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Watch: The day Labour's potential leadership race began to heat up
A day marked by a series of political moves and statements as Labour's leadership contest began to heat up: internal tensions surfaced with letters and replies between Streeting and Starmer, key speeches at Manchester, and major political developments across the UK.
Why It Matters
The events show early signs of leadership contest dynamics within Labour and shifts in UK political alignments, with government agenda setting and party leadership moves under close public scrutiny.
Timeline
16 Events
Kemi Badenoch announces leadership move at Manchester conference
May 14, 2026
Kemi Badenoch made the announcement at the parties conference in Manchester during her first keynote speech as Conservative Party leader.
Tom Tugendhat accuses government of inaction over China spy case
May 14, 2026
Watch: Tom Tugendhat accuses government of inaction over China spy case into former researcher.
Green Party leader backs drug legalisation and regulation
May 14, 2026
The Green Party leader reiterates backing for legalising and regulating drugs.
Ben Houchen comments on Reform ally change
May 14, 2026
Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen says joining Reform would be like swapping Boro for NUFC.
72-year-old man arrested for misconduct in public office
May 14, 2026
The Metropolitan Police said a 72-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Labour pushed into third place in Greater Manchester seat
May 14, 2026
Labour, which took the Greater Manchester seat with more than 50% of the vote in 2024, was pushed into third place.
UK prime minister warns Middle East conflict could continue
May 14, 2026
The conflict in the Middle East could continue for some time, the UK prime minister has warned.
Migration minister Mike Tapp unable to answer citizenship test question
May 14, 2026
Migration minister Mike Tapp is unable to answer one of the questions on the UK citizenship test.
King Charles III unveils government's agenda
May 14, 2026
King Charles III has unveiled the government's agenda in a speech to Parliament.
Andy Burnham confirms bid to run for Parliament
May 14, 2026
The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, confirmed he'll try to run for Parliament after Simons resigned to make way for him.
Starmer replies to Streeting
May 14, 2026
In his reply, Starmer wrote he was sorry that Streeting had stepped down from Government.
Streeting writes to Starmer with concerns about leadership
May 13, 2026
In a letter to Keir Starmer, Streeting wrote he had lost confidence in the PM's leadership.
PMQs: Starmer dismisses caretaker PM label
May 13, 2026
Keir Starmer dismissed the caretaker PM label at PMQs.
Mel Stride delivers speech in Manchester
May 11, 2026
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride delivered a speech to a partially empty hall in Manchester.
Labour wins Greater Manchester seat in 2024
2024
Labour won a Greater Manchester parliamentary seat in 2024 with more than 50% of the vote.
UK joins US in Afghanistan after 9/11
2001
The UK joined the US in Afghanistan in 2001 after NATO invoked its collective security clause following the 9/11 attacks.