John G

Unions are warning the Scunthorpe steelworks is "not out of the woods yet" despite government plans to nationalise British Steel. Keir Starmer announced ministers intend to take “full national ownership" of the company. But the new powers are subject to a public interest test.

As I said earlier, these have been really tough results today - including in Wakefield. As the PM has said, this is now a time for serious, calm-headed reflection, because following these results, we must listen and respond, but do so in a steady, thoughtful and reflective way.

We’re called the party of working people for a reason.

The Burnham manifesto: •Rejoin the European Union •Break the fiscal rules to borrow more for defence. Thus destroying the fiscal rules… •Extensive devolution, including tax powers. •A wealth tax •Nationalise water, energy, utilities, and what remains of rail •A land value tax •A council tax revaluation •A ‘National Care Service’ •Rollout of nationalised bus franchising, modelled on Greater Manchester’s Bee Network •A £2 single fare bus cap •A fully elected upper chamber to replace the Lords •Bring in “free transport for teenagers in England.” •No welfare reforms. •Build more council houses. By borrowing £40 billion… •Scrap the whipping system in the Commons. An old favourite, truly barmy… •MAYBE: Proportional representation. Once behind the No10 door, people tend to lose interest in that one…

I don't think many Labour colleagues will appreciate coming back from a day canvassing for Thursday's elections to see energy being wasted on leadership speculation and talk about deliberately causing byelections, most of which comes across as rather entitled and about self-interest rather than the stability and success of the party.