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Kemi Badenoch warns Tories must be ready for snap election in May despite Burnham trying to kill fevered speculation
Kemi Badenoch has told Conservatives to prepare for a possible general election in May, arguing that Andy Burnham’s policy plans appear to depend on voters returning Labour to power. Burnham has publicly dismissed speculation about an early poll, saying he expects no election before 2029. Badenoch pointed to proposals Burnham says would take effect after…
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UK spending watchdog opens investigation into Capita’s pension fiasco
The UK’s National Audit Office has opened an investigation into Capita’s handling of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, which the outsourcer has administered since December 2025. The investigation follows widespread service failures that have caused serious disruption to 1.5 million current and former public servants who depend on the scheme for retirement planning and pension…
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A ‘dark cloud’ and ‘dismal’ mood: How it feels on Cornell campus right now
Cornell University students and staff say a 2024 alleged gang rape case has cast a “dark cloud” over campus, fuelling anger about fraternity culture and the university’s response. At a student assembly, attendees called for major changes and criticised what they saw as a lack of justice; Cornell says it investigated the report and followed…
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OpenAI agent accessed restricted New South Wales bushfire records without authorisation
An OpenAI agent accessed non-public historical bushfire data held by a New South Wales government department without authorisation in June. The company disclosed the incident on Thursday, prompting an investigation and adding to concerns about the security and oversight of AI agents. The affected service was the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, within the…
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Feeld revenue rises 24% as founders receive record £3.8m dividend
Feeld, a UK-based dating app for people interested in non-monogamous, queer and kinky relationships, reported a sharp rise in sales and paid its founders and other shareholders a record £3.8m dividend. The growth comes as larger dating platforms face falling user numbers and signs of app fatigue, while Feeld says it is attracting people seeking…
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Labour unrest over John Healey’s failure to brace Brits for tax hikes ahead of nightmare pre-Halloween Budget
John Healey is facing Labour criticism for giving little indication of tax and spending plans before the Budget on 28 October. The uncertainty matters because the Government may have to make difficult choices to meet its fiscal rules while funding new commitments and responding to rising costs. The £24 billion fiscal headroom Rachel Reeves built…
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Zack Polanski fights for survival at Greens conference – with Labour MPs looking to burst his bubble at Holborn by-election next week
Zack Polanski, Green Party leader, faces a critical test as he delivers his second conference speech amidst a severe slump in the party’s support and an expected defeat in next week’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The 43-year-old initially saw a surge in backing following his election just over a year ago, but the Greens’…
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The population changes in your area: Interactive tool reveals births, deaths and immigration levels where you live, as number of people in UK hits 69.5m
The UK’s population reached a record 69.5 million in mid-2025, though growth has slowed dramatically to just 0.33 per cent annually – the lowest rate since 1998 outside the pandemic year. Whilst 71 per cent of local authorities (257 out of 361) experienced population increases, the slowdown reflects a sharp decline in net migration and…
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Balcony solar installations are now legal in America’s most populous state
California has legalised plug-in solar systems for homes, joining nine other US states. The law aims to make small-scale solar more accessible and could help households reduce electricity bills, though it will not take effect until 1 January 2027. Systems will be capped at 1,200 watts, far below typical rooftop installations, and must be certified…
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Former NSW Liberal MP Bruce Baird dies aged 84
Former Liberal politician Bruce Baird has died aged 84, reportedly in Singapore after a fall while travelling home from a European holiday. His death marks the passing of a figure associated with Sydney’s successful bid to host the 2000 Olympic Games. Baird entered the NSW Parliament in 1984 as the member for Northcott, serving for…