Union boss warns Starmer’s mistakes could fracture Labour

Labour movement on the line amid calls for tighter control by Keir Starmer. Union boss Andrea Egan warned that Starmer’s “control freakery” could push Nigel Farage into the prime minister’s office. Egan said missteps by Starmer in handling Reform UK and the Gorton and Denton by‑elections, and recent government delays on private renter standards, risk fracturing the party. Starmer responded by citing Chinese turbine‑supply concerns and a Chagos deal. Meanwhile, Lucy Powell criticised Green votes in Gorton and Denton for opening the door to Reform UK. The government also faced criticism over a Tory peer’s expense leniency. }