Politics

Latest chapter unfolds in Lancashire ferry saga as councils clash

Update on new Preston Davey vigil for baby murdered by ex-teacher Jamie Varley

Sign petition as second vigil held for murdered baby Preston Davey

Ann Widdecombe

Death of Ann Widdecombe now a murder inquiry

Ann Widdecombe

Former Burnley MP contender Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

New town councillor Gavin Kelly, who says he sees his role as apolitical

Reform UK member joins council, politics barred

Join our day of action.

How ‘legal bullying’ is silencing journalists and harming democracy

Inaugural meeting of the Penwortham Town Team, with Paul Foster MP

New Penwortham Town Team meets for first time

From setting up polling stations to counting the votes - elections take a lot of organising

What council bosses say about having to stage elections after U-turn

Lancashire WILL go to the polls this year - local elections back on after U-turn

Rossendale Borough Council leader Alyson Barnes

Effigy of council leader burned at bonfire amid call to end hostility

My 5 years at Westminster were dominated by Brexit paralysis

Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks at the Regional Investment Summit in Birmingham. The Government is expected to extend the freeze on income tax thresholds until 2030 (Photo: Joe Giddens - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Reeves drops tax hike - millions will pay more even without increase

Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes journalists' questions after delivering a speech in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street. Reeves has reportedly ditched plans to raise income tax rates ahead of the November 26 Budget (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rachel Reeves U-turns on tax rises - but your bill could still go up

Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb has proposed a five-year minimum State Pension guarantee, even if a retiree dies early (Photo: Pexels)

New plan could guarantee 5 years of pension payments - even if you die

Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes journalists' questions after delivering a speech in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street on November 4, 2025. Reeves has hinted that Labour may break its manifesto pledge not to raise taxes (Photo: JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Budget 2025: Reeves hints at tax rises - what it means for your money

A nurse in the accident and emergency dept of Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham. Around 18,000 staff roles are being cut in England as part of a major reorganisation (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

18,000 NHS jobs to be cut in shake-up as staff warn of disruption
Ministers say the reforms will free up funds, but critics warn the NHS risks losing vital expertise 💷
Alex Nelson

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers a speech in the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street, ahead of the forthcoming Budget. Reeves has warned that 'each of us must do our bit', signalling possible tax rises (Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Rachel Reeves says 'each of us must do our bit' — what it may cost you

With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, speculation is mounting over how the Chancellor will tackle ongoing economic pressures (Photos: Getty Images/Hodge Bank)

5 big Autumn Budget predictions I think will hit your wallet hard

CAMRA chairman Ash Corbett-Collins (inset) believes politicians often treat pubs as little more than a backdrop for photo opportunities (Photos: Getty Images/CAMRA)

CAMRA: 'Removing pub notices from papers is the wrong kind of reform'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaks on stage during the Labour Party conference in Liverpool in September. The Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

What to expect from the Budget - Reeves faces £50bn gap and inflation

Kelly Groves was pleased to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire to Moorside House

Lancashire home that helped transform British democracy is recognised

Shoppers walk past a Primark clothing store. The retailer's parent company has warned large UK stores could be under 'pressure' from tax changes (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Fashion brand boss warns large stores face pressure - and could close

(Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

400 of Britain's biggest shops could close under new tax plans

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, poses with the red Budget Box as she leaves 11 Downing Street to present the Government's annual budget to Parliament on October 30, 2024 (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Rachel Reeves announces 2025 Autumn Budget date - what to expect

Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a speech at Siemens Healthineers in January 2025 in Eynsham, England (Photo: Peter Cziborra - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Rachel Reeves may cut tax-free pension lump sums – what it could mean

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves during a visit to Studio Ulster on August 12, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland (Photo: Oliver McVeigh - Pool/Getty Images)

Reeves looking at property tax shake-up - what it may mean for buyers

Children's A&E at Ormskirk Hospital

'Don't leave our residents 20km from emergency care'
Leaders of West Lancashire Borough Council are backing community calls for 24-hour adult and children’s A&E services at Ormskirk Hospital.
Catherine Musgrove

Dilara Urtekin

Dilara masters English Lit with A* after only six years of speaking English

Could artificial intelligence take your job? Expert unpacks the real risk

Watch: Could AI take your job? Expert unpacks the real risk

(Photo: Pexels)

Experts say State Pension age could rise to 80 – what that would mean

Rachel Reeves pictured during a visit to the St Fergus Gas Plant in St Fergus, northern Scotland on August 1, 2025 (Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Possible tax rises coming in next Budget - what they may mean for you

Wikipedia is challenging part of the Online Safety Act in the UK High Court

Brits could lose unlimited access to Wikipedia as new rules introduced

Online Safety Act requires users to verify their ages to access certain websites.

Petition to scrap Online Safety Act hits 300,000 signatures

Jonathan Hinder MP on a recent visit to BAE Systems at Samlesbury

Lancashire MP says controlling immigration should be a left wing cause

Punk duo Bob Vylan caused controversy with their Glastonbury 2025 set.

BBC ‘regrets’ Glastonbury decision as it breaks silence over coverage

(Photo: Peter Byrne - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Spending Review 2025 – what Reeves’ plans mean for you and your money

Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage talks to the media after Sarah Pochin won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. PIC: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

“Empty promises”: Reform success ue to Labour & Conservative failures

Which cars would you pick for your dream garage?

My top six dream cars on BOTB – and why I’d pick each one

(Photos: Getty Images)

Rising tariffs and a falling pound: how it could affect holiday prices

(Photos: Getty Images/CNBC)

UK pensions at risk as Trump tariffs spark fears of 'Black Monday 2'

(Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Costly tariffs on Trump's Liberation Day: how it could hit your wallet

(Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Liberation Day: wide Trump tariffs expected - what it means for the UK

Dame Therese Coffey has taken her seat in the House of Lords. Credit: Getty

Lancashire born Dame Therese Coffey takes seat in Lords

Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 5 2024.

Watch: When is Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony?

Ashley Dalton, MP for West Lancashire

I have incurable breast cancer - but I'm still working as your MP

Sir Keir Starmer and Chris Webb campaigning in Blackpool

We look back at a turbulent 12 months in Blackpool politics

Politics, family matters, and religion are the topics most likely to lead to arguments during the Christmas holidays

The biggest talking points of 2024 - and number one is no surprise

Former Fleetwood councillor Colette Fairbanks

Former councillor 'bullied over Brexit views' loses landmark case

Kamala Harris, Donald Trump.

Watch: Donald Trump wins Arizona completing sweep of swing states

Maya Ellis, Labour Party candidate

New Lancashire MP makes call on Government over paternity leave

A poll of 2,000 Brits found Michelle Obama, Bill Gates or Arnold Schwarzenegger would be the best next president of the United States

Brits reveal who they want as US president

Energy Security Ed Miliband, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar at the Port of Greenock while on the General Election campaign trail in May

Nine out of ten green boffins threaten to quit jobs if not supported

I reckon the 2000s was the best time to grow up: 43 retro Preston pics

I can't believe it's been so long... 26 pictures of late 1990s Preston

27 throwback pics of '80s Preston, from Fishergate to Gail from Corrie

News you can trust since 1886

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice