Here are some key questions:

How do candidates enter the contest?

Labour’s rules mean even getting onto the ballot can be a complex process.

First, candidates must secure the backing of 81 Labour MPs, 20% of the party’s parliamentary strength.

Sir Keir Starmer (Image: PA MEDIA)

They then need to receive nominations from either 5% of constituency Labour parties, or three affiliated organisations (which must include two trade unions) which represent 5% of affiliated membership.

Only after passing those two stages will candidates go before the party membership.

Who could stand in a contest?

Andy Burnham’s decision to stand in the Makerfield by-election – giving up the Greater Manchester mayoralty to become an MP – suggests he believes he has the necessary backing from the parliamentary party to get onto the ballot.

Former health secretary Wes Streeting has repeatedly insisted he has the 81 names required to mount a leadership bid, and has spent the weeks since his resignation setting out his stall.

Former Royal Marines officer Al Carns, who quit as armed forces minister in a row over defence funding and the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans, has also hinted he would seek to enter a leadership race, although it is unclear whether the MP – who was only elected in 2024 – has the supporters required to get on the ballot paper.

How would a Labour leadership contest work?

After a leadership hopeful nails down 81 backers in the Commons and support from constituency parties and trade unions, candidates are then put to a vote among party members, who rank them in order of preference.

A contender is declared the winner if they get more than 50% of first preferences, and this usually happens through a process of elimination during rounds of voting, the timetable for which is set by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee (NEC).

How long will this take?

Labour’s NEC will set the timetable for the whole election, including how long potential candidates have to secure nominations and how long members will be able to vote.

The party’s last leadership contest, in 2020, ran for around three months, with nominations opening in early January and the result announced in early April.

NEC sources have previously suggested there is little appetite for a long contest, with a maximum of two months being floated.

But Mr Burnham’s supporters have suggested a “transition” period that would see the new leader take over in September, which would mean a longer contest.

What would a coronation look like?

Andy Burnham’s significant support among the parliamentary party could mean he ends up as the only candidate.

With no need for a membership ballot, that scenario could see the contest wrapped up within a matter of weeks or even days.

But given Mr Burnham’s apparent preference for a three-month “transition” period to allow him to prepare for government, it is unclear what would happen next in the event he was the only candidate.

Insisting on a transition would leave Sir Keir as a lame duck over a period that includes a Nato summit where countries are expected to set out plans to increase defence spending, and a UK-EU summit in Brussels seen as crucial to Labour’s attempts to reset relations with the bloc.

There is some precedent for such a coronation, however. Gordon Brown was the only candidate to receive enough nominations in Labour’s 2007 leadership election more than a month before Tony Blair formally stepped down as prime minister.

In that period, Mr Brown still attended leadership hustings around the country to set out his ideas and attempt to win over the public.

A Utah judge is set to decide Monday whether prosecutors crossed a line with public comments about evidence in the murder case against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Defense attorneys for Robinson are asking Judge Tony Graf to prevent prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty, arguing that statements made to the media about a bullet fragment recovered from Kirk’s body could unfairly influence potential jurors.

The dispute centers on comments from the Utah County Attorney’s Office after the defense revealed that early testing was inconclusive on whether the bullet fragment matched the firearm investigators say was used in the shooting.

Robinson’s attorneys accused prosecutors, including Deputy Utah County Attorney Christopher Ballard, of attempting to shape public opinion by discussing the ballistics evidence outside the courtroom. They argued the comments could damage Robinson’s chances of receiving a fair trial.

Prosecutors pushed back, saying they responded only after speculation surrounding the case spread publicly. Ballard told the court he did not disclose specific details about the evidence and spoke only in general terms about the challenges of ballistics testing.

The high-profile case has drawn intense attention and fueled unverified theories online, including speculation about possible additional suspects. Authorities and attorneys have expressed concern that misinformation could complicate efforts to select an impartial jury.

Legal experts say the defense request is unlikely to succeed. Paul Cassell, a University of Utah law professor and former federal judge, said courts typically handle concerns about media coverage by carefully screening potential jurors rather than blocking prosecutors from seeking the maximum punishment.

“It would be extraordinary” for the judge to remove the death penalty option over the comments, Cassell said.

Robinson, 23, of southwestern Utah, has not entered a plea. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 killing of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Judge Graf held a hearing last week on whether prosecutors should face sanctions over their remarks. Robinson’s attorneys also pointed to a separate Utah case involving prosecutorial conduct and argued that limiting the death penalty could be an available remedy in extreme circumstances.

A key hearing is scheduled for July 6-10, when prosecutors must present evidence showing the case should proceed to trial.

The Government’s plan for 1.5 million homes is doomed.

Governments don’t build houses. Builders do. But no one builds at a loss or for a miserable profit that doesn’t reward risk or effort.

In 1988 there were more than 12,000 small/medium registered builders.

By 2017 less than 3,000 survived because of increased costs, unrealistic demands and over regulation.

Traditional family firms in York were squeezed out when York Council hiked “affordable” targets from 25 per cent to 50 per cent while reducing the threshold from 25 to 15 dwellings; a ludicrous two dwellings in villages.

As predicted by myself and Paul Cordock planning applications dried up and outturn plummeted – despite City of York Council claiming hostel bed spaces and Lawful Use certificates as new homes.

York’s council blamed anyone but its own policies. Particularly the banks; but many builders had cash reserves and didn’t need to borrow.

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Those that did couldn’t receive funding because financiers would not take risks where “affordable” demands stripped out profits leaving no headroom for contingencies.

There is a reason why many more homes were built in the 60s and 70s and why people could afford to buy them. There wasn’t the excessive regulations and financial burdens that have since been heaped upon house builders.

Today, even big companies are struggling. They pick and choose sites to proceed and are scaling back operations. Apprenticeships are reduced and the skilled workforce declines. Many entrepreneurs have left the industry. Newcomers are rare because the incentive has largely been destroyed.

Those of us with a lifetime’s construction experience know Labour’s housing targets are unachievable.

Matthew Laverack,

Retired architect and housebuilder,

Lord Mayors Walk,

York

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The Daily Record first backed calls for Keir Starmer to resign in February. In an editorial column published after Labour was thrashed in the Gorton by-election, losing heavily to the Greens, we said the PM should do the honourable thing and walk away.

The Record View stated: “If Starmer cannot win a suburban seat in Greater Manchester where Labour previously enjoyed a thumping majority, he cannot win anywhere.

“The PM can complain all he likes about Reform and the Greens running populist campaigns which offer voters nothing but a bunch of easy answers.

“But many voters are looking for an alternative to Labour and the Tories – and both of these traditional left and right parties are in turmoil as a result.”

Read the full Record View

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP) — Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran were set to engage in a second day of talks Monday to solidify a permanent end to the war between the countries, after a first day of mediation began with a rocky start.

Mediators Qatar and Pakistan hailed what they called “encouraging progress” made during the talks as Iran and the United States agreed to create a “de-confliction cell” to address the fighting in Lebanon. A senior U.S. diplomat claimed progress on multiple fronts, including the establishment of “mechanisms” to ensure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy shipments, remains open and that a ceasefire in southern Lebanon holds.

Yet the first full day of talks between the U.S. and Iran, who were accompanied by Qatari and Pakistani officials, was jolted by blistering statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who from thousands of miles away from the Swiss negotiating venue at a mountainside resort near Lake Lucerne was firing off comments that offended the Iranians.

Iranian state media said talks had paused after the “publication of an insulting message by the U.S. President.” The Iranian delegation then met with Qatari mediators and left the negotiating site, state media said. The senior U.S. diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to brief journalists on the ongoing talks, said late Sunday that the Iranians remained on site and the negotiations were on.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had vowed to “never back down from the right to enrich uranium,” according to state media, and Trump later told Fox News in a phone interview that Pezeshkian should watch what he says and also threatened to take over Iran, according to one of the news channel’s correspondents.

Trump also continued to issue warnings against Iran on social media, posting as negotiators worked: “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”

The chief negotiators for the U.S. include JD Vance, the vice president; special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of the president. Iran is represented by Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi wrote on X that Pakistani and Qatari mediators delivered “major progress to end the Lebanon War.” He added that the first “real test” of negotiations would be whether the mechanism succeeded in halting the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

The senior U.S. diplomat said among the issues discussed was Iran’s messaging as it related to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran’s military said it closed Saturday in response to continued fighting in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command has disputed that Iran closed the strait again.

The interim deal to end the fighting in Iran, signed last week by the leaders of the U.S. and Iran, outlines a 60-day period for negotiators to settle the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that it wants to use it for military purposes, a claim Iran denies. The fate of frozen Iranian assets, among other thorny issues, are also on the agenda.

Though the talks will encompass a vast array of complex matters, Iran first wants to focus on addressing the fighting in Lebanon.

Saturday’s renewed ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to be holding, and Israel’s military said it would lift movement restrictions for residents near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday morning. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the U.S.-Iran deal.

There was cautious calm Monday in Lebanon, with no Israeli strikes reported overnight after a day of quiet Sunday. Hezbollah likewise has not announced any attacks on Israeli forces since Saturday.

The lull in fighting in Lebanon is the longest since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2.

___

Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Abby Sewell in Beirut, David Rising in Bangkok and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this story.

The series stars Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fans are comparing the forensic crime drama to a long-running hit.

Enthusiasts of detective dramas are encouraging others to discover a crime series adapted from a book collection of the same title.

The eight-part series, which has secured a second season and features an impressive ensemble cast, centres on a forensic pathologist who employs her expertise to crack criminal cases.

With Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis leading the cast, the eagerly awaited programme is now streaming on Prime Video and has drawn comparisons to established favourites such as Silent Witness.

Scarpetta is the series attracting attention, with Kidman portraying Kay Scarpetta, a gifted forensic pathologist who utilises cutting-edge forensic techniques to solve mysteries.

The programme draws from Patricia Cornwell’s novels, with the protagonist modelled on former Virginia Chief Medical Examiner, Marcella Farinelli Fierro.

Viewers have flocked to IMDb to express their views, with one describing it as an “excellent” interpretation of the books.

They continued: “Being a long-time fan of the UK’s Silent Witness, I see this as a US series in a similar vein. I read a couple of Patricia Cornwell novels some years ago.

“I recall thinking they were tough going and stopped reading any more. So imagine my surprise at being blown away by such a great show.

“The acting, the plotting, the switching between the past and present iterations of the main characters, all were extremely well done and entertaining.

“Everyone involved is at the top of their game in my opinion.”

Another viewer enthused: “This series absolutely captures the novels which are so much more than murders. The characters are very complex and rich.

“Show writers got it. Even the soundtrack of the show honours the books. It’s GREAT! Casting is fantastic. Like perfect- all the naysayers are just irritated it didn’t fit the mould they created visually in their mind.

“Watch it. You like mysteries and well-developed characters? Then you’ll enjoy the ride.”

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A further fan added: “Omg such a fun, twisty mystery! Love the performances – could watch Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis fight all day!”

Production on the second series got under way in March 2026, with Jamie Lee Curtis taking to Instagram to announce: “We are in the middle of it, we are having such a good time. Thanks so much for your loving support.”

Scarpetta is streaming on Prime Video.

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

Children and families in the Jerviston area of Motherwell have been enjoying the opening of a brand-new play area designed with the local community at its heart.

The new facility was officially opened on 16 June by Councillor Geraldine Woods alongside Our Lady & St Francis Primary School pupil, Wiktoria, whose winning entry in the local “Design-a-Sign” competition now welcomes visitors at the entrance to the park.

Delivered by North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Partnership Team, the project was shaped through engagement with local residents to ensure the space reflects what families wanted to see in the area.

The new play area offers something for all ages, with a multi-play unit, accessible roundabout and trampoline, climbing equipment, cableway and a range of swings including a basket swing. Picnic benches have also been added to create a welcoming space for parents, carers and families to spend time together.

Located beside the existing MUGA facility, it provides even more opportunities for children and young people to play, be active and enjoy time outdoors.

Councillor Geraldine Woods, NLC’s Convener of Communities, said: “It’s fantastic to see this new play area open and already being enjoyed by local children and families. What makes it even more special is that local young people helped shape it from the beginning.

“Spaces like this do much more than provide somewhere to play. They help bring communities together, encourage healthier lifestyles and create places where children can make memories, build confidence and simply enjoy being outdoors. We’re proud to support projects that make a real difference locally.”

Funded through £100,000 from the Local Development Programme and the Scottish Government, the investment forms part of ongoing work to improve local spaces and create places where communities can thrive.

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The widespread adoption of weight loss medications could fundamentally alter consumer shopping habits and influence retailers’ product offerings, according to new research.

GLP-1s, the scientific term for these drugs, are already impacting spending patterns across the UK.

However, the recent approval of the first oral pill in this category is expected to accelerate this shift significantly, a study by PwC Strategy& has found.

The number of people in the UK using GLP-1s is projected to rise from approximately three million to seven million by 2027.

Earlier this month, the UK’s medicines regulator approved the Wegovy tablet, manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

Chemist4U reported that over 10,000 people have already joined a waiting list for a consultation ahead of the pill’s anticipated launch, with many expressing interest having never previously used GLP-1 injections.

These medications function by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, thereby reducing food cravings and promoting a feeling of fullness.

PwC found that the oral pill could accelerate a shift in habits that was already under way, with spending being reallocated across categories including food, nutrition, fitness and wellness.

Some 70 per cent of GLP-1 users are spending less in appetite-led categories such as snacks, confectionary and crisps, while 60 per cent are spending more on fresh food, the study showed.

A total of 40 per cent are spending more on products that support nutrition, fitness and confidence such as vitamins and supplements, the study showed.

More than 80 per cent of those who had stopped treatment said they had maintained at least some of the dietary and grocery changes they adopted while taking medication.

Supermarkets, food chains and brands have already been introducing new products to cater to the growing number of people with reduced appetites, with Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Greggs among those introducing nutrient-rich meals.

GLP-1 users represent a mix of genders, ages and incomes, PwC’s study found, which it said suggested that the medication was becoming mainstream.

Women account for 60 per cent of current users, and 80 per cent are aged between 25 and 54.

About 70 per cent of users are accessing the medication privately, rather than being prescribed it through the NHS, according to the research.

The accountancy giant’s strategy consulting unit surveyed 2,300 UK adults for the report.

Jacqueline Windsor, head of retail at PwC UK, said: “GLP-1 is the most consumerised medication today.

“Users express renewed confidence and energy that are shaping their demand for nutritious food, fitness routine and wardrobe refresh – which represent a basket reallocation rather than reduction of spend.”

She added that consumer businesses were likely to “reshape their portfolios” and “innovate to capture changing preferences”.

The email was sent out to customers on Saturday, two days after the three-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Huntingdonshire

Wowcher has apologised “unreservedly” for what it described as “unacceptable” wording in a marketing email that appeared to make light of a crocodile attack on a three-year-old boy at a zoo.

The youngster remains in a critical but stable condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following Thursday’s incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst near Huntingdon. It is understood he was attacked by at least one crocodile after allegedly being thrown into a crocodile enclosure.

On Saturday, customers of the Wowcher e-commerce platform received an email promoting “special deals” on getaways and activities, bearing the subject line: “Snap up these deals quicker than a croc can catch a kid.”

Public outrage quickly mounted as screenshots of the email were widely circulated across social media platforms and bulletin boards.

Norwich Norfolk UK Community Notice Board posted: “Why do wowcher think its ok to use this as a heading on their emails??”

One customer described themselves as “now unsubscribed”, while another condemned it as “disgusting”, adding “if that’s real someone needs to be fired”.

A further customer wrote: “Emailed them back but no answer. Won’t be using them again for sure, even if its a poor effort at a joke somehow.”

A Wowcher spokesperson said: “We are extremely sorry for an email subject line sent by Wowcher yesterday. The wording was unacceptable. It should never have been written. It was never approved for use.

“The responsibility sits with us and we are urgently reviewing how our processes failed. We recognise the hurt and distress it has caused, particularly for the young child’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“We are reviewing all scheduled marketing content while we urgently strengthen our creative, approval and sign-off safeguards. There is no excuse for this. We apologise unreservedly and will take the necessary steps to make sure this does not happen again.”

A 30-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the boy ended up in the enclosure, reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with a carer.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that the arrested man, from Norfolk, was “assessed as not being fit for interview”. He has since been released on bail until September 18.

Officers were called to the zoo at 1.24pm on Thursday by the ambulance service, following reports that the boy, who was not known to the man, had suffered serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police stated the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, wife of the zoo owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Police confirmed the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

Detective Inspector Verity McCann previously said: “Our inquiries are ongoing as we continue to understand the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident. Our thoughts remain with the boy and his family and specialist officers continue to support them through this difficult time.”

LNER has introduced temporary ticket flexibility for some passengers to help them travel at cooler times.

Passengers travelling from Durham or Darlington on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26, should use their booked train as normal.

Darlington Train Station (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Those booked to travel on Tuesday, June 23, can use an earlier LNER train on the same day.

LNER is advising people to travel before midday if they can.

Tickets for June 23 can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22.

Passengers booked for Wednesday, June 24, can also travel earlier on the same day, preferably before midday.

Their tickets can also be used on any LNER train on Monday, June 22, or Friday, June 26.

Anyone booked to travel on Thursday, June 25, can take an earlier LNER train on the same day or travel on any LNER service on Friday, June 26.

The advice applies to LNER passengers using stations including Durham and Darlington.

☀️#LNERUpdate Due to the forecasted high temperatures across the LNER route over the coming days, we will be introducing temporary travel easements to support our customers in completing their journeys more comfortably. Please check https://t.co/o0hAZZ3XYh for the latest advice.

— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) June 21, 2026

It may also affect people travelling to or from places such as Newcastle, York, Doncaster, Edinburgh and London King’s Cross.

Passengers do not need to change their ticket if they use one of the alternative LNER services allowed under the easements. However, LNER recommends booking a new seat reservation, which can be done free of charge.

People using connecting trains with another operator should check that company’s advice separately.

Customers booked to travel on June 23, 24 or 25 who decide not to travel can claim a full refund from where they bought their ticket.

LNER is advising passengers to carry water, wait in the shade or a station waiting room, and speak to staff if they feel unwell.

There are currently no planned timetable changes, but passengers should check their journey before setting off.