The UK’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has appointed John Healey as chancellor of the exchequer. His pick to fill the UK’s top economic post was something of a surprise: if we were to believe the speculation, the choice was between a minister with strong views on the economy – Ed Miliband – and a pragmatist with solid managerial credentials – Shabana Mahmood.

Healey, however, is an MP with cabinet experience – and more of a pragmatist like Mahmood than an ideologue like Miliband.

The role of chancellor is one of the most consequential government posts in terms of policy. This is especially true in single-party majority governments like Labour’s. Here the finance minister controls the budget, in contrast to the coalition agreements that are typically agreed between parties in multiparty governments.

But in the UK, the chancellor is given the power to steer the government’s economic policy in the drafting of the budget. They also have almost-exclusive control of tax policy. By convention, the chancellor will not disclose or discuss his or her policy intentions prior to budget day to avoid being lobbied.

Their role is to maintain fiscal restraint – in other words, to keep a tight grip on spending and debt – and resist calls by various secretaries to increase spending in their departments. Perhaps Healey’s appointment to the chancellery is particularly surprising since he himself stood down as defence secretary because he felt the Treasury would not give his department the funding it needed.

Ideology and loyalty

In my book, Ideologues, Partisans, and Loyalists: Ministers and Policymaking in Parliamentary Cabinets, I show that cabinet ministers who are appointed for their managerial credentials rather than their policy views are more likely to be loyal to the prime minister. Ideologues are more likely to push for their ideal policies, at the risk of government instability.

Healey was not the person many expected to be Burnham’s pick for chancellor. In the days leading up to the new prime minister’s coronation and cabinet appointments, Mahmood appeared to be the frontrunner. Instead, she continues as home secretary.

In some ways even less is known, economically speaking, about Healey than about Mahmood. She at least is known to have shared many of Burnham’s progressive policy ideas, as she called for a higher top rate of income tax back in 2014.

Keeping Mahmood as home secretary is in many respects a mature decision – she has been very effective in the role. But it is disappointing that Burnham did not replace Rachel Reeves in Number 11 with another woman.

Mahmood would have been only the second woman chancellor of the exchequer in the UK’s history. I have been involved in research on finance ministers across 50 democracies, and according to our data, only around 15% are women.

Women finance ministers can have important differences from their male counterparts. While both men and women come to the role primarily from bureaucracy, higher education and the legal sectors, men are significantly more likely to come from the corporate and banking sectors. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to be drawn from international organisations such as the World Bank.

And if he had chosen Miliband as his chancellor, Burnham would have had a close ally in terms of policy priorities. But the new prime minister has had to strike a balance between ideals and reality. The fact is that he is not free to choose whoever he wants for chancellor – the markets watch the government closely and are looking for appointments that signal economic credibility.

The markets have certainly been watching this appointment extremely closely. In fact, after Healey’s appointment, shares in Britain’s biggest defence companies saw a £4 billion boost amid expectations that he will sign off on higher defence spending.

Unlike the more ideological Miliband, known for his strong and at times divisive views on energy policy, Healey can be described as a more “managerial” choice.

Healey worked as a journalist and a campaign manager before his election to parliament in 1997, so lacks professional experience in finance or economics outside government. But he is known for his effectiveness as defence secretary and has policy experience through junior appointments in the Treasury under Tony Blair.

Cabinet ministers who are not policy experts in their department are seen as easier to control compared to those, like Rishi Sunak for example, who come in with policy expertise.

If Healey is more of a loyalist appointment, he ticks a number of boxes for Burnham. He is likely to be easier to work with, for a start.

But despite this considerable time in the Treasury, very little is known about his views on the economy, and more generally about his economic outlook. Observers will be watching closely for clues as he enters 11 Downing Street.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee has approved proposals for a new retail park off Silksworth Lane featuring an M&S Foodhall, Aldi supermarket and Starbucks drive-through, creating about 150 permanent jobs.

The scheme, earmarked for disused land near Sainsbury’s in Silksworth, has attracted strong public backing, with hundreds supporting the plans despite objections over traffic, loss of green space and the impact on nearby residents.

However, the development is not yet over the line. Because of its out-of-town location and scale, the application must now be referred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for a final decision before work can begin.

Earlier this year developers PRZM Real Estate unveiled the plans for the 2.7-hectare site, saying the scheme would create more than 100 jobs. At Monday’s planning meeting, representatives said the development would in fact deliver around 150 roles and support more than 270 construction jobs. 

If granted final approval, the M&S Foodhall will be the retailer’s second largest store in area following the opening of an expanded store in Washington and the closure of its High Street West site back in 2024.

Hundreds of comments were submitted during a public consultation on the development – at least 330 in support and 48 objections.

Those in favour said the plans would create jobs and bring M&S back to a more central Sunderland site.

But objectors said they were worried about a loss of green space, noise and light pollution, antisocial behaviour, a potential impact on privacy and ecology impacts, increased traffic and a loss of trees.

Several supermarket chains also objected, with Morrisons saying the plans went against policies focusing on retail and town centres. Sainsbury’s raised concerns about development on green space, “car parking overprovision” and highway modelling and  Asda said it had “highways-related concerns.”

Responses from the applicant’s agent maintained that the development proposals satisfied relevant tests and that planning issues raised had been addressed.

The council’s planning department said the applicant had “demonstrated that there are not any sequentially preferable alternative sites that could accommodate the proposed development”.

It was also noted that the applicant had “further demonstrated that retail impacts accord with the relevant policies” and that findings had been confirmed by the council’s “independent external consultant.”

An “acoustic barrier” is also planned along part of the development’s boundary to reduce any noise impact on nearby properties, along with works to mitigate flood risk.

Antony Mullen, a former Conservative councillor for the Barnes ward, spoke on behalf of residents who had objected to the scheme, and raised concerns about the retail development exacerbating existing traffic issues.

This included access issues for nearby residential streets, the impact of queuing traffic and pedestrian safety. Locals previously asked for improvements including an alternative entry point to the development, upgraded pedestrian crossing points and box junctions, to improve residential access.

Councillor David Wales also asked about potential safety improvements at the pedestrian crossing point adjacent to The Range store.

In response, highways officers said the council could look at a “road safety audit and assessment.”

Council planners said there was no legal or planning justification for the local planning authority to seek an alternative access arrangement as the local highway authority had found the proposed access acceptable.

Although council highways officers said the retail development was acceptable in highways terms, they said they would investigate highways issues raised separately.

​Scarborough and Whitby are set to see hundreds of affordable homes built through a multimillion-pound joint venture following the approval of a scheme by bosses at North Yorkshire Council.

​The project with housing developer Lovell Partnerships Ltd aims to establish a 30-year joint venture vehicle (JVV) with a contract value of up to £3.9 billion.

​Sandsend Road in Whitby is anticipated to deliver 60 homes, 18 of which will be affordable, while Eastfield in Scarborough is expected to deliver 548 homes, 196 of which will be affordable.

​The council intends to enter into forward purchasing agreements to secure 226 of these affordable homes for its Housing Revenue Account, contributing to a wider target of delivering 500 additional homes.

​Councillor Simon Myers, executive member for housing, said: “The proposed joint venture could provide a long-term mechanism for delivering new housing, affordable homes, and social value whilst generating returns for the council.

​“By working with a trusted partner and using land we already own, we can accelerate the delivery of high-quality housing, including much-needed affordable homes, so that more families have the opportunity to live in the communities they want to.”

​He added: “We know that joint ventures don’t always work, so we’ve been very keen to develop a structure of checks and balances that protect the council’s interest.”

​However, concerns were raised by the Whitby Community Network CIC about the venture’s ability to meet the housing needs in the area.

​Speaking at a recent NYC executive committee meeting on behalf of the network, Andy Jefferson highlighted that the proposed agreement designated only 30 per cent as “affordable” housing, which is the current requirement under the Local Plan for any housing developer.

​He questioned how this joint venture would “increase affordable housing delivery” and what benefit would be gained by local taxpayers and the residents of Whitby.

Council bosses said they recognised the housing challenges facing Whitby, including affordability pressures, the impact of second homes and holiday accommodation, and the need for housing that meets the requirements of local residents.

The provision of new social rented homes through this development would make a direct contribution towards addressing those needs and would provide housing that remains available to local households in perpetuity, they added.

​The council can, but is not required, to utilise the Joint Venture for more sites than those initial sites identified, according to a report.

The Government has set the council a target of delivering more than 4,000 new homes a year, and the joint venture would support that ambition.

The affordable homes delivered through the partnership would be taken on by the authority in its role as a social landlord, contributing to its aim to increase its housing stock by at least 500 new homes.

​

A judge has condemned calls to legalise cannabis after a son killed his estranged mother during a severe mental health episode when he developed paranoid schizophrenia following his habitual smoking of the drug.

Judge Steven Everett warned cannabis was a ‘terrible’ substance which ’caused and exacerbated’ mental health issues.

And he said campaigns to decriminalise it – led by politicians including Labour mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and the Green Party‘s Zack Polanski – were ‘wholly misconceived.’

The judge hit out after hearing how drifter Simon Carter made a 245 mile trip from his rented room in Devon to batter his widowed mother Gwyneth, 73, to death with such ferocity he broke his own hand.

Just two days before the fatal assault at the elderly victim’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, Carter, 50, had admitted himself to a hospital.

He admitted a history of abusing cannabis and claimed he had been attacked by mystery assailants before being forcibly injected with heroin.

But he was allowed back on the streets because doctors had no ‘mechanism’ or proper reason to have him detained. 

He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and having delusional beliefs.

Judge Steven Everett (pictured) said Gwyneth Carter’s killing was just the latest tragedy to illustrate why calls to decriminalise cannabis were ‘wholly misconceived’

At Chester Crown Court, Carter was ordered to be detained in a secure psychiatric unit having admitted manslaughter on the ground of diminished responsibility.

Judge Everett told him: ‘This is just further evidence as far as I can see that those who talk about cannabis being somewhat of a positive drug in the community are wholly misconceived.

‘You are not the first and sadly won’t be the last with mental health issues to appear before me and say: “I smoke cannabis.”

‘There is a wealth of evidence that use of that terrible drug causes and exacerbates mental health issues.

‘Whatever else it causes it is clear your bizarre behaviour and comments to your doctor were there for all to see. 

‘But there was no reason or mechanism to keep you out of the community when you were seen by the hospital in days leading up to your mother’s death.

‘What was going through your mind is difficult to assess but I am quite sure it was affected by significant mental health issues.

‘You intended to carry out some sort of, as you saw it, wrongly, retribution upon your mother and it appears that you still now have those delusional beliefs.’

Police were called to Mrs Carter’s home in Macclesfield, Cheshire following the discovery of her body on July 18, 2025

Advertisement

Carter had been estranged from his parents since 2006 and was unaware his father Norman had passed away.

Tragedy struck when he decided to pay his family an unexpected visit on the pretext he wanted to see his children.

On July 12, 2025, Carter travelled to Macclesfield where great grandmother Mrs Carter lived alone.

She contacted her sister Janis to say he had arrived ‘out of the blue’, prosecutor Martin Reid KC said.

‘Mrs Carter described the defendant as acting very strangely and she couldn’t work out whether he was drunk or on drugs, and that he just didn’t feel like her son.’

On being told his father had died, she said he ‘did not seem bothered and he only stayed for 10-15 minutes’.

The following day he was admitted to an unnamed health facility where he reported being attacked ‘multiple times’ and injected with heroin whilst living in Torquay.

‘He said he used to smoke cannabis but had stopped a month ago,’ Mr Reid said.

‘He appeared confused, uneasy, talked excessively and asked: “Do you think I’m mad?”

‘But medical examinations revealed no findings and he was discharged.’

Then on July 16 Carter was seen carrying a rucksack containing a saw before loitering outside his mother’s house.

A neighbour heard a ‘lot of banging and shouting’ and heard Mrs Carter pleading ‘No’ and then what sounded like a heavy suitcase being dragged down the stairs.

Her body was found in the living room two days later after her sister – who had been trying in vain to contact her – gained access to the property.

Tests showed she died from multiple head and neck injuries. 

As police investigated, Carter admitted himself to Macclesfield Hospital A&E where he was treated for a broken hand.

Asked about his injury by a nurse, he replied: ‘Oh, I punched something.’ 

He was arrested shortly afterwards as he walked through Macclesfield town centre.

In a victim personal statement Janis Slater said: ‘Gwyneth was just getting back to her usual self after a few years of sadness following the death of Norman.

‘She started to believe that she had a life again. 

‘Then she rang me around tea time on a Saturday and said: “Guess who has turned up after 19 years?”

‘I started to worry about Gwyneth with Simon being around and I told her to lock the doors and windows and hide her jewellery. 

‘There had been issues before he left and Gwyneth said he would not be coming back.

‘I just wish you had told me when he came again. Before you answered the door, I would have been there in five minutes. 

‘I miss you dearly. Our day trips out, our shopping, our meals out, our chats and conversations. 

‘I miss your laughter which was loud and infectious.’

In mitigation, Owen Edwards KC, said Carter’s life had been ‘marred by drug use and significant mental health issues’. 

‘He has fixed ideas as to that which has happened to him and to individuals that he believes are close to him,’ he added.

Gorse on Edinburgh’s The Pleasance has been open for just a few months and gone viral thanks to its Northern Irish treats

A Northern Irish bakery which launched on a busy Edinburgh street just months ago has been forced to rebrand, following what it says it the threat of legal action from another firm of the same name.

Gorse, the Northern Irish-inspired bakery which opened on The Pleasance in the Scottish capital in April, says it will be changing its brand name – though ‘its character or identity’ will remain the same. The proprietors have revealed that another company, situated 530 miles away, has contacted them about the Gorse name.

It’s believed the other establishment sharing the name operates in Newquay, England, reports Edinburgh Live. Edinburgh’s Gorse Bakery has gone viral in its short time trading with fans flocking to try its unique versions of Northern Irish classics like Fifteens, Irish stout spelt cake, soda farls, and Tayto cheese and onion pastries.

Edinburgh Gorse’s proprietor, who signs off social posts as ‘Your Belfast Girl’, has determined their funds are ‘far better spent on talented bakers and front of house team than watching it disappear into legal fees’.

In a social media statement, the owners explained: “Almost a year ago now, we dandered along Pleasance, heady from the buzz of the Fringe and admired this wee spot that would eventually become ours. A Northern Irish bakery felt risky (will people get it? ! ), and a relatively quiet street that’s only really busy in August felt even riskier (will people even come? ! )

“But looking up at the crags and Arthur’s Seat in all their glory gave me all the convincing I needed (husband took a weeee while longer! ) I’ve always been in absolute awe of nature, particularly along the North Coast of Northern Ireland and here in Holyrood Park. Gorse was the common thread running between my two homes. More recently, it became a familiar sight on the motorway between Belfast and Fermanagh throughout my granny’s cancer journey and eventual passing last year. A poetic reminder of her fierce resilience, and my own.

“Unfortunately, we’ve been left with little choice but to rebrand after another business threatened legal action over our name.Truth be told it’s been difficult to understand, particularly as other businesses in the same industry continue to coexist with the same name, but we’ve accepted that we simply don’t have the resources to fight it.”

“As sure as we are that nobody has accidentally turned up at our Northern Irish bakery in Edinburgh instead of a sourdough bakery 530 miles away, we’ve concluded that our money is far better spent paying our talented bakers, front of house team and suppliers than watching it disappear into legal fees. Fundamentally, we’re just a wee business that cares deeply about bringing a little bit of Northern Ireland to Edinburgh through our baking, coffee and hospitality. Those who truly know us to our bones already understand that.

“So, our name will soon change. Our character and identity won’t. To me, it’s only strengthened my belief in what we’ve built, and just another chapter in our story that I’m excited to share with you.”

Supporters were swift to rally behind the business.

One follower wrote: “No matter what your name change is, my boyfriend and I are super excited to come and try your coffee and pastries when we visit Scotland in September! ! It’s been one of the local spots I’m most excited about seeing.”

Another sympathised: “What a shame for you. The name has such a lovely story and meaning behind it. I hope you’ve managed to find a new one that holds a personal meaning for you too.”

While a third simply remarked: “We came today – not for the name. For the outrageously good coffee, pastries and cakes.”

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… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

New Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been confused with stars like Richard Osman, Mel Gibson and Jeff Bezos according to a concerning new survey

Richard Osman began selecting his Cabinet after a new survey revealed many people are confusing him with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The TV star and author 55, was taken aback that the results of a recent poll suggest that 38 per cent of voters could not identify the new PM from a picture. Many British citizens are mistaking the Labour leader for BBC favourite Richard, Hollywood actor Mel Gibson and, bizarrely, even bald Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.

Richard’s wife Ingrid Oliver joined in the fun, saying his plans for his new position include: “Running on a platform of devolution of power away from Westminster towards the World Snooker Federation.” Richard is one step ahead, and knows who he wants alongside him in his own cabinet reshuffle.

Taking to Instagram, Richard shared a screenshot of an article from The Independent with the headline reading: “Brits mistake Andy Burnham for Richard Osman and Mel Gibson in surprise new poll.”

Brainbox Richard certainly wasn’t offended and responded by making an appointment. Following up on his wife’s claim he is a snooker obsessive, he responded: “My Chancellor? Ronnie O’Sullivan.”

The survey was even raised on This Morning, and one social media user tweeted the show: “Who the fook is confusing Andy Burnham with Richard Osman? Mr Magoo?… Richard Osman looks nothing like Andy Burnham.”

Another said: “Apparently 38% of people asked to Identify Andy Burnham in a survey this week failed! Some people chose a picture of Richard Osman!… Would have thought 60% knowing was quite high. Four out of ten Britons still don’t know who Andy Burnham is!”

On his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment in 2024, Richard took aim at politically vocal celebrities, saying they should stop discussing their opinions in public because ‘nobody is listening to you.’

He said: “I genuinely think this is every single election over here and in America.

“Showbusiness does get involved and we hear the opinions of celebrities and we hear about the importance of their views on the records of different candidates and their views on the direction of the country they live in.

“Nobody has ever given the first toss about anything anyone from the entertainment industry has ever said about any political issue…

“There’s a load of little things that happen in this country and you can send a tweet and people go, ‘Oh yeah, that was an interesting take on that.”

Over the past 24 hours, Rachel Reeves was axed as Chancellor and former Defence Secretary John Healey taking the post.

Keir Starmer’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was also sacked and Peter Kyle lost his job as Business Secretary.

Among Mr Burnham’s other appointments are Ed Miliband, joining as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, who remains Home Secretary, and former Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner as Housing Secretary.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

The investigation centres on the death of a 50-year-old man who was found dead at a property in Gray Street on June 30.

Police officers found him with serious head and chest injuries, dead at the scene.

The boy has been detained under the Mental Health Act and is due for questioning by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

(Image: Terence Howarth)

The investigation was launched following a post-mortem examination which revealed new information.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Edwards from our Major Incident Team said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.

“Following new information coming to light regarding his death, we are now carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the events of the day he died.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

“We’d like to thank members of the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out enquiries in and around the Gray Street area.”

On Friday at the address, CSI investigators at the scene, with a lot of speculation among residents before details were released.

Officers believe that this is an isolated incident and that there is no wider risk to the local community.

(Image: PHIL TAYLOR)

DCI Edwards added: “There is no information to suggest there is any wider risk to the public, and we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this incident.

“Anyone who has information that may assist police enquiries and who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting log 3965 of 30/05/26.

“Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells – but rain is on its way

Scots hoping for a glorious late-summer sizzler have been given the final verdict as the Met Office reveals its forecast for August.

Following a roller-coaster summer that has seen heatwaves baking parts of the UK while northern areas faced cooler, cloudier spells, forecasters have delivered their long-range outlook for the coming month.

According to official Met Office forecasts, higher pressure is expected to take charge as August progresses, bringing more settled conditions across much of the country. However, experts warn that Scotland will remain on the frontline for changeable weather, with Atlantic rain bands and coastal breezes still threatening to break through.

While the sunniest and hottest spells are set to hit southern parts of the UK, Scotland is still in line for temperatures to creep above average during dry spells, delivering some welcome summer warmth. But forecasters caution that dry weather won’t be guaranteed everywhere, as occasional heavy downpours and thundery showers could still disrupt outdoor plans.

Scots are being advised to keep both the suncream and the waterproofs handy, as August prepares to bring a mix of dry, warm sunshine and sudden summer rain sweeps across the nation.

The Met Office says: “As we move into the second weekend of August, conditions across the UK are set to bring a mix of sunshine, showers, and changing temperatures.

“Saturday will begin with a squally band of rain moving southeast across Scotland. This feature will gradually weaken as it progresses, leaving only a few showers by the time it reaches northern Wales and northern England later in the afternoon. Blustery showers will follow into northern Scotland, where it will remain windy throughout the day.

“Elsewhere, conditions will be predominantly dry with sunny spells and variable cloud cover. There is a slight chance of a light morning shower in southern areas, but most places will enjoy a fine day. Temperatures will range from rather cool in the northwest to warm in the southeast, with highs of 24-26°C expected across central, southern, and eastern England. Isolated spots may reach 27°C.

“Showers over Scotland will become confined to coastal northern and western areas overnight, with winds gradually easing. Most other regions will see clear skies, particularly across southern and central parts of the UK. In rural areas, conditions will turn chilly, with isolated fog patches forming in the south and west.

“Minimum temperatures will fall to the mid-single figures Celsius in rural locations, making for a noticeably cooler night compared to recent evenings.”

Millions of people in London and the south east of England are now under a hosepipe ban.

Thames Water announced the ban today, saying it comes after weeks of hot, dry weather and multiple heatwaves.

The restriction, also known as a temporary use ban (Tub), will begin at 00.01am on Thursday.

The water supplier said: ‘We’ve been working around the clock to maintain water supplies, but we now need everyone’s help to reduce non-essential water use.’