Priya Bharadia

The Guardian’s live coverage follows the delayed count in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election, where turnout reached a record low of 25.14% and Labour candidate Bev Craig was expected to lead but potentially fall short of 50%, triggering a second round. Andy Burnham outlined plans to expand regional control over income tax, business rates and transport while indicating he may abandon proposals to restrict jury trials. Other developments included confirmation of the 28 October budget, stronger regulation of funeral homes after Robert Bush’s 20-year sentence, a higher approval threshold for locally funded transport projects, criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s World Cup plans, and Diane Abbott’s readmission to the Labour Party.

CJ Miller, a 25-year-old trained dancer from Livingston, became a viral sensation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after performing an energetic half-time cleaning routine to Queen’s “I Want to Break Free.” His dances, featuring splits, the worm and front handsprings alongside the mop nicknamed Doris, delighted audiences and challenged his assumptions about sports fans. Miller hopes the character’s playful self-confidence encourages people to embrace silliness and imperfection, while he plans to join Newcastle College as a dance tutor and continue choreographing.

Robert Bush, owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Services in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to 67 offences committed over 12 years. Police found 35 bodies and more than 100 sets of ashes in poor conditions, including the remains of a miscarried baby whose family believed had received a funeral. Bush gave families incorrect ashes, sold false funeral plans to 226 people worth £562,117, and diverted money intended for charities while spending tens of thousands of pounds on holidays, motorcycle racing and home improvements. More than 80 victims described the emotional consequences in court. The judge said Bush had committed a gross breach of trust, while the government announced plans to develop formal regulation for the funeral industry.

Johannes Kongsnes Natland, a 19-year-old Norwegian, was convicted at the Old Bailey of conspiring to murder an unidentified person in England for €25,000. Recruited by Sweden’s Foxtrot organised crime network, he travelled to the UK in March 2025 and was arrested in a Huddersfield hotel with two guns, ammunition and a stolen car. The prosecution said he knowingly agreed to carry out the killing, while Natland claimed he initially thought the offer was a scam and later intended to avoid the assassination. He will be sentenced in October; the intended victim remains unidentified.

Robert Bush, owner of Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, pleaded guilty to 67 offences, including 30 counts of preventing lawful and decent burial. During his sentencing hearing, families described receiving the wrong ashes while their relatives’ bodies remained hidden, decomposing and in some cases uncovered at the funeral premises. Humberside police recovered and identified numerous bodies, including an 18-week stillborn baby whose family believed had been cremated. Prosecutor Chris Paxton KC said Bush had breached the trust of hundreds of bereaved families on an almost industrial scale. Victims described lasting trauma and called for stronger regulation of the funeral industry.

Bev Craig is the leading candidate to succeed Andy Burnham as mayor of Greater Manchester, with polling indicating a likely Labour victory over Reform UK and the Greens. The contest is nevertheless significant because the Greens have recently made substantial gains across the region, while Reform is seeking to consolidate its council-election breakthroughs. Craig presents the mayoralty as her long-term goal rather than a route to Westminster, drawing on her experience as Manchester council leader and economic adviser to Burnham. Her platform includes extending free bus travel to 11- to 16-year-olds and addressing housing, high-street decline, the cost of living and crime. Her personal account of poverty and family hardship in Northern Ireland is central to her political identity, while Labour’s wider test will be whether it can contain Green support and recover ground from Reform in key boroughs.

Andy Burnham has begun his premiership with an unusually informal, influencer-oriented social-media strategy, using TikTok, vertical videos, memes and collaborations with figures including Mo Farah, Max Klymenko and Bemi Orojuogun. His posts on homelessness, energy-bill VAT and £2 bus fares generated substantial views and helped increase his TikTok following by about 73% in his first week. Analysts compare his approach with New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s digital strategy but warn that online authenticity and viral trends will not sustain public interest unless matched by policies capable of addressing inequality, concentrated power and declining living standards.

Four men aged 23, 24 and 26 died after a black SEAT Cupra left Liverpool Road in Huyton and struck a lamp-post shortly before 2am. A fifth occupant, aged 27, was taken to hospital in stable condition. Merseyside Police closed 11 roads, imposed a temporary drone flight restriction and appealed for witnesses, drivers with relevant information and residents with doorbell footage to help establish how the crash occurred.

The High Court has ordered a fresh inquest into the April 2022 death of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney in Gloucestershire after ruling that the original 23-minute inquiry failed to examine potentially significant social media evidence. His mother, Ellen Roome, believes TikTok use and the online “blackout challenge” may have contributed to his death, while a private forensic analysis of his phone found evidence that Jools may have overused or been addicted to the platform. TikTok did not oppose reopening the inquest. Roome has also secured “Jools’ law,” requiring technology companies to preserve a deceased child’s online data within five days, and is separately suing TikTok and ByteDance in Delaware.

More than 8,000 England fans gathered at Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl to watch the World Cup semi‑final against Argentina, initially celebrating England’s second‑half goal before Argentina mounted a comeback that ended England’s hopes of reaching the final. Supporters expressed a mix of disappointment, pride and resignation, reflecting on the team’s performance, the emotional stakes and the atmosphere of unity. Many noted England’s shortcomings but praised the squad’s spirit, vowing to continue supporting the team and watch the final regardless.

Police are investigating whether Ann Widdecombe’s killing was motivated by leftwing, anarchist or single‑issue extremist views, after counter‑terrorism officers took control of the case. A 28‑year‑old suspect from Rotherham was rearrested on terrorism charges as detectives examine possible political hostility toward Widdecombe’s views or the Reform UK party. Authorities are also assessing the suspect’s mental health history and potential targeting of other political figures. Reform UK figures criticised the government’s handling of security for prominent politicians, while ministers and officials highlighted rising threats and abuse faced by public figures. Devon and Cornwall police defended their initial response as counter‑terrorism officers continue evaluating the suspect’s alleged motivations.

Shania Care-Slede, 20, has been charged with aggravated arson and dangerous driving after a major moorland wildfire near Dovestone reservoir in Greater Manchester. Fireworks were reportedly launched before the blaze, although police have not confirmed that they caused it. Care-Slede was remanded in custody until a plea hearing on 18 August. The fire contributed to widespread smoke and ash across Greater Manchester, while firefighters also tackled major wildfires in Derbyshire and north Wales. Fire authorities urged people to avoid activities and litter that could ignite vegetation amid exceptionally dry conditions linked to prolonged heatwaves.

Counter-terrorism police have taken over the investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe after new information emerged, reversing earlier assessments that the killing was not politically motivated. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham is in custody on suspicion of murder and terrorism offences. The development has renewed debate about the safety of public figures, prompting the home secretary to engage with senior officials and offer security discussions to Nigel Farage. Political reactions have ranged from calls for caution to accusations of miscommunication, while authorities emphasise that multiple lines of inquiry are being pursued to determine the motive.

Erling Haaland has become the most viral player of the World Cup, driven by explosive growth in social media engagement across TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Global attention focuses as much on his humorous online presence and off‑pitch antics as on his goalscoring, with fans creating viral content and embracing his personality. His friendship with Jude Bellingham and comparisons from influencers and fans further boost his reach. Manchester City supporters emphasize that the world is only now seeing the charisma they have long observed, describing his impact as overwhelmingly positive amid wider criticism of tournament organizers.

Nigel Farage accused the Commons standards committee of bias and suggested its investigation into an undeclared £5m donation would be subjective, while Reform UK sources called the body a “kangaroo court.” The parliamentary commissioner for standards confirmed that the inquiry had been paused during the Clacton byelection. The report also details growing scrutiny of Reform’s finances, including suspicious activity reports involving donations and transactions linked to Farage’s associate George Cottrell, while noting that such reports are not proof of wrongdoing. Other major developments included Andy Burnham’s apology for Labour’s slow response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and proposals for further pressure on Israel; criticism of Burnham’s proposed Manchester-based government presence; outrage over Rupert Lowe’s inaccurate comments about the Dunblane massacre; and an interim review warning that England and Wales’s disability benefits system is failing claimants and taxpayers.

Reform UK activists were urged to shift campaign efforts from the Greater Manchester mayoral byelection to Nigel Farage’s newly triggered contest in Clacton, prompting concerns within the party about abandoning a strong regional opportunity. The redeployment follows Farage’s decision to force a byelection amid scrutiny of his financial interests, a move that has left him facing only a handful of opponents after major parties chose to boycott the race. Labour’s Bev Craig remains the frontrunner in Greater Manchester, though she and the Greens still view Reform as a significant threat. Recent local election results show strong Reform and Green gains across the region, underscoring the competitive landscape ahead of both byelections.

A Lancashire church facing closure after failing to raise £750,000 for vital repairs was unexpectedly saved when nine Britannia gold coins worth nearly £30,000 were discovered beneath its altar. The anonymous 2022 donation, left with a note signed “James, servant of the living God,” is believed to be linked to similar gifts made to two other local churches. Church leaders plan to use the funds as seed money for grants and fundraising efforts, supported by a newly formed heritage group. The bishop of Blackburn described the donation as a sign of hope and a catalyst for restoring the historic building for the wider community.

Plans to establish a “No 10 North” in Manchester as part of a wider decentralisation effort gain broad support but raise significant logistical and security challenges. Andy Burnham proposes splitting his time between Manchester and London, with early work potentially based in existing city council offices. Supporters highlight the potential to rebalance power away from Westminster, while experts warn of high security costs, travel complications and operational difficulties. Public reaction is largely positive, especially in the north, though concerns persist over feasibility and disruption. Manchester leaders and residents generally welcome the proposal for its economic and civic benefits.

Waleed Saeed was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a six‑year campaign of blackmail, sexual assault and rape targeting mostly young Muslim men through false online identities. Police believe he may have dozens more victims based on images and aliases found on his devices, and they are appealing for additional victims to come forward. The court detailed his manipulation, threats and exploitation of cultural stigma, with victims reporting significant trauma and financial extortion. Investigators continue to review unsolved cases and expect the number of victims to rise.

Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, received prison sentences of seven and two years at the Old Bailey for carrying out arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Recruited via Telegram by a Russian-speaking figure known as El Money, they were paid to set fires that targeted a former Starmer vehicle and two properties previously associated with him. The judge condemned Lavrynovych as reckless and easily influenced, while both defence teams argued the men acted out of naivety or financial desperation. A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted.

A Ukrainian and a Romanian man were convicted of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, acting under the direction of an online handler using the name El Money, believed to have ties to Russia. A third Ukrainian defendant was acquitted. Investigators recovered hundreds of Telegram messages offering payment for the attacks, though prosecutors said establishing a direct link to Moscow remained difficult. Authorities said the attacks were intended to intimidate and create unrest despite no ideological motivation by the defendants. The men were remanded for sentencing as officials condemned the incidents as threats to public confidence and democratic values.

Ministers are considering restricting London councils from relocating homeless families long distances after growing evidence that vulnerable people are being pushed into unsuitable housing far from their communities. Government officials and MPs warn that the practice, driven by the housing crisis, has coerced families, including domestic abuse survivors, into choosing between relocation or rough sleeping. Courts have found several councils acted unlawfully, while private firms such as Reloc8 profit from long‑distance placements. Calls for tighter regulation have intensified as figures show the number of families moved out of London has doubled in two years. Charities report that cultural, safety and support needs are often ignored, leaving some survivors stranded or forced back into dangerous situations.

Vulnerable women who survived sex trafficking were pressured by London councils to accept housing placements more than 250 miles away or face homelessness, despite reliance on local support networks. In one case, Ealing council was found by the High Court to have acted unlawfully when it offered accommodation in County Durham while citing irrelevant support services located overseas. Another Albanian mother relocated by Redbridge council reported isolation, unsafe surroundings and negative effects on her young child, prompting an appeal supported by Shelter. Councils cite severe shortages of affordable housing, while charities argue the practices unlawfully target vulnerable people.

London councils have been relocating vulnerable homeless families, including refugees and abuse survivors, to deprived towns hundreds of miles away, often unlawfully and without proper safeguards. Charities, MPs and northern local authorities report rising social tension and strain on already stretched housing services as placements rapidly increase. Private contractor Reloc8 has facilitated many moves, drawing criticism for providing minimally furnished housing and disrupting support networks. Legal challenges and official concerns highlight councils’ use of off-the-books arrangements, while housing groups warn the practice is driven by a severe shortage of affordable homes and escalating rents in London.

Benny Andersson and Anni‑Frid Lyngstad marked the launch of an expanded Abba Voyage education programme aimed at helping young people in east London access creative industry careers. The initiative introduces a school programme, mentoring and apprenticeships in partnership with local venues and civic organisations. The concert event featured schoolchildren experiencing the virtual show, followed by a surprise appearance from the two Abba members. Leaders involved in the programme highlighted its potential to provide career pathways, as concerns rise over increasing youth unemployment in the UK. Abba Voyage has already engaged thousands of young people and committed to local hiring while attracting millions of visitors and substantial economic impact.

Rosamund Pike criticised an audience member for texting during the emotional climax of Inter Alia at Wyndham’s theatre, returning to the stage after the final bows to address the disruption and its impact on performers. Her remarks follow similar complaints from other actors, including Lesley Manville, Cynthia Erivo and Andrew Scott, reflecting growing frustration over phone use and poor etiquette in theatres. Inter Alia, in which Pike recently won an Olivier award for her role as Jessica Parks, continues its limited West End run until 20 June.

Creators of AI-generated historical vlog channels such as Chloe VS History use advanced video generation tools to depict fictional influencers traveling through past eras, aiming to make history more engaging for young audiences. Jonathan Laramy, the creator of Chloe VS History, highlights the technology’s ability to bring vivid historical experiences to life despite occasional inaccuracies. The format has gained substantial popularity and recognition, drawing praise from historians like Adam Smith, who see potential for enhancing education and historical storytelling. Enthusiasm centers on its ability to popularize less-explored historical narratives and complement traditional academic approaches.

Suresh Singh recounts growing up in Spitalfields among diverse immigrant communities while facing racist violence from the National Front. His walking tour highlights the area’s layered histories and his father Joginder’s resilience, including his dignified response to racism and his photographic archive of local life. Singh reflects on past and present far-right activity, his experiences as a Punjabi punk musician, and his efforts to reclaim representation of his community through his own documentation of Brick Lane.

Stakeholders including campaigners, parents, teenagers, experts and MPs express differing views on the UK government’s consultation on online safety for under-16s. Opinions range from support for an under-16s social media ban to calls for more nuanced, graduated safety standards focused on regulating addictive features and enforcing stricter age verification. Critics argue that outright bans risk driving young people into unmoderated spaces, while others say current harms justify strong intervention. Many emphasise improved digital literacy, better enforcement of existing laws and universal safety standards across platforms. Overall, contributors agree the status quo is inadequate and that significant reforms are needed to protect children online.

Experts told a House of Lords committee that the Domestic Abuse Act fails to address technology‑facilitated abuse, despite its increasing prevalence in coercive control. Jen Reed of University College London warned that devices such as stalkerware, tracking tags and smart appliances are being used to monitor, intimidate and harm victims, and said tech abuse should be formally added to the statutory definition of domestic abuse. Research cited to the committee showed widespread experiences of digital tracking among both adults and teenagers, with frontline services often treating these incidents as online safety issues rather than core elements of domestic abuse.

A free mobile game called Politidex adapts Pokémon-style mechanics to let players find and debate AI-generated UK politicians, aiming to make political figures more approachable and help users learn about local representatives. Created by Fred Parry, the game includes thousands of MPs and councillors, features humorous political moves, and has received positive responses from players and some MPs. Parry hopes the game encourages political awareness while maintaining neutrality and avoiding antagonism.