Port Adelaide's Adbri cement factory received EPA approval for a six-week trial to burn more plastic waste (RDF) for fuel. The local council seeks legal advice for an injunction, citing resident concerns over long-term health and emissions, despite EPA assurances of safety and monitoring.
The prosecution has requested a supplementary investigation into the police's handling of inflated overseas trip expenses by local councils in the Jeonbuk region, criticizing the exclusion of local council members who were the primary beneficiaries. Citizens' groups are condemning the police's investigation as a 'tail-cutting' tactic, demanding a full reinvestigation.
Reform UK's Greater Manchester mayoral candidate, Sian Astley, is facing criticism for comments suggesting voters for other parties should house criminals and rapists. She doubled down on her remarks, linking them to immigration and open borders policies.
Reform UK's Greater Manchester mayoral candidate, Sian Astley, faces criticism for suggesting voters of other parties should house criminals and rapists. She doubled down on her comments, linking them to open border advocacy.
The New South Wales government is investing $6.6 million to establish marked parking bays for shared ebikes across Sydney, aiming to reduce footpath clutter and improve safety. Local councils will receive funding and expanded powers to create parking zones and penalize operators for non-compliance, with a goal of thousands of new spots by year-end.
Several English councils have cautioned residents against displaying the St. George's Cross on public property, citing safety and community cohesion concerns ahead of the World Cup. The debate intensified with a report on prison staff flag badges and criticism from politicians.
UK minister Kemi Badenoch plans to abolish the public sector equality duty, a law requiring public bodies to consider equality impacts. Critics argue this will legalize discrimination, while experts say the duty is misunderstood and not the cause of controversial diversity policies.
Gyeongnam's local councils show mixed results in the 6.3 local elections. While the People Power Party largely maintains a majority, the Democratic Party has seen significant gains in some areas, reshaping the political landscape.
The Democratic Party demonstrated strength in the 6/3 local elections in Gyeonggi Province, securing a majority of seats in local councils. Despite the introduction of a larger electoral district system, minor parties struggled to gain representation.
In the recent local elections in Incheon, South Korea, women secured 45% of the local council seats and 31.1% of the metropolitan council seats, an increase from previous elections. Among the elected officials are six former local councilors who moved to the metropolitan council, and individuals with unique backgrounds such as a former drama assistant director and a leader of a nationwide committee for victims of housing scams.
In the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections in Ulsan, Kim Sang-wook of the Democratic Party won the mayoral race, and progressive candidate Cho Yong-sik secured the superintendent position. The People Power Party dominated local council seats.
Lee Jae-gap, an independent candidate, has become South Korea's first 10-term local councilor after winning a seat in Andong City. His career spans nearly 40 years, starting from the revival of local autonomy in 1991.
A property investor family, the Schreibers, is accused of exploiting a tax loophole by hosting fake prayer sessions to avoid business rates on commercial properties. Simultaneously, a similarly named company provides temporary accommodation to councils, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and profit maximization.
West Bengal ushers in a new political era as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister. This historic win, following an overwhelming mandate, marks the saffron party's long-fought ideological battle. Adhikari's dramatic rise, from local councillor to defeating Mamata Banerjee, culminates in this significant power shift.
West Bengal ushers in a new political era as Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister. This historic win, following an overwhelming mandate, marks the saffron party's long-fought ideological battle. Adhikari's dramatic rise, from local councillor to defeating Mamata Banerjee, culminates in this significant power shift.
Local council results are being announced in England; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesWe’re getting statements from some of the political parties now as we wait for results.For the Conservatives, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said:We have run an energetic and positive campaign, showcasing that we have a clear plan to get Britain working again and that we have the team to deliver it... We know that so soon after a historic general election defeat and contesting wards won during the Party’s polling highs, that this will be a difficult set of elections for us. But we will continue to rebuild and to show the public that we have changed, to demonstrate that only this new Conservative party is a credible alternative.People are deeply disappointed with a Labour government that has been too timid to fix the country, but they are also appalled by the rise of Reform and Nigel Farage’s Trump-style politics. While those on the extremes of the right and the left want to burn everything down, Liberal Democrats want to fix what’s broken. Every Liberal Democrat local champion elected today will fight tirelessly for the communities they serve.I’ve travelled across England and Wales and I’m hearing the same everywhere I go – confidence that we will win more councillors than ever before. The news from the doorstep is that we will be taking seats from not just Labour but the Tories and Lib Dems too, from all across the country. Voters are responding to the fact that Greens are the only party taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously, with real plans to cut bills, reduce rents and provide genuinely affordable homes, as well as tackling the climate and nature crisis.Throughout this election, we have heard a clear appetite for change. People want a government that will stand up for Wales and focus relentlessly on the key issues affecting their lives. People have told us they have been inspired by Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership and driven by a desire for a positive alternative to Reform UK’s chaos and division. Continue reading...
Local council results are being announced in England; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesWe’re getting statements from some of the political parties now as we wait for results.For the Conservatives, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said:We have run an energetic and positive campaign, showcasing that we have a clear plan to get Britain working again and that we have the team to deliver it... We know that so soon after a historic general election defeat and contesting wards won during the Party’s polling highs, that this will be a difficult set of elections for us. But we will continue to rebuild and to show the public that we have changed, to demonstrate that only this new Conservative party is a credible alternative.People are deeply disappointed with a Labour government that has been too timid to fix the country, but they are also appalled by the rise of Reform and Nigel Farage’s Trump-style politics. While those on the extremes of the right and the left want to burn everything down, Liberal Democrats want to fix what’s broken. Every Liberal Democrat local champion elected today will fight tirelessly for the communities they serve.I’ve travelled across England and Wales and I’m hearing the same everywhere I go – confidence that we will win more councillors than ever before. The news from the doorstep is that we will be taking seats from not just Labour but the Tories and Lib Dems too, from all across the country. Voters are responding to the fact that Greens are the only party taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously, with real plans to cut bills, reduce rents and provide genuinely affordable homes, as well as tackling the climate and nature crisis.Throughout this election, we have heard a clear appetite for change. People want a government that will stand up for Wales and focus relentlessly on the key issues affecting their lives. People have told us they have been inspired by Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership and driven by a desire for a positive alternative to Reform UK’s chaos and division. Continue reading...
Local council results are being announced in England; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesWe’re getting statements from some of the political parties now as we wait for results.For the Conservatives, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said:We have run an energetic and positive campaign, showcasing that we have a clear plan to get Britain working again and that we have the team to deliver it... We know that so soon after a historic general election defeat and contesting wards won during the Party’s polling highs, that this will be a difficult set of elections for us. But we will continue to rebuild and to show the public that we have changed, to demonstrate that only this new Conservative party is a credible alternative.People are deeply disappointed with a Labour government that has been too timid to fix the country, but they are also appalled by the rise of Reform and Nigel Farage’s Trump-style politics. While those on the extremes of the right and the left want to burn everything down, Liberal Democrats want to fix what’s broken. Every Liberal Democrat local champion elected today will fight tirelessly for the communities they serve.I’ve travelled across England and Wales and I’m hearing the same everywhere I go – confidence that we will win more councillors than ever before. The news from the doorstep is that we will be taking seats from not just Labour but the Tories and Lib Dems too, from all across the country. Voters are responding to the fact that Greens are the only party taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously, with real plans to cut bills, reduce rents and provide genuinely affordable homes, as well as tackling the climate and nature crisis.Throughout this election, we have heard a clear appetite for change. People want a government that will stand up for Wales and focus relentlessly on the key issues affecting their lives. People have told us they have been inspired by Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership and driven by a desire for a positive alternative to Reform UK’s chaos and division. Continue reading...
Local council results are being announced in England; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesWe’re getting statements from some of the political parties now as we wait for results.For the Conservatives, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said:We have run an energetic and positive campaign, showcasing that we have a clear plan to get Britain working again and that we have the team to deliver it... We know that so soon after a historic general election defeat and contesting wards won during the Party’s polling highs, that this will be a difficult set of elections for us. But we will continue to rebuild and to show the public that we have changed, to demonstrate that only this new Conservative party is a credible alternative.People are deeply disappointed with a Labour government that has been too timid to fix the country, but they are also appalled by the rise of Reform and Nigel Farage’s Trump-style politics. While those on the extremes of the right and the left want to burn everything down, Liberal Democrats want to fix what’s broken. Every Liberal Democrat local champion elected today will fight tirelessly for the communities they serve.I’ve travelled across England and Wales and I’m hearing the same everywhere I go – confidence that we will win more councillors than ever before. The news from the doorstep is that we will be taking seats from not just Labour but the Tories and Lib Dems too, from all across the country. Voters are responding to the fact that Greens are the only party taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously, with real plans to cut bills, reduce rents and provide genuinely affordable homes, as well as tackling the climate and nature crisis.Throughout this election, we have heard a clear appetite for change. People want a government that will stand up for Wales and focus relentlessly on the key issues affecting their lives. People have told us they have been inspired by Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership and driven by a desire for a positive alternative to Reform UK’s chaos and division. Continue reading...
Local council results are being announced in England; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesWe’re getting statements from some of the political parties now as we wait for results.For the Conservatives, party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said:We have run an energetic and positive campaign, showcasing that we have a clear plan to get Britain working again and that we have the team to deliver it... We know that so soon after a historic general election defeat and contesting wards won during the Party’s polling highs, that this will be a difficult set of elections for us. But we will continue to rebuild and to show the public that we have changed, to demonstrate that only this new Conservative party is a credible alternative.People are deeply disappointed with a Labour government that has been too timid to fix the country, but they are also appalled by the rise of Reform and Nigel Farage’s Trump-style politics. While those on the extremes of the right and the left want to burn everything down, Liberal Democrats want to fix what’s broken. Every Liberal Democrat local champion elected today will fight tirelessly for the communities they serve.I’ve travelled across England and Wales and I’m hearing the same everywhere I go – confidence that we will win more councillors than ever before. The news from the doorstep is that we will be taking seats from not just Labour but the Tories and Lib Dems too, from all across the country. Voters are responding to the fact that Greens are the only party taking the cost-of-living crisis seriously, with real plans to cut bills, reduce rents and provide genuinely affordable homes, as well as tackling the climate and nature crisis.Throughout this election, we have heard a clear appetite for change. People want a government that will stand up for Wales and focus relentlessly on the key issues affecting their lives. People have told us they have been inspired by Rhun ap Iorwerth’s leadership and driven by a desire for a positive alternative to Reform UK’s chaos and division. Continue reading...
The first results in England are expected between midnight and 2am BST; Scottish and Welsh parliament results are due from midday2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votesHello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of election results in England, Scotland and Wales.Thursday’s votes covered the Scottish and Welsh parliaments and 136 local councils in England, where 5,014 seats were contested, including every one on all of London’s 32 borough councils, more than a dozen borough councils, six unitary councils, six county councils and three district councils. A further 73 councils held elections for half or a third of the seats available. Continue reading...
The Scottish parliament election is the most unpredictable for some time, with Labour claiming it is winning over the don’t knowsIt was supposed to be a carefully choreographed walkabout for John Swinney through his party’s target seat of Hamilton. Instead, the Scottish National party leader was confronted by angry voters, including his own.Natasha Kelly, 35, railed against the local council’s failure to improve the damp council flat that had left her 13- and eight-year-old boys with chronic asthma. Continue reading...
A report by the Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life reveals that one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The research found 271 of 297 councils (91%) have at least one PSPO, with 1,268 new orders introduced containing up to 30 restrictions each. Penalties reached an all-time high with 25,000 fines issued in 2025, with 75% issued by private enforcement companies paid per fine.
A new report reveals one in five local councils in England and Wales have banned swearing under Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), up from one in 20 in 2022. The Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life found 91% of responding councils have PSPOs, with over 1,000 new laws introduced containing restrictions on everyday activities. Private enforcement companies issued 25,000 fines in 2025, with 75% of penalties issued by firms paid per fine.
