Regardless of the result in the Gorton and Denton by-election, the currents of UK politics spell trouble for Labour.

By-elections come and go, but the vote in Gorton and Denton is shaping up to be the most important in a generation.

Labour won the seat comfortably at the general election with a majority of 13,413 and should be a shoo-in.

Some Labour MPs predict they will defy the odds and hold on in a constituency that has swung against their party.

But the Greens and Reform are in the ascendancy and both feel victory is within their grasp.

A loss to either party would be a nightmare for Labour and an ominous portent of an uncertain future.

The campaign in Gorton and Denton shows Labour, regardless of the final result, are losing votes to the Greens on the Left and to Reform on the Right.

Keir Starmer swept to power after putting together a broad base of support, but that coalition is crumbling.

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OPINION

Paul Hutcheon

At a glance, the parties of Nigel Farage and Zack Polanski seem polar opposites and have little in common.

The Greens are anti-capitalist, anti-war and would ramp up the drive to net zero if they had the chance.

Reform are pro-capitalist, pro-Trump and hostile to action to reduce the UK’s carbon footprint.

But the Greens and Reform have more in common than their supporters would ever dare admit, with both proposing simple solutions to complex problems.

Farage ultimately blames immigration for society’s problems, scapegoating minorities for everything from the housing crisis to pressures on public services.

Polanski turns his guns on “billionaires” – a tiny group of powerful people apparently causing havoc around the globe.

The real problems facing democracies – ageing populations, low productivity – barely get a look in.

Their divisive rhetoric – uploaded and shared on social media – fuels the dissatisfaction many feel with twenty first century politics.

It is a recipe for Labour getting hammered in 2029 and falling to below 20pc of the vote.

The shift to the Greens and Reform also has huge implications for the Holyrood election.

An opinion poll on Tuesday showed the SNP – after nineteen years in power – on the cusp of securing an outright majority.

This is in spite of the Nationalist vote share falling markedly compared to the 2021 election.

Reform would be in second place on twenty five seats, with Labour a distant third and returning only fifteen MSPs.

For Labour to stand any chance in May, they need to make inroads into the dozens of first-past-the-post constituencies held by the SNP.

With Reform running rampant, Farage’s party is fracturing the pro-UK vote and handing these seats to the SNP by default.

Reform and Green support on the regional lists – where Labour are strongest – is another blow for Anas Sarwar, a double whammy that guarantees electoral failure.

Labour has to take a large amount of responsibility for the rise of Reform and the Greens.

Despite winning by a landslide in 2024, their vote was soft and voters gave them a conditional mandate.

It was incumbent on Starmer to start well, reflect the public’s desire for change and produce a positive vision of the future.

He instead backed a series of politically disastrous cuts and warned the public of tougher times ahead – the last thing voters wanted to hear.

Gorton and Denton is a glimpse of a bleak future and parties on the centre-left need to wake up.

Mark Williams was the last Welshman to win the Welsh Open and he is hoping to be the next, 27 years on.

All the way back in 1999, Williams beat Stephen Hendry in the final in Cardiff to win the Welsh Open for a second time.

It was an incredible run to the title from Williams, which also dates the triumph, as he beat Neal Foulds, Chris Small, Alan McManus, Steve Davis and Ronnie O’Sullivan before downing Hendry 9-8 in the final.

Hendry won a rematch in the 2003 final, but that was the last time a Welshman made it to the final of the Welsh Open.

Now 50 years old, Williams is still going strong and is into the last 16 of the tournament after a 4-1 win over Martin O’Donnell on Wednesday afternoon.

He would love to see a Welsh triumph again, whether it is him or either of the other remaining local heroes: Jackson Page, Jak Jones.

‘I’m still in, last 32 is it? Oh last 16! First I’ve done for a while,’ a briefly confused Williams told BBC Wales. ‘I’m potting a couple.

‘It’s a great place to play and hopefully, if it’s not me, then one of the Welsh boys can get to the final because that’s all we’re missing in this tournament. A Welshman picking the trophy up.’

Ranked number four in the world and with the Xi’an Grand Prix to his name this season, Williams is in contention for the title in Llandudno this week.

‘Possibly,’ he said of his chances. ‘I never would have thought I would have won in Xi’an, in China, that was a tough one to win.

‘If I can get on a run, I can start playing some good stuff. I either seem to go on a little bit of a run or lose first round and go back on the golf course.’

On his near three decade wait for another Welsh Open title, he said: ‘I can’t believe it, it’s so long ago. I had a bit of hair then, now I’m old and going blind.’

Williams was close to getting lens replacement surgery in the summer as his eyesight has been deteriorating in recent years, but after a run to the World Championship final he put the operation off.

With results and performances still good, he continues to kick the can down the road on the eye op.

‘They’re the same. They’re getting worse,’ he said at the recent Players Championship. ‘They’re getting more blurry every year, but I’m still in the same position. While I’m still in the top of the rankings, what do I do? Do I take the chance and have them done or not? I don’t know.

‘They keep phoning me every other week to say, you know, I’m top of the priority list to get it done. If I phone them and say, can I get in? I probably can get it done within a week.’

The eyes will be tested against Barry Hawkins in the last 16 on Thursday atVenue Cymru, which Williams has hailed as one of the best places to play on tour.

‘The crowd is fantastic, great arena,’ he said. ‘It’s one of the best venues we play in and it’s always supported. Even 10 o’clock in the morning there’s 400-500 people in here, you don’t get that in many comps.’

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Poppins’ advice is never to buy a pram or pushchair without trying it out first in-store: “Mamas and Papas or John Lewis have an incredible selection of all the leading brands and styles,” she says.

So, what should new parents look for when hands-on testing a new pram or stroller?

“Consider how easy it is to fold down, for putting in the back of the car or storing at home,” she says. “Compact options are great for lifting in and out of a vehicle, but they can feel harder to push, especially on your wrists and when navigating rough terrain. There is also the risk of the system tipping if you hang a bag or some shopping onto the handlebars. If you know you will be carrying more gear, I would opt for something much sturdier with bigger wheels and a larger base to attachment ratio.”

Taking all these factors into account, my fellow Telegraph Recommended testers and I, all new parents, trialled the latest models. This involved assessing how easy the units were to assemble and switch between formats, how well they folded away for storage and how they performed in different settings: on pavement, grass, gravel and up and down stairs.

Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle refused to back either the Labour budget or SNP’s alternative proposals.

West Lothian’s minority Labour-led coalition lost one supporter for its budget this week.

Linlithgow Lib Dem Sally Pattle abstained, refusing to back either the Labour budget or SNP’s alternative proposals.

Councillor Pattle told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the budget didn’t represent “ the best we can do for residents or businesses.”

She called the proposals: “short-term sticking plaster politics.”

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The administration scraped home its budget with support from Independent Andrew McGuire and newly elected Reform councillor David McLennan.

Speaking to the LDRS after the budget meeting Councillor Pattle highlighted two key areas- the removal of cross border funding for private nursery places and the effects of potential enforcement fines on businesses.

She said: “I think it’s clear we all understand the perilous state our finances are in. We heard today first-hand from parents who will be affected by the loss of cross-border funding for private nursery places who gave us incredibly powerful testimony about the real-world impact that decisions we are being forced into making are having on families and our young people.

“That’s why I believe the budget passed today does not represent the best that we can do for our residents, or for business.”

Councillor Pattle added: “There is a lot I agree with: the Liberal Democrats welcome the much-needed investment in repairing the dreadful state of our roads; the priority given to protecting and enhancing adult social care provision by investing in the Integrated Joint Board; and the commitment to looking at further increasing council tax on second homes to 200%.”

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But the sole Lib Dem on the council said there was much more that could have been done.

She echoed criticism made during the meeting by the Opposition SNP group which slated Labour for stalling the introduction of decriminalised parking enforcement (DPE) first called for by the SNP in 2019.

Councillor Pattle added: “There is a lack of urgency in getting decriminalised parking enforcement DPE over the line so we can tackle the illegal parking plaguing our town centres.

“There is no vision for developing a long-term tourism strategy so we can capitalise on West Lothian’s world-class heritage and assets.

“And I – like others – will be keenly monitoring the impact of the community centre review once it comes into effect in April 2026.”

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Core to her objections were the potential threat of enforcement.

“I remain deeply concerned about the implications of the planned enforcement action on the business community.

“As I said last week during the Council Executive meeting, I welcome the introduction of the Litter Prevention Action Plan, but I feel the policy regarding trade waste has not been sufficiently developed.

“The West Lothian Liberal Democrats are calling for a working group formed of officers, elected members, and representatives from trade waste operators and the business community with a remit to develop locality based policies for town centres, retail parks and industrial estates, as well as understanding the challenges faced by both operators and businesses with regards to collections, and any potential procurement improvements.”

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The Liberal Democrats suggested that in addition to marketing country parks as event venues, the council should look at introducing car parking charges at a rate of 50p per vehicle per day.

“In 2025, approximately 399,000 vehicles visited our 3 country parks, that’s potential income generation of £194,000,” she told the LDRS.

Fellow Linlithgow councillor, Pauline Orr, of the SNP, asked how much of a projected £80,000 income “will be enforcement collection and how much will be country parks?”

David Maule, the head of Operational Services, told councillors: “The saving of £80,000 is an estimate of the additional income we feel is achievable in NETs [Neighbourhood Environment Teams] over and above the inflationary uplift in fees and charges.

“ It takes into account the following income performance in particular from our caravanning and camping facilities, potential new income streams across our three country parks, and as members are aware we are undertaking a marketing exercise; and the potential for income from enforcement activity with the emphasis on income from fly-tipping and Fixed Penalty Notices as we expand our CCTV. There is not an individual breakdown of those three components but we feel that £80,000 collectively is an achievable figure.”

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Giovanna Fletcher has revealed she suffered a miscarriage last year following a ‘surprise’ pregnancy at the age of 40.

The author and podcaster, now 41, shared the news on the 300th episode of her hit show Happy Mum Happy Baby, as she swapped seats with her best friend Emma Willis and became the one being interviewed.

Fletcher, who has been married to Tom Fletcher since 2012, shares three sons (Buzz, Buddy and Max) with the McFly singer.

But during Tuesday’s episode, she disclosed that she experienced what she described as a ‘chemical pregnancy.’

‘I had another miscarriage last year, a chemical pregnancy, well it was a surprise pregnancy,’ she told Willis, becoming emotional. ‘I haven’t talked about it publicly, but also my response to it was very different this time. Don’t get me wrong, it was f**** ing hard.’

Holding back tears, Fletcher explained that the loss had prompted her to reflect on how miscarriage is discussed — and when.

‘I don’t agree with the 12-week rule, you need the support of the people around you,’ she said, challenging the long-held convention that couples wait until the end of the first trimester to share pregnancy news. ‘So allow yourself to feel other people’s joy, but also their sadness if there is a loss.’

The pregnancy, she revealed, had already begun to reshape her plans. She had reorganised the year ahead in anticipation of welcoming another baby and had even felt relief at the prospect of slowing down.

‘When the pregnancy ended, I suddenly thought well, I need to maybe change how I do things in 2026, because I need to be able to enjoy the things I am doing, rather than constantly feeling like I am just getting through the things, because they’re all things I love doing,’ she said. ‘Let’s not get through, let’s enjoy life.’

Fletcher reflected that discovering she was expecting at 40 felt markedly different from her previous pregnancies.

‘It did feel so different and it’s a very individual thing and for me I’ve got three incredible kids and four is a lot of kids,’ she said.

‘It’s one of those things where if the pregnancy had worked out, then it would have been a blessing. What a blessing to have another baby, like that is such an incredible thing.

‘However, I am so comfortable with this chapter that we’re in now and it felt very different to be going through a loss that isn’t surrounded by desperation and that fear that it might never happen.

‘I am not pining, but it’s been a different thing to get my head around.’

The honesty will not surprise listeners. Since launching Happy Mum Happy Baby eight years ago, Fletcher has helped reshape the public conversation around motherhood.

The podcast — which grew out of her 2017 Sunday Times bestselling debut, Happy Mum, Happy Baby: My Adventures in Motherhood — has run for nearly 300 episodes and amassed more than 30 million downloads, featuring guests including Davina McCall, Keira Knightley and the Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Topics ranging from birth trauma to maternal mental health and ‘mum guilt’ have become central to its appeal, and miscarriage has long been part of that conversation.

In a 2020 interview with The Sun, Fletcher said: ‘I think it’s so important that people are open about miscarriages, every time someone brings this topic of conversation up it helps so many people, because it’s such a lonely thing to go through and hearing other people express themselves when you can’t find the words to help people understand what you’re going through is so important.’

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Several criticised the decision to freeze thresholds as “moving the goal posts” and changing the terms of loans retrospectively, and Bell Ribeiro-Addy, the Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, compared the terms of student loans “to something that a loan shark would offer”.

“We are delighted that permission has been granted to improve access to Tyrella beach”

A Co Down Blue Flag beach is to be opened up for disabled access as the latest all inclusive beach in Northern Ireland.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has approved designs for an accessible pathway to its award winning beach in Downpatrick.

The path at Tyrella beach will connect to the nearby amenity building allowing people with a physical disability to enjoy the world class sandy shores in comfort for the first time.

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Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service Mae Murray Foundation spokesperson said: “We are delighted that permission has been granted to improve access to Tyrella beach.

“From summer 2026, Tyrella Beach, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, will become our sixth inclusive beach in Northern Ireland.

“This will ensure that people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to enjoy a day at the beach, something many of us take for granted.”

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The Mae Murray foundation facilitates the use of beach equipment such as specially designed buggies or wheelchairs to allow people with disabilities easier access to the beaches, which will also be stored at the amenity centre

There are currently five inclusive beaches in Northern Ireland including, Benone, Cranfield, Groomsport, Portrush and Portstewart managed by the Mae Murray Foundation.

Tyrella, one of only 16 award winning beaches in Northern Ireland with an iconic Blue Flag, is now set to become the sixth after a previous 2022 plan to develop Newcastle beach fell through due to access issues.

The foundation spokesperson added: “An inclusive beach provides enhanced access, dedicated parking, fully accessible toilets, including a changing places facility, and an equipment loan scheme enabling families and organisations to borrow beach wheelchairs and other mobility aids so they can make the most of their time by the sea.”

NMDDC chairperson, Philip Campbell said: “The new boardwalk development at Tyrella beach will allow more people to access this fantastic facility.

“The council has invested heavily at Tyrella, which is one of the district’s award-winning beaches and one of our most prized tourism assets. The Blue Flag award recognises the beach’s excellent cleanliness, safety, water quality and environmental management.”

He added: “The continued investment at Tyrella copper fastens the council’s commitment to ensure the beach is all inclusive.

“I am delighted planning approval has been secured for this latest development at one of our most popular visitor facilities.”

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Dr Francesco Lo Monaco is a preventative cardiologist

A cardiologist has revealed the foods he avoids – and those he eats regularly to maintain optimal heart health. Dr Francesco Lo Monaco is a preventative cardiologist and founder of The National Heart Clinic on London’s Harley Street.

He has also written Heart Saviour, a new book demonstrating how small, consistent lifestyle modifications can deliver life-changing improvements to health and longevity. Dr Lo Monaco said: “Heart disease is often preventable but too many people only start caring about it when something goes wrong.

“Every week I see patients who are surprised when I tell them the foods they eat daily are damaging their arteries.”

Processed meats and excessive quantities of red, ‘fatty’ meat

Bacon, sausages and deli meats contain high levels of salt, which increases blood pressure, and saturated fats, which elevate levels of low-density lipoprotein, or ‘bad’ cholesterol. Both factors are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, reports Plymouth Live.

Meanwhile, consuming excessive quantities of red meat, particularly fatty cuts, can also heighten the risk of coronary heart disease.

Dr Lo Monaco said: “I tell patients that red meat should be occasional, not daily, and that the quality of the meat matters. Go for a lean cut and really try to limit any processed meat in your diet, as there’s strong evidence they do harm, and replace the protein with eggs, fish and nuts.”

Ready-made meals and processed snacks

Convenience foods are often packed with sodium, saturated fats and processed meats – all of which are detrimental to heart health. Dr Lo Monaco said: “Preparing healthy meals does take time and for people with busy lives this can be hard. That’s a fact, not an excuse.

“Despite this, I think most people can make meaningful dietary improvements that dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk by aiming to eat well most of the time. Look at the list of ingredients on any ready-made meals or snacks and if it’s long and there’s things on there you can’t pronounce, put it back.”

Sugary drinks

Excessive sugar consumption heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, and Dr Lo Monaco warns that the sugar content in beverages is easily overlooked. He said: “We often look at calories in the foods we eat but forget about liquid calories. Sugar-sweetened beverages should be cut out entirely.”

What to eat instead

Dr Lo Monaco said: “The Mediterranean diet is the one I was raised on in Sicily and this is what I always recommend to patients. It prioritises whole foods and healthy fats and doesn’t mean restriction, so it’s easy to stick to.

“Use vegetables such as tomatoes, leafy greens, onions and carrots as the foundation for all meals. The goal is to have multiple servings a day and with variety. Enjoy fresh fruits such as berries, citrus and stone fruits every day. Lentils, chickpeas and white beans are a great source of fibre and protein. Healthy fats are key, with extra virgin olive oil being the primary fat source in Mediterranean diets.

“A handful of nuts or seeds such as almonds or sunflower seeds should be consumed daily, despite the calorie content. Avocados and olives are also good for additional healthy fats. Great protein sources include Omega 3-rich fish especially salmon and sardines, and poultry over red meat. Eggs are great too, and not the cholesterol villain we once thought.

“To enhance flavour in your foods, use herbs and spices such as garlic, basil and oregano over salt, as they also provide antioxidant effects. The important thing to remember is you don’t have to change everything overnight. Start small and make gradual changes for a long-term approach to prioritising your heart health.”

An A-list Netflix an HBO star is attached to an upcoming adaptation of one of the best classic novels of all time

A cherished literary masterpiece is set to receive the television treatment, with a prominent Netflix actress leading the cast.

Deadline has revealed that Aimee Lou Wood, known for her roles in Sex Education and The White Lotus, will headline a fresh adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, first published in 1847.

Wood takes on the role of the eponymous protagonist, a young woman who endures a harsh childhood and education before securing a position as governess at Thornfield Hall, where she becomes captivated by the mysterious Mr Rochester.

British production house Working Title is spearheading the venture, with acclaimed Succession writer Miriam Battye crafting the screenplay.

Additional casting details remain under wraps for now, and the broadcasting platform has yet to be announced, reports the Express.

Deadline reports that a UK broadcaster is currently in talks to come aboard the production.

Whilst the series remains in early development and won’t arrive on screens until next year at the soonest, the timeless classic boasts a substantial fanbase who will undoubtedly welcome a contemporary interpretation of Brontë’s work.

One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer awarded five stars, writing: “Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece was everything I hoped for and more, a novel rich with depth, passion, and a heroine whose strength still resonates today.”

Another devotee declared: “How this book has received reviews of less than 5 stars is alien to me; it is, by far, the best book I have ever read!” One devoted reader shared: “I first read Jane Eyre when I was 11 and have read it many many times since. It’s gothic, romantic, heart-rendering, dark, even funny on some occasions (What the deuce!!) and I could not recommend this masterpiece highly enough.”

A final enthusiast declared: “One of the best books ever written, in my humble opinion.”

They elaborated: “You can’t go wrong – it’s got all the stuff that keeps you gripped: Love, insanity, death, spookiness, lies, deception, happiness; and I’m not really a massive ‘classics’ fan. Buy it. You won’t regret it.”

The most recent significant screen version of Jane Eyre arrived in 2011, featuring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender in the lead roles of Jane and Rochester.

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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan. This lets customers watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes the new season of Bridgerton.

Luther actress Ruth Wilson previously brought Jane to life in the 2006 television adaptation, a four-part series which also featured Toby Stephens as her romantic counterpart.

Details regarding episode count for the forthcoming series remain under wraps, though viewers can anticipate an even deeper dive into the novel’s enduring themes and captivating bildungsroman narrative.

Jane Eyre has yet to receive a confirmed release date.

Buying a Fire Stick is a great way to upgrade your TV so you can stream the latest shows, play music and even access games.

But like any technology, over time the device can become sluggish, run slow or even start to buffer.

To solve this, Free Tech Official, a Yorkshire TikToker who specialises in streaming tips, has revealed a ‘super obvious’ trick to try to get your device running like new.

The ‘super obvious’ hack that could fix your Amazon Fire TV Stick buffering issues

When your computer or phone stops working, it is often suggested to turn the gadget off and on again in the hopes this will solve the issue.

And Free Tech Official claims this same process can be used for your Fire Stick to try to improve its performance.

He claims most people aren’t aware that a Fire Stick doesn’t power off unless you cut the power or unplug it.

By remaining in standby, it’s likely apps used previously on the device are still running in the background which can slow it down.

So this is why restarting the system is an ‘obvious’ yet effective way to try and conquer common issues with the device.

To turn off your Fire Stick, you can either switch it off directly from the remote or go to My Fire TV in settings and press restart.

Free Tech Official said: “Here’s something on the Firestick that’s super simple but not a lot of people do it. 

“Now, if you’re having problems with the Firestick running slow or when you’re navigating around it’s really sluggish, or even buffering at times. 

“Something a lot of people don’t do is simply restart the Firestick. 

“Now I know that’s super obvious but a lot of people aren’t aware that the Firestick doesn’t power off unless you cut the power or unplug it. 

“It only goes into standby. So when you come to use the Firestick again, it’s likely any apps you’ve been using previously are still running in the background, which can slow the Firestick down.

“Just simply restarting it refreshes it and it should make it that little bit snappier. Obviously, when it comes to restarting a Firestick, it’s very obvious. 

“You can unplug it or switch it off directly from the remote or you can go across to settings, go to My Fire TV and then you see an option which says restart.

“If you want to do it from the remote itself you can long hold the select or enter in the centre and then the play/pause button. 

“Press those at the same time and keep holding them down and then it’ll say your Firestick is powering off. Give it a moment and it’ll come back on.”