Iain Watson

Twana Jamal Khdir, an Iraqi national previously convicted in France of people smuggling and described as a major operator in the French migrant camps, has been arrested in Leicestershire following a BBC investigation that found him living in the UK. He pleaded guilty to entering the UK without valid entry clearance but denied seeking immigration permission through deception. He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 5 October.

Andy Burnham signalled his priorities as prime minister with a pledge to end rough sleeping and upcoming shifts on energy policy. He is preparing cost of living measures, potentially including a wider £2 bus fare cap and other options developed with policy adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh. Burnham is expected to outline how these plans will be funded while adhering to fiscal rules, possibly revisiting tax thresholds and considering changes to wealth taxation. He has committed to a collaborative political approach to secure progress on long‑term issues such as social care reform. His early decisions are intended to demonstrate the governing style and economic direction he plans to pursue.

Labour leader Andy Burnham is weighing candidates for chancellor, a choice expected to signal his economic approach to the public and financial markets. Ed Miliband, initially seen as the frontrunner, now faces resistance from unions concerned about his energy policies and warnings from figures such as Lord Walker about market reactions. Alternatives include senior ministers Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper, as well as advisers Lord Jim O’Neill and Andy Haldane, whose involvement could shift economic strategy toward stronger oversight from No 10. Burnham’s team stresses that no decision has been finalised ahead of his move into Downing Street.

A decision on who will become chancellor in Andy Burnham’s incoming government remains unresolved as competing factions within Labour and outside advisers seek to influence the choice. Ed Miliband, once viewed as the likely pick, now faces growing doubt amid concerns from unions, market sensitivities and alternative candidates being discussed, including Shabana Mahmood and Yvette Cooper. Senior economic figures such as Jim O’Neill and Andy Haldane are advising Burnham, raising the possibility of a more powerful No 10 shaping economic policy. Final decisions are expected once Burnham enters Downing Street.