% following Andy Burnham's first two weeks as Prime Minister, but notes ongoing challenges.

2 channels

Updated Saturday 1 August 2026

Dormant

Bev Craig wins Greater Manchester mayoral by-election

Labour's Bev Craig won the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election with a landslide victory, securing two-thirds of the vote, following Andy Burnham's resignation to become Prime Minister.

7 channels

Updated Friday 31 July 2026

Dormant

Andy Burnham spending promises criticized over inflation black hole

Critics have raised concerns that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's spending promises could create an inflation black hole, with economic analysts warning of potential fiscal risks.

1 channel

View all Labour stories →

What was reported

A plain summary of this topic, built from the channels that covered it.

Labour's Bev Craig has been elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester in a by-election triggered by Andy Burnham's resignation to become Prime Minister. The election was seen as Labour's first electoral test since Burnham took office. Craig won with a combined total of more than 300,000 votes, including first and second preferences. Reform UK's candidate Sian Astley came second with just over 157,000 votes. After second preference votes were counted, Labour received 66% compared to Reform's 33%. Reform UK's candidate suggested Craig should be concerned that she did not win outright on first preference votes. The result was considered a comfortable victory for Labour, despite Reform UK's strong performance in the region during local elections in May. The new mayor controls a budget of £3 billion and oversees transport, planning, police, and economic development. Prime Minister Andy Burnham joined Craig in Manchester to thank voters and campaigners.

Key Claims by Channel

Thursday 2 July 2026

Claim BBC One BBC Two GB News
Morgan McSweeney acknowledged that Labour was not adequately prepared for government. ·
McSweeney said the government should have been more optimistic after its 2024 election victory. · ·
McSweeney cited the removal of winter fuel payments and the freebies controversy as early mistakes. · ·
McSweeney said recommending Lord Mandelson as US ambassador was a mistake. · ·
McSweeney praised Andy Burnham's proposal for a Number 10 North in Manchester as not a gimmick. · ·
McSweeney stated he has no plans to return to British politics. · ·
Andy Burnham is considered the presumptive next prime minister. · ·
Burnham's allies warned him against cutting welfare benefits. · ·
Broadcasters reported a black hole in public finances, with figures ranging from five to fifteen billion pounds. · ·
Burnham said he would adhere to fiscal rules but could not specify them when asked. · ·
The number of Personal Independence Payment claimants in high-income households has doubled in three to four years. · ·
Angela Rayner was reportedly upset about being overlooked and now seeks a cabinet position under Burnham. · ·
Burnham indicated he would uphold Labour's manifesto commitments on tax and maintain fiscal discipline. · ·
Burnham said he can be trusted with the economy, citing his experience in the Treasury, Health Department, and as Mayor of Greater Manchester. · ·
Burnham hinted at cuts to business rates for pubs and changes to tax. · ·
Burnham said he has not yet chosen his Chancellor. · ·
There is a reported five billion pound black hole in defence spending. · ·

Thursday 9 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two Channel 4 GB News ITV Sky News
The nomination window for the Labour leadership opened on 9 July 2026. · · · · ·
Candidates need nominations from 81 MPs (20% of the party) to be eligible. · · · · · · ·
Al Carnes said he would not stand for the Labour leadership. · · · ·
Andy Burnham was the only declared candidate for the Labour leadership. · · · · ·
Andy Burnham was widely expected to become Labour leader and prime minister, possibly by 17-20 July. · · ·
Andy Burnham received 322 nominations from Labour MPs. · · · ·
Andy Burnham apologised for Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict. · · · · ·
Former Veterans Minister Al Khan backed Andy Burnham for Labour leader. · · · · · · ·
Andy Burnham had previously stood for Labour leader twice and lost. · · · · · · ·

Friday 10 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two GB News ITV Sky News
Andy Burnham is the only remaining candidate in the Labour leadership contest after the MP for Birmingham, Sally Oak, withdrew; former Veterans Minister Al Khan endorsed Burnham. · · · · · ·
Andy Burnham was widely expected to become Labour leader and prime minister, possibly by 17-20 July. ·
Andy Burnham received 322 nominations from Labour MPs. · · ·
Former Veterans Minister Al Khan backed Andy Burnham for Labour leader. · · · · · ·
Candidates need at least 81 nominations from Labour MPs to get on the ballot. · · · ·
Labour MP Jeevan Sander expressed support for Andy Burnham to unite the country. · · · · · ·
Al Carnes confirmed he would not stand for the Labour leadership and would back Andy Burnham. · · · ·
Andy Burnham nominated himself for the Labour leadership. · · · · · ·
The campaign to make Andy Burnham Labour leader was planned for a year. · · · · · ·
Four British people are feared dead in a wildfire in southern Spain. · · · · · ·

Sunday 12 July 2026

Claim BBC News Sky News
Andy Burnham received 322 nominations from Labour MPs. ·
Chris Bryant, a Trade Minister, nominated Andy Burnham and commented on his experience. ·
Rachel Reeves said she wants Andy Burnham to be a success. ·
Rachel Reeves admitted she made mistakes but did not specify them. ·
Rachel Reeves did not accept that taking winter fuel payment away from pensioners was a mistake. ·
Rachel Reeves signed Andy Burnham's nomination papers and stated he will inherit a better economy than the one she inherited two years ago. ·
Miatta Fahnbulleh, a key adviser to Burnham, said policy would include short-term cost of living relief and public ownership of essentials like housing, energy, water, and transport. ·
Burnham is expected to purge Starmer loyalists from the cabinet, with Rachel Reeves likely to be replaced and David Miliband tipped as foreign secretary. ·
Anne McElvoy, executive editor at Politico, stated that Burnham is certain to become leader and discussed his media strategy. ·

Wednesday 15 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 Sky News
Police said it was a targeted attack. ·
Keir Starmer chaired his final cabinet meeting as Labour leader.
Starmer faced his last Prime Minister's Questions as Labour leader.
Andy Burnham is expected to take over as Prime Minister on Monday after receiving support from a majority of Labour MPs.
Starmer received a carriage clock engraved by the same people who designed Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at his final cabinet meeting. ·
Ministers were asked whether they would still have their jobs after the weekend. ·
Starmer's final week included receiving the Legion d'Honneur from France. ·
Starmer said he was horrified by the death of Ann Widdecombe and that more must be done to defend democracy. ·
Andy Burnham called for a serious review of MP security after the death of Ann Widdecombe. ·

Thursday 16 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two GB News ITV Sky News
Andy Burnham did not object to Gary Lineker's use of the word 'genocide' regarding Gaza on a podcast. · · · · · ·
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour. · · · ·
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns.
Burnham will give a speech outlining a vision for a 'renewed Labour government' focused on devolution, reindustrialization, and returning power to communities. · · ·
Burnham's by-election win in Makerfield involved tactical votes from other parties to defeat Reform UK. · · · · · ·
Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new peers appointed in Keir Starmer's last acts as Prime Minister. · · · · · ·
The England football team losing the World Cup final was seen as a missed opportunity for a boost to Burnham's government. · · · · · ·
There is a potential rebellion on the left if Shabana Mahmood becomes Chancellor, with Rachel Maskell quoted saying Ed Miliband would be better. · · · · · ·
Ed Miliband has been close to Burnham in preparing him for Prime Minister. · · · · · ·
The IMF warned that Britain cannot afford a fresh spending binge. · · · · · ·
Andy Burnham has not mentioned cutting spending. · · · · · ·
Burnham will pay tribute to Keir Starmer, but there is tension between them. · · · · · ·
Keir Starmer was not present at the event as he was returning from Ukraine. · · · · · ·
Burnham argues the country has been on the wrong path since the 1980s. · · · · ·
Greater Manchester's economy has grown faster than any other similar region since 2015. · · · · · ·
The new government will focus on providing extra financial support to individuals. · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to tackle social care and change how the country is governed. · · · · · ·
Burnham said he wants to work with other parties to fix big problems. · · · · · ·
Burnham's economic philosophy is called 'Manchesterism'. · · · · · ·
Some voters in the southeast are disappointed with Starmer and question Burnham's focus on the north. · · · · · ·
Burnham's campaign has been based on 'vibes' rather than specifics. · · · · · ·
Burnham said his election represents the most important change in British politics for 40 years. · · · · · ·
Burnham said he would not try to out-green the Greens or out-reform Reform. · · · · · ·

Friday 17 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two Channel 4 GB News ITV Sky News
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour. · · · · ·
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns. · ·
Burnham will give a speech outlining a vision for a 'renewed Labour government' focused on devolution, reindustrialization, and returning power to communities. · · · ·
Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new peers appointed in Keir Starmer's last acts as Prime Minister. · · · · · · ·
Ed Miliband has been close to Burnham in preparing him for Prime Minister. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will pay tribute to Keir Starmer, but there is tension between them. · · · · ·
Keir Starmer was not present at the event as he was returning from Ukraine. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's campaign was described as based on 'vibes' rather than specifics. · · · · · · ·
Burnham has been working with a small team of aides including James Pannell and Louise Haigh. · · · · · · ·
Burnham argues the country has been on the wrong path since the 1980s. · ·
Burnham has been accused of being a political chameleon. · · · · · · ·
Burnham left Westminster a decade ago and faces challenges of pace and scale of national government. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will be introduced on stage by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. · · · · · · ·
The last time a Labour leader was handed over without a vote was Gordon Brown in 2007. · · · · · · ·
There is a rebellion on the left if Shabana Mahmood becomes Chancellor. · · · · · · ·
Greater Manchester's economy has grown faster than any other similar region since 2015. · · · · · · ·
The new government will focus on providing extra financial support to individuals. · · · · · · ·
Lucy Powell and Shabana Mahmood will speak at the NEC meeting. · · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to tackle social care and change how the country is governed. · · · · ·
Burnham said he wants to work with other parties to fix big problems. · · · · · · ·
Reform UK leader criticised Andy Burnham over his media appearances and his response to Gary Lineker's use of the word 'genocide'. · · · · · ·
Seven independent experts concluded that all evidence points to US responsibility for a deadly attack on an Iranian primary school. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's economic philosophy is called 'Manchesterism'. · · · · · · ·
Some voters in the southeast are disappointed with Starmer and question Burnham's focus on the north. · · · · · · ·
Burnham said his election represents the most important change in British politics for 40 years. · · · ·
Burnham said he would not try to out-green the Greens or out-reform Reform. · · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to be a leader for all corners of the UK. · · · · · · ·
Nigel Farage said he fears the Labour Party will be dragged further to the left under Burnham. · · · · · · ·
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said his door is open if Burnham wants to deliver real change. · · · · · · ·
Alva Ray said Burnham's team privately acknowledge they are walking a tightrope due to manifesto constraints. · · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to end infighting and factionalism in the Labour Party. · · · · · · ·

Saturday 18 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two Channel 4 GB News ITV Sky News
Andy Burnham did not object to Gary Lineker's use of the word 'genocide' regarding Gaza on a podcast. · · · · · · ·
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour. · · ·
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns. · ·
Burnham will give a speech outlining a vision for a 'renewed Labour government' focused on devolution, reindustrialization, and returning power to communities. · · · · · · ·
Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new peers appointed in Keir Starmer's last acts as Prime Minister. · · · · · · ·
Keir Starmer was not present at the event as he was returning from Ukraine. · · · · · · ·
Burnham argues the country has been on the wrong path since the 1980s. · ·
Burnham will be introduced on stage by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. · · · · · · ·
There is a rebellion on the left if Shabana Mahmood becomes Chancellor. · · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to tackle social care and change how the country is governed. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's economic philosophy is called 'Manchesterism'. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's campaign has been based on 'vibes' rather than specifics. · · · · · · ·
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said his door is open if Burnham wants to deliver real change. · · · · · · ·
Burnham promised to end infighting and factionalism in the Labour Party. · · · · · · ·
Burnham is avoiding press scrutiny and has not given proper mainline interviews. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will announce plans for more North Sea oil and gas drilling in his first speech as PM. · · · · ·
Burnham plans to bring some water and energy companies under public control and launch the biggest council housebuilding programme since the post-war period. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's first trip as leader was to Gravesend in Kent to show he cares about the South. · · · · · · ·
Burnham said he has not yet made decisions on his top team and will announce them on Monday. · · · · · · ·
Burnham has kept key details of his cabinet and policy plans very tight, with no leaks. · · · · · · ·
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he fears the government will lurch further to the left under Burnham. · · · · · · ·
Several newspaper front pages described Burnham's leadership as Labour's last chance. · · · · · · ·
The Labour Party's 2024 General Election pledge was not to issue new licences for oil and gas exploration. · · · · · · ·
Two oil and gas projects, Jackdaw and Rosebank, approved under the Conservatives, are currently under legal challenge. · · · · · · ·
Rosebank is predicted to create more than £8 billion in direct investments. · · · · · · ·
There are 79 places across the country where fracking could technically take place due to a loophole in the moratorium. · · · · · · ·
Ed Miliband described Rosebank as climate vandalism. · · · · · · ·
Andy Burnham will scrap the government's plan to introduce digital ID cards. · · · · · · ·
A source close to Andy Burnham said no final decisions had been made on oil and gas policy. · · · · · · ·
Climate campaigners protested in Westminster against more North Sea drilling. · · · · · · ·

Monday 20 July 2026

Claim Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two Channel 4 GB News ITV Sky News
Shabana Mahmoud is now seen as the front runner for Chancellor, with Ed Miliband falling out of favour. · · · · ·
Andy Burnham will become Labour leader at a special NEC meeting and then Prime Minister after Keir Starmer resigns. · · ·
Sadiq Khan is one of 26 new peers appointed in Keir Starmer's last acts as Prime Minister. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's economic philosophy is called 'Manchesterism'. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will announce plans for more North Sea oil and gas drilling in his first speech as PM. · · · ·
Burnham said his government would represent a radical or significant change in politics. · · · · · ·
Matthew McGregor, formerly of Hope Not Hate, was appointed as Burnham's chief political adviser. · · · · · · ·
A Mail on Sunday poll found that 47% of respondents think there should be a general election, against 31% who disagree. · · · · · · ·
John Healey, Ed Miliband, and Shabana Mahmood were among the first to enter Number 10 for cabinet appointments. · · · · · · ·
Louise Haigh was appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and other roles. · · · · · · ·
Shabana Mahmood remained Home Secretary. · · · · · · ·
Jonathan Reynolds was expected to become Business Secretary. · · · · · · ·
Yvette Cooper, Pat McFadden, Angela Rayner, and Lisa Nandy were still awaiting roles. · · · · · · ·
Wes Streeting had not yet been appointed. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will scrap Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme. · · · · · · ·
Burnham wants more public control of utilities. · · · · · · ·
Burnham's first speech will focus on cost of living, devolution, and economic growth. · · · · · · ·
The Labour Party decided they could not win the next general election with Keir Starmer. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will visit Manchester to visit 'number 10 north'. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will write letters of last resort. · · · · · · ·
Burnham will take phone calls from world leaders. · · · · · · ·
Nigel Farage said he would overturn certain laws. · · · · · · ·

Tuesday 21 July 2026

Claim BBC News Sky News
Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting as Prime Minister on 21 July 2026.
Burnham told his cabinet that the government must focus on reducing household financial pressure.
The government announced the removal of VAT on household electricity bills.
The VAT removal was funded by reprioritising spending, including scrapping the digital ID scheme.
Chancellor John Healey stated that the VAT cut would benefit 29 million households and that fiscal discipline remains a priority. ·
Burnham emphasised the importance of teamwork and a positive relationship with the civil service.
Labour MPs feared losing the next general election to Reform UK, a factor in Burnham becoming leader. ·
Burnham referenced the Makerfield by-election doorstep as a source of his focus on cost of living. ·

Saturday 1 August 2026

Claim BBC News BBC One ITV
Bev Craig was elected as the new mayor of Greater Manchester.
The by-election was triggered by Andy Burnham's resignation to become Prime Minister.
Craig won with a combined total of more than 300,000 votes. ·
Reform UK's candidate Sian Astley came second with just over 157,000 votes. ·
After second preference votes, Labour had 66% to Reform's 33%.
Reform UK's candidate said Craig should be worried she did not win on first preference votes. ·
The job of Greater Manchester mayor comes with a £3 billion budget and control over transport, planning, police, and economic development. ·
Prime Minister Andy Burnham joined Craig in Manchester to thank voters and campaigners. · ·
Craig said she will work for everyone and move away from divisive politics. · ·

This is a cross-channel consensus summary, not an objective account. Consensus can be uniformly wrong, or omit what only one channel covered.

Timeline

Where this topic appeared. Cells show coverage time and are darker when there was more coverage.

Date Channel 5 BBC News BBC One BBC Two Channel 4 GB News ITV Sky News
Sunday 2 August 2026 6m 13s 28.5%
Saturday 1 August 2026 7m 13s 6.9% 6m 57s 20.9% 23s 1.8%
Friday 31 July 2026 10m 19s 16.2%
Thursday 30 July 2026 8m 20s 11.0%
Sunday 26 July 2026 10m 28s 25.3%
Friday 24 July 2026 18m 26s 57.6%
Tuesday 21 July 2026 17m 30s 18.9% 9m 49s 14.9% 25m 12s 46.4%
Monday 20 July 2026 20m 35s 19.0% 58m 20s 57.5% 29m 50s 49.9%
Sunday 19 July 2026 7m 14s 14.7%
Saturday 18 July 2026 22s 16.8% 4m 24s 11.0% 1m 37s 4.5% 25m 51s 37.7% 4m 4s 8.6%
Friday 17 July 2026 6m 26s 16.8% 27m 56s 31.7% 17m 11s 17.2% 29m 30s 100.0% 29m 55s 60.5% 13m 4s 15.8% 16m 10s 23.8% 1h 11m 44s 92.5%
Thursday 16 July 2026 1m 55s 1.9% 9m 26s 31.5% 14m 28s 20.7%
Wednesday 15 July 2026 35s 1.8% 4m 31s 4.3% 20m 2s 68.8% 6m 21s 13.6% 17m 23s 19.8% 2m 47s 4.1% 5m 34s 13.1%
Monday 13 July 2026 1m 40s 1.8% 1m 52s 3.3%
Sunday 12 July 2026 4m 6s 8.5% 7m 9s 14.8%
Saturday 11 July 2026 5m 24s 7.4%
Friday 10 July 2026 16s 0.5% 2m 47s 6.1%
Thursday 9 July 2026 1m 34s 4.1% 1m 2.1% 7m 29s 7.6% 20m 44s 73.7% 6m 51s 13.9% 10s 0.5% 2m 37s 4.9%
Wednesday 8 July 2026 9m 50s 22.8%
Saturday 4 July 2026 2m 40s 5.1%
Friday 3 July 2026 19m 32s 66.7%
Thursday 2 July 2026 2m 8s 2.9% 16m 16s 61.4% 9m 48s 25.5%
Wednesday 1 July 2026 6m 9s 5.9%
Monday 29 June 2026 22m 38s 30.0%