A Washington source has warned that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's habit of appearing in casual attire could harm his credibility with US President Donald Trump, despite Trump's public praise for Burnham's plans to fast-track North Sea oil and gas drilling.
Dress code concerns
"Obviously he's going to be correctly dressed for face-to-face meetings with the President, but going about looking like an ageing pop star the rest of the time won't help his credibility with Trump," the source said. The White House reportedly considers a suit and tie non-negotiable in public.
Michael Gove's crush
Former Tory cabinet minister and Spectator editor Michael Gove expressed delight that Shabana Mahmood will remain Home Secretary, saying: "Once again The Spectator calls it right." Gove, divorced from journalist Sarah Vine in 2022, previously admitted to having a crush on the 45-year-old Labour politician in April.
Brenda Fricker's awkward Oscar moment
Oscar-winning Irish star Brenda Fricker, who has died aged 81, once reassured an anxious Al Pacino that he would win the Academy Award, only to announce Joe Pesci as the winner instead. She later recalled: "Then when it came to doing it, out I go: 'The Oscar goes to...Joe Pesci!' I could see Al Pacino sitting there."
Gyles Brandreth plans to reach 100
Gyles Brandreth, 78, announced he is contractually bound to reach 100, as he is writing a book with his physiotherapist called 'The Seven Secrets of the 100-Year Life'.
John Cleese on his fourth marriage
John Cleese, 86, celebrating 14 years of marriage to fourth wife Jennifer Wade, remarked: "I think the nicest thing about my life is that I finally got married to someone I like. I tried with three Americans and they didn't work, and then I found an English girl." His divorce from American spouse number three cost him £15 million.
Ruthie Henshall on royal romance
West End star Ruthie Henshall, publicising a memoir about her romance with Prince Edward, said she would have been an unsuitable royal wife: "It really wasn't going to [work out] because I was going to be falling out of nightclubs and things like that. I really would have shown up the royals."
Kevin Keegan mourned in Germany
News of English football great Kevin Keegan's death is mourned in Germany, where he played for Hamburg from 1977 to 1980. His signing prompted an upsurge in Hamburg-born babies named Kevin in the late 1970s.
