A city in Greater Manchester with a long industrial heritage and modern devolved governance.
BT has agreed to acquire TalkTalk and its wholesale unit PXC on a debt‑free basis, costing about 400 million pounds. The move is framed as safeguarding 2.5 million TalkTalk customers and critical national infrastructure, while navigating an ongoing regulatory review after the deal was announced by BT and under government intervention. TalkTalk’s revenue stands at around 1.2 billion pounds last year, but the company has incurred losses and reduced its consumer base, now around 1.5 million retail customers.
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.
Saints have seen head coach Paul Rowley depart less than a year into his tenure, days before a high-stakes derby with Wigan. Interim boss Eamon O’Carroll is taking charge as the club looks to steady a troubled season, while Wigan push to close ground in the league.
Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, moves to deconcentrate power by opening a northern base in Manchester. No. 10 North will coordinate national and local governance to push growth beyond London, with mayors gaining greater revenue discretion. The move is seen as a circuit-breaker for centralization.
BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast will see Katty Munchetty move from BBC Breakfast to host the flagship show from January, while Rachel Burden and Rick Edwards are stepping down this December. Munchetty has praised the move and the programme’s live-news format, and the network confirms a new co-host will be announced later this year.
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.
Nathan Owen has been jailed for four years and three months after fabricating a car-acceleration emergency to avoid a finance agreement. Police pursued the Jaguar I-Pace across multiple motorways, but investigations showed the car was functioning and speeds reached up to 86mph before it was stopped.
A woman in her 70s has been found dead in Stanley Park, Liverpool, inside a black bin bag in a walled garden. Police describe the death as a shockingly violent crime and are appealing for information as they pursue leads to identify the woman and find those responsible.
The BBC has decided to discontinue Ski Sunday as part of a broader review of sport output. The programme, a staple since 1978, is being replaced by digital-first coverage of winter sports across BBC platforms, with more online content and live rights preserved for major events.
The Independent reports that the 48-year-old New York-born actor is joining General Hospital as William Baines, joining a wave of casting changes. Debuts are set for Thursday, September 3, as the soap continues its long-running tale in Port Charles. The moves follow recent departures and recastings, including Jack Brennan’s kill-off and Ethan Lovett’s recasting.
A series of updates on Scotland’s justice system include expanded GPS monitoring for high-risk suspects, a new safety fund for women and girls, and calls for tighter bail conditions. Authorities report rising charges and delays, while victims and advocates press for stronger protections and faster prosecution.
Wales and South Africa face off in Cardiff in the WXV Global Series opener. Wales are aiming to rebound from nine straight defeats, while South Africa seek to cement their rising form after a World Cup quarter-final. A physical contest is expected with live coverage on BBC platforms.
Lillia, a 13-year-old from Bolton, remains missing after a series of sightings in Greater Manchester. Police have identified a sighting at Manchester Piccadilly bus station on 14 September and are appealing for information from the public to locate her. The investigation covers the wider Manchester area and beyond, with doorbell and CCTV footage being reviewed.
Counter-terrorism police have disrupted an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester during Yom Kippur. Two men in their 30s have been arrested, with searches in Salford and Liverpool. Police say the investigation is ongoing and heightened security is in place for the High Holy Days.
Salam Ahmadyan and Rahman Salehi have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit terrorist acts related to a plot targeting Jewish sites during Yom Kippur. prosecutors say they were directed by an overseas third party, possibly in Iran, and conducted hostile reconnaissance before their arrest. Authorities say the threat was disrupted but no public danger is ongoing.