Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Makerfield By-Election Triggers Leadership Contest, EU Summit Delayed

5/24/2026

41 5

Summary

Story summary

The Makerfield by-election on June 18 could trigger an immediate Labour leadership contest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains in office while senior ministers resign and a leadership contest looms.
Civil servants report that most policy initiatives are on hold pending the leadership dispute’s outcome.
The scheduled summit with the European Union has been pushed to July because of doubts over government stability.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Makerfield by-election on June 18 could trigger an immediate Labour leadership contest.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains in office while senior ministers resign and a leadership contest looms.
Civil servants report that most policy initiatives are on hold pending the leadership dispute’s outcome.
The scheduled summit with the European Union has been pushed to July because of doubts over government stability.