1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on Surge in support for Reform in by-election puts Labour seriously under threat, warns expert
Getty
A SURGE in support for Reform in a hotly-contested by-election puts Labour seriously under threat, an expert has warned.
Nigel Farage’s party finished a close third with more than 26 per cent of the vote narrowly behind both Labour and the SNP in the ballot in Hamilton, Scotland.
Shutterstock EditorialAn expert has warned that a surge in support for Reform in a hotly-contested by-election puts Labour seriously under threat[/caption]
The party said it was a “remarkable” turnaround picking up 7,088 compared to just 58 votes in the constituency in 2021 as it attempted to win its first seat in Holyrood.
Election guru John Curtice said it would be a “serious misreading” to believe that Labour had turned round its election fortunes, with the Scottish elections next May.
He told the BBC: “Reform are making the political weather north of the border, as indeed they are south of the border.”
Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said: “We’ve come from nowhere to being in a three-way marginal, and we’re within 750 votes of winning that by-election and just a few hundred votes of defeating the SNP.”
The performance came just hours after Zia Yusuf resigned as party chair plunging the party into chaos following a row about banning burqas.
In a parting shot, he said he no longer believed trying to get Nigel Farage elected as PM was a “good use of my time”.
Mr Yusuf’s shock resignation – just weeks after masterminding their local elections triumph – came after an internal row about banning the burqa.
The multi-millionaire ex-businessman had attacked the party’s newest MP Sarah Pochin as “dumb” for asking Sir Keir Starmer to outlaw the Muslim face covering in the Commons.
But insiders said tensions at the top of Reform had been brewing for some time, with the chairman feeling increasingly sidelined.
In a statement, Mr Yusuf said: “Eleven months ago I became Chairman of Reform.
“I’ve worked full time as a volunteer to take the party from 14 to 30 per cent, quadrupled its membership and delivered historic electoral results.
“I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office.”
GettyNigel Farage’s party finished a close third in the ballot in Hamilton, Scotland[/caption]
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on Nordic Darts Masters 2025: Schedule, results, start time, TV channel, FREE live stream as Luke Littler features
THIS season’s European tour continues with the return of the Nordic Darts Masters – and some of the best throwers are set to compete in Copenhagen.
GettyGerwyn Price is the reigning Nordic Darts Masters champion[/caption]
And the Welsh superstar will be determined to win back-to-back titles following his disappointing Premier League Finals defeat to crowd favourite Luke Littler.
Speaking of Littler, the teen sensation takes part in the Nordic Darts Masters this year after missing out in 2024 due to family commitments.
He’ll be desperate to make amends for losing out on the £275k jackpot after losing in the showpiece match to Luke Humphries at the Premier League Finals – someone who is also competing in Copenhagen.
Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall and Rob Cross are all on the big lineup too, but Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn as he is dealing with his divorce from wife Daphne.
When is the Nordic Darts Masters 2025?
The Nordic Darts Masters 2025 will got underway on Friday, June 6.
It concludes the next day – Saturday, June 7.
Sessions start from 6pm BST.
Forum Copenhagen is the chosen venue for this huge event.
What TV channel is the Nordic Darts Masters 2025 on and can it be live streamed for FREE?
The Nordic Darts Masters 2025 will be broadcast LIVE and for FREE on ITV 4 in the UK so long as you hold a valid TV license.
Fans can also stream the entire action through a compatible tablet or mobile device.
PDCTV subscription members will also have the action available to them.
Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for the thrilling tournament.
Nordic Darts Masters 2025 schedule and results
Friday, June 6 From 6pm BST First round (best of 11 legs)
Chris Dobey 6-2 Jeffrey de Graaf
Gerwyn Price 5-1 Cor Dekker
Rob Cross 6-4 Andreas Harrysson
Luke Humphries 6-5 Madars Razma
Nathan Aspinall 6-0 Benjamin Reus
Luke Littler 6-3 Viktor Tingstrom
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Oskar Lukasiak
Jonny Clayton vs Darius Labanauskas
Saturday, June 7 From 7pm BST Quarter-finals (best of 11 legs)
Click News and MediaChris Hughes was seen gently kissing his girlfriend JoJo Siwa’s neck on a loved-up walk in the countryside[/caption]
Click News and MediaThe couple have enjoyed horse riding together in the Cotswolds[/caption]
Click News and MediaChris and JoJo had a romantic stroll through the countryside[/caption]
JoJo swapped sequins for a T-shirt and sweats as she was spotted with her new boyfriend Chris in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
The couple looked loved-up as they strolled hand-in-hand through the fields near Chris’s family home.
The pop princess, even borrowed a pair of Chris’s joggers, proving how close they are getting.
And as JoJo stood by some hedges, Chris nuzzled into her neck and gently kissed her.
Chris had posted on Instagram of the pair horse riding earlier and he captioned the clip: “Got to watch this one ride today.”
In the video, the happy pair galloped through the fields then posed for photos beside their horses later.
These lovely images come after the Dance Moms star revealed how smitten she was after reuniting with Chris in the UK.
The singer, who fell for formerLove Islandstar Chris inCelebrityBig Brotherhouse, said she struggled to go back to normal life without Chris when she returned to the US for a month.
But now the American star, who hails from Nebraska, has recently returned to the UK to be with Chris – and she plans to make good on a promise to mark their love with a tattoo.
When the pair were seen hugging each other, holding hands and putting bracelets on each other.
And at her recent London gigs she changed the lyrics of Bette Davis Eyes to “Chris Hughes’ eyes” as he looked on, giddy and red-faced at a music venue in Shoreditch.
The two have set tongues wagging ever since getting close while competing on this year’s series of Celebrity Big Brother and have been crossing oceans to spend time together since the show ended.
Earlier, last week, Chris gushed about his “favourite person,” JoJo as they enjoyed a cosy home dinner that he cooked for her.
Click News and MediaJoJo admitted that she missed him when she was in America[/caption]
Click News and MediaJoJo swapped sequins for a T-shirt and sweats as she was spotted with her new boyfriend Chris[/caption]
Click News and MediaChris gently kissed JoJo’s neck as they paused on their walk[/caption]
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on Lewis Hamilton risks wrath of his beloved Roscoe after he is seen petting Chief Mouser Larry the Cat at meeting with PM
SIR LEWIS HAMILTON has risked the wrath of his beloved dog Roscoe… after he was seen petting Larry the Cat.
Formula One superstar Hamilton is well known to be a socially conscious person, and leads his Mission 44 project to support young people in their education.
Lauren HurleyLewis Hamilton risked the wrath of his dog, Roscoe, after he was seen petting Larry the Cat[/caption]
Instagram @roscoelovescocoHamilton said his ‘heart stops’ when he gets a message about his beloved pet pooch[/caption]
Instagram @lewishamilton12-year-old Roscoe is often seen alongside Hamilton[/caption]
Crown CopyrightHamilton’s visit to Downing Street came for a meeting on education reform[/caption]
To that end, the 40-year-old was seen in attendance at Downing Street earlier this week for a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss education reform.
During his visit, the seven-time F1 world champion took some time out from the meetings to introduce himself to Number 10’s Chief Mouser, Larry.
Larry has served in the role since 2011 after being adopted by then PM David Cameron.
Born in 2007, the tabby is as old as Hamilton’s F1 career when he started out with McLaren in the same year.
Taking to social media, the (un)official Larry the Cat account shared a photo of Hamilton petting the feline as he laid on his bed by a window.
He captioned the post: “Thanks for the stroke. @LewisHamilton – love from the sleeping cat to the prancing horse x.”
However, Roscoe’s most recent Instagram post showed him being given a tasty treat, showing Hamilton knows the way to the heart of man’s best friend.
Hamilton has not had the best interaction with cats in the past, revealing last year how he had black cats “thrown” at him.
He also landed himself in trouble with animal rights activists in 2016 when he was seen playing with a tiger and jaguar during a visit to Mexico City’s Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation.
But most fans were loving the crossover of two British icons, with one saying: “Two legends in the same photo.”
A second said: “Oh what an honour! (For Lewis).”
A third added: “Prime Minister Larry deigns to share some of his aura with Lewis. I respect that.”
Another joked: “Ahh I guess Lewis’s demands to Sir Keir Starmer proved futile and Lewis went over Keir’s head to the real power in Number 10.”
'I never felt like my voice was heard' - Lewis Hamilton on education reform
Hamilton's appearance at Downing Street was for more than just saying hello to Larry the Cat, but in fact was down to his goal of pushing for education reform in the UK.
On his visit, Hamilton said: “I struggled in school and never felt like my voice was heard, that’s why I know first-hand that ensuring every student feels they belong in school is vital.
“I’m grateful that, off the back of this meeting, the government has committed to working with Mission 44 to enact change focused on making the education system more inclusive.
“I’m so proud of how far Mission 44 has come in such a short space of time and the opportunity we have to transform the lives of vulnerable students across the country.”
In a previous interview with the Sunday Times, Hamilton revealed: “When I was in my 20s, I had some really difficult phases.
“I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life. [I’ve had] depression.
“From a very early age, when I was, like, 13.
“I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school.
“The bullying. I had no one to talk to.”
“He’s 12 and a half years old, so he’s an old boy and it’s unusual for them to live that long.”
The duo have practically been inseparable for a decade, and even appear together on the front cover of a recent edition of Vogue.
When quizzed on Roscoe’s next appearance, Hamilton said: “I really want to take him to Silverstone, and particularly Monza, this year.
“I plan to put him in a red cape and outfit. I was with him before Miami and he still wants to play.
“He’s still got that youthful spirit. But he does like to sleep a lot.”
Roscoe’s trainer, Kirstin McMillan, nursed the vegan canine back to full fitness after he fell ill in April, as he was treated with medication and specialist acupuncture treatment.
Meanwhile, Hamilton has been struggling to extract the best out of his Ferrari machinery, and – outside of a Sprint Race win – is yet to score a podium with the Scuderia after joining them over the winter.
EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach.
Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog.
From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for.
Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to “prioritise safety” and to “be aware of potential hazards.”
Preventing injuries
Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it.
Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be “expecting a hole” as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves.
Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off.
Food for thought
Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them.
However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca.
Drinking saltwater can disrupt the “balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,” according to Rebecca.
This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, “which may require surgery.”
It is most likely to occur when the body’s temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C.
Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it’s over 27C.
She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more “prone to heatstroke.”
Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats.
She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground.
Digging dangers
Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ’s with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects.
She said: “If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you’re nearby in case of any unexpected finds.”
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on Parents of 17-year-old launch High Court battle to stop teen changing gender
High CourtAlamy
THE parents of a 17-year-old have launched a High Court bid to block their child from changing gender.
They took the highly unusual move after the child forged their mother’s signature to get hormone replacement therapy on the NHS.
The teen was born a boy but identifies as a girl and is being backed in court by their GP.
The parents insist the child lacks the mental capacity to consent to the treatment.
In court papers they say no proper assessment of the teen’s mental and physical health has been done.
They also fear grave psychiatric harm if the child is allowed to continue with “an inappropriate, negligently given, life-altering treatment”.
The case is believed to be the first of its kind.
The parents are separately seeking a judicial review of the GP’s role in prescribing HRT.
The Royal College of GPs previously stated medics should not prescribe gender-affirming hormones to patients under the age of 18.
The child, who lives with their parents, started HRT last October, ahead of a referral to specialist gender services.
London’s High Court was told treatment began four weeks after the child forged their mum’s signature on a self-assessment form.
Mr Justice MacDonald said the child “emphasises the law gives her permission to make her own decision”.
The court heard the child, described as “eloquent, articulate, and sensible” instructed a solicitor and is happy and doing A-levels.
The child told the court: “I live in two opposite worlds — one in my household, where I am seen as less than, and the other outside the home where I am calm and grounded.”
Case adjourned until a later date.
Parents of a 17-year-old have launched a High Court bid to block their child from changing genderAlamy
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on ‘You’ll upstage the bride’ people fume as wedding guest shows off very revealing dress that’s ‘way too fancy’
A FASHIONISTA has come under fire after showing off her wedding guest outfit that trolls insist will ”upstage the bride”.
Wedding season has well and truly arrived, which means many people have been taking to social media to share their stylish frocks and gowns.
Not known, clear with picture deskPeople have accused this wedding guest of ‘upstaging the bride’ with this dress[/caption]
But one woman has left people demanding she changes her outfit for a close pal’s garden wedding.
The dress code detailed in the digital invite asked guests to “get just a little bit fancy” with chinos listed as an option for men and “dress/skirts” for female attendees.
From this brief, the woman opted for a sleeveless floor length silver satin dress with a deep plunging V-neck.
And even she seems unsure about her choice, after sharing a picture of her final look in the Wedding Dress & DIY Facebook page.
Alongside the snap, she wrote: “Is this too intense to wear as a guest It’s at a garden venue inspired by the French countryside.
“I’m concerned this is a bit too much for the venue/garden vibes.. and potentially even a little too close to white?
“The bride is a close family friend but I don’t want to bother her when she has so much on her mind.
“Bridesmaids are wearing burgundy red. Please help me out here; suitable attire or too much?”
Her post quickly racked up almost 1,000 comments with plenty of fashion fans having their say.
Not only did people warn her that it was “too revealing” and would take attention away from the bride, but others claimed its colour broke a basic rule because it looked near-white.
Wearing ivory as a wedding guest is often considered a cardinal sin and the ultimate insult to the bride.
One person said: “Too close to white and it looks too good. You’ll show up the bride! Don’t wear it to a wedding!”
A second wrote: “So you want to wear a wedding dress to somebody else’s fairly casual wedding…I think you already know the answer…”
A third fumed “no, you’ll upstage the bride” while someone claimed: “Too revealing for a wedding…eyes will be on you not the bride.”
“Nope it’s to fancy for what the invite says and also it looks like you’re the bride”, chimed in a fifth.
Wedding Guest Outfit Etiquette
If you're struggling to decided on a dress to see you through wedding season, here's a few rules on what not to wear so you don't get in trouble.
Folklore says that wearing red at a wedding means you slept with the groom.
Casual attire like jeans and flip flops should always be avoided.
Any colour that could be picked up as white or cream – even if it’s not.
Most would agree that your cleavage needs to be covered.
Wearing white is a massive no-no if you’re not the bride.
And a sixth echoed: “I definitely thought you were asking if it was too plungy to wear as a bride… then realised you’re a guest.”
Others, however, jumped in to support the wedding guest and urged her to wear the show-stopping frock.
One said: “Am I the only one saying the dress is fine for the dress code instructions? Lol.”
“I’d wear this gown; it’s beautiful and you look beautiful in it”, another insisted.
A third agreed: “It’s gorgeous. Not white. Wear it. Always better to be too dressed up than too dressed down.”
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: “I don’t think it matters if it’s more casual or not. Just wear it if you like it and don’t care what ppl thing if you feel beautiful or sexy in it. It looks amazing on you.”
Celebs aren’t exempt from making fashion faux pas at weddings either.
When Dani Dyer wed footballer Jarrod Bowen last week, guest and fellow Love Islander Georgia Steel was slated for wearing what looked like a revealing white dress to her pal’s big day.
After Georgia posted a snap on TikTok of the lace-trimmed Miss Circle number she wore, the trolls came out in force, bashing her for picking what was in fact a “soft beige” dress.
“Wearing white to a wedding?” questioned one, while another waded in with: “Way too bridal for a wedding.”
And Georgia isn’t alone. Two months ago, White Lotus actress Sydney Sweeney came under fire for the “inappropriate” dress she wore to her Anyone But You co-star Glenn Powell’s sister’s wedding.
She chose a cleavage-baring corset-style dress from V Chapman in a very pale blue.
Fans thought the colour was an issue.
Comments included: “That is not an appropriate shade of blue for a wedding” and “The number one [rule] of a wedding is don’t wear anything close to white.”
1 week agoNew York StateComments Off on I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets – here’s how to get free entry
WHO lives in a pineapple under the sea? Not SpongeBob SquarePants any more.
The yellow cartoon character has a new home on Turkey’s southern coast at the impressive Land Of Legends theme park.
The fab new Nickelodeon Land in TurkeySuppliedHave endless fun at Antalya’s Nickelodeon Hotel[/caption]
SuppliedUnwind in style at the Rixos Premium Belek[/caption]
He’s brought along all his pals to its new Nickelodeon Land — and I was one of the first there to check them out.
The themed area neighbours Adventure Land and the exotic Aqua Land in the vast entertainment complex in Antalya.
Nickelodeon Land consists of three areas — the underwater Bikini Bottom from SpongeBob SquarePants; intergalactic Star Trek: Wild Galaxy, based on Star Trek: Prodigy; and the open-air Adventure Bay from PAW Patrol.
And just steps away is a plush new Nickelodeon hotel, featuring 238 themed bedrooms and its own waterpark-like outdoor pool where you can get “slimed” for real, Nickelodeon style.
Sounds totally retro, right? There’s a definite nod to the nostalgia of 90s Nickelodeon.
Think Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as little ones’ modern favourites, such as Chase from Paw Patrol, Dora The Explorer and Nickelodeon’s cartoon reboot of Star Trek.
I got stuck into the action at Bikini Bottom, my favourite area, which transports visitors to a neon, SpongeBob-themed underwater landscape.
The standout attraction is the Fiery Fist O’Fun, a reference to a classic SpongeBob episode.
The ride is like a ferris wheel on steroids, fast-paced enough to make your stomach drop — in the best way.
But if that is not your style, take a spin on the Jellyfish Jam swings.
Or you can pootle around the land in overhead blimps, dubbed Sandy’s Rockets.
Plankton’s Plunge is another must for thrill-seekers.
As the name suggests, it drops you from a squeamishly scary height.
Then there’s the Crazy Carnival Ride, where you can battle against your family in a virtual shoot-out.
Aside from the rides, my highlight had to be meeting the chipper yellow sponge himself.
At various points in the day, each of the characters pop up for meet-and-greet sessions, so you can snap a picture with Squidward or pose with Patrick.
Giant pineapple
Meanwhile, Chase and the gang from Paw Patrol can be found hanging out at Adventure Bay, where rides are aimed at the littlest of adventurers.
It’s not just about the kids, though. There’s plenty of spaces that even Mum and Dad will enjoy.
The Snick Lounge, a games room and sports bar, hosts live music where you can bop away while enjoying a tasty cocktail.
For a proper place to unwind, head to the luscious Anjana Spa which is worlds away from the neon orange and splat motifs that adorn the rest of the hotel floors above.
Although, you may spot SpongeBob in subtle murals dotted around the space, donning his very own robe and head towel, or striking a yoga pose.
There are even more character nods across the main Nickelodeon Hotel, where the rooms are as comfortable as they are vibrant.
Wild Galaxy is out of this worldEmily Downes meets SpongeBob at the new theme park
Each floor is themed around a character — think jungle motifs for Dora The Explorer and industrial pipes for the adventures of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
If all the Nickelodeon colours get too much, though, hotel guests can enjoy free transfers to Rixos Premium Belek, a sister hotel down the road that has its own private beach as well as pools, restaurants and bars.
Likewise, any guests staying at a Rixos property in Antalya can enjoy free and unlimited access to The Land Of Legends, including the new Nickelodeon Land, during their stay.
I was staying in a SpongeBob suite where a giant pineapple housed all the drinks and snacks I could dream of.
After a tiring day on the roller-coasters, I would sink into the plush bedding and unwind with the TV (which, of course, has access to all your favourite Nick shows).
Even SpongeBob would be impressed with this place.
GO: NICKELODEON LAND, TURKEY
GETTING THERE:easyJet flies from Gatwick to Antalya from £24.99 each way.
STAYING THERE: A Themed Deluxe Room at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts costs from £296 per night, based on a family of four sharing and on a full-board basis.
