Shabana Mahmood is widely expected to be named as Andy Burnham’s chancellor after the prime-minister-in-waiting’s inner circle objected to his original choice, Ed Miliband, The Independent understands.

The home secretary has impressed many with her sure-footed handling of the immigration crisis and she is seen as a chancellor who will keep the markets calm when the new government takes over on Monday.

On Wednesday, after The Times first reported Ms Mahmood as a frontrunner, the pound rose from $1.34 to $1.35.

The choice of chancellor has been seen as crucial for Mr Burnham, who told Andrew Marr on LBC recently that he had yet to make up his mind about who will get the job.

But with Ms Mahmood previously endorsed by former prime minister Sir Tony Blair as a potential leader of the party, and as someone more on the right of the party than Mr Miliband, she is seen as someone who will not spook the markets.

A source told The Independent: “Shabana is in the driving seat for the job. It won’t be Ed now. But Andy is going to do things differently from before.”

Another added: “Ed Miliband’s previous as leader [of the party] is problematic. The net zero stuff isn’t ideal either.”

Last year, when there were rumours that Sir Keir was to sack Rachel Reeves, the outgoing prime minister was forced to make a public statement assuring her future to prevent a run on UK bonds, which would have hit the cost of borrowing.

Meanwhile, Mr Miliband, who has served as energy secretary under Sir Keir, has caused division within Mr Burnham’s team.

Some of his decisions in his current role have upset businesses, such as his move to drop opposition to drilling for new oil and gas in the North Sea, and were seen by some as a confirmation that he would get the chancellor job. But beyond concerns over his hardline stance on net zero policies, there have also been worries over his image as a former leader of Labour who spectacularly failed to win over voters in the 2015 election.

Other names in the frame for the chancellor job have been former health secretary Wes Streeting, outgoing chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Darren Jones and foreign secretary Yvette Cooper.

Mr Streeting was apparently discounted early as “too divisive”, while another potential candidate, welfare secretary Pat McFadden, was seen as too supportive of welfare cuts – an issue highlighted when texts to the disgraced Labour peer Peter Mandelson were published.

Part of the changes in cabinet will see more economic policy run from Downing Street and Cabinet Office, rather than the Treasury.

In an interview with former England football captain and ex-BBC presenter Gary Linker’s podcast, Mr Burnham hinted at introducing a wealth tax.

He said: “I’m going to obviously take my time to properly look at the state of things, particularly the state of finances. I’m not going rule things out right now. I do believe we need a greater sense of fairness and people feeling that things are being done in the right way and a fair way.

“But at the same time, you know, I don’t want to sort of be perceived as somebody who’s coming in with grudges and agendas and, you know, going to just immediately find or demonise one group or create a new way of dividing people.

“So, you know, decisions to be taken in time, they’re going to be difficult. I’m not going to shy away from that. You know, we are going to have to work quite hard to make sure, you know, we can pay our way.

“And at some point that might be having to ask for a little more. But, you know, those decisions are not for now. They’re for another day.”

The Independent earlier revealed that former transport secretary Louise Haigh is set to be running the Cabinet Office in a beefed up chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster role which will see her controlling policy as well as aspects of economic policy.

Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and current deputy leader Lucy Powell are also set for cabinet roles, while culture secretary Lisa Nandy is expected to be promoted.

With jobs not set to be confirmed before Monday when Mr Burnham takes over officially from Sir Keir, having become Labour leader on Friday, there is still speculation as to who will end up in his top team.

But one very senior minister admitted to The Independent that very little is known about who will fill what roles.

“This has been such a spectacular coup that nobody has a clue what’s happening,” they said. “Let’s hope Andy and his team know what they are doing.”

Ms Mahmood’s spokesperson said it was a matter for Mr Burnham’s office. Mr Burnham’s team declined to comment.

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said: “Andy Burnham should be ruling out a fresh tax raid. Instead, he is fuelling speculation about new taxes.

“We know how this ends – we saw it already last year. Fears of tax rises at the Budget will mean investment and hiring get put on hold and wealth creators leave our shores.

“Labour’s answer is always more taxes. Only the Conservatives have a plan to build a stronger economy by getting the benefits bill down so we can bring down the tax burden and get Britain working.”

Participants of all ages and abilities took on the 5k route around Queen’s Park on Sunday, running through clouds of colour whilst raising funds for Bolton Hospice.

The event was staggered into two waves with entertainment and warm-ups in between runs.

Runners were sponsored to take on the challenge, with many fundraising in memory of loved ones.

Participant, Sarah, ran in memory of her husband, Daniel. Her children, Alfie and Harry, also took on the run to remember their daddy.

Sarah explained that the event was a fun opportunity for friends and family to come together, remember Daniel and to raise vital funds at the same time.

“Daniel passed away last year after a battle with melanoma.

During his cancer and palliative care treatments, Bolton Hospice were really supportive, not just with him, but with the children and me too.

We accessed services at the hub. The complementary therapies really helped us process what was happening and allowed us to take some mindful moments during life with cancer.

We did Bubble Rush last year, but this time we’ve got a huge group of us together, all raising money in memory of Daniel.” – Sarah, Colour Run fundraiser

Event sponsors each had their own designated colour station: Stateside Foods, Greenhalgh’s, Pierce Business Advisory and Accountancy Group, Percy Doughty, Carrs Pasties.

Colour station volunteers threw powder at runners at several points throughout the route in combination with giant mass colour throws at the start line and event village.

Station volunteer, Chris, said the event was a chance to give back while also having fun.

“Having experienced the care and compassion Bolton Hospice provides to patients and families first-hand, I wanted to help out in whichever way I could.

“I know how much the hospice depends on the public’s generous donations. The colour run was so much fun, it was amazing to see hundreds of people of different abilities coming together to raise vital funds.

“I wasn’t expecting to get quite as covered as I did, but it made things even more fun.”

Local football club AFC Bolton also volunteered their time, providing penalty shootouts and skill courses alongside food stalls from Carrs Pasties and Greenhalgh’s.

Fundraising Manager, Angela Griffiths, described support from sponsors and volunteers as “amazing”.

She said: “We are overwhelmed by the incredible turnout and enthusiasm at this year’s Colour Run.

“Thank you to every single person who took part, whether you walked, ran, or danced the course, or volunteered your time.

“Your participation not only created a truly incredible atmosphere but will also make a significant difference to the lives of people facing life-limiting illnesses in our community.

“We’d like to extend our thanks as well to our sponsors.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of local businesses, which means we can raise even more vital funds and be there for even more families when they need us most.”

Participants were each encouraged to raise £24 in sponsorship, equivalent to an hour of compassionate nursing care at the hospice, but many participants raised much more.

Monies are still being collected and counted, but Colour Run 2026 is on track to be a huge success thanks to fundraisers, supporters and volunteers.

It’s certainly a head-turner

With even more hot weather on the forecast, floaty clothing are a wardrobe must-have. A lightweight maxi dress is an easy, breathable choice for everything from wearing to the office to running everyday errands.

At Sainsbury’s Tu, the Khaki Jersey Tie Side Midaxi Dress ticks all of the right boxes, helping wearers stay cool and comfortable. It typically costs £18 but shoppers can pick it up for ‘free’ by signing up and claiming a special cashback offer.

To celebrate 21 years of Topcashback, the money-saving website is offering a £21 cashback on purchases above £15 to new members until Sunday. This means new customers who are also new to the Tu site can get the dress for effectively nothing after cashback has been applied.

READ MORE: I found the prettiest £26 summer cardigan ‘for my baggy arms’ that goes with so many outfits

READ MORE:I found the ‘dreamiest’ £18 summer skirt for garden parties, August weddings and the races

Whereas existing TopCashback customers can get the dress for £17.53. Cashback isn’t paid instantly and it can take up to seven days to land into accounts, more information on the deal is at the bottom of this page.

The Khaki Jersey Tie Side Midaxi Dress is designed with tie side detailing for an effortlessly flattering fit. The khaki dress is available in sizes ranging from 6 to size 24, reports the Wales Online.

The frock is also available in four other colours, however sizes are limited. The Khaki Jersey Tie Side Midaxi Dress is an easy to style piece that is machine-washable and also 100% cotton.

If you like the silhouette of the dress but would prefer it in a different colour, not to worry. It also comes in four other colours including bright blue, black, navy and red.

Another comfortable and breathable summer dress option is the Pure Cotton Square Neck Strappy Midaxi Waisted Dress for £36 from M&S. It features slim straps, a square neckline and a floaty skirt and is available in petite, regular and tall fit.

The Aqua Green Jersey Button Down Midi Dress from Next is another summer option for £22. It is a 100% cotton dress that features button detailing to the front, thin shoulder straps and a v-shaped neckline.

Tu reviewers of the Khaki Jersey Tie Side Midaxi Dress describe the item as the ideal summer dress. One shopper said: “A great throw-on dress. Very comfortable. Very cool.

“Drapes beautifully. Only worn it twice and on both occasions I was stopped by complete strangers to compliment me and my chic, elegant dress.”

Another pleased shopper wrote: “Great Tu item ticking lots of boxes. 100% cotton fabric, so breathable (perfect for summer) loose and flowing but the drawstring sides give you a bit more shape for a flattering fit so it doesn’t wear like a tent. Lightweight fabric so it falls nicely.”

A third also praised the side ties, saying: “Comfy and elegant. Great dress. Flattering drape. Side ties make it flexible in style. Comfy and can be dressed up or down. I sized down as it fits a little big.”

Despite the praise, one shopper noted: “Lovely dress. I’m usually a 14 but the 12 was too big. Haven’t reordered as felt the fabric was too heavy for me.”

However, another pleased buyer shared: “The dress is really comfortable and flattering. The fabric is slightly heavier than I expected but great quality. I will get a lot of wear out if it. Total bargain.”

How to get the £18 Tu dress for ‘free’ via TopCashback until Sunday:

• Sign up as a new member at Top Cashback for free via this link.
• Search for ‘Tu‘ on the site, click through and buy the item normally.
• Get £15 cashback when you spend £15 or more on an item.
• The cashback will track to the TopCashback ‘Earnings page’ within seven days of your purchase.

Prince William has told the England team to ‘hold their heads high’ after their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

The future King praised Thomas Tuchel‘s side’s ‘fight and belief’ that ‘inspired us all’ after the Three Lions crashed out 2-1 down to their rivals, headed up by Lionel Messi.

Sharing the result on Instagram, the Prince of Wales wrote: ‘Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you.

‘Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all.

‘The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.’

An initially gutsy performance from the Three Lions saw Anthony Gordon put the side one ahead at 55 minutes, but substitutions to send England into a defensive set-up would heartbreakingly backfire.

England were just less than six minutes away from their first World Cup final for 60 years when Enzo Fernandez scored the equaliser that denied them. 

This was followed two minutes into injury time by a header from Lautaro Martinez, who secured Argentina’s place in Sunday night’s final against Spain in New York. 

Kane looks to the skies as Argentina celebrate on the final whistle in Atlanta, Georgia

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England football fans at Luna Springs in Birmingham after the Three Lions crashed out of the FIFA World Cup

It was England’s fourth-ever appearance in the final four of a World Cup, making this the most high-stakes match since 1966.

But in a story familiar to long-suffering fans, they just couldn’t keep ahead at the final whistle.

The royals were among those quick to congratulate the team for their impressive run to the semis, with King Charles III taking to social media and writing: ‘Commiserations to Harry and the team. 

‘While you Three Lions may be licking your wounds today, you remain the pride of a nation – and will rise again.’

Sir David Beckham also shared an emotional post. 

He wrote: ‘Heartbreak for us all but memories that inspire and last forever… Thank you to our team, our fans & our country for what you have given us in this World Cup.’ 

And outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to England’s ‘passion’ and ‘energy’.

Writing on X, he said: ‘Gutted. Tonight wasn’t the result we all hoped for, but this England team has given it their all. 

‘The passion and energy they’ve shown representing the badge has made us all proud.’

CEO of the FA, Mark Bullingham, said: ‘It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament. 

‘I would like to thank them all – and also give my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful fans here in the USA and at home. We felt your support every step of the way and we are all so disappointed not to go further.’ 

But fans and pundits lambasted manager Tuchel for turning to a back five with 35 minutes to go against Messi’s legendary striker boots. Messi was granted assists for both goals against the Three Lions.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sobs at the final whistle after England came within minutes of progressing to the World Cup final

England’s Elliot Anderson reacts after Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez scored the second goal for his team

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England fans react with disappointment after defeat to Argentina in the semi-final match between England and Argentina at Freight Island in Manchester

A devastated England fan is comforted in London after tonight’s semi-final

Although it served them well against Mexico, Ezri Konsa coming on for the goal scorer in the 72nd minute to join Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence left England with virtually no opportunities on the front foot.

They found themselves on the defensive, and Dan Burn was later introduced too when Reece James left the field injured.

England were then heavily under the cosh, and Enzo Fernandez and then Lautaro Martinez scored to break English hearts once again.

Although Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney were brought on in the final minutes, it was just too little, too late, and Tuchel’s side’s increasingly desperate clearances towards the penalty box were delivered with no results.

England’s players were left devastated as their final hope was dashed, with a stony-faced Harry Kane embracing his compatriots. 

Madonna’s much-anticipated Confessions II has just broken official chart records, making her the first American woman to earn number one albums across five decades. It’s her tenth number one record.

A kind of sequel to 2005’s Confessions on a Dancefloor, it marks a euphoric return to form, released seven years after her last album, Madame X (2019), and two decades since the first Confessions last earned her good reviews.

What’s surprising critics and fans is not just the quality of the music, which sees Madonna and Confessions producer Stuart Price lovingly reference Chicago and Detroit house music, but the vulnerability of her lyrics.

Often characterised by defiance, the singer has always had moments of intimacy in her songs, yet she’s never fully engaged in the confessional mode that bolster contemporary superstars like Taylor Swift. Confessions II might therefore be a spiritual sequel to Confessions on a Dancefloor, but the new album is both sonically different from the 1970s aesthetic of its precursor – and much more radically, movingly, confessional.

Confessional pop music

Confession has been one of pop music’s top currencies since the mid-20th century. Coinciding with the emergence of a confessional mode in poetry, in the 1960s and 1970s singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell gained widespread popularity for records which were considered “radically introspective”. Like the confessional poets, these records often “confessed” to intimate failures and experiences of shame, including details of mental health crises, affairs and the end of relationships.

Today, pop music is overwhelmingly assumed to represent the artist’s life. From the lyrical disclosures of Lily Allen’s West End Girl (2025) to the confession booth segment of Rosalia’s Lux tour, many singers trade in the drama of confession. Sometimes they reference its religious, legal or psychoanalytic role as an act of truth-telling and repentance, but more regularly they draw on its secular meaning of revealing secrets and airing personal grievances.

In today’s media landscape, where personal branding often relies on a star’s ability to communicate openness and relatability, confessional address offers singers what musicologist Allan Moore calls “first-person authenticity”, implying an almost unmediated communication between the artist and their audience.

This is what Taylor Swift does so successfully in both her lyrics and the “easter eggs” placed throughout her music, building a complex history of her work and private life that’s most legible to devoted fans.

Madonna’s synthetic intimacies

The ultimate postmodern popstar, there is possibly no one less relatable than Madonna.

Since 1982, the singer has experienced almost peerless fame, marked by fearless reinvention and never-ending controversy. This is the woman who Michael Jackson once described as a “nasty witch”, who called David Letterman a “sick fuck” while smoking a cigar on live TV. She’s also the woman who pioneered celebrity HIV/Aids activism, funding medical treatment for friends and including a Facts About Aids insert in her Like a Prayer album in 1989.

One of the ways Madonna used her fearlessness, and which she returns to in Confessions II, is in her defence of dance music as community and refuge.

The first half of the new album frames dancing as a space for intimacy through anonymity rather than confession. The opening song, I Feel So Free, introduces the singer hiding “in the shadows”, creating “a new persona” on the dancefloor.

Both this and the invocation of freedom in the song’s title recall earlier work like Into the Groove (1985), where a 26-year-old Madonna joyfully proclaimed: “Only when I’m dancing can I feel this free / At night I lock the door where no one else can see.”

The album moves between the public and the private, the communal and the individual, deepening the experience through musical nods to Madonna’s vast catalogue. The drums on Bring Your Love remind us of Vogue (1990), and elements of Danceteria recall Music (2000). These references make the songs feel intimate even where their lyrics are broad, mining the rich history Madonna has with her fans and drawing on shared feelings of freedom, joy, and escape to be found on the dancefloor.

Madonna’s confessional turn

Reviewers have been quick to note that the last half of Confessions II is where the songs are most confessional. While some have speculated that Read My Lips is about Madonna’s divorce from Guy Ritchie, the singer has confirmed that Fragile was written about her brother, Christopher, and The Test reflects on her relationship with her daughter Lola.

A common trope of confessional poetry is the use of proper nouns to attach the singer’s emotions to real people. In Bizarre, a reference to the Shelby Cobra, a car Madonna bought for Sean Penn on their wedding day, seems to confirm the song is about him.

While such details might be fun for internet detectives, the more radical use of naming comes in earlier songs like Danceteria, which memorialises a space and community that no longer exists. Named after the New York club where Madonna first performed in 1982, the song’s generalised chorus – “Everybody get up and dance” – is countered by verses that are lengthy lists of real attendees, many of whom – Martin Burgoyne, Haoui Montaug, Keith Haring – died of complications from Aids.

This feels like a kind of intimacy only made possible by Madonna’s life in the past decade. Co-producing her own (currently stalled) film biopic, and experiencing several bereavements and ill health, the new album feels both newly creative and intensely reflective. It is more revealing of Madonna than anything else in her career.

In confessional terms, it also does something frighteningly rare in pop by admitting to fallibility. On the first Confessions album, singles like Sorry repeat the title in seven different languages but it’s never clear who’s being asked to repent. On Confessions II, in The Test, Madonna admits to her daughter Lola: “I didn’t think of how it could disturb / Or how it hurt / I wish I knew, the pain I caused…”

The mistakes here are Madonna’s and she’s finally ready to forgive.

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Video shared online appears to shows Argentina fans fighting with each other, and throwing bins on the streets of Atlanta

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Newly-released footage seems to show Argentina fans brawling and throwing various items, including bottles and furniture, before the World Cup clash with England. Chaos erupted on the streets of Atlanta in the US ahead of the semi final clash between England and Argentina.

Tensions ahead of the vital game looked to become to much for two groups of Argentina fans as they began brawling with each other last night (July 14). Footage on social media showed bins being thrown among kicks and punches towards each other, reports the Daily Star.

However, tensions ahead of the vital game looked to become to much for two groups of Argentina fans as they began brawling with each other last night (July 14). Footage on social media showed bins being thrown among kicks and punches towards each other.

It is currently unknown how the incident unfolded as the two groups squared up to each other before one appeared to back down.

However, the retreating side just picked up further things to throw before local police got involved in keeping the two groups apart.

It is currently unknown if anyone was arrested over the incident as the groups appeared to disperse following police intervention.

It comes as England’s fans nerves have been eased as Thomas Tuchel has announced his Three Lions team to face Messi’s Argentina.

Morgan Rogers has been handed a start as Thomas Tuchel made three changes for England’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina.

Rogers replaced Noni Madueke on the right of the attack with full-backs Reece James and Djed Spence also coming into the side.

John Stones and Marc Guehi continue their central defensive partnership, meaning Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly drop out.

Declan Rice starts again in midfield having had to come off at half-time of the Norway game still feeling the affects of a bug he picked up in Mexico.

Meanwhile, Argentina named five Premier League players in their side, with Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister all starting for the defending champions.

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“We do a full review after every tournament,” he told reporters. “You want to look at how well you’ve done, who are you drawn against, what was the mood in the camp, how were things going behind the scenes, and what was the complete package, and where did things go well, where they did not.

Vice President JD Vance sought last week to use a military helicopter to ferry himself and his son across Washington for a golf lesson, one of a number of allegedly unusual travel requests that has left the Republican’s security detail “fed up,” MS Now reports.

The alleged travel plans aboard Marine Two were ultimately canceled due to weather, but Secret Service agents nonetheless discussed it among themselves unhappily, according to the outlet.

Past vice presidents have had Secret Service agents drive their children to activities, rather than use military hardware, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per hour to operate.

A series of last-minute travel requests, known as “off the record” movements, has reportedly led to anger and low morale within the detail.

“The detail is tired of them not giving notice on things and making everything an OTR [off the record],” a source familiar with the mood inside the service told MS Now. “He [Vance] thinks he can still move around like a U.S. Senator.”

The Independent has contacted the vice president’s office for comment.

“When U.S. Secret Service Special Agents choose to join a protective detail, they understand the commitment required: long hours, frequent travel, and the need for constant flexibility,” Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said in a statement. “Nights, weekends, and holidays are part of the job. Our agents work tirelessly to ensure protectees’ safety and security, while also preserving normalcy to the extent possible.”

Vance isn’t the only one reportedly facing scrutiny for his use of security and travel resources.

FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly canceled a planned trip to visit his musician girlfriend in Chicago as his plane was on the tarmac Friday when frustrated White House officials summoned him to Washington for a meeting.

“Patel was coming (to Chicago) today for a fake office visit for his girlfriend’s country concert this weekend,” a source briefed on the trip told MS Now.

The outlet reported that while the precise reason for the meeting was unclear, Trump administration officials have been growing increasingly “disturbed” by Patel’s recent actions, including his plans to leave town amid the re-escalation of the Iran war, which has included talk of potential Iranian plots against the president’s life.

Patel has called the reporting “false.”

Democrats in the House and Senate are investigating Patel to see if he misused taxpayer funds for department purchases and recreational travel.

In a July 8 letter, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Dick Durbin alleged Patel had been accused of demanding “perks” during international travel, including “VIP snorkeling” trips in Hawaii, plus jet skiing and a helicopter during FBI business.

The lawmakers also claimed there was concern an FBI attache in Wellington, New Zealand “may have been established in part to facilitate or justify a sightseeing trip there.”

In a previous statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for the FBI said the allegations in the letter are “completely false.”

Patel has “reimbursed ALL personal travel and expenses, strictly following the Office of Management and Budget rules, in the exact same manner as all previous FBI Directors — and is fully compliant,” the bureau said.

The Secret Service has struggled in recent years with understaffing and high workloads. The agency was understaffed by more than 20 percent in 2024 when a gunman attempted to kill Donald Trump during a campaign rally, an inspector general report released this month found.