Keir Starmer announced he will run in a Labour leadership contest if one occurs, following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. Burnham's win, with 55% of the vote, was hailed as a potential turning point for change and devolution.
Donald Trump's presidency may be defined by his decision to attack Iran's Islamic regime, echoing Jimmy Carter's hostage crisis. Trump's war, intended to resolve US-Iran issues, has instead legitimized the regime and left him in a position similar to Carter's, facing unpalatable options and fulfilling the role of a foil for Iran.
Andy Burnham's decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection has intensified speculation about a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Allies hope Burnham can be installed as PM within days, citing his emphatic win as proof of his ability to unite the party and challenge Reform UK.
Andy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, winning by a large majority. His win is seen as a potential turning point and a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership, with Burnham expressing a desire for more power for the north and a new politics based on unity.
Andy Burnham secured a significant victory in the Makerfield by-election, winning by a large majority. The Greater Manchester mayor's win is seen as a potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership of the Labour party, with Burnham emphasizing a call for change and more power for neglected regions.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a surprise by-election result. The seat was previously considered safe for the SNP.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has lost the Aberdeen South seat to the Scottish Conservatives in a surprise by-election result. The Tories invested heavily in the constituency, focusing on North Sea oil and gas. The defeat may be linked to voter backlash over party fund theft.
Polls close in Makerfield by-election, a key contest for Andy Burnham's political future. The Labour candidate faces Reform's Robert Kenyon in a seat traditionally safe for Labour but recently leaning towards Reform.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's wife, Rama Duwaji, wore a dress made of classic Knicks graphic tees to the championship parade, sparking online debate. While some praised her creative, city-coded fashion choice, others trolled her with xenophobic and personal attacks.
A new study of election data suggests young men are not shifting rightwing more than other demographics, challenging claims they are a key driver of parties like Reform UK. Age is a bigger factor than gender in political opinions, and young men remain the most progressive male cohort.
Pauline Hanson, leader of Australia's rightwing party, delivered a speech at the National Press Club criticizing multiculturalism and Islam, vowing to cut public broadcasting, and blaming 'global warming hoax' for poverty.
Guardian Australia's Matilda Boseley won for innovative storytelling, while The Sydney Morning Herald's Riley Walter was named Young Australian Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Walkley mid-year media prizes. Other winners included ABC teams for women's leadership and reporting on violence against women.
The 2026 Walkley mid-year media prizes celebrated innovative journalism, with Matilda Boseley winning the young journalist award for her Parliament-Tea series. Riley Walter was named Young Australian Journalist of the Year, also winning for short-form and specialist reporting on a $150m NAB fraud investigation. Other winners included ABC teams for reporting on women's leadership, violence against women, and science.
News highlights include Russia's appreciation for Malaysia's ASEAN partnership, escalating tensions in Iran with US and Israeli operations, and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Discussions also touch on nuclear arsenals, energy supply crises, and international diplomatic efforts.
The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) faces internal power struggles and declining approval ratings post-election wins. Leader Jung Chung-rae faces pressure to resign amid factional rifts, highlighting tensions ahead of the August party convention. This infighting may hinder the Lee administration's economic and democratic reform efforts.
Pauline Hanson's National Press Club address, criticizing a journalist and pledging to end multiculturalism, has drawn sharp reactions from Environment Minister Murray Watt and Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie. McKenzie expressed concern over Hanson's selective questioning of media, deeming it undemocratic, while Watt criticized Hanson's proposed policies targeting workers, migrants, and the ABC.
The article outlines scenarios for Andy Burnham to become Labour leader and potentially Prime Minister. The fastest route involves Keir Starmer stepping down without other challengers, leading to a swift coronation for Burnham. A slower path includes a full leadership contest, which could take months if not accelerated.
The White House imposed export controls on Anthropic's advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, causing chaos for users and casting doubt on the company's future. Conflicting narratives and internal political struggles within the administration have obscured the reasons and responsibility for the decision, highlighting the volatile nature of AI regulation.
Keir Starmer stated the UK and EU should not dwell on Brexit, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to building a closer relationship. He confirmed a "reset" summit on July 22 in Brussels, despite previous delays. Starmer highlighted progress made through professional, quiet diplomacy and a mutual recognition to move past the Brexit debate.
The St George's Cross flag, once a symbol of English national pride, now evokes mixed feelings due to its association with far-right groups and protests. While some see it as a unifying symbol for events like the World Cup, others find it intimidating and exclusionary, highlighting a complex debate about English identity.
Pauline Hanson's National Press Club speech has drawn widespread condemnation from advocacy groups and politicians. Critics accuse her of using "hatred for political gain," echoing "rubbish" from rightwing figures, and promoting divisive language against transgender people, multiculturalism, and workers.
Former Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán declared his intention to stay in politics and continue challenging the EU, particularly on migration, despite his election defeat. He aims to reform Brussels and believes patriotic parties' progress in Europe is ongoing.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, believes Andy Burnham is Labour's strongest candidate to defeat Reform in a general election and potentially lead the party. Wrack expressed deep concern over Reform's potential impact on education and trade unions, citing hostility from Reform councillors. He also criticized the current Labour government's continuation of Tory policies on academisation and SEND provision.
Matt Wrack, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, believes Andy Burnham is Labour's strongest candidate to defeat Reform in a general election. Wrack expressed deep concern over Reform's potential impact on education and trade unions, citing hostility from Reform councillors. He also called for more robust change from Labour than currently seen, particularly on academisation and SEND provision.
