British journalist, political editor of BBC News since 2015
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a standards inquiry over a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and questions about lobbying the Bank of England for crypto interests. The investigation follows a string of donor-related and financial disclosures that have unsettled the party and shifted public perception.
The NHS is expanding an AI-driven triage tool across app users, directing patients to the right service and reducing wait times. Trials show a 29% drop in GP phone queue lines, and the program is part of a larger £10bn tech overhaul. Safety, privacy, and digital inclusion remain priorities as the rollout reaches 200,000 patients this year and all users by 2028.
A major NHS maternity review has found hundreds of mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm due to deeply embedded failures at Nottingham University Hospitals. Officials face renewed calls for accountability as MPs consider Hillsborough Law measures.
A government-backed inquiry into policing leadership has found widespread weaknesses in leadership, morale and culture across England and Wales’ forces. The review calls for a national reset, modernised recruitment and a new leadership academy to ensure front-line officers deliver results and public safety.
The BBC’s annual salaries list shows Scott Mills as the highest-paid on-air star for 2025–26, following his sacking in March amid a police probe into historical offences. Several long-time earners have departed, while others remain and new leadership roles at radio and TV are highlighted.
Yes Scotland’s full accounts have been handed to Police Scotland amid questions over a £1.5m discrepancy, with officials denying misappropriation and stressing the organisation was audited. The SNP-linked former chief executive Peter Murrell’s conviction looms in the background as the broader political dispute intensifies.
The BBC has highlighted a funding crisis as licence-fee income declines and audience habits shift. The corporation is exploring options from subscriptions to a universal levy while warning that current funding may not sustain its public-service mission. With 23.3 million licences active and around 80% of households paying, the BBC is under pressure to reinvent its funding model before the 2027 charter renewal.
The Labour leadership has scrapped plans for a mandatory digital ID for workers, redirecting resources to tackle the cost of living and local economic growth. Right-to-work checks remain in place and will be conducted digitally where needed. The shift follows pressure over privacy concerns and a backlash to the policy.
New prime minister has pledged to reduce the welfare bill and make some benefits conditional on work while warning that the NHS could collapse if social care is not fixed. He says there will be no early election and will defend Britain’s interests in dealings with the US, including Donald Trump.
The new British prime minister has stated that defending Britain’s national interests comes first in its dealings with the United States. In a warm initial exchange with President Trump, the PM says he will voice differences if needed and will not rush to elections. Defence spending remains a key issue as ministers map out plans ahead of the autumn budget.
The UK is sharing the intellectual property behind its Stone Cloak electronic warfare system with Ukraine during a visit by President Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Burnham. Ukraine will mass produce the tablet-sized jammers to disrupt Russian air defenses, and Britain will integrate Stone Cloak into future long-range weapons.
The Prime Minister has decided that Axel the bichon-poodle cross will remain in the north of England after a BBC interview. Burnham says the dog will not join Larry the cabinet mouser in Downing Street, citing potential clashes.
The Guardian, The Mirror and Independent quote Labour figure Andy Burnham revealing his wife Marie-France van Heel doubted his bid for leadership, saying 'Not again' amid his renewed ambition. Burnham says the idea is to be radical about social care and to work with other parties to find long-term solutions.
A by‑election has been set for 8 October after Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as MP. Labour has selected Camden council leader Sagal Abdi‑Wali and the Greens have chosen leader Zack Polanski, turning the contest into a high‑profile test of Andy Burnham's early premiership and the Greens' electoral momentum in inner London.
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.
Reform UK has received two large donations totaling £72m from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. The money is aimed at expanding the party’s reach with more staff, targeted campaigning and stronger policy preparation, while police investigations into donor rules and questions of influence mount. The donation surge raises questions about the role of money in politics as campaigns gear up for upcoming byelections and local elections.
Mega-donations to Reform UK have reshaped its campaign capabilities, fueling a nationwide push while triggering fresh questions over donor transparency and rules. The party argues the funds will build a robust ground operation; critics warn of sleaze and potential regulatory changes ahead.
Leaders of the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin have signed a memorandum in Cardiff calling on the UK government to prepare for constitutional change. The parties have committed to co‑operate on energy, the economy and relations with Europe and to press for referendums where domestic politics allow. The UK government has reiterated that a second Scottish referendum is off limits for now.
Lib Dems are contending with leadership questions and strategy as Ed Davey seeks to sharpen the party’s message at their Brighton conference. Polls show stagnant support while rivals gain ground; party strategists underscore the need to articulate a clear liberal vision and broaden appeal beyond traditional heartlands.
Labour leader has laid out an NHS-style universal social care system for England, promising free at the point of use funded by contributions from all and possibly taxes. He says details will be set out at the upcoming conference, while acknowledging funding challenges and political risk.