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A week is a long time in politics - here are 10 key moments from the past few days amidst chaos
It's been another mind boggling week in politics that has seen Greater Manchester at the centre of it all
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham delivers the keynote speech at Centre for Cities event at the British Library in central London. Picture date: Wednesday March 4, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
- Amid the backdrop of a growing list of dissenters, a defiant Prime Minister told his Cabinet he will not resign. Stating that the party has a formal process for leadership challenges which has not yet been triggered, and that the government must focus on governing.
- King Charles delivered the King's Speech on Wednesday (May 13) as part of the state opening of Parliament. He announced a total of 37 new bills which a spokesperson said shows the “scale of that ambition” in Starmer's government.
- Then a bombshell dropped after Health Secretary Wes Streeting quit, proclaiming that he no longer had “confidence” in Starmer’s leadership. This move paved the way for Labour leadership battle with Keir Starmer.
- Elsewhere, another potential contender for the PM, Angela Rayner, declared she's been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs.
- In another extraordinary move, Josh Simons quit Parliament to try to clear a route back into Westminster for Andy Burnham through Ashton-in-Makerfield. Burnham was denied the chance by the NEC back in January when he tried to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Soon after, Burnham confirmed his intentions to stand in the Makerfield by-election pending NEC approval.
- Wes Streeting backed Andy Burnham's punt to be Makerfield MP, saying Labour needs its 'best players on the pitch'.
- Today (May 15), Burnham dropped out of attending event at Salford Lads' Club as he awaited the NEC's decision.
- Andy Burnham was then pictured going out for a run along the East Lancs.
- Just a few hours later, Labour NEC announces that Burnham will be given permission to run another race by approving his request possibly stand as a candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Full story: Andy Burnham news LIVE as potential Makerfield by-election date revealed as mayor given permission to run