Liberal Democrat councillor Barbara Brodigan has been replaced as the chair of the children and families overview and scrutiny committee in a reshuffle prompted by the loss of the Conservatives and Independents group’s majority on the authority.

Councillors voted for Councillor Caroline Goodrick, a member of the Tory-led controlling group, to replace her.

Liberal Democrat leaders claim Conservative and Labour councillors worked together to remove Cllr Brodigan from the role after she had asked the scrutiny committee to examine the council’s controversial home-to-school transport policy change.

Cllr Brodigan has held the position since 2022 and Liberal Democrats say chairs of scrutiny committees usually stay in the role for a full council term.

Councillor Peter Lacey, leader of the Lib Dem group, said: “We see this as a cynical political move.

“Barbara has done an excellent job in holding the council to account and listening to the concerns of parents and residents.

“If there is blame for a loss of trust between the council and parents over home-to-school transport, it does not lie with Barbara but with members on the Tory and Labour benches who have voted to get rid of her.”

Cllr Brodigan, councillor for the Ure Bank and Spa division in Ripon, added: “We accept that the policy battle is, for now, lost, but it is unthinkable that some children still don’t know if they’ll have the company of their peer group as they make what is probably their most significant transition in their education journey.

“Equally concerning to them and their parents will be the possibility that they will be expected to make unsuitable and potentially hazardous journeys to school.”

In response, Councillor Carl Les, leader of the authority, said: “As ever, the Lib Dems are spouting nonsense to suit their narrative — they see conspiracies everywhere.”

Cllr Les said there had previously been “numerous” changes of committee chairs during the course of a council.

He added: “This is a change that has come about because of one councillor leaving the Conservative group and going, we know not where, so changes had to be made.

“I reached out to all the group leaders and asked for their thoughts and then reacted appropriately.

“This is nothing to do with the individual. This is to do with the fact that we believe that the children and families scrutiny committee is a very important one — it’s the only one which is attended by two executive members — and so we decided that it was a good time to make a change.”

Labour spokesperson, Councillor John Ritchie, said it was “completely untrue” that his group had worked with the Conservatives to remove the committee chair.

“They’re imagining conspiracies that simply don’t exist,” he added.

The council has faced criticism over a change to home-to-school transport, which has seen children only allowed free transport to their catchment school if it is also their nearest school.

Parents say the change is causing a host of issues, including financial hardship and disruption to peer groups, but council chiefs say the move was necessary to cut an annual school transport bill of more than £50m.

Parents have been urged to look out for red flag signs of the dangerous disease

Advertisement

As cases of measles rise sharply in the UK and with experts predicting another spike this spring, pharmacist Niamh McMillan has explained the symptoms to look out for and how to protect yourself against this potentially dangerous virus.

A “big measles outbreak” is affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed. It said the outbreak in schools and nurseries in north-east London had left some children requiring hospital treatment.

The agency had previously reported 34 laboratory-confirmed measles cases in Enfield from January 1 to February 9. More than 60 suspected cases of measles have been reported by seven schools and a nursery in Enfield, the Sunday Times reports.

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or death.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Our latest data shows we are now seeing a big measles outbreak in north-east London, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under 10 in schools and nurseries, with some being hospitalised. Measles is a nasty illness for any child, but for some it can lead to long-term complications and tragically death, but is so easily preventable with two doses of the MMRV vaccine.

“If your child has missed any of their doses it’s important to catch up as soon as possible, giving them vital protection against this highly contagious disease, but also helping to protect more vulnerable children around them who are too young or unable to have the vaccine due to a health condition.

“With Easter holidays fast approaching, it is a timely reminder to families travelling overseas to ensure all family members, especially children, are vaccinated, as measles is widespread in some countries with close links to the UK and there are ongoing outbreaks in parts of Europe.”

Global health officials announced earlier this year the UK is no longer considered to have eliminated measles.

Measles is one of the most infectious known diseases. It is approximately six times more infectious than Covid-19.

Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, said: “Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, which can have serious health consequences, especially for young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Early detection and vaccination are key to protecting yourself and others from this potentially dangerous illness.”

“The measles virus spreads through respiratory droplets, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours, making it easy for the disease to spread, especially in crowded environments, such as public transport and office settings.”

“The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) provides long term immunity against the disease and is suitable for both adults and children. It’s recommended that individuals get two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection. Superdrug’s nationwide high street clinics offer the MMR vaccination for £45 per dose.”

If you or your child show signs of measles, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. If measles is confirmed, then you should stay at home and avoid contact with others, in order to prevent the infection from spreading.

Niamh explains the symptoms to be aware of.

“Measles typically begins with cold-like symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish from other common illnesses.” Additional symptoms include:

High fever

“One of the earliest signs, often starting around 10-12 days after exposure to the virus. Superdrug’s Own Brand Paracetamol, £0.49 or 3p per tablet, can help bring down high fever.”

Cough, runny nose and sore throat

“The symptoms can mimic a cold and usually accompany the fever.”

White spots inside the mouth

“Referred to as Koplik spots which are found inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek. Not everyone with measles will have these spots, which usually last for a few days.’

Rash

“The most typical symptom of measles, which usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It usually appears three to five days after first signs of symptoms and lasts for several days. The rash can be flat or slightly raised and join together into larger patches.”

The Met Office says it will take effect from 6pm on Monday through to 10am on Tuesday.

Periods of rain, sleet, and snow are predicted to cover the area intermittently, increasing the risk of snow build-up and icy patches.

Higher ground, above approximately 200 metres, is expected to witness snowfall initially, but it may descend to lower levels during Monday and overnight.

By Tuesday morning, more scattered winter showers are likely to drift in from the northwest.

Bolton has been hit with a yellow weather warning continuing to Tuesday, February 17 (Image: Met Office)

Forecasters predict the heaviest snowfall in Bolton will occur Monday evening and overnight.

Lower-level areas could see an accumulation of 1-2cm, while locations above around 150 metres could witness 2-5cm, and areas above 300 metres may have 5-8cm.

With temperatures expected to drop below freezing, the Met Office cautions about the formation of ice on untreated surfaces, even those that might have experienced rain or sleet earlier in the day.

The agency also warns of a small risk of isolated lightning strikes.

Some exposed regions may experience strong winds from the north to north-west, with gusts reaching up to 50-60mph.

In terms of travel, the warning, which carries a medium likelihood and low impact status, highlights several potential local hazards.

These include extended journey times for road, bus, and train users due to the potential impact on roads and railways.

Residents are urged to exercise additional caution due to the risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.

Untreated roads, pavements, and cycle paths may also develop icy patches.

People have been advised to take extra care when travelling, as snow and icy conditions could make driving difficult and cause delays.

Road users should plan their routes carefully, allow more time for their journeys, and check for any road closures or interruptions to public transport services before heading out.

Travellers are also urged to equip their cars with essentials such as warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, an ice scraper or de-icer, a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, and an in-car phone charger to prepare for unexpected delays.

The Met Office has urged the public to stay updated with the latest local forecasts, as weather warnings can change rapidly.

The professional dancer shared a moving message as he teased that his latest Strictly partnership wasn’t ending just yet

Vito Coppola has told Ellie Goldstein their are ‘no words’ for him that would express ‘how proud’ he is of her as they completed their stint on the Strictly Come Dancing tour.

As fans know, the model and actress was among the celebrities to take part in the BBC One dance competition last year and was paired with professional dancer Vito, and it didn’t take long for viewers to fall in love with their partnership.

Despite being fan-favourites, Ellie and Vito’s journey came to an end following the popular programme’s Halloween special. As they spoke to Tess Daly following confirmation of their exit, Vito vowed that he and Ellie would keep dancing and they did, sharing the routines they didn’t get to do on the show on social media.

But it was back in January that the pair were properly reunited as they were among the couples taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2026 tour, which saw fans’ favourite routines being performed in arenas up and down the country, including a stop at Manchester’s AO Arena.

The show, which features the show’s judges, professional dancers – including Janette’s husband, Aljaz Skorjanec – and stars from the 2025 series gives fans of the hit BBC One dance contest to get a closer glimpse at the standout performances seen on-screen, and get their own experience of what goes on in the Strictly ballroom.

And after dazzling audiences up and down the country over the past month, the Strictly Live 2026 tour was seen coming to a glittering end on Sunday night (February 15).

It was then on Monday (February 16) that Vito took to social media to pay tribute to Ellie as their time on the road together came to a close – but he also teased that their partnership isn’t ending as he shared: “To my lovely little sister ‘Cheeky’. There are no words that can describe how proud I am of you and how grateful I feel for sharing this experience with you.

“You proved yourself every single day during the series and during the tour and you inspired thousands of people not just in the UK but across the world.”

Alongside a video that gave a glimpse at their journey on the show, he added: “Everyone loves you because you are beautiful and fantastic!!! You are unique and special and your big brother is and will always be by your side. Love you to the sun and back (see you in few days for the other little thing we are going to do together). The one and only ‘Cheeky Team’.”

And fans were quick to share their love and support. @elliceroebuck said: “Cheeky team are the best! I loved watching you dance yesterday! You bring so much Joy and love to the dance floor. Both of you keep shining bright.” @_strictlyella_x commented: “So proud of team Cheekys journey! You guys have spread pure joy and happiness.”

@emmamcilwaine__ gushed: “Cheeky team will forever hold a place in my heart.” @reesjonesyvonne shared: “Vito, you were the perfect partner for Ellie. Your relationship is so beautiful, and we know that you’ll always be there for your little sister. Thank you both for bringing such joy.” @seachange_hypnotherapy added: “A beautiful partnership that brought out the best in you both. Cheeky Team forever!”

More than 200 staff involved are represented by Unite and work in essential roles including ticketing, passenger assistance and information services on the bus network.

They have agreed to a pay increase of at least 3.2 per cent backdated to April 2025, along with a one-off payment of £1,000.

For lower-paid workers, hourly rates will rise to a minimum of £15.10, amounting to pay increases of between 6.4 and 11.1 per cent.

Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: “A huge well done to Unite’s members at TfGM.

“They know that collective action works and by standing together and taking strike action they achieved this excellent pay deal.”

“This is yet another example of Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions paying dividends for our members.”

Staff will also receive a further pay rise of at least three per cent from April 2026.

The agreement includes improved standby payments, better shift patterns and new recognition and facility time arrangements.

Samantha Marshall, Unite regional officer, said: “This deal could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of our reps and members.

“As this result shows, those wanting better wages and working conditions should join Unite.”

The Tyrone legend was speaking on RTE’s League Sunday when he made the joke about his son Darragh’s trip to Australia

Peter Canavan had RTE viewers in stitches last night after cracking a joke at his son Darragh’s expense.

Darragh is stepping away from the Tyrone squad for several weeks, with an expected stint in Australia for the next portion of the campaign.

During League Sunday, presenter Joanne Cantwell questioned Peter about Darragh’s Australian journey.

“Malachy O’Rourke told us something that you refused to tell us Peter, your Darragh is gone to Australia for a month,” the host remarked, to which Canavan responded “That’s news to me. Malachy made it clear that he was going to Australia, I thought it was Turkey he was going to actually,” the former All-Ireland champion quipped, in a nod to the well-known Canavan hairline.

The gag drew considerable laughter from the RTE studio audience, whilst numerous social media users also found the comment highly amusing, reports the Irish Mirror.

“That Peter Canavan Turkey joke was a zinger, absolutely wasted on the panel!” commented one supporter, with several others echoing the sentiment.

Humour aside, Canavan’s unavailability represents a significant setback for Tyrone. The attacker scored 0-9 on Sunday as the Ulster outfit defeated Cavan to secure their opening victory of the campaign.

Whilst a mid-season break might concern most supporters, father Peter was eager to emphasise this was a pre-arranged commitment made some time ago.

“It’s been a longstanding arrangement. I think he’s ok for next week, but after that he will be away for a few league games.”

Tyrone are set to visit Louth next weekend, followed by a home game against Offaly on the 28th, as they aim to pave their way towards what they hope will be an elevation to Division One.

Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories

BOSTON (AP) — More than a decade before he became the country’s first president, George Washington was leading a critical campaign in the early days of the American Revolution. The Siege of Boston was his first campaign as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and, in many ways, set the stage for his military and political successes — celebrated on Presidents Day.

Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord, militias had pinned down the British in Boston in April 1775. The Continental Congress, recognizing the need for a more organized military effort, selected Washington to lead the newly formed army.

The Siege of Boston and its significance

On this day 250 years ago, Washington would have been nearing the end of an almost yearlong siege that bottled up as many as 11,000 British troops and hundreds more loyalists. The British were occupying Boston at the time, and the goal of the siege was to force them out.

A critical decision made by Washington was sending Henry Knox, a young bookseller, to Fort Ticonderoga in New York to retrieve dozens of cannons. The cannons, transported hundreds of miles in the dead of winter, were eventually used to fire on British positions. That contributed to the decision by the British, facing dwindling supplies, to abandon the city by boat on March 17, 1776.

Historians argue that the British abandoning their positions, celebrated in Boston as Evacuation Day, rid the city of loyalists at a critical time, denied the British access to an important port and gave patriots a huge morale boost.

“The success of the Siege of Boston gave new life and momentum to the Revolution,” Chris Beagan, the site manager at Longfellow House in Cambridge, a National Historic Site that served as Washington’s headquarters during the American Revolution. “Had it failed, royal control of New England would have continued, and the Continental Army likely would have dissolved.”

How the siege shaped Washington

The siege was also a critical test for Washington. A surveyor and farmer, Washington had been out of the military for nearly 20 years after commanding troops for the British during the French and Indian War. His successful campaign ensured Washington remained the commander-in-chief for the remainder of the revolution.

Doug Bradburn, president of George Washington’s Mount Vernon, said Washington took the first steps to creating a geographically diverse army that included militiamen from Massachusetts to Virginia and, by the end of the war, a fighting force with significant Black and Native American representation. It was the most integrated military until President Harry S. Truman’s desegregated the armed forces in 1948, he said.

Washington, a slave owner who depended on hundreds of slaves on his Mount Vernon estate, was initially opposed to admitting formerly enslaved and free Black soldiers into the army. But short of men, Washington came to realize “there are free Blacks who want to enlist and he needs them to keep the British from breaking out” during the siege, Bradburn said.

Ridding Boston of the British also turned Washington into one of the country’s most popular political figures.

“He comes to embody the cause in a time before you have a nation, before you have a Declaration of Independence, before you’re really sure what is the goal of this struggle,” Bradburn said. “He becomes the face of the revolutionary movement.”

Commanding the military for more than eight years also prepared Washington for the presidency, Pulitzer Prize-winning military historian Rick Atkinson said. “Perhaps most important, it gave him a sense that Americans could and should be a single people, rather than denizens of thirteen different entities.”

Myths of Washington

His rise to prominence also led to plenty of myths about Washington, many which persist to this day.

One of the most popular is the cherry tree myth. It was invented by one of Washington’s first biographers, according to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, who created the story after his death. Supposedly, a 6-year-old Washington took an ax to a cherry tree and admitted as much when caught by his father, famously saying “I cannot tell a lie … I did cut it with my hatchet.”

The second one is the wooden teeth myth. It was rumored that Washington had wooden dentures and scholars, well into the 20th century, were quoted as saying his false teeth were made from wood. Not true. He never wore wooden dentures, instead using those with ivory, gold and even human teeth.

More than a statesman

During his lifetime, Washington had myriad pursuits. He was known as an innovative farmer, according to the George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and an advocate for Western expansion, buying up to 50,000 acres of land in several Mid-Atlantic states. After returning to Mount Vernon, he built a whiskey distillery that became one of the largest in the country.

His connection to slavery was complicated. He advocated for ending slavery, and his will called for freeing all the slaves he owned after the death of his wife, Martha Washington. But he didn’t own all the slaves at Mount Vernon so he couldn’t legally free all of them.

Celebrating Presidents Day

For fans of George Washington, Presidents Day is their Super Bowl. Originated to celebrate Washington’s birthday, which falls on Feb. 22, the holiday has become associated with good deals at the mall. Still, there are plenty of places celebrating all things Washington on this day.

There will be a wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon, and there will be a Continental Army encampment. There will be a parade honoring Washington in Alexandria, Virginia, and, in Laredo, Texas, a monthlong celebration features a carnival, pageants, an air show and jalapeno festival.

A good weighted vest should balance comfort, fit and function. If it pinches, rubs or feels tight, you are unlikely to use it. Look for adjustable straps with Velcro or buckles, ensuring a snug fit that suits your build.

Think about how you’ll use it. Runners need a vest that stays in place, while gym-goers should choose shorter styles that allow free movement for squats and lifts. For everyday wear or walks, comfort and a slim fit that works under outer layers are key.

If you plan to use it across different activities, opt for a vest with removable weights. This lets you adjust the load easily and practise progressive overload; the gradual increase of weight or intensity that helps build strength. Check the quality of the weight pockets and materials, since frequent use demands durability.

Finally, consider practicality. Some vests take time to set up, but once fitted, it should be simple to put on, remove and adjust mid-session. A well-chosen vest makes strength training and daily activity noticeably more effective.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said the Irish State “collectively failed its duty towards its citizens” and should have made sure people were extradited for terrorism in Northern Ireland

The Irish Government does not need to apologise for its extradition policy on terror suspects during the Troubles, the Foreign Affairs Minister has said.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said that the Government of Ireland should state that its conduct during the Troubles was “unjustified and unjustifiable”, in reference to words used by then prime minister David Cameron during his 2010 public apology for the Bloody Sunday killings in Derry.

On Bloody Sunday, 13 people were shot dead when members of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30 1972, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles.

READ MORE: “You’re in our country”, DUP’s Gregory Campbell tells Irish presidentREAD MORE: ‘Most significant transformation of military housing in 50 years’ announced

Another man shot by paratroopers died four months later. Many consider him the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday but his death was formally attributed to an inoperable brain tumour.

Mr Burrows, a former chief inspector in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, told the Irish Times that the Irish State’s approach to extradition during the Troubles “stands out as an equivalent of Bloody Sunday” over “a long period of time”.

Expanding on his view on Monday, Mr Burrows said: “Many terrorists after they committed acts including murder, fled to the Irish Republic, and there was a failure of the Irish State to extradite them back to the United Kingdom, back to Northern Ireland to face justice.

“There was virtually a blanket refusal to extradite them. And not only did that deny justice for victims, but actually help preserve the capability of those terrorist groups, principally the Provisional IRA.”

Mr Burrows said this caused “a real, lasting hurt and harm in Northern Ireland”, arguing that an acknowledgement and apology “will go a long way to building reconciliation”.

Asked to explain how he could equivalate between the actions of the Irish State and the killing of unarmed civilians in Derry, he told RTE’s Morning Ireland: “The comparison is not necessarily with the Act, the comparison is with the act of reconciliation following it.”

Pressed on whether he was minimising the acts of Bloody Sunday, Mr Burrows said: “I don’t think I am, what I’m doing is saying that they were hurt on both sides and (there) was wrongdoing on both sides.”

The UUP leader said the Irish State “collectively failed its duty towards its citizens” and should have made sure people were extradited for terrorism in Northern Ireland.

Mr Burrows said any legal and constitutional issue around extraditing to Northern Ireland at the time should not prohibit the making of an apology.

He drew a comparison to slavery and said: “Because something had a legal basis, doesn’t mean it was right, doesn’t mean it was a signed legal basis and it’s clearly, plainly wrong.”

He added: “It was vile criminality committed by both loyalists and republicans.

“That is where there should have been a government intervention to say: ‘Sorry, this isn’t working, this isn’t correct, this isn’t politics – it is crime, and we need to change’.

“And eventually change did come but it came too late for many people and it has left a legacy of distrust.

“And it would be an act of courage and reconciliation for the Irish Government to step forward and say ‘on reflection, we could have done better, we could have moved earlier, and we could have brought justice’.”

Asked about the request for a State apology, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee told the same programme: “There’s a lot of conversations to be had, I do wish him well and I look forward to meeting with him but I don’t agree with those comments.

“And I think we need to work collectively and to support each other on really positive progress being made on legacy issues at the moment.”

On that progress, Ms McEntee pointed to the establishment of a garda liaison unit on legacy matters as well as legislation around engaging with the legacy commission and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here

The award-winning restaurant has earned five AA rosettes and two Michelin stars

An award-winning restaurant is loved by locals and celebrities – including a famous British chef and TV host. Midsummer House is a popular spot in Cambridge and it was even visited by James Martin recently.

He said it had taken him over 20 years to make it “to this mecca of food in Cambridge”. James Martin is a British chef and television presenter, best known for his television work with the cookery series Saturday Kitchen and current ITV show James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

James posted: “One word…epic…well done to @midsummerchef and his amazing team you have created something very special indeed! If you want to see what food at the highest level is in the UK go to Midsummer House, one of my favourite meals!”

Midsummer House replied: “It was lovely to welcome you to Cambridge. The team were buzzing.”

Daniel Clifford joined James Martin on his ITV show Saturday Morning on February 7, making a lychee parfait . He was joined by chef José Pizarro and TV personality Peter Andre.

The award-winning restaurant has earned five AA rosettes. It the only restaurant in the East of England with two Michelin stars.

It has also reportedly seen other notable figures dining there. These include Pierce Brosnan and the late theoretical physicist and author, Stephen Hawking.