Sharon Caines

For decades, Westminster has overseen the managed decline of towns like mine. We have talked big, then acted small, stuck in a politics of incrementalism that cannot meet the moment. We have lost the trust of those our party was built to serve. It is my unwavering belief that nothing short of urgent, radical, courageous reform will make a difference. That must start with a change in leadership. Today, I am putting the people I represent and the country I love first and will be resigning as MP for Makerfield. I am standing aside so that Andy Burnham can return to his home, fight to re-enter Parliament, and if elected, drive the change our country is crying out for. This has not been an easy decision. This is my family’s home, where only a few weeks ago, doctors and nurses at Wigan Infirmary saved our newborn son’s life. But we all must make choices and in recent days I found myself with a difficult one: defend the status quo or step forward and act. I have made my choice. I am in politics because politics is how you change lives for the better. My party has one last chance to do that: deliver for the people and places I represent, drive economic growth, secure our borders, reform our state and politics, and change a status quo that is not working. That is the fight. I believe Andy is the one to lead it.

Is it just me but suddenly everything feels …. normal ? No more psycho dramas and scandals. Like the grown ups are back in Govt & people can get on with their lives watching politics out the corner of their eyes. Safe

My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.

My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.

My security team just found this journalist from The Guardian at my property. This is exactly why I need security. Completely unacceptable.

Julia, I just want you for a moment to explore the possibility that HMRC may have access to information and facts that you don’t. They may have expertise in complex tax law, decades of experience and a commitment to impartial decision-making, often making decisions that Govts don’t like. So maybe, just maybe, this is the right decision but for some, politically inconvenient?

🚨 BREAKING: Kemi Badenoch has suspended the Tory leader on Worcestershire Council after entering a coalition with the Greens to overthrow Reform UK control It led to a Green councillor becoming leader of the council

EXC: “He who pays the piper picks the tune?” “Hang on a second. Hang on a second. I can't be bought by anybody.” Nigel Farage responds to £5m donor investigation insisting “I'm not and never have been” a crook Now claims it was “reward for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years”

EXC: “He who pays the piper picks the tune?” “Hang on a second. Hang on a second. I can't be bought by anybody.” Nigel Farage responds to £5m donor investigation insisting “I'm not and never have been” a crook Now claims it was “reward for campaigning for Brexit for 27 years”