Background: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a major internal rebellion after Labour suffered heavy losses in local elections, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigning and preparing a leadership challenge. In the latest development, as Starmer prepares for the G7 summit in the French Alps, allies from the US and EU nations express growing concern about his political survival following the resignation of Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns. Healey's resignation letter accused Starmer of being 'unable' to adequately fund the armed forces. Starmer faces an active leadership threat from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has confirmed he will bid for the top job if he wins a Thursday by-election. Diplomats worry that domestic weakness will undermine UK international influence, particularly on Ukraine support and transatlantic relations. Uncertainty over Burnham's foreign policy stance adds to allied anxiety, with some questioning the continuity of UK leadership on key global issues. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell is seen as unlikely to stay on under a Burnham premiership beyond a handover period.

New research from Knox Digital reveals that insurgent politicians and rebel MPs, led by Reform UK's Nigel Farage and ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, vastly outperform establishment figures on TikTok. The study of over 11,000 posts since January shows Reform UK-affiliated accounts average 206,600 views per post, 12 times the reach of Labour-affiliated accounts. Nigel Farage ranks as the most effective UK political TikTok performer, followed by Jeremy Corbyn and Nadia Whittome. Content about immigration has the highest reach, while LGBT issues generate the highest engagement. The far-right Restore Britain party saw a 47% rise in engagement and 20% more views since announcing a candidate in the Makerfield by-election. The findings underscore the growing influence of populist and fringe parties on younger audiences through social media.

Sigma Healthcare, an Australian pharmacy group, has withdrawn from negotiations to acquire Boots, the UK pharmacy chain, in a deal valued at approximately $10 billion. The collapse of talks marks a significant development in global retail pharmacy consolidation, halting a major consolidation effort in the sector.