Andy Burnham is Britain's prime minister in waiting after Keir Starmer announced his resignation, making him the country's seventh prime minister in a decade. Burnham, the former Manchester mayor, was sworn in as an MP overnight after his victory in the Makerfield byelection and could succeed Starmer by the middle of next month.
Is the UK Ungovernable?
As the political landscape shifts, analysts question whether the UK has become ungovernable. Jonathan Freedland assesses where it all went wrong for Starmer, noting that at least he can say he looked good in a cagoule. The rapid turnover of leaders has sparked debate about the stability of British governance.
Australia's Support for Multiculturalism Declines
Australia is undergoing a historic decline in support for multiculturalism, according to the Lowy Institute's annual poll. The shift comes amid mounting economic pessimism and an increasingly illiberal and chaotic world order. The survey reveals a fading belief in the benefits of cultural diversity.
Five Eyes Warns AI Could Take Down Governments
Powerful AI models capable of taking down governments and businesses are mere months away, cyber intelligence agencies for the Five Eyes have warned in a rare joint statement. The warning underscores the growing threat posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Bird Flu Devastates Birdlife in Western Australia
The discovery of brown skuas and giant petrels infected with bird flu on Western Australia's south coast has left experts fearing a wave of infections that could devastate birdlife. The outbreak raises concerns about the spread of the virus among vulnerable species.
Teenager Accused of Nailbombing Campaign
A teenager accused of preparing a nailbombing campaign was either a 'troubled kid' who made edgy jokes or a determined terrorist in waiting, a Brisbane court has been told. The case highlights the fine line between youthful indiscretion and serious criminal intent.
Cuttlefish Numbers Plummet After Algal Bloom
After the summer algal bloom, divers off the Cuttlefish Coast in South Australia have observed a huge drop in the number of cephalopods. The 'Whyalla wipeout' has alarmed marine biologists and local communities.
European Heatwave Breaks Records
Western Europe is enduring a ferocious heatwave forecast to break temperature records. A UK health agency has issued a rare warning, half of France is on red alert, rail services in Belgium are disrupted, and sports events in Spain and Germany have been cancelled or postponed.
Iran Agrees to Nuclear Inspections; Sanctions to Be Lifted
Iran has agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country, Washington will lift sanctions on Tehran's oil exports, and the Strait of Hormuz will reopen, the US vice-president says. The agreement marks a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Ukraine Intensifies Strikes on Crimea
Ukraine has stepped up its strikes on Crimea as part of a strategy to isolate the occupied peninsula from mainland Russia. The escalation reflects Kyiv's determination to reclaim territory.
Messi Becomes World Cup's Record Goalscorer
Lionel Messi has become the leading scorer in World Cup history after a double against Austria this morning. The Argentine star continues to cement his legacy as one of football's greatest players.
Andy Burnham: The King of the North?
Reged Ahmad speaks to the North of England editor, Josh Halliday, about Andy Burnham, the man expected to become the next British prime minister. Halliday says this next week could define UK politics for years to come.
Australians Sue Government Over Climate Change
Brendon Donohue, who was trapped in his second-storey Brisbane apartment during the city's floods in 2022, is one of 10 Australians pursuing legal action against the federal government for failing to do enough to prevent climate change. Adam Morton explains the case.
Former AFL Player on the Manosphere
Mitch Brown, a former West Coast AFL footballer, writes about how he came close to becoming engulfed by the manosphere after his marriage breakup. His story sheds light on the allure of online misogyny.
Sports: Tennis Ban, Golf Win, Cricket Controversy
The 2023 Wimbledon singles champion Marketa Vondrousova has been suspended from tennis for four years for refusing an anti-doping test. Wyndham Clark played brilliantly to win his second US Open but the New York crowd turned their backs on him. England's Ben Stokes saga has exposed a serious problem for the team.
Media Roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that falling house prices could slice $100,000 from the value of homes. Noosa council has lined up 10 expert witnesses to fight businesswoman Jayne Hrdlicka's designer mansion on a plot she bought for $16.9m, the Courier Mail reports. Police have destroyed 35 ebikes seized in Tweed Heads, the Telegraph says.
What's Happening Today
Victoria: Directions hearing at county court for a childcare worker accused of abusing children. State politics: Budget day in Queensland and New South Wales.
