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Today, Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election – so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader?

Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said “Everyone knows that politics isn’t working, and has previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest.

So what happens now?

Adam and Chris are joined by Kevin Fitzpatrick political reporter for Radio Manchester and Luke Tryl Director of More in Common.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The social producer was Jem Westgate and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police charged a third suspect on Friday with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran.

The 20-year-old man was one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in the early hours of Dec. 6, 2024, a police statement alleged.

The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and a worshipper sustained minor injuries.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together federal and state police with a spy agency, charged the man, who has not been named, with offenses including arson.

He was charged in a Melbourne jail where he was already being held in custody on unrelated offenses. Police declined to elaborate on those offenses.

His co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, was arrested in July last year and another suspect, Younes Ali Younes, 20, was arrested a month later.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing the synagogue fire and an arson attack two months earlier at a Sydney kosher eatery, Lewis’ Continental Kitchen.

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, said the Revolutionary Guard used a “complex web of proxies to hide its involvement” in both antisemitic attacks.

Iran’s ambassador to Australia and another three Iranian diplomats were expelled. Tehran has denied Australia’s allegations.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier told reporters on Friday that investigators were working with international partners in the continuing investigation.

Police were also investigating whether the three alleged arsonists knew who ordered the attack.

“They may not actually be aware of the people who are directing or the principals of these investigations. That remains a key line of inquiry for us,” Crozier said.

Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said police had informed the local Jewish community of the third arrest before the news was made public.

The Australian government has established a public inquiry to investigate a rise in antisemitism across the country, including the killing of 15 people when two gunmen opened fire on a Sydney Hanukkah celebration in December.

Andy Burnham (Labour): 24,927 (54.81%)

Rob Kenyon (Reform) 15,696 (34.51%)

Rebecca Shepherd (Restore) 3,111 (6.84%)

Michael Winstanley (Conservative) 997 (2.19%)

Sarah Wakefield (Green) 308 (0.68%)

Jake Austin (Liberal Democrat) 163 (0.36%)

Count Binface (Binface) 95 (0.21%)

Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 45 (0.10%)

John Dyer (Independent) 37 (0.08%)

Peter Ward (Rejoin) 35 (0.08%)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian) 18 (0.04%)

Ed Gemmell (Climate) 18 (0.04%)

Robert Pownall (Independent) 18 (0.04%)

Paul Gould (Independent) 8 (0.02%)

Fire crews attended the Farnworth-based hospital just after 11am on Thursday, but fortunately there was no incident, with a fire spokesman saying it was a “routine call-out for a fire alarm”.

Firefighters were only on the scene for 15 minutes.

The hospital confirmed the attendance of the firefighters was routine and there was no incident or issues.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service say that all homes should have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and a heat alarm in the kitchen area.

Smoke alarms should be tested every month.

Those eligible for a Home Fire Safety Assessment visit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service may have a free smoke alarm fitted depending on the fire risk.

More information on the fire services can be found on the GMFRS website

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who are marking their 27th wedding anniversary today, had a unique dress code rule for their royal wedding, but not everyone followed their request

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are marking a landmark occasion today — their 27th wedding anniversary. Prince Edward and Sophie exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on June 19 1999, in what was widely regarded as an “informal” royal wedding. Guests turned out in their droves, among them the late Queen and Prince Philip, King Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.

Sophie looked breathtaking in a wedding gown by Samantha Shaw and was granted permission to wear a tiara from the late Queen’s private collection. The relaxed atmosphere of the occasion saw the couple opt for a less rigid dress code — requesting that guests arrive in evening wear and leave their hats at home.

Yet it appears some royals chose to bend these rules — with one family member seemingly disregarding them altogether. Photos from the occasion show the groom’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth, sporting a delicate lilac fascinator, while the groom’s sister Princess Anne chose a small green hair accessory.

When it came to Edward’s grandmother, the late Queen Mother, she still arrived wearing a hat — though the couple may well have been perfectly content with this, given she was rarely spotted in public without one. Following their ceremony at St George’s Chapel, the newlyweds enjoyed a carriage ride through Windsor before heading to their reception in St George’s Hall.

When Sophie joined the Royal Family over two decades ago, a few eyebrows were raised at the news that she would not receive a duchess title. Unlike her sister-in-law Camilla and her nephew’s wife Kate, Sophie was bestowed the title of Countess of Wessex upon her marriage to Edward in 1999.

However, in 2023 King Charles granted both Edward and Sophie new titles – finally elevating them to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. It had long been the wish of Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, and the former monarch to pass the Dukedom to Edward and Sophie following their deaths.

In a previous interview, Sophie revealed how she and Edward sat “stunned” when Philip informed them of his wishes regarding his title – in just 11 words. Recounting the moment she and her husband learnt of Philip’s intentions, she told the Telegraph: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that’.”

Philip’s wish for Edward to inherit the title was a nod to his son’s decades of dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth programme widely regarded as one of Philip’s most cherished legacies.

The couple, who are parents to Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, have often regarded as some of the Royal Family’s safest pairs of hands, quietly keeping up with duty and being an invaluable support for the King.

The pair have enjoyed a bigger public profile in recent years, especially since the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties, allowing the Edinburgh’s to take more of the spotlight.

Away from their royal roles, Edward and Sophie appear to prefer life away from publicity, living under the radar, away from the cameras at their Bagshot Park estate in Surrey.

Sophie Calderley, Nicha Miller and mother and daughter Siobhan Mitchell and Lily Morris all work for Funding Futures which created the Leap For Her Future campaign.

The courageous foursome are aiming to raise £3,000 to support the CIC’s (Community Interest Company) work with women across Greater Manchester.

Sophie is an educator, mentor and project coordinator, Nicha is an educator and content creator, Siobhan is an educator, mentor and project coordinator and Lily is an educator.

Funding Futures helps women who are not currently in employment, education or training to achieve qualifications, develop new skills, gain confidence and take positive steps towards employment, further education and greater independence.

Many of them have faced significant challenges and barriers in their lives. Now, through accredited courses, tailored support and opportunities for personal development, they are helped to unlock their potential and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The Leap For Her Future campaign was created to both raise funds and awareness of the organisation’s work and also to inspire others to support the cause and help Funding Futures reach more women.

Commented Sophie: “This year is about letting go of fear and comfort. So all I’m going to think of is letting go of that plane on the day.

“The reason we are doing this is to raise money and offer more wraparound support for more women Funding Futures gives every woman an opportunity to pursue the future they want.

“The money raised will be going towards a brighter future for so many women in the local area.”

The jump takes place at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Lancaster on Friday, June 19.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leapforherfuture?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the game against New Zealand as tensions continue.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

“The Iranian national football team agreed to these terms,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC when asked for a response to Ghalenoei’s comments.

Iran, who switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico amid the conflict in the Middle East, have two group games remaining and both are in the US.

They face Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June (20:00 BST) and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Iran said they “needed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to its base camp the day after the game in order to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation” but “this request was not approved” for their game against New Zealand.

“The same situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran’s second match against Belgium,” added the FFIRI.

“Given that the game will be played at 12:00pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match.

“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.

“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”

The presidents of the US and Iran have signed an initial peace deal aiming to end the war but Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Fifa Task Force, said that Iran knew the situation they faced when it came to their matches.

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.

“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their World Cup 2026 opener on Wednesday, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo both enduring frustrating afternoons for the European giants

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro has reacted to Bruno Fernandes’ performance in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. The Manchester United midfielder featured for the entire match alongside Ronaldo but they were forced to settle for a point as their campaign got off to a disappointing start.

Katia ‘liked’ an Instagram post from a Brazilian account commenting on the United skipper’s showing for his nation. Roberto Martinez’s team endured frustration despite Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header as Newcastle United star Yoane Wissa equalised. Despite controlling 75 per cent of possession, only three efforts were directed on target – leaving Ronaldo without any attempts of his own.

Fernandes also endured a lacklustre outing. Featuring a picture of the United star, the post read: “This one here is the Raphinha for Portugal. Too much popcorn for the national team.”

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It follows a strange surge of abuse directed towards Portuguese players and those close to them with Neves among those suffering the brunt of an online barrage. The Paris Saint-Germain star’s Instagram comments were hijacked by angry Ronaldo supporters in light of his post-match comments.

He said: “We know what Cristiano (Ronaldo) has done for this national team and for the world of football.

“But right now, he is one of us. He is no different. He is an additional player to help and contribute to Portugal’s performance just like all of us.

“He played very well, the whole team had an excellent match. We are united. And in the long term, that’s what will make the difference. It’s not this draw that should ruin our morale. On the contrary, this result will only strengthen us further to do better in the upcoming matches.”

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Vitinha and Pedro Neto have also seen their comments sections taken over with supporters demanding Ronaldo shown more respect. It has even been suggested that Neves’ partner has also had her social media being bombarded by angry supporters of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo also faced criticism for his limited impact during the fixture, recording just 25 touches against Congo. Yet, he remained on the pitch for the duration of the match.

One Portugal supporter wrote on X: “Ronaldo just gets in the way, and only those who don’t want to see it won’t. It’s ridiculous that he has a guaranteed place in the national team.”

Another added: “Ronaldo just sits in the box waiting for a miracle ball that never arrives.”

With seven minutes left on the clock, Martinez chose to introduce Goncalo Ramos, withdrawing Vitinha – a move that drew criticism from former England striker Chris Sutton.

“He [Martinez] is scared to take him off,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He is not the manager. He [Ronaldo] might score the winner, but the game passed him by.

“He is a brilliant player. He was once the playmaker, but now he is the poacher. He is not only the poacher, but he runs the estate. I don’t understand some of his management. Cristiano Ronaldo was on the periphery and Martinez has to be brave enough to be the manager.”

Martinez, meanwhile, defended the substitution by arguing it would have made little sense to remove the goalscorer while Portugal were pushing for a winner.

“We were finding it difficult because they were playing in a back six,” Martinez hit back. “And in a situation like that, you can use his qualities.

“It makes no sense to get a player like Cristiano out of the game where you need goals. The straight line is not the quickest way.

“The way he attracts defenders and uses space is valuable. When you need goals, you need a player like Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.”

Taking to Instagram following the final whistle, the Portugal icon wrote: “This was not the start we wanted but this is far from being over. Heads held high and focus on the next game.”

Portugal will be keen to respond to the disappointing outcome when they take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday (6pm). Colombia, meanwhile, one of Portugal’s group rivals, defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 and currently lead Group K.