The Latest Breaking News from Andy Burnham

While their London counterparts are struggling, bands like Courteeners and Blossoms are thriving. Michael Hann speaks to the musicians, politicians, and industry figures about what makes this corner of the country so hospitable for burgeoning guitar groups looking to make a splash

The new PM understands it will take metro mayors with real power to actually improve the country’s housing, education and more, says Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester

In the UK, devolved authorities operate in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as well as in other areas including London, Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and Tees Valley

Letters: Ray Corbett suggests repealing the Land Compensation Act, while Prof Andrew Fraser wants to rake back vast areas owned by hereditary peers. Plus a letter from Bea Rogers

From Jacob Rees-Mogg quoting Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Neil Kinnock’s description of George Galloway, the TV coverage offered some notable moments

In league with regional mayors, the prime minister can test good ideas in areas like housing. There is promising talent in Labour’s ranks too. Fast track it, says Guardian columnist Gaby Hinsliff

Public servant who spearheaded the regeneration of post-industrial Manchester as the city council’s chief executive

With the BBC livestreaming globally for the first time, and an especially rich lineup of Black artists, 2024’s festival champions a broad remit – but plays it safe with Coldplay

Editorial: Polls suggest this election could make the case for proportional representation. That would be very welcome

One of the least spoken about shifts in English politics over the last decade is the move towards mayors. Starting with the establishment of the Mayor of London by Tony Blair in 2000, successive Conservative governments have created 11 mayoral combined authorities, each with its own directly elected mayor, since…

A £10 bn compensation package is set to be outlined in parliament today for all those affected by the blood scandal