Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, has endorsed the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s stake in the Makerfield by-election.

In a statement, the MP said: “Great reception in Makerfield for Andy Burnham.

“Thanks to all the residents who opened their doors to us. Many underlined how Andy keeps speaking up for people like them.”

Following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s devastation loss in councils across the counties, many Labour MP’s are supporting Mr Burnham as the party’s best chance of recovery.

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Andy Burnham makes a speech surrounded by supporters at the launch of his campaign as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election (Image: Peter Byrne)

The MP for Makerfield is open after Josh Simons resigned on Monday, May 18 in order for Mr Burnham to take his seat.

The Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday, June 18.

Ms Dodds resigned in February last year as Sir Keir’s International Development Minister following aid cuts.

In a letter to the Prime Minister at the time she said cuts to international aid to fund an increase in defence spending would “remove food and healthcare from desperate people – deeply harming the UK’s reputation”.

Mr Burnham could be in with a chance of taking the seat in the upcoming by-election, however, Reform only came second by 5,399 votes in the last elections.

The politician has previously run to become the party’s leader after Gordon Brown resigned, losing to Ed Miliband, and in 2015, where he was beaten by Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Burnham was MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester, during his time as an MP he was a member of the Health Select Committee, and a Parliamentary Private Secretary.

He has also served as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham was blocked from running in the recent February Gorton and Denton by-election, which Green candidate Hannah Spencer won.

In February 2022, Oxfordshire was approved funding of up to £8m to deliver 20mph zones, meaning these costs don’t come out of town or parish councils.

As part of Oxfordshire’s commitment to ‘Vision Zero’, communities are able to request the introduction of 20mph areas.

The county council has recently approved the decision to extend the existing 20mph speed limit on Old Road in Forest Hill between Headington and Wheatley near Oxford.

The council has also approved the decision to introduce a 20mph speed limit in Brightwell Baldwin near Wallingford as part of the Vision Zero project.

The county council says the scheme will make the roads safer and will encourage a smoother driving style with less stopping and starting.

It also says reduced acceleration and braking will help to reduce fuel consumption.

But, it seems most motorists disagree with the changes, arguing for the severe impact it could have for some.

One objection from Dave Finch said: “As a motorcycle rider I think this so dangerous.

“In cold weather a motorcycle rider needs a flow of cold air into their helmet to stop the visor steaming.

“At 20mph the motorcycle rider has to open up their visor to see where they are going.”

Another objection from Penny-Anne Payne said: “Back to the Dark Ages. Surprised they don’t bring back the red flag with a person walking in front with it.

“But then if the people who voted for these clowns are happy when it takes so long to get where they are going, why care?

“This money should being spent on things like potholes.”

READ MORE: All of Oxfordshire’s speed limit changes

Graham Gray also criticised the plans and said: “Nobody wants them. They are using more fuel, because vehicles are stuck in second gear and causing vast amounts of pollution, diesel buses break down more and its costly to replace the diesel emission equipment that the council must pay for.”

But some motorists agreed with the limits being implemented and the benefits safer roads could have.

Supporter Adam Brookes said: “It’s rather funny.

“Anyone who totally loses it over a few traffic restrictions is really not fit to be driving anyway.”

And Paul Williams said: “This makes no difference in Banbury. You are in traffic jam or driving around craters.”

Tony Brett, who stood to be a councillor in Oxford in the local elections this month, said: “Well the council was elected in a fair and lawful ballot.

Tony Brett

“On that basis it gets to decide what’s going to happen.

“Consultation is not a democratic process.

“It is designed to enable small tweaks, not policy change.”

The company has revealed plans to launch a phone plan built on the Virgin O2 network.

Monzo is offering a scheme where customers can save more money the longer they stay with the service.

Customers can get 5% off their monthly bill each year, potentially leading to a 30% discount over time.

Monzo to enter phone market with plan on Virgin O2 network

The bank, which has more than 15 million customers, is now allowing individuals to join a waiting list for the mobile service, which is set to roll out this summer.

Monzo’s entry into the mobile market is expected to increase competition among phone providers.

These providers are already facing challenges from new entrants like Revolut and Klarna.

The new Monzo plan features three different packages with varying data allowances.

These packages, which use a digital SIM card, are priced at £8, £12, and £20 a month.

Since 2025, new regulations have been put in place to prevent phone and broadband providers from unexpectedly increasing prices mid-contract.

However, some companies have faced criticism for raising prices for loyal customers in line with inflation.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves even wrote to company bosses last year, demanding better consumer protection.

Monzo has designed its plans to avoid these mid-contract price hikes by not tying customers into a yearly contract and not charging an exit fee.

However, this does not mean that Monzo cannot raise the prices of its plans at any time.

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In the UK, only four providers operate their own network infrastructure: EE, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and Three.

Monzo uses the Virgin Media O2 network for its service.

Earlier this year, Revolut, another financial firm, introduced a phone plan on the Vodafone network, with unlimited 5G, calls, and texts in the UK, priced at £12.50 a month.

What do you think about Monzo entering the mobile phone market? Let us know in the comments.