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NewsBeat

‘Despicable’ woman defrauded primary school charity out of thousands

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Cambridgeshire Live

The charity treasurer tried to conceal her crimes by sharing false information about the accounts with committee members

A charity treasurer fraudulently took more than £26,000 in primary school funds and reported false accounts in a bid to hide her crimes. Stephanie Delaney, 38, became treasurer of a registered charity responsible for organising events and fundraising on behalf of St Helen’s Primary School, in Bluntisham, in September 2020.

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It made her responsible for paying invoices for equipment hire and supplies for events and looking after the general finances. In June 2023, committee members noticed outgoing transactions from their account to Delaney’s and to a Somersham Carnival account.

Delaney had been treasurer since 2017 and following these concerns, the police were contacted. Investigations revealed that between February 2019 and January 2024, Delaney had made transactions and cash withdrawals from the Somersham Carnival Committee account and the Friends of St Helen’s Primary School (FOSH) account for her own personal use without the consent or approval of the committee.

She tried to conceal her crimes by sharing false information about the accounts with fellow committee members. In total, more than £26,000 from both organisations were taken. When questioned by police, she initially tried to claim she had become confused when transferring funds for various events between the charity accounts and her own.

However, she later pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position and false accounting. Delaney, of Homestead, Somersham, Huntingdon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 24 months, at Huntingdon Law Courts on Thursday, May 7.

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Detective Constable Rachel Brown, who investigated, said: “Delaney’s dishonesty and fraudulent actions are nothing short of shocking. To deprive local charities and committees out of funds designed to help their local communities, including children, is despicable.

“Fraud is a priority area for the force and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders before the courts.”

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Katie Price’s husband’s vile rants as he calls children ‘ugly gremlins’ and slams ‘pig-looking rat’

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Daily Mirror

Katie Price’s husband, Lee Andrews, has branded critics ‘gremlins’ in unearthed social media comments, after followers questioned their marriage.

Lee Andrews’ vile rants against social media followers have been uncovered, following his marriage to Katie Price. The lovebirds stunned fans when they tied the knot at the beginning of the year, after a whirlwind relationship. The businessman currently lives in Dubai and has yet to meet his new wife’s family, including her five children.

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After facing scrutiny over their romance, the 41-year-old lashed out at critics in unearthed Facebook comments, branding a family “ugly gremlins” and slamming a “pig looking rat bag”. Underneath a picture of Lee posing beside a horse, one Facebook fan said he “liked big teeth”.

Having none of it, he shared a photo seemingly of their family, spitting back: “The Absolutely ugliest gremlins and family I’ve ever seen not the care bear . But the rest Jeaus help my eyes.

“And these poor beings .. the world is so unfair .. and has been super harsh this lot. I’d start a make a wish list but I’m sure the few Pennie’s wouldn’t help. They might go a long way at that 2nd rate theme park your at .. good for you I bet it’s someone’s birthday . Well done saving up for this. Best mum vibes [sic].”

“Go be with your ugly Mrs,” he urged one commenter, before telling another: “Concentrate on that pig looking rat bag you call a Mrs In your profile picture not our beautiful relationship jealous a**e.”

“You pair of mingers behave, stay with that sewage rat of a Mrs in your profile picture .. then make that comment,” the entrepreneur told a hater.

Katie is no stranger to the headlines, but she has barely been out of the news since marrying Lee in January. However, he is yet to meet her family as he currently lives in Dubai, with the former glamour model travelling back and forth to the UK.

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It was announced that they would be making their live TV debut today in a joint appearance on Good Morning Britain but, just before the chat, it emerged that Lee had missed his flight, leaving the mum-of-five to face the chat alone.

Host Susanna Reid took the opportunity to warn the I’m A Celebrity star over the marriage, questioning whether he was “telling her everything”. Insisting that he was “reliable”, she urged the hosts to “interrogate” her over the relationship, so that she could clear up any doubt.

“What I love about you Katie is that you’re very open, but I just wonder if he’s telling you everything,” Susanna said, to which Katie replied: “I know no one believes me, your face says it all.

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“I can’t keep going to Dubai because I’ve got work and my kids here. He pays for it anyway but I can’t keep going to Dubai so he’s shifting over here. I said ‘I keep flying to you, you’ve got to come to England now.’”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

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Starmer Rejects Calls To Resign As Labour Leader

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Starmer Rejects Calls To Resign As Labour Leader

Keir Starmer has told his cabinet he will not quit despite mounting calls for him to resign as prime minister.

The PM told the weekly meeting of his top team: “The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet.”

In a direct message to those who want his job, he said Labour “has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered”.

Starmer’s comments come despite more than 80 Labour MPs calling publicly for him to go and the resignation this morning of a government minister.

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Four cabinet ministers also told him yesterday that he cannot survive as PM.

The PM said: “As I said yesterday, I take responsibility for these election results and I take responsibility for delivering the change we promised.

“The past 48 hours have been destabilising for government and that has a real economic cost for our country and for families.

“The Labour Party has a process for challenging a leader and that has not been triggered.

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“The country expects us to get on with governing. That is what I am doing and what we must do as a cabinet.”

Government sources have since contradicted Starmer’s claims, saying the prime minister promised to only speak to cabinet ministers about the elections or his leadership individually.

The insiders claim Starmer then refused to see cabinet ministers individually after the meeting.

Starmer’s comments pile pressure on his leadership rivals to break cover and directly challenge him.

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Any challenger would need the support of 81 MPs to trigger a contest, and Starmer would automatically go on the ballot paper.

However, Labour MPs are deeply split over who should take over, which is helping to keep the PM in his job for now.

Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.

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Universal Credit rules claimants should check before summer travel abroad

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Cambridgeshire Live

People claiming Universal Credit are being reminded to check DWP rules before travelling abroad this summer as leaving the UK may affect their benefit payments

Individuals receiving Universal Credit are being urged to review Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regulations before heading overseas this summer, as international travel could impact their benefit entitlements.

Universal Credit payments can typically be maintained for up to one month during foreign trips, as long as recipients continue fulfilling their claim requirements. Nevertheless, claimants must declare alterations to their circumstances, including overseas journeys, via their online Universal Credit portal.

These regulations are applicable to claimants across Scotland, England and Wales. Information on GOV.UK confirms that individuals receiving Universal Credit “may be able to continue getting it for up to one month while you’re abroad”.

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Recipients may still be required to attend scheduled appointments, actively seek employment or fulfil claimant obligations while overseas, unless they have arranged alternative measures with their work coach.

Those receiving Universal Credit who neglect to declare changes to their situation could face postponements, excess payments or complications with their claim upon returning home, reports the Daily Record.

Extended periods overseas may be permitted under specific circumstances, including:

  • receiving medical treatment
  • dealing with the death of a partner, child or close relative
  • escaping domestic abuse
  • accompanying a child receiving medical treatment

According to GOV.UK information, certain individuals may qualify to receive Universal Credit for up to six months when travelling abroad for medical care or supporting a child undergoing treatment.

The DWP advised claimants to always verify the regulations prior to travelling, as entitlement depends on personal circumstances and the duration of time spent overseas. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to support those on a low income, out of work, or unable to work with their everyday living costs.

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The sum an individual receives is determined by their personal circumstances, taking into account factors such as earnings, housing costs, and whether they have children or health conditions.

Those in receipt of Universal Credit can report any changes to their circumstances via their online Universal Credit account or by calling the Universal Credit helpline.

Claimants who are planning holidays or trips abroad this summer are also being urged to keep a record of their travel dates and return plans, should they be required to provide further information regarding their absence from the UK.

Guidance on GOV.UK also cautions that Universal Credit payments may be halted if a claimant remains outside the UK beyond the permitted period and does not meet the criteria for an exemption under DWP rules.

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As a result, claimants are advised to carefully review the latest guidance before booking or embarking on any trips outside the UK.

Further information regarding travelling abroad while claiming Universal Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

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York Christmas Market- rest day closure plan approved

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York Christmas Market- rest day closure plan approved

York Council’s Executive backed trialling Tuesday closures this year to improve accessibility including for disabled people, despite hearing that up to £7.8 million less could be spent in the city centre as a result.

Disabled people told councillors on Tuesday, May 12, the move sent a powerful message they they were an equal part of the local community.

But traders warned the move could put visitors off, pile pressure on the event when it is open and cause further harm to the already struggling hospitality industry.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s Labour economy spokesperson, said they had to strike a difficult balance but they would not bar people from the city centre during the event.

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It follows the introduction of restrictions barring Blue Badge holders and other vehicles from driving into the city centre during the event last year following a North Yorkshire Police request.

The Anti-Terror Traffic Regulation Order (ATTRO) is now available to use year round but is expected to be activated only during future markets and other events on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with the council and other emergency services.

The police said last year the restrictions were needed to deter terror attacks.

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Tuesday’s executive meeting heard the national terror threat level had recently been raised to severe, meaning an attack is highly likely.

But disabled people said in the run up to last year’s market the measures would restrict their access to the city centre, resulting in the event’s opening times being pushed back.

The approved plans are set to see the market open from 10.30am to 7pm every day except Tuesday.

York Christmas Market is set to close on Tuesdays this year (Image: Staff)

Blue Badge holders will be able to use the ‘Goodramgate loop’ between Deansgate, King’s Square and Colliergate but Church Street would be closed.

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Extra hostile vehicle measures would be put in place as a result, costing an estimated £50,000 in extra running costs.

The council and other bodies would monitor the measures during the event and make any changes deemed necessary.

Council city development lead Garry Taylor said the measures would allow the city centre to run as normal, as well as allowing access to disabled people and Blue Badge holders.

But he added the estimated loss of spending in the city centre could be between £2.6 million and £7.82 million, 1.87 and 5.62 per cent of total spend respectively during the market.

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Amanda Cooper, of the York Disability Rights Forum, told councillors disabled people found it very difficult to be in the city centre when the market is on.

Ms Cooper said: “Restricting access to essential services including banks could cause some to go into financial difficulties or debt.

“Those who oppose this may themselves become disabled one day, they should reflect on that.”

But organisations including York’s High Street Forum, Business Improvement District (BID), Made In Yorkshire and others all objected to the plans warning of their impact on the local economy.

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Market trader Nick Miller said closing one day a week would mean having to stop production and potentially hire fewer staff for them.

The trader said: “We had 241 applications for jobs on our stall last year, it’s worrying that that many people need a job in York.

“The market’s already busy at peak times, this could put more pressure on the market as a whole.”

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Cllr Paula Widdowson said the saga showed the issue of Blue Badge access to the city centre should never have been turned into a political football.

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Cllr Widdowson said: “We’re talking about safety in the city centre during one of the busiest periods of the year, this shouldn’t have been left to politicians balancing competiting priorities.”

Economy and Culture Executive Member Cllr Kilbane said a return to a seven-day market was not ruled out in the future as officials continue to work on long term solutions to access issues.

The executive member said: “No city has cracked making events such as the Christmas Market fully accessible but we will turn over every stone to make sure all residents and visitors can access the city centre while it’s on at a bare minimum.”

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Eurovision 2026: Three Countries Won’t Even Air Song Contest

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Eurovision 2026: Three Countries Won't Even Air Song Contest

Last year, five nations’ broadcasters announced they were withdrawing from the Eurovision Song Contest in solidarity with Palestine, after bosses confirmed that Israel would be invited back in 2026.

Ireland was the first to withdraw in the immediate aftermath, followed by Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, with Iceland becoming the fifth around a week later.

This year’s song contest is now about to get underway with the first live semi-final on Tuesday night, with three of the five boycotting nations not airing any coverage of Eurovision in 2026.

On Thursday, Ireland’s RTÉ will show a special episode of the travel show The End Of The World With Beanz featuring former Eurovision champion Niamh Kavanagh.

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In place of Saturday’s live final, meanwhile, they’ll be reairing an old episode of Father Ted centred around the Eurovision Song Contest.

A classic episode of Father Ted will air on RTÉ on Saturday night in place of the usual Eurovision final

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has became a prominent voice in the anti-transgender movement in recent years, and is also staunchly pro-Israel.

He has lambasted the decision to re-air the Father Ted episode in place of Eurovision, describing the move as “a tool of antisemitic harassment” on X.

It was already announced that Slovenia’s national broadcaster RTV would be dedicating their Saturday night scheduled to platforming Palestinian artists and creators, while Spain’s RTVE has put together its own alternative musical celebration called The House Of Music.

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Back in February, Spain went ahead with its Eurovision selection show Benidormfest, changing the prize from a spot at the international song contest to a cash prize.

Eurovision will take place in Basel, Austria last year following JJ's win in 2025
Eurovision will take place in Basel, Austria last year following JJ’s win in 2025

Meanwhile, The Netherlands and Iceland will air Eurovision 2026 as planned, despite not taking part themselves.

Eurovision director Martin Green said in response to Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland’s choice to pull out of the 2026 contest: “All of us here respect their position and decision. We will continue to work with them as friends and colleagues in the hope they return to the contest soon.

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Gordon Brown Fancams Are Officially A ‘Thing’ On TikTok

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Gordon Brown Fancams Are Officially A 'Thing' On TikTok

It’s not that I don’t think about politics. How could I avoid it, with the recent local elections, Starmer’s precarious prime ministership, Reform’s latest scandals, and the US-Iran conflict?

It’s just that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister from 2007-2010, isn’t usually at the top of those thoughts, despite his new role in Starmer’s government.

That, it seems, shows my age. TikTok scrolls in the past few weeks have brought some surprising treats to my virtual doorstep, not unlike an eager, ironic-ish e-cat with babygirlified prey in its mouth.

This, people, is the age of the Gordon Brown fancam.

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Er… what’s a fancam?

Fancams are fan-made edits of a star, designed to show them at their most beautiful, charming, funny, powerful, or generally appealing. People use music and filters to celebrate and “sell” their fave: it’s a bit like a thirst trap.

They’re usually associated with people like K-pop idols, famous actors, and sometimes, sidelined characters fans want to convince others to appreciate. Fancams can be used to “ship”, or create the appearance of a romantic relationship between, celebs and characters that aren’t together in real life.

(No, Tony Blair and Brown have not dodged that particular application of the format.)

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So effective is the format that companies have started to create their own fan edits (though I suppose those are just “edits”). Take these clips of Penn Badgley in Easy A, compiled by streamer Peacock, for instance.

I feel I should add at this point that earnest fancams are almost universally horny.

Right. And Gordon Brown is in these?

Yes. It’s worth noting that The Kids have been making ironic fancams for a while: I think this edit of the bee in The Bee Movie, for instance, might not be so much an outpouring of uncontrollable lust as it is a gentle ribbing of the movie’s absurd premise.

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Clips that ship Brown and Blair seem to have been posted with tongue firmly in cheek (the posters’ in their own, not the ex-PMs in each other’s), too. “Don’t even joke,” one commenter wrote under a viral Blair-Brown video.

But others seem a tad more sincere.

“JESUS HAS RESURRECTED,” one video, which has racked up over 24,000 views on the shortform clip app, reads. The title referred to Brown’s recent appointment to the role of Starmer’s Special Envoy for Global Finance.

In the comments, the account behind the Bernie Sanders mashup clip said they were celebrating the role because they feel Brown “basically saved Europe from financial destitution during the financial crash and he knows more about political economics than probably anyone else in this country”.

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They added that the video was “hopecore,” while another app user said, “WE MIGHT BE OK”.

That’s not to say that Gen Z don’t know the format is funny, or that these fancams are meant as a straight-faced commentary. Even the most earnest posts acknowledge these are “memes”.

And Gordon isn’t the only politician to have been fancamed. But he is, it seems, especially likely to receive the treatment ― “My first thought when I heard the news was I can’t wait for all the Gordon edits we’re about to get,” a comment below an edit which played Hozier’s Do I Wanna Know? reads.

(The video played over the lyrics “crawling back to you”).

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“Guys this is the third edit I see of this guy pls explain to me why do you love him,” another commenter asked.

I can’t say I have answers. Maybe it’s a combination of Gen Z’s naughties nostalgia, a throwback to when we had fewer PMs in quick succession, or simply because some find him “cute” (yep, Brown has gotten the babygirl treatment online too).

Whatever the reason, keep an eye on your timeline: a heavily edited Brown clip might be coming soon to small screens near you.

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Plans for a tourist site in Carluke have been turned down

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Daily Record

Council officers decided the proposal conflicted with both national and local planning policies because the site lies within designated green belt land.

A proposal to build a small tourism development in the green belt near Braidwood has been refused.

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The application, which was presented to councillors on today’s (May 12) planning committee, sought full planning permission for a rural tourism business on land east of Meadow Cottage, off Old Lanark Road near Carluke.

The development would include three glamping-style tourist pods, a lodge/caravan for staff accommodation, a workshop for bicycle repairs and maintenance and a stable block with two stables.

According to planning documents, the business was intended to offer cycling and equestrian tourism, allowing visitors to explore nearby countryside routes, bridleways and cycling networks.

However, council officers decided the proposal conflicted with both national and local planning policies because the site lies within designated green belt land.

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Councillor Alex Allison (Clydesdale East), questioned the reasoning behind the refusal.

He said: “I’m a little bit concerned, we’ve had a number of these types of applications come through recently some of them have been refused because they don’t show a good enough business plan.

“We have one here who’s done something to try to improve the business plan, there’s a lot of businesses in the rural area. But the report suggests that it is so far away from Carluke that you’re going to need transport to get there, yet it’s supposedly still in the green belt. There’s a lot of contradictions here and yet again it’s another indication of when ideas do come up for the rural area, it’s very difficult, if not impossible to get a good application through and it really is concerning.

READ MORE: Progress made across South Lanarkshire to reduce the education attainment gap

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“How are we supposed to develop businesses in the rural area for the people that stay there if we’re not allowing some of these things to go through?”

Council officials stated that every application is treated on individual merit. The site of this application does sit within the greenbelt and has to be assessed against the greenbelt policy, they said. Access to the site is poor and is a single track, therefore it does not comply with planning policies.

The report for the Planning Committee stated that while tourism and leisure uses can sometimes be acceptable within the green belt, applicants must demonstrate why such a location is essential.

Planners said the supporting information failed to justify why the business could not operate from a more suitable site outside the green belt.

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The report noted: “A green belt location is not considered essential and, as such, the proposal could be located on an alternative site.”

READ MORE: South Lanarkshire community learning initiative has been praised

Officers also raised concerns that most visitors would likely rely on private cars due to the rural location, which they considered contrary to suitable planning principles.

The site itself is currently overgrown with vegetation and mature trees. Planning officers say the development would require substantial site clearance and would create an isolated cluster of buildings in an otherwise undeveloped area.

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The report stated there are no nearby buildings with which the development could integrate, making it an “inappropriate form of dispersed development.”

Officers also said the application did not include sufficient information on expected visitor numbers, local tourism demand, or long term financial viability.

Consultation responses from council departments and agencies produced no objections from Roads and Transportation Services or Scottish Water.

READ MORE: Derelict East Kilbride church to be converted into social housing

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No public objections were submitted during the consultation process.

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: New Post Office opens it doors in Motherwell

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Sweet Magnolias fans threaten to skip season 5 as star missing from trailer

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Wales Online

Sweet Magnolias is returning for season five but fans aren’t entirely happy with its newly released trailer.

Sweet Magnolias: Season 5 official Netflix trailer

Sweet Magnolias fans are threatening to abandon season five after it’s trailer dropped.

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Netflix subscribers have been anticipating the return of the South Carolina-set drama for over a year, eagerly awaiting its much-hyped fifth instalment.

The streaming platform unveiled the Sweet Magnolias season five trailer on Thursday, 11 June, hinting at significant developments ahead.

However, what has particularly alarmed devotees is the apparent absence of Maddie (portrayed by JoAnna Garcia Swisher) and Bill Townsend’s (Chris Klein) son, Tyler (Carson Rowland).

The promotional footage contains no glimpses of Tyler alongside Annie (Anneliese Judge), despite the pair finally becoming a couple towards the conclusion of series four.

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This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows.

This includes the brand new UK drama Unchosen, starring Asa Butterfield and Christopher Eccleston.

In YouTube’s comments section, one viewer questioned, “Is Ty not there this season?” prompting another to respond, “Ty better be in this season, or else I’m not watching.”

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A third declared: “Finally it’s coming back! Just hoping Ty is still in the season since Carson isn’t anywhere in this trailer.”

Another commented: “This is cool and all you know.. but where is Tyler I need to see Tyler and Annie.”

One devoted fan wrote: “Love this show, but where are Ty and Annie??!!!

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“We’ve waited so long for them to get together, and having them break up after like two episodes. Give us TY and ANNIE!”

While Tyler is notably missing from the footage, Annie does make a fleeting appearance in the season five trailer.

She is shown both alongside her father and subsequently receiving support from friends in the kitchen.

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This is likely connected to Annie’s imminent departure to the Monterey Institute for the Arts in California to pursue her photography career, as established in season four.

During the season four finale, Ty revealed he was set to embark on a European music tour shortly after he and Annie became a couple.

Annie had originally planned to accompany him, but ultimately chose to focus on her own career aspirations, leading the devoted pair to part ways.

Sweet Magnolias season five premieres on Thursday, June 11, on Netflix.

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Labour will regret making itself look unfit to govern

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Labour will regret making itself look unfit to govern

With his premiership imploding, Boris Johnson famously observed that: “As we’ve seen at Westminster, the herd instinct is powerful – and when the herd moves, it moves.”

The words will already be familiar to Sir Keir Starmer, who, in 2022, in a series of superb performances as leader of the opposition, did so much to bring down the then prime minister.

Now, he is finding out first hand something of what Mr Johnson experienced: being under constant attack from his own MPs, many of whom owe their parliamentary seats to his general election victory, and being ground down by a series of ministerial resignations that reach a crescendo when some of his most senior colleagues quit in protest.

Certainly, the Labour “herd” has been moving – with far less justification – and in a manner reminiscent of what eventually secured Mr Johnson’s downfall. Indeed, a similar exercise in what might be termed incremental regicide ensured Tony Blair’s exit in 2007, although he was adept enough to avoid an ugly denouement.

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Sir Keir is proving more stubborn in office than either of those forebears. That he should also fall victim to a political assassination is not inevitable – in a rearguard action, more than 100 backbenchers have pledged their loyalty to him. However, pressure is noisily building, and the discontent is real.

The prime minister pulled a surprising tactic by saying he wasn’t going to go just as cabinet was sitting down. In effect, he ambushed them – and his hijack of the initiative is what pushed them into acquiescence. It gives him breathing space, albeit for who knows how long?

There is no point in denying it. More than 81 MPs have now called for him to go, the number needed to trigger a leadership contest if they were to rally behind a single candidate, which has not yet happened. Some favour Wes Streeting, the health secretary and reputed leading replacement candidate who, in the words of The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul, would bring “fluency, clarity and humour to the serious business of government”, but who is also “sometimes described as smug, too smooth, too young (he is 43) and too pleased with himself”.

For all his support on Labour’s soft left, Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, lacks the necessary Westminster seat from which to launch a leadership campaign, and – following his party’s washout in last week’s local elections – would face an enormous challenge were he to mount a bid in a by-election.

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Angela Rayner, having urged Sir Keir to move harder to the left to stay in office, has made clear she is prepared to run if the role becomes available. Meanwhile, Shabana Mahmood’s spokesperson has confirmed that the home secretary, who was among a number of ministers calling for Sir Keir to set out a timetable for his resignation, now wants to get on with her own job rather than make a bid for the prime minister’s.

Which means that all that the public denunciations, the frustrated letters of resignation and the multifarious grievances aired on social media have achieved so far is to make Labour look unworthy of holding power.

First, fundamentally, they have merely demonstrated that while there is a great deal of disappointment internally with Sir Keir, it is still not substantial enough to oust him. Collectively, they don’t know who they want to replace him. As the prime minister forcefully reminded his colleagues around the cabinet table, there is no party mechanism for facilitating a vote of no confidence in the occupant of No 10. Sir Keir has said he will fight anyone who dares challenge him.

The second unfortunate feature the Labour Party has chosen to flout in front of a dismayed public is how utterly divided it is, and how confused are the various personalities now seeking to supplant an elected prime minister.

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Third, if they did ever manage to seize power on the back of the votes of about 300,000 unrepresentative Labour Party members, the chances are that one of the soft-left candidates would win, and the bond markets would panic – with good reason. The cost of UK borrowing is already starting to spike higher in anticipation and, as Sir Keir keeps trying to warn his comrades, that is now damaging hard-pressed businesses and households, as well as adding to the interest burden – about £100bn a year – on the national debt.

None of the likely alternatives to Sir Keir has a convincing alternative strategy for government, and those on the left would implement policies sharply different to the 2024 manifesto on which they were entrusted with government. The sense of betrayal among the public if they tried to steer the party towards heavier taxes, more costly regulation and higher borrowing would keep Labour out of power for years, if not decades.

Harking back to Mr Johnson’s valedictory address, the outgoing prime minister added, perhaps not entirely sincerely, that: “No one is remotely indispensable, and our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader, equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times.” As it turned out, Britain got Liz Truss.

Quite apart from her disastrous dash-for-growth mini-Budget – another pertinent warning from history – her elevation to her party leadership, by about 140,000 out-of-touch reactionary Tory activists, only added to their problems and deepened their unpopularity. Changing leader didn’t work, and when Rishi Sunak arrived, the position was irrecoverable.

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Labour would do well to avoid unleashing similar demons and making parallel mistakes, and not least because they promised to abolish such silly psychodramas. They should instead get on with governing and supporting their prime minister, as boring as it, and Sir Keir, can sometimes be.

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What does the State Opening of Parliament involve and why?

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What does the State Opening of Parliament involve and why?

Sir Keir Starmer had hoped this year’s speech would be a key element of a government reset and provide a boost to the Prime Minister after punishing elections losses.

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