A global-right-of-centre party name with diverse ideologies
Government sources say Jackdaw and Rosebank will likely receive environmental approvals soon, with Energy Secretary Fahnbulleh expected to announce decisions in coming weeks. Campaigners warn these projects clash with climate goals, while industry argues they secure energy security and thousands of jobs.
The Conservative leadership has reshuffled the shadow cabinet ahead of Parliament’s return, naming Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor and Claire Coutinho as shadow business secretary. Tom Tugendhat and Priti Patel shift roles; James Cleverly steps aside to pursue a London mayoral bid. The moves are framed as strengthening the party’s economic team while drawing scrutiny over credibility.
A June 18 Makerfield by-election has become a national leadership test after Labour has installed Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate. A string of ministerial resignations and polling showing Reform UK divided with a Farage splinter have left Keir Starmervulnerable; a Burnham win will force a leadership contest and intensify political instability.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces a parliamentary standards inquiry over a £5m donation from crypto magnate Christopher Harborne, with competing accounts of its purpose and use while questions over declaration persist.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
The government is expanding use of former military sites to house asylum seekers, planning to accommodate about 3,750 people across Bicester, Barnham and Linton-on-Ouse, with extensions at Crowborough and Wethersfield. Local opposition persists in several communities as the plan unfolds.
Multiple defendants across the UK face charges or have admitted offences related to rape, sexual assault and abuse spanning decades. Cases involve a former pop star, MPs, and a group of men; proceedings are ongoing with investigations, plea changes, and upcoming trials.
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 NPR project has a £45bn funding cap and aims to connect northern cities with new or upgraded rail lines. MPs warn it risks repeating HS2’s failures, with unclear costs, routes and governance. The government maintains a disciplined, phased approach while engaging mayors and Network Rail.
Labour figures push forward with Andy Burnham as the most likely next prime minister, urging a bold agenda after a period of government missteps; Morgan McSweeney has described Labour as underprepared for governing and the need for rapid, credible action.
Former SNP deputy first minister Kate Forbes has addressed the ARC conference in London, insisting she has "absolutely won the public support" while explaining she would not abandon her religious beliefs or policy stances on abortion and same-sex marriage. The event featured prominent conservatives and sparked debate over honesty and leadership.
Capita has warned it could knock £25m-£40m off annual profits for 2026 as delays and backlogs in the Civil Service Pension Scheme persist. The outsourcing group has apologised for the poor service and faces government sanctions while MPs press for accountability as civil servants wait for payments and retirement quotes.
The Reform UK leader has quit as an MP to trigger a Clacton by-election, arguing the people of Clacton should judge his actions amid ongoing scrutiny over a 35m gift and separate fundraising allegations. Most major parties are not fielding candidates, leaving Count Binface as the primary challenger; the by-election carries potential legal and financial implications for Farage and Reform.
Keir Starmer hints at a bank holiday if England wins the World Cup; multiple outlets report upcoming announcements at NATO summit and talks over timing of a potential holiday after the final.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating a 7,5000 donation to Robert Jenrick’s leadership campaign to Conservative leader in 2024 after a referral from the Electoral Commission. The funds were routed via Spott Fitness and may originate from a foreign source. Jenrick has rejected the claims as false and says he fully cooperated with authorities.
Reform UK politicians face renewed scrutiny over protective security as counter-terror police lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s death. Ministers are reviewing MP protection; Nigel Farage’s security package is under renewed debate after he reportedly declined a government offer.
John McMonigle, 45, has been found dead at a property on Glenhove Road, Cumbernauld. Police say he sustained serious injuries and have launched a murder inquiry. A 37-year-old man has been arrested; inquiries are ongoing as officers appeal for witnesses and CCTV footage.
Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her Haytor, Devon, home after sustaining serious injuries. Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham and counter-terrorism officers have taken over parts of the inquiry. Authorities say there is currently no information to indicate a political motive or that the attack is terrorism-related.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, has been found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon; prosecutors have charged 28‑year‑old Joshua Kerry with her murder after his arrest in Rotherham. Counter‑terrorism teams have taken the lead and police are continuing to investigate whether the attack had a political or terrorist motive.
The Covid inquiry has found a “vast” waste of taxpayers’ money in PPE procurement during the pandemic, with almost two-thirds of the £14.9bn spent wasted. It criticises the VIP lane for favoured contracts and highlights inadequate stockpiles and planning.
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark Crown Court concerning incidents at the Groucho Club in August 2023. The jury has cleared him; he has maintained innocence and described the proceedings as a test of character.
Following the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe, police confirm a counter-terrorism inquiry is running in parallel with the murder investigation. A 28-year-old man has been arrested and a University of Aberdeen staff member’s online comments are under review. Victim Widdecombe is described as having sustained serious injuries.
Keir Starmer has delivered a final PMQs, defending his record as prime minister while paying tribute to colleagues and supporters. MPs applaud as he says goodbye; Andy Burnham is expected to become the next prime minister on Monday after a turbulent two-year tenure.
Former MP Ann Widdecombe has been killed in a targeted attack on her Dartmoor home. A 28-year-old man is in custody as counter-terrorism police look into possible left-wing extremist motivation. The National Protective Security Authority has published guidance on safe rooms for high-risk figures, published online before Widdecombe’s death.
Ann Widdecombe has been killed in a targeted attack; a murder suspect is in custody. Helen Grant has sought a cross-party memorial in Parliament, calling the incident a threat to democracy. The inquiry is ongoing, with authorities reviewing motives and implications for security.
The 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister has died after a hammer attack at her home in Haytor, Devon. Joshua Kerry has appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on charges of murder and possible terrorism offences. Prosecution says the assault occurred on 8 July, with Kerry remanded in custody as the investigation continues.
Ministers have apologised for a hot-mic exchange about an early release scheme for prisoners. The comments reference the policy’s seriousness, and victims’ groups warn it endangers survivors. The government is maintaining its position while facing mounting political pressure.
The Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne has been reappointed as housing secretary after a tax dispute and severance payout. HMRC has cleared her of wrongdoing, and Conservatives are pressing for the money to be repaid. In a BBC Radio 5 Live interview, she confirms the payment was made when she left office and says she intends to deliver in government again.
The High Court has quashed Enfield Council’s planning permission for Spurs’ women’s and girls’ football academy at Whitewebbs Park after determining councillors were materially misled by excluding an ecological report. The judge dismissed bias claims as weak. Enfield Council has withdrawn its defence and says it will move forward with community-focused plans.
The government has signalled a new push on England’s social care system, with talks among Labour, Liberal Democrats and Conservative figures seeking a cross‑party consensus. The plan centers on a national care service, better pay for care workers, and a Casey review upgrade, while promising to fund reforms from existing budgets and avoid immediate tax rises.
The new prime minister has unveiled plans for social care reform, including a National Care Service and funding measures. He is seeking cross‑party support while vowing to avoid NHS collapse and to keep taxes within manifesto commitments. Early steps include targeted reliefs and bus and energy cost measures.
The government has unveiled a major reform to place technical education on par with academic routes for 14-year-olds, starting from September 2028. The plan links studies to local jobs, expands work experience, and shifts school performance measures to reflect technical pathways. Reactions from unions and educators highlight funding and implementation questions amid a broader debate on youth unemployment and post-16 education.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made social care reform a priority, urging cross‑party collaboration and an independent review to shape a national care service, with faster timelines for reform and funding discussions.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.
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.
European Pride celebrations are unfolding in a climate of heightened security and renewed calls for rights, unity, and continued vigilance after a Berlin attack tied to LGBT+ events. London and Brighton hosts push for WorldPride 2032, highlighting historic progress and ongoing battles against homophobia.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has defended offering a former neo‑Nazi, Joshua Bonehill‑Paine, a role advising on culture and integration, amid protests from Jewish groups and victims. Bonehill‑Paine has withdrawn from standing in Crewkerne South for Somerset Council next year and may take an advisory position instead; critics question vetting and the impact on victims.
Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton after stepping down. Major parties are not fielding candidates amid questions over a £5m gift and possible standards investigations. Count Binface is a notable independent contender as voter turnout and polling shape the race.
Counter-terrorism police have reopened an April 2025 incident at Nigel Farage’s London home and identified a new line of inquiry not pursued at the time. The police watchdog is investigating conduct related to the earlier inquiry, while Farage says the development underscores the seriousness with which security services are treating potential threats to Reform figures.
The government has announced changes to the early release scheme as prisons run at or near capacity. Ministers are facing pressure from victims’ families and some officials who warn that releases must be controlled. Probation services are under strain, with thousands awaiting oversight and potential strike action looming as the plan to adjust releases advances.
Nigel Farage has secured a by-election victory in Clacton with 22,239 votes (63.34%), defeating Count Binface as major parties boycotted the race. Turnout was 44.37%. The result follows Farage’s resignation in July, with an investigation into a £5m undeclared gift continuing.
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election, receiving 62.8% of the vote amid a crowded field. He did not attend the count, citing a claimed threat, while opponents say the by-election is a distraction from ongoing scrutiny over finances and investigations. Count Binface is his main rival in a notable second place.
Nigel Farage has reclaimed Clacton with about 62.8% of the vote, defeating Count Binface as major parties boycott. He will return as MP, though scrutiny over a £5m donation and sleaze allegations continues; Farage has not attended the count, citing a credible threat and disruption concerns. The by-election cost taxpayers around £250,000.
Reform UK plans to abolish PIP and the health element of UC are under scrutiny as critics warn the proposals would push disabled people into poverty. Leveraging a tougher needs assessment, the party promises a return-to-work scheme and restrictions on benefits for long-term claimants.
A government-wide crackdown on illegal waste dumping is expanding, with new powers to seize assets, higher fines, and regional enforcement to tackle organised waste crime that has blighted communities across England. The effort follows a BBC investigation identifying several supersites and a rising tide of waste crimes.
The government has expanded the early-release scheme to exclude those convicted of unlawful killing, manslaughter, and other serious offences. Prime Minister Burnham says hundreds will remain in prison as the system is reformed, with extra space created by deporting foreign offenders and ending certain indefinite sentences. A review will publish this autumn as Parliament returns.
The UK has moved away from hotels for asylum seekers, shifting them into private housing and HMOs as numbers in hotels fall sharply. Officials say the backdrop is a broader push to restore control at the border and reduce the asylum backlog, while critics warn about conditions and local disruption.
The new UK prime minister has presented a plan to restore public control over utilities and promote growth, while defending defence commitments amid an economic squeeze. In PMQs, Burnham has emphasised problem solving and fiscal discipline, and outlined a 10-year plan to be released later this year.
Reform UK is confronting fresh questions after Channel 4’s undercover sting raises doubts about donor transparency. Farage’s movement had pledged to curb spending, but new revelations threaten to undermine its standing while hardening support among core voters.