Swinney – who was in charge of the party when Peter Murrell was first appointed chief executive of the SNP – said he was “gutted” by the chain of events which led to Operation Branchform.

John Swinney has said SNP members who donated to an independence fundraiser at the centre of a long-running police investigation into party finances which led to the jailing of Peter Murrell will not be offered refunds.

The First Minister faced the press at 1.30pm today after his former senior party colleague was earlier escorted from the dock at the High Court in Edinburgh after admitting to embezzling more than £400,000.

Murrell, 61, was remanded and will appear before the court again on June 23 for sentencing. He admitted using the party’s money to buy items including a motorhome and luxury goods, and towards the purchase of two cars.

Swinney, who was last week formally re-elected as Scotland’s First Minister, said the “level of personal horror” he felt over Murrell’s crimes was “difficult for me to properly convey”.

Describing it as being a “tough day” for the party, Swinney said bluntly: “I am gutted by this today.” He sorry to the people who are affected” by Murrell’s crimes, saying that the money had been “stolen” from the party.

“It is the conduct of Peter Murrell that has got us into that position,” the First Minister stressed.

Operation Branchform – the police investigation that ultimately led to Murrell’s conviction – was launched in July 2021 to investigate how the SNP spent more than £600,000 of donations intended for a second independence referendum campaign.

Nicola Sturgeon, Murrell’s estranged wife, had announced in 2017 the SNP would push for a second referendum on independence following the 2016 Brexit vote. The party launched a #ScotRef fundraising appeal that same day.

But the online crowdfunder was closed after the June 2017 general election – which saw the SNP’s vote share drop – having raised almost half of its £1m target.

Asked if he would apologise to those who donated, and whether they would get their money back, the First Minister said: “Party members have made those donations to the SNP. We don’t have that money, it’s been stolen from us.

“I can confidently say to members of the party that the money they donate to us is used to further the aims and objectives of the SNP, and it always will be.

“I feel the same way as party members. I’m one of those people who donates to the SNP as well. So I feel the hurt and the anger and the betrayal the party members feel. What I’ve done, is made sure the SNP has good governance and good financial management in place.”

Asked why he was so resistant to offering party members a refund, given Murrell stole from an organisation that failed to safeguard donations, Swinney said: “I come back to the point I made earlier – the actions of Peter Murrell, as described in the police’s statement, talk about carefully trying to hide his criminality, with false receipts and accounting.

“It’s wholescale deception. It’s deceiving the systems in place to exercising control, and deceiving the people who are the sources of donations to the party.

“The collective victim is the Scottish National Party, but there are multiple victims who have contributed the resource.

“Members of the party, in my view, given that money for its proper purpose, and they would want to us to continue to proceed to do all that we can to achieve the greatest that we can with the resources available to us.”

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, visited Barchester’s Thistle Hill Care Centre on Friday, May 15, where he met residents and staff and toured their new eight-bedroom extension.

Mr Gordon praised the centre’s facilities, especially the physio room and spa bath, while also joining in with the home’s weekly quiz.

Dannie Jean, general manager at the care centre, said: “It was lovely to have Tom Gordon here for the morning.

“The residents were delighted that he was able to visit us and join in the quiz.

“We all had a wonderful morning, and we hope that Tom will come to see us again soon.”

Thistle Hill Care Centre, part of Barchester Healthcare, provides residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care, as well as support for individuals with physical disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

Barchester Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest care providers, operating 269 care homes and hospitals and supporting more than 13,800 residents.

Its services range from short-term respite care to long-term stays, focusing on delivering personalised care that promotes dignity and independence for all residents.

The county’s police force said it happened yesterday (Sunday, May 24) at 8.15am in Mook Street, Westow, which runs close to the River Dewent between Buttercrambe and Malton.

The man was riding a Yamaha MT10 motorbike and the crash also involved an Isuzu Trooper 4×4.

Recommended reading:

North Yorkshire Police said it is believed the man was overtaking at the time of the crash.

A force spokesperson said: “As part of our investigation we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash or the moments leading up to it – or has dashcam or CCT footage – to it to speak to us if they haven’t already done so.

“Please email our serious collision investigation unit on sciu@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting incident number 12260094373.

“You can also share information by calling us on 101 and quoting the above number.”

The Met Office has said heatwave conditions were met in eight parts of England on Sunday – Heathrow in Greater London, Benson in Oxfordshire, Brooms Barn in Suffolk, High Beech in Essex, Kew Gardens in London, Northolt in London, Santon Downham in Suffolk and Writtle in Essex.

The hot weather in England never feels as nice as abroad – but a visit to this Lido made it feel like being on holiday

The hot weather in England never feels like the hot weather abroad. In England, a hot day feels sticky, whereas a hot day abroad is easier to deal with as you have the sea or a refreshing swimming pool to jump into and cool off.

On one of the hottest days of the year, alongside my boyfriend, I thought I’d see if going to my local Lido in Peterborough would feel like being on holiday. Also, despite living in Peterborough my whole life, it finally gave me the chance to go to the Lido as I’d never been before.

Another thing that encouraged me even more to finally visit the Lido was that this year it was celebrating 90 years of being open. Peterborough’s Lido is bang in the middle of the city centre and next to Peterborough Crown Court. From the outside, I wouldn’t have thought a big pool could be hidden behind it.

From the entrance, you only get a glimpse into the Lido, and I couldn’t believe how big the pool was before I even entered. I headed through, and all that was in front of me were families of all ages having fun in the pool or soaking up the sun to start off their summer tan.

I couldn’t believe how big the pool was, as I didn’t realise it was 50m long. I was very eager to get into the pool, so I headed to the lockers to drop off my stuff.

Before I went into the pool, I wandered around to see what else was on offer at the Lido. There was the café tucked away in the corner, offering very reasonably priced food and drink.

There’s a separate play park for children and a small pool for kids. There’s also an upstairs bit with some benches overlooking the pool and outside of the Lido.

I especially liked the upstairs bit, as it was quieter and gave you more time to chill in the sun. I went to the pool and swam in the lanes.

I normally swim a few lengths each week, but I’m used to a 25m pool. It was quite a shock swimming one length at 50m!

However, it was still good to try it out and really test my fitness. After our lengths, we headed to the main part of the pool, which was packed with kids and their parents.

We had a bit of a swim to cool down in the sizzling sun. Then, after a dip, we headed upstairs and sat down in the sun.

As we soaked up the sun and chatted away, it felt like being abroad. For once, the British weather felt like that of Spain or Greece.

What felt even more weird was the fact that this was in the city centre. At times, we forgot that we were still in our home city and not in another country.

It was the right temperature to sit there and sunbathe, but if we got too hot, we could just head down to the pool. And if we got peckish or thirsty, there was a cafe only one minute away to get something.

While my partner and I are going abroad in only a few weeks, it has got us excited for our holiday, with the Lido preparing us for the abroad atmosphere and weather. After such a joyous experience at the Lido, I couldn’t believe I had never been here before.

I will definitely be visiting the Lido many more times over the summer – weather permitting, of course. After all, you can’t trust British weather!

Shawn Keeley became an instant millionaire when he scooped more than £1m in 2020

Tears and tributes are flowing for Irish Lotto winner, Shawn Keeley, who passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday in the Phillipines.

Shawn, aged in his 30s, became an instant millionaire when he scooped £1m (€1.1m) when he purchased a scratch card back in 2020.

The then manager of Eurospar in Dungiven, Co Derry bought the winning ‘£50M Mega Cash Showdown’ Scratchcard from McNicholl’s Eurospar in Dungiven.

READ MORE: ‘Hospice has a special place in our hearts, we would be lost without it’READ MORE: ‘Enjoy your life, but pick your friends wisely’, says D-Day veteran on 100th birthday

It is believed Shawn had been residing in the Philippines recently and since news of his sudden passing spread, friends and family have been busy posting tributes online.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” declared one devastated friend. “Shawn was a man who could light up any room as soon as he walked into it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” the friend added.

A former work colleague said: “Was heart broken to hear this sad news about Shawn. I had the pleasure of working with you in eurospar and many a laugh we had. Rest in peace and condolences to all the family.”

A third person said: “Heartbreaking news to hear about Shaun, he was the life and soul of many a night out and had a heart of gold too. RIP Shaun. Thoughts and prayers with all your family at this sad time.”

Shawn’s death notice was posted on social media by McLaughlin Funeral Directors, Dungiven, Co. Derry.

“We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of Shawn Keeley, suddenly but peacefully, on the 23rd of May 2026. May he rest in peace. Late of the Philippines and formerly of 38 Lackagh Park, Dungiven, Co Derry.

“Beloved son of Tiney and Noel and loving brother of Christopher, Paul and Gauvin. Will be very sadly missed by his partner E.J. Very deeply regretted by all his aunts, uncles, cousins and the entire family circle. Wake and funeral arrangements later.

“Family flowers only, donations if wished in memory of Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) c/o McLaughlin Funeral Directors or you can donate online using the following link – https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ2bVKamq0dIdDc04811

“Saint Joseph patron of the departed souls intercede for him.”

Advertisement

Speaking at the time of his big win in 2020, Shawn said: “It all started when I bought a couple of £3 scratchcards on the Friday night. I won £30 on those so, as I was leaving work around 5.30pm on Saturday evening, I bought a couple of £5 scratch cards with my winnings.

“Normally, I’d scratch them in the car, but on this occasion, I took them home with me as I had to get ready to go to a socially distanced garden party with a few friends that night. I actually forgot about the scratch cards in my jacket pocket so when I got home, I had a shower and got ready to go out.

“Then I remembered the cards, took them out of my jacket and started scratching around 7pm. All of a sudden, I could see that my numbers matched and the card was telling me that I had won the top prize of one million pounds!”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

JLS star Aston Merrygold, who was born in Cambridgeshire, has spoken out about the ‘dangerous’ pressures of early fame following the tragic death of One Direction’s Liam Payne, saying he and his fellow X Factor alumni were once in the ‘exact same space’

Having rocketed to stardom with JLS on The X Factor, former boyband member Aston Merrygold, who was born in Peterborough, has revealed he was once in the “exact same space” as One Direction’s Liam Payne.

Finishing as runners-up to Alexander Burke on the 2008 series, JLS originally formed the year before in London, but it was the television programme that catapulted them to fame.

Aston, 38, said: “I was 20 when I appeared on X Factor. It would have been very easy to go off the rails. The things that are thrown at you, given to you, the doors that are open. Your best interests aren’t always going to be at the forefront of things.

“When you look at someone like Liam and the rest of the One Direction boys, we were in the exact same space at one point. And our paths crossed, of course they did. From the outside it’s all very shiny, life looks incredible but it’s scary. It’s scary to think of how Liam was feeling.

“As a kid, you’re given the opportunities to be standing center stage in front of thousands of people. They’ve bought a ticket. There’s money that goes into that ticket that goes into several people’s pockets including yours. That can turn into a lot of money, and a lot of success at a young age. That’s very dangerous.”

Aston was deeply shaken by the news of Liam’s death in October 2024, after the 31-year-old singer fell from a third-floor balcony in Argentina, while high on drugs. The tragedy came 9 years after 1D – which also featured Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik – went their separate ways, having sold more than 70 million records worldwide since being formed on the 2010 X Factor.

JLS – which also includes Marvin Humes, 41, JB Gill 39, and Oritsé Williams, 39 – have sold more than 10 million records worldwide and achieved 5 UK number ones. The band is currently enjoying a remarkable resurgence, with a series of sold-out shows lined up for this summer, reports the Mirror.

Aston, who now lives in Hertfordshire with his wife Sarah, 42, a dancer and choreographer, and their three children, Grayson, eight, Macaulay, five, and Riley, two, says life in the public eye is vastly different these days.

The star – who has just voiced an audiobook for Bupa Dental Care, The Dentist’s Apprentice, by Jennifer Gray, which is designed to help kids understand the dentist – said: “When I appeared on X Factor I was 20 – four years older than Liam.

“It’s early adulthood, you don’t really know what’s happening in life. My best friends in the world were still in uni, getting battered every weekend, while I was flying across the world. You’re not guided in any way, you’re just kind of thrown out there. It’s, ‘you want to be an entertainer – go do it’. As a child you’re always going to be attracted to the sparkly shiny stuff.

“It’s a very tempting but a dangerous industry in that sense. And for life to just be kind of taken away like that [of Liam] is just heart breaking for his friends, family, son. As a dad now, you go, ‘Oh my god’. It gives you shivers. The life we embarked on is such a whirlwind.”

Following their split in 2013 and a farewell performance at London’s O2 Arena that December, the JLS members released a greatest hits collection before pursuing individual careers. However, they reformed in 2020, with Aston reflecting: “I’m so grateful to be able to come back and do it as an adult and get a second chance.

“In our industry, you grow up fast and you have to have thick skin. Everything is being watched on a massive microscope. It’s daunting. But I’ve learned over the years that it’s the entertainment industry, it’s really not that serious. I’m not doing heart transplants or brain surgery.

“Fame’s cool and money’s great, but there are a lot more valuable things in life. And these days, my rider is mainly full of snacks for my kids!”

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of City’s parade.

It’s set to be a day full of emotion as fans celebrate the achievements of the men’s, women’s and academy teams, while also saying goodbye to some club legends.

It’s easy to forget City lost to Aston Villa yesterday, as the day was more about celebrating some departing greats. Bernardo Silva and John Stones both played their final game in City colours, and Pep Guardiola took control of the Blues one final time after a trophy-laden decade in charge.

It’s set to be a day to remember for City fans. Stick with us as we bring you live updates from the parade and after party.

Tom Kopke, 24, pipped Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson, 38, who came out of retirement, to claim his third consecutive Cooper’s Hill cheese-rolling title in Gloucestershire

Advertisement

A German YouTuber has triumphed at a renowned Gloucestershire cheese-rolling competition after narrowly beating a local competitor who emerged from retirement to defend his title.

Recent two-time winner Tom Kopke, 24, overtook Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson near the finishing line, having pursued an 8lb double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, before announcing: “This year’s cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won.”

Both competitors risked fractured bones and severe injuries, joining approximately two dozen thrill-seekers who hurled themselves down a precipitous hillside in the annual death-defying cheese-rolling race in Gloucestershire.

Fearless participants sprinted, stumbled and rolled down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth attempting to claim the double Gloucester prize.

Heavy spring downpours had loosened the course, though recent warm weather had made it harder and more treacherous for the racers who were encouraged by thousands of onlookers.

Advertisement

With temperatures soaring during what meteorologists predicted could become the warmest spring bank holiday on record, both participants and spectators had to battle scorching conditions with the thermometer reaching nearly 30C in Gloucestershire.

This year’s races carried additional competitive tension as Guinness World Record holder Chris Anderson, 38, returned from retirement following a challenge from YouTuber and recent two-time champion Tom Kopke, 24. Mr Kopke, from Munich, emerged victorious after edging out Mr Anderson near the finish line in the first men’s downhill race.

The German, who held onto the crown he’s claimed for the past two years, was hugged by his competitor at the bottom after being announced the winner.

Advertisement

“This was I think my best year ever and I tried to stay on my feet for as long as possible,” Mr Kopke said.

“I don’t know how it went but I gave everything. It’s everyone’s race and you have just got to give your best and the best man wins.

“The hill was better than last year as the hill was really dry, but this year it was the optimal conditions – not too dry and a bit soft so the falls got cushioned.

“I think I got a good recovery on the middle of the hill and then sprinted the rest.

“This year’s cheese will taste the sweetest of all the cheeses I have won.”

When questioned about his preparation, he responded: “Shut off your brain and go for it. The entire race I saw Chris in front of me and I had to get him.”

Mr Anderson, from Brockworth, has triumphed 23 times between 2005 and 2022.

Renegade cheese rollers have been organising their own unofficial event following health and safety concerns that led to the official competition being scrapped in 2010.

The cheese is pursued 200 yards down the 1:2 gradient Cooper’s Hill at Brockworth.

Following a year’s break, when police cautioned against using a real cheese, the substitute lightweight foam cheese was swapped back for the authentic version. Veteran cheesemaker Rod Smart, who has been crafting the cheeses used in the chase for over 25 years, once again supplied the wheels for this year’s occasion.

Four cheeses weighing approximately 3kg each, along with three smaller ones weighing around 1.5kg, are used throughout the event.

The quirky tradition has been celebrated for centuries and is believed to have its origins in a heathen festival marking the arrival of spring.

The official event was called off after more than 15,000 spectators descended to watch the 2009 competition.

Since then, it has taken place unofficially, with police keeping a close eye on proceedings. Roads have been closed for up to two and a half miles around the slope.

Some competitors made the journey from across the globe to take part in the series of madcap races, which drew international television crews.

Britain has experienced its hottest May day on record on Monday, as temperatures reached 33.5C.

The spring bank holiday’s unseasonable weather beats the record for the hottest May day ever, as well as the hottest day of the year, and could reach as high as 35C by the afternoon, forecasters say.

Monday’s scorching weather also smashes the record for the hottest bank holiday ever recorded after temperatures exceeded the 33.3C recorded in August 2019.

The highest temperature is expected in an area covering Lincolnshire, the Midlands, western parts of East Anglia and southwards into the London area, where 35C is forecast.

“Today will be the hottest day in May in the UK in our temperature records, with highs of 35C expected,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

“Records are usually only broken by tenths of a degree, making this heatwave unprecedented for the time of year.”

Today’s record-breaking heat exceeded the previous May temperature record of 32.8C, which was recorded in 1944.

Parts of northern England, Wales, the Midlands, east England, and south east England have all been experiencing weather around 30C on Monday.

Britons have flocked to beaches across the country to soak up the sun over the long weekend.

A heatwave was officially declared in eight locations in southeast England, which met the threshold of 27C for three consecutive days of hot weather.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “We rarely see temperatures above 35C, even in the summer months, so to see temperatures getting close to 35 in May is, as I say, pretty historic.”

On Sunday, temperatures reached 32.3C at Kew Gardens, in southwest London, while parts of southeast England exceeded 30C.

Tuesday is set to be another scorching day for the country, with a peak of 35C again expected in London and the surrounding counties.

Swathes of England and eastern Wales will see temperatures exceed 30C on Tuesday.

A series of amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England,London, and the South East.

Officials warned that the hot weather could cause significant impacts across health and social care services, as well as a rise in deaths, with alerts in place until 5pm on 27 May.

More follows on this breaking story….