Sidelined Reform chairman quits after clash over burqa ban The Times says few figures in Reform UK were more evangelical about the prospects of Nigel Farage as a future prime minister than Zia Yusuf. “Not only will Nigel become prime minister, he will become prime minister with hundreds of MPs who are under no uncertain terms as to why they’re being elected,” the chairman of Reform UK said last year. Elsewhere, Elon Musk’s falling out with…
Several UK newspaper front pages cover the departure from Reform UK for the party chairman Zia Yusuf. The reports that a Reform civil war has broken out over a potential Burka ban, have deepened divisions within the party and led to several high-profile departures. It’s been a difficult time for Reform, internally, with questions over leadership, conflict and internal divisions swirling.
A single ticket-holder could potentially win £208m in tonight’s EuroMillions draw, marking the UK’s largest lottery prize to date.
This morning’s front pages are dominated by two key narratives: the Trump-Musk feud – a high‑profile clash between Trump and Musk that’s made international headlines – and the dramatic departure of Zia Yusuf from Reform UK — spotlighting deep divisions ahead of future elections. Meanwhile, heavyweight political discourse continues with calls to reform the European Convention on Human Rights, and diplomatic tensions simmer as Moscow accuses the UK of aiding drone strikes with Ukraine.
Good morning! ☕ Let’s grab a coffee and dive into the headlines for Friday, 6 June 2025. After weeks of glorious sunshine, a touch of morning rain has struck the capital – so don’t forget your brolly if you’re heading out!
It’s all politics this morning, with news of the Scottish Labour Party’s victory over the SNP in the Hamilton by-election. The SNP came in second, with Reform in third and the Conservatives in fourth. In reality, whilst Reform came in third – in terms of votes they weren’t far off Labour.
But there was some bad news for Reform UK, with the party chair Zia Yusuf stepping down from his role amid questions of turmoil inside the party.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk last night engaged in a dramatic and shocking online spat, trading barbs back and forth over Donald Trump’s spending bill.
A public fallout between Donald Trump and Elon Musk has erupted after Musk slammed the president’s flagship tax-and-spend bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination”.
Fans embraced the rainy weather at Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter tour in London, showcasing vibrant country-themed outfits inspired by her latest album.
Zia Yusuf has resigned as chairman of Reform UK, saying campaigning for the party is no longer a “good use” of his time. His departure follows tensions around a controversial call by Reform’s newest MP to ban the burka—an idea Yusuf publicly criticised.
Scottish Labour pulled off an unexpected victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, taking the seat from the SNP despite sliding poll numbers and backlash over UK-wide policies like cuts to winter fuel payments.
Scottish Labour’s Davy Russell won the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election with 8,559 votes, defeating the SNP’s Katy Loudon, who received 7,957 votes.
Labour may consider adjustments to the two-child benefit cap, potentially exempting specific families, as suggested by Harriet Harman.
Cliff Notes Counting is underway in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, triggered by the passing of SNP MSP Christina McKelvie in March. Voter turnout reached 44.2% with 27,155 ballots cast, reflecting potential shifts in Scottish political dynamics ahead of the 2026 elections. The contest features ten candidates, with particular focus on SNP, Labour, and Reform UK amid heightened campaign tensions and accusations of divisive politics. Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election: Polls close and count…
A former girlfriend of Sean “Diddy” Combs, under the pseudonym “Jane”, testified about a coercive relationship involving drug-fuelled sexual encounters with male escorts, driven by Diddy’s influence.
A man who has admitted to aggravated arson at a Ukraine-linked warehouse was told to watch a Cold War spy drama as his “manual”, the Old Bailey has heard.
Zia Yusuf has resigned as chairman of Reform UK, stating that working to elect the party is no longer a “good use of my time.”
Investigators have concluded a three-day search near Praia da Luz for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared 18 years ago, without discovering significant evidence.
Sarina Wiegman has announced the 23-player England squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, including 13 players from the 2022 championship-winning team despite the surprise retirements of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby.
International Airlines Group (IAG) faces potential shareholder revolt over a proposed £2.7m one-off share award for CEO Luis Gallego at its annual meeting on 18 June.
Reeves forced to drop net zero cuts The Daily Telegraph says Ed Miliband has defeated an attempt by the chancellor to raid one of his key net zero schemes in next week’s spending review. The paper says the Treasury was planning cuts to the £13.2bn warm homes plan, but the scheme will be largely unaffected. Donald Trump has said Putin is plotting revenge on Ukraine after Sunday’s drone strike – the US president had a phone…
Battle lines drawn over immigration The Daily Mail reports Labour is set to bring in new laws curtailing use of the European Human Rights Convention by foreign criminals. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is drawing up legislation to make it easier to deport overseas offenders as well as failed asylum seekers, the Daily Mail can reveal. A new bill will contain measures designed to restrict the use of the ‘right to private and family life’ under…
Pensioners on disability and housing benefits in line for winter fuel payments The i newspaper says more than a million pensioners on housing and disability benefits could benefit from the Government’s U-turn on the winter fuel allowance and receive the payment this year. Rachel Reeves used a speech on Wednesday morning to confirm that the changes to winter fuel payment eligibility would be implemented before winter.
Pensioners face tax hit for winter fuel U-turn The Times says winter fuel payments will be restored this winter, but wealthier pensioners will not get them, ministers have said. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, promised that “more people will get winter fuel payments”, and said details would be set out soon. She said there would still be a “means test” but pledged to introduce it in time for this winter, despite concern that ageing government computer…
Chaos fears over return of winter fuel payments The Guardian says bereaved families of tens of thousands of dead pensioners could be pursued by tax officials to recoup winter fuel payments under a new system being explored by the Treasury. In a further attempt to win public support and quell Labour backbench concerns, ministers are announcing on Thursday that all pupils in England whose families claim universal credit will be eligible for free school meals…
Farage backs call for full U-turn to help OAPs The front page of the Daily Express leads with the winter fuel payments u-turn announced by the government. Nigel Farage has demanded that the Government must reverse its winter fuel cut for pensioners in full. The Reform UK leader challenged Rachel Reeves to make a complete U-turn when she delivers her highly anticipated spending review next week. Camilla is pictured on the front page as is…
Erin Patterson is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and sister-in-law, allegedly using poisonous mushrooms in a beef wellington.
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