Sir Keir Starmer has stated that the government needs to accelerate its delivery of objectives during his weekly Cabinet meeting. A Downing Street spokesperson reported: 'Turning to delivery, the Prime Minister said the Government had made really good progress in the first two years in office, as indicated by the number of bills passed in the first session.'
'He pointed to good growth figures published last week, making the UK the top country in the G7 for growth between January and March.'
'The Prime Minister also referenced strong NHS waiting list figures, also released last week, and said the government needed to continue to build on these achievements through increased delivery.'
This comes as attention turns to Makerfield, where a significant by-election is scheduled for June 18. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to stand for Labour and is tipped to challenge Starmer for the leadership.
In a veiled criticism of Burnham, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden called the by-election 'unnecessary'. Asked if he feared Reform UK could win the seat, McFadden said: 'Well look, any unnecessary by-election is always a risk. It's the voters who have their say. But like any by-election that is called, for whatever reason, I want Labour to win. I want to see a Labour MP for that seat. And that's what we'll all be working for between now and polling day in the by-election.'
In a campaign video, Burnham countered: 'Some say this by-election is unnecessary. I say it's the most consequential of our lives.'
