One voter said: “I don’t believe that politics is a football team – you don’t always have to vote for the same party”

Voters have reacted to last week’s local election results which saw the Greens snatch six seats from Labour and their leader lose his seat. Cameron Holloway, the previous leader of Cambridge City Council, lost his Petersfield seat Kathryn Fisher by just over a hundred votes.

Tony Murphy, a Petersfield resident, said he didn’t vote for the party this year because of Hughes Hall’s plan to build on a site next to Fenner’s cricket ground. The Cambridge University college hopes to build more student accommodation and academic spaces at the site off Mill Road.

The 71-year-old said: “I’ve always been a Labour supporter but this time I voted Green because of Hughes Hall and I feel the Greens will help us more.

“It’s just a disaster both nationally and locally – they’re going to be wasting loads more money on these bins and new special lorries to pick them up. It’s crazy – fill in some of the potholes.”

While the Greens massively increased their vote share, Reform UK were the biggest winners nationwide, taking control of 14 councils in England. Tony said: “I lived most of my life in the Midlands and sort of guessed Reform would win there, but I’m really surprised they’ve taken it nationwide almost.”

Ultan Rowan, who works at Arjuna Wholefoods on Mill Road, said it was a “shame” nationally but he was pleased with Cambridge’s results. The 24-year-old said: “I was really happy to see the parties that we brought in – it was a shame nationally, I’m not happy about Reform.”

He said he wasn’t surprised to see Cambridge voters turn their backs on Labour for the Greens and that “people want change”.

He said: “A lot of people are very unhappy and people need things to change – it’s the same reason why people are voting Reform. They have vastly different opinions on why things need to change, but people aren’t happy with what the Labour Government is doing.”

Locally, he hopes more Greens on the council will mean more bike infrastructure is built and active travel is made easier. Ultan said: “That’s something I think is beneficial – for neighbourhoods and for public health – I’m an avid cyclist myself, that’s how I commute.”

Maya Parkin lives in neighbouring Romsey and hopes the results will send an important message to the current government.

The 26-year-old said: “I’m quite involved with the local Green Party and they’ve gained a lot this year which is really good – I think it’s a good signal. I don’t believe that politics is a football team – you don’t always have to vote for the same party, but I think it’s important to signal to the current government how things should be improved.

“By voting Green I felt that I was putting my vote towards reducing wealth inequality and hopefully the fact that so many Green councillors got elected and Labour have faced significant losses hopefully that will prompt them in the right direction.”

The applicant said the hotel will provide ‘modern guest accommodation’ for the area

Plans to add guest rooms to a riverside restaurant have been given the go ahead, despite concerns about parking. Quay House in Quayside, Ely, is set to undergo a transformation, with plans first approved in January for the first floor to be turned into a restaurant.

Then in April, plans were submitted for phase two to turn the second floor into three hotel rooms with en-suites. The proposals also included adding additional dining to this floor, a reading room and lounge ancillary for the restaurant.

The applicant said the hotel rooms would put the building into “long-term use” and it would introduce “modern guest accommodation” to the area. They also said it would “strengthen the building’s economic sustainability” and contribute to the “vitality of the Ely riverside area”.

These plans have now been approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council. There had been some objections to the plans prior to approval, with concerns raised over parking and traffic in the area, as well as the impact on nearby residents.

One person, who lives in Quayside, said there were “barely enough parking spaces” in the area already. They added: “There is precious little space for large/delivery etc vehicles to turn or manoeuvre in/around our homes not accounting for what will be a new multi-use premises.

“The scheme now viewed in the round is not a welcoming change to the peace of the Georgian riverside area.” The objector also said the “mainly peaceful” riverside area would be “unduly compromised/prejudiced” with the new plans.

Another person in Cardinals Way raised concerns about the potential noise and impact on “residential character”. They said: “I feel the additional plans for a function room on the first floor will generate additional, inappropriate levels of noise.

“The room will face the residential properties behind Quay House and with open windows in the summer, and likely music etc, noise will carry across the Bishops Walk development and Back Lane, late into the evening.

“Noise levels are already increasingly high, especially in the summer months from the Maltings and RBK. I have conditional support for the proposal for the restaurant, but I believe this new proposal seeks to turn the project into something that will change the character of the area, contrary to the public plans for it.”

The applicant said that Cambridgeshire County Council’s adopted parking standards generated a theoretical requirement of 11 customer spaces and six staff spaces. The applicant said due to the site’s “sustainable location” and proximity to public car parks, this could be provided without dedicated spaces onsite.

The family-run business has been operating through Scotland since 2023.

Another business has fallen into administration, which could leave another whole on Scottish high streets this year. It has been reported that a family-run company that operates a chain of multiple pharmacies has had to appoint administrators.

Operating since 2023, Amiry & Glibride Healthcare Limited (AGH) runs 13 stores in Scotland under LP North 14 Limited and LP North 15 Limited, as well as other branches. These stores can be found across Glasgow, including Anniesland, Bearsden, Drumchapel, and Paisley, as well as in Lanarkshire and the Highlands.

The company also owned two prescription collection units, which provided services to customers such as free medicine pouching and prescription locker collections. The pharmacies also offered free medicine care and reviews and a free enhanced minor ailments service.

According to the Express, an order from the Court of Session has appointed administrators to the holding company. However, neither of the two subsidiaries will be affected. Instead, they are expected to be sold, with the pharmacies continuing to run trading as normal.

The joint administrators of AGH have said they are creating a governance structure for the subsidiaries, which will be operated under director John Gilbride and his team. They said: “The joint administrators will work with John and his team to gain a clear understanding of the financial position of the AGH group.

“Once complete they will then look to sell the group via a marketing process. Interested parties are encouraged to make contact with the joint administrators without delay.”

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In 2023, Mahyar and Sara Nickkho-Amiry reportedly partnered with John Gilbride to take over the pharmacies that were being sold off to a larger corporation.

Ever since, the Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy and Travel Clinic has been described on its website as a family-run, independent business. However, administrators were appointed for the holding company on April 29.

AGH stores locations in Scotland

Glasgow

• Anniesland
• Barrhead
• Bearsden
• Cardonald
• Drumchapel
• St George’s Cross

Paisley

• Causeyside Street
• Anchor Mill Private Pharmacy
• Linwood
• Neilston Road
• Paisley High Street
• Tannahill

Lanarkshire

• Airdrie
• Uddingston
• Lincluden Private Pharmacy
• Wishaw

Highlands

This comes after it was announced that a Scottish carpet and flooring company has gone bust. The Floor Studio, located in Elgin, Moray, entered “compulsory liquidation” last week on May 5.

Founded in 2013, a public notice on the Gazette shared that Stuart Robb of Robb Advisory had been appointed as liquidator on April 29.

Listed as a carpet and flooring retailer, information on the Companies House website from 2024 show it employed 10 staff members.

United, meanwhile, are 11-time champions in this competition, which they most recently summitted in 2022, when one Alejandro Garnacho scored a brace in a 3-1 defeat of Nottingham Forest. They have got the better of Peterborough, Derby County, Oxford, Sunderland and Crystal Palace en route to this stage.

The actor died after suffering from a short illness

Alan Rothwell, best-known for playing David Barlow in the original cast of ITV soap Coronation Street, has died aged 89, his family told the Press Association.

The statement said: “The family of the actor Alan Rothwell wish to share the sad news of his death at the age of 89 on Thursday May 14.

“Alan was a professional radio, television, film and stage actor and director whose career spanned more than 70 years. He was one of the original cast members of Coronation Street, playing David Barlow in the very first episode broadcast in December 1960.

“He also appeared in Brookside as Nicholas Black and was a familiar face to generations of viewers as the presenter of the long-running children’s television programmes Picture Box and Hickory House.

“Alan died peacefully in hospital following a short illness. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

“He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people whose lives he touched through his work.”

He left the cobbles of Weatherfield behind in 1968, and had other major roles such as playing Nicholas Black in Brookside (1985–1986). He also hosted children’s television programmes including Picture Box and Hickory House.

Alan also played multiple roles in Emmerdale, including a judge in 1993 and the more regular part of John Kenyon between 1997 and 1998.

He also appeared in Casualty, playing various parts over the years, as well as Heartbeat, where he played Reverend Jackson.

Issuing a statement, Coronation Street shared: “We’re very sorry to hear of Alan Rothwell’s passing and extend our sincerest condolences to his family at this very sad time.

“He created an iconic and memorable character in David Barlow and will forever be remembered as one of the original cast members of Coronation Street.”

Actress Samia Longchambon added: “So sad to hear this. Alan was a also drama teacher at our drama school and I have such fond memories of being taught by him.. he was a wonderful man”.

Striker Sam Kerr – Chelsea’s all-time top scorer in the Women’s Super League – will leave the club when her contract expires this summer.

Kerr, 32, has scored 115 times in 177 appearances for the Blues and her final game will be at home against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Australian, who joined Chelsea in November 2019, has helped the club win five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups and the Community Shield.

“When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time [against Manchester United this Saturday], I just feel happy,” said Kerr. “Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could.”

The captain has shared his version of events – alleging that Danny Rohl had blocked his opportunity to lead the team out of the tunnel alongside his family

Departing Rangers captain James Tavernier has admitted his “emotions took over” as he claimed Danny Rohl performed a U-turn on his starting spot against Hibs.

The German boss stated that the skipper declined to be named as a substitute for his final home match, which ended in a 2-1 loss to Hibs.

Rohl maintains he had intended to name Tavernier on the bench following a fitness concern this week, and insists he had planned to give the full-back playing time before receiving recognition from supporters at the conclusion of his 11-year tenure at the club.

The 34-year-old was convinced to make a pre-match appearance on the pitch for a presentation by Rangers legend John Greig.

Now the captain has shared his version of events – alleging that Rohl had blocked his opportunity to lead the team out of the tunnel alongside his family, despite previously having “agreed” to that arrangement with Tavernier, reports the Daily Record.

Writing on his personal social media, Tavernier wrote: “Dear Fellow Rangers fans, Rangers will be in my heart for the rest of my life. I want every supporter to know how much this club means to me. It is important to me that Rangers fans know that throughout my career, I have given everything I have for our beloved club.

“The last 24 hours have been the most difficult and emotional of my career for both myself and my family.

“I am sure you will all understand that I cannot allow any confusion around my departure or the events surrounding last night’s game.

“I picked up a knock on my ankle after the Hearts game. Following discussions with the medical staff, we agreed that an injection was the only option, which was initially scheduled for Thursday.

“After Sunday’s game, and with emotions running high, I made the decision to bring the injection forward to Tuesday. That decision would have ruled me out of both Wednesday and Saturday’s matches.

“After speaking throughout Monday with my family and the medical department, l came to the decision to delay the injection until Thursday so I could play one final game at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

“I personally informed the manager of this decision and explained how important it was to me and my family that I had the opportunity to say goodbye properly to the Ibrox faithful.

“I said I wanted to lead the lads out at Ibrox one last time and have my children walk out with me as mascots. I was told this was the right decision and that I deserved a proper send off.

“The manager agreed and said he wanted me to have a great send off. He knew exactly how important that moment was to me and my family.

“Tuesday then went ahead as a normal training day and nothing was said. I arrived home to my son telling me how excited he was to walk out at Ibrox with his dad one last time and be a ball boy for the game.

“What hurts deeply as a father is that my son had also sacrificed going away with the Rangers Academy to his first overseas tournament in Holland because being at Ibrox for my final home game meant that much to him. Even though my wife and I encouraged him to go and enjoy that experience with his teammates, all he wanted was to be beside his dad for one last walk out at Ibrox.

“After messaging the manager on Tuesday to ask whether I would be starting the game, and explaining that my children were asking if they would still be walking out as mascots, I was then informed that I would be starting the match as a substitute. In that moment, my emotions understandably took over.

“Many people may feel I could have handled the situation better, and I accept that, but after dedicating over a decade of my life to this club, with my family beside me throughout it all, I felt deeply hurt and let down.

“What disappointed me most was the version of events that was later presented publicly, as it did not reflect the conversations that had taken place privately beforehand.

“I firmly believe the situation could and should have been handled much better from all sides. A lack of communication allowed matters to escalate unnecessarily in the build up to such an emotional occasion for myself and my family.

“Anyone who saw my reaction on the pitch last night will understand how emotional I was feeling, not only about leaving Rangers, but about everything that had happened in the lead up to the game.

“Lastly, I want to make clear that no individual is ever bigger than this great football club. Rangers must always come first. I hope the fans continue to stand united behind the team and the club moving forward.

“Thank you for everything. WATP. Tav.”

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Timetable of what happens now and the date a by-election could be held in Makerfield

Andy Burnham has confirmed he intends to stand in the Makerfield by-election after it was announced the seat would become available.

Labour MP Josh Simons said on Thursday night that he would intend to step aside to allow Mr Burnham a potential route back to Parliament – and possibly to lead a leadership challenge against the Prime Minister.

It means there will now be a by-election where voters in the constituency will be asked to choose a new MP – just two years on from the last general election.

In order for the election to take place a process must first be followed in the House of Commons. By convention, the Labour Chief Whip will start the process by formally asking Parliament to start the election process – this is called moving the writ.

Once the writ is moved, the by-election must take place between 21 and 27 working days later – with by-elections usually held on a Thursday.

This means that if a writ is issued in the coming days, we could potentially see an election as early as Thursday, June 18, or June 25.

A by-election was held in in Gorton and Denton earlier this year after Labour Andrew Gwynne announced he was standing down. He made the announcement on January 22 with the by-election held 35 laters on Thursday, February 26.

Mr Burnham was previously blocked by the National Executive Committee from standing as Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, which was won by the Green Party.

Makerfield has been held by Labour continuously since the constituency was created in 1983 and Mr Simons won it with a majority of around 5,000 in 2024.

But Reform UK could pose a threat, as analysis of the local election results from May 7 this year show that of the 10 wards contested on Wigan Council that fall within the parliamentary constituency of Makerfield, either wholly or partially, Reform candidates won every single one of them.

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, said: “We look forward to the contest and we will throw absolutely everything at it.”

The hail turned parts of the ground completely white

Videos have captured the moment a “crazy” unseasonal hailstorm hit Cardiff in the middle of spring. The hail was so heavy in parts of the city that car alarms were being set off and the ground turned completely white.

It comes as temperatures have been below average despite summer supposedly being weeks away.

Many parts of south Wales were hit by the “insane” hail on Thursday afternoon which was also accompanied by thunder in some places.

If the hail hadn’t confused people enough, some areas were then treated to a remarkable change in conditions with bright blue skies following shortly after. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

The Met Office forecasted “plenty of showers” lingering on Thursday evening and highlighted the possibility that these could turn heavy at times.

The weather agency added: “Becoming mostly dry through the early hours of the morning with some clear spells developing. Lighter winds but a cool breeze remains around Welsh coasts. Minimum temperature 5 °C.”

Friday looks set to be a bit nicer. The forecast says: “The odd early shower is possible, otherwise a dry day ahead with light winds and plenty of sunshine by the afternoon. Feeling less chilly in lighter winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.”

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“When I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time [against Manchester United this Saturday], I just feel happy,” Kerr told the club’s website upon announcing her move. “Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could.”