Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed course, giving pubs and music venues 15% off business rates and freezing them for two years to safeguard community assets. Restaurants, cafés and hotels are excluded and face April rises, expected to lift prices; MPs warn many small firms still risk closure.

Conservatives withdrew a statement implying concern over Suella Braverman’s mental health after she defected to Reform UK. Senior Tories and an ex-Commons deputy speaker condemned the move, while Nigel Farage predicted harsher attacks, highlighting widening defections before May’s locals.

Starmer faces uproar after Labour’s NEC blocked Andy Burnham from seeking a Westminster return in the Gorton and Denton by‑election. Critics call the PM “cowardly”; allies fear it could spur a leadership bid from Wes Streeting. Burnham voices disappointment but urges unity.

Labour left figures are backing Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, with Angela Rayner supportive, amid talk he’s preparing a leadership bid. The PM must decide whether to block him from a vacant seat. Allies fear a challenge; others warn against a ‘Wes Streeting coronation’.