Burnham should be heard ‘at top of politics’ if he wins Makerfield, says Nandy

Andy Burnham is likely to discuss the Labour leadership situation directly with Sir Keir Starmer if he wins the Makerfield by-election, a Cabinet minister said. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Mr Burnham deserves to be heard “loud and clear at the top of politics” if he succeeds in fighting off the challenge from Nigel Farage’s […]

Tories to take Aberdeen South as SNP concedes defeat

The SNP have conceded defeat in the Aberdeen South by-election. The party expects to lose the seat previously held by former Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, the first gain for the Conservatives in a Scottish by-election since 1967. A senior party source told the Press Association it was the “Tories’ night”, but pledged to “win it […]

Tories ‘cautiously optimistic’ in Aberdeen South by-election

The Scottish Tories are “cautiously optimistic” in the Aberdeen South by-election, the Press Association understands. Party MSP Douglas Lumsden is running in the seat, in a bid to replace former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn. Senior SNP figures have also appeared pessimistic, suggesting a heavy tactical vote in early counting, which has coalesced around the […]

Votes being counted in Makerfield contest which could pave way for Burnham PM bid

The Greater Manchester mayor hopes to stave off the challenge of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in one of the most consequential by-elections in British political history. If Mr Burnham succeeds in holding the Makerfield seat for Labour, he is expected to use his return to the Commons to launch an effort to oust Sir Keir […]

London opens first natural water swimming pool — just in time for the heatwave

With the mercury trending steadily upwards and a UK heatwave pending, you might be already be planning an outdoor swim. Tomorrow, the temperature is set to shoot up to 31°C in London, while Saturday and Sunday will see highs of 27°C and 29°C. Now, in pretty perfect timing, the capital is getting a brand-new open […]

‘Heavy-handed’ police arrest grieving man after wife dies of natural causes

Neighbours of a midwife who died at her east London home have accused police of being ‘over-the-top’ after mistakenly arresting her grieving husband. Lydia Owinde, 72, was found dead at the couple’s house in Boulton Road, Dagenham, on Sunday. Her 75-year-old husband, a retired mathematics professor, was arrested at the house on suspicion of murder but […]

This surprising London suburb is becoming the UK’s £1,000,000,000 answer to Hollywood

Just on the borders of Hampstead Heath, Kentish Town is adored for its colourful rows of houses, top-notch pubs, and diverse restaurant scene. It’s set to become the UK’s answer to Hollywood, as plans are well underway for a £1,000,000,000 movie quarter dedicated to filmmaking. Now, in a major milestone for the regeneration process, the […]

‘My husband was given the lethal injection 5,000 miles away in Texas’

Warning over ‘Hi Dad’ impersonation scams ahead of Father’s Day

Some £160,000 has been reported stolen because of “Hi Dad” impersonation scams so far this year, according to data from a major bank. Santander UK is warning parents to be aware of the fraud ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday June 21. Fraudsters will target potential victims via messages or an AI-generated phone call, pretending […]

Grooming gangs hearings in Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry to begin next year

The Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry will examine grooming gangs and the failures of institutions to protect children in care when a new phase begins. Lady Smith’s inquiry, which began in 2015, will focus on the exploitation of children who were in care at the time of the abuse. This could include grooming or exploitation which […]