A Greater Manchester city on the Irwell, with a factory past and a growing regional voice.
Police are investigating two fatal incidents in Northern England and Northern Ireland. A man died after a fall from a balcony in Salford; two men are in custody on suspicion of murder. In Dungannon, Northern Ireland, a man’s body was found; a suspect remains in custody. IOPC and PSNI are coordinating investigations.
A man convicted of a 2003 Salford rape has been jailed for 24 years in his absence after fleeing to Bosnia when mistakenly released from prison. The court has noted the survivor's bravery as inquiries into policing and miscarriage of justice unfold.
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.
The Greater Manchester mayoral by-election has been held following Andy Burnham’s move to Parliament. Labour’s Bev Craig has led, with Reform UK’s Sian Astley and the Green Party’s Geraldine Coggins among the contenders. Counting is underway under the supplementary vote system, with results expected Friday afternoon after 10pm close of polls.
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.