Seaham councillor Andrew Harrison and Delves Lane representative Kenny Hope were suspended pending an investigation on Monday (May 11), according to a party spokesperson.

But in a letter to constituents, Cllr Harrison claimed he and Cllr Hope had quit the party citing ‘unreconcilable differences’ with the leadership of the council.

A Reform UK spokesperson said: “Andrew and Kenny were suspended from Reform UK pending investigation on Monday morning, so not quite sure what they’re resigning from.”

The nature of the investigation is not known.

Both councillors were elected in May 2025 amid a sweeping win in County Durham for Nigel Farage’s party.

Andrew Harrison (left) was elected in May 2025. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Posting in a Seaham Facebook group, Cllr Harrison said: “Today is a sad day as I have resigned from Reform UK due to unreconcilable differences with the leadership in Durham and lack of support. This has been highlighted in writing on multiple occasions and my reasoning.”

Both Cllrs Harrison and Hope served as chair and vice chair on the Economic Scrutiny and Enterprise committee at County Hall.

Kenny Hope (left) was also elected in May 2025. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

“We are both time served Veterans and have both resigned on the same day with similar reasoning,” Cllr Harrison said.

“Our values, integrity, honesty and principles come before everything and not [sic] negotiable.

“I will not go into any further detail as this would be unprofessional, however, I will say that I have not had any complaints by anyone disclosed to me or any other reason for my resignation. It’s simply the right thing to do.”

It leaves Reform UK with 58 councillors at Durham County Council, down from the 65 elected under the party’s banner in 2025.

Cllr Hope was contacted for comment.

Hearts are in pole position – for now. Avoid defeat at the home of Celtic, and they are SPL champions for the first time since 1960

After one of the most dramatic title races in Scottish football history, it all comes down to one game at Celtic Park.

Hearts are in pole position – for now. Avoid defeat at the home of Celtic, and they are SPL champions for the first time since 1960.

“It’s a perfect ending to a season for the league, for Scottish football, for drama and excitement,” said Hearts boss Derek McInnes ahead of Scotland’s first final-day title shootout since 1991. “It’s pure box office.

The last time the Scottish Premiership was not won by Celtic or Rangers was all the way back in 1984/85 when Aberdeen won two league championships in a row under a manager called Alex Ferguson.

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic were handed a lifeline on Wednesday when they defeated Motherwell with a contentiously awarded stoppage-time spot-kick.

McInnes branded the decision “disgusting” after his side’s victory over Falkirk on the same night, but said on Friday, on the eve of his club’s biggest ever match, that he did not want to get bogged down in talk about referees.

“It’s important now that we have that one big performance in us to try and get over the line and get the title won. The confidence I feel in the players is so strong. We have to go there with courage, with belief and be bullish,” said McInnes.

Hearts will have fewer than 1,000 supporters at the 60,000-capacity Celtic Park.

Here is everything you need to know about the game..

When is the game?

Saturday at 12.30pm

Where is the game?

Celtic Park

Is the game on TV?

Yes, the game will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland

Is the game being streamed?

Yes, Sky Sports will have a live stream of the game

Betting odds

Celtic 8/13

Hearts 9/2

Draw 17/5

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories

The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond

Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, May 15.

South Africa consider pulling out of Champions Cup

South African teams are reportedly considering pulling out of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, with a decision expected later this summer.

Multiple reports claim the South African Rugby Union are considering withdrawing their clubs from European competitions over player welfare concerns, following quotes from the SARU president Mark Alexanders at the governing body’s annual meeting in Cape Town on Thursday.

While Alexander didn’t reference the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup specifically, it would appear to be the competition they would consider withdrawing from.

“We generate our income from participating in tournaments. Participation is important, but our players are overworked,” the SARU president, Mark Alexander, said at the union’s annual meeting in Cape Town this week.

“We will hold a workshop in July in which we will have to decide which competitions will be retained and which ones we can drop.”

He added: “We have to find a balance so that our players can rest enough. They cannot play 11 months of the year.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and much more

“Discussions about a global rugby calendar have been going on for 14 years without anything concrete coming to fruition.

“If you do the same thing over and over again, you’re not going to get a different outcome.

“We have to make tough decisions as an organisation and we will do that over the next month or two.

“It has to be done in the best interests of our players.”

No South African club has progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup since joining the competition in the 2022-23 season

A source told the Times: “There is definitely a wavering from SARU on the Champions Cup.”

Wales centre ruled out of final match

The Scarlets will be without Wales centre Eddie James for their final match of the season against the Dragons on Saturday.

The two Welsh sides face each other in Llanelli as they both bid to avoid ending up as the lowest-placed Welsh side in the United Rugby Championship.

However, just days after he was named in Steve Tandy’s Six Nations squad, Six Nations starter James has been ruled out for the Scarlets through injury.

He joins fellow Wales squad members Sam Costelow and Ellis Mee on the sidelines.

For the Dragons, Aaron Wainwright plays for the final time ahead of his move to Leicester.

Scarlets: Ioan Jones; Tom Rogers, Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Blair Murray; Joe Hawkins, Dane Blacker; Josh Morse, Ryan Elias, Archer Holz, Jac Price, Max Douglas, Jarrod Taylor, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Plumtree.

Replacements: Harry Thomas, Sam O’Connor, Harri O’Connor, Dan Davis, Osian Williams, Gareth Davies, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Jac Davies.

Dragons: Angus O’Brien (co-capt); David Richards, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer; Tinus de Beer, Niall Armstrong; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Ben Carter (co-capt), Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Rhodri Jones, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Harrison Keddie, Rhodri Williams, Harri Ackerman, Huw Anderson.

Wales Rugby VIP hospitality tickets

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Prices vary

Seat Unique

Advertisement

Book tickets here

Seat Unique offers VIP hospitality tickets for Wales’ autumn internationals including New Zealand and Australia.

Wales captain bids farewell

Wales captain Jac Morgan will bid farewell to the Ospreys, as he leads his side for the final time against Leinster on Saturday.

Mark Jones’ side are looking to end the current season on a high, with Morgan playing for the final time ahead of a summer move to Gloucester.

Phil Cokanasiga, who will join Morgan at Kingsholm, will also play for the final time – as well full-back Jack Walsh before he departs for France.

Wales call-up Ben Warren is handed a start in the front-row, while fly-half Dan Edwards will make his 50th appearance for the Ospreys.

Ospreys: Jack Walsh; Keelan Giles, Evardi Boshoff, Owen Watkin, Iestyn Hopkins; Dan Edwards, Reuben Morgan-Williams; Garyn Phillips, Efan Daniel, Ben Warren, Rhys Davies, Huw Sutton, James Ratti, Jac Morgan (capt), Ross Moriarty.

Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Cam Jones, Kian Hire, Ben Roberts, Harri Deaves, Kieran Hardy, Phil Cokanasiga, Luke Morgan.

‘Frustrated’ Wales bid to avoid another Wooden Spoon

Wales have recalled Seren Singleton as they bid to avoid a third consecutive Women’s Six Nations Wooden Spoon.

Having not won in the competition since 2024, Sean Lynn’s side are staring down the barrel of another last-placed finish. Defeat to Italy this weekend would mark a second winless campaign under Lynn.

Singleton, who made her debut earlier in the tournament, is the only change – replacing Hannah Dallavalle in the starting side.

“We came into camp on Tuesday this week and you could see the frustration from the players,” Lynn said.

“One thing I’ve said to the girls and staff this week, we’ve got 80 minutes to put that right. We haven’t next week.

“So going into Italy, it’s about an 80-minute performance, putting everything right, pulling it together from Ireland, but taking the positives that we’ve had from Scotland, France and England.”

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.

The failure of many of the UK’s recent prime ministers, who have passed through Downing Street in quick succession, seems easy to explain. Theresa May couldn’t do what she promised and didn’t “get Brexit done”. Boris Johnson broke his own rules, and the law. Liz Truss failed through sheer incompetence.

But Keir Starmer won an election by a landslide and led his party to victory after 14 years out of power. So why is he looking at a probable leadership challenge after less than two years in office?

It is true that Starmer faced deep problems left by the Conservatives, Brexit and COVID. He then had to deal with the war in Gaza, a capricious US president in Donald Trump, and now a war in Iran. But Starmer’s struggles boil down to a failure of leadership.

US political scientist, Ronald Heifetz, has written that political leadership is about disappointing your followers at a “rate they can stand”. His fellow American scholar, Richard Neustadt, argued that leadership (in the case of presidents) was about “the power to persuade”. Keir Starmer has struggled because he disappointed too many, and persuaded too few.

Crucially, Starmer has never won over the public. Labour’s election in 2024 was an anti-Tory vote, not a pro-Labour one, and Starmer rode a wave of unhappiness from a moody and volatile electorate. Even at the height of his popularity in 2024 the public saw him as competent(ish) but – significantly – 49% also thought he might be indecisive.

After just 100 days, Starmer’s poll lead had plummeted and by July 2025 there was a deep sense that Labour had not delivered on its promises.

This failure was in part because the public had very high expectations of what the government would do, and Starmer had repeatedly promised to be all about “delivery”. But the public came to see the government as not delivering much.

Communication failures

The main policies that got attention were the unpopular ones: cuts to the winter fuel allowance, welfare cuts and harsh immigration reforms. But Starmer never used his power to persuade. Popular policies such as standing up to Trump and on climate were buried or went unnoticed.

So why hasn’t he done or said more? Starmer came to be seen as lacking any sort of vision or ideals, and journalists have written of how he seemed only to support “convenientism” and a wrong-headed strategy to take back votes from right-wing challengers Reform UK. His own attempts at communications were poor: in his “most personal interview yet” in 2024 he began by saying he didn’t dream, didn’t have a favourite book and was neither an optimist or pessimist.

It isn’t only the public. Starmer never won over another crucial group: his own MPs. Labour MPs were not loyal to Starmer to begin with, and were quickly upset by some policies purposefully designed to cut across their principles.

On top of this, his determination to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US and the resulting scandal as the closeness of Mandelson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein emerged, and the growing threat as UK voters fragmented, left Labour increasingly desperate. The local, Welsh and Scottish elections showed the party that the writing was on the wall.

The problems the UK faces will not go away if Starmer exits. His failure then begs the questions about who – if anyone – can succeed. Former health secretary Wes Streeting emerged as the first potential challenger. But does he have anything different to offer?

Much has been said about how Streeting is seen as the best communicator and a leader with a genuine working-class heritage. He has a record of delivering policy, and the NHS has improved under his watch, with public perceptions improving for the first time since before COVID. Interestingly, NHS workers themselves are much less convinced by Streeting’s record, with majority seeing the NHS as doing badly.

There are concerns. Streeting seemed to relish challenging striking doctors. And although he denied that he was close to Mandelson, the ongoing investigations could still show otherwise. And on a practical level, Streeting has little support among his party, much less than Starmer ever had.

Angela Rayner would be a more left-wing alternative. Rayner has a similarly Labour back story as a care worker and a rep with public service union Unison. She has a concrete record of delivery and getting things done, having championed what is arguably the signature achievement of this government in the Employment Rights Act.

But she was forced to resign as deputy prime minister in September 2025 after under-paying stamp duty. Now though, with remarkable timing, she has been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing by HMRC. A glance at Labour polling shows Rayner is also very popular with the party.

And of course Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham now has a seat to contest, which could plot his path back to Westminster and his route to a probable leadership bid. However, beating Reform UK to the Makerfield seat is very far from a given.

Despite Streeting’s resignation, everything remains in flux. Starmer has failed as a leader, but is not yet gone. The possible candidates now circling need to offer a better approach, one that can win over the public and, more immediately, Labour MPs. A general election must be held by August 15, 2029. It remains to be seen if the next Labour prime minister, if there is change at the top, can persuade more and disappoint less in the remaining time.

The new site in Selby will build on the existing Osborne House Care Home in Union Lane – creating 24 two-bedroom apartments.

It will complete a long, narrow plot that was once occupied by a disused factory and storage yard, which was cleared in 2008 to make way for the care home.

Recommended reading:

Now approved, the new apartments will be available to residents aged 55 and over, who are required to receive at least two hours of care per week.

Developers say the scheme is designed to complement Osborne House, creating a “continuing care retirement community” where residents can access varying levels of support as their needs change.

The site sits within a residential area, bordered by terraced housing and industrial units.

Supporters of the scheme say its location would allow older residents to remain close to family, friends and familiar surroundings, while benefiting from on-site care services.

It comes after the application initially received push back from 17 objectors, including Selby Town Council, who pointed to the site’s proximity to properties in Portholme Drive and Union Lane, “noisy” deliveries from Tesco in Portholme Road, and possible flood risks.

Others criticised the three-storey building’s design, saying it would impact on neighbouring homes’ privacy and view.

Speaking about this, the developer said: “The extremities of the building are primarily of two and three storeys with an eaves height of 5.1 metres and 7.8 meters above ground level respectively, to reflect the domestic nature of the adjacent buildings on Union Lane.

“We have reduced the scale of the development by the turning the footprint in a different direction, which means that only parts of the buildings are viewed on the approach.

“The scale also reflects the nature of the approved care home.”

Design plans highlighted accessibility and security as key features, with controlled entry points, 24-hour supervision and intercom systems for visitors.

Cardiff reached the United Rugby Championship play-offs for the first time ever after a sensational 22-16 bonus-point victory over the Stormers at the Arms Park.

Corniel van Zyl’s side will be Wales’ only representative in next season’s Investec Champions Cup after outplaying the in-form Stormers.

After a difficult start to the game Cardiff bounced back strongly with No 8 Taine Basham and outside-half Ioan Lloyd outstanding. Lloyd also contributed two further points from the kicking tee.

Andre Smith scored the Stormers’ only try with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu kicking five points.

Tries from Jacob Beetham (twice), Tom Bowen and Lloyd got the home side over the line.

Cardiff were superb throughout, with Lloyd putting Beetham over for the opening try via a lovely cross-kick.

Lloyd’s pass released Bowen down the wing a few minutes later with the Wales U20s wing showcasing his pace to score out wide.

With the first-half drawing to a close Lloyd finished tremendously well out wide to give the hosts a 17-10 lead at the interval.

Cardiff carried on where they left off after the break as Lloyd put Beetham over for his second try out wide.

The Stormers threw everything at Cardiff during the closing stages of the game but the Welsh club’s defence remained intact as they claimed a famous victory.

Cardiff: Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Ben Thomas, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen; Ioan Lloyd, Johan Mulder; Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher (capt), Javan Sebastian, George Nott, Rory Thornton, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Taine Basham.

Replacements: Dafydd Hughes, Rhys Barratt, Keiron Assiratti, Alun Lawrence, Evan Lloyd, Ellis Bevan, Steff Emanuel, Leigh Halfpenny.

Stormers: Damian Willemse; Sileiman Hartzenberg, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Imad Khan; Ntuthuko Mchunu, Andre-Hugo Venter, Neethling Fouche (capt), Adre Smith, Ruben van Heerden, Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Evan Roos.

Replacements: JJ Kotze, Oli Kebble, Zac Porthen, Salmaan Moerat, Marcel Theunissen, Keke Morabe, Stefan Ungerer, Jurie Matthee.

Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)

Live updates below:

Back in April, Wiswell was named one of the UK’s poshest villages by The Telegraph, which used exclusive research provided by Savills.

The newspaper shared the average house price in the village – £687,878 – and that it was included in the list thanks to its “award-winning gastropub” and location near the Forest of Bowland, among other factors.

How to spend a day in Wiswell

Pendle Hill

On a clear day, you might like to start by walking up nearby Pendle Hill to take in the stunning countryside views.

Visit the cafe at the bottom of the hill for your morning refreshments, whether that’s a hot drink or a full English breakfast.

The Freemasons

Need a pick-me-up or want to try some of the best food in Lancashire? Visit the Freemasons.

This award-winning gastropub has plenty on the menu and has been praised by visitors on Tripadvisor, where it has a 4.2-rating from 1,235 reviews.

One customer said: “Beautifully appointed, comfortable room, excellent food with duck liver parfait and sable dessert outstanding cooking, all the time we and our dog were well looked after by Andrew and the rest of the staff.”

This person shared: “This was our second visit for Sunday lunch but our first staying overnight and it didn’t disappoint.

“Sunday lunch was amazing – from the breads, amouse bouche, the most tender beef and best ever sticky toffee pudding!

“The room was immaculate, beautifully decorated and so quiet .

“Special mention to Andrew, Jackson and Joe – all so friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating – thank you all for making our trip so enjoyable!”

Spring Wood

If you’ve got some energy left, you could explore Spring Wood, “one of Lancashire’s best-loved bluebell spots”, according to The Telegraph’s prettiest villages list.

The Woodland Trust says: “There is an access for all route, one leading to the centre of the wood, suitable for buggies and trampers, and a steeper path, climbing to the summit via the arboretum.”

A guide to safe and responsible hiking

Holmes Mill

Alternatively, or maybe even in addition to The Freemasons, you can head to Holmes Mill in Clitheroe to celebrate Lancashire’s food and drink.

It’s around a 10-minute drive from Wiswell and has a beer and food hall, plus a hotel and other restaurants.

You might even catch some entertainment there.

Recommended reading:

Bowling in Clitheroe

If you’re looking for a fun and family-friendly activity while in the area, you could move over to Clitheroe’s Boiler House Bowling.

It’s even more challenging than your usual bowling night out as it’s duckpin bowling rather than ten-pin bowling.

This means smaller lanes and bowling balls, “making a strike even harder to achieve”, according to Visit Lancashire.

How would you spend a day in Lancashire’s poshest village? Tell us in the comments below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon is drawing down thousands of troops in Europe by canceling deployments to Poland and Germany as opposed to yanking forces already stationed there, U.S. officials say, as President Donald Trump has tussled with allies over the Iran war and called for changes.

Several U.S. officials confirmed that 4,000 troops from the Army’s 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division were no longer en route to Poland this week. The Trump administration had previously said it was cutting U.S. forces only in Germany, and the decision spurred questions and criticism in both Warsaw and Washington.

Two officials told The Associated Press the Poland deployment was canceled after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo directing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to move a brigade combat team out of Europe. One of them said the choice of which unit was left to military leaders.

Besides the Army combat team based in Fort Hood, Texas, the memo also led to the cancellation of an upcoming deployment to Germany of a battalion trained in firing long-range rockets and missiles, according to the two officials, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations.

Three U.S. officials said the canceled deployments were part of an effort to comply with a presidential order issued at the beginning of May to reduce the number of troops in Europe by about 5,000. The reasoning does not appear to have been well communicated because others based in Europe said they did not know if the halted deployment to Poland was part of the previously announced reduction in troops.

Trump and the Pentagon have said in recent weeks that they were drawing down at least 5,000 troops in Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by the Iranian leadership and criticized what he called a lack of strategy in the war.

The drawdown reflects a growing rift between the administration and traditional European allies, with the U.S. leader repeatedly criticizing fellow NATO members for a lack of support for the Iran conflict.

Polish officials on Friday insisted that the canceled U.S. deployment to Poland, which was reported earlier by The Military Times and other outlets, was not targeted directly at their country but was a consequence of Trump’s decision to reduce the number of troops in Germany.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he “received assurances” that the decision was of a logistical nature and said it does not directly impact deterrence capabilities and Poland’s security.

Military says the decision to cancel a unit heading to Poland was made recently

Joel Valdez, a Pentagon spokesman, said “the decision to withdraw troops follows a comprehensive, multilayered process” and he argued that it was “not an unexpected, last-minute decision.”

Speaking to Congress in a hearing Friday, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army’s chief of staff, said discussions around the halted deployment to Poland occurred over the past two weeks but that the decision itself was made in the past couple days.

Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said he spoke with Polish officials Thursday and they were “blindsided.”

The move also left some U.S. military personnel in Europe in the dark about how the Trump administration was reducing forces. A U.S. official based in Europe said a meeting was called with 20 minutes’ notice on Monday to discuss the cancellation of the deployment to Poland.

At that time, troops had already been sent to Poland and some still in the U.S. were told shortly before departure not to travel to the airport, that official said. Another official said most of the Army unit’s equipment had already made it to Europe and was sitting in ports.

The change to troop deployment to Poland draws bipartisan criticism

Democratic and Republican lawmakers criticized the reductions as sending the wrong signal both to allies and Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces this week have launched one of the deadliest attacks on the Ukrainian capital in the 4-year-old war.

At the House Armed Services Committee hearing Friday, LaNeve said he worked with U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander in Europe of both American and NATO forces, after Grynkewich received the instructions for the force reduction.

“I’ve worked with him in close consultation of what that force unit would be, and it made the most sense for that brigade to not do its deployment in theater,” LaNeve said.

Bacon called the decision “reprehensible” and said it was “an embarrassment to our country what we just did to Poland.”

Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, who chairs the committee, said the military is required to consult with lawmakers and that did not happen.

“So we don’t know what’s going on here,” Rogers said. “But I can just tell you we’re not happy with what’s being talked about.”

A State Department official said Friday at a security conference in Tallinn, Estonia, that the U.S. reductions in Europe were “right there in black and white” but also noted that “the U.S. isn’t going anywhere.”

“We’ll continue to work with the Pentagon and work with our partners to make sure we get the right fit and right mix of what’s happening here on the ground,” said Thomas G. DiNanno, U.S. undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

NATO says the change in Poland won’t affect defense

With the halted deployments, the U.S. military presence in Europe will now be at pre-2022 levels, before Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, one U.S. official said.

Europe has been bracing for a reduction since Trump returned to the White House, with the administration warning that Europe would have to look after its own security, including Ukraine’s, in the future.

A NATO official said the U.S. decision to cancel its rotational deployment to Poland would not impact NATO’s deterrence and defense plans. Canada and Germany have increased their presence on the alliance’s eastern flank, which contributes to NATO’s overall strength, the official said, insisting on anonymity in line with NATO regulations.

Ben Hodges, former commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, said the move “reinforces the perception that the United States just does things without consultation with allies,” which ultimately “damages cohesion inside the alliance.” The decision would in the long run harm the U.S. defense industry as it reduces the trust of partners, he said.

Around 10,000 U.S. troops are typically stationed in Poland, the majority of them present in the country on a rotational basis. Only about 300 troops are permanently stationed in the country, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

Polish officials had hoped they would be spared from any cuts as Poland spends the most in NATO on defense as a proportion of its economy — around 4.7% in 2025. Hegseth has called it a “model ally” in NATO for spending so much on defense.

When Poland’s conservative president, Karol Nawrocki, visited the White House in September, Trump said he didn’t intend to pull U.S. troops out of Poland. “We’ll put more there if they want,” Trump said at the time.

___

Burrows reported from Tallinn, Estonia, and Ciobanu from Warsaw, Poland.

After back-to-back-to-back promotions from the National League to the Championship, season five follows Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as their club looks to take on the Championship

Welcome to Wrexham has returned for a fifth season on Disney+, tracking the North Wales club as they take on the EFL Championship for the first time in more than 40 years. After becoming the first team in the top five tiers of English football to win three straight promotions, Wrexham faced their toughest test yet under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2025/26 – their first season at this level since 1982.

It has been a true Hollywood story since the A-lister and Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor got involved in the club as they continue their meteoric rise through the Football League pyramid. Season five opens at the start of that campaign, following everyone from the Hollywood co-chairs to the supporters as they prepare for life in the second tier which is available to watch exclusive on Disney+.

After achieving back-to-back-to-back promotions, the series kicks off with the fairytale story of Wrexham possibly having a fighting chance of securing promotion to the Premier League. The series, available on Disney+ from £5.99 a month, charts the highs and lows of the 2025/26 season – from relegation worries and cup runs to promotion pushes and painful setbacks – as Phil Parkinson’s side chase the dream of reaching the Premier League.

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham set for hostile reunion after Championship playoff blow

READ MORE: Ryan Reynolds statement after Wrexham heartbreak – ‘I’m completely gutted’

Spoilers for those who know what happens at the end of the season but it was so agonisingly close for the side as they finish two points behind Hull City in the play-off spots having picked up seven from a possible 15 points in their last five including two wins. Elsewhere, Sky is giving away free Disney+ subscriptions with its revamped Ultimate TV bundle.

This £24 per month package also includes Netflix, HBO Max and 135 regular channels. Subscribers can watch not only Welcome to Wrexham, but also a wide range of Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Hulu titles.

Stream Welcome to Wrexham on Disney+

£5.99

Disney+

Get Disney+ here

A Disney+ subscribtion now starts at £5.99 per month and provides access to hit series like Welcome to Wrexham

It comes as JD Sports cuts the price of this season’s Wrexham kits, with discounts across both the home and away editions. As for Disney+, many Trustpilot reviews point to the platform’s “very good selection” as a key strength.

One reviewer wrote: “Very good selection, friendly support and easy to cancel if you need to. Very easy to navigate their site and the openness and transparency they show should be a model for others.”

Not everyone is as positive, though. Another customer said: “The content library is extensive and impressive. However, the streaming quality is inconsistent.”

A separate five-star review added: “Disney+ has consistently delivered high-quality streaming content, from classic Disney movies to new releases, along with a wealth of popular TV shows and original content. The interface is user-friendly, making it easy to find and watch my favourite programs without any hassle.”

Residents have branded the situation a ‘dire mess’ and ‘ridiculous’

Closures on a busy motorway slip road have been in place for months as repair work complications prolong misery for drivers.

The M66 slip road at Bury is currently down one lane, with the restrictions causing regular queues of traffic up Rochdale Old Road and Rochdale Road. Residents have branded the situation a ‘dire mess’ and ‘ridiculous’.

MP James Frith said residents, commuters and businesses have contacted him with their frustrations over the situation. National Highways, which is responsible for motorways, has now said the closure is due to a damaged parapet, he said.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

The structure is understood to have been damaged in an accident. The parapet is a ‘key safety barrier’ according to National Highways.

Because of this, the lane cannot ‘safely reopen’ until permanent repairs have been completed. The situation is further complicated by the fact those repairs involve ‘major engineering work’ and ‘bespoke components which have to be specially manufactured’, Mr Frith explained in a Facebook post.

Mr Frith added: “I completely understand how frustrating this situation is, particularly for people trying to get to work every day and for local businesses dealing with the impact of the congestion. I’ve stressed concerns raised with me directly with the Highways Agency and will continue pushing them to prioritise the repairs and do everything possible to speed up the process with their contractors.”

This process can take up to three months, he said. However, people commenting on the situation were quick to point out that the restrictions have been in place for longer than three months.

One resident said: “What date did the damage take place? I think it’s more than 3 months ago. The lack of facts and dates sounds like an excuse.”

Another added: “Absolutely diabolical. It’s a metal barrier fence on the slip road with a slight bend.

“They need to get their finger out and get a move on. Traffic around the roundabout, Rochdale Road, Wash Lane, Bury Road, and Willow Street have been horrendous.”

Traffic jams in the area have also been exacerbated by roadworks further up Rochdale Road, at its junction with Bond Street, as part of an active travel scheme. Residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service these are causing ‘chaos’, as well as confusion over why they are happening in the first place.

Those responding to Mr Frith’s post also pointed to the Rochdale Road roadworks as part of the problem.

One said: “The council has caused utter chaos on our roads for months, nothing is co-ordinated and all the roads seem to be getting dug up all at the same time.”

A second added: “In fairness, it’s not just the works on the M66. There are numerous roads closed, dug up, temporary lights which all adds to the congestion caused. Rochdale Road works are ridiculous and causing mayhem.”

“Having recently been back on the roads for work I can honestly say it’s horrific trying to get in or out of Bury,” a third person agreed.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted National Highways to ask when the repairs are expected to be completed. We had not received a response at the time of publication.