Neil Macfarlane

Hegseth: “The only thing prohibiting transit in [Hormuz] right now is Iran shooting at shipping.” “It is open for transit should Iran not do that”

Reform and the Conservatives are happy to cheer on Trump’s illegal Iran war that could send your energy bills soaring.

I’m out in Gorton & Denton with Matt Goodwin. Vote Reform to ditch Starmer.

Keir Starmer has visited Gorton & Denton ahead of Thursday’s crucial by-election, saying contest is a “straight fight” between Labour and Reform. It’s quite unusual for PMs - particularly ones with as low approval ratings as this one - to campaign in by-elections. But it’s in line with growing confidence within Labour - despite Greens making inroads into their vote - that it could win the seat. Party insiders claim that ‘don’t knows’ are splitting for them. However, the visit also ties Starmer more closely to the result, especially in a tight race. We’ll know within days whether it was a smart move - or not.

Stephen O'Donnell. Suddenly, we’re comparing. 🔥

A spokesperson for the Guardian says this is false: "Bryan is an exemplary journalist, and this is the same style he’s used for 11 years writing for the Guardian, long before LLM’s existed. The allegation is preposterous."