Rachael Burford

Chief Political Correspondent

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Rachael Burford is Chief Political Correspondent at Evening Standard

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VIEW

Rachael Burford is Chief Political Correspondent at Evening Standard

Politics

Zack Polanski: 'Mayor race direct fight between Greens and Reform'

The Green leader is set to launch his party’s campaign for the mayoralty on Saturday, while Labour is not due to announce its candidate until June 26

19 Jun 2026
Politics

Burnham gets backing from London MPs after Makerfield victory

Some London Labour MPs were openly calling for Sir Keir Starmer to stand aside after Andy Burnham’s seismic win in Makerfield

19 Jun 2026
Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham
Politics

Could Andy Burnham become Prime Minister within a week?

Former Greater Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham will arrive back in Parliament with a surge in momentum in his bid to gain the keys to No10

19 Jun 2026
LIVE

Burnham vows 'new path for Britain' as he storms towards no10 - LIVE

Andy Burnham expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for Labour leadership - but stops short of announcing bid at victory rally

19 Jun 2026
Politics

Is Andy Burnham anti-London? What PM hopeful has said about capital

The Mayor of Manchester has previously claimed that northerners can ‘face discrimination’ in London

19 Jun 2026
Politics

Green leader cleared in GLA probe over London houseboat council tax

The Green Party leader suggested ‘financial hardship and housing insecurity’ linked to his ‘unconventional housing arrangements’ meant he had not made the payments

18 Jun 2026
Politics

London borough warns of 75% council tax hike amid funding cut

Westminster town hall faces having to ‘make deep savings’ as the town hall is stripped of about £100 million over the next three years under Labour's Fairer Funding Review

18 Jun 2026
Politics

If Andy Burnham wins Makerfield by-election - what happens next?

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if he becomes an MP again

18 Jun 2026
Politics

London council defends plan to pull cooperation with immigration raids

Lambeth Council cabinet member says his party wants to create a ‘corridor of sanctuary’ for migrants across the capital

17 Jun 2026
Politics

Leadership race to oust Keir Starmer started by Wes Streeting

Asked whether he had the 81 Labour MPs needed to start a contest to challenge the Prime Minister, Mr Streeting said: ‘Yes I have the support I need to be on the ballot’

16 Jun 2026
Politics

Three arrested in immigration and tax evasion raids on London shops

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Home Office staff made surprise visits to six central London stores that stock royal family and UK-themed gifts

16 Jun 2026
Politics

London Labour activist admits offence linked to alleged vote rigging

Gabriel Leroy, 24, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a Computer Misuse Act offence

16 Jun 2026
Politics

Sadiq Khan joins condemnation of Great Israeli Real Estate event

Campaigners have accused the property roadshow of promoting the sale of land in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank

13 Jun 2026
Politics

Council meeting descends into chaos amid claims cats beheaded in park

Bexley councillors were discussing controversial plans for a new Go Ape adventure playground in Danson Park when the extraordinary allegations were made

12 Jun 2026
Politics

London builders look to timber homes in bid to solve housing crisis

Industry leaders travelled to Scotland to learn how the housing is produced as developers and ministers look for ways to increase the number of homes being built in London

12 Jun 2026
Politics

Al Carns resigns hours after John Healey as Starmer crisis deepens

Mr Carns joins John Healey in resigning from his role in Government in protest over funding for the armed forces

11 Jun 2026
London

Ole & Steen fined £34k for 'serious hygiene failings' at London bakery

Ole & Steen was prosecuted by Westminster town hall, which found that the company knew there was a serious mouse infestation at its Haymarket site but failed to act

11 Jun 2026
Politics

Defence Secretary John Healey quits in huge blow to Keir Starmer

John Healey posted his resignation letter social media, telling the PM is was something he ‘never expected to write’

11 Jun 2026
Politics

Sadiq Khan takes swipe at grumbling Soho campaigners in nightlife row

The Mayor of London has criticised the Soho Society after the group vowed to object to every new venue licence in the area

11 Jun 2026
Politics

London town hall seizes first lady of Sierra Leone’s council flat

Southwark Council confirmed it had taken possession of Fatima Jabbe-Bio’s two-bedroom property in Walworth

11 Jun 2026
Politics

Keir Starmer clashes with Reform MP over Belfast riots

Sir Keir Starmer accused Richard Tice and his party of trying to ‘whip up fear and division’ after disorder in north Belfast

10 Jun 2026