Britain's Labour Party is looking to Andy Burnham as its next leader after Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned. Burnham's recent by-election victory has strengthened his position as Labour tries to stop the growing popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK.   Reform UK has gained support by focusing on immigration and voter frustration over the economy and government policies. Labour has also faced criticism over internal disputes and policy decisions. Political observers say Burnham's biggest challenge will be winning back voters who have moved away from Labour and preventing Reform UK from expanding its influence across the country. (PC: HT)

While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation has triggered fresh political uncertainty, one familiar resident of 10 Downing Street is staying put. Larry the Cat, the long-serving "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", is set to welcome his seventh prime minister in just over a decade. Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a symbol of continuity through a period of rapid political change. Having served under six prime ministers already, the popular tabby once again finds himself at the centre of attention as Britain prepares for a new leader.  

Iran has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, according to US Vice President JD Vance, marking a major step in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking in Switzerland, Vance said discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin within days.   The announcement followed the first round of US-Iran talks aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. Mediators Qatar and Pakistan said both sides had agreed on a roadmap for further negotiations. The talks also covered reopening the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining a regional ceasefire. Iran continues to insist its nuclear programme is for peaceful civilian purposes. (PC: BBC)

Andy Burnham was sworn in as the MP for Makerfield on Monday, just hours after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour Party leader. Burnham has declared his intention to contest the leadership race and has received support from former Health Secretary Wes Streeting. After taking the oath in Parliament, Burnham was welcomed by hundreds of Labour MPs, strengthening his position as the leading candidate to succeed Starmer. The outgoing prime minister said he will remain in office until a new leader is chosen. Labour is expected to select its next leader before Parliament returns in September. (PC: BBC)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation after nearly 23 months in office, paving the way for Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade. Starmer said he would remain in office until the Labour Party selects a new leader to ensure a smooth transfer of power.   His departure follows months of growing pressure from Labour lawmakers concerned about the party’s declining popularity since its landslide election victory in July 2024. Critics pointed to economic challenges, rising living costs and leadership controversies. Labour will now begin the process of choosing a successor, with Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting among the names being discussed.  

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran ended with what mediators Qatar and Pakistan described as "encouraging progress" toward a final agreement. Both sides have agreed on a 60-day roadmap aimed at ending the conflict and reducing regional tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said significant progress had also been made on efforts to end fighting in Lebanon. The discussions included plans to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and establish a joint de-confliction mechanism involving the US, Iran and Lebanon. Technical negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days. (PC: BBC)

Larry the Cat, the famous Chief Mouser of 10 Downing Street, has once again become a symbol of continuity in British politics after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned from office. Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has now outlasted six prime ministers, including David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Starmer. Originally adopted from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to help control mice, Larry has become one of the most recognised figures at the Prime Minister’s residence. His long stay highlights a rare sense of stability amid years of political change in the United Kingdom. (PC: X)

The first round of talks between the United States and Iran has ended with what mediators described as “encouraging progress”. Qatar and Pakistan, which are helping mediate the negotiations, said both sides agreed on a roadmap to reach a final deal within 60 days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there had been major progress toward ending the conflict in Lebanon. The two sides also agreed to create communication channels to avoid incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and support a ceasefire in Lebanon. Technical discussions will continue as negotiators work toward a broader agreement. (PC: Reuters)

Andy Burnham has announced that he will contest the Labour Party leadership race following Keir Starmer’s resignation as UK Prime Minister. Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester and a senior Labour leader, is widely seen as the leading candidate to replace Starmer. In a statement, he thanked Starmer for his service and said the leadership transition should be carried out in an “orderly and responsible way”. Burnham promised to focus on stability and the issues that matter most to people. The Labour Party is expected to choose its new leader before Parliament returns in September. (PC: AP)

The Taliban has ordered government officials in Afghanistan to stop using smartphones. Under the new directive, officials found using smartphones could face punishment and have their devices destroyed. Reports suggest the ban is being enforced in different ways across the country, with some areas extending restrictions to teachers, students and other civilians. Analysts say the move may be linked to concerns about information leaks, online activity and recent protests. The order has raised fears that broader restrictions could follow. Some observers believe the Taliban may be testing public reaction before introducing wider smartphone limits across Afghanistan.