UK wealth managers tumbled after a US fintech launched an AI planning tool seen as a threat to fee-based advice. St James’s Place fell about 13%, while Quilter, abrdn, AJ Bell and Rathbones also slid. Bosses said regulation and client trust mean technology will augment, not replace, human advisers.
A serial rail fare dodger who avoided paying £3,600 over two years escaped jail. The court imposed a suspended sentence, unpaid work and costs, citing potential for reform. An MP urged tougher measures to deter fare evasion and protect funding for public transport.
A revival of Dalziel and Pascoe has been announced, with new leads replacing the original stars. The crime drama will return in a contemporary reimagining, bringing the partnership back to screens. Further details on production and broadcast are expected soon.
Officials are searching a quarter-century of Whitehall records for Mandelson–Epstein contacts, including during the Blair and Brown years. Findings may be shared with standards bodies. Mandelson denies wrongdoing.
Larry, the No 10 cat, is portrayed as wanting to leave Downing Street, a light‑hearted proxy for turbulence inside government. It suggests rising unease amid Labour infighting, criticism of the PM and speculation over appointments, reflecting discontent at the centre of power.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch argues Labour’s tax and business-rate rises are damaging high streets, warning of widespread closures. She pledges action to revive town centres and reduce boarded‑up shops. Ministers say revenues are needed and that planned reforms will support growth.
A writer describes how constant rows over domestic chores—symbolised by stacking the dishwasher—revealed unequal effort and eroded respect in her marriage. The accumulated resentment led her to leave, highlighting how small habits can mask deeper relationship faults.
Allies say Wes Streeting still plans to challenge the PM within weeks, despite a public show of unity. After a turbulent day, the PM sought to reassert control at cabinet, but doubts persist over his authority and the timing of a potential leadership bid.
Tesco’s boss warned the PM that Britain is sleepwalking into a worklessness crisis that threatens growth. He urged welfare and skills reforms, quicker planning decisions and fewer burdens on employers to boost hiring and productivity, saying long‑term economic inactivity is holding the economy back.
Allies say the PM will not dismiss Health Sec Wes Streeting after leadership plot speculation. Streeting pledges support as a fragile truce holds, and ministers are told to focus on delivery. A dismissal is viewed as likely to deepen internal instability within government.
A former No 10 comms chief, recently made a peer, has been suspended from the Labour whip after campaigning for a councillor charged over abusive images and over past links to an individual convicted of abuse. He apologised to victims as No 10 faced questions about when concerns were raised.
A drug dealer who rigged his home with hazardous booby traps has been jailed for seven years. Police uncovered an extensive operation and devices intended to deter intruders. The judge said the set‑up posed serious risk to neighbours and emergency services.