News
Andy Burnham officially announces his intention to run for Prime Minister
He has released a formal statement.
Andy Burnham has officially announced his intention to run for leader of the Labour Party, and therefore, Prime Minister.
Merely days after he clinched the victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election, winning 24,927 votes (54.8% vote share) and a majority of 9,231 over second place, and less than two hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, Andy Burnham has now officially chucked his hat into the ring to take over the position.
It was already widely rumoured that if Starmer was to step down this week, which he has, that Burnham would likely be the front runner to take over.
But now Burnham‘s intentions to run are no longer rumours, they are confirmed.
Taking to social media this morning to announce his running for Labour Party leader, Andy Burnham said: “Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.
“His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process.
“The country expects stability, seriousness and a continued focus on the issues that matter most and that is what it will get.
“As we move forward, our priority must be to work together to get the country back to where we all want it to be. People want to see progress on economic growth, cost of living, public services, housing and opportunities for the next generation. Political change should never distract from the responsibility to improve people’s lives.
“The Labour movement has always been at its strongest when it looks forward with confidence and purpose. This is what we will do from here and we will make sure this transition is a positive process of renewal for our party and our country.”
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Timeline wise, Keir Starmer says he will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable for the takeover, with nominations opening on 9 July and to be completed by the summer recess (16 July), and in the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September.
Starmer will remain in post as Prime Minister until the contest is complete, adding: “I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power.”
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
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Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
News
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
- Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
- Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
- If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
- Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
- Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
- Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
Emily Sergeant -
22nd June 2026 
