Sue Gray has admitted it was ‘unbearable’ working in No10 for Keir Starmer as she broke her silence on the bitter briefing wars in Downing Street.

Baroness Gray was Sir Keir’s chief of staff in Downing Street at the start of his time as prime minister but lasted only three months in the role.

She was forced out following a power struggle, with her time at the centre of government marked by regular reports of tensions with other No10 staff.

In her first interview since leaving Downing Street, Baroness Gray has spoken about the ‘very, very, very difficult period’ she endured.

She revealed how she feared someone was recording ‘everything you say’, also lashing out at Sir Keir for not doing more to stop briefings against her.

Baroness Gray said the negative briefings started while Labour was in opposition, where she would ‘read about things that I would have said or not said’, and continued on into government.

‘I had always taken a view as a civil servant and actually as a special adviser that you know you should be able to speak freely in rooms,’ she told the Political Currency podcast.

‘And I couldn’t recall those sort of discussions being briefed out.’

Baroness Gray was Sir Keir’s chief of staff in No10 at the start of his time as prime minister but lasted just three months in the role

In her first interview since leaving Downing Street, Baroness Gray told the Political Currency podcast about the ‘very, very, very difficult period’ she endured

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Baroness Gray’s relationship with Morgan McSweeney, who went on to replace her as Sir Keir’s top aide, was the subject of a number of reports of tensions within No10.

She was also damaged when it was leaked that she was earning more than the PM’s salary of £166,786. 

Baroness Gray added: ‘Here I found myself, you know, stories about supposedly trying to move Morgan McSweeney to the back of the building.

‘Actually, that was a genuine, ‘I can’t believe so many of you are going to sit in this small room, let’s find a better room for you’.’

She continued: ‘It just got to the point where you know everything you say, you feel is somebody is recording it.’

Asked whether Sir Keir was willing to act on her concerns, she said: ‘I talked to him a couple of times about it, and I don’t really want to disclose individual conversations. 

‘But I was disappointed that not more was done because I think it could have been done.’

Sir Keir’s government faced criticism from Labour members, including the party’s deputy leader Lucy Powell, who described a ‘boys club’ culture in No10, with a pattern of ‘anonymous nasty briefings’ – particularly against women.

‘It was definitely unbearable, particularly for me,’ Baroness Gray said. ‘And I would say that none of that briefing came from me.

‘I think it was very difficult, and it was just affecting me and my life.

‘I was getting into the office very early in the morning. I was leaving late to avoid…. It was very, very, very difficult period.’

Baroness Gray’s relationship with Morgan McSweeney, who went on to replace her as Sir Keir’s top aide, was the subject of a number of reports of tensions within No10 

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Just four months after her exit from No10, Baroness Gray formally entered the House of Lords after she was among a slew of new Labour peers named by Sir Keir

Asked about the lack of positive vision in the early days of Sir Keir’s government and how much was her responsibility, she said: ‘I think ultimately, you have a leader of the party, you have a prime minister, leader of the opposition.

‘You have to set your vision, your agenda, and that is definitely what everybody is looking for.’

Prior to joining Sir Keir’s Labour team, Baroness Gray had been a long-serving civil servant and led the ‘Partygate’ investigation into Covid rule-breaking in Whitehall.

She went from an influential but little-known arbiter of conduct in government to a household name when she took on the ‘Partygate’ probe in 2021.

Baroness Gray stepped in to lead the investigation after then-cabinet secretary Simon Case, her boss, recused himself following claims his own office held a lockdown-busting event.

Civil service impartiality was later thrown into question following her shock move to quit the Cabinet Office to join Labour as Sir Keir’s chief of staff.

After weeks of negative briefings against her following Labour’s general election victory in July 2024, Baroness Gray announced her resignation in October that year.

She cited concerns that she was ‘becoming a distraction’ to the work of government.

Baroness Gray had initially been due to take up a newly-created role as ‘envoy to the nations and regions’ following a short break from government.

But Downing Street announced a month after her departure as Sir Keir’s chief of staff that she had decided not to take up the envoy job.

Just four months after her exit from No10, Baroness Gray formally entered the House of Lords after being among a slew of new Labour peers named by Sir Keir.

This was despite the then-PM having previously promised to abolish the unelected chamber.

At Richard Gwyn Catholic School in Barry the results are coming thick and fast.

Head boy Samuel Shrubsole, 16, (pictured above) got an A in History and Biology and A*s in 10 other subjects.

Samuel shared how happy he was with his results, although there was some trepidation heading into the school today.

“I am feeling good,” he said. “I was feeling confident coming but Biology, Maths and RE – I was a little worried about. I am relieved seeing what I had now.

“In all honesty, I tried to forget about the exams and just enjoy the summer, but I am glad I know now. Looking forward to Sixth Form..”

He was joined by head girl Lauren Sidoli, also 16, who got results for 11 subjects – 6 A*, 4 A’s, 1 B

“I am feeling relieved,” she laughed. “I was so nervous coming but I am proud of myself.

“It was challenging with revision – especially in the half term when it was so sunny – but I think I managed to balance school and stuff at home at the same time well.

“I am planning to go out with my parents for food to celebrate.”

The next step for Lauren is A-Levels at St David’s College, which she is very excited for. “It genuinely feels like I am going to college now that I have had my results!”

Emily Harris, 16, has achieved the highest set of grades in her year group with an incredible 13 A*. She said: “There are no words, I was always going to be happy because I tried my best – but this is an amazing confirmation that my best was worth this. I am really proud.”

When asked how she is going to celebrate, she smiles: “I am going to get Wingstop!”

Next for Emily is St David’s College where she hopes to study English Literature, Sociology, Media Studies and History.

Next to her is her mother Kate Harris, who is also a governor at the school. She added:

“It is important to recognise that there are lots of children here that have extra pressures and responsibilities at home. We are really proud of Emily, she worked really hard for this. As a school governor, I would like to congratulate all the children on all their achievements at the end of year 11.”

A man was rushed to hospital after taking unwell in the stadium but sadly passed away a while later.

A Celtic fan has died after taking unwell during the Champions League clash against LASK at Parkhead last night. The alarm was raised around 9pm when police were alerted to a man having fallen ill within Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 19.

Emergency services raced to the stadium in Glasgow’s east end. A 65-year-old man was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he later died. The death is not being treated as suspicious.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 9.05pm on Wednesday, 19 August, 2026 police received a report of a man having taken unwell within Celtic Park, Glasgow.

“Emergency services attended and a 65-year-old man was conveyed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.

“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.”

Celtic FC has been contacted for comment.

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Tammi Radcliffe says she was left lying on the floor of the A&E department after falling ill while shopping in ASDA

A woman claims she was left lying on a hospital floor for seven hours while experiencing ‘excruciating’ pain. Tammi Radcliffe, 31, almost fainted from sudden pain while shopping in ASDA.

She rang for an ambulance, received IV paracetamol and was transported to Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire. She arrived at 4pm on August 15 and was initially assessed but was then left in the waiting room without seeing a doctor.

Tammi said she had no choice but to lie on the floor weeping in agony as no beds were available. She said her temperature soared to 39 degrees yet she wasn’t provided with stronger medication for her fever until 9pm.

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Seven hours after she arrived, she was seen by a doctor who couldn’t diagnose her but prescribed IV antibiotics. Tammi said she finally received the antibiotics at 2:30am which were delivered through her cannula while she lay on the hospital corridor floor.

Tammi, an administrator from South Lakes, Cumbria, said: “I’ve never felt pain like that in my life and I’m the kind of a person to downplay things, and I’m definitely one to mask my pain in public.

“But there was no hiding it, I was uncontrollable, just crying and doubled over in pain in the waiting room begging for pain relief.”

‘The pain just became so severe in Asda’

Tammi said she initially thought the pain was trapped wind and would go away on its own. She said: “I’d had cramps all morning but I just passed it off as trapped wind.

“I thought I’d go to ASDA to get myself some paracetamol and some Rennies or Windies or something, but as I was walking around, the pain just became so severe.

“I started to lose my vision, the light faded and I felt super lightheaded – like I was about to pass out. So I went to the pharmacy, and told them that I was on my own and didn’t know what else to do.

“They sat me down, and they ended up calling an ambulance for me and then sat with me and waited as the pain was just becoming more severe and I was crying.”

The ambulance took Tammi to the Royal Preston Hospital, where her worried husband Corey, 36, met her.

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Corey, a tour manager from Cumbria, said: “I asked for more pain medication at least six times in the space of two hours and sometimes they didn’t even acknowledge us asking.

“I was asking for her to be reassessed and re-triaged but all we got in response was that she had already been triaged so go and sit down because she is where she needs to be.

“Tammi was so exhausted and unwell that she ended up lying on the floor of the A&E department under a wheelchair to block out the bright hospital lights.

“We were there for hours before her temperature was actually checked. By then it had reached 39 degrees and she was shaking.

“It was then that more morphine did actually arrive, but hours later I had to ask them to check her temperature again as it could have gone higher and she could have ended up having a fit or anything like that, there was a complete lack of observations done.

“Blood tests that came back were showing really raised infection markers, but despite how unwell she was, it took about seven hours for her to see a doctor.”

At 11pm, Tammi finally saw a doctor and was prescribed antibiotics, but didn’t receive these until 2:30am the following morning. The IV antibiotics were administered via a cannula while Tammi was laying on the floor.

Corey said: “It wasn’t abnormally busy, there were definitely spare seats to sit on and it wasn’t a huge waiting room, so I don’t know why they took so long.”

Tammi was moved to the gynaecology ward at around 3am, but to a treatment room, and ended up leaving the hospital on August 16 with no diagnosis.

Tammi said: “Doctors weren’t 100% sure what was causing my pain because they have to do swabs and an ultrasound scan. We haven’t actually got any formal diagnosis currently, and we had to wait four days for the scan which is pretty hard considering it’s an emergency situation.”

Tammi is still suffering extreme abdominal and pelvic pain but managing it with pain relief.

What hospital bosses have said

A Lancashire Teaching Hospitals spokesperson said: “We would always encourage any patients or relatives who have concerns about their care to raise these with the clinical teams treating them at the time so, where possible, these can be resolved in real time.

“Where this is not possible, or where patients feel their concerns were not addressed, we would encourage them to get in touch with our Patient Experience and PALS team so that we can fully explore what happened and why and adopt any potential learning.

“In this instance, we are in direct contact with the family and are sorry that they have concerns about some aspects of the care received. We will fully investigate the issues the family have raised through our formal complaints process and respond directly back to them.”

The boss of hotel chain Travelodge, Jo Boydell, is stepping down as the group addresses safety issues after a sexual assault at one of its hotels.

A woman staying at a hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire was sexually assaulted in December 2022 after a man lied to staff to get a key card to her room, triggering an independent review of security measures at the hotel giant.

Kyran Smith was jailed for seven years and six months for the attack.

Boydell had been criticised for the company’s handling of safety issues. In March, the then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote to Boydell urging her to “seriously engage” with the government over security at Travelodge hotels.

Boydell, who had worked at the group for 13 years, stood down on 17 August and has been replaced on an interim basis by the company’s chief financial officer Ray Reidy.

In a statement, Reidy said: “We remain focused on the safety and well-being of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business.

“We will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security.”

Following the court case against Smith, the BBC was contacted by many people over concerns about security failures at the hotel.

Earlier this month, a domestic violence victim told the BBC how she was attacked in her hotel room after Travelodge reception staff gave a key to her abuser.

The woman said she was “failed” by the chain and described it as one of the “most traumatic nights of my life” after the man kicked the door off its hinges.

In another incident, a couple in Scotland woke to find a shirtless man in their hotel bedroom after he was mistakenly given a key card to their door.

In yet another case in April, a group of hotel guests said they were given keys to other people’s rooms twice in one week at a Travelodge branch in Newham, east London.

John Nowell, who was part of a corporate group staying at the hotel, told the BBC that his key card allowed him into a room where the occupant was in the middle of a shower.

An independent review into security at the hotel chain is under way and is being led by barrister Paul Greaney KC.

Travelodge said when the review was concluded it would “engage constructively, as we have done throughout this process”.

It added: “Our commitment to guest safety does not change with this announcement — it remains our absolute priority.”

In its statement released on Thursday, Travelodge also outlined several measures it was taking to address security issues.

Any additional or replacement room keys now require explicit permission from the guest staying in the room, the firm said.

It also has also carried out checks across all of its UK rooms to confirm that all key-card doors have a secondary deadbolt.

Prof Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, told the BBC’s Today Programme it was an exciting development.

“Most of the cancer immune treatments we have been using up til now have been about cutting the immune system loose and hoping that it recognises the cancer. This [new treatment] is a way to direct it very specifically.

“It feels like it’s a very important advance for us.” He said the NHS was preparing to bring this type of treatment to patients.

Merck and Moderna are calling this a personalised vaccine, meaning it works by targeting an individual patient’s tumour.

In order to create this new jab, scientists used mRNA technology – which was used for some Covid-19 vaccines – to target specific mutations within the cancer cells by surgically removing a small part of a patient’s tumour and then sequencing its DNA.

The result is a personalised anti-cancer jab which is specific to the patient’s tumour and instructs the immune system to recognise and attack any tumour cells that remain.

The two companies are testing other similar personalised vaccines for lung, bladder and kidney cancers.

Stephane Bancel, chief executive of Moderna, said the findings represent a “pivotal moment” in the field of cancer research.

Shares in both Moderna and Merck have surged since the announcement, external.

Cancer experts have also hailed the news as positive, but are keen to stress the findings are still early.

Dr Talisia Quallo, head of prevention and early detection at Cancer Research UK, said the research “shows promise” but said that the interim data still needs to be fully reviewed.

“It’s vital that research like this continues to be funded so that more people with cancer can have personalised treatment options to help them live longer, better lives”, she added.

Dr Lennard Lee, a consultant medical oncologist, and associate professor at the University of Oxford, said: “This is certainly good news for patients with melanoma, but the study has much wider implications. It provides proof of principle that personalised cancer vaccines work.”

More detailed findings from the study will be presented at a medical conference in October.

Harry and Meghan are set to return to the UK later this month

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to relocate back to Britain in a surprising turn of events more than six years after moving to America.

Harry and Megan will return to the UK later this month – making their new home in a non-royal property outside London – and have already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet at British schools. It is understood there will be no change to the couple’s position and standing as private citizens and non-working royals.

The King, who continues to undergo cancer treatment, was made aware of the move on Sunday, just three days before the public announcement. But it is understood King Charles welcomes the chance to spend more time with the family in both a private and personal capacity.

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William has become estranged from his younger brother following Harry’s series of allegations against the prince, Kate, the King and Queen Camilla in the years following the Megxit crisis of 2020. The Prince of Wales is likely to be ‘apoplectic’ at the announcement, a royal expert has said.

But what do you think – are you happy to hear the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to the UK with their children? Let us know in our poll.

You can resit any GCSE exam the following academic year.

In England, students need maths and English GCSEs at grade 4 or above to qualify for further study – although you can prepare for resits alongside your new subjects.

The next set of resits for English and maths are expected to take place in November 2026.

If you want to explore resitting a subject, you should speak to your school or college about the best course of action.

Two massive sold-out shows happening this week!

Belfast Vital is back with two massive sold-out shows.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to travel to Boucher Road Playing Fields in South Belfast this week for the annual music festival.

We’ve put together this handy guide – including how to get there, gate times and more – to save you from having to stress about all the finer details of planning your night out.]Here is what you need to know ahead of Belfast Vital 2025

Here is what you need to know ahead of Belfast Vital 2026:

Who is performing at Belfast Vital?

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This year, two massive concerts are set to take over Boucher Road Playing Fields.

They are:

• Lewis Capaldi – August 20
• Calvin Harris – August 22

Both of the gigs are sold out.

What are the gate times for Belfast Vital?

Lewis Capaldi – August 20:

Gates: 5pm

Show starts: 8pm

Calvin Harris – August 22:

Gates: 4pm

Show starts: 5pm

Last entry for both shows is 9:30pm. Timings are subject to change.

Stage times for either of the two gigs have not yet been announced but keep an eye out on Belfast Vital’s social media pages for any further updates.

Who are Lewis Capaldi and Calvin Harris’ support acts for Belfast shows?

Lewis Capaldi will be supported by:

Calvin Harris will be supported by:

• Jazzy
• Robbie Doherty
• Tyson O’Brien

How do I get to the Boucher Road Playing Fields for Belfast Vital?

If you are attending either of the two shows, organisers are asking concert-goers to plan their journeys in advance.

Boucher Road is really accessible via public transport and those attending are asked to make use of this facility as there is no parking available in the vicinity of the venue.

Fans are advised to park in the City Centre and either walk to the concert or avail of the Translink Metro and rail Services.

Promoters MCD have said to allow yourself at least an additional 3 hours travel time to and from the venue.

BY RAIL: Pre-booking is recommended. For train schedules and more information visit Translink. Note: Adelaide Halt will not be available on the days of the Vital Concerts.

BY BUS: Must be booked online in advance. For more information visit Bus Special on the Translink website.

BY CAR: No parking at venue – use city centre car parks and public transport. Partial road closures in place on Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane.

Customers should plan to be within the venue 30 mins before the show starts.

Belfast Vital age restrictions:

A strict age policy will be in place. The promoter reserves the right to refuse admission without refund to anyone who fails to comply.

• Lewis Capaldi: Recommended over 16’s. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult 25+ at all times.
• Calvin Harris: Strictly over 17’s only. Valid physical ID required (photocopies not accepted).

Need to know information from the promoters:

• Please allow ample time when exiting the arena.
• Lewis Capaldi Only: Under 17s and parents with children should wait 15 mins after the concert before starting to exit. Merchandise, refreshments and food outlets will remain open.
• Strict age restrictions. Check ticket T&C’s.
• For health and safety, camping chairs or collapsible chairs are not allowed. Security will have to refuse you entry with them.
• This event will take place rain, hail or shine. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the weather – think wellies, boots or runners, layers, raincoats/ponchos and suncream but remember no umbrellas.
• Show your ticket at the ticket check outside the venue for inspection.
• Strict security checks will be in operation. Everyone will be subject to a search permissible under law, per Purchase Policy. It is a condition to entry, to protect everyone’s safety. Additional searches may take place once inside the venue.
• Patrons are especially advised not to bring large bags/backpacks bigger than A4 as they may experience delays or be refused entry. There will be no storage facilities on site. Any items left at entrances/in surrounding areas will be removed and disposed of accordingly.
• Bags larger than A4, signs/flags bigger than A3, flag poles, glass or cans, umbrellas, alcohol, e-scooters/e-bikes, disposable vapes, flares, professional cameras and audio recording equipment will not be permitted. See the full list of prohibited items on Prohibited Items | MCD.ie.
• Soft collapsible water skins permitted in all areas. No hard plastic, metal or glass reusables permitted.
• Obey the stewards and PSNI, and any advice and instructions given over the public address for your own safety.
• There are no re-admissions to the concert. If you leave, there is no re-entry.
• The Promoter reserves the right to refuse admission without refund to anyone who fails to comply with these T&Cs, as agreed by customer and per Ticketmaster Purchase Policy.
• Don’t rush to the exits after the concerts.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

The reclusive puzzle-setter was thrown into the world of policing in the first season after his identical twin brother James, a detective chief inspector, vanished without explanation.

The second series finds John working officially as a Crime Scene Consultant for the Cambridge Police Authority, teaming up with DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola) on seemingly “impossible” crimes.

No longer masquerading as James, he is “more Ludwig than ever”, brilliant at puzzles but hopeless at almost everything else.

The fate of his brother, though, still eludes him, the BBC’s official synopsis shares.

Returning alongside Mitchell and Ola are Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler, Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville and Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor.

Meanwhile, fresh faces include Mark Bonnar as newspaper editor Gareth Fisher and Sian Clifford as local MP Joanne Kemper.

Discussing where we find Ludwig at the start of the second season, Mitchell shared: “At the start of this series, he’s discovered all this evidence and potential clues to the terrible thing that’s been going on that made his brother disappear.

“But it’s boxes and boxes.

“He’s quite happily pottering his way through them, trying to work out which of the conspiracy theories are absolute nonsense and which of them might have a kernel of truth.

“It’s like a big jumbo crossword that you can luxuriate over for a whole Sunday afternoon but, in this case, a Sunday afternoon might turn into months.”

Ahead of the second series airing, the BBC commissioned Ludwig for a third.

Mitchell said: “I am delighted that Ludwig will be returning to solve more of Mark Brotherhood’s brilliant mysteries.

“I can’t wait to get started and have renewed the subscription on my denouement-learning app.”

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, said: “Ludwig is exactly the kind of smart, distinctive, audience-pleasing show we love at BBC Comedy.

“Sharp writing, a compelling story, big laughs and, naturally, a generous helping of puzzles.

“The team at Big Talk have crafted something truly distinctive and much-loved, and we’re excited to see what mysteries Ludwig tackles next.”

Ludwig series 2 full cast list

• David Mitchell as John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor
• Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor
• Dipo Ola as DCI Russell Carter
• Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler
• Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw
• Ben Ashenden as DC Ethan Cole
• Rumi Sutton as DCI Caitlin Sullivan
• Michael Wildman as DCC Clint Radley
• Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor
• Karl Pilkington as DI Matt Neville
• Mark Bonnar as Gareth Fisher
• Sian Clifford as Joanne Kemper

• Rebecca Front as Patricia Lowery
• Doon Mackichan as Portia Lowery
• Gillian Royale as Lilibeth Lowery
• Josh Bolt as Adam Newsum
• Bairavi Manoharan as Hannah Foster
• Daniel Lawrence Taylor as Aiden Mooney
• Gary Beadle as Phillip Mooney
• Rory Douglas-Speed as Tristan Price
• Michelle Greenidge as Jackie Mooney
• Tsion Habte as Sienna Mooney
• Lloyd Bowen as Owen Doyle
• Stephen Merchant as Danny Sloane

Recommended reading:

When will Ludwig series 2 be on TV?

Ludwig’s second series will begin at 9pm on BBC One on Thursday, July 20.

After that, the remaining five episodes will air weekly in the same timeslot.

Alternatively, the first three episodes will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer after the premiere airs.

The final three episodes will then follow in September.

Will you be watching season two of Ludwig? Let us know in the comments.