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2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council
Election: Local election, Thursday 7 May 2026
Seats contested: 20 of 60
Overall turnout: 46.6%
Overall control/status: no overall control. Labour remained the largest party after the election, but Reform UK made 13 gains and moved to 16 seats on the council. The reported post-election council composition was Labour 18, Reform UK 16, The Oldham Group Party 10, Liberal Democrats 6, Conservatives 4, Failsworth Independent Party 1 and other independents 5.

Seat summary from the 20 wards contested:

Reform UK: 13
Labour / Labour and Co-operative: 3
The Oldham Group Party: 2
Liberal Democrats: 1
Independent: 1
Conservative: 0
Green: 0

Alexandra
Result: The Oldham Group Party GAIN
Elected: Shabir Hussain, The Oldham Group Party
Turnout: 45.01%
Majority: 563
Candidates: Shabir Hussain, The Oldham Group Party, 1,552; Shaid Mushtaq, Labour and Co-operative Party, 989; Susan Brown, Reform UK, 689; Andrea Chaverra Valencia, Green Party, 228; Martin Alexander Dinoff, Liberal Democrats, 85; Carol Hardie, Independent, 46; Anne Taylor, Independent Northern Heart Oldham, 29.

Chadderton Central
Result: Labour HOLD
Elected: Nazrul Islam, Labour Party
Turnout: 44.72%
Majority: 200
Candidates: Nazrul Islam, Labour Party, 1,215; Alexander David William Lomas, Reform UK, 1,015; Mohammed Razon, Independent, 892; Suleman Hussain, Green Party, 456; Katie Helen Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 149; Iryna Kantorova, Conservative Party Candidate, 88.

Chadderton North
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Jon Ford, Reform UK
Turnout: 47.27%
Majority: 1,159
Candidates: Jon Ford, Reform UK, 2,107; Colin McLaren, Labour Party Candidate, 948; Paul Alexander Singleton, Green Party, 502; Darren Lyon, Conservative Party Candidate, 285; Prem Raghvani, Liberal Democrats, 141.

Chadderton South
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Rob Jackson, Reform UK
Turnout: 41.8%
Majority: 1,124
Candidates: Rob Jackson, Reform UK, 1,833; Kyle Phythian, Labour and Co-operative Party, 709; Stephanie Anne Beverley, Green Party, 539; Muhammad Irfan, The Oldham Group Party, 351; Stephen Davenport, Conservative Party Candidate, 256; Brian Witt, Liberal Democrats, 103.

Coldhurst
Result: Independent GAIN
Elected: Mohammed Mohib Abu Taleb, Independent
Turnout: 45.92%
Majority: 421
Candidates: Mohammed Mohib Abu Taleb, Independent, 1,892; Abdul Malik, Labour Party, 1,471; Elaine Whittingham, Reform UK, 473; Tayba Nazir, Green Party, 464; Mohammed Ali, Independent, 133; Keith Pendlebury, Liberal Democrats, 128.

Crompton
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Peter Hanlon, Reform UK
Turnout: 47.76%
Majority: 737
Candidates: Peter Hanlon, Reform UK, 1,773; Hazel Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 1,036; Chris Mills, Green Party, 250; Alicia Dunne, Independent, 232; Latif Choudhary, Labour Party Candidate, 227; Darren Lord, Conservative Party Candidate, 153; Shaun Michael Duffy, Independent, 79.

Failsworth East
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Andrew Barry Brooks, Reform UK
Turnout: 44.16%
Majority: 1,576
Candidates: Andrew Barry Brooks, Reform UK, 2,050; Chris Goodwin, Labour and Co-operative Party, 474; Neil Hindle, Failsworth Independent Party, 430; Laurraine DeMelchor, Green Party, 369; Jane Dronsfield, The Conservative Party Candidate, 101; Barbara Ann Beeley, Liberal Democrats, 60.

Failsworth West
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Mark Christopher Ruthven, Reform UK
Turnout: 42.61%
Majority: 1,294
Candidates: Mark Christopher Ruthven, Reform UK, 1,878; Peter Davis, Labour and Co-operative Party, 584; Andrew Kevin Jones, Green Party, 507; Natalie Parren, Failsworth Independent Party, 205; Roger Blackmore, Liberal Democrats, 95; Bernard Akin, The Conservative Party Candidate, 88.

Hollinwood
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Robert Barnes, Reform UK
Turnout: 41.8%
Majority: 606
Candidates: Robert Barnes, Reform UK, 1,472; Saniya Abid, Labour Party, 866; Abdul Wahid, The Oldham Group Party, 772; Callum Holt, Green Party, 359; Elizabeth Adamson, Liberal Democrats, 164; John Lawrence, National Housing Party Oldham People First, 58.

Medlock Vale
Result: Labour HOLD
Elected: Junaid Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party
Turnout: 40.47%
Majority: 300
Candidates: Junaid Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party, 1,283; Victor Flowers, Reform UK, 983; Sharoon Zaman, The Oldham Group Party, 777; Cameron Lee Gates, Green Party, 432; Shona Farnworth, Liberal Democrats, 198.

Royton North
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Paul Robinson, Reform UK
Turnout: 50.14%
Majority: 1,916
Candidates: Paul Robinson, Reform UK, 2,502; Clint Phythian, Labour Party, 586; Christine Adams, Conservative Party Candidate, 569; Emily Walker, Green Party, 412; Lewis Farnworth, Liberal Democrats, 169.

Royton South
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Tony Pinder, Reform UK
Turnout: 44.8%
Majority: 1,277
Candidates: Tony Pinder, Reform UK, 1,922; Kathryn Jane England, Labour Party, 645; Miranda Meadowcroft, Green Party, 368; William Hingston, Conservative Party Candidate, 267; Lynne Christine Thompson, Liberal Democrats, 144; Anthony Prince, Independent, 143.

Saddleworth North
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Ioan Williams, Reform UK
Turnout: 54.48%
Majority: 463
Candidates: Ioan Williams, Reform UK, 1,752; Michael Robert Thomas Powell, Liberal Democrats, 1,289; Luke Bywater, Conservative Party Candidate, 488; Samuel Jacob Hollis, Labour and Co-operative Party, 432; Chris Fielding, Green Party, 330.

Saddleworth South
Result: Liberal Democrat HOLD
Elected: Helen Louise Bishop, Liberal Democrats
Turnout: 54.77%
Majority: 2
Candidates: Helen Louise Bishop, Liberal Democrats, 1,594; Christopher John McManus, Reform UK, 1,592; Archie Ross Duncan, Labour Party, 602; David Hartington, Conservative Party Candidate, 417; George Simon Atkinson, Green Party, 344.

Saddleworth West & Lees
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Peter Klonowski, Reform UK
Turnout: 49.43%
Majority: 172
Candidates: Peter Klonowski, Reform UK, 1,808; Alicia Claire Marland, Liberal Democrats, 1,636; Dave Barter, Labour Party, 279; Joe Bardsley, Green Party, 238; Lisa Hartington, Conservative Party Candidate, 143.

Shaw
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Steve Eyre, Reform UK
Turnout: 47.11%
Majority: 600
Candidates: Steve Eyre, Reform UK, 1,555; Tom Penketh, Liberal Democrats, 955; Hamid Ali, Labour Party, 336; Ben Jack Ingham, Green Party, 253; Sarah Howarth, Independent, 177; Lee Navesey, Independent, 175; Adi Kohli, Conservative Party Candidate, 53.

St James’
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Gary Tarbuck, Reform UK
Turnout: 39.51%
Majority: 1,362
Candidates: Gary Tarbuck, Reform UK, 1,938; Angela Carol Cosgrove, Labour Party, 576; Amir Jhandad, Green Party, 284; Tom Noble, Conservative Party Candidate, 209; Roger Hindle, Liberal Democrats, 158; Maqsood Hussain, The Oldham Group Party, 22.

St Mary’s
Result: The Oldham Group Party GAIN
Elected: Sonny Shah Arstan, The Oldham Group Party
Turnout: 51.84%
Majority: 1,089
Candidates: Sonny Shah Arstan, The Oldham Group Party, 2,554; Aftab Hussain, Labour Party, 1,465; Ivan Burnley-Davies, Reform UK, 368; Lina Maria Valencia, Green Party, 321; Joe Gloster, Liberal Democrats, 110.

Waterhead
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Paul Taylor, Reform UK
Turnout: 46.09%
Majority: 479
Candidates: Paul Taylor, Reform UK, 1,459; Mir Ajawat, The Oldham Group Party, 980; Ali Aqeel Salamat, Labour Party Candidate, 954; Andrew Peter Sinclair, Green Party, 394; Alison Caroline Bishop, Liberal Democrats, 266; Stuart Allsopp, Independent, 132; Majid Khan, Independent, 54.

Werneth
Result: Labour HOLD
Elected: Fida Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party
Turnout: 51.28%
Majority: 146
Candidates: Fida Hussain, Labour and Co-operative Party, 1,748; Rangzib Nazir, Workers Party – Oldham Group, 1,602; Mohammed Imran Ali, Independent, 864; Mycul Trelore, Green Party, 364; Stuart Illingworth, Reform UK, 247; Rachel Pendlebury, Liberal Democrats, 102.

May 11, 2026
2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Basildon Borough Council

2026 LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS – Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council

Election: Basildon Borough Council local election, Thursday 7 May 2026
Overall control/status: no overall control. After the election, the reported council make-up was Conservatives 12, Labour 12, Reform UK 11, Independents 4 and Wickford Independents 3.
Seats contested: 14
Result summary for seats contested: Reform UK 11, Conservative 3

Billericay East
Result: Conservative HOLD
Elected: Martyn James Mordecai, Conservative and Unionist Party
Electorate: 9,546
Ballot papers issued: 5,233
Turnout: 54%
Spoilt ballots: 24
Majority: 679
Candidates: Martyn James Mordecai, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,341; Denise Lydia Martin, Reform UK, 1,662; Stewart Goshawk, Green Party, 773; Peter Bunyan, Labour Party, 249; Laura Clark, Liberal Democrats, 184.

Billericay West
Result: Conservative HOLD
Elected: Daniel Lawrence, Conservative and Unionist Party
Electorate: 9,473
Ballot papers issued: 5,043
Turnout: 53%
Spoilt ballots: 36
Majority: 1,100
Candidates: Daniel Lawrence, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,536; Krupa Jeevan Kollabathula, Reform UK, 1,436; Chris May, Liberal Democrats, 410; Kevin Blackmore, Green Party, 334; Tracey Hilton, Labour Party, 285.

Burstead
Result: Conservative HOLD
Elected: Kevin Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party
Electorate: 11,165
Ballot papers issued: 5,899
Turnout: 52%
Spoilt ballots: 17
Majority: 481
Candidates: Kevin Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party, 2,654; Phillip Raymond Bruce, Reform UK, 2,173; Daniel McGarry, Green Party, 408; Leslie Banks, Labour Party, 391; Peter Lancaster, Liberal Democrats, 252.

Castledon and Crouch
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Zoe Tamar Hockton, Reform UK
Electorate: 9,292
Ballot papers issued: 4,628
Turnout: 49%
Spoilt ballots: 11
Majority: 1,206
Candidates: Zoe Tamar Hockton, Reform UK, 2,329; Mark Richard Cottrell, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,123; Stewart Mott, Liberal Democrats, 654; Stewart Blackett, Labour Party, 240; Maximillian Eric Giddens, Green Party, 217; Christopher David Bateman, British Democratic Party, 49.

Fryerns
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Eileen Marilyn Brown, Reform UK
Electorate: 10,612
Ballot papers issued: 3,611
Turnout: 34%
Spoilt ballots: 20
Majority: 409
Candidates: Eileen Marilyn Brown, Reform UK, 1,594; Chelsea George, Labour Party, 1,185; Ann Blake, Conservative and Unionist Party, 356; Rainbow Serina, Green Party, 303; Vivien Howard, Liberal Democrats, 78; Simon John Breedon, Independent, 38; Eleanor Mary Donne, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 33.

Laindon Park
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Darren Gregg Gardner, Reform UK
Electorate: 9,898
Ballot papers issued: 3,616
Turnout: 36%
Spoilt ballots: 5
Majority: 873
Candidates: Darren Gregg Gardner, Reform UK, 1,679; Wayne Milne, Labour Party, 806; Jeff Henry, Conservative and Unionist Party, 693; Jessica Whitehead, Green Party, 278; Stephen Edward McCarthy, Liberal Democrats, 116; Dave Murray, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 39.

Langdon Hills
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Damion Lewis, Reform UK
Electorate: 10,985
Ballot papers issued: 4,946
Turnout: 45%
Spoilt ballots: 19
Majority: 141
Candidates: Damion Lewis, Reform UK, 1,720; Walter Clarence Brown, Independent, 1,579; Chris Allen, Conservative and Unionist Party, 584; Brian Button, Labour Party, 567; Ian John Murray, Green Party, 338; Steve Nice, Liberal Democrats, 93; None Of The Above X, Independent, 36.

Lee Chapel North
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Jose Antony Kattady, Reform UK
Electorate: 10,082
Ballot papers issued: 3,302
Turnout: 32%
Spoilt ballots: 12
Majority: 345
Candidates: Jose Antony Kattady, Reform UK, 1,420; Terry Webb, Labour Party, 1,075; Emma Elizabeth Blackmore, Green Party, 334; Deepak Shukla, Conservative and Unionist Party, 315; Mike Chandler, Liberal Democrats, 112; Elaine McDonald, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 29.

Nethermayne
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Wayne Lowther, Reform UK
Electorate: 9,925
Ballot papers issued: 3,314
Turnout: 33%
Spoilt ballots: 9
Majority: 540
Candidates: Wayne Lowther, Reform UK, 1,290; Eddie Murphy, Independent, 750; Elsa Benn, Labour Party, 629; Matthew Hornsby, Green Party, 321; Yetunde Adeshile, Conservative and Unionist Party, 265; Chris Huggins, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 52.

Pitsea North West
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Jeff Noble, Reform UK
Electorate: 9,281
Ballot papers issued: 3,087
Turnout: 33%
Spoilt ballots: 12
Majority: 575
Candidates: Jeff Noble, Reform UK, 1,468; Pat Reid, Labour Party, 893; Stuart James Terson, Conservative and Unionist Party, 384; Michelle Savage, Green Party, 223; Martin Howard, Liberal Democrats, 85; Sine Surridge, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 22.

Pitsea South East
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: David Martin Abrahall, Reform UK
Electorate: 10,063
Ballot papers issued: 3,696
Turnout: 36%
Spoilt ballots: 10
Majority: 891
Candidates: David Martin Abrahall, Reform UK, 1,738; Ryan McDonald, Labour Party, 847; Craig Ronald Rimmer, Conservative and Unionist Party, 709; Steven Willis, Green Party, 271; Steven Robert Spowart, Liberal Democrats, 86; Jack Huggins, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 34.

St Martin’s
Result: Reform UK HOLD
Elected: Sam John Journet, Reform UK
Electorate: 9,667
Ballot papers issued: 3,151
Turnout: 32%
Spoilt ballots: 18
Majority: 147
Candidates: Sam John Journet, Reform UK, 1,280; Elizabeth Atkinson, Labour Party, 1,133; Deepak Roy, Conservative and Unionist Party, 351; Ellie Matthewman, Green Party, 316; Andrew Buxton, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, 53.

Wickford North
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: Steven Mark Swaby, Reform UK
Electorate: 10,351
Ballot papers issued: 4,675
Turnout: 45%
Spoilt ballots: 28
Majority: 931
Candidates: Steven Mark Swaby, Reform UK, 2,106; Billy Merrin, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,175; Trevor Terence Hammond, Wickford Independents, 545; Penny Anne Wright, Green Party, 360; Viviane Morris, Labour Party, 252; Nicola Hoad, Liberal Democrats, 208.

Wickford Park
Result: Reform UK GAIN
Elected: John Alan Peters, Reform UK
Electorate: 8,976
Ballot papers issued: 3,698
Turnout: 41%
Spoilt ballots: 16
Majority: 485
Candidates: John Alan Peters, Reform UK, 1,640; Lewis Aaron Hooper, Conservative and Unionist Party, 1,155; Sam Twigg, Green Party, 279; Dean Sharpe, Labour Party, 220; Sean Mundy, Wickford Independents, 182; Mike Woods, Liberal Democrats, 176; Sarah-Jane Shields, Independent, 30.

May 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : The National Lottery Community Fund Board Appointments [May 2026]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 11 May 2026.

The Secretary of State has reappointed Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, and Paul Sweeney, and extended the terms of John Mothersole and Kate Still.

Richard Collier-Keywood

Richard Collier-Keywood has been reappointed as a Member for a term of 18 months, commencing on 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027.

Richard Collier-Keywood holds a variety of prominent roles, primarily as a Chair. He chairs the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Fair4All Finance (the UK financial inclusion organisation funded by dormant assets), New Forest Care (a provider of bespoke care and education to children with complex needs), and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Richard holds several other board positions: Board member and Chair of the finance committee for the Women of the World Foundation; Board member and Chair of the finance committee for St George’s House (Windsor Castle); and Non-executive director on the international Board for Eversheds Sutherland LLP.

Previously Richard was a Global Vice-Chairman of PwC from November 2011 to February 2017 and served as Managing Partner of PwC UK from 2008 to 2011. Richard is a barrister and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Dame Helen Stephenson

Dame Helen Stephenson has been reappointed as a Member for a term of 18 months, commencing on 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027.

Her career includes serving as the former Chief Executive and Board Member of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Before this, she was the Director of Early Years and Child Care at the Department for Education. Earlier in her career, she worked in the Cabinet Office as Director of the Office for Civil Society and Government Innovation Group.

Prior to joining the Civil Service, Helen was Head of Strategic Policy and Partnerships at the Big Lottery Fund. Her experience also spans the statutory and voluntary sectors as a researcher and consultant, and she served as a development manager for a major national charity. She holds a PhD from Bristol University.

Helen is on the Board of the Independent Football Regulator and is a Trustee of The King’s Foundation. Furthermore, she is a Board member of the ECB Regulatory Board and serves on the People and Governance Committee at the Royal Academy of Dance.

Helen’s contributions have been recognised with a CBE in 2014 and a DBE in the 2024 Birthday Honours for her services to charity and regulation.

Paul Sweeney

Paul Sweeney has been reappointed as a Member and Northern Ireland Chair for a second term of four years, commencing on 18 August 2026 to 17 August 2030. Paul has a wealth of experience working in the voluntary, community and public sectors in Northern Ireland.

From 1987 to 1994, he was the Director of the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, which supported community-based self-help initiatives.

He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) in 1994, initially on secondment, as an adviser on community development and reconciliation. Throughout his subsequent career in the NICS he held a number of senior positions including Deputy Secretary in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister, Permanent Secretary in the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure and Permanent Secretary in the Department of Education.

Since retiring from the NICS in 2017, Paul has undertaken a trustee role in a number of not-for-profit organisations involved in regeneration, culture and young people.

John Mothersole

John Mothersole’s second term as a Member and England Committee Chair has been extended by 2 years from 14 May 2026 to 13 May 2028.

John’s extensive career includes senior local government roles in UK cities, culminating in 11 years as Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council until December 2019. Since then, he has focused on non-executive and advisory roles.

His current appointments include Chair of The Sheffield College, a trustee position with a community care charity, and advisory work with companies specialising in regeneration and environment. He was also an assessor for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, concluding this role with the final report’s publication in September 2024.

John has been a key figure in policy development for UK cities, actively participating in the Core Cities network, the Northern Powerhouse initiative, and working with the Government to secure city and city region devolution deals and participate in trade missions.

More recently, John has been appointed as Trustee of the Historic Royal Palaces. He also chairs the Nature Towns and Cities Panel, a joint initiative by The National Trust, Natural England, and The Heritage Lottery Fund.

His early career was rooted in the arts, primarily in London and the North-East. A key achievement from this period was the reopening of the Roundhouse in London, which paved the way for its subsequent redevelopment.

Kate Still

Kate Still’s second term as a Member and Scotland Committee Chair has been extended by 2 years from 14 May 2026 to 13 May 2028.

Kate brings over 30 years of relevant experience, having worked with and for communities across various fields, including grant-making, education, apprenticeships, employability, community enterprise, and regeneration. She is deeply committed to addressing issues of poverty, equality, diversity, and social justice.

Her extensive career spans senior roles in the public, private, and charity sectors. In July 2024, she was appointed by the Scottish Government to lead the independent review of Community Learning and Development, which resulted in the report “Learning For All. For Life.”

Remuneration and Governance Code

Board Members of The National Lottery Community Fund are remunerated at £7,848 per annum.

The Chairs of the England and Scotland Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund are both remunerated at £24,000.

The Chair of the Northern Ireland Committee of The National Lottery Community Fund is remunerated at £29,232.

These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election.

Richard Collier-Keywood, Dame Helen Stephenson, Paul Sweeney, Kate Still and Paul Sweeney have declared no political activity.

May 11, 2026
Catherine West – 2026 Comments on Keir Starmer’s Leadership

The comments made by Catherine West, the Labour MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet, on 11 May 2026.

I have listened to the Prime Minister’s speech this morning. I welcome the renewed energy and ideas. However, I have reluctantly concluded that this morning’s speech was too little too late.

The results last Thursday show that the PM has failed to inspire hope. What is best for the party and country now is for an orderly transition.

I am hereby giving notice to No10 that I am collecting names of Labour MPs to call on the Prime Minister to set a timetable for the election of a new leader in September.

I want to thank everyone who has been in contact over the weekend to offer good wishes. We need our best top team in place to fight the next election. We owe working people up and down the country nothing less.

May 11, 2026
MAY 2026 WARD BY WARD ELECTION RESULTS

The ward by ward results from the local elections held in May 2026.

Mayoral Election Results

Adur District Council

Barking and Dagenham Borough Council

Barnet Borough Council

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council

Bexley Borough Council

Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council

East Surrey Council

Huntingdonshire District Council

Isle of Wight Council

Islington Council

Leeds City Council

Lincoln City Council

Norfolk County Council

Norwich City Council

Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council

Oxford City Council

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

May 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Dr Simon Fabri appointed Chief Executive of HMGCC

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 11 May 2026.

HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre) has today announced the appointment of Dr Simon Fabri as its new Chief Executive, leading the organisation’s work at the forefront of national security and defence technology.

Dr Fabri takes up the role today (11 May), succeeding Dr George Williamson CMG, who has left HMGCC to join the Alan Turing Institute.

Founded in 1938, HMGCC is the UK government’s centre for national security engineering. Based at Hanslope Park in Milton Keynes, it brings together engineers, scientists and technologists to develop specialist tools and technologies that support national security, defence and law enforcement, helping to keep the UK safe.

For much of its 88-year history, HMGCC operated almost entirely behind the scenes. In recent years, it has begun to share more of its technology challenges openly, working with partners across industry and academia through initiatives such as HMGCC Co‑Creation to source the best innovation from across the UK and beyond.

Dr Fabri joined HMGCC in 2023 to lead its product and engineering teams. Since then, he has overseen significant changes to how the organisation designs and delivers technology, strengthening its ability to respond to rapidly evolving national security threats.

Before joining HMGCC, Dr Fabri built a career spanning academia and industry, with senior roles across the telecommunications, energy and automotive sectors, followed by leadership positions at Amazon.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Fabri said:

I am proud to be taking on this role at a time of both significant challenge and opportunity for HMGCC.

Technology and national security are becoming ever more closely linked, and that intersection sits at the heart of HMGCC’s mission. I feel a deep sense of responsibility for the work we do and the impact it has on the UK’s security and defence capability.

As Chief Executive, Dr Fabri will focus on building on HMGCC’s existing strengths: investing in its in‑house technical expertise, deepening partnerships with industry and academia, and ensuring that the organisation continues to deliver cutting‑edge capabilities for the national security community.

He added:

HMGCC brings together exceptional people, world‑class facilities and a strong location within the Oxford–Cambridge growth corridor. This gives us a unique opportunity to work with partners across the UK to strengthen our national security technology base.

May 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Home Office Warns of FIFA Ticket Scams

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 May 2026.

Football fans are being urged to guard against scams when buying match tickets for the upcoming FIFA World Cup – which kicks off next month – as newly-released data from Lloyds reveals football ticket scams increased over a third (36%) during the current Premier League football season.

Which teams and fixtures do fraudsters target most?

The findings, based on thousands of scam cases between October 2025 and March 2026, show fraudsters focus heavily on popular teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United. Scammers also repeatedly target supporters looking for tickets to some of the most in‑demand football matches in the UK, such as the FA Cup Final and Champions League Final.

With the World Cup, hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico, set to be the most spectated football event, it’s anticipated that fraudsters will target the big-name fixtures and attempt to exploit international demand.

How much are victims losing?

On average victims lost £215 during the current Premier League football season, but some fans paid hundreds or even thousands of pounds for ‘season tickets’ or VIP seats that never existed. Hopeful football fans are expected to pay much more for expensive World Cup tickets, meaning the potential loss for victims could be devastating – especially for those forking out on extra costs to travel across the pond.

The government and Lloyds are teaming up once again to highlight the issue to football supporters, as part of the Stop! Think Fraud campaign. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves from fraud.

Lord Hanson, Minister for Fraud, said:

As excitement builds for the World Cup, fraudsters are preparing to exploit loyal fans searching for tickets. I urge all football supporters hunting for tickets to Stop! Think Fraud and show fraudsters the red card. Only buy directly from FIFA or the FIFA Resale Marketplace. Missing out on a big match is disappointing, but becoming a victim to a scam makes it even harder to bear.

Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen support for victims.

Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director, Lloyds said:

Fraudsters thrive on urgency and target fans looking for hard‑to‑get tickets for big‑name fixtures. Most of the football ticket scams we see start on social media – especially Facebook and Instagram – before the criminal moves the buyer onto WhatsApp and insists on a bank transfer to pay. It’s incredibly convincing, and we don’t want fans to lose their money trying to support their team. We’re urging supporters to stay alert and stick to official ticketing channels.

How football ticket scams work

Most football ticket scams begin on social media. Criminals advertise a spare ticket, then shift the conversation to WhatsApp, where victims are pushed to make a bank transfer. Once the money is sent, the scammer blocks the buyer and disappears.

World Cup warning: scammers will use the same tactics

With the 2026 Men’s World Cup just one month away, Lloyds and the Home Office are taking action to protect fans by highlighting how criminals will try to exploit the excitement.

Scammers know demand will be huge and will mimic the methods seen in club‑level scams: fake listings on social media, pressure to act quickly and requests for bank transfers. Fraudsters move quickly, creating fake waiting lists, counterfeit QR codes or bogus “pre‑release” offers to lure people in.

Practical advice: Liz Ziegler’s tip for avoiding football ticket scams

Take your time

If you’re offered tickets for a match that’s in high demand, don’t let the fear of missing out make you rush your decision. Stop, think, and check if the offer is genuine.

Be careful with social media adverts, especially on marketplace platforms

If you see a last-minute ticket post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, pause to consider whether it’s legitimate. Do some research and consult family or friends before proceeding.

Don’t pay by bank transfer

Genuine ticket retailers never ask for payment by bank transfer, but fraudsters do as it’s fast and hard to trace. Treat requests for bank transfers as a major warning sign, especially if the account details do not match the seller’s name.

Be wary of “too good to be true” offers

Derbies, European fixtures, and World Cup matches are magnets for scammers promising tickets that no one else can supply. If an offer seems unrealistic, it probably is.

Use official club channels or authorised sellers

For major events like the World Cup, only trust the tournament’s official ticketing platforms or club-approved sellers to ensure your purchase is safe. Don’t forget that artificial intelligence (AI) can help criminals to create professional content. Just because it has a good layout and graphics, doesn’t mean it is legitimate.

Be cautious of pressure tactics

Be cautious of classic pressure phrases like “lots of interest”, “I’ll send the QR code after payment”, or “I need to sell right now”. Scammers often use urgency to push you into making hasty decisions.

Report Fraud

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Case study

Robert Paterson, 39, Barber shop owner, Edinburgh.

Like any passionate Scotland supporter, I’m over the moon we’ve qualified for the World Cup for the first time in nearly 20 years. I’ve been on the hunt for tickets, particularly for the Brazil game. I’ve spent time on various platforms like X and Facebook in the hope of securing seats but am always nervous of what’s real and what could be a scam.

I own a popular chain of barber shops ‘Rag and Bone’, so have been swapping tips and stories with lots of clients in the barber’s chair who have also been looking for legitimate tickets.

In the process, I’ve definitely come across a number of suspected fake or questionable listings, with many tickets appearing either massively overpriced or outright dodgy, especially on Facebook. It definitely takes a bit of the excitement out of buying tickets when you’re having to worry if it’s real or not.

Earlier this year the government launched a new Fraud Strategy to tackle the UK’s most commonly experienced crime by strengthening partnerships across sectors, disrupting criminal operations and delivering better support for victims. This includes a £31 million investment for a new Online Crime Centre, combining the data, expertise and capabilities of the police, GCHQ, banks, telecommunications and tech firms to shut down the avenues that fraudsters exploit, wherever in the world they might be.

About the Stop! Think Fraud campaign

Stop! Think Fraud is the UK government’s national campaign to help people protect themselves from scams. Led by the Home Office and supported by partners across law enforcement, banking, tech, retail and the charity sector, the campaign empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect themselves.

Launched in 2024, Stop! Think Fraud provides practical advice on how to spot the signs of fraud, secure personal information, and take action if targeted. The campaign encourages everyone to take a moment to stop, think and check before responding to suspicious messages or offers – because anyone can be a victim of fraud.

By raising awareness and promoting simple, effective steps to stay safe, Stop! Think Fraud is building a national movement to disrupt fraudsters and protect communities across the UK.

For more information visit: Stop! Think Fraud – How to stay safe from scams

Methodology

Football ticket scam data

Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (football tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026, with comparisons made to data from October 2024 and March 2025.

Ticket scam data

Figures based on analysis of relevant purchase scams (tickets) reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between October 2025 and March 2026.

May 11, 2026
NEWS STORY : Government Could Take British Steel Into Public Ownership

STORY

The Government is to introduce new legislation giving ministers the option to bring British Steel into public ownership, subject to a public interest test. The powers will be announced in the King’s Speech on Wednesday and could allow British Steel to return to Government ownership for the first time since it was sold off in 1988.

Ministers said the legislation would provide a route to safeguard UK steelmaking capacity and avoid a sudden halt in production at Scunthorpe. The Government intervened at British Steel in April 2025 under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act to keep production running and prevent the closure of the blast furnaces, which it said could have disrupted supply chains and put thousands of jobs at risk.

The Department for Business and Trade said talks had continued with British Steel’s current owner, but that it had not been possible to agree a commercial sale on terms that would deliver acceptable value for money for taxpayers. Any decision to use the new powers would depend on the public interest test, including factors such as national security, critical national infrastructure and support for the economy.

May 11, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : New legislation gives Government power to bring British Steel into public ownership [May 2026]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 11 May 2026.

New legislation to be announced in the King’s Speech on Wednesday will give government the option to bring British Steel into public ownership.
- Government to introduce legislation which would give it the option to nationalise British Steel, subject to public interest test being met.
- Primary legislation would give Government a route to safeguard UK steelmaking capacity and avoid sudden halt of production at Scunthorpe, while it considers options for British Steel to help deliver on government’s Steel Strategy ambitions.
- Move strengthens economic resilience and backs Government’s long‑term ambition for a resilient, modern UK steel sector.
British Steel could be back in Government hands for the first time since being sold off in 1988, thanks to powers that will be included in new legislation to be set out in the Kings Speech on Wednesday.

The new powers would be subject to public interest tests, and if used to nationalise British Steel, they would boost national security while giving stability to workers at Scunthorpe, and British Steel’s suppliers and customers.

The Prime Minister announced the new legislation in a speech today (Monday 11 May) where he set out his plan to boost our sovereign capabilities, protect British industry, and prioritise British jobs and industrial communities.

The Government intervened at British Steel in April 2025 under the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act to ensure uninterrupted steel production and to avoid the sudden closure of the blast furnaces, which would have disrupted supply chains and risked thousands of jobs.

Since then, the Government has been in discussions with British Steel’s owner to find a pragmatic and realistic solution for the business on acceptable terms.

It has not been possible to agree a commercial sale with the current owner, and government does not believe an agreement could be reached which would deliver acceptable value for money for taxpayers.

The Government believes introducing legislation to provide a route to public ownership is the appropriate next step, while recognising that any decision to use the powers in the Bill would be subject to the Bill’s public interest test being met.

The public interest test considers factors including national security, maintaining critical national infrastructure and supporting the economy.

The announcement today follows the launch of the Government’s landmark Steel Strategy in March, which set out its long‑term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and bolster economic resilience by meeting up to 50 percent of UK steel demand domestically.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Steel is strategically important to our economy and our national resilience. That’s why we acted last year to avoid a sudden halt to production at Scunthorpe, protecting workers and the community that depend on the site, and why we’re now bringing forward legislation to give us options to protect Britain’s steelmaking capability.

This is what an activist state looks like – taking decisions in the national interest. This Bill would allow us to take action if we need to, while we continue rebuilding our steel sector.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Strong domestic steel production is vital for our economy, and this legislation would allow us to ensure stability for British Steel’s workers, suppliers and customers and avoid damaging disruption to crucial supply chains, while we consider options for the site’s future.

Revitalising our steel sector is a top priority for this government, and bringing forward this legislation would allow us to explore potential future options for British Steel. The government recognises that securing the long-term future of the UK’s steel sector relies on both public and private investment for modernisation.

Following the Government’s intervention in April 2025, British Steel has continued operating at the Scunthorpe site, protecting steelmaking capacity and supporting jobs across the local economy and supply chain, providing reassurance and stability for the town and its workforce.

The new Bill will be formally introduced to Parliament this week. Any decision to bring British Steel into public ownership would only be taken after the Bill receives Royal Assent, and if the public interest test set out in the legislation is met.
May 11, 2026
NEWS STORY : UK Sanctions Target Russian Deportation of Ukrainian Children

STORY

The UK has announced sanctions against 85 individuals and entities accused of supporting hostile Russian activity, including the forced deportation, indoctrination and militarisation of Ukrainian children. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said the measures also target those involved in Russian information warfare campaigns and attempts to undermine democratic processes abroad.

The latest sanctions include 29 targets linked to what the Government described as Russia’s systematic campaign to deport and militarise Ukrainian children. A further 56 designations target people and organisations accused of supporting Kremlin-backed information operations. The Government said more than 20,000 Ukrainian children had been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia and temporarily occupied territories.

Among those sanctioned is the Centre for Military Sports Training and Patriotic Education of Youth, known as the Warrior Centre, which the UK says subjects Ukrainian children to military training and pro-Kremlin ideology. Yulia Sergeevna Velichko, Minister for Youth Policy in the so-called “Luhansk People’s Republic”, has also been sanctioned over her alleged role in programmes linked to deportation, indoctrination and the issuing of Russian passports to children from occupied areas.

The UK has also targeted 49 people working for the Social Design Agency, which the Government says has been funded by the Kremlin to conduct interference operations designed to weaken democracy and reduce support for Ukraine. Ministers said the agency had planned campaigns aimed at creating pro-Russia organisations in Armenia and influencing domestic politics there.

May 11, 2026