Sun. Jun 8th, 2025
Analysis: The Key Issues Shaping These Local Elections

The BBC’s Political Editor Chris Mason provides an in-depth analysis of the key issues at play in this year’s local elections.

Watch: Sue Gray urges an end to the use of the term ‘pen-pushers’ for civil servants.

Mel Stride claims Rachel Reeves is accountable for the significant reduction in the UK’s 2025 growth projections.

Henry Zeffman outlines the essential takeaways from the Spring Statement.

The Chancellor emphasised the need for robust assistance for those unable to work.

Watch: Protesters interrupt proceedings in the House of Lords.

The prime minister makes a rare appearance with the HMS Vanguard crew as the submarine marks its return to the UK after over 200 days at sea.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall informs MPs that the current situation is “unacceptable” but emphasizes it is not “inevitable”.

Watch: Henry Zeffman breaks down the implications of the new welfare reforms.

Sir Keir Starmer supports the concept of a “coalition of the willing” as part of a European initiative to assist Ukraine.

Sir Keir Starmer asserts that US President Donald Trump “seeks lasting peace” in Ukraine.

A closer look at Starmer’s inaugural White House visit, highlighting diplomatic gestures and exchanges of humour.

President Trump to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The former lead investigator of Partygate, later chief of staff to Sir Keir Starmer, has been appointed to the House of Lords.

Sir Keir Starmer becomes the first sitting prime minister to publicly undergo an HIV test.

Conservative MP Alex Burghart tells the BBC that Reform UK “aims to dismantle” his party.

Sir Keir Starmer acknowledges the series of failures that led up to the Southport incident.

This follows the resignation of Tulip Siddiq amid an anti-corruption probe in Bangladesh.

Angela Rayner expresses her ambition for every region in England to have an elected mayor.

MPs have voted 330 to 275 in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, allowing a conscience vote on the issue.

PMQs: Kemi Badenoch urges the prime minister to step down.