Scottish Labour is tearing itself apart before the party’s latest leadership contest has even started.

A party that has lost five Holyrood elections in a row to the SNP and cannot connect with voters is once again staring at its own navel.

The smart money was on a three-way contest between moderate Michael Marra, former council chief Joe Fagan and left-winger Monica Lennon.

But there is a growing sense that Lennon, despite being the candidate party figures believe would have the most reach with voters, will fail to make the ballot.

Contenders need three Labour MSPs and three Scottish Labour MPs to become candidates and every indication is that Lennon is struggling.

Part of her likely exclusion reflects the rough and tumble of politics.

Marra has been preparing for a contest for months and has activated his machine to hoover up nominations.

Lennon’s return to Holyrood after Anas Sarwar’s resignation from Holyrood was accidental and she does not have the infrastructure to compete.

Marra does not want her on the ballot and his supporters have been energetic in ensuring this becomes a reality.

Personality clashes are another factor behind Lennon’s inability so far to attract the necessary support.

She had a reputation as a moderate when she was first elected in 2016, but she alienated this bloc when she backed Jeremy Corbyn.

Her natural supporters in the Scottish Labour group – left wingers Katy Clark and Carol Mochan – are also withholding their support.

Mochan fundamentally differs from Lennon on trans rights while Clark inexplicably believes that she should be the left wing candidate in the race.

The end result is a likely all-male ballot between Fagan and Marra to succeed Anas Sarwar.

Even the staunchest supporters of both these contenders admit they have baggage.

Marra is an able politician who would be better than Sarwar at carving out dividing lines with the SNP.

But he will also struggle to shrug off his association with past Scottish Labour failures.

He was a senior adviser to hapless former leader Iain Gray, whose terrible Holyrood campaign led to an overall SNP majority in 2011.

Marra was also the architect of Labour’s dismal Holyrood manifesto in May – a document that failed to include a single eye-catching policy.

Scottish Labour has lost five in a row to the SNP and Marra was knee-deep in two of them.

Fagan also has a number of downsides.

As leader of South Lanarkshire council, he was suspended for two months for disclosing confidential information to the press.

He is also seen as a puppet of deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who critics believe wants Fagan to win so she can hold on to her power.

Senior party insiders also struggle to see the rookie MSP as a credible figure to lead Labour so soon into his Holyrood career.

One said: “Is he really going to be our candidate for First Minister? Will voters be able to picture him walking into Bute House? He is not a big league politician.”

Anger is also rising with Sarwar for plunging his party into a summer of infighting and rancour.

Party activists wanted the priority for Scottish Labour to be a review of their catastrophic election defeat in May.

The review is now irrelevant and the big structural issues Scottish Labour needs to consider will be shelved.

Senior party figures believe that whoever wins will lead a divided, inwardly-looking group at Holyrood.

And few people believe the victor will lead Scottish Labour into the 2031 Holyrood election.

The party of John Smith and Donald Dewar was already circling the drain before the leadership contest.

A pointless scrap that treats voters as an afterthought could see Scottish Labour vanish forever.

By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER and BOBBY MANZI, FOOTBALL REPORTER

Updated: 12:09 BST, 31 July 2026

His actions pushed her to get help long before any other warning sign appeared

Kristine Richards thought her chihuahua was just being a pain – until she realised the little dog might be trying to tell her something important. The 61-year-old from Wellington, in Somerset, says eight-year-old Flag developed a strange habit of repeatedly pawing at the underside of her arm.

At first, she brushed it off as nuisance behaviour, but he didn’t stop. Soon after, she noticed a small lump, which set off alarm bells and prompted her to get it looked at by a doctor.

In 2018, Kristine decided to get checked after connecting Flag’s fixation with what she’d heard about dogs picking up on illness. Tests later confirmed she had hormone-sensitive lobular breast cancer, and she believes the timing was crucial because she’d felt completely normal.

She said: “My initial thought was that it was nothing, but then I started to wonder if there was a connection. I went to get it looked at and it was cancer. You can’t underestimate the shock. I couldn’t take it in. I just started crying.”

Kristine went for a full day of checks, including a mammogram and ultrasound, and was then told the cancer was aggressive and had spread to her lymph nodes. The diagnosis launched her into intense treatment that included surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and drug therapy.

Kristine says it wasn’t straightforward as doctors were forced to stop chemotherapy early because it began affecting her feet and legs, and there were fears she could lose her ability to walk. Even so, about a year after the nightmare began, she was told she was in remission and the cancer hasn’t returned since.

She added: “It was a very difficult time of my life. In times like those, you find out who your true friends are, and ultimately, I did, and the answer was my dog.

“I am now in remission, I cried with relief when they told me. It was like getting to the end of a very long journey where you don’t quite know where you are going.”

Now, Flag is a trained assistance dog who’s treated like a furry hero – with plenty of hugs and his favourite lamb treats. Kristine even says he’s saved her twice, claiming he later stopped her from being pushed into the path of a moving car.

The Chihuahua has become something of a local star, even being made honorary mayor of St Marychurch in Torquay. Kristine says he’s become known as a ‘community champion’ as the pair support charity causes and host coffee mornings.

Kristine added: “If he hadn’t alerted me, it would have taken much longer for me to go about it. He saved my life. I owe my dog everything.”

The pair are currently backing Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink campaign, encouraging people to get involved to raise money and awareness. Kristine said: “The more people know about him, the more money we can raise for charity and the more awareness we can get.”

Among the flights running more than 20 minutes behind schedule are Ryanair’s 7.15am departure to Brussels Charleroi, Air France’s 7.35am service to Paris Charles de Gaulle, Jet2’s 8.10am flight to Corfu, Scandinavian Airlines’ 8.30am departure to Copenhagen and Ryanair’s 8.45am service to Milan Malpensa.

Later today, Loganair’s 7.55pm departure to Southampton (LM369) from Terminal 2 is also listed as cancelled on the airport’s live departures board.

Manchester Airport’s live departure information is updated throughout the day, meaning delays and cancellations can change at short notice.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling and allow extra time for their journey to the airport.

Flight delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including aircraft arriving late from previous services, air traffic control restrictions, adverse weather, operational issues or airline scheduling changes.

Lystus Ebosele, known to fans as Cyclone, joined the revival of the show last year, which is hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh.

However, she confirmed on social media that she has stepped down from the series of her own accord.

In an Instagram story shared on Thursday (July 30), the 25-year-old powerlifting champion said she was not “axed,” but chose to leave after appearing in two seasons of the programme.

Lystus said: “I have not been axed, I have left on my own accord.

“I am so sorry to all the families that have come to filming expecting me to be there, and have found out about my absence on arrival to the arena with no explanation, I truly am, but it’s not fair to fans of the show how things have transpired.

“I have made the decision to step away from the show for a few reasons, of which I don’t know if or when I’ll discuss tbh.

“Ultimately it was the correct decision and one I don’t regret at all.”

She confirmed she will still take part in the 2026 Live Tour but will not return for future series.

Lystus has unfollowed the show’s official Instagram account and deleted all pictures of herself on the show.

When contacted by Newsquest, the BBC did not offer any comment on the matter.

What other Gladiators stars have left this year?

Lystus’ exit follows the recent departures of Matty Campbell, known as Bionic, and Karenjeet Kaur Bains, known as Athena, both of whom missed much of the last series due to injury.

A source told The Sun: “They won’t film this year for the show but could be back for the tour, depending on how they recover from their injuries.”

Earlier this year, 40-year-old Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, also left the programme under controversial circumstances.

Bigg said he was let go after telling producers he intended to go public with his relationship, including the fact that his partner is an OnlyFans creator.

He said in a statement to the Press Association: “I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.

“It wasn’t something I expected, especially given the commitment I’ve shown to the role.

“I’ve always taken being in the public eye seriously, and I believe being a role model is about honesty as well as professionalism.

“For me, that means not hiding parts of who I am or the people I care about.”

Bigg also said he is “grateful to the BBC and everyone involved in the show for the opportunity and the experiences I’ve had.”

Are you said to see Cyclone leave Gladiators? Let us know in the comments.

Alexandra Walker had woken up following a heavy night on the booze to find her daughter seriously ill after she had been sexually and violently assaulted by her boyfriend, Harrison Simpson.

The 26-year-old picked up Isabelle Welsh’s floppy body but instead of immediately calling for emergency help she took the opportunity to have a final cigarette and tidy away her boyfriend’s bong.

Her shocking actions were all caught on CCTV inside her own home.

On Thursday (July 30), Welsh and Simpson were jailed for life for murder with minimum terms of 22 and 28 years respectively.

Isabelle Welsh (left) and her murderers Alexandra Walker (top right) and Harrison Simpson (bottom right). (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

During her trial for the murder of her two-year-old daughter, Walker was captured regularly getting drunk while her boyfriend smoked drugs into the early hours, including the night before her daughter was fatally injured.

When Walker eventually got out of bed, she found her daughter seriously ill and carried out an internet search asking why Isabelle could have blood in her nappy.

The heartless mum laid her daughter on the floor at the foot of the stairs before moving Simpson’s bong and having a smoke in the kitchen.

It took her almost an hour to call her stepfather for help, and when he arrived at her home on Hartington Close, Thornaby, he immediately demanded she call 999.

Isabelle Rose Welsh (Image: Family handout)

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and specialist hospital staff Isabelle never regained consciousness after suffering a severe bleed on the brain after he head was smashed against a hard object.

Sentencing Walker, the judge, the Honourable Ms Justice Norton, said: “You deliberately delayed getting help again for at least an hour on the day that Isabelle collapsed.

Tributes on Hartington Close in Thornaby (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

“Instead, of calling the emergency services or doing anything whatsoever to help your dying child, you put her on the floor, cleared away evidence of Harrison Simpson’s cannabis use and went into the kitchen or garden to smoke two cigarettes.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that your lack of urgency or concern for your child was because you wrongly believed that Isabelle was already dead, and you were working out what to do to save your own skin.

“Rather than phoning the emergency services, you made repeated attempts to contact Harrison Simpson. Indeed, as you told the jury, the reason why you did eventually call for an ambulance was because you realised that it was a very bad situation that you (not Isabelle) were in.”

Walker was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years on Thursday, July 30, after she was convicted of murder and child cruelty.

Meanwhile, Simpson, 22, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years after he was convicted of the same charges as well sexually assaulting the toddler.

By RORY TINGLE, HOME AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10:57 BST, 31 July 2026 | Updated: 11:20 BST, 31 July 2026

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana has been charged with multiple assaults on prison officers at HMP Belmarsh.

The 19-year-old was charged on Tuesday over the three separate alleged attacks in 2025, the Metropolitan Police said.

He was jailed for a minimum of 52 years for the murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and the attempted murders of eight other children, class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

In May last year, it was alleged he used a kettle in his cell to heat water up and then poured boiling water over a prison officer.

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Other guards heard their colleague’s screams and restrained Rudakubana following the attack, it is alleged. 

The prison officer was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and was discharged later that day before returning to work.

The Prison Service said at the time: ‘Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh.

‘Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hard-working staff.’

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Axel Rudakubana was charged on Tuesday over the three separate alleged attacks in 2025

In May last year, it was alleged he used a kettle in his cell to heat water up and then poured boiling water over a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh 

The Metropolitan Police said Rudakubana has been charged with the following:

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• Assault on an emergency worker on Tuesday, May 6, 2025
• Attempted grievous bodily harm on Thursday, May 8, 2025
• Unauthorised possession of an offensive weapon in prison on Thursday, June 26, 2025
• Assault on an emergency worker on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

He will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court via videolink on September 11.

 

Cambridgeshire Police has warned drivers that there are “heavy delays” on the A14 between Easton and Brampton.

They said: “Please be aware that the westbound carriageway on the A14 between Easton and Brampton is currently experiencing heavy delays and a tailback caused by an unfortunate spillage, so look to take alternate routes.

“Be advised, those with children in the car or have a weak disposition may be affected by the scene.”

Cristiano Ronaldo and fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, have got tongues wagging after a leaked invite appeared to suggest the pair were getting hitched this weekend

Rumours are rife that Cristiano Ronaldo is getting married tomorrow after a leaked wedding invite appeared to confirm the news.

The former Man Utd star, 41, got engaged to fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, 33, with whom he shares three children, last year after nine years together.

The legendary footballer, who played his last World Cup match for Portugal this summer, has always kept coy about when he would walk down the aisle with Georgina, saying marriage is a significant milestone for him and that he would know when the timing was right.

He has referred to Argentinian model Georgina – who he met when she was working as a sales assistant at Gucci – as his wife since last year, with the influencer often posting snaps of some serious bling on her wedding finger.

However, it appears the couple are finally making things official after a leaked invite set the date for August 1 – but is it really happening? Here’s what we know…

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Leaked wedding invite

Recent reports from various Portuguese newspapers have suggested that Ronaldo and Georgina’s wedding might take place this Saturday.

The speculation came after an alleged invitation, purportedly for the couple’s nuptials, was leaked to the Portuguese programme ‘V+Fama‘.

The invite reportedly read: “Together with their families, Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez request the honour of your presence at the celebration of their marriage.”

However, while some versions of the invite said the ceremony would begin at 2:00 p.m., others said it would start at 5:00 p.m, leading some to speculate if it was real.

All-black dress code

The invite also allegedly asks guests to dress all in black to celebrate the couple’s big day.

The strict dress code has lead to discussions about the significance of the colour, with some wondering Georgina, who we presume will be wearing in white, wants the contrast for a glossy magazine spread.

As one of the world’s most famous couples, there is sure to be a huge bidding war to get the first snaps from the special day – when it eventually happens.

Guest list

The guest list for the rumoured wedding has not been confirmed. However, according to one source, famous faces at the nuptials will include not only football players but stars from the showbiz world.

Footballers Rio Ferdinand, Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodriguez, are all said to have been invited as as well as actors Vin Diesel and Esther Exposito, who is dating Mbappe. Meanwhile, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Drake and rapper Travis Scott are also said to be asked to attend.

Also said to be on the guest list is TV presenter Piers Morgan, who Ronaldo told he would marry Georgina after this year’s World Cup in one of the biggest clues yet the wedding is on.

Couple show off matching diamond rings

Shortly before the invite was leaked, Georgina shared an Instagram post, which got tongues wagging. The model often posts snaps of her eye-wateringly expensive diamond rings. However, relaxing aboard Ronaldo’s CR7 jet this week, the mum-of-three shared something a bit different.

After polishing off a scrumptious breakfast of scrambled egg and smoked salmon next to her enormous Birkin bag, Georgina posted a snap on Instagram in which both she and Ronaldo are wearing designer watches encrusted with jewels. However, the couple, who were papped onboard the footballer’s yacht in Majorca this week, are also both rocking some serious bling on their wedding finger in a post, which feels very much like a statement.

Portuguese media appears to confirm wedding venue – but there’s a catch

Portuguese media claims the couple are set to wed in Portugal on Saturday, with local press suggesting they will marry at the stunning Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra.

One TV host has claimed the ceremony will be at the Quinta da Regaleira estate in Sintra, Portugal, however it still appears to be open to the public this weekend, adding doubt to the rumours.

In more confusion, the leaked invite specifies the date and venue: “Saturday, 1 August, 2026. At five in the afternoon at Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, Portugal.” However, within hours, a family statement was released, unequivocally denying that Cristiano and Georgina would be marrying this coming weekend.

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Ronaldo tells pal Piers Morgan he’ll get married after World Cup

Despite the denial, Ronaldo had previously claimed he was planning to marry Georgina after this year’s World Cup, which saw Portugal knocked out the Round of 16 after losing to Spain.

He told pal Piers Morgan: “I hope to arrive at my wedding with the champion’s trophy. I’m going to marry her because I believe it’s the right time. Not just because she’s the mother of my children — but because she’s the person I love most.”

Revealing he popped the question to Georgina at 1am in 2025, he continued: “It was like 1 am. My daughters were in bed sleeping. One of my friends gave me the ring to offer Gio, and as I was giving her the ring, my two kids come in and say: ‘Daddy, you’re going to give the ring to mum and you’re going to ask her to get married”‘.

“I said: ‘Wow, this is the right moment to say yes.’”

Admitting he hadn’t actually planned to propose at that moment, he concluded: “It was the time. I knew that I was going to do it one day, but I hadn’t planned to do it then.”

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