The Greater Manchester Mayor has been allowed this week, by Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC), to contest the by-election after the current MP, Josh Simons, announced on Thursday he would quit Parliament to make way for Burnham.

If successful, Burnham is widely expected to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

Channel 4 News spoke with Burnham in the Makerfield constituency.

He said: “I wouldn’t have just gone anywhere like a carpet bagger, any old constituency.

“It matters to me that I have a connection. I live literally on the edge of this constituency.

“My kids went to school a few hundred yards down the road. I know people here, I know how they think, how they feel”

Burnham addressed the background to Josh Simons’ decision to step down and clear a path for his candidacy, he said: “I was very deliberate in speaking to Josh and both of us have got the same diagnosis.”

Pushed for his views on the path forward for his party and the policy challenges facing the country, Burnham said he wanted Labour to become “a party that they can believe in again, a party solidly on the side of working class people.”

He called the events of the week “an important, big moment in British politics,” arguing that communities like Makerfield have been failed by decades of deindustrialisation, deregulation and privatisation post “Margaret Thatcher”.

“Life here has become unaffordable for people in places like this,” he said, calling for “a different path completely” and “re-industrialisation”, including stronger public control of energy, housing, water and transport.

He pointed to Greater Manchester’s bus franchising model and £2 fares as proof public control can work for ordinary people rather than “private shareholders.”

He said his campaign would focus on listening: “On doorsteps, I’m not going to spend my time point scoring”, adding: “I don’t blame anyone who’s left our party and voted for other parties. Our party needs to do better and it’s kind of where I’m coming from in this campaign.”

Asked about leadership ambitions, Burnham said the immediate priority was “winning a by-election with what I’m saying” and delivering real change for communities like Makerfield.

People tuning into the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest thought their televisions had broken during Czechia’s performance

Eurovision viewers were left demanding that an act be allowed to perform again after thinking their televisions had broken during their performance.

The grand final of the world’s biggest music competition was taking place at the Wien Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday (May 16) night, following JJ’s victory in the 2025 edition of the song contest.

As the evening got underway, Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, was seen attempting to land the UK their first Eurovision win since 1997 with his song, Eins, Zwei, Drei. The YouTube star wore a pink boiler suit as performers in fluffy headwear danced in a mock workshop, while he played a synthesizer, and ended up in a cardboard box.

Elsewhere, all eyes were on Australian pop star Delta Goodrem also performed her song Eclipse, with which she is representing her home country, at the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 41-year-old was accompanied by a harpist, before eventually miming playing a gold sparkly piano herself. As the former Neighbours star’s performance climaxed she was elevated into the air from the top of the piano, as fireworks went off around her.

But it was Czechia who sparked calls for a re-do after Daniel Žižka, a 23-year-old singer and songwriter from Prague, faced some technical difficulties during his performance, with viewers watching at home seeing lines running across the screen. A cameraman could then be seen in vision, even taking a slight stumble while filming the performance.

Following the performance, BBC commentator Graham Norton said: “A great performance vocally but quite a few technical problems there that did not happen in any of the rehearsals. The distorted picture and I think the cameraman inside the mirrors fell. I’m not quite sure. But Czechia won’t be happy about that.”

It led to calls for Daniel to be able to perform again, which wasn’t granted by the EBU. @vodimtenigranku said: “The way I thought my TV was broke #Eurovision.” @HaterOfAll5 demanded: “LET CZECHIA REPERFORM ITS A CRIME #Eurovision.” @cameronclark_98 cried: “‘Here is your final song’ so czechia aren’t performing again? #eurovision.”

@eurovibez asked: “It’s only me or something wrong with the camera during Czechia performance? #Eurovision.” @pukyymax posted: “JUSTICE FOR CZECHIA WTF WAS THATTTT????? #Eurovision.” @Wesz___ shared: “NOOO WHY DID THE CAMERA BROKE IN CZECHIA #EUROVISION.” @GAGAXBTS added: “I feel so bad for Czechia. The cameras failed during the performance. #Eurovision.”

According to staycation odds published by OLBG, York has a 33.3 per cent chance of being the most popular UK holiday spot in 2026, putting it level with Bath and just behind the Isle of Wight, which leads with a 40 per cent chance.

Jake Ashton, a current affairs expert at OLBG, said: “The Isle of Wight at 6/4 is a strong favourite and a fair price as it has everything the 2026 staycationer is looking for: accessible, beautiful, characterful and completely insulated from the chaos engulfing European aviation.”

York’s medieval architecture, historic streets and iconic attractions have helped it remain a favourite city-break destination.

It also boasts other visitor hotspots such as the Shambles, York Minster and its well-known chocolate heritage.

Other contenders include the Peak District, Lake District, Norfolk and Anglesey.

York is praised not only for its culture and history but also for its connectivity and hospitality.

York is said to be perfectly positioned for the 2026 staycationer as it is “accessible by train, rich in culture and offers the kind of high-quality independent hospitality that makes domestic travel feel genuinely special rather than merely convenient”.

Pop star and Neighbours actress Delta Goodrem is representing the country in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest

The Eurovision Song Contest grand final will feature 25 acts competing for this year’s title, with the competition returning to Austria for the first time since 2015. The 2026 edition of the European singing competition is taking place at the Wiener Stadthalle and has been transmitted live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm in the UK.

Just 25 countries qualified for the Grand Final, this includes 20 which progressed from semi-finals and the ‘Big Four’ countries – the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy – which would typically be the ‘Big Five’ but Spain is boycotting this year’s contest.

Australia was one of the countries which qualified in the semi-finals, but why are they competing when it’s not part of Europe? For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service, widely referred to as SBS, holds associate membership of the European Broadcasting Union. The broadcaster started showing the Eurovision Song Contest in 1983 and has televised it every year since.

From 2010 to 2014, the Special Broadcasting Service allowed Australian viewers to participate in televoting during the Eurovision Song Contest final.

Nevertheless, these votes were non-binding and consequently had no bearing on the contest’s ultimate results.

However, Australia was invited to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, initially as a one-off appearance to mark the competition’s 60th anniversary.

Following a seemingly successful debut, SVT (Sveriges Television) announced in November 2015 that Australia would return in 2016. They have continued competing annually since, though they must now earn their place by taking part in the semi-finals.

During Thursday’s (May 14) second semi-final of Eurovision 2026, attention turned to Australian pop star Delta Goodrem as she represented her nation. The singer and actress performed her song Eclipse alongside a harpist, before taking her place at a gold sparkly piano.

The former Neighbours star’s performance reached its peak as she was lifted into the air while atop the piano.

Following her qualification for the final, Delta has propelled Australia to second favourite status in the competition, rapidly gaining ground on Finland, who remain the long-standing favourites to claim the prestigious trophy.

Should Australia triumph at the Eurovision Song Contest, the event wouldn’t relocate to the southern hemisphere the following year.

Instead, they would be required to select a European co-host nation to stage the competition on their behalf.

In fact, whilst speaking on the Wanging On podcast with Maria McErlane, Graham Norton explained what happens.

He said in the video posted on Instagram on :”This is so interesting, because last night I was doing an interview on Australian Radio with Joel Creasey, and he used to be the Australian commentator, but he doesn’t do it anymore. But he was saying apparently every year Australia make a deal with someone.

“So in case they win, what country will host for them? They make a deal.”

His co-host asked: “Well, who will it be? Do they know?”

Graham replied: “He didn’t know. He feels maybe they do deals with multiple countries. But don’t tell anyone”

Maria added: “I feel we should be told all of this.”

The Irish presenter continued: “Well, I’ll be investigating this the minute I get to Vienna. I’ll have a magnifying glass out, and a deerstalker.”

Australia came close to Eurovision victory in 2016 in Stockholm, Sweden, with Dami Im’s Sound of Silence securing second place. The performance accumulated 511 points, finishing just 23 points behind winners Ukraine.

The country received 15 maximum scores of 12 points combined from both jury panels and public voting.

Michael Carrick wants to harness the power of player ego rather than remove it as Manchester United look to return to the top.

The 44-year-old made 464 appearances during his medal-laden time playing for the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown among other silverware.

Carrick’s experience with United as player and then coach was key to the club turning to him midway through a topsy-turvy 2025-26 season, which will end with Champions League qualification and seemingly third spot.

The former midfielder has overseen an impressive turnaround since being brought in for the remainder of the campaign, with confirmation that he is staying on as Ruben Amorim’s successor a matter of when, rather than if.

Similarly sized Real Madrid made a comparable move by turning to Alvaro Arbeloa the day before Carrick’s appointment, but while United have thrived the Spanish giants’ season has unravelled amid fighting and mudslinging.

Asked if United’s settled dressing room is due to removing ego from it, the head coach said: “The ego is a funny one, actually, because I think to perform at the top, top level, you’ve got to have some sort of ego.

“You need and that could be used in all sorts of different ways, so I think how you use it, really, is the key thing.

“And I think the part of me, of learning and being here and seeing others, better players than me, dealing with that and sacrificing themselves for the team.

“I think putting the ego from yourself into the team is important and you’ve got to have something to fight for and be attached to, really.

“I hope I’m making sense when I say that. It doesn’t have to be an ego where it’s an individual thing or it’s a negative in any way.

“I think it’s essentially a pride in yourself and what you’re kind of working towards. I think all our egos, which we’ve got in different ways.

“I think it’s clear to see the spirit, connection and camaraderie that everyone’s pulling in one direction, to put their ego into the football club can be quite powerful and we’ve got to use that.”

United will look to put such traits to good use on Sunday, when they host Nottingham Forest in the final home game of what has been their shortest season in 111 years.

Casemiro will get the chance to bid an emotional farewell to the Old Trafford faithful before this summer’s departure as one of the men eyed as replacement starts for the opposition.

Elliot Anderson is among the most sought-after midfielders in world football and United have a longstanding interest in the England international, even if Manchester City’s interest and Forest’s price tag may rule out a move.

“He’s done well,” former midfielder Carrick said of his fellow Wallsend Boys Club graduate. “I think he’s a big part of their team.

“I think he offers so much and they’ve got a really talented and dangerous team, so they’ve had a good season to get to the (Europa League) semi-finals and just fall short.

“But, yeah, you can see obviously he’s an important part of their team.”

Alonso, a World Cup winner in 2010, took up his first coaching role with Real Madrid’s under-14s side in 2018.

After impressing in three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, his first managerial role in first-team football came when he took over at Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.

He lifted the club from second from bottom to a sixth-place finish in the 2022-23 Bundesliga, before securing the club’s first German title the following season and becoming the first side to win the competition with an unbeaten record.

A Europa League final defeat by Atalanta represented their only loss in 53 games in all competitions, before they completed a domestic double in the German Cup.

Alonso, a double European Championship winner with Spain, was linked with Real, Liverpool, where he won the Champions League in 2005, and Bayern last year, but said in March 2024 that he wanted to stay at Leverkusen following talks with the club’s hierarchy.

Despite losing just three times in the Bundesliga in the 2024-25 season, Leverkusen were unable to defend their title.

Alonso’s side were knocked out of this season’s Champions league in the last 16 by Bayern Munich, while they suffered a shock loss to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-finals.

Having joined Real initially on a three-year deal, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, he won 24 of his 34 games in charge.

He departed after a loss to rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup and also suffered a heavy defeat by city rivals Atletico in September as well as losses to both Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League.

BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague said that there was “a clash between a coach with a clear methodology and players who want to rely on instinct”.

Chaotic end to Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Hearts saw pitch invasion before final whistle – while Jambos were left devastated after missing out on title.

Celtic fans clashed with riot police last night following their side’s victory over Hearts in one of the most dramatic title deciders in living memory.

The season finale showdown saw the Hoops beat the Jambos 3-1 in the dying minutes of the match, ending the Edinburgh side’s dream of a first league win in 66 years. The game ended in chaos after Celtic fans invaded the Parkhead pitch before the final whistle and confronted players from both teams.

It came after Callum Osmand’s injury-time goal sealed the title. Jambos captain Lawrence Shankland appeared to be targeted aggressively by rival fans, with other Hearts players and manager Derek McInnes escorted down the tunnel by police and security, in scenes likely to be probed by cops.

Police later said they were taking “decisive action” to disperse crowds in Glasgow city centre after being pelted with bottles and other missiles while assisting a medical emergency. A spokesman said officers faced “significant levels of hostility” in the Trongate area and advised people to leave the area.

After the match the Hearts team, many in tears and still wearing their matchday kits, arrived back at Tynecastle to greet fans following a heroic campaign that had seen them lead the league since September.

Meanwhile, Hoops fans celebrated as Celtic secured their fifth consecutive league crown – and 14th title in 15 years – defying pleas from the club and council not to gather in the city centre.

After the final whistle, thousands poured on to the streets of Glasgow, amassing in the Merchant City and Trongate to party. Out in celebration were mother and daughter Angie and Debbie-Jo Mullen, from the Gorbals, who had been at odds during the nail-biting match.

Angie said: “I was saying to her all day, ‘We’re gonnae win, we’re gonnae win.’ She didn’t believe me.”

Debbie-Jo said: “I didn’t think we were going to do it. Nothing compares to this win, it’s the best. Better than the treble treble, the quadruple treble.”

Jason Kearney, also from Glasgow, said: “This is the sweetest win. We’ve had a terrible season so to go down to the wire, and to see it delivered on the last day against a team that’s been top since Sep-tember, we’re on cloud nine.”

Chanting crowds kept gathering into the evening at Trongate amid a boozy party atmosphere, with pyrotechnics set off, fans ­clamb- ering up lampposts and traffic lights and police keeping a watchful eye. PJ Brown, from Uddingston, Lanarkshire, said: “I’m feeling fantastic. Two months ago, I did not see this coming.”

Hoops diehard Stan Frontczak told how he’d travelled up from Huddersfield, Yorkshire, to be in Glasgow for the match. He said: “I swear one day they’re going to give me a heart attack. You’ve just got to hang in there. Anything’s possible.” Families with young kids could also be found soaking up the atmosphere.

Mum Megan, who was there with young son Jack and his dad Gerry, said: “We’re ecstatic, buzzing. It’s amazing to make memories like this. We’ll never forget it.”

There was a heavy police presence in Glasgow for the match and ahead of kick-off as officers erected a cordon in the Gallowgate to protect the Mercat building.

As a precaution, glass was removed from bus stop shelters, while the club urged supporters to avoid mass ­gatherings that could have a “high impact” on the city.

Celtic had faced criticism from Police Scotland over the lack of an organised event and concerns about possible disorder.

For Hearts, either a draw or a win would have delivered the Jambos their first league title since 1960 and brought it back to Edinburgh. No team from outside Glasgow has lifted the trophy since Aberdeen 41 years ago.

The final-day showdown was confirmed last Wednesday after Celtic defeated Motherwell in a match that included a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 99th minute. Yesterday afternoon, Hearts fans headed home to Edinburgh devastated despite their exceptional season.

Pubs near Hearts’ Tynecastle stadium were also full long before kick-off as fans poured in filled with hope, with queues out the doors. The Haymarket Bar was filled to capacity with maroon shirts, with some fans watching through the windows.

Removal men Connor Orphant and Ciaran Foulsner watched nervously only to be left gutted – but still proud – at the final whistle. Connor, from Prestonpans, East Lothian, said: “Hearts made us believe. It wasn’t to be but I’m convinced this is only the start for this team. I’m actually the proudest I’ve ever been. It’s onwards and upwards for Hearts.”

Fellow Jambo Chris Thomson, from Kinross, said: “I’m speechless after watching that. We deserved a lot more after the season we’ve had.”

Fraser Donaldson, who lives in Glasgow, travelled to Edinburgh and brought his Rangers-supporting son to the pub in the hope of converting him. Fraser said: “Before this season, I never thought I’d see Hearts win the league. We got so close. It was VAR again. C’est la vie.”

Plant machinery dealer Richard Rose said: “We’ll drown our sorrows today then come back stronger next year. We’ve been phenomenal.”

Twins Alan and Iain Gray, both ­lifelong Hearts fans and season ticket holders, celebrated their 77th birthday together watching the match in Iain’s home in Edinburgh.

Hearts later branded scenes at Parkhead “shameful, menacing and threatening”. A statement added: “Reports of serious physical and verbal abuse towards our players and staff, both on the pitch and elsewhere, are deeply disturbing.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Today, Saturday, May 16, four vehicles were involved in a collision along the M60 between junction 12 and Junction 13 (Swinton).

According to National Highways, earlier in the day one of the four lanes were closed along the stretch of motorway while recovery took place.

Motorists faced delays of up to 45 minutes and at around 5:30pm the congestion began to clear.

Four fire engines attended the scene at around 3:25pm, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue (GMFRS) said.

One male casualty was assessed at the scene and firefighters left after around 45 minutes.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 3.25pm on Saturday 16 May, four fire appliances from across Greater Manchester were called to attend a road traffic collision involving four vehicles on the M60 between junctions 12 and 13.

“Crews arrived quickly and made the area safe. One male casualty was assessed by North West Ambulance Service at the scene.

“Firefighters departed after approximately 45 minutes at the scene.”

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) have been contacted for comment.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said injuries appeared to be ‘walking wounded’ aside from ‘a suspected fractured ankle’.

Fans of cosy crime are in for a treat when Midsomer Murders – The Killings at Badger’s Drift makes its theatrical world premiere at Darlington Hippodrome.

The stage adaptation of the much-loved TV drama runs from Tuesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 23, with evening performances from 7.30pm.

The production brings the very first Midsomer mystery to the stage, revisiting the seemingly tranquil village of Badger’s Drift where the death of well-loved spinster Emily Simpson shocks the community.

Her friend Lucy Bellringer refuses to believe it was an accident, prompting DCI Tom Barnaby and Sergeant Gavin Troy to dig beneath the village’s picture-postcard surface.

As their investigation unfolds, they uncover hidden passions, long-buried secrets, and simmering rivalries that turn this corner of rural England into the deadliest county in the country.

Audiences can expect eccentric villagers, red herrings, and a string of twists leading to an unforgettable reveal in a classic whodunnit that promises to keep them on the edge of their seats.

The show aims to capture the wit, charm, and slow-burn suspense that have made Midsomer Murders a staple of Sunday-night television while staying true to Caroline Graham’s original novel The Killings at Badger’s Drift and the long-running ITV series.

In a particular coup for fans, the cast is led by Daniel Casey as Inspector Barnaby, returning to the world of Midsomer after originally starring as DS Gavin Troy on television.

For tickets visit the Darlington Hippodrome website or contact the box office on 01324 405405.