Burnham Set to Ditch Palantir from NHS

THE TELEGRAPH: Left-wing critics have called for deal to be axed over US tech giant’s work with Israeli Defense Forces and US immigration

Screenshot taken from this Telegraph article. | Andy Burnham did not grant Palantir any contracts during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor Credit: Temilade Adelaja/Reuters
Andy Burnham is set to ditch Palantir from the NHS, The Telegraph can reveal.

The prime minister-in-waiting did not grant the US tech company any contracts during his nine years as Greater Manchester mayor, and is minded to take the same approach in No 10.

Mr Burnham is reviewing the Government’s overall artificial intelligence strategy, and an aide said he believed “unfettered tech boosterism” was turning off voters.

In his first keynote speech on Monday, he said he wanted to see social value play a larger part in contracts awarded by the Government.

Mr Burnham is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as soon as July 20, and will then have to decide whether to cut ties with Palantir two years into its seven-year, £330m NHS deal. » | Dominic Penna | Senior Political Correspondent | Thursday, July 2, 2026

Starmer Is Out: Can Burnham Bring New Hope to Britain? | Peter Oborne | MEE Opinion

Jun 24, 2026 | Peter Oborne, associate editor at Middle East Eye, argues that after years of failed policies at home and abroad, the UK needs a different kind of prime minister.

Oborne says that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to emulate former Prime Minister Tony Blair by turning against the Labour left and cultivating relationships with billionaires.

He argues that Andy Burnham could succeed by embracing a different style of politics. “So long as he remembers to govern in the interests of ordinary people and not billionaires; to keep his integrity, resist blandishments and be himself, Burnham stands a chance of succeeding when so many have failed,” Oborne says.


Although I was never one of Starmer’s greatest fans, this synopsis should not be construed as necessarily reflecting my own views. These views are Peter Oborne’s and should therefore be received as such. As for Andy Burnham, I know far too little about him yet to have any strong views on him or his abilities. — © Mark Alexander

Starmer Quits But British Democracy Wins Again

June 23, 2026 | Keir Starmer's resignation less than two years after winning a landslide election may appear to highlight instability, but it instead showcases one of the greatest strengths of Britain's parliamentary democracy. Unlike presidential systems centred on one individual, the UK allows governing parties to replace leaders when they lose the confidence of their MPs, ensuring accountability without constitutional turmoil. Starmer's departure and Andy Burnham's swift emergence as his successor demonstrate that political power rests with Parliament and the elected majority rather than any single leader.

ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.

American politics STINKS of CORRUPTION. — © Mark Alexander

Why Does Britain Keep Changing Prime Ministers? | Global News Podcast

June 22, 2026 | British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, ending months of speculation about his future.

His Labour party had a landslide election victory in 2024.

He'd been under growing pressure to step aside since his main leadership rival Andy Burnham secured a seat in parliament.

Britain is now on the verge of getting its seventh prime minister in a decade.

Our UK political correspondent Rob Watson tells us why things went wrong for Keir Starmer so quickly.


The root cause of all this political instability is that damn Brexit! Fie on Farage! I'm not at all sure that Andy Burnham will do much better than Starmer, either. Marginally, perhaps. But until we get back into the European Union, this instability is likely to be the order of the day. — © Mark Alexander

Michael Lambert: Britain's 7th Prime Minister In 10 Years — Can Burnham Succeed Where All Others Failed?

Jun 19, 2026 | Britain is about to get its 7th Prime Minister in just ten years. Cameron ran away. May triggered Article 50 too early and locked us out of the Single Market. Johnson's charm couldn't hide the lies. Truss crashed the economy in 49 days. Sunak did his best on a sinking ship. And Starmer — a ditherer, lacking charisma, with lamentable judgement from day one. Now Andy Burnham waits in the wings — and the question is whether he will be any different.

In this video I look at why every Prime Minister since 2015 has failed the British people, what they all had in common, and why the answer, as it always has been, comes back to Brexit.

Burnham has charm, real experience and the communication skills his predecessor so sorely lacked. But his success depends on two things: a credible plan to grow the economy through investment and productivity — and, most importantly of all, the courage to declare that Britain will begin the process of rejoining the European Union. If he fails to do that, he will join a very long and undistinguished queue.

With a new Prime Minister change, the UK faces its seventh leader in ten years. I analyze if this transition can actually improve government effectiveness.

This video examines the rapid turnover in political leadership that has defined the last decade of British politics. We trace the timeline back to the referendum held nearly ten years ago to understand why the country has cycled through so many heads of state in such a short window. It is essential context for anyone trying to make sense of the current political climate.

Beyond just the numbers, I provide my perspective on whether this latest Prime Minister change offers a genuine path toward stability. We break down the challenges facing the new administration and evaluate the potential for different outcomes compared to previous leaders.

By the end of this analysis, you will have a clearer view of the structural issues impacting political leadership and what effectiveness might actually look like in this new term.


A fine assessment of the situation which no sensible person could argue with. Like Michael Lambert, I am very keen for Brexit to be reversed at the very earliest convenience. Brexit has been a very big negative influence on this country's economy, and it has robbed us Britons of many European rights.as well. It has brought us no discernible benefits.

How just a few troublemakers can turn the fortunes of a nation around. The gift of the gab in the wrong person with the wrong ideas can be fatal! — © Mark Alexander

Starmer Facing Pressure from Ministers and Labour Grandees to Prepare for ‘Orderly Exit’

THE GUARDIAN: Prime minister said to be calling cabinet members but faces growing consensus that his time in Downing Street is over

Cabinet ministers and Labour grandees are to urge Keir Starmer not to fight a leadership challenge and to prepare for an “orderly exit,” the Guardian understands.

Andy Burnham, who won a compelling majority in the Makerfield byelection overnight, is expected to travel to London on Monday to meet MPs in the expectation of becoming prime minister within weeks.

One MP said they believed there were about 200 Labour MPs prepared – if necessary – to sign Burnham’s nomination papers for a challenge.

Starmer was said to be calling members of the cabinet on Friday afternoon to set out his determination to fight on. At least two, Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood, have previously suggested to the prime minister that he should set out a timetable for his departure. » | Jessica Elgot and Rowena Mason | Friday, June 19, 2026

Andy Burnham Destroys Boris Johnson: 'He's Worse Than Margaret Thatcher'

F*** the Tories! And I write as a one-time, lifelong Conservative voter! This country needs a healthy dose of redistribution! Tax the people at the top "until the pips squeak", to borrow Denis healey's famus phrase. Share the spoils! We, the people, are being raped. Put up with it no longer! – © Mark Alexander