George Lithgow

Nigel Farage claimed an overwhelming victory in the Clacton by-election but said he would not attend the official count after Reform UK alleged that police had warned him of a credible threat. Essex Police said it had established a robust security operation and, according to the Press Association, had not advised Farage or other candidates to stay away. Tendring District Council said the count would proceed safely. The election followed Farage’s resignation amid scrutiny of a £5 million donation from cryptocurrency businessman Christopher Harborne and possible support from George Cottrell; Labour and the Conservatives argued that victory would not resolve those controversies. A record 34 candidates stood, turnout was 44.37%, and the result could lead to further parliamentary investigations or another by-election if Farage is found to have breached standards rules.

UK officials are in discussions with Pakistan about accepting Shabir Ahmed, the Rochdale grooming gang ringleader whose British citizenship has been revoked but who cannot currently be deported due to a 1971 legal restriction. Pakistan may resist accepting him because he previously renounced his citizenship. The Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary to explore options for removal, while Conservatives aim to amend immigration law to close the loophole. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has suggested cutting aid and imposing visa sanctions if Pakistan refuses. Ahmed has been released on licence with strict monitoring and exclusion conditions after serving 14 years for multiple sexual offences.

Andy Burnham outlined a decade-long plan to shift power from Whitehall to regional authorities, including expanded control over utilities, transport and housing, and the creation of a No 10 North base in Manchester. He pledged a major council house–building programme, support for British firms in public procurement and adherence to current fiscal rules, while promising near-term help for households facing rising costs. Burnham positioned the reforms as consistent with Labour’s 2024 manifesto and sought cross-party cooperation, though he faced criticism for avoiding media questions and calls from opponents to detail his plans in Parliament. Business leaders signalled conditional support while warning that greater market intervention must not deter investment.