6:50 am, July 20, 2026
Andy Burnham to promise ‘breathing room’ as he takes over as prime minister
Andy Burnham will pledge to restore confidence in government and give people ‘breathing room’ when he becomes prime minister today
The new Labour leader will set out his domestic priorities in his first speech from Downing Street after visiting the Palace to ‘kiss hands’ with the King and formally take over from Sir Keir Starmer.
He is expected to characterise the moment as one of ‘reflection and resolution’, arguing Britain must be honest about the challenges it faces and demonstrate it can solve them.
Burnham set to be buoyed by June inflation slowdown
UK inflation is set to have eased last month in a welcome but temporary boost for Andy Burnham’s incoming Government ahead of a jump in the household energy price cap.
Official figures on June’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation will be published on Wednesday, during the week that Mr Burnham takes over as prime minister.
Some economists think a sharp drop in petrol and diesel prices will have helped pull the overall inflation rate down to 2.4% in June, from 2.6% in May.
Aston Martin reveals digital-only ‘Dreadnought’ military vehicle
Aston Martin has gone all rough and tough with the revealing of its digital ‘Dreadnought’ military vehicle.
The one-off fictional creation has been designed to feature in the latest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 gaming series and is a collaboration between Aston Martin and the war game’s developers and publishers, Infinity Ward and Activision.
The Dreadnought’s body is made from carbon fibre and finished off in the famous Aston Martin Chiltern Green paint shade.
The markets
London’s FTSE 100 outperformed global peers on Friday, as markets were hurt by technology sector jitters, with chip shares among the worst hit, while events in the Middle East also continued to keep a lid on enthusiasm.
The FTSE 100 Index closed up 28.13 points, 0.3%, at 10,600.37. For the week, the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 each added 1.0%, though the AIM All-Share lost 0.6%.
In European equities on Friday, the CAC 40 in Paris ended down 0.5%, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt fell 0.3%.
Friday on Car Dealer
‘It’s definitely working’: Carwow CEO stands by reserve price shake-up despite backlash
Carwow CEO John Veichmanis has defended removing reserve prices from daily auctions, saying testing showed they discouraged bidding. Despite dealer criticism, he said the change has delivered record bids and sales, while admitting communication around CSV file changes could have been better.
Used car dealership fraud case takes bizarre twist amid claims of gangster extortion
Sentencing of VIP Car Sales owners Richard and Rachel Gleave has been delayed after lawyers claimed the dealership was ‘hijacked’ by criminals who extorted £200,000. The court granted time to investigate, while former sales manager Mark East received a conditional discharge.
Electric Car Grant reaches 140,000 EV buyers in first year of scheme
The government says its Electric Car Grant has helped more than 140,000 buyers save up to £3,750 in its first year. Ministers say EV sales have risen 35% year-on-year, with 58 models now eligible under the £2bn incentive scheme.
Autotrader dishes out Highly Rated status to more than 1,700 UK car dealers
More than 1,700 dealerships have achieved Autotrader’s ‘Highly Rated’ status for 2026, recognising consistently excellent customer reviews and engagement with feedback. Winners receive promotional assets and a profile badge, with eligibility based on review scores, volume and responsiveness.
Digital ID to be scrapped in order to focus on cost of living
Andy Burnham will scrap Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship digital ID programme when he takes office later today.
Mr Burnham’s team described the move as a ‘reset of priorities’, with money earmarked for implementing digital ID redirected to more ‘tangible’ improvements to people’s lives.
A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister said his Government would ‘put its focus where people need it right now’.
Spain win World Cup final as Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal sinks Argentina
Super sub Ferran Torres fired Spain to their second men’s World Cup triumph as what looks to be Lionel Messi’s last dance ended in 10-man Argentina falling to a meek 1-0 extra-time defeat.
Billed as a box-office final between the South American and European champions, what transpired was a defence versus attack exercise as the holders showed spirit but precious little else.
Faltering Argentina failed to muster a shot across 90 minutes and only Emiliano Martinez’s heroics kept Spain at bay, with the goalkeeper preventing teenager Lamine Yamal from scoring a match-winning free-kick.
Weather outlook
Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be pleasantly warm with sunny spells and variable cloud, staying largely dry.
Wales, the Midlands and southern England will be warmer, with bright or sunny conditions after some morning cloud.
Overall, the UK should enjoy settled, dry weather with temperatures above average.