Andy Burnham kicked off a Cabinet bloodbath today as he axed Rachel Reeves along with a slew of Keir Starmer loyalists.

The new PM has started reshaping his team after admitting in his first speech to the country that the Labour Government ‘needs to be better’.

The Chancellor confirmed she has lost her battle to cling on under Mr Burnham, saying she wanted girls to know there was ‘no ceiling’ on their ambition. She is understood to have turned down another job in Government. 

David Lammy, Steve Reed, Peter Kyle and Attorney General Lord Hermer have also been ousted.

Mr Reed said he was ‘disappointed’ to be going from his Housing Secretary role, and swiped that he ‘hoped those who did not show loyalty to Keir will now show it to you’. Outgoing deputy PM Mr Lammy bemoaned that he ‘would have been proud to continue serving in Cabinet’. 

All eyes are now on whether Ed Miliband will be made Chancellor.

The Left has been pushing hard for the appointment, despite alarm from businesses and moderates. Markets have been calmer following speculation that Shabana Mahmood will get the role instead, but any surprises could prompt a panicky response.

Mr Miliband dropped a broad hint that he will be leaving the Department for Energy and Net Zero in a speech to staff this morning – although he insisted he did not know what decisions Mr Burnham had made. 

Meanwhile, the fates of big beasts such as Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Yvette Cooper are due to be decided.

The sackings are under way after Mr Burnham used his Downing Street debut to hint at a lurch to the Left.

Watched by an adoring crowd of aides and supporters, Mr Burnham said he wanted to put services under ‘stronger public control’ and ‘reindustrialise’ with a ‘ten-year plan’. He repeated his view that Britain has been heading in the wrong direction since Margaret Thatcher was PM. 

He made clear his first instruction to officials would be to end rough sleeping, and revealed there would be some help on the cost of living announced tomorrow – but stopped short of giving any details. 

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr Burnham also signalled he intends to bring back his ‘death tax’ inheritance raid to fund social care reforms. And he confusingly left the door open to introducing a 50p top rate of tax, even though he has committed to the Labour manifesto that ruled the move out.  

On another momentous day in UK politics:

• The EU has led international welcomes to Mr Burnham, who has previously backed rejoining the bloc; 
• Mr Burnham has revealed his Alzheimer’s-hit father does not know he is going to be PM;
• Eco-tycoon Dale Vince was spotted in Downing Street, amid confusion over whether the Government will allow more drilling in the North Sea; 
• The new PM has hinted at an earlier end to the freeze on the basic rate tax threshold, without saying how it would be funded; 
• Mr Burnham will become the first openly Catholic PM, with work-arounds put in place to protect the Church of England; 
• Loudspeakers have been banned near Downing Street today after protesters blighted Sir Keir’s speech announcing his resignation.

David Lammy and Rachel Reeves were early casualties in the reshuffle, hours after they watched Keir Starmer’s farewell speech outside No10 

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Ms Reeves is thought to have turned down another less senior job in Government

Mr Burnham and wife Marie-France van Heel waved to supporters as they entered No10

Mr Burnham shunned a lectern in his first speech after being officially installed as PM

The former Greater Manchester Mayor saved a kiss for his mother, Eileen, who was there to see him speak

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The new PM was greeted outside No10 by crowds of aides and supporters, who had gathered to hear his first speech to the country

The new residents of Downing Street were applauded into the building by staff

Andy Burnham was officially installed as PM by the King today after Keir Starmer bowed out 

Keir Starmer is giving a farewell address outside the famous black door of No10, just two years after winning an extraordinary election landslide 

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Mr Burnham was invited to form a Government at an audience with the King in Buckingham Palace – where he was unusually accompanied by wife Marie-France van Heel.

In his seven-minute speech afterwards, delivered without notes, Mr Burnham said: ‘Later this year I will bring forward a new plan for Britain, a ten-year plan laying out a path from where we are now to where I believe we all want Britain to be, wherever we’re coming from, whatever party we support.

‘But I can do something to give people some breathing space now, some help with the cost of living.

‘And I will set out some of those measures starting tomorrow, including how we pay for them.’

Mr Burnham said he was aiming for the ‘biggest changes in the last 40 years’, with a ‘new political model and a new economic model’.

‘In the 1980s, Britain took some wrong turns. Political power was centralised, economic power privatised, large parts of the country de-industrialised, and they still haven’t recovered,’ he said.

‘Many feel as though they’re still in decline, and they don’t have the ability to turn things around.

‘And that’s why we will change politics, to make it more collaborative, more about problem solving than point scoring.

‘We will take power out of here and carry it into every postcode in the land so that they can do more.

‘And in doing more, build a new economy where we put life’s essentials back under stronger public control to make them affordable to you again.

‘Re-industrialising Britain, using public procurement to back British industry.’

The constitutional changeover came after Sir Keir used a farewell address outside No10 to insist he has not been a failure – despite only surviving two years following a huge election victory.

Sir Keir said he was ‘closing the book on my time’, saying ‘my work is done’ and the country is ‘stronger’. He insisted Mr Burnham – who orchestrated a coup to secure the leadership – would have his ‘full support’.

‘I go with good grace, I go with a smile and I go proud of everything we have achieved,’ he said, thanking wife Victoria and his family. 

Close Cabinet allies including David Lammy and Rachel Reeves had gathered with hundreds of aides in a sunny Downing Street to watch Sir Keir say goodbye. London Mayor Sadiq Khan was also present for the emotional moment. 

In his valedictory statement , Sir Keir said: ‘I am about to visit His Majesty The King to offer my resignation and close the book on my time as Prime Minister.

‘My work is done. In six and a half years, I took our party from a historic defeat in 2019, changed it so it was fit to face the country and won a landslide general election victory in 2024.

‘Since then, it has been the privilege of my life to serve you and this great country as Prime Minister, and I am confident that Britain is now stronger and fairer than it was two years ago.

‘Our economy is stronger. Our public services are on the up, with the biggest fall in waiting times for 17 years. Children are being lifted out of poverty every single day.

‘Immigration is down significantly. Our defence and security are on a far stronger footing and our international reputation is greatly enhanced.’

The handover comes barely a month after Mr Burnham returned to Westminster following his victory in the Makerfield by-election.

He has been installed by Labour MPs in a ‘coronation’, without a formal vote by activists – or having to spell out any policies.

Among the vague commitments laid out by the incoming PM so far are devolving power away from Westminster.

He has announced he will scrap Sir Keir’s flagship digital ID programme to focus money and attention on the cost of living.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Burnham said he had already spoken to the Treasury about his planned announcements and stressed the importance of making people ‘feel better’.

Adding that complaints about frozen tax thresholds had been ‘lodged in his mind’ since the Makerfield contest, he said: ‘So when people, they’re just characterising me as a tax raiser, well again, it’s never that simplistic is it? The breathing space point is a really serious one.’

The comments raise more questions about how Mr Burnham will pay for giveaways, after he backed a ‘land tax’ and harked back to the 1970s condemning Thatcherite reforms.

But the weekend was dominated by bungled briefing over whether the new Government will allow new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

The leader’s team has now confirmed he will stick to Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which promised not to issue new licences.

Instead he could merely allow expanded drilling at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites – something that was being considered by Sir Keir’s administration.

That could bode badly for Mr Burnham’s relations with Donald Trump, who yesterday jubilantly hailed more drilling as a way of stopping Britain being a ‘poverty stricken disaster’.

Mr Burnham also faces a decision on whether to temporarily nationalise Thames Water as the firm struggles with a £20billion debt pile.

He has already expressed support for greater public control of essential services, and Thames Water’s main creditors have said they are willing to discuss the issue with his new ministers in an effort to agree a rescue deal and avoid the business falling into a so-called ‘special administration regime’.

Another priority is likely to be reforming social care, which he has said is something he wishes to ‘expend political capital’ on.

Eco-tycoon Dale Vince was spotted in Downing Street wearing a ‘chips are vegan’ T-shirt, amid confusion over whether the Government will allow more drilling in the North Sea

The Labour Left is still clamouring for Ed Miliband to be made Chancellor, despite alarm from businesses and moderates

The fates of big beasts such as Angela Rayner, pictured on the campaign trail with Mr Burnham, are due to be decided

Keir Starmer’s resignation was accepted by the King at an audience in Buckingham Palace today

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Close Cabinet allies including David Lammy and Rachel Reeves had gathered with hundreds of aides in a sunny Downing Street to watch Sir Keir say goodbye

There was a hug for Chancellor Rachel Reeves – also expected to lose her job – after the speech

Sir Keir gave his wife a kiss as they left Downing Street for the final time today 

Sir Keir and Lady Victoria got into a car to be driven to Buckingham Palace after his speech

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Kemi Badenoch warned Mr Burnham he will have to cut spending instead of increasing taxes

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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has urged Mr Burnham to engage other parties to solve the ‘social care crisis’, calling for guaranteed rights for family carers, a universal safety net and protection against ‘catastrophic costs’.

Kemi Badenoch has also written to Mr Burnham, saying her party will work with him to cut the welfare bill and calling for him to rule out tax rises and back new oil and gas drilling.

Mrs Badenoch told Mr Burnham she would ‘never shirk’ from holding him to account, adding: ‘You will enter office without having set out a clear plan on any of the issues facing our country.

‘You have refused calls to come to Parliament for questions from MPs, and you have not submitted yourself to serious media scrutiny. This is not a promising start.’

Well, well — how things have changed.

After six years of bleating that the British Royal Family was awful, that Queen Camilla had left ‘bodies in the street’ and, as recently as last year, telling the BBC that there was no way he could possibly bring Meghan and the children back to the UK — an explosive plot twist.

Not that they reportedly want back in — of course they do, they are surely running out of money — but Harry is allegedly becoming disillusioned with his American life.

As the Daily Mail’s Alison Boshoff exclusively reports, a source who is admittedly not very sympathetic to the couple says: ‘I don’t think he’s ever wanted to be estranged from his family. I think when he was madly in love with Meghan he could be blind enough to choose her.’

Curiously, the briefings from Meghan’s camp have seemingly changed overnight.

Gone, it seems, are the impulses to mock the late Queen Elizabeth II with a deep curtsy and compare the British Royal Family to the Medieval Times theme park franchise.

Abandoned now are the kohl-rimmed eyes, gazing forlornly at Oprah Winfrey as Meghan levels accusations about race and claims that she was denied help for her mental health.

Or that Kate made her cry.

Nope! Meghan is suddenly super encouraging of her husband’s wish to reconcile with his family and spend more time in the UK — again, despite reports that Meghan had no desire to ever set foot in her husband’s homeland again.

After six years of bleating that the British Royal Family was awful, that Queen Camilla had left ‘bodies in the street’ and, as recently as last year, telling the BBC that there was no way he could possibly bring Meghan and the children back to the UK – an explosive plot twist

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Meghan is ‘all for rekindling with and reconnecting with Harry’s English side,’ one of his friends tells the Daily Mail.

Not only that: Meghan, ‘always lets [Harry] lead’ when it comes to dealing with his family, another Sussex insider tells People magazine — which is understood to be Meghan’s preferred outlet and one that has historically been very friendly to her.

Meghan’s stance appears to be a 180-degree turn for the ages. It’s in direct contradiction to the consistent messaging we’ve been getting from Camp Sussex since Megxit.

What seems even more telling is that this well-sourced People magazine cover story doesn’t even acknowledge Meghan’s complete about-face.

Then again, when you wear two faces, as I believe Meghan does, perhaps it’s felt there is no need to explain.

Resentment, rage and righteous indignation no longer hold. Meghan, reportedly, is now governed by more somber emotions, although none that resemble taking responsibility for the destruction in her and Harry’s wake.

No: Meghan, according to People, ‘would have felt “humiliated” watching the public back-and-forth’ over Harry’s security concerns on his recent UK trip.

Note that phrasing: Meghan ‘would have felt.’ It’s distancing language. Those close to her won’t admit weakness here.

The larger question, however, is what’s behind this tectonic shift in public statements and strategy.

Money, as stated, is surely a pressing concern.

The Sussexes simply don’t have the cash pouring in — Spotify, Lemonada and Netflix have all severed ties.

So attempting to work their way back into the royal fold, in contravention of the late Queen’s ‘no half-in, out-out’ directive, would ostensibly restore the royal stardust that made them so attractive in the Hollywood marketplace.

A less obvious motive, however, may be more to do with the Duke’s growing apathy with his life in America.

Harry, it seems, is over the drama. He is over being the prodigal son, lonely, aimless and largely jobless up in Montecito. Estranged perhaps forever from his brother, sister-in-law and their children.

King Charles is his only chance. And, as some reports have suggested, Harry’s best hope for reconciliation involves Meghan quieting down and maintaining a lower profile.

Publicly, they’ve been making appearances without each other. Harry was alone in the UK for most of his trip, with Meghan and the children joining at the last minute — and Meghan wasn’t photographed once, which nullifies her and Harry’s claims that the media just won’t leave them alone.

Harry showed up as an honoree at the Time100 Sports Gala solo in New York City on Thursday night.

Meghan celebrated her Emmy nomination for her cancelled Netflix show, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ on social media without mentioning her husband or including a photo of him.

But she appears to have alienated just about every heavy-hitter who has offered help or hiring in America: Ted Sarandos at Netflix, who was alleged in a savage Variety exposé to be so ‘fed up’ with Meghan that he wouldn’t get on the phone with her unless he had a lawyer on the line (Sarandos and the Sussexes’ attorney denied that); his wife, Nicole Avant, who is said to ‘hate’ Meghan; Kris Jenner and her famous daughters; Anna Wintour and too many more to count.

Right now, it seems, no one is more valuable than Harry — and nothing is more valuable than what he wants.

Tributes have flooded in from across the football world after former England player and manager Kevin Keegan died at the age of 75, with Newcastle United honouring a “true giant” of the club and his former signing Alan Shearer calling him “my hero”.

Keegan was diagnosed with cancer in January, with his family announcing he was to receive treatment, while he revealed in June that it was stage four.

A statement from his family on Monday read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon d’Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Keegan enjoyed an illustrious career including four First Division titles with Liverpool, back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles in 1978 and 1979, as well as one FA Cup, one European Cup, two Uefa Cups and two Bundesliga titles.

He made almost 750 club appearances before transferring into management, earning the nickname ‘King Kev’ during a reign at Newcastle in which he took the club from the second tier to the Premier League and to their best-ever finish, second.

He later returned for a second spell as manager in 2008, but only stayed in post for eight months.

One of Keegan’s most important acts was the signing of Alan Shearer for a then-world record fee, with the homegrown star writing: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”

The Magpies released an emotional tribute, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.

“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy. Rest in peace, King Kev.”

Liverpool said the club was “deeply saddened and mourning” Keegan’s passing, calling him a “bona fide superstar”.

The club wrote: “Keegan’s association with Liverpool began when he arrived from Scunthorpe as a 20-year-old in May 1971.

“He endeared himself to Kopites soon after joining, scoring on his debut in the 1971-72 league opener against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

“A forward partnership for the ages with John Toshack would blossom, and with it came success for the second of Bill Shankly’s great Liverpool teams.

“Keegan produced 41 goal involvements (22 goals, 19 assists) in year two of his Anfield career, helping deliver the First Division title and a maiden European trophy.

“In the two-legged UEFA Cup final with Borussia Monchengladbach, the bona fide superstar scored two of his side’s goals and set up another in the 3-2 aggregate win.

“He was the standout performer again in the 1974 FA Cup final with a double at Wembley to down Newcastle, where in the future he would be known as ‘King Kev’ for more terrific service.”

It added: “He signed off at Liverpool in the best way possible, though, by firing in 20 strikes en route to earning a third league winner’s medal and lifting the club’s first European Cup.

“Our ‘Mighty Mouse’, his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history.”

Jamie Carragher also paid tribute, writing: “One of the greatest players this country has ever produced, trophies & goals galore, double Ballon d’R winner shows he was an absolute giant of the English game. One of the most important men in making LFC what it is today.”

Southampton also paid tribute to their former player, writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at The Dell and across the football world.”

Keegan also earned 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals and captaining the squad 31 times, retiring from international football after the 1981 World Cup. He managed the Three Lions between February 1999 and October 2000, resigning after a 1-0 defeat to Germany at Wembley Stadium.

The EFL wrote: “The EFL is saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

“A legend of the English game, Keegan will be remembered by generations of football fans for his impact as a player and manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The official England football account said: “We are incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan OBE has passed away.

“Kevin earned 63 international caps and scored 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, before managing the Three Lions from 1999 to 2000. Our thoughts and condolences are with Kevin’s family, friends and former clubs.”

Keegan also managed Manchester City after his spell with England, overseeing promotion to the Premier League in 2002 as Division One champions.

The club said: “Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.

“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.”

What are the health benefits of peas?

1) They could help to improve your heart health

2) They might help to manage blood sugar

3) They could help to keep your eyes healthy

4) They may help to protect against dementia

Hollyoaks star Jonny Labey has spoken out in the wake of Rex Gallagher’s demise, thanking fans for all the support he’s received in the two years he was on the show.

Rex, as viewers know, was shot by an unknown assailant last week while at the garage. The moment in question came as a huge shock to fans, who had not been expecting it at all.

‘What’s this?’, asked a confused Rex as he spotted someone lurking in the shadows, just hours after he arrived at the garage for a late-night call out.

The realisation that his time was running out dawned on him in tragic scenes as the mystery person prepared to pull the trigger. ‘No!’, he screamed – but it was too late.

Hollyoaks confirmed his demise in scenes on Monday (July 20), with Darren Osborne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) stumbling upon Rex’s body at the garage.

Donny Clark (Louis Emerick) was soon on the scene to investigate and he was forced to break the news to Rex’s husband Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson), who raced to the garage to find Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who confirmed that the body in question was Rex’s.

Jonny Labey has now spoken out in the wake of the scenes dropping on Channel 4 streaming, confirming the end of the road for his village alter-ego.

‘Hello Hollyoaks fans, if you’re watching this you’re probably six weeks ahead, it’s no longer 33 degrees and you’ve just found out that Rex has unfortunately died.’

The actor recounted many a memorable moment on the show, recalling Rex’s dancing sequence, plus sharing the screen with Grace Black star Tamara Wall for the powerful scenes in which Grace revealed she was Rex’s mum.

Jonny also branded co-star Kieron Richardson a ‘true legend’ as he recalled all of the scenes Rex shared with Ste, before delivering a final goodbye message for the fans of the show.

‘Thank you for watching’, he said. ‘Thank you for loving Rex as much as you have. Thank you for all your comments and all your support.

‘And for all of your rooting for him because he started off as a bit of… he had some questionable things about him! So thank you for seeing this beautifully complex, troubled but all in all loveable character that I’m going to miss so, so, so much!’.

Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4’s streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4.

If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.

In January 2026, he announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer and would be beginning treatment soon.

Today( July 20), Kevin’s family announced that he had passed away in a touching statement.

The family’s statement read, “It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Kevin Keegan with Alex Ferguson. (Image: PA)

Kevin Keegan dead aged 75

Known affectionately as “King Kev” and “Mighty Mouse”, Keegan was renowned for his tireless running, fearless attacking play, dribbling ability, finishing and aerial prowess.

A charismatic figure on and off the pitch, he was widely regarded as one of England’s greatest footballers and became a hero to generations of supporters.

Born on 14 February 1951 in Armthorpe, near Doncaster, Keegan grew up in a football-loving family and developed his skills playing in local parks before beginning his professional career with Scunthorpe United in 1968.

His performances quickly attracted attention, and in 1971 he was signed by Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.

At Liverpool, Keegan became a central figure in one of the club’s most successful eras. Playing alongside John Toshack, he helped the team win three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and, in his final season, the club’s first European Cup in 1977.

He scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for Liverpool before moving abroad in a then-record British transfer to Hamburger SV.

Keegan’s time in Germany cemented his reputation as a global star. He won the Ballon d’Or award in 1978 and 1979, becoming one of the first English players to achieve such international recognition.

He also helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga title in the 1978–79 season and reached the European Cup final in 1980.

Returning to England, Keegan joined Southampton in 1980, where he enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career. In 1982 he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year after scoring 30 goals in all competitions.

Very sad news to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. I met him a few times when I was at Spurs R.I.P

— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) July 20, 2026

Later that year he moved to Newcastle United, fulfilling a childhood dream of playing for the club he had supported through his family’s influence.

Keegan became an icon at Newcastle, where his passion and connection with supporters made him one of the most loved players in the club’s history.

He scored 48 goals in 78 appearances and helped Newcastle earn promotion to the First Division before retiring from playing in 1984.

His international career saw him win 63 England caps and score 21 goals. He captained his country 31 times, including at the 1980 European Championship and the 1982 World Cup, and was recognised as one of England’s leading players during the 1970s and early 1980s.

After retiring as a player, Keegan turned to management, with his first managerial role coming at Newcastle United in 1992, where he transformed the club’s fortunes.

He guided Newcastle to promotion as First Division champions in 1993 and built a thrilling attacking side that finished runners-up in the Premier League in the 1995–96 season.

Keegan later managed Fulham, leading them to promotion, before becoming England manager in 1999. He guided the national team to qualification for Euro 2000 but resigned in 2000 following defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier.

In 2001, Keegan took charge of Manchester City and immediately led them back to the Premier League as First Division champions. He later guided the club into European competition before leaving the role in 2005.

Truly heartbroken to post this on behalf of the Keegan family…

It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his…

— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesTV) July 20, 2026

He returned for a second spell as Newcastle manager in 2008, though the appointment lasted only eight months before he resigned following disagreements with the club’s ownership and transfer policy.

A subsequent Premier League arbitration panel ruled in Keegan’s favour in a dispute over his departure.

Beyond football, Keegan became a popular television personality, appearing as a pundit and in documentaries, while his distinctive style and personality made him one of the most recognisable sporting figures of his generation.

Away from the game, Keegan was married to Jean Woodhouse, whom he met in 1970, and the couple had two daughters. He was also remembered for his famous 1970s hairstyle, his warm relationship with supporters and his infectious enthusiasm for football.

By OLLIE LEWIS, DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 15:24 BST, 20 July 2026 | Updated: 15:31 BST, 20 July 2026

Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 after a short battle with illness.

The England and Newcastle legend was diagnosed with stage four stomach cancer in January, having been admitted to hospital with abdominal problems.  

Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City.

He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United.

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In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75. The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

‘Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.

‘This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.’

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After starting his career at Scunthorpe, Keegan headed to Anfield where he won the First Division three times, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice.

He enjoyed a stint in Germany with Hamburg before spells at Southampton and Newcastle.

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In 1999 Keegan succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England boss but resigned in 2000 following a disappointing European Championship and a loss to Germany in the final match at the old Wembley.

He would go on to oversee promotions to the top flight for both Fulham and City.

Steve Furnell and Karen Oxley have been waking up the region for more than 20 years, previously on Galaxy, then Metroradio and TFM before it was renamed Hits Radio.

The pair built up a loyal following with their breakfast show before it was axed as part of a wider shake-up of regional programming last year, and they moved to Hits Radio 90s.

From Monday (July 20) the duo are simultaneously hosting breakfast on both Hits Radio 90s and Hits Radio 00s.

It means listeners on both stations can enjoy the Geordie duo’s show, but choose which decade of music they prefer.

Hits Radio Content Director, Paul Gerrard, said: “Steve and Karen are brilliant broadcasters with an incredible connection with audiences.

“It’s the best of both worlds – fantastic presenters and the right soundtrack for each audience.”

Joel Ross previously presented the Hits Radio 00s breakfast show.

The armed man who had tights and a helmet over his face is now behind bars.

Simon Brooks, 32, of Toronto Street, Bolton, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to four years in jail, after previously pleading guilty to the offence of robbery.

Brooks entered the shop with a motorcycle helmet to cover his face (Image: GMP)

The robbery took place on November 26 at 5.44am when Brooks entered a convenience store on Bury Road in the Breightmet.

He was wearing a motorcycle helmet and tights over his head in an attempt to conceal his identity.

During the incident, Brooks produced a knife and pointed it at the shopworker, demanding that they open the till.

When the worker initially refused, Brooks lunged toward them and waved the knife, before taking cash from the till and fleeing the scene.

Despite his attempts to hide his identity, Brooks was quickly identified by officers from the North Bolton Neighbourhood Team.

Brooks then brandished a knife to intimidate the shop owner (Image: GMP)

He was arrested within two hours of the offence.

A search of his property led to the recovery of the clothing worn during the robbery.

Brooks was also captured on CCTV discarding the tights he had worn on his head.

The knife used in the robbery was also recovered as part of the investigation.

He was later interviewed and charged with the robbery offences.

In addition to his prison sentence, Brooks was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £228.

Sergeant Rebecca Strong, from Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said:

“This will have undoubtedly been a terrifying experience for the worker who was the victim of this robbery, and I am glad that officers acted quickly and decisively to get Brooks arrested.

“His actions were utterly disgusting and I am glad that this incident didn’t result in more serious consequences.

“Knife crime has no place on the streets of Bolton – or Greater Manchester – and I am glad Brooks is now behind bars with time to think about his crime.”

Brooks then took money from the register (Image: GMP)

Greater Manchester Police said the force remains committed to reducing robbery.

Officers continue to gather intelligence and pursue all lines of enquiry to secure arrests and charges.

Police data shows that robbery is down 16.7 per cent compared to the previous year, equating to more than 600 fewer offences.

Knife crime in the region has also fallen by around 28 per cent.