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Andy Burnham in 2004, when he was parliamentary private secretary to the education secretary |
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Gordon Rayner Associate Editor |
Who is the real Andy Burnham? Is he the Armani-suited Westminster insider of the Blair years, or the jeans-and-T-shirt man of the people who takes on the London elite from his base in the North?
After winning the Makerfield by-election, he is on his way back to Parliament, where, if he vanquishes Sir Keir Starmer, he will need to explain to the British public what he truly stands for.
That might require a lot of thinking on his part. Over his 32-year career in politics, he has hitched his wagon to whichever horse he thought would carry him on the next part of his journey.
He boasts that he has been loyal to Blair, Brown, Miliband and Corbyn, seemingly unaware of the inherent contradiction that entails.
On public spending, on the EU, on Israel and on so much else, he has performed whatever contortion has been necessary to align himself with the most expedient position of the day.
Already there are those within Labour who are warning that he shares the same fundamental weakness as Starmer: that he has no settled political position, other than the belief that he should be prime minister.
If he realises that ambition, the real Andy Burnham will finally need to reveal himself.
This analysis is available only to subscribers. Continue reading ➤ |
Sir Keir and Lady Starmer greet supporters as they enter 10 Downing Street following Labour's landslide election victory |
What is Sir Keir Starmer’s fightback plan? The Prime Minister will be spending the weekend seeking backing from Cabinet colleagues while his team talks up preparations for a potential leadership contest with Andy Burnham. Behind the scenes one voice may be more influential than any other: Lady Starmer. Three sources tells Ben Riley-Smith, our Chief Political Commentator, that Victoria has been pressing her husband to battle on. One said she recently told Starmer “you can’t walk away”. For subscribers only ➤ |
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Reform’s top brass will spend the weekend licking their wounds after suffering a larger-than-expected defeat at the hands of Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, writes Nick Gutteridge, our Chief Political Correspondent. When they return to Westminster on Monday, conversations will inevitably turn to how to respond, but there are differing views over the course to take next. Do they stick to the plan that has propelled the party to the top of the polls, or is a change of approach needed to inject fresh momentum into its bid for power? Continue reading ➤ |
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Shabana Mahmood is expected to maintain her current portfolio if Starmer is ousted |
Shabana Mahmood is expected to remain Home Secretary if Burnham succeeds Starmer. Despite speculation she could move to the Treasury, sources say Mahmood wants to continue driving through her immigration and policing reforms and has built a close working relationship with Burnham. Tony Diver, our Political Editor, and Charles Hymas, our Home Affairs Editor, have the story. Continue reading ➤ |
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Charles Moore If political history has taught us anything, it’s that party revolts only hasten electoral defeat Continue reading ➤
Tim Stanley Keir sends his congratulations to Our Andy ... in a ticking box Continue reading ➤
Suzanne Moore Puberty blocker trials are going ahead. A good day to bury bad news? Continue reading ➤ |
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Scott McTominay appeals for a penalty on a rough night for the Scots |
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Robert Mendick Chief Reporter |
Down but not quite out. Scotland lost 1-0 to Morocco, the African champions, denting their hopes of, for the first time in their history, reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup. All that now stands in Scotland’s way is Brazil in the sweltering heat of Miami on Wednesday. The Tartan Army will depart their home from home in Boston and head for Florida. Scotland were defeated by a goal after just 70 seconds. Throughout the match, their fans booed Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain. Hours before kick-off, Hakimi, 27, who denies all wrongdoing, was ordered to stand trial for rape. England fans will take their places before their game in Boston on Tuesday against Ghana.
Scotland beaten by Morocco after two penalty appeals denied ➤
Watch: Miguel Almiron becomes first player sent off for covering his mouth ➤
Cunha double sinks Haiti as Brazil finally join the party ➤
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Our Travel Correspondent explains changes to air passenger rights |
For 13 years, arguments have raged in Brussels about much-needed reform to air passengers’ rights, writes Simon Calder, our Travel Correspondent. MEPs have finally landed on a classic Euro-fudge. They insist that taking two pieces of cabin baggage on a budget flight is a fundamental human right, and demand that airlines quote fares accordingly. Wiser heads have whispered that allowing everyone to bring a rollalong bag is a recipe for boarding chaos. So carriers can offer discounts for those of us happy to take a small backpack. The more things change, the more fares stay the same. Continue reading ➤ |
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Toy Story 5 is another hit for Pixar. But is it their best? |
This week’s release of Toy Story 5 prompted our critics, Robbie Collin and Tim Robey, to consider Pixar’s phenomenal output since the animation studio broke new ground with the original film in the series back in 1995. Here, they rank all 31 Pixar features, from those guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and bring a tear to the eye), to the misfires that prove even a titan as mighty as Pixar can lose its way. Where does your favourite appear? Continue reading ➤ |
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These tips will help to make this the best barbecue season yet |
When I asked for tips from the country’s foremost experts on cooking over fire, writes Amy Bryant, there was one they all proposed: pile your coals on one side of the barbecue for “two-zone” grilling. It’s a game-changing approach and, along with the rest of the advice shared here, will set you up for a sizzling summer. Continue reading ➤
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Do you have plans for this weekend? Whether you’re staying in or going out, we’ve got you covered. Every week, Diana Henry, The Telegraph’s award-winning cookery writer, brings you three dishes for a perfect weekend meal. Meanwhile, William Sitwell shares his view from the culinary world – and a recommendation or two.
If you’re staying in...
Griddled chicken thighs with parsley and shallot vinaigrette recipe |
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Diana Henry Food writer |
Eating in the garden with friends is at the pinnacle of my entertaining fantasies. I want to be French, to have a table overhung by vines, to serve up lunch with stylish nonchalance. Even when I have pulled it off fairly well, I have offered dishes that were too complicated. A grand aioli – lovely, but it didn’t need an anchovy tart before it or an ice cream after it – took place on a day when the temperature hit 34C. Checking the weather should definitely be on your list of things to do.
Food always tastes better outside. Don’t plan anything complicated – one main dish, a side dish and a simple pudding will do. This griddled chicken does need to be assembled last-minute but, as everyone will be outside, you get the kitchen to yourself and can cook in peace. It might sound unexciting but its vinaigrette, containing shallots and parsley, is almost a sauce, a lovely enhancement to slightly charred meat.
You probably remember Piedmontese peppers, as made famous first by Elizabeth David and then by Delia Smith. The summer when Delia’s Summer Collection was published, this was the dish on everyone’s table, and with good reason – it’s foolproof. Unless you’re inclined to leave things in the oven and completely forget about them, this will be a success. It’s also a satisfying meeting of harmonious flavours, sweet pepper flesh and salty anchovies.
Roast peppers with anchovies and tomatoes |
Perfect nectarines or a bowl of cherries would be an appropriate conclusion to this meal. Or make this apricot and lavender compote. It can be prepared the day before; the flavour will improve. If you’re not a fan of lavender, cook the fruit with vanilla instead. You can serve bought biscuits alongside. Finally, make sure you have ice for drinks, put wine in the fridge – and water, or whatever else you are going to serve – and get good bread. I’d serve a plain green salad as well as those peppers. Eating fluffy bits of baguette you’ve soaked in the vinaigrette at the bottom of the salad bowl tastes even better outside.
If you’re eating out, try not to ruffle any feathers. In William Sitwell’s column this week, he delves into the controversial subject of banning
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William Sitwell |
It was a tuile, or absence of it, that started it. A furious, explosive reaction from a guest at my restaurant, The White Hart, that escalated and then led to my issuing my first banning edict. The woman in pink would no longer darken our door. “The dessert said the zabaglione would come with a tuile,” she harrumphed. So it should have, but the chef burnt it and, as I write this week in my column Sitwell’s Restaurant, no tuile is better than a burnt tuile. In spite of lines struck from the bill, free cheese and coffees, she wouldn’t let it lie. Thus I resolved the matter. “You’re banned,” I told her. Anyone else bullying my lovely staff will get similar treatment from this restaurateur. Read the full column ➤ |
Pel droos fevyr*Every weekday, Orlando Bird, our loyal reader correspondent, shares an off-piste topic that has brought out the best of your opinions and stories. Orlando writes... After England’s exhilarating victory over Croatia on Wednesday night, I think we can confidently assume that it’s coming home this time. What could possibly go wrong?
In any case, World Cup fever has descended on Telegraph readers – many of whom, following Monday’s newsletter, have been recalling the last time it did. Thanks to everyone who replied.
Brian Kain writes: “I was on holiday in Malta when the 1966 final took place. Many of us were watching the television in the hotel lounge; the broadcast was coming from Italy. When it ended 2-2 after 90 minutes, the producer decided that a 30-minute news programme should take precedence, and extra time would be shown immediately afterwards.
“Amazingly, someone had brought a short-wave radio with them on holiday, so we had the strange experience of first listening to the match, then watching extra time later, already knowing the outcome.”
John W Smith adds: “A good friend of mine was returning from holiday on an Isle of Wight ferry while the match was being played. He had the only transistor radio on board, and a crowd began to gather to listen to the commentary. The group grew so large that a crew member asked them to move to the centre of the ferry, as it could possibly begin to tilt.”
On Wednesday, I wrote about Cornwall council’s decision to spend a hefty sum on attempting to revive the Cornish language (*readers fluent in Cornish will spot that our headline means ‘football fever’). I was sceptical, having sat through the odd Kernewek class when I was at primary school.
I enjoyed Patrick Hodgson’s response, suggesting that a smattering might in fact have its uses: “As an honorary Janner, I have an affinity for both Devon and Kernow (but still favour cream first). I recall a trip to Brittany with a Cornish schoolmate. He got on better with the locals speaking Cornish than I did speaking French.
“Nevertheless, I question whether cash-strapped Kernow can realistically afford to sink that sort of money into reviving the language. It didn’t really work with Latin.” That’s all from me for this week, folks. I’ll be back on Monday to bring you the best Telegraph talking points. In the meantime, you can contact me here. |
Andrew Baker’s Saturday quiz |
Come together for the latest instalment of my Saturday quiz.
1. Which form of entertainment did President Trump enjoy on the South Lawn of the White House after announcing the Iran peace deal?
2. This week in 1980 the hit musical movie The Blues Brothers opened. Who played the two brothers?
3. There was talk on our Letters page of reviving the Cornish language, which is called what, in Cornish?
4. Which county’s council has launched a legal battle to stop people from flying the St George’s flag on their streets?
5. What is the name of Frank Sinatra’s youngest daughter, who is backing a new musical featuring his hits?
Plus, can you tackle The 1% Club? Scroll down to see if you got the questions right – and play for free on our website and app.
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1837 | Queen Victoria ascends to the throne, aged 18
1975 | Stephen Spielberg’s Jaws is released
1987 | New Zealand win the first Rugby World Cup, beating France 29-9 (and the back page from the following day below)
Birthdays: Lionel Richie (77), Nicole Kidman (59), Frank Lampard (48)
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Find as many words as you can in today’s Panagram, including the nine-letter solution. Visit Telegraph Puzzles to play a range of head-scratching games, including The 1% Club, Cogs, and Quick, Mini or Cryptic Crosswords.
Yesterday’s Panagram was DECOCTING. Come back tomorrow for the solution to today’s puzzle. |
Thank you for reading. Have a fulfilling day and I hope to see you tomorrow. Chris Evans, Editor
P.S. Please send me your thoughts on this newsletter. You can email me here. |
Quiz answers:
- A UFC cage fight
- Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi
- Kernewek
- Oxfordshire
- Tina
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