A newly elected Reform councillor’s inflammatory and conspiracy theory-fuelled social media posts have come under scrutiny (Picture: Getty Images)
A Reform UK candidate who allegedly said the Holocaust was a hoax has won a seat in the local elections.
Jay Cooper, who won one of three seats in the Sefton Council for the Bootle West ward, has been accused of spewing out conspiracy theories and labelling the genocide of millions of Jewish people ‘propaganda.’
The earlier social media comments made by the newly elected councillor from Merseyside Reform have come under scrutiny following his win with 705 votes.
In a since-deleted Facebook post made last September, Cooper referred to the death of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk with caption ‘Heartbreaking. Murdered for having an opinion,’ the Liverpool Echo reported.
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Nigel Farage was quizzed about the newly elected Reform UK councillor’s questionable social media comment about the Holocaust (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
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A comment made by another user said that Adolf Hitler had an opinion and asked ‘did he deserve to die?’
Coope responded: ‘I don’t agree with him murdering innocent people. But the Hallocaust [sic] is a hoax.
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‘There wasn’t [sic] even 6 million Jews in Europe at the time. Propaganda.’
He has made a series of other conspiracy theory-fuelled comments online since, including claiming a link between the Labour government and the Southport attacks.
A post made in February, which is still online, said along with a link to a poll: ‘These polls have got to be wrong about Liverpool how are people in the right mind still thinking it’s acceptable to vote for Labour.
‘The 3 young girls in Southport slaughtered by the hands of Labour should have been the turning point. Makes me ashamed to be from Liverpool.’
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In March, he reposted an AI image from a local page depicting Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a hijab with text with it: ‘Labour have given up winning elections with policies. They focus on demographics instead.
They import votes because the public hate their policies. Import the 3rd world and bribe them with taxpayer benefits.Terror comes with it and they don’t care.’
In January 2024 he shared a video suggesting that the 9/11 terror attacks in the US were not real.
The video repost, which is still up on Cooper’s profile, said: ‘Ultimate proof. 9/11 is not what we thought it was.’
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Reform’s leader Nigel Farage hinted that the newly elected councillor would not be welcome in the party.
Farage told the Echo today: ‘When you are putting up 5,000 people, do some slip through the net because they don’t tell you their social media handles or tell you the truth? Yes. Do we welcome people with these ideas? No, we absolutely don’t.’
When told that Cooper was now elected, he said he ‘could not speak to that’ before adding ‘But I tell you what, he’s not welcome.’
Metro approached Cooper and Reform UK for a comment.
Sir Michael Palin brings Mount Everest to Sir David
The delightful Sir Michael Palin took to the stage to talk about getting competitive with Sir David Attenborough – before presenting the birthday broadcaster with a chunk of Mount Everest (the one place Sir David has never made it to) dating back to 1926, the year he was born.
Unfortunately, Kirsty Young broke the news that the slab of mountain had to return to the Natural History Museum, with it having popped out for the night.
Michael Palin delivers a chunk of Mount Everest to Sir David Attenborough (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 21:26
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New sleep paralysis demon just dropped
If you’ve ever wondered what Benedict Cumberbatch looked like in infrared vision, now you don’t have to – as he’ll also be haunting your nightmares thanks to the BBC.
TV presenter Anna Demetriou was showing off some of the latest camera technology, which detects heat and is used by cameramen to film animals at night, when she took the opportunity to find Benedict Cumberbatch in the crowd.
“You look quite hot,” she said. Steady on, Anna – his wife is right there!
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Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife caught on night-vision camera (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 21:18
The King sends a birthday message to Sir David – via the scenic route
While everyone turning 100 receives a handwritten letter from the King, Sir David Attenborough obviously didn’t get your bog-standard centenarian treatment.
In a VT, viewers watched as King Charles III sent his “warmest congratulations” to the broadcaster, writing: “It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years. Indeed, I believe we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television.”
“Over those decades, you have revealed a beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways. In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet and all life on earth for future generations.”
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The letter was then delivered across the country (technically from central London to Richmond) by dog, eagle, porcupine, swan, duck, fox, owl and deer among other animals in a twee twist. Royal Mail, you had one job!
King Charles III writing Sir David Attenborough’s birthday letter (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 21:04
Bastille’s Dan Smith takes us back to 2013
Dan Smith from pop band Bastille (remember them?) takes to the stage for the first performance of the night with his orchestral rendition of “Pompeii” – arguably the most overplayed song of 2013.
The hit song featured on the soundtrack of Planet Earth III ten years after its release.
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Dan Smith (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 20:53
Sir David Attenborough receives a standing ovation
Sir David Attenborough receives a well earned standing ovation and takes a bow from his box in the Royal Albert Hall – with the centenarian seen sitting next to Prince William at the live event.
While the BBC had not previously confirmed whether the broadcaster would be attending his own birthday bash, it simply wouldn’t be a fitting celebration without the man himself!
Sir David Attenborough and Prince William (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 20:41
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The show gets off to a (slightly terrifying) start
If you can’t bring wild animals to the Royal Albert Hall, then you get the next best thing – which is apparently these somewhat unnerving puppet animals.
Kirsty Young kicked off the live broadcast from outside the venue alongside gorilla and ram life-size puppets, created by The Herds.
As impressive as they are, I’ll stick to the living versions.
Kirsty Young stood awkwardly alongside two puppet animals outside the Royal Albert Hall (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 20:37
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From Benedict Cumberbatch to Gillian Anderson: the stars show up for Sir David’s birthday
Forget the Bafta red carpet – Sir David Attenborough’s birthday bash is the place to be this weekend, with the stars showing out in force at the Royal Albert Hall.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Gillian Anderson have been pictured heading into the event, while Strictly’s Tasha Ghouri and Radio 1 presenter Greg James are also attending.
Sir David’s nephew Michael Attenborough, presenter Ade Adepitan, Springwatch’s Chris Packham and broadcaster Muriel Gray have also appeared on the red carpet.
Benedict Cumberbatch with his wife, Sophie Hunter, at the David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth event (PA)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 20:04
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What time does David Attenborough’s birthday bash?
There’s not long to go until Sir David Attenborough’s live BBC birthday kicks off – with the big event due to start at 8:30pm on BBC One.
Those staying in to celebrate from their living rooms can expect appearances from Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham among other broadcasters.
Sir Michael Palin attends David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth (PA)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 19:40
Sir David would rather ‘be at home all day’ than go to live birthday party
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Planet Earth producer Alastair Fothergill said that Sir David “hates celebrity”.
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“David would love nothing to be happening around his 100th birthday. That would be his favourite choice,” he said. “He would like to be at home all day, nice glass of wine in the evening. However, he recognises that the British public want to say happy birthday to him and I think he’ll go home happy.”
I’m not too sure Sir David will get away with giving this party a miss!
Alastair Fothergill speaking about Sir David Attenborough on ‘BBC Breakfast’ (BBC)
Lauren Morris8 May 2026 19:20
Prince William leads birthday tributes to ‘inspirational’ Sir David
Prince William was one of the first to publicly wish Sir David Attenborough a happy birthday, saying in a video posted to the Earthshot Prize X account: “Happy 100th David. I cannot believe it’s your 100th birthday. Thank you so much for all your support with Earthshot Prize.
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“Everything you do continues to inspire me,” he added. “Have a very happy day.”
Prince William wishes David Attenborough a happy 100th birthday
Daniel Dubois would not to be drawn into a war of words after weighing in at a career-heavy 18st (115kg) for Saturday’s all-British heavyweight world-title fight against Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who came in at 17st 4lb (110kg), will make the first defence of his WBO title at Manchester’s Co-op Live in a mouthwatering contest between two dangerous knockout artists.
The pair weighed in at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre before coming face-to-face in what organisers branded ‘The Cauldron’ – a circular, illuminated stage designed to intensify one final staredown in front of a live audience.
“I’m going to put him to sleep tomorrow,” said Dubois, 28, although – as he has throughout fight week – offered little beyond brief answers.
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Dubois – twitching his shoulders, stretching his neck and constantly fidgeting – insisted the “talking was done”, while Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.
The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then took aim at Dubois’ previous defeats by Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.
“He does vary but some performances he’s done well,” Wardley said.
“He didn’t do well against Usyk. Once you’ve opened that door and shown that bit of your character, it leaves people like me to expose it.”
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Cries of “Oh Fabio Wardley” rang around the venue from several hundred supporters – most backing the champion – as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to increase the volume during an otherwise uneventful face-off.
The National Lottery offered the chance to win £54m in tonight’s game. The EuroMillions draw takes place twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The EuroMillions jackpot will be claimed by players who pick five correct numbers from one to 50 as well as two Lucky Star numbers from one to 12.
The Thunderball draw also took place tonight. The winner will claim £500,000 if they match five numbers from one to 39 as well as the all-important Thunderball number from one to 14.
There is no doubt Manchester United have given Bruno Fernandes a push to get this award.
United have been playing up Fernandes’ claims and also ensured the Portugal playmaker was promoted through some recent media engagements.
However, this would have been pointless had Fernandes not delivered at a time in the season when United needed him to deliver.
In October, when Fernandes spoke about qualification for the Champions League, few thought it was likely.
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In January, when technical director Jason Wilcox told the United squad that was the aim despite Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, it seemed a tall order.
That they have achieved it with three matches to spare and could yet end the campaign nearer in points terms to the eventual champions than in any other season since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement 13 years ago, owes a huge amount to Fernandes.
Since returning from a rare injury against Burnley, Sunday’s victory over Liverpool was only the third match out of 16 in all competitions when Fernandes has not either scored a goal or created one.
His performances across the season have been consistently high and worthy of wider recognition.
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Twelve months ago, when the debate over Fernandes’ United future raged, the question being asked was simply this: where would they be without him? The suspicion was they would have been much closer to relegation than they actually were.
The same could be asked now. The answer? They surely would not be looking forward to a Champions League return.
The household names had been absent from their normal slots on the radio station
21:01, 08 May 2026Updated 21:08, 08 May 2026
Five top presenters from local radio station U105 are to leave the airwaves after a shock announcement tonight.
Linda Cullen, Denise Watson, Rick Nugent, Stephen Woods, and David Johnson are all set to depart after being missing from our airwaves for several weeks. There has been speculation that talks were being held as part of a possible takeover.
It’s believed the five and bosses could not agree terms in new contract negotiations.
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In a short statement on Friday May 8 the station said: “We wanted to update listeners that Denise Watson, David Johnson, Linda Cullen, Rick Nugent and Stephen Woods are leaving the U105 schedule, as we have been unable to reach mutually agreeable terms for new contracts.
“We would like to thank Denise, David, Linda, Rick and Stephen for their significant contribution to U105, we know they will be missed by many listeners. We wish them all the very best for the future.”
Last time Sverre Nypan faced Manchester United he was strutting his stuff as football’s next big thing during a pre-season clash in 2024.
Nypan was only 17 at the time, but he was already a first team starter for his then club Rosenborg and delivered an assured performance at Old Trafford.
A little under two years and a £12.5million move to Manchester City later and Nypan was back in action against United. He lined up for the Blues Under-21s side in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final, playing off Mahamadou Sangare in attacking midfield role.
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It’s a big summer for Nypan, who was on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough in the first half of the season but returned to City in the winter window to continue his progress under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola and the Academy staff.
The 19-year-old was with the first team at Wembley when the Blues won the Carabao Cup and was on the pitch and involved in the celebrations after the game. He is held in high regard by the club, who have faith in a talent that was wanted by many of Europe’s big-hitters before signing for City.
His pricetag reflects the ability that is clearly there and he showcased some of it during the defeat to United on Friday night at the Joie Stadium even if not everything went to plan.
With City a goal to the good early on, the Norwegian sidefooted wide of the target when clean through, while shortly after he didn’t quite get his pass away to Reigan Heskey when leading a counter-attack.
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But he was calm and composed on the ball and adept at finding space in the final third. He fashioned a chance for himself late in the first half but screwed his shot wide before only a superb finger-tip save from United keeper William Murdock on the stroke of half-time kept him from getting on the scoresheet.
Nypan’s work-rate was noticeable too. The last action of the first 45 was the midfielder clearing his lines after tracking back to help thwart a United attack.
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The teenager continued to press well from the front as City chased a way back into the contest, having fallen 3-1 down by half-time and 4-1 shortly after. The Blues did find an immediate response from Sangare and set up a grandstand finish when Samba scored again with eight minutes to play but couldn’t force a leveller.
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That ends the Under-21 campaign, and Nypan is likely to begin next season with City’s first team in Asia for pre-season. He’ll hope for another summer chance to showcase his skills.
Shaw looks set to leave City this summer after talks stalled over a new contract.
Chelsea, who won six titles in a row before City’s recent success, are favourites to sign Shaw, who previously had no desire to leave the club.
But a breakdown in communications led to her exploring other options and Chelsea are understood to have offered at least one more year on a contract than City were willing to agree to.
Reports suggest Chelsea are ready to pay Shaw up to £1m a year and while boss Sonia Bompastor gave no hint as to whether Shaw’s future lying with the club, she admitted in a news conference on Thursday that signing a number nine is high on the Blues’ priority list.
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Speaking on Friday, City manager Andree Jeglertz said: “I still hope she’s signing a new contract with Manchester City, definitely, but that’s more of a discussion for the player and for people at the club.
“Right now, the most important thing is to enjoy our player, and she’s here to compete with us, and do everything she can.”
City face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday (15:30 BST), with the winner playing either Liverpool or Brighton at Wembley on 31 May.
The first minister of Wales Eluned Morgan has just lost her seat as Labour’s day of historic losses continues.
Morgan has led the Welsh devolved government since 2024, while Labour has been in control of the Senedd since devolution in 1999.
Plaid Cymru’s Elin Jones won the seat with 35.8% of the vote, while Labour came in fourth on just 7.3%.
Reform UK came in second, on 25.8%, and the Conservatives came in third on 16.6%.
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The Greens were hot on Labour’s heels in fifth place on 7.1% and the Lib Dems on 5.2%.
Morgan said today’s results have been “catastrophic” and urged the party to take a long hard look at itself.
She confirmed she would be stepping down as leader and took full responsibility for the decline in support.
The loss of Labour’s most senior representative in Wales comes on top of an already gruelling day for the party.
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It has already taken major losses in the local elections in England amid Reform UK’s surge, while Plaid Cymru has eaten into Labour strongholds in Wales.
Morgan, who is also in the House of Lords, refused to back Starmer as Labour leader beyond “this point in time” earlier this week.
While the full results for the 96 seats in the Senedd are yet to be announced Labour warned after counting began that it expects to take just 10 seats – out of 96.
Forty-nine seats are required for a majority.
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Labour held 29 seats out of 60 before the Senedd expanded ahead of this current election.
The party has also been a dominant political force in the country for more than a century but major dissatisfaction with Keir Starmer’s government meant forecasters had predicted a bloodbath for Labour support in Wales.
Labour’s deputy first minister Huw Irranca-Davies, who has kept his seat in Afan Ogwr Rhondda, predicted it was going to be an “exceptionally tough day” early on Friday.
He said he would take defeat personally, adding: “All of us come into politics to do things and change the country, our community, the nation, to be better, to improve people’s lives, and to be rejected in that way is hard to take.
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“But I think that is part of politics as well.”
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He added: “So my message to Downing Street tonight is very, very clear – they have got a lot of listening to do to the fact that Labour have been hammered here in Scotland and an SNP Government, after 19 years in office, has just been emphatically returned to office, and Scotland needs respect as a consequence of that election outcome.”
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