One of BBC’s buzziest comedy-dramas, Film Club, is not coming back for round two, leaving fans (me) devastated.

The six-episode show created by and starring Sex Education breakout and Bafta winner Aimee Lou Wood follows best friends Evie (Aimee) and Noa (Nabhaan Rizwan).

Evie lives at home with her eccentric family, including her eternally worried and well-meaning mum, Suz (Suranne Jones) and is all but housebound after a traumatic event.

Her main interaction with the outside world comes in the shape of local bike-riding miscreant Callum, played by the inimitable Owen Cooper, who himself has a touching storyline.

Oh, and she has a weird boyfriend, Josh (Adam Long), who we’re all immediately hoping she’ll bin.

A movie enthusiast at heart, she and Noa, along with a gaggle of less committed but still supportive friends, host a weekly film club in the shed, capped off with costumes, decorations and a vow from Suz to not interrupt.

When Noa gets a job offer in Bristol, however, the underlying romantic tension finally comes to a head as the pair race against the looming deadline to confess their feelings and figure the whole mess out.

It’s got all the ingredients for the perfect watch – a heartwarming group of characters you’re rooting for, delightful family and friend dynamics, and just enough stakes to keep you hooked while still knowing everything will work out in the end.

With a delicate touch, it explores mental health, the impact of trauma and the beauty of human connection when life is at its hardest.

The impressive cast made it all the more appealing and effortlessly dropped into the shoes of their characters, with Aimee’s portrayal of Evie immediately capturing her heart.

And as someone who is not the biggest fan of the friend-to-lover trope, this was one of the rare occasions where it felt well-executed, brimmed full of chemistry, and their interactions made me equally laugh out loud and groan in exasperation when things weren’t working out.

It had an endearing spark to it that could have been nurtured into a roaring fire had it been given the space to grow beyond one season.

Clearly, the story resonated with others as well, not only landing 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a slew of rave fan reviews, but also a Bafta nomination.

Which is why I am so heartbroken that Deadline has revealed it won’t have a second outing. According to the publication, it was a mutual decision between Aimee and the broadcaster.

The White Lotus star reportedly wants to prioritise other writing.

Yet Film Club feels as though it has plenty of potential for more. Although we get a somewhat satisfactory ending (a small mercy), there were definitely loose ends that could have been explored.

Has Noa left his job for good to choose Evie? What will it look like to give their relationship a proper go? What’s next for Evie’s recovery as she makes a resolution to work on experiencing life to the fullest?

I want to check back in with Suz and her romantic and not-so-romantic exploits and see Callum grow into a young man who still has a penchant for teasing Evie.

Aimee painted a delightful world that would have been nice to live in for a little while longer, at least.

I’m far from the only one disappointed at the news.

‘Just fell to my knees,’ Josh Carr wrote on X.

‘Literally one of the best series of the last few years, the reviews were great, Aimee is a massive star now, why isn’t this being renewed???????? What are we even doing,’ gaea reflected.

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‘I thought it ended pretty satisfyingly, but I would have liked to have seen more,’ hj agreed.

‘What? Devastated, man. Film Club was an amazing show,’ Edward Burger said.

Still, if it must end, then it remains a wonderful bite-sized limited series to enjoy as a sweet rewatch. And, with her career going from strength to strength, time will tell what’s next for Aimee.

Film Club is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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He will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely

A paedophile who sexually assaulted a young girl under 13 years old over a 12-month period has been jailed. Robert Clark, 47, sexually assaulted the girl over a 12-month period between summer 2020 and 2021.

Detective Sergeant Mark Williamson, who investigated, described Clark’s abuse of the young victim as “beyond sickening”. The abuse came to light after the girl told her mum what had happened and she went to the police.

Clark, of Fairfields Crescent, St Ives, was found guilty following a trial of two counts of sexual activity with a child under 13 years old. He was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, May 8, and jailed for five and a half years.

He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order and an indefinite restraining order. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Detective Sergeant Mark Williamson, who investigated, said: “Clark’s abuse of the young victim was beyond sickening. I would like to praise the victim and her family for the bravery and composure they have shown throughout this whole ordeal.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to please come forward and report it to us, you will be taken seriously and we will investigate thoroughly.”

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has criticised Lamine Yamal for flying a Palestine flag during Barcelona’s La Liga trophy parade.

The newly crowned Spanish champions celebrated their success with an open top bus parade through the streets of the city on Monday evening.

Lamal, who played a major role in his side’s success, was prominent part of the celebrations despite missing Sunday’s win over Real Madrid through injury.

The teenager courted controversy by signaling to a supporter that he was willing to bring the flag on board and wave it above his head in a show of support.

Asked about Yamal’s actions at a press conference on Tuesday, Barcelona head coach Flick suggested he would have advised such an act and revealed he has spoken to his star player.

He said: ‘I don’t usually like that very much, I spoke with him, we have to take into account what people expect from us, but he’s of legal age, he’s 18 years old, it’s his decision.’

Yamal’s show of solidarity with Palestine came a month after he condemned Spain’s fans for anti-Muslim chanting during their friendly against Egypt.

Yamal said at the time: ‘Yesterday at the stadium, a chant was heard: ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is a Muslim’. I know it was aimed at the opposing team and wasn’t something personal against me, but as a Muslim, this still counts as disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour.

‘I understand that not all the fans are like that, but to those who chant phrases like this: using religion for mockery in the stadium makes you ignorant and racist people.

‘Football was created for enjoyment and cheering, not for insulting people because of who they are or what they believe in.’

Yamal, meanwhile, also appeared to aim a dig at England international Jude Bellingham by by posting on social media a video of himself celebrating Ferran Torres’s goal in Barcelona’s title-clinching 2-0 win over Real along with the caption: ‘Talk is cheap.’

Bellingham had posted the same message following Real’s Claisco win over the eventual champions back in October and the dig was clearly noted by Yamal who also brandished a Barcelona shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Thank God I’m not Madridista’.

‘It was very emotional to see tears in people’s eyes,’Flick, meanwhile, added on the opportunity to celebrate with Barcelona’s supporters.

‘The first thing we have to do is make people happy. And I’m proud of that, and I’ve told the players that because it’s been a difficult season due to injuries.

‘There have been key players who haven’t been available at times, who were in and out of the squad, like Lamine, Pedri, Raphinha, Frenkie.

‘It’s incredible the season we’ve had and how we’ve improved in the last two months in attack and defense. You could see it against Real Madrid. That’s why we won La Liga. We conceded the fewest goals, and nobody expected that.’

Officers want to speak to 25-year-old Sam Watson, who has recent links to Gilesgate, Belmont, and Sherburn Hill.

A spokesman for Durham City Police said: “If you have any information regarding Sam’s whereabouts, please don’t comment below, call us on 101 quoting incident 62 of May 5, alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Jamie Muir, 33, from Dunfermline, attempted to use the business of the train to disguise his deplorable actions.

A creep who sexually assaulted two women on a crowded train to Edinburgh has been jailed.

Jamie Muir, 33, was caged for nine months at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday, April 29. He was sentenced after he previously admitted the deplorable crimes, which took place in November last year.

The court heard how Muir, from Dunfermline in Fife, boarded a train from Inverkeithing to the capital, which was extremely busy due to a rugby match between Scotland and Argentina later in the day at Murrayfield. Muir stood behind two women, and only minutes after the train left Inverkeithing, he began to sexually assault both victims.

Perverted Muir then attempted to use the business of the train to disguise his actions. When one of the women turned to Muir to confront him, he went on to apologise and claim he didn’t know where he was.

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Other passengers on the train intervened and told Muir to get off at the next stop. He then alighted at North Queensferry.

Once the service arrived at Edinburgh Waverley, the two women reported the incident to officers at the station and an urgent investigation was launched. Images of Muir were shared by the British Transport Police (BTP) with other police forces in a drive to identify him, and he was subsequently found and arrested.

Upon being arrested, Muir attempted to excuse his actions by saying he had felt unwell. As well as being jailed for nine months, he was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Speaking after sentencing, BTP’s Detective Constable Crawford Gillies said: “Muir’s actions were opportunistic and sickening, so I’m very pleased with the sentence handed down to him that should provide him ample time to consider his actions. There is absolutely no place for this type of behaviour anywhere on the railway network, and we take every report of this kind of behaviour seriously.

“If you ever need us while you’re travelling on the railway, you can discreetly text us on 61016. Our officers can meet the train at the next station, and we’ll stop at nothing to bring sexual offenders to justice.”

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If you’re in need of a gaming headset upgrade, now is a good time to act

Shoppers looking for stylish, high-quality headphones can enjoy some great savings in JBL’s spring sale. For a limited time, the brand is offering 10% off all headphones (excluding refurbished models) with a special discount code.

To claim the offer, simply enter the code REACH10 at checkout. JBL’s range includes comfortable over-ear and on-ear headphones that are perfect for everything from gym workouts to relaxing at home with your favourite music, reports the Liverpool Echo.

There are also plenty of immersive noise-cancelling options designed to cut out background noise while delivering crisp, clear sound. Many models come packed with features such as spatial audio and 360-degree head tracking. Gamers are catered for too, with JBL offering several gaming headsets, including one that comes with a free Xbox Game Pass.

Below, we’ve compiled a range of our top headphone picks currently featured in the JBL sale:

JBL Tour One M3 – £224.99 (was £249.99)

JBL’s best-selling headphones are the Tour One M3, which combine lossless superior sound quality with eight-microphone adaptive noise cancellation. These high-end headphones can be operated both with cables and wirelessly, reproducing music closer to its original studio sound with approximately three times more information than conventional Bluetooth audio, reports the Express. They also feature 360-degree head tracking and exceptional call quality, thanks to four adaptive beamforming microphones enhanced by AI that remove echoes and background noise. On top of that, they deliver an outstanding battery life of up to 70 hours.

Save 10% on JBL Tour One M3

£249.99

£224.99

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JBL is knocking 10% off all headphones excluding refurbished in its spring sale, including the JBL Tour One M3.

JBL customers have awarded the Tour One M3 a remarkable 4.6-star rating, with numerous buyers highlighting their ‘unbeatable’ sound quality and ‘incredible’ noise cancellation. While purchasers describe them as ‘very comfy’ to wear, some mention they are somewhat ‘on the heavy side’.

Amongst the rival premium options is the Sony WH1000XM6 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones (£329.99), which the manufacturer claims provide the ‘best noise cancelling’ due to its new HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 and 12 precision microphones.

JBL Quantum 650 – £102.59 (was £113.99)

The highest-rated headphones presently on offer in the sale are the JBL Quantum 650, a wireless gaming headset that works with PlayStation, Xbox and PC. This model holds a perfect five-star rating and is discounted from £113.99 to £102.59 with the promotional code.

The Quantum 650 incorporates 50mm dynamic drivers with distinctive carbon damping material, which are claimed to provide powerful output and minimal distortion for a more engrossing and authentic gaming experience. They also deliver spatial audio to establish a more lifelike setting, enabling gamers to identify precisely which direction an adversary is coming from.

Xbox gamers might find the JBL Quantum 910X Wireless for Xbox particularly attractive, as it includes a complimentary one-month Xbox Game Pass subscription. Down from £209.99 to £188.99, the 910X features hi-res certified 50mm neodymium drivers that produce an immersive sound profile and generate a hyper-realistic audio environment.

On the subject of the JBL Quantum 650, one glowing review reads: “The sound and feeling how it sits on the head are amazing. In games like Battlefield 6 and Warzone, the footsteps and directional audio are very accurate. Listening to music was also amazing.”

However, some customers note that, as over-ear headphones, they can ‘get warm’ when worn for prolonged periods.

JBL Tune 730BT – £35.99 (was £39.99)

A more economical yet still highly regarded option is the JBL Tune 730BT, reduced from £39.99 to £35.99 in the sale. These sleek over-ear headphones utilise JBL’s Pure Bass Sound to deliver ‘powerful’ audio that can be customised through EQ presets using the JBL app.

Equipped with dual microphones for clear and accurate calls, the Bluetooth headphones provide up to 76 hours of battery life, while a quick five-minute charge offers up to five hours of playback time. Buyers describe the Tune 730BT as ‘amazing for the price’, awarding them a 4.7-star rating.

“These are amazing for the price,” one customer remarked. “Sound quality is good as well as noise cancelling. Battery life is the best, last for ages.” Other users find them ‘so comfortable’ though suggest it would be ‘a bonus’ if a wired connection was available. Within a similar price range is the AKG K72 (£39.99), a pair of budget-friendly yet professional studio over-ear headphones, described as ‘pro-quality meets style’.

JBL Tune 780NC – £107.99 (was £119.99)

Also among JBL’s best-selling products are the Tune 780NC, boasting JBL’s hi-res Pure Bass Sound and spatial audio that gives the impression of sound emanating from all directions. They also feature adaptive noise cancelling to block out external noise and distractions, plus two microphones for crystal-clear calls and audio at both ends.

Similar to the Tune 730BT, these also provide a 76-hour battery life and a five-minute quick charge. The Tune 780NC have been crafted with a sleek over-ear design featuring subtle metal accents and a range of colours including black, blue and white.

Achieving a 4.5-star rating, one buyer said: “With a powerful bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs, the sound quality is clean and well-balanced. For daily use, active noise cancellation is effective, particularly in crowded settings like public transportation.”

One 780NC owner pointed out a potential disadvantage, saying: “What might be an issue for some is the fact that you cannot replace pads.”

JBL Junior 470NC – £62.99 (was £69.99)

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As the name suggests, the JBL Junior 470NC are ideally suited to younger users, featuring a range of parental controls, including an automatic 85dB maximum volume limit that can be lowered even further. Parents can monitor their children’s listening habits through JBL’s Headphones app for real-time updates and set up a PIN code to protect the settings.

These child-friendly headphones have earned an impressive 4.9-star rating, with one reviewer noting: “I bought these for my five-year-old daughter to enjoy her films during long car journeys, and they have been a godsend. She’s happy, the sound quality is incredible – worth every penny.”

Some customers found that the Junior 470NC failed to create a proper seal around their children’s ears, which they claimed ‘reduced the efficacy’ of the noise cancellation. Meanwhile, proving popular on Amazon at present is the iClever Kids Wireless Headphones (£14.99), which, in addition to safe volume limits, feature bright LED lights and a range of child-friendly designs.

Shop the JBL Spring Sale here.

Scientific discoveries rarely happen alone. Modern research often involves teams spanning institutions and even countries. Yet when research is published in academic journals, credit is reduced to a list of names – a list that can shape careers.

Authorship is a key signal of expertise. It influences hiring, promotion, and funding decisions. Despite this importance, the process for determining authorship is often far from transparent.

In principle, authorship should reflect intellectual contributions. In practice, decisions about who becomes an author and whose name appears in the most prized position – often first or last – are negotiated within research teams. My research with colleagues has found that women report more negative experiences around authorship decisions.

Norms vary widely across disciplines, and unclear standards combined with power dynamics can create problems, especially for women researchers.

One of these is ghost authorship: when researchers who meaningfully contribute do not receive authorship. Another is gift authorship: when individuals who do not meaningfully contribute are included as authors.

Deciding who gets credit for a research project is complicated, even when everyone has positive intentions. These collaborations can span years, and individual roles often shift over time. Students graduate, researchers move institutions and projects evolve. As a result, authorship decisions are often shaped not just by contributions, but by a set of informal or “hidden” rules that are rarely made explicit.

These hidden rules can include power dynamics between senior and junior researchers. Junior researchers, such as PhD students and postdocs, often depend on supervisors for funding and future opportunities. This can make it difficult to raise concerns about authorship.

The standards for determining contributions may be ambiguous. While there’s recently been more discussion about the different ways someone can contribute to a project, authors may disagree about which contributions matter most. For example, how should writing the paper be weighed against collecting or analysing the data?

Fear of reputational harm could also discourage open discussion about credit. Because researchers are concerned about being labelled “difficult to work with” they may avoid raising concerns about authorship, even when the stakes are high.

Gifts and ghosts

To see how these decisions play out in practice, my collaborators and I surveyed more than 3,500 researchers across 12 countries – one of the largest studies of its kind. We asked researchers about their experiences with disagreement about authorship, comfort discussing authorship in their teams and experiences with problematic authorship practices.

We found that questionable authorship practices are remarkably common. In our study, 68% of researchers observed gift authorship, and 55% of researchers observed ghost authorship.

While experiences of authorship were similar across researchers in the natural sciences and social sciences, another pattern emerged. Women researchers reported experiencing more problematic authorship practices in collaborations. They encountered more disagreements over authorship decisions and felt less comfortable raising authorship concerns.

This is especially concerning given what researchers call the “leaky pipeline” in academia – where women are more likely to leave the field or are less likely to progress to senior positions over time. These patterns suggest that the hidden rules of authorship affect women and men differently.

Why it matters

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent missed opportunities, strained collaborations and careers quietly knocked off course. Authorship plays a central role in research careers, and even small differences in recognition can accumulate over time. When credit is uneven, opportunities become uneven. This shapes who stays in academia and whose ideas define a field. Over time, this may also push talented researchers away from academic careers or worsen existing inequalities like the leaky pipeline.

Universities rely on collaborative environments that are not only productive, but also fair. Addressing issues with authorship and its hidden rules is essential to continue moving toward better science.

In a separate study of US PhD-granting universities, my colleagues and I found that fewer than 25% had publicly available authorship policies. Even when policies did exist, they rarely offered guidance on how to handle concerns or resolve conflicts. Clearer institutional guidance and accessible dispute resolution procedures would provide researchers with a framework to more effectively navigate authorship.

In addition, authorship training can encourage earlier and more open conversations about authorship within research teams, particularly for junior researchers who may feel less comfortable raising these issues. Promoting more transparent documentation of individual contributions can help ensure that authorship reflects the work that was actually done, even as roles evolve over the course of a project. Training would clearly benefit early-career scholars, but would also be important for more senior academics who supervise doctoral students and help shape research norms.

When authorship is transparent and openly discussed, it can empower stronger research teams, more equitable career progression and greater trust in the scientific process. Science is a team effort, and our systems for giving credit should reflect that reality.

As temperatures rise, many people will be using their BBQ or fire pit this summer – but there are important rules to know first

With the weather brightening up and summer fast approaching, plenty of people across the UK will be eager to make the most of the warmer conditions by throwing barbecue parties and garden gatherings. While these occasions can be great fun, there are still numerous rules and regulations people must be mindful of to minimise the risk of neighbourly disputes and potentially facing trouble with the local council.

In the UK, there are no national laws preventing you from having fire pits or BBQs in your own garden. However, you must still adhere to the ‘statutory nuisance’ rules and smoke control regulations. You’re entitled to enjoy your garden, but you also need to respect your neighbours’ right to enjoy their space without excessive smoke, noise, or fumes.

Under the statutory nuisance rules set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if your BBQ or fire pit generates smoke, fumes, or ash that persistently disrupts a neighbour’s well-being or comfort, your local council can issue an abatement notice. Failing to comply with an abatement notice can lead to a fine of up to £5,000.

If you’re located in a Smoke Control Area (SCA), you cannot allow smoke to escape from chimneys, including indoor stoves. And regarding outdoor fire pits, you must ensure you’re not causing a nuisance. SCAs are widespread throughout the UK, particularly in larger towns and cities.

In these areas, you cannot allow smoke to emerge from a chimney or burn any unauthorised fuel unless you’re using an “exempt” appliance (such as a stove approved by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs). Breaching these rules could land you with a fine ranging from £175 to £300, or even up to £1,000 for purchasing unauthorised fuel.

Burning dangerous materials such as treated wood, plastic, and rubber is prohibited due to the toxic fumes they release. The Highways Act 1986 also prohibits lighting a fire that allows smoke to drift across a road, posing a risk to passing traffic, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Only use ‘ready to burn’ certified low-moisture wood (less than 20%) or smokeless fuel, especially if you’re situated within a Special Conservation Area (SCA). Ensure fire pits are positioned at least three meters from buildings, fences, and any overhanging branches to minimise fire hazards.

While no specific legislation governs timing, it’s advisable to avoid lighting fires late at night, particularly after 11pm, to steer clear of noise complaints. Loud conversations around a fire pit can be deemed a nuisance.

Under the Noise Act 1996, night-time hours run from 11pm to 7am, during which councils hold the power to issue warnings for excessive noise. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if smoke, fumes, or ash considerably interferes with a neighbour’s ability to enjoy their home, it could be deemed a legal nuisance.

When complaints are raised, Environmental Health Officers are empowered to step in. Failing to adhere to an abatement notice could land you with fines of up to £5,000. If you’re a tenant, check your tenancy agreement, as landlords can enforce stricter restrictions or ban them outright.

Installing a large, permanent brick fire pit typically doesn’t require planning permission, though safety regulations must still be observed. Gas fire pits, such as propane models, are broadly exempt from solid-fuel smoke regulations, making them a more suitable option for areas where smoke is a concern.

It’s considered good practice to give your neighbours advance notice before lighting a large fire pit or hosting a sizeable BBQ. Should a neighbour’s fire pit become a recurring problem, keep a record of the dates, times, and impact before contacting your local council’s environmental health department.

Occasional BBQs or fires — for instance, once or twice a month — are unlikely to be deemed a ‘statutory nuisance’ by a council. Rules can differ depending on your local authority, so always check with them directly if you’re in any doubt.

Thor’s application to get planning permission for its Parliament Street pitch for another five years has been approved by City of York Council.

Fabler, the company behind the venue, said they hoped the family-friendly venue would continue to help increase footfall in the city centre and give the space a sense of purpose.

Two public comments lodged about the plans claimed it would be visually intrusive and would affect street performers and nearby church services on Sundays.

Council planning officers stated it would not have any unacceptable effect on the surrounding area and listed buildings, with the space already used for a number of events.

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It comes ahead of Thor’s opening for this summer on Saturday, May 22.

Plans for the venue this year includes a Nordic-style tipi along with a bar, street food truck and a new family pop-up park provided by York’s Business Improvement District (BID).

It is also set to feature fire pits and a performance space for live music and other acts.

Thor’s is set to run in Parliament Street until Sunday, September 6.

It is set to open from 11am to 7.30pm Monday to Wednesday, until 9.30pm from Thursday to Saturday and until 8pm on Sundays.

Fabler, which also runs Dusk and House of Trembling Madness, is run by York-based couple Amanda and Richard Monaghan.

The firm’s plans stated they applied for permission for the pitch for 16 weeks between May and September until 2030 to save time and money by not lodging multiple applications.

An impression showing how Thor’s in Parliament Street, York, could look in 2026 (Image: Fabler)

Concerns raised in public comments on the plans include claims it would stop others from using the space for a significant portion of the year.

They also claimed an increase in footfall in an already busy pedestrian area could cause safety issues.

Thor’s plans stated their welcoming, fully-accessible venue aimed to draw in locals, visitors and families.

They added noise was not expected to affect any neighbouring homes or businesses, with its small speakers positioned to face away from them.

Plans stated: “Thor’s is more than just a bar, we’re community creators.

“The tipi has been developed in order to create a welcoming space.

“It will be a welcome break for families and shoppers- a green space for everyone to enjoy.”

Thor’s venues have been in York since 2015 when it first appeared as a pop-up bar during York Christmas Market.

Its Parliament Street venue first opened in 2021 and has become a yearly fixture since.

It is one of three in York along with Thor’s tipis in the grounds of The Milner hotel and a winter venue in Museum Gardens.

“There may well be gossip, there may well be rumours”

Former Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie has insisted he is focused on getting reselected to run as a candidate for his party in the next election amidst claims he could be ‘deselected’.

The ex Army captain has held an Assembly seat for the UUP in the Upper Bann constituency since 2016 but reports claim that Mr Beattie could be replaced as a party candidate.

There has been speculation that some within the UUP want to see another candidate run in Upper Bann at the next election in 2027. Councillor Kyle Savage’s name has been mooted by some as a potential candidate.

Mr Beattie said he would not comment on the UUP selection process as it is an “internal party process”, adding “it wouldn’t be right or proper for me to comment on that, so I won’t be commenting on that”.

READ MORE: ‘I never heard misogynistic language in PSNI’, says UUP leader Jon BurrowsREAD MORE: UUP leader ‘disgusted’ after character references provided for convicted paedo teacher

However, speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show, Mr Beattie confirmed his name has gone forward as a potential UUP candidate to stand in the next Assembly election.

“It’s been in for quite some time, and I will go forward for selection and I will be selected or not selected,” he said.

“I’m now in the process and I can’t talk about that.”

Asked whether current UUP leader Jon Burrows supports his bid, Mr Beattie said: “Jon hasn’t stopped anyone from applying for an Assembly election, so Jon would support me putting my name forward in the same way he would support anyone else who is allowed to put their name forward.”

Mr Beattie added: “There may well be gossip, there may well be rumours, I’m focused on what I want, and what I want to do is represent the people of Upper Bann, and I will continue to do that, hopefully for the remainder of this mandate and will be selected to run for that next mandate. That’s what I’m focused on and that’s all I’m going to be focused on.

“If I am not selected, then I must decide where I go because there is a human element to all of this, and I’m human like everybody else, so I have to decide where I go if I am not selected.

“This is my job, this is what my family rely on, members of my staff, I’ve got staff members, and I’m worried about them as well, but that happens every single election. Every single election time is like the most visible job interview you’re ever likely to get.”

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