Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Badenoch leaves door open for local deals with Reform after elections

Nigel Farage responded by saying: "The Tories broke Britain nationally for 14 years, and their councils continue to break local communities with the highest taxes ever and worst services. Reform have no intention in forming coalitions with the Tories at any level."

Kemi-Badenoch-Getty

Badenoch indicated that local deals could still happen if councils are under no overall control. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

KEMI BADENOCH has said she would not rule out forming coalitions at a local level with Reform UK after Thursday's council elections.

However, speaking to Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, the Conservative leader ruled out a national coalition with Nigel Farage's party.


"I am not going into any coalition with Nigel Farage... read my lips," she said.

Badenoch indicated that local deals could still happen if councils are under no overall control. "You have to do what is right for your local area," she said. "You look at the moment, we are in coalition with Liberal Democrats, with independents. We've been in coalition with Labour before at local government level."

She added: "They [councillors] have to look at who the people are that they're going into coalition with and see how they can deliver for local people. What I don't want to hear is talks of stitch-ups or people planning things before the results are out. They have to do what is right for their communities."

Nigel Farage responded by saying: "The Tories broke Britain nationally for 14 years, and their councils continue to break local communities with the highest taxes ever and worst services. Reform have no intention in forming coalitions with the Tories at any level."

Voters will elect representatives in 23 councils on Thursday 1 May, mostly in areas previously seen as Conservative strongholds.

Fourteen county councils and eight unitary authorities, mostly Tory-controlled, and one Labour borough are up for election.

Bdenoch suggested the Conservatives could lose all the councils they are contesting.

Speculation over a possible Tory-Reform collaboration increased after senior Conservatives Robert Jenrick and Ben Houchen made comments about potential cooperation.

Jenrick was recorded by Sky News suggesting a coalition could be formed to prevent splitting votes, while Houchen told Politico that some form of unity between the two parties would be needed.

Labour's Pat McFadden told Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips he was "not predicting huge Labour gains on Thursday" and ruled out deals with other parties.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less