Labour insiders form new centre-left network in bid to change party’s direction

<p>Exclusive: Andy Burnham-backed Mainstream group will inevitably influence looming deputy leadership contest</p><p>Keir Starmer is facing fresh pressure from Labour insiders, days after a sweeping government reshuffle, as party figures from the left and centre mobilise through a network, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/07/andy-burnham-says-government-needs-reset-to-become-more-decisive">backed by Andy Burnham</a>, designed to change Labour’s direction.</p><p>The network, <a href="https://www.mainstreamlabour.org/">called Mainstream</a>, will inevitably influence Labour’s looming deputy leadership contest, with organisers already throwing their weight behind former cabinet minister Louise Haigh who is understood to be informally linked to the group, as well as Lucy Powell, the former Commons leader.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/sep/07/labour-insiders-form-new-centre-left-network-in-bid-to-change-partys-direction">Continue reading...</a>