Lisa Nandy in the news as Labour’s culture secretary (2024–) weighing UK media deals and arts funding—MP for Wigan since 2010. Notable: culture brief and media scrutiny.
Inverness and Stornoway are among nine towns on the UK longlist for the 2028 Town of Culture and 2029 City of Culture titles, respectively. Each will receive funding to develop their bids, with winners receiving £3m for cultural programs. The competitions aim to showcase local heritage and foster community pride.
Labour has lost control of several councils across England while Reform UK and the Greens gain ground; the results signal a reshaping of the political landscape ahead of any general election, with the SNP and Plaid Cymru also indicating shifts in power in Scotland and Wales.
The government is moving to explore a UK-wide Olympic bid in the North, with UK Sport conducting a phase-one study into costs, benefits, and feasibility for a 2040s Games. Ministers emphasise London’s value but say the North could anchor a future bid, and the BOA/BPA would decide final next steps.
Labour figures are in flux as Andy Burnham eyes Makerfield for a Westminster return, while Keir Starmer faces pressure over leadership timing. Streeting and Lammy are among potential contenders as the party confronts Brexit and EU questions ahead of by-elections.
Universal has announced the name for its first European theme park in the UK: Universal United Kingdom Resort. Enabling works are underway at Bedfordshire with full construction expected to start soon. The project is backed by up to £5.3 billion in public and private investment and is slated to open in 2031, creating up to 20,000 construction jobs and 8,000 permanent roles.