Clacton sits in Essex; its MP has led Reform UK, facing foreign-donations probes, leadership upheaval, and ongoing political turbulence.
Andy Burnham has secured overwhelming MP backing and appears poised to become Labour's leader and prime minister, with nominations advancing and a potential coronation by mid-July. Al Carns has ruled himself out, leaving Burnham as the sole declared candidate as nominations continue and a parliamentary hustings looms.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warns that AI poses a Hiroshima‑style risk unless international rules are agreed. She outlines concerns over climate change, migration and foreign interference, and argues for a stronger UK‑EU relationship in security and trade.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to stand in a snap by-election in Clacton after facing scrutiny over a £5 million donation and related allegations. He claims the move lets the people judge him; opponents call it a distraction as investigations continue.
The Reform UK leader has quit as an MP to trigger a Clacton by-election, arguing the people of Clacton should judge his actions amid ongoing scrutiny over a 35m gift and separate fundraising allegations. Most major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving Count Binface as the primary challenger; the by-election carries potential legal and financial implications for Farage and Reform.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton amid questions over his finances, with major parties declining to stand. The contest features Count Binface as the main opponent and has sparked debate over the purpose and seriousness of the by-election.
Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP to trigger a byelection in Clacton while facing ongoing questions over a large undeclared donation and ties to a convicted businessman. Other parties will not field candidates, narrowing the race to Reform UK and a parody candidate, with implications for parliamentary oversight and future elections.
Nigel Farage has resigned as MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton, arguing the voters should judge his actions. With major parties abstaining, Count Binface and a slate of independents are contesting the race, which is drawing scrutiny over Farage’s finances and a parliamentary standards inquiry.
The Clacton by-election has been shaped by Nigel Farage’s decision to resign and stand again, amid undeclared gifts investigations. Major parties have refused to field candidates, leaving Count Binface as a notable challenger. The race centers on Farage’s credibility and the satirical Binface’s unusual bid.
Nigel Farage has resigned as Clacton MP and has stood again in a by‑election set for 13 August after revelations about undeclared gifts and donations. Major parties are refusing to contest the seat; the campaign is dominated by novelty and fringe candidates such as Count Binface and Laurence Fox while parliamentary and criminal inquiries continue.
Reform UK politicians face renewed scrutiny over protective security as counter-terror police lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. Ministers are reviewing MP protection; Nigel Farage’s security package is under renewed debate after he reportedly declined a government offer.
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
Nigel Farage has resigned his Clacton seat to trigger a by-election, where major parties are abstaining. Count Binface emerges as the main challenger, with a lineup of independent contenders including Piers Corbyn and Laurence Fox amid questions over the process and finances.
Nigel Farage has announced a by-election in Clacton as he faces ongoing parliamentary standards investigations over a £5 million gift and related donations. Main parties decline to contest, leaving Count Binface as his rival; observers question whether the move is a genuine bid for endorsement or a tactic to pre-empt scrutiny. The story is developing as police and investigators examine the funding sources.
McGill’s Buses has challenged a ScotZeb funding decision after Ember secured £13m to buy 100 Chinese electric coaches. The move will not replace any diesel buses, and McGill’s argues the process lacks transparency. A legal appeal is now underway.
Keir Starmer has delivered a final PMQs, defending his record as prime minister while paying tribute to colleagues and supporters. MPs applaud as he says goodbye; Andy Burnham is expected to become the next prime minister on Monday after a turbulent two-year tenure.
Labour has elected Andy Burnham as leader and prime minister, propelled by a Makerfield by-election win. He vows to devolve power from Westminster and to drive a housing-led, regionally focused agenda. Bev Craig is set to become Greater Manchester’s mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate gains across the region.
Andy Burnham has reshaped the UK government on day one, appointing a new cabinet and unveiling an energy-relief measure, while facing scrutiny over party funding and donations. The move appears aimed at consolidating support and delivering a decisive start after his leadership win.
Labour’s Andy Burnham has taken office as prime minister, facing immediate pressure over cabinet changes, North Sea policy, and party cohesion, while Reform UK and other rivals reposition for the next general election.
Labour has moved into a polling lead amid a flurry of policy announcements by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and ongoing investigations surrounding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Multiple polls show Labour ahead or tied with Reform, with regional results highlighting gains in Greater Manchester.
Bev Craig is poised to become Greater Manchester mayor as Labour seeks to consolidate power after the Makerfield byelection. Results indicate Labour leads with a substantial margin, while Reform UK trails and Greens widen their foothold. Turnout remains relatively low despite the historic scale of the vote.
Nigel Farage has faced renewed questions about a £5 million gift from a crypto billionaire and related undisclosed liabilities as Reform UK seeks to regain momentum ahead of Clacton by-elections. Several outlets report that discussions about Reform’s finances occurred before his return to frontline politics, with investigations paused as he stands in the by-election.
Nigel Farage has unveiled "Operation Fortress": a Reform UK plan to use the Royal Navy to intercept small boats in the English Channel, detain those on board, and return them to France or Belgium. The proposal has drawn legal, military and diplomatic scepticism, French officials have condemned it, and rivals say it aims to distract from party financial scandals.
The Guardian, Independent and other outlets report that Rupert Lowe, founder of Restore Britain, has proposed coordinating with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK to push a tougher right-wing agenda. Farage responds with caution, while Restore’s gain in Manchester and Makerfield adds pressure on Reform ahead of a general election.
The parliamentary standards commissioner has opened formal investigations into Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice over his failure to declare an interest, while Nigel Farage faces related scrutiny over a £5 million donation. The probes come amid ongoing questions about political finance and transparency as the party encounters renewed public attention.
Reform UK’s Operation Fortress proposes deploying the Royal Navy to return small boats crossing the Channel. France calls the plan a violation of sovereignty and maritime law, while UK officials defend it as a humanitarian-focused effort. The policy faces scrutiny amid ongoing political scandals within Reform and ongoing migrant crossings.
The Clacton by-election triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation has a record-long ballot, with 34 candidates across parties and independents. Major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving a diverse field that includes Count Binface and Howling Laud Hope. The by-election is expected to cost taxpayers around £250,000 and takes place on 13 August.
Sir Ian McKellen has sent a video message to Wigan Pride, expressing love and support. The actor recalls his Wigan grounding and celebrates today’s Pride as a sign of change that lets LGBTQ+ people live openly. The festival marks a shift from past times when Pride did not exist in Wigan.
The UK government has intensified its crackdown on illegal working, with high-profile reforms promising hefty penalties for firms that employ workers without the right to work. Reform UK is pushing a so-called Deliveroo law, proposing criminal liability for bosses and fines of up to 10% of global revenues. The coverage shows a clash between government action and opposition plans as enforcement ramps up.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton after stepping down. Major parties are not fielding candidates amid questions over a £5m gift and possible standards investigations. Count Binface is a notable independent contender as voter turnout and polling shape the race.
European observers prepare for a historic solar eclipse as sources recount how ancient Rome linked celestial events with religion and power. Modern accounts trace eclipses from Babylonian predictions to Einstein’s testing ground, while scientists today study the Sun as a natural laboratory.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with a reduced majority, while Count Binface punctuates the race as a satirical counterpoint. With no major parties running, the race becomes a barometer for Brexit-era politics and Reform UK’s standing. Turnout sits around 44%, and the contest features a crowded field of 34 candidates.
Count Binface is challenging Nigel Farage in Clacton with a high-profile media presence and satirical pledges, amid a field of nearly three dozen candidates. Farage resigned to trigger the by-election; major parties boycott, citing a political stunt. The race also spotlights Binface’s creator, Jon Harvey, and his long-running spoof political career.
Farage has secured a victory in Clacton’s by-election amid a broad field of 34 candidates, but investigations into gifts and finances loom, and a second by-election could follow if rules are breached.
Nigel Farage has secured a by-election victory in Clacton with 22,239 votes (63.34%), defeating Count Binface as major parties boycotted the race. Turnout was 44.37%. The result follows Farage’s resignation in July, with an investigation into a £5m undeclared gift continuing.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election, receiving 62.8% of the vote amid a crowded field. He did not attend the count, citing a claimed threat, while opponents say the by-election is a distraction from ongoing scrutiny over finances and investigations. Count Binface is his main rival in a notable second place.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election with 22,239 votes after resigning in July; Count Binface has taken a record 9,455 votes (26.9%), the best-ever result for a novelty candidate. Major parties boycotted the contest and a parliamentary investigation into a a35m gift to Farage has resumed.
Nigel Farage has reclaimed Clacton with about 62.8% of the vote, defeating Count Binface as major parties boycott. He will return as MP, though scrutiny over a £5m donation and sleaze allegations continues; Farage has not attended the count, citing a credible threat and disruption concerns. The by-election cost taxpayers around £250,000.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but faces a continuing parliamentary standards investigation into a £5m donation. Farage did not attend the count, choosing an overnight event instead, while police and council authorities review licensing for the night’s activities.
Reform UK plans to abolish PIP and the health element of UC are under scrutiny as critics warn the proposals would push disabled people into poverty. Leveraging a tougher needs assessment, the party promises a return-to-work scheme and restrictions on benefits for long-term claimants.
Reform faces internal tensions and scrutiny over funding and credibility as it navigates a volatile political landscape ahead of a potential snap election. Critics warn of hollow promises while supporters argue the party is reshaping Britain’s right-wing voice.
Labour has seen a small improvement in polling under Andy Burnham, but experts say the gains may be fragile. Reform UK faces scrutiny over funding and leadership turmoil, while the rise of Restore Britain adds to a fragmented right. Across multiple polls, Labour’s share remains around the low to mid-20s, with Reform similarly challenged.
Andy Burnham has addressed MPs in the House of Commons for the first time since becoming prime minister six weeks ago, setting out plans to expand public control of utilities and ease household costs. He has faced immediate questions about how he will fund defence commitments, tackle prison overcrowding and whether No.10 North in Manchester will be more than a symbol.
Starmer has announced he is stepping down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras after 11 years, triggering a by-election. He has cited a shift in focus to international affairs and other issues. The leadership transition follows Labour leadership changes and electoral pressure within the party.
Nigel Farage has faced renewed scrutiny over a £5m donation and alleged foreign funding, with two top aides suspended as Channel 4 footage prompts police inquiries. Reform UK confronts internal turmoil as the party prepares for its Birmingham conference and a high-stakes debate over leadership and donor transparency.
Reform UK has launched an investigation after Channel 4 News alleged funding from a US firm for three polls costing 33250 pounds, with undercover Verbatim reporters posing as donors. James Orr and Dan Jukes have stepped down as the party gathers for its Birmingham conference. The party denies any illegal funding and says the investigation is independent.
Reform UK has launched an internal probe after Channel 4’s investigation claimed senior officials discussed overseas funding and polling paid by a US donor. The party’s leaders have stepped down pending the inquiry, as Labour and other parties call for police involvement while investigations continue.
Reform UK faces renewed questions as undercover Channel 4 footage shows senior aides discussing how foreign money could fund polling and influence campaigns. Farage denies wrongdoing, while police say offences may be investigated and internal reviews continue amid a Birmingham conference backdrop.
Two Reform UK aides have been suspended following undercover footage aired by Channel 4 News alleging potential evasion of electoral rules linked to a 350,000 donor. The party says no laws have been broken. Police and the Electoral Commission are reviewing the claims. The party also faced questions over the funding of three polls ordered this year.
Tim Montgomerie has quit Reform UK after suspending him for criticizing Nigel Farage and home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf. He says the party must “get a grip” and professionalise HQ; he still supports Reform but will not rejoin the Conservatives. The row follows internal splits and a Channel 4 sting over donations.
Donors Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne have pledged record sums to Reform UK, aiming to level the playing field ahead of the next general election. The support follows investigations into Reform’s finances and questions about foreign donations, with the party insisting donations are for a party ready for government.