If Starmer is to step down, one of the questions will be about what he will do next.

To be a former PM is an odd thing. Business in the House of Commons moves on, but the agenda is no longer set by you. A new pair of hands takes up the reins with different policy ideas and style. You might even have to remain tight-lipped as the new PM – dealing with the weight of the office, acquainting themselves with Larry the Cat and a poky London flat above Number 10 – tries to make a symbolic break with the past by making a critical parting shot.

Mired in a row over his resignation honours, Boris Johnson left Parliament altogether in June 2023, just nine months after he left Downing Street when the support from fellow Tories melted away.

Tony Blair, feeling the brunt of 10 gruelling years as PM, left Parliament straight away and took up a role as Middle East envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia. Blair is known to have made millions since he was PM.

Others choose to stay, taking to the quieter life outside of high office and instead engaging in good, old-fashioned constituency work. Starmer may want to ring Gordon Brown, Rishi Sunak, Theresa May or John Major if he wants the blueprint for that kind of work.

That said, if posh new jobs or the endless rigmarole of constituency casework doesn’t take your fancy, then you can always indulge in a bit of conspiracy theory-based ranting, blaming the ‘globalist elite’ for your shortcomings. Liz Truss, the expert, here.

The trains will be lifted from the site and transported away by road as an investigation remains ongoing to establish how the crash happened

An update has been issued by Network Rail following the train crash near Bedford, which killed one train driver and injured 100 passengers.

A temporary road has been built on the field next to the train track where the collision took place and will be used by cranes that will contribute to the “complex” recovery operation.

The process will see two 110-tonne rail-mounted Kirow cranes lift the carriages from the site before a road-mounted crane will move them onto a specialised trailer specialised in carrying extremely heavy equipment.

The carriages will then be transported away from the site by road, Network Rail has confirmed.

Following this, engineers will assess the track and carry out any repairs before reinstating the overhead lines and completing final safety checks ahead of reopening the railway.

A statement from Network Rail reads: “A complex recovery operation has begun to remove the damaged trains and carriages from the railway before engineers assess any damage and complete necessary repairs.

“The Overhead Line Equipment – the electrical wires that provide power to the electric trains – must be removed while a temporary access road and concrete foundation is constructed to support the operation of a crane.”

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Shaun Burton has been named as the train driver who died in the collision. The 60-year-old joined East Midlands Railway in 2019 and has been described as “a dedicated railway professional whose commitment, service and professionalism touched the lives of colleagues and passengers alike”.

One hundred passengers suffered a range of injuries during the incident, with nine of them in critical condition.

The crash took place on Friday afternoon (June 19) near Bedford when the 4.40pm EMR service from Corby to London St Pancras crashed into the rear of the 3.50pm service from Nottingham to London St Pancras.

Network Rail has warned those planning to travel through Bedford next week that the route will be disrupted until June 28.

As a result, there will be no Greater Thameslink Railway services north of Luton and no EMR services south of Bedford.

The former Match of the Day host made the comments during a surprise appearance on ITV’s coverage of the World Cup, criticising costs as unaffordable for many supporters.

Mr Lineker said: “I think for fans having to take out a second mortgage or sell their car to be able to afford to watch a football match, to fill the pockets of what is supposedly a not-for-profit organisation, I just don’t understand what Fifa are doing and why they are making it so difficult.

“It’s incredible that so many fans have come here despite that.”

He appeared on screen during ITV’s broadcast of Germany versus Ivory Coast, where he briefly took on presenting duties before being interrupted by regular host Laura Woods.

Ms Woods said: “Gary, that’s my job,” to which Mr Lineker replied, “Sorry, sorry. Old habits.”

He also appeared to poke fun at the BBC’s decision not to have a studio in one of the host countries during the tournament.

Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.

Mr Lineker said: “I have been doing a show daily for Netflix, we’re Times Square but I did desperately want to come and see your set.

“I think it’s absolutely amazing and I can confirm that it is real.

“What a backdrop.”

A Fifa spokesperson responded to Mr Lineker’s comments, saying the organisation remains “committed to ensuring fair access” to the competition and offering group stage tickets at $60 (£45), which it described as “an extremely competitive price for a once-in-a-lifetime major global sporting event”.

Mr Lineker left the BBC in May last year after criticism over sharing political opinions on social media.

His departure followed a row over an Instagram post about Zionism, which featured an image of a rat—a symbol historically associated with antisemitism.

“Basically they’re saying you were a stiff No.9 that couldn’t move” 🤣

Harry Kane or Alan Shearer. Who’s England’s greatest ever striker? AD @GoogleUK pic.twitter.com/svHV1UVTLi

— The Rest Is Football (@RestIsFootball) June 17, 2026

The broadcaster later apologised, saying he had not noticed the rat in the image and did not believe “anyone actually believes I would’ve posted that”.

Mr Lineker is set to return to television later this year as the host of ITV’s new game show, The Box.

He also continues to front The Rest Is Football podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.

The podcast will become a daily television show on Netflix during the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What are your thoughts on the World Cup? Let us know in the comments

Rod, 81, admitted to the crowd that he had nearly fainted during the gig in Utah.

Scots singer Rod Stewart ‘nearly fainted’ during a gig in the United States and was given oxygen on stage.

The rock star was performing at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City on Friday, June 19, when he required the assistance from backstage.

In a video shared online, Rod can be seen leaning against musical instruments, barriers and a pole at the side of the stage as he was visibly struggling to continue with his set.

Rod, 81, wasn’t moving around the stage in his usual manner before he paused the concert to receive help.

According to TMZ, crew members backstage brought out an oxygen tank after Rod doubled over.

The Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? singer managed to plough on after getting support and addressed the audience, admitting that he had nearly fainted, while still managing to raise a few laughs to ease the tension.

However, he finished the show sitting down following the incident.

Rod was forced to cancel a number of shows following a bout of flu and, most recently, was unable to perform in San Diego as a result of laryngitis.

He was, however, able to take in some of the World Cup in Boston as he attended one of Scotland’s matches to support Steve Clarke’s men.

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Need to know

The ‘Revival’ singer is on his way to Belfast

Everything you need to know

1. Zach Bryan is set to take to the stage at Boucher Playing Fields on Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday 24.
2. Around 80,000 fans are set to descend on the venue in South Belfast across both dates.
3. Belfast is the final stop on his UK and Ireland tour before he heads off on the European leg.
4. The event is completely sold out with absolutely no tickets remaining.
5. There is no parking in the vicinity of the venue. Boucher Playing Fields is well served by public transport. We would strongly encourage concert-goers to use public transport.
6. Boucher Playing Fields will open at 5pm on the show day, the show starts at 18:00 with support Fey Fili, followed by Dijon at 6.30 pm and Zach Bryan will be on stage at 7.30 pm.
7. There will be a designated Neurodivergent Area at the Zach Bryan concerts in Boucher Road Playing Fields. To gain access to this area, you will need to purchase a specific Neurodivergent Area Ticket through Ticketmaster. This will be a dedicated area with specialist facilities.
8. Drinking water fountains will be available at various points throughout Boucher Playing Fields.
9. Official merchandise will be available in several outlets located inside the venue.
10. Bars and food outlets will be available throughout the venue.
11. Early Queuing is not permitted on the streets around the venue. Boucher Road Playing Fields, located in a residential area, organisers have asked ticket holders to please respect the privacy of the residents and businesses in the local community.
12. Road closures will be in place along Boucher Road and Stockman’s Lane from 9 pm to Midnight.
13. Bags must be smaller than A4 size (8.5in x 11 inch). Bags under A4 size will be subject to a search, which will result in queuing.
14. Flag poles, selfie sticks, and sticks for banners are not allowed. Only small banners of other (A4 or A3 size) will be permitted into the event as anything larger can obstruct the views of other fans.
15. Any large lens professional cameras or any form of video recorder WILL NOT be admitted. Only small 35mm cameras will be permitted.
16. Umbrellas are not permitted in the venue. In the event of adverse weather conditions, we would advise bringing a rain mac or disposable raincoat/ poncho.

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

“The question now is whether Sir Keir leaves in a manner of his choosing or is dragged into a contest that would wound Labour and distract the country”

Time, it seems, is running out for Sir Keir Starmer.

A prime minister can survive bad polls, bitter briefings and bruising by-elections. He cannot survive when his own side stops believing he can lead them through the next storm.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle’s admission that it would be “delusional” to deny the forces moving against him said what Downing Street could not. The authority has weakened.

The question now is whether Sir Keir leaves in a manner of his choosing or is dragged into a contest that would wound Labour and distract the country. He deserves credit for returning Labour to power and ending years of Tory chaos. But politics is ruthless, and governing demands more than past achievement.

After Andy Burnham’s return to Westminster, an increasing number of Labour MPs have made their calculation. Mr Starmer must make his.

If he truly believes in service before self, Monday could bring a clean timetable, a calm handover and no bitterness.

Land of the free

Donald Trump loves America to be called the land of the free. He may be less keen on the free speech now echoing around its World Cup stadiums.

For years, Trump has tried to distance himself from Jeffrey Epstein, his disgraced former friend. But supporters from England, Scotland, Australia and New Zealand have carried that association onto a global stage with chants no White House aide can spin away.

This is what happens when politics meets the terraces. The carefully managed rallies, soft ball interviews and obedient interviewers vanish.

In their place comes the brutal verdict of ordinary people with loud voices and long memories. If Trump is too thin-skinned to face football fans, he should not expect to lift football’s greatest prize.

Champagne for divorce

After 23 years and two daughters, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay are doing something all too rare in the public eye: divorcing like grown-ups.

No solicitors’ fees racking up, no mudslinging, just a cheap online split, shared champagne and continued friendship. No fighting over the £6 million pot, no bitterness, just two adults parting as friends.

More couples should take note.

Sophie Bow, who appeared on BBC’s Snog Marry Avoid as a teenager, has opened up about the real reason she missed out on major TV opportunities

A woman who featured on a popular BBC programme says she was left with little option but to reject several significant opportunities.

Sophie Bow underwent a dramatic ‘makeunder’ on BBC’s Snog Marry Avoid, which showcased the sassy robotic style guru POD (Personal Overhaul Device).

Instead of receiving a makeover, participants on the programme were given a ‘makeunder’ as they were convinced that less is more.

The programme proved enormously popular with audiences in the late 00s with singer Jenny Frost followed by comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor presenting. The BBC Three series aired from 2008 until its sixth and concluding run in December 2013.

Sophie was merely 19 when she initially graced our television screens, encountering POD as a teenager who adored copious fake tan, thick makeup and attention-grabbing outfits adorned with sequins and glitter.

During that period, audiences warmed to the teenager and programme executives were eager to bring her back to our screens for additional projects.

Now 33, she has established herself as a prominent social media content creator but disclosed that she was compelled to decline numerous television opportunities due to her anxiety.

Reflecting on her journey since featuring on Snog Marry Avoid, she posted on TikTok and provided followers with an update on her current life.

She began by stating: “I would say appearing on telly back in the day definitely helped my career.

“Back then it was a very popular show but it disappeared off the face of the earth and no one knows why or where it went but it would be so good if they brought it back.”

She disclosed: “After being on that show, I did actually get casted for the first ever Love Island but I was in a relationship. I’ve always been in a relationship so I never went on the show.”

Yet her relationship wasn’t the sole factor preventing her, as she elaborated: “But there have been so many opportunities that I actually did miss out on – throughout my life because I do have anxiety – I suffer badly with anxiety.

“I don’t really know what triggered it but I do get quite back anxiety. Even to this day I get asked on brand trips or anything outside my comfort zone, if I’m not going with somebody I can’t.”

The content creator continued: “I really need to push myself to do more. I have a little boy and he is the best thing ever so I did take a little break from social media for a little while but then I did go back into social media.

“I did lose quite a lot of following from having the break then I started a TikTok account and here I am.”

Kathy O’Hara, 69, was cycling along Brucefield Park West towards Livingston on Wednesday, June 17, when she was aware of two cars behind her.

A West Lothian woman has told of the frightening moment a car overtaking her bike too closely nearly ‘knocked her flying’ on a country road.

Kathy O’Hara, 69, was cycling along Brucefield Park West towards Livingston on Wednesday, June 17, when she was aware of two cars behind her.

As a regular – almost daily – user of the route, she knows it usually gets little traffic and never has any issues.

However, as she rode onto a blind bend, she said the driver closest to her “went for it”.

The driver behind though, was the exact opposite, and flashed their hazards to thank her for letting them know they could pass her on a straight section.

She told Edinburgh Live: “I’m always looking behind checking for cars, and I only wear one earbud so I can hear them. Most drivers are very polite.

“If they come up behind me I move to the side of the road – which is sometimes perilous because the potholes are quite dodgy, so I’m dodging them to let people drive past.

“But I never expected this for a minute. I always give drivers signals letting them know it’s safe to pass.

“I was coming up to this corner, and knew there was two cars behind me, and I didn’t move over or signal because I knew it was a blind corner, but the driver just went for it.

“I got the fright of my life – they were so close I’m surprised their wing mirror never clipped my shoulder.

“They immediately went in front of me and I was so afraid my bike started to wobble, and I thought I was going to come off. At my age, I’m not going to bounce, am I?”

Although her ordeal left her shaken, with 60 years of cycling experience Kathy is insistent it will not put her off taking to the roads on her bike.

She is now more keen than ever to urge drivers to be responsible when sharing the space with cyclists.

She added: “Not only was it dangerous, it was illegal. And at my age I don’t want a broken hip. So I think I’ll be investing in a camera for my bike now.

“I want drivers just to think, imagine if that person on the bike was a member of your family – how much room would you give them then? You wouldn’t want anything happening to them.

“I understand there’s a lot of ignorant cyclists out there that hog the middle of the road, but don’t tar us all with the same brush.”

Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, previously said as part of a national safety campaign: “Every driver has a responsibility to safely overtake cyclists.

“Cyclists are vulnerable on the road and drivers should be aware of how they can help reduce serious and fatal collisions.

“Police officers are out every day educating road users and carrying out enforcement, and we are part of a crucial partnership response to road safety.”

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The dress also comes with handy hidden pockets

A flattering stripy dress from Tesco’s F&F will provide you with a “timeless” piece for your summer clothing. Most people will soon be on their summer holidays which means it is time to get out the summer outfits.

F&F has you covered with lots of gorgeous outfits on offer. One great piece is the F&F striped bandeau midi dress in multi brown.

On the F&F website, the dress is described as a “timeless” piece. It adds: “Refresh your warm-weather edit with this striped dress, cut to a flattering midi length for a stylish finish. Complete with a pretty bandeau neckline and handy hidden pockets.”

The dress costs £25 and can be bought online or in-store. If you’re a fan of the striped pattern, then Boden offers some good choice dresses as well.

Boden offers the Saoirse smock back dress in navy with ivory stripes. On the Boden website it says: “At first glance this is a classic fit and flare dress with a boat neck and defined waistline.

“Spin around for a twist that elevates it to special occasion territory. The smock adds comfort and ease of movement.”

To complete the look, wear it with a pair of large gold metal hoops and strap knot sandals. If stripes isn’t your style, New Look offers some pretty midi dresses.

For something a bit less eye catching, New Look has the cream frill sleeve V-neck midi dress. This dress provides an “effortless” style for all that wear it.

On the New Look website, it adds: “Fitted and flowy in the right places for a flattering finish, it has short frill sleeves and a waisted fit.”