Labour would overtake Reform UK in the polls if Andy Burnham were leader, according to exclusive polling for The i Paper. The survey, conducted after Sir Keir Starmer's resignation on Monday, shows a clear 'Burnham bounce', with the former Greater Manchester mayor also outperforming Reform leader Nigel Farage on personal values.
However, pollsters warn the bounce is 'wafer thin', and both parties would likely fall more than 100 seats short of a majority if replicated in a general election.
In other news, RAF fighter jets intercepted a Russian patrol aircraft near the UK Carrier Strike Group in the Norwegian Sea. The group, under Nato command on Operation Firecrest, includes HMS Prince of Wales and 1,500 personnel. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis warned of the Russian threat across all domains.
England's Harry Kane scored a penalty to secure a 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico, with Donald Trump praising him as a 'great player'. Trump also intervened to overturn a suspension for US player Folarin Balogun, prompting UEFA to accuse Fifa of crossing a 'red line'.
The UK braces for a third heatwave, with temperatures up to 34°C and amber health alerts issued. Southern Water and South East Water have imposed hosepipe bans.
Pharmacies face surging demand for the new Wegovy weight-loss pill, but warn of a rise in fake drugs. The National Pharmacy Association urges patients to only use regulated pharmacies.
