6:50 am, July 21, 2026
Andy Burnham sets out new direction for Britain as he takes power
Andy Burnham promised to deliver the biggest change to British politics in 40 years as he became Prime Minister and swept away key figures from Sir Keir Starmer’s government.
He promised to provide early ‘breathing space’ for households struggling with the cost of living, vowed to end rough sleeping and set out a goal of ‘reindustrialising Britain’.
Speaking outside the door to No 10 Mr Burnham said he would deliver ‘a new political model and a new economic model’ for Britain.
Borrowing costs jump to two-month high as Healey named as Chancellor
Government borrowing costs lifted higher and the value of the pound weakened amid caution from City traders ahead of John Healey’s appointment as the next Chancellor of the Exchequer.
John Healey has been named Chancellor, Ed Miliband is Foreign Secretary and Shabana Mahmood remains Home Secretary, as Andy Burnham purged the Cabinet of loyalists of his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
David Lammy, Rachel Reeves and Steve Reed were among the high-profile Cabinet ministers to be shown the door by the new Prime Minister.
Smart #2 electric city car spotted testing before world debut later this year
The successor to the Smart Fortwo city car – the #2 – has been spotted testing ahead of its world debut later this year.
The two-door, two-seater electric city car that will be positioned at the bottom of the firm’s model line-up and will sit on a new ‘Electric Compact Architecture’ platform.
Details on the car’s exterior and interior design have not been revealed, but the prototype was spotted wearing a Mercedes-Benz-style camouflage livery. It also features short front and rear overhangs and a tall, upright body, just like its predecessor.
The markets
Stock prices in London closed lower on Monday, as gilt yields rose as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham made the first speech of his premiership and started a reshuffle of his top team.
The FTSE 100 index closed down 75.61 points, 0.7%, at 10,524.76. The FTSE 250 ended down 64.12 points, 0.3%, at 23,540.71, and the AIM all-share closed down 1.42 points, 0.2%, at 757.89.
In European equities on Monday, the CAC 40 in Paris closed slightly higher, while the DAX 40 in Frankfurt ended up 0.1%.
Monday on Car Dealer
Heart vs Head: Wheeler Dealer Mike Brewer reveals the dream used cars that you should AVOID
Mike Brewer has revealed five used cars he loves but warns buyers to approach with caution, citing high servicing and repair costs. His list includes the Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT, BMW M5 V10, Audi RS models and the classic Range Rover.
Aston Barclay name vanishes as all auction sites are rebranded under BCA banner
The Aston Barclay brand has officially disappeared after all five auction sites were rebranded as BCA following Constellation Automotive Group’s takeover. Customers now access sales through BCA’s network, with the company promising greater choice, efficiency and expanded remarketing services.
Customer stages protest outside Car Planet amid dispute with used car supermarket
A dissatisfied customer has protested outside Car Planet Watford after claiming a £13,000 Peugeot 208 developed multiple faults within days of purchase. The dealership denies the allegations, saying inspections found no faults and it remains willing to resolve the dispute amicably.
Arnold Clark open Scotland’s only Genesis showroom at state-of-the-art site in Glasgow
Arnold Clark has opened Scotland’s only dedicated Genesis showroom in Glasgow, giving the luxury brand its first standalone retail presence north of the border. The purpose-built site offers test drives, expert advice and a premium customer experience as Genesis expands its UK dealer network.
Stop searching harder; start sourcing smarter by using Dealer Auction to find better stock
Why smarter sourcing tools from Dealer Auction are helping retailers spend less time searching and more time securing the right vehicles [sponsored]
Oil prices surpass 90 dollars a barrel after fresh attacks in US-Iran war
Oil prices have risen above 90 dollars a barrel for the first time in nearly six weeks as investor hopes of an effective peace deal between the US and Iran crumble.
The US carrying out a new round of airstrikes targeting Iran early on Monday helped spark fresh volatility in the world’s energy markets.
The price of Brent crude oil rose by about 1.5% to surpass 90 US dollars a barrel on Monday morning for the first time since early June.
Man charged with murder of Ann Widdecombe
Detectives are continuing to investigate any possible political or terrorist motivation for the murder of Ann Widdecombe after a 28-year-old man was charged with the killing.
Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with murder, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
He was first arrested on suspicion of murder on July 11, two days after the 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Devon.
Weather outlook…
Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be warm with sunny spells and more cloud at times, remaining largely dry.
Wales, the Midlands and southern England should enjoy brighter, warmer conditions with prolonged sunshine.
Overall, the UK stays settled, dry and pleasantly warm.