Labour is edging closer to implosion following its bruising local election results and increasingly bitter divisions over Brexit.

For months, speculation has swirled around Keir Starmer’s future and whether a poor set of election results could eventually trigger a leadership challenge. Now those fears have been realised, tensions between rival camps are escalating rapidly, with allies of potential successors openly clashing over the direction Labour should take next.

Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have both effectively thrown their hats into the ring for a possible future leadership contest. But their supporters have been accused by deputy prime minister David Lammy of “lighting a match and standing in the petrol” as divisions threaten to consume the party.

Senior Labour figures have also warned that prolonged infighting risks making the government appear chaotic and distracted while Nigel Farage and Reform UK continue to gain ground nationally.

The latest flashpoint came after Streeting reignited the Brexit debate by describing leaving the EU as a “catastrophic mistake” and signalling he would ultimately like Britain to rebuild a much closer relationship with Europe.

The comments sparked fury among Burnham allies, who accused the former health secretary of reopening old divisions and handing ammunition to Reform ahead of the crucial Makerfield by-election, where Burnham hopes to return to parliament.

Meanwhile, rumours about former deputy PM Angela Rayner’s ambitions have been circling since she was forced to resign from Sir Keir’s cabinet last September, after it emerged that she had underpaid stamp duty on her Brighton flat.

But her supporters believe the door to a future leadership bid swung back open last week when she was formally cleared over her tax affairs.

With Labour increasingly divided over both policy and personality, we want to know who Independent readers believe should lead the party into the next general election.

Vote in our poll and share your views in the comments below:

The Next Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress costs £48 and comes in three colours and multiple sizes, including petite, regular and tall lengths.

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Shoppers are loving a denim dress from Next that they’ve said is “very flattering” and “great quality”.

The Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress, £48, comes in three colours – white, washed black and light blue – as well as sizes 6 through to 24. The dress is also available in petite, regular and tall lengths, ensuring there’s sizes to fit everybody.

The product description on the Next website says: “This seamed sleeveless denim dress combines a structured silhouette with flattering seam details to create a versatile everyday look. The draped fabric adds a soft touch to the durable material, ensuring a comfortable fit that retains its shape throughout the day.”

Features of the dress include:

• Rigid denim fabric
• Draped fabric detail
• Flattering seam lines

For those looking for a mini option, shoppers might consider this ASOS DESIGN denim fitted shirt mini dress in rich blue, available for £32.

Elsewhere, River Island stocks the Blue Denim Halter Neck Midi Dress for £39.00, featuring a halter neckline and a back slit to make walking more comfortable.

Back at Next, the Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress has received a 4.5 star rating from 10 reviews.

One shopper said: “This dress is very flattering to wear and good value for money.”

“Beautiful dress, perfect fit and good quality,” penned another.

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A third said: “Just what I had been looking for comfortable easy wear dress.”

Another echoed the same sentiment, saying: “Easy wear, stylish but comfortable. Perfect for my holiday.”

However, others had issues with the length of the garment, with one reporting: ” “Lovely quality dress fitted well but should have ordered a petite.”

Another agreed, saying: “Bought petite length. I’m 5ft 2. Still ankle length but kept as I love the fit otherwise.”

Someone else said: “I was looking for a simple shift like denim dress however I didn’t think this style suited me. The dress is lovely just not what I was looking for.”

You can shop the Next dress here.

Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the cage when he takes on Max Holloway this summer in a rematch of their clash in 2013

Conor McGregor will return to the cage this summer when he takes on Max Holloway for a second time.

The rivals clashed 13 years ago when McGregor outpointed the Hawaiian in Boston, despite suffering a knee injury during the bout. McGregor went on to win world titles at featherweight and lightweight while Holloway also went on to become featherweight world champion.

But while he has been active in recent years, McGregor will be fighting for the first time in five years, since he broke his leg in the first round of his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. And while the Irishman will surely be hampered by his inactivity, he will be boosted by the fight being held at welterweight on July 11.

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McGregor has fought at 170lb on three occasions, twice against Nate Diaz in 2016 and then against Donald Cerrone six years ago. He returned to lightweight for his second and third fights with Poirier but has since bulked up. Holloway, on the other hand, has never fought at welterweight but has competed four times at 155lb, including his defeat by Charles Oliveira earlier this year.

McGregor earned a reputation as a KO artist and has not gone the distance since his rematch with Diaz 10 years ago. And while his clash with Holloway will be expected to end early, the Dubliner may struggle with his stamina should it go the distance, given his long absence from the sport.

McGregor had been scheduled to return against Michael Chandler in 2024, but the fight was cancelled when the former champion sustained a broken toe. Last October, McGregor accepted an 18-month doping ban, backdated to September 2024, for three failures of the whereabouts system, but he is now eligible to compete again.

Last year McGregor lost his appeal against a civil jury’s finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who accused him of rape. British star Paddy Pimblett is also on the card for UFC 329, taking on Benoit Saint Denis in the lightweight division, and will be joined by fellow Brit Lone’er Kavanagh who takes on Brandon Royval.

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has had a chequered love life but he was told he “needs a nice homely woman” in his life after meeting a succession of “wrong ones”

TV personality Pete Wicks has been told he “needs a nice homely woman” – and he’s even been advised when the meeting will take place.

The former TOWIE star has had a colourful love life over the years but at the age of 37 is still yet to settle down. His past romances include former TOWIE castmates Jess Wright, Megan McKenna and Shelby Tribble and I’m A Celeb star Maura Higgins, while he has recently been linked to his pal Olivia Attwood.

Pete recently appeared on the Grime Gran podcast with the viral internet sensation, real name Margie Keefe.

Margie claims to be a psychic medium and told Pete some home truths about his love life.

She said: “I think, and I know I’m right, you need a nice homely woman and you’ll meet one when you least expect it. She’ll come into your life. I want an invite to your wedding.

“I’m sure that you will meet someone and it will be the love of your life. You’ve been meeting the wrong ones.” Pete replied with: “Fingers crossed,” before joking: “It could be you. When you least expect it.”

After joking that he was going to “say something really inappropriate there,” Pete added: “If I do, I’m going to have to bring her to see you. I don’t know you particularly well but the time I’ve spent with you, you’re someone’s opinion who matters to me and I trust.”

Grime Gran, who is in her 80s, shot to prominence when her grandson, grime videographer RiskyRoadz, started filming her interviewing major music stars over a cup of tea.

She recently started her own YouTube channel, and along with Pete has interviewed TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark and Inbetweeners star James Buckley and his wife Clair.

Recently Pete was left far from impressed as his mate Sam Thompson teased his rumoured relationship with Olivia Atwood. Following the breakdown of the former Love Island’s marriage to Bradley Dack, Olivia has been seen growing closer to her good friend Pete.

Olivia, 35, and Pete were seen sharing a kiss on what appeared to be a cosy date night and the former Towie star was spotted on airport duties as Olivia returned from a girls’ holiday.

While neither will confirm they are dating, ex Made In Chelsea man Sam couldn’t help but make a sarcastic comment about their situation.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Staying Relevant podcast, Pete’s best pal Sam discussed the duo attending Olivia’s birthday party over the weekend with Sam’s girlfriend Talitha Balinska. As they chatted, Sam joked that him and Pete had both been partying with their ‘other halves.’

Pete immediately looks unimpressed at the comment and moved to shut down the topic.

Dozens of breeds could soon be made illegal

Several dog breeds are currently banned in the UK, with ownership of these animals not only being against the law, but selling, abandoning, rehoming, or breeding from them also carrying serious legal penalties.

At present, it is illegal in the UK to own a Pit Bull Terrier, a Japanese Tosa, a Dogo Argentino, a Fila Brasileiro, or an XL Bully. Whether a dog falls into a prohibited category is determined by its physical characteristics, rather than its registered breed or name.

Anyone found to be keeping a banned dog risks having it confiscated, even if no complaints have been made and the animal has not been seen acting aggressively. Proposed new legislation could potentially see around 67 dog breeds, which suffer due to selective breeding for cosmetic reasons, face prohibition across Britain.

This includes well-loved breeds such as shih tzus, Welsh corgis, and dachshunds. PETA has published the full list of all 67 breeds on its website.

Full list of dog breeds that could be banned in the UK

Affenpischer

American Cocker Spaniel

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Shepherd

Basset

Basset Bleu

Basset Fauve

Beagle

Beauceron

Bergamasco

Bloodhound

Border Collie

Boston Terrier

Boxer

Bracco

Brittany

Brussels Griffon

Bullmastiff

Bulldog

Cairn Terrier

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cesky Terrier

Chihuahua

Chow Chow

Clumber Spaniel

Dachshund

Dandie Terrier

Dogue de Bordeaux

French Bulldog

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Grand Basset

Great Dane

Japanese Chin

King Charles Spaniel

Lancashire Heeler

Lhasa Apso

Mastiff

Mudi

Neapolitan Mastiff

Newfoundland

Norfolk Terrier

Norwich Terrier

Old English Sheepdog

Pekingese

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Petit Basset

Polish Lowland

Pug

Pyr Mastiff

Pyr Shep

Rough Collie

Schipperke

Scottish Terrier

Sealyham Terrier

Shar Pei

Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)

Shih Tzu

Skye Terrier

Smooth Collie

Spanish Water Dog

St Bernard

Staffordshire Terrier

Sussex Spaniel

Swedish Vallhund

Tibetan Mastiff

West Highland White Terrier

If this prohibition becomes legislation, licensed breeders would be banned from selling these breeds. Nevertheless, any dogs currently alive would remain legal.

PETA confirmed that current dogs would continue to be available for rehoming through rescue centres.

The injured man was taken on to hospital following the incident

A man was taken to hospital after being punched in the head and knocked unconscious in a weekend assault.

Police in north Belfast are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident in the Tomb Street area in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 17.

Police received a report at around 12.30am that a man had been punched to the head by another male and knocked unconscious.

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Officers attended the scene and the injured man was subsequently taken on to hospital.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage, to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 50 of 17/05/26.”

You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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