Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the First Minister could undo the progress he has made over the past two years with his opposition to any inquiry.

John Swinney may rue his party’s temporary win in his forever war of opposing an inquiry into the Peter Murrell scandal.

The SNP and the Scottish Greens clubbed together to defeat a plan for Holyrood to look under the bonnet of Murrell’s theft.

Swinney and the Green co-leaders will be pleased, but their victory could be short-lived.

Thwarting a Holyrood probe, which the SNP and Greens would have controlled, could make way for a more troublesome inquiry led by Westminster.

The Scottish Affairs Committee in the Commons is a cautious body and its work rarely hits the headlines.

But the members of the Labour-dominated Committee have an opportunity to make a name for themselves by delving deeper into a crime of huge interest to the public.

Westminster committees also have more power than their Holyrood equivalents.

MPs and witnesses have parliamentary privilege and can say what they want without being pursued through the courts.

Westminster committees also have the power to send for “persons, papers and records”.

Refusing to cooperate, which may be the favoured tactic of the SNP, would look terrible for Swinney.

If the First Minister tried to obstruct the Committee, they could issue a summons for him to appear.

Snubbing this edict could result in Swinney and co being held in contempt of parliament.

Ultimate sanctions for a continued failure to cooperate include fines and imprisonment – although these have proven to be rare.

Swinney wants the first 100 days of his new administration to focus on the cost of living crisis and combating child poverty.

He now faces the prospect of senior members of his party, including himself, dominating the news for refusing to dodge scrutiny on a crook.

The SNP’s attempt at casting Westminster as an illegitimate authority also undermines their broader goal of independence.

Swinney wants to negotiate indyref2 with the next Labour prime minister when Keir Starmer inevitably falls.

But trashing the same parliament and questioning a Committee’s legitimacy, when most of its members were elected by Scots voters, seems an odd strategic move.

Defiance would harden relations between both governments at a time when Swinney needs Westminster to give him an inch on a second referendum.

A Holyrood inquiry, with a remit agreed by the pro-independence parties, could have been tightly focused and completed quickly.

A Westminster probe, comprised of the SNP’s political enemies, could drag on into 2027.

The SNP inherited by Swinney two years ago was a shambles politically and financially.

The party under Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf had lost trust with the voters and the SNP was punished at the general election.

Swinney regained control and deserved his win on May 7th.

Obstructing an inquiry is a throwback that will remind voters of the bad old days and Swinney needs to get on the front foot.

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Kieran McKenna has stepped down as Ipswich Town head coach to take a break from football.

The 40-year-old coach, who had just guided the Tractor Boys back to the Premier League, had been heavily linked with Fulham after Marco Silva’s departure.

Yet McKenna will not take up that job, nor another job, in the near future as he steps away from the spotlight to focus on spending time with his family.

Following confirmation of his departure, Kieran McKenna said: “It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club.

“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye. However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.”

She shared her pride in her dad taking to the stage with Boyzone for the final time last weekend

Mikey Graham’s daughter has shared the conversation she had with her dad before he went on stage last weekend – and revealed that he was cool, calm and collected backstage.

Mikey joined Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch and Keith Duffy on stage as Boyzone performed their final two shows at London’s Emirates Stadium last weekend.

The Dubliner’s daughter, Sienna, has now spoken about the experience, admitting she was more nervous than he was.

Sienna said: “I think I was more nervous than him in all honesty.

“I was like, ‘God, I hope this is everything he dreams of,’ and it definitely was.

“He was cool, calm and collected [backstage].”

Sienna and Mikey had a heartfelt conversation before the shows, where his proud daughter said it felt “really important” to see her dad perform on stage.

“We had conversations prior to the show,” Sienna told Kieran Cuddihy on RTÉ Radio 1’s Liveline.

“I said to him, ‘I think this is going to be a really amazing experience for you, something that will stick with you for the rest of your life’.

“Even he said on stage it was everything he dreamed of as a kid. To see someone live out their dream was really important.”

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Boyzone received some negative reviews and criticism following the shows.

Mikey only appeared on stage for a handful of numbers, and it was never addressed why, leaving many fans confused.

Reacting to the negativity, Sienna explained: “In all honesty, we’d be of the same opinion to not give too much time to those sorts of things.

“There’s no point looking at all of those things. All I can really say is, as his daughter, I’m just so proud of everything he’s achieved.

“In a stadium there are a lot of people, so it’s an achievement in itself to go up and do that and sing in front of all those people again.”

Sienna added that nasty commentary online from trolls can be “frustrating.”

She said: “Thankfully, my dad is experienced with all of this.

“The lads in Boyzone, they’ve been doing this for 30 years.

“I don’t think they are any strangers to the media and stuff – thankfully they are quite secure in themselves.”

Sienna said it meant a lot to see her dad on stage again – not only for himself and his family, but for Boyzone fans as well.

She told Kieran: “It was an amazing moment which is going to live on in their memories for years to come.

“As his daughter, it will certainly live on in mine.

“Even for the fans to relive their youth and see the boys again, you could see how much it meant to them.

“It certainly meant a lot to me seeing my dad up on stage again.”

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All of the animals have tragically perished

Fire has ripped through a children’s soft play centre and mini zoo in Hertfordshire. All of the animals in the building were tragically killed as a result of the blaze.

A total of 10 fire engines were dispatched to The Jungle Box on the Watermill Industrial Estate in Buntingford after a blaze was reported at around 3am on Wednesday morning.

The soft play centre, which opened in June last year also included a mini zoo and pets corner that was home to a number of small animals, including meercats, owls, iguanas giant tortoises and a 16ft snake, The Mirror reports.

Sadly, after extinguishing the blaze, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that all animals in the building at the time of the fire had died. No people were harmed during the incident.

Assistant chief fire officer Darren Cook said: “In the early hours of the morning we received calls to a significant fire at The Jungle Box in Buntingford.

“Crews worked hard to contain the fire and prevent it spreading to neighbouring units. I’d like to thank all crews for their professionalism and hard work and fire control colleagues for their calm and efficient handling of the calls.

“We can confirm that a number of animals were inside the building at the time of the fire and did not survive.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is now underway.

The beloved crime drama is coming to an end soon as fans prepare for one more crime for DI Geordie and Reverend Alphy to solve.

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Following 12 years on air, the beloved ITV crime drama is drawing to a close as viewers prepare to bid farewell to Grantchester’s DI Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and Reverend Alphy Kottaram (Rishi Nair).

The tenth series concluded in February this year, with audiences keenly anticipating news about what lies ahead for the unlikely pairing’s final case.

With the last ever series set to broadcast in America this month, the two stars offered fans a preview of what they can look forward to.

In footage posted on Masterpiece PBS’ Instagram, Robson and Rishi appeared on location for the period drama beside an old-fashioned ambulance.

Robson said: “Season 11! But, it’s not just season 11, it’s the final ever season of Grantchester!”

The star then made a mock sobbing noise before throwing his arms around Rishi. He went on to ask what audiences can anticipate for Reverend Alphy in the programme’s concluding chapter, reports the Mirror.

Rishi replied: “Oh, he’s going through a lot. Up and down, he’s in the gutter. We have a falling out, don’t we?”

A short preview was then shown of the duo in character, with DI Geordie appearing distinctly unimpressed with Alphy’s actions.

Yet, regarding Robson’s longstanding portrayal in the show, the actor hinted there might be a successor waiting in the wings. He commented: “For Geordie, is it time for him to pass on the baton?”

A further clip was then revealed, depicting Geordie telling a younger colleague: “You’re a Detective Inspector in the making.”

While series 11 signals the conclusion for Grantchester, both Robson and Rishi acknowledged that it represents the programme’s finest season to date.

It did not take long before viewers responded to the announcement, expressing their dismay that the programme is drawing to a close after 12 years.

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One viewer said: “All GREAT things must come to an end…but the last season will be relished by those who love this show.”

Another wrote: “Sad it will be the last season, but can’t wait to watch the new season. This series is soooo good!” A further comment added: “Cannot wait, but sorry it’s the ending season.”

One viewer commented: “Sad it’ll be the last one, but can’t wait to watch it! Maybe you can do a few spinoff series? Maybe we can see what Will Davenport has been up to in Newcastle?”

Unfortunately, enthusiasts will need to exercise patience before viewing the final episodes, as the programme will premiere in America on 12 June, with no confirmed broadcast date for the UK, amid speculation it may not air until next year.

Season 1-10 of Grantchester are available to watch on ITVX

Two children and a member of staff were injured and a schoolgirl detained following the incident

A schoolgirl arrested after two students and a member of staff were stabbed at a north Manchester high school has now been detained under the Mental Health Act, police have confirmed.

Emergency services attended Co-op Academy Manchester on Plant Hill Road in Blackley yesterday morning (Tuesday, June 9).

Three people – a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy and a 27-year-old male member of staff – suffered knife wounds in the incident.

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“Staff were quick to detain a girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff, and officers arrived shortly afterwards” Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A 14 year-old schoolgirl was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault. In an update issued this evening (Wednesday), GMP said she had not been detained under the Mental Health Act.

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All three of those injured were taken to hospital following the incident. Their injuries are not thought to be serious and all have now been released from hospital after being assessed, GMP said.

The force said their investigation into the incident was ongoing.

“As part of our investigation, we are also aware and are looking into social media posts in relation to this but would like to remind communities this is an ongoing live investigation” their statement said.

A senior officer added that names ‘related to the incident’ were being ‘circulated on social media’ which he said was ‘unhelpful’ as he urged people ‘not to speculate.’

Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock, from GMP’s City of Manchester North division said: “Our investigation has continued at pace since yesterday morning when we were first made aware of the incident.

“Our thoughts are with those that were injured and were caught up in the incident. Whilst the physical injuries were not believed to be serious, we know the impact to those that were involved or were witnesses to this will be significant, and we want to reassure our community we are taking this very seriously.

“As our investigation progresses, we are aware that names relating to the incident are being circulated on social media which are unhelpful for the investigation. This is also causing concern with the victims and those that have been impacted therefore we would stress that people do not speculate regarding this incident.

“Officers will remain in and around the area to provide support to ensure staff, students and the wider community feel safe. If you have any concerns, please speak to our officers who are there to support you.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the Co-op Academies Trust, which runs the school, said: “”Shortly after the start of the school day, an incident occurred on site involving a pupil with a knife. The school was immediately placed into lockdown, and staff acted bravely to quickly detain a student before emergency services arrived.

“Greater Manchester Police arrested the student, who remains in custody. Police have confirmed this was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

“Three people, two pupils and a member of staff sustained injuries. They were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, where they are in a stable condition with injuries not believed to be serious.

“While our policies outline strict screening and search powers in line with Department for Education guidance, weapons can unfortunately be small and easily concealed without prior indicators. We had no reason to conduct a search on any student this morning.”

The spokesperson said the school will be providing full support to students.

They added: “We are incredibly proud of the swift actions of our staff and the mature response of our pupils. School will reopen as normal tomorrow, Wednesday 10th June. Full emotional support will be in place for pupils, and local officers will maintain a reassuring presence in the area.”

Viewers have declared the period drama to be ‘flawless’ and ‘perfect’, and it’s ideal for Game of Thrones fans.

Period drama fans have been left begging for more of a “masterpiece” programme.

The historical drama, set in Renaissance-era Italy, based on a real noble family of Spanish origins and their rise to power.

The Borgias first aired in 2011, running until 2013 across three seasons, and it’s now free to watch on Channel 4.

Starring Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, Francois Arnaud as Cesare, Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia and David Oakes as Juan, the series follows the family’s scandalous ascension to the papacy.

Focusing on the highs and lows they face as well as their struggles to maintain the power they hold, The Borgias fictionalises the unstable world of politics in 15th century Europe.

Perfect for Game of Thrones fans, The Borgias follows ruthless political play, and the backstabbing, betrayals and scandals involved within power-hungry dynasties.

The synopsis teases: “Rodrigo Borgia is cunning, corrupt and flamboyantly cruel. He’s also just been made Pope… Series 1 of the compelling drama depicting one of history’s most fascinating families.”

Several fans have hailed The Borgias as a “masterpiece”, as one begged: “For the love of god bring back that show! It’s exceptional and one of a kind show… I’m just in love with The Borgias!”

“So good it’s stunning,” another said, adding: “Overall, a superb and satisfying journey throughout that I will never forget.”

A third fan called it “too good for TV,” while another said: “10 out of 10 stars for the masterpiece that is this show!”

One viewer called it a “perfect mini series”, as someone else wrote: “This is by far the best historical drama I have ever seen! The acting was completely amazing and it kept me completely entranced up to the very last second!”

Another called it “magnificent,” saying: “The acting is flawless by the main characters! The story, script and costumes are wonderful! I’ve watched it over and over, many times!”

“The Borgias is one of the best series I have ever watched!” another said.

As well as widespread acclaim from viewers, The Borgias gained 16 Emmy nominations, and three wins, two for Outstanding Costumes for a Series and one for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

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Despite the demands from fans, it was confirmed in 2013 that The Borgias wouldn’t be returning for a fourth season.

“It has been an honor to work with the great Neil Jordan and the incomparable Jeremy Irons on The Borgias,” David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc, said at the time, as per Variety.

“Neil has written nearly every episode of this series himself. His extraordinary storytelling combined with Jeremy’s fascinating portrayal of the infamous Pope Alexander VI, has made for truly outstanding television that will live on. I look forward to future collaborations.”

The Borgias is available to watch on Channel 4

Council leaders have supported new planning guidance for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), which requires owners to apply for planning permission when converting properties. 

A HMO is defined as a property occupied by at least three people who are not from a single household but share facilities such as a bathroom and kitchen. Currently, properties for between three and six occupants can be converted without planning permission.

The new powers, known as an Article Four direction, will come into force on July 28. 

Darlington Borough Council admitted it does not have an accurate database of where all the current HMOs are located, as many have not previously required planning permission or a licence.

The new powers will provide the local authority with greater oversight of the scale of the issue across the borough after repeated complaints from residents, whose lives have been impacted by shared housing schemes on their doorsteps. 

Concerns previously raised include anti-social behaviour, noise and nuisance, living conditions and property standards, impact on parking, and poorly maintained properties.

Councillor Hilary Allen, Liberal Democrat member for North Road ward, said: “In the poorer areas of Darlington, the ones that are more densely populated, we are getting more requests for HMOs. I hope the council will take notice of that so that we don’t end up with a ghetto-type situation further down the road.”

As part of the council’s work on tackling HMOs, a supplementary planning document has been created to assist property owners, planning applicants, planning officers and elected councillors in preparing, commenting on and determining future planning applications. 

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “The council recognises that HMOs provide an important element of meeting the borough’s housing needs, particularly for people on low incomes, young professionals, students and the growing number of one-person households. 

“But at the same time, high concentrations of HMOs can present a challenge to creating mixed, balanced and sustainable communities and have an impact on residential character and amenity.”

Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has shared an update on her cancer battle after revealing that doctors had discovered an ‘infection in the blood’

Tracy Shaw has revealed that she has an “infection in her blood” in a new health update, after breaking down over her cancer battle.

Earlier this year, the Coronation Street star revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, before undergoing chemotherapy. The 52-year-old has since been sharing her journey with fans on social media.

Just days after opening up about the impact of her treatment in a tearful video, she explained that she had been discharged from hospital while fighting an infection.

“I was let out, last night, from the critical unit because it’s better for us as cancer patients to be at home,” the Maxine Peacock actress began the lengthy clip.

“The microbiologists are super geeking over this germ, infection… They’re not quite sure what it is so they’re just blasting it with some really strong antibiotics. I’m full of drip at the moment. I’ll go back in today to have my second one.”

“Basically I’ve just been sleeping. I’m in safe hands, thank you to the NHS, thank you to all the nurses, thank you to my oncologist team,” she said. “They are very hot on anything to do with infection when we’re going through chemotherapy because it’s quite critical. It’s just a fact, I’m not making a drama out of this.”

Tracy explained that she felt her body “really struggling on Sunday” and had her bloods taken, but was asked to go back in for another appointment, to get more bloodwork done.

“So they’ve taken more bloods, checked my heart and taken more scans. A thorough body check, basically. I’m in safe hands, it isn’t pleasant – of course it isn’t pleasant,” she continued, pointing out some of the red marks on her skin.

“Although they can’t pinpoint what this is. It looks part of the pox family. I have had chickenpox, I’ve had measles, maybe this means this is circulating in the area, and I’m just low and susceptible to catching it.

“Let’s hope that the germ they found will do some good to help somebody else be able to have the medicine to recover from it which would be wonderful. Peace and love to you all.”

“Infection in the blood. Cancer research UK. Without scientists, micro biologists , we wouldn’t learn about cancers,” she wrote alongside the upload. “THANKYOU NHS. All the staff at the Royal Berkshire hospital. My oncologist team. Couple more days of treatment, I’m in very safe hands.”

Fans were quick to offer Tracy their support and well wishes in the comments below. An Instagram user wrote: “Good morning lovely. You’ve been in my prayers last night and this morning. Sending you so much love sweetheart. Will ne thinking of you having that second drip. You’re so right. You’re in safe hands [sic].”

“On top of it all u still smiling sheer strength right there. Sending love [sic],” an Instagram user wrote, as another agreed: “Your strength and positivity is something else Tracy. Sending you love and support, you’ve got this!! X.”

Tracy went public with her diagnosis in April and shared at the time that she would have to undergo “five months” of chemo.

Following the update, she recently became emotional as she reflected on what the future holds, telling fans in a candid clip last month: “Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown…I just think, ‘I can’t go through with this anymore,’ but I’ve not even started my journey.

“I’ve had a good cry. I’ll go in later today and I’ll meet some other ladies who will start the treatment with me – chemo. And I’ll find out the date. 50% of me wants to get going. I want to know that it’s being shrunk and the cancer is being dealt with.”

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Breast Cancer Support.

Callum Turner has said he finds speculation that he is set to play James Bond “amusing”.

The British actor, 36, is one of the rumoured frontrunners to play 007 after Daniel Craig stepped down.

Many of the stars named in the odds have remained tight-lipped at the possibility of taking over the role.

Turner has now also dodged questions, telling The Hollywood Reporter: “I know as much as you do – really, I know as much as you do.”

When asked if he was interested in taking the role if he was offered, he “laughed and looked down at his sneakers”, according to the publication.

He added: “I am not going to comment on that.”

But he went on to share: “I will tell you what’s so funny about the Bond thing: Even your best friends ask you, people text you that you haven’t spoken to for 10 years – and you know nothing!

“It is such a weird thing of something happening and nothing happening at all. I genuinely know nothing. I just find it quite amusing.”

In the profile piece on the actor Hollywood star George Clooney – who directed him in the 2023 drama film The Boys In The Boat – also weighed in and said: “I hope Callum ends up being the next Bond. I think he would be a great Bond.

“He is tall and handsome and charming and British, so he is the perfect guy to do it.”

Ian Fleming’s beloved spy was previously played by English actor Craig, who took on the role in 2006’s Casino Royale and starred in five films until he left the franchise with 2021’s No Time To Die.

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Since then, there has been significant speculation surrounding who will play James Bond next, which comes after Amazon MGM Studios also took creative control of the franchise.

It was announced in August last year that the next film will be written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, while it will be directed by Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve.

Other actors rumoured to be in the running for the role also include Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi.

Turner, who married singer Dua Lipa last week, rose to fame in the Fantastic Beasts films, and went on to appear in the TV series Masters Of The Air and romantic comedy film Eternity.

Sir Idris Elba recently said rumours he was set to play the spy were “not realistic”.

The Luther star has been rumoured to be in the running for Bond for more than a decade but said it was “never legit”.

The 53-year-old said the character was “written how he was written for a reason” and that not all audiences “will go” for a black Bond because it is “not what they like in their culture”.

Speaking to British GQ, Sir Idris said: “It was never legit. It was always just a rumour. I’ve always felt that it’s not a realistic thing.

“Bond is big all over the world and (audiences) won’t (all) go for a black male, an African male, playing Bond. That’s not what they like in their culture. Period.”