British political journalist; BBC News political editor since 2015
Andy Burnham is set to be confirmed Labour leader and prime minister in the coming days. He has outlined plans for devolution, public control of services and a North England hub to drive growth, while pledging to keep within fiscal rules. Senior figures warn the public will seek tangible change as inflation and debt remain pressures.
The BBC has disclosed a deteriorating funding outlook as licence-fee income falls faster than expected, prompting discussions of reform. The corporation is weighing alternatives to the traditional licence model, with options including a household levy, subscriptions, or advertising. Job cuts and tighter cost controls are expected as ministers review the broadcaster’s future.
BBC’s 2025/26 annual report shows Scott Mills is the highest-paid on-air presenter, earning between £745,000 and £749,999, with other top earners including Greg James, Stephen Nolan and Laura Kuenssberg. Mills was sacked in March after a police probe was revealed; Lineker’s earnings have significantly declined since his departure.
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.
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.
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.