Elections

Reform UK has received the largest political donation in British history, MPs have voted down assisted dying legislation, and the ground is shifting ahead of both a Westminster by-election and the American midterms. This hub follows the mechanics and drama of electoral politics on both sides of the Atlantic: who funds campaigns, who gets selected to fight for a vacant seat, and how governments quietly time contentious decisions to avoid handing opponents ammunition before voters go to the polls.

Elections shape who holds power and how that power is exercised, which is why the manoeuvring around them, donor influence, candidate selection rows, delayed rulings, party infighting, often reveals as much as the vote itself. In Britain, attention is turning to a closely watched contest for a former Labour leader's seat, with rival parties jostling for position and local issues such as North Sea drilling becoming entangled in the timing of national announcements. In the United States, both major parties are already framing the narrative around the midterms, trading accusations of foul play and reading the runes for who stands to lose ground.

Expect ongoing coverage of campaign finance, candidate controversies, parliamentary votes with electoral consequences, and the wider jostling between parties as they position themselves for the next test at the ballot box.

  • Arca – XXXXX

    Arca’s new album ‘XXXXX’ is presented as a return to the experimental intensity of her early mixtapes, reviving the fictional Diva Experimental FM world introduced on 2020’s ‘@@@@@’. The review argues that its abrasive digital sounds and unpredictable structures nevertheless express something deeply human, continuing Arca’s exploration of identity, consciousness and the relationship between people…

  • Karol G Drops New Reebok Classics Campaign ‘Rooted in Community’

    Reebok has launched a new campaign with its global ambassador Karol G, titled “Born Classic. Worn Together.” The campaign promotes Reebok Classics through themes of community, self-expression and connection, using the Colombian singer’s public profile and Tropicoqueta era aesthetic. Photographed by Alfred Marroquín in Mexico City, the advert features a diverse group dancing to Karol…

  • Who should win the men’s Ballon d’Or?

    Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Rodri are presented as leading contenders for the men’s Ballon d’Or, with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi also named among the frontrunners. The article argues that each has a compelling case based on exceptional individual output and major team achievements, illustrating how the award debate extends beyond goals to influence,…

  • Trump questions Thune’s leadership as SAVE America Act stalls

    President Donald Trump has publicly questioned whether Senate Majority Leader John Thune is the right person to lead Senate Republicans after the SAVE America Act repeatedly stalled. The dispute matters because the bill is presented as one of Trump’s central legislative priorities, and its failure could expose tensions between the White House and the Senate…

  • Bombshell voting scandal adds to pattern of noncitizen voters as Trump warns of threat to ‘heart’ of democracy

    Fox News reports that New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said 6,600 ineligible people were found on the state’s voter rolls after a software error in the motor vehicle system. The article presents this as part of a longer pattern of noncitizens being registered to vote in several states, arguing that such cases raise concerns about…

  • AI labels to be compulsory on authentic-looking content under EU rules

    EU rules taking effect from Sunday will require companies to label AI-generated or manipulated images, audio and text that are designed to appear authentic. The measures, introduced under the EU AI Act, are intended to help people identify deepfakes and other synthetic material, with supporters arguing that greater transparency is important for consumer protection and…

  • Trump’s noncitizen voter data remains a mystery. But the claims raise midterm fears

    President Trump has made claims about noncitizens appearing on voter rolls, but has not publicly provided enough underlying data to assess their accuracy or scale. The uncertainty is significant because the claims may be used to question election results or support tougher federal involvement in election administration ahead of the midterm elections. The article examines…

  • Democrats show divisions on Israel amid competitive midterm elections

    Democrats are divided over Israel as competitive midterm races approach, with candidates weighing how strongly to support the Israeli government, call for a ceasefire, or criticise US policy. The disagreement matters because it tests the party’s ability to hold together voters with sharply different views of the war and could affect turnout, fundraising and primary…

  • One Big Beautiful Bill cut healthcare funds. Now, Republicans have to sell the costs

    Republicans are using advertising to defend the healthcare changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill as they prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. The political challenge is significant because the law’s reductions in Medicaid and Affordable Care Act support could affect voters directly, giving Democrats a potent line of attack. The measure, signed into law…

  • Who is Bev Craig? Meet Andy Burnham’s ‘protégé’ who hopes to succeed him

    Bev Craig, the Labour leader of Manchester City Council, is expected to succeed Andy Burnham as mayor of Greater Manchester after he returned to parliament and became prime minister. Her prospective victory matters because it would preserve Labour’s control of a high-profile regional mayoralty while testing whether Burnham’s personal popularity can strengthen the party after…