5 important things happening in the UK today (15 May 2026)
Here are five important things happening in the UK on Friday (15 May 2026):
Burnham to make bid to return as MP as pressure mounts on Starmer
Andy Burnham will attempt to return to the Commons as an MP, after Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary, saying he had lost confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, said he would ask to run for Labour in Makerfield after Labour MP Josh Simons said he would resign to make way for him. Any candidate in a Labour leadership contest to replace Sir Keir must be an MP. [BBC]
Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property in cash shortly after receiving a £5 million gift
Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property in cash shortly after receiving a £5 million personal gift from the crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. The revelation came as the Reform UK leader appeared to change his line on the reason for the £5 million gift, saying in an interview on Thursday that it was a “reward” for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years. Since it was revealed last month by the Guardian, Farage had maintained that the money was given to cover his personal security. [Guardian]
UK bosses hit out at the impact of Westminster turmoil on business
Bosses of some of Britain’s biggest companies have voiced dismay at the turmoil in Westminster, warning that uncertainty over Sir Keir Starmer’s future is putting at risk investment decisions and the country’s reputation. Chief executives told the FT that calls for the prime minister to quit, Wes Streeting’s resignation, and Andy Burnham’s move to return to parliament were a far cry from the stability and certainty promised by the ruling party in the lead-up to the 2024 general election. [FT]
Government launches chatbot tool
People across the UK can now get quick and easy help to navigate government services and save money – from information on accessing funded childcare to buying a first home and pensions – as a new AI tool launches in the GOV.UK App. GOV.UK Chat – the most comprehensive government-built chat tool in the world – allows people to ask questions in plain language and receive instant, clear and reliable answers drawn from official government information – removing the need to call helplines or trawl through thousands of pages on GOV.UK. [Gov.UK]
Financial news
A potential challenge to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership from Andy Burnham sent the pound tumbling by casting doubt on the future of his government and its efforts to rein in the national debt.
On Friday, Oil was trading higher at $106.17. The pound is trading at $1.34, €1.15, and ¥9.07.
