Herald section
The latest politics reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Funeral ceremonies for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei will be held in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad, with preparations underway for large-scale mourning. He was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike on his compound in Tehran on February 28, 2026.
Wes Streeting resigns as UK health secretary, citing loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer following local election results. Andy Burnham is selected to contest the Makerfield by-election.
Negotiations between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders broke down in Mogadishu without agreement. The dispute centres on the country's electoral framework and technical delays, with regional vote-rigging accusations in South West State.
The prime minister told his cabinet he has no intention of stepping down despite calls from over 90 Labour MPs and several ministers. He stated that no formal leadership challenge had been triggered and that governing must continue.
The government reversed a proposal to end the academic year 40 days early, citing backlash from parents, local authorities, and education groups. The original schedule, ending 15 July, was restored.
Labour concedes defeat in Wales, where Plaid Cymru and Reform UK make significant gains, while the Scottish National Party claims victory in Scotland.
Reform UK secured control of Havering London Borough Council, becoming the first Reform-run council in Greater London. The party won at least 28 of 55 seats, displacing the previous majority held by resident and ratepayer groups.
Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan has announced her resignation following her defeat in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency during the 2026 Senedd elections, with Plaid Cymru projected to win a historic majority.