For weeks, Restore has sparked curiosity. The party has attempted to establish itself as a challenger to Reform UK in one of the most closely watched by-elections of the year.

In Makerfield, Rupert Lowe’s party is polling third at around five per cent. Quite remarkable for a party that only established itself in June 2025 and officially registered as a national political party on March 20 this year.

Despite the growing attention on Restore, the party’s candidate has – it seemed – remained largely out of sight.

The Manchester Evening News first contacted Restore on May 19, a day after local businesswoman Rebecca Shepherd was announced as the party’s candidate, inviting her to take part in a hustings event and requesting an interview.

Since then, there has been a lot of back and forth.

The M.E.N was unable to attend a Restore campaign event at Bryn Community Centre on May 21, but contacted the party several times to say the paper was still interested in future events and interviews.

Until today – Wednesday, June 17 – we have continued to seek an interview with candidate Ms Shepherd.

Earlier this week, many voters said they hadn’t seen her. Other media organisations are understood to have struggled to speak to Ms Shepherd.

Read our full story on the search for Restore’s candidate HERE.

The crash reportedly involved a lorry and a car

A major city road is closed after a crash on Thursday morning (June 18). The A1139 in Peterborough has been closed since around 3am after a crash.

Traffic monitoring site Inrix said: “A1139 Fletton Parkway Eastbound closed, queueing traffic due to emergency repairs and earlier accident, a lorry and a car involved at Goldhay Way. Congestion to Orton Parkway.”

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “Please be aware that the Fletton Parkway Eastbound at Orton Goldhay is currently closed due to a collision. Please choose an alternative route.”

A diversion via the roundabout is in place. Emergency services have been contacted for more information.

Kombucha has become part of the wider boom in gut-friendly foods and drinks. But a major heart-health charity is urging consumers to look more carefully at what these products actually contain.

The British Heart Foundation has warned that some popular gut-friendly products can come with drawbacks. Commercial kombucha may be a healthier alternative to some sugary fizzy drinks, but shop-bought versions can contain added sugar. Other fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, can be high in salt.

The warning points to a wider problem. Foods and drinks sold with a health halo are not always straightforwardly healthy. The fact that a product contains potentially active compounds does not prove it will produce a meaningful benefit.

Kombucha is often sold as more than a fizzy drink. Because it is fermented, it is commonly linked with gut health, wellbeing and even stress resilience.

But in our controlled human study, the results were more complicated. Drinking kombucha each day changed some metabolic markers in the body, but did not clearly change how healthy adults responded to acute laboratory stress.

That may sound disappointing to consumers, and to researchers hoping to see a clear effect. But it tells us something important: biological activity does not automatically mean a meaningful health benefit.

The metabolic findings from the study have been published in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings on stress responses are currently under review and should be treated as emerging evidence.

Kombucha is made by fermenting tea and sugar with a mixed culture of bacteria and yeasts, often called a scoby.

The final drink can contain organic acids, tea polyphenols, microbial metabolites and other compounds produced during fermentation. These features make it scientifically interesting and attractive to food and drink companies.

But kombucha is not a single, standardised product. Drinks vary depending on the tea used, the fermentation process, whether they are pasteurised or filtered, and how they are stored. Findings from one kombucha product should not automatically be applied to every bottle or can on the market.

Testing stress in the lab

Because kombucha products vary so widely, our study used a controlled version of the drink and compared it with a placebo. That allowed us to test the effect of this specific kombucha product, rather than making broad claims about every kombucha on the market.

Healthy adults drank either 330ml of kombucha each day or a flavour-matched placebo drink for eight weeks. The kombucha was a prototype product made using organic green and black teas and a controlled four-week fermentation process. The placebo allowed us to ask whether any changes were due to the kombucha itself, rather than simply taking part in a study or expecting a benefit.

Participants completed a laboratory stress test before and after the eight-week intervention. The task, called the Maastricht acute stress test, combines cold-water hand immersion with timed mental arithmetic under observation.

Participants moved between placing a hand in cold water and completing arithmetic under pressure. This allowed researchers to examine physical and psychological stress responses in the same procedure, rather than relying only on how stressed someone said they felt.

They measured salivary cortisol, a hormone involved in the body’s stress response. They also recorded changes in sweating linked to physical arousal, and heart rate variability: small changes in the time between heartbeats that can offer clues about how the body responds to stress. Participants completed questionnaires about stress, mood and emotional state.

What the study found

The stress task worked. Participants showed measurable physical changes during the cold-water and arithmetic tasks, and during recovery. This gave us confidence that the procedure was producing the expected stress response.

But kombucha did not produce a clear change in stress responses compared with the placebo drink. We did not observe clear differences in cortisol recovery, sweating, heart rate variability or self-reported stress that could confidently be attributed to kombucha.

The largest changes appeared to be driven by adaptation to the stress test itself. By their second visit, participants showed some degree of habituation. This is common in repeated laboratory studies: once people know what is coming, their bodies may respond differently.

The data do not support the idea that eight weeks of kombucha clearly improves acute stress responses or recovery in healthy adults.

There is, however, another part of the story.

In related research using the same participant sample, our team reported that daily kombucha consumption influenced patterns of small molecules detected in urine and blood.

Some of these changes were consistent with the idea that fermented tea products can affect measurable aspects of human metabolism. But biochemical changes alone are not evidence of an improvement in mood, stress resilience or mental health.

Together, the findings suggest that kombucha was doing something biologically measurable. Demonstrating a meaningful wellbeing benefit requires further evidence.

For consumers, the findings suggest caution. Kombucha is often discussed in the context of the gut-brain axis, the two-way communication system linking the digestive system and the brain. But showing changes in metabolism is easier than showing meaningful changes in mood or stress resilience.

For companies, health claims need careful evidence. The presence of bioactive compounds, and the fact that a product is fermented, do not establish that it will produce a measurable benefit in people.

For researchers, the findings show where future studies may need to improve. Larger samples and longer interventions could help. Researchers may also need more detailed analysis of the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive system, and more precise measurements of heart rate variability using an electrocardiogram, or ECG.

It may also be useful to study people with higher baseline stress. Healthy adults may simply have had too little room for improvement.

Kombucha may be biologically interesting, and this study suggests it can alter aspects of metabolism. But the stress-response data do not support selling it as a simple way to become more resilient.

Fermented foods are worth studying properly. Consumers also deserve clear evidence, especially when the marketing is already several steps ahead of the science.

Chelsea are on the market for a left-back after cashing in on Marc Cucurella, while another exit is on the cards as new manager Xabi Alonso begins to build a squad in his image. Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke but could miss out to Manchester City for Sandro Tonali, while Liverpool have hijacked Newcastle’s move for Victor Munoz. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, June 18.

Welsh rugby star announces exit for ‘next chapter’

Scarlets back-rower Jarrod Taylor has announced he is leaving the club after his contract came to an end.

The South African-born forward, who became a popular figure in Llanelli during his two-and-a-half-year spell, departs having made 44 appearances for the west Wales region.

Taylor arrived from the DHL Stormers midway through the 2023-24 season and made his debut against Munster in February 2024.

Confirming his departure, the 25-year-old thanked everyone connected with the Scarlets and said he would look back fondly on his time in Wales.

“I’m very grateful for my time at Scarlets and I’ll always look back on my two and a half years at the club with fond memories,” Taylor said.

“Thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome and good luck to the boys for the future.”

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies paid tribute to the flanker, describing him as an “outstanding professional” who had made a significant contribution both on and off the field.

“Jarrod has been a pleasure to work with from the day I arrived,” Davies said.

“He is an outstanding professional who prepares well, trains hard and consistently puts the team first.

“Sometimes in professional rugby difficult decisions have to be made around squad balance and how you utilise the resources and overseas positions available to you. Unfortunately, that has been the case here.”

Davies added that Taylor had earned the respect of coaches, team-mates and supporters through his commitment and professionalism during his time at Parc y Scarlets.

“On behalf of everyone at the Scarlets, we’d like to thank Jarrod for everything he has given to the club and wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Taylor’s next destination has yet to be confirmed.

England to hand debut to controversial call-up

England are set to hand a first senior appearance to controversial call-up Benhard Janse van Rensburg when they take on a France XV on Friday.

The South Africa-born Bristol Bears centre is expected to feature off the bench in the uncapped clash in Vannes, despite not officially qualifying for England until July 8.

Because the match is not a Test, Steve Borthwick is free to select the 29-year-old before his five-year residency qualification is completed.

Janse van Rensburg’s inclusion has sparked debate in recent weeks after he was named in England’s summer training squad.

Former England scrum-half Danny Care said the selection “doesn’t sit right” and argued opportunities should instead be given to English-born players such as Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence.

The controversy has been heightened by the fact Janse van Rensburg previously represented South Africa Under-20s and once spoke openly about his dream of playing for the Springboks.

However, the midfielder was cleared to represent England following a successful RFU appeal and has found support from former fly-half Andy Goode, who said criticism of the call-up was hypocritical given England’s history of selecting overseas-born players.

On Friday, Janse van Rensburg is expected to make his first appearance in an England shirt when he comes off the bench against the French invitational side.

Ojomoh and Seb Atkinson have been selected to start in midfield, with George Ford captaining the side and Marcus Smith named at full-back.

England head coach Borthwick said: “We’re looking forward to an exciting challenge against a strong French team in what will be a demanding fixture.

“I’m eager to see this group get out there and show what they’re capable of.”

Janse van Rensburg will not be eligible for England’s opening summer Test against South Africa on July 4, but could come into contention for matches against Fiji and Argentina later in the month once he officially qualifies.

England XV: M Smith (Harlequins); N Caluori (Saracens), M Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), S Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), C Murley (Harlequins); G Ford (Sale Sharks, capt), H Randall (Bristol Bears); A Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), T Dan (Saracens), G Kloska (Bristol Bears), C Ewels (Bath Rugby), G Martin (Leicester Tigers), T Hill (Bath Rugby), T Curry (Sale Sharks), A Dombrandt (Harlequins).

Replacements: J Blamire (Leicester Tigers), B Obano (Bath Rugby), V Sela (Bath Rugby), N Isiekwe (Saracens), J Kenningham (Harlequins), R Quirke (Sale Sharks), B Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears), A Radwan (Leicester Tigers).

British Lion named academy chief after retirement

Former British and Irish Lion Joe Launchbury has landed a key rugby role just weeks after bringing his playing career to an end.

The 35-year-old has been appointed head of academy at Worcester Warriors as the Championship club continues its rebuild following its return from administration.

Launchbury retired at the end of the Premiership regular season after three years with Harlequins, ending a distinguished career that included 70 England caps and a British and Irish Lions tour.

The second row won three Six Nations titles with England and represented his country at two Rugby World Cups.

Much of his club career was spent with Wasps, where he made more than 150 appearances across two spells before joining Harlequins.

Worcester returned to professional rugby last season after their financial collapse in 2022 and enjoyed immediate success, winning the Championship play-off final to secure the second-tier title.

The establishment of an academy is viewed as a key step in the club’s long-term ambitions, with Premiership Rugby set to expand from the 2029-30 season.

Launchbury said he was “really honoured” to take up the position.

“Worcester is a club with a huge amount of history, especially in the academy area,” he said.

“Working with the next generation, working with these younger players definitely excites me, and the opportunity to come here to Worcester was something I didn’t want to turn down.”

Warriors chief executive Stephen Vaughan believes Launchbury is the perfect fit for the role.

He said the former England international’s playing career, leadership qualities and understanding of player development made him “the ideal person” to lead the academy programme.

Launchbury toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and now begins the next chapter of his rugby career away from the pitch.

Matthew Hallam, 32, was found dead on December 6, 2025

A man who was missing for six months took his own life, an inquest has heard. Matthew Hallam, 32, was reported missing from his home in Guilden Morden on July 11, 2025.

He was found dead on December 6, 2025. An inquest into Matthew’s death – heard today (Wednesday, June 17) at Vantage House in Huntingdon – concluded that Matthew died by suicide.

A letter read out to the court by Coroner Simon Milburn, written by Matthew’s father Steven, described the 32-year-old as a “caring” man. Mr Hallam added that “if you were feeling down, he [Matthew] would ask if everything was ok”.

The letter also read that Matthew’s mother had taken her own life in 2016. Steven added that Matthew was “close” with his mother and they “loved each other”.

The court heard how Matthew would go out for regular walks in the afternoon with the family dog, and not return for around two to three hours. On the day of his disappearance, Matthew went out at around 1pm, but without the dog.

He also left personal belongings at home, including his phone, which he normally wouldn’t do. Steven, and Matthew’s brother Ben, who he lived with, became “concerned” when he didn’t return by 3pm. Matthew was reported missing to Cambridgeshire Police at 10pm the same day.

On December 6, 2025, a shooting organiser discovered a body in a secluded woodland. Cambridgeshire Police attended the scene and in a statement read to the court, it was “suspected” this was Matthew as the clothing he was wearing matched a CCTV image from the day he went missing.

Ben Hallam sat in court and thanked those involved in the search for Matthew. He thanked police on the ground for their “initial response” and said he was “deeply grateful” to the grounds keeper who discovered Matthew.

He was also grateful for the local community who “supported in search efforts”. However, Ben criticised Cambridgeshire Police’s “lack of communication” in the months Matthew was missing.

Ben also said he felt “ignored” by the police when trying to enquire about the case. Mr Milburn concluded that Matthew’s death was caused by a “deliberate act”, ruling it as a suicide.

Former President Barack Obama is getting a little help from his friends in celebrating the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago.

The guestlist for Thursday’s dedication ceremony includes Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono, along with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are expected to give remarks. The invite-only celebration will be livestreamed and kicks off a weekend of events centered around the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth.

President Donald Trump is not among the announced guests. He called the $850 million center a “total disaster” in a social media post in February.

The Thursday celebration “will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us,” said Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation’s chief executive and former Obama top adviser. “We hope to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to bring change home.”

Other celebrities slated to appear on Thursday include Common, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Marc Anthony and The Roots.

General admission tickets for the center are sold out through the end of October. But tens of thousands of people have already been offered a sneak peek of the nearly 20-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side in Jackson Park.

The center, located near where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually. It is adjacent to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in the lakefront park, and not far from the University of Chicago.

The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.

Durham Police confirmed enquires remain ongoing into a horror crash on Yarm Road in Darlington on February 28, 2024 which claimed the life of 19-year-old Carla Scown.

Carla was riding pillion on the motorbike when it crashed with a HGV near the junction with Barrington Way at about 5.30pm.

Police at the scene on Yarm Road, Darlington on February 28, 2024. (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Police launched an investigation after the incident and arrested the 20-year-old driver of the motorcycle. He was later released under investigation.

An inquest was opened into her death later that year at Crook Coroner’s Court and heard she died of injuries to her upper body and head.

Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe told Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield: “I understand the circumstances to be that Miss Scown was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which was involved in an RTC on Yarm Road in Darlington.

“On February 29, 2024, Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital mortuary and gave the cause of death as head, chest and abdominal injuries.”

Floral tributes remained at the scene in the days and weeks following Carla’s death.

Floral tributes at the scene (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Her heartbroken mum Fiona previously said her daughter’s death had “left a huge hole” in her heart.

She said: “Carla was such a loving daughter, sister, cousin and friend who loved all her family and friends.

“Carla will be very sadly missed every single day; she has left a huge hole in so many hearts of her family and friends.”

“She had the time of day for everyone and made all her friends and family so happy with her loving attitude towards them and life.”

US President Donald Trump has signed a tentative peace deal with Iran, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A final deal is still set to be negotiated over 60 days but Trump’s signature puts the initial agreement into immediate effect, which includes a $300bn (£224bn) plan for Iran’s ‘reconstruction’.

The US will also stop ‘all types of sanctions’ on Iran after the president previously warned he would ‘bomb the hell’ out of Iran if no final deal manifests.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document on Wednesday, as confirmed by Tehran, while Trump signed in France at the G7 summit.

While in Evian-les-Bains, where the G7 summit took place, Trump said his signing was to stop a ‘worldwide depression’.

‘I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe,’ he said, according to the BBC. ‘If you kept this going, that could have happened.

‘All I know is every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship. Every time we said something negative, like, guess what, we’re not going to be able to settle, it would go down very big.’

Iran’s parliamentary speaker and negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told state media that Iran’s ‘finger is on the trigger’ as distrust of the US remains.

‘If the enemy does not understand the language of logic, we will enter again with the language of power,’ he told state broadcaster Fars.

According to initial reports about the deal, an agreement to halt Iran’s nuclear programme for good and determine the fate of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be expected to be reached within 60 days.

Iran has agreed to discuss ways to possibly ‘dilute or remove’ it, the officials said.

However, it remains unclear whether Tehran would ultimately agree to its complete removal, with hard-liners opposed to giving it up.

Both US intelligence and the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have said that Iran closed down its nuclear weapons development programme in 2003.

But according to the IAEA, Tehran has in recent years continued enriching uranium, including to near weapons-grade.

All three of the plants where that was happening were hit in the last US strikes on Iran last June.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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