commitment made to the people it's a commitment made to the people by a clear majority of the msps who have been elected to our national parliament, is the will of the country. and given the outcome there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for boris johnson or indeed for anyone else seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. let me be very clear about this. if the tories make such an attempt, they will not place themselves in opposition to the snp, they will be standing in direct opposition to the will of the scottish people. and they will demonstrate conclusively that the uk is not a partnership of equals and astonishingly that westminster no longer sees it as a voluntary union of nations. that in itself would be

a most powerful argument for scotland becoming an independent country. of course, holding a referendum does not mean that scotland will automatically become independent. that will be a choice for the people of scotland. on the task for those of us who support independence is to make that case and to persuade our fellow citizens with patients and with honesty of its merits. that is what the snp intends to do. so let me set up the task ahead for me and for your re—elected snp government. first and foremost, it is to lead scotland through the pandemic and to keep the people of this country is safe as possible. that will be my focus when i return to my desk tomorrow. it is then to kick—start and drive our recovery from covid without ambitious and transformative ambitious and tra nsformative

programme ambitious and transformative programme for government and, yes, when the crisis has passed it is to give people in scotland the right to choose their own future. all of that is what i promise in the selection and all of that is what i intend to deliver. —— this election. but first it's time now for me to get back to work to lead this country through and out of the covid crisis. thank you so much for the trust you have once again placed in me. i promise to serve all of the people of scotland with integrity, with energy and with an unwavering commitment to building a better scotland that we all know is possible. thank you. nicola sturgeon, first minister scotland with her victory speech, talking about open recovery and also says about fundamental democratic principle and our special correspondent here response to that.

interesting that she chose to represent the election results in the three nations of britain in this way as a divergence of values, the conservative victory and equally astonishingly the success of the conservatives, that victory representing the triumphant values of the brexit heartlands spray and send scotland she paints the victory for the snp as a triumph of progressive largely left of centre liberal values, progressive largely left of centre liberalvalues, now progressive largely left of centre liberal values, now keen for people to think of the two countries is seeking notjust different destinies but contradictory destinies, and then talking about this vital democratic principle, twice mentioning the will of the country and the will of the people, and all of the people is a phrase that has been prominent in the british political discourse since 2016, used of course by the brexiteers, accusing the media, thejudiciary, the metropolitan elites of trying to thwart the will of the people, so

that she hopes i think will resonate in the corridors of whitehall and westminster.— in the corridors of whitehall and westminster. . ., ., ,, ., ., westminster. nicola sturgeon did an interview recently _ westminster. nicola sturgeon did an interview recently about _ westminster. nicola sturgeon did an interview recently about she - westminster. nicola sturgeon did an| interview recently about she changed as a politician and recently she said she learned to be herself. there is no doubt that she has absolutely gone into this job and she commands the position. it’s she commands the position. it's interesting- _ she commands the position. it�*s interesting. if you compare her to her contemporaries at westminster, the ones who came straight from cambridge and largely special adviserjobs in safe seats, when an snp politician of nicola sturgeon's generationjoined snp politician of nicola sturgeon's generation joined the party you expected to lose elections, you did notjoin expected to lose elections, you did not join to expected to lose elections, you did notjoin to have a korean government, that has happened because of the political changes that have place, so nicola sturgeon fought i don't have any elections before she won one, so there is a grittiness to her that many others lack. �* ., ., ., _, ,

lack. but there are two outcomes. the outcome _ lack. but there are two outcomes. the outcome that _ lack. but there are two outcomes. the outcome that we _ lack. but there are two outcomes. the outcome that we absolutely . lack. but there are two outcomes. | the outcome that we absolutely no news, depending on the outcome of this fight for independence and the result of it if it comes, there will be a resignation, it will either be nicola sturgeon if she doesn't get it or borisjohnson who does not want to be the man who says goodbye to the union, he would have to resign. to the union, he would have to resin. ., ., , resign. holding a referendum soon is a hue risk resign. holding a referendum soon is a huge risk for _ resign. holding a referendum soon is a huge risk for nicola _ resign. holding a referendum soon is a huge risk for nicola sturgeon. - resign. holding a referendum soon is a huge risk for nicola sturgeon. we l a huge risk for nicola sturgeon. we have not heard what the plan is for a border with england. find? have not heard what the plan is for a border with england. andy wilson said we would _ a border with england. andy wilson said we would hear— a border with england. andy wilson said we would hear all— a border with england. andy wilson said we would hear all that - a border with england. andy wilson said we would hear all that and - a border with england. andy wilson said we would hear all that and the | said we would hear all that and the arguments. but said we would hear all that and the arguments-— said we would hear all that and the arguments. but the case has yet to be made, nicola _ arguments. but the case has yet to be made, nicola sturgeon - arguments. but the case has yet to be made, nicola sturgeon herself. be made, nicola sturgeon herself said that the great commission report is already out of date, so they have got to build the argument again and it's not clear they would win it and if they lost a second one that really probably would be it. equally, the longer borisjohnson says no, no, no, the way margaret thatcher did in the 80s, the more

support for independence were built because the further down the age demographic you go the more fervent support for independence becomes, so to some extent the longer the government in london delays the more risky it is and when it eventually comes they will lose it.- comes they will lose it. there's -len comes they will lose it. there's len of comes they will lose it. there's plenty of food _ comes they will lose it. there's plenty of food for _ comes they will lose it. there's plenty of food for thought - comes they will lose it. there's| plenty of food for thought there after the first minister's address andindeed after the first minister's address and indeed the thread is being picked up there by kirsty and alan. the question i suppose i would ask you, with your contacts in westminster and in government here, what is the response going to beat that? , , ., ,. ., what is the response going to beat that? ,, ., ,, that? this is fascinating because exactl as that? this is fascinating because exactly as alan _ that? this is fascinating because exactly as alan was _ that? this is fascinating because exactly as alan was saying - that? this is fascinating because| exactly as alan was saying there, the idea of saying no, no, no has huge pitfalls for borisjohnson. of course he doesn't want to be the prime minister who oversees the break—up of the union so he doesn't want a referendum anytime soon neither does nicola sturgeon so the

question is how does he respond to that? he might not even need to say the words know, one cabinet source said to me this is about delay, delay, this is about time, they absolutely do not want a repeat of what happened in catalonia where police were sent in, they want to come this down, they want this to be calmer, they don't want to escalate it. the problem they have got though is they will be looking at public opinion. we have heard a lot here about whether the snp have a majority, whether they don't, of course there is the majority in holyrood but it's public opinion that ministers here will be looking at in scotland. if it gets up to 60% in favour of independence, then it becomes a moment where he cannot hold off any longer, but they don't feel they are there at this moment, so they will delay this for as long as they can. they know there are lots and lots of questions unanswered about what an independent

scotland would look like so they willjust have to leave it there for the moment. what is happening here at the moment is nicola sturgeon and borisjohnson are trying to make the other one backed, nicola sturgeon would love borisjohnson to go to the supreme court to stop what she saysis the supreme court to stop what she says is the democratic will of the scottish people, i'm not sure he will do that. scottish people, i'm not sure he will do that-— scottish people, i'm not sure he will do that. high stakes. a short while ago. _ will do that. high stakes. a short while ago. we — will do that. high stakes. a short while ago, we were _ will do that. high stakes. a short while ago, we were looking - will do that. high stakes. a short while ago, we were looking at. will do that. high stakes. a short| while ago, we were looking at the results coming in from the west midlands for the mayor and a victim there, andy street for the conservatives, has been re—elected. very congratulations for a convincing win and thanks for joining us. people ask about the secrets of success, what have they been for you? i secrets of success, what have they been for you?— been for you? i think it's simple here, been for you? i think it's simple here. the _ been for you? i think it's simple here, the message, _ been for you? i think it's simple here, the message, we - been for you? i think it's simple here, the message, we said - been for you? i think it's simple l here, the message, we said what been for you? i think it's simple - here, the message, we said what we were going to do four years ago, got on and did it, it's been great teamwork with our councils and mps, this will be delivered and we laid out a detailed plan of what we were doing the next three years and they

wanted a positive vision for the future of this region. i5 wanted a positive vision for the future of this region. is it wanted a positive vision for the future of this region.— wanted a positive vision for the future of this region. is it too far toda to future of this region. is it too far today to be _ future of this region. is it too far today to be thinking _ future of this region. is it too far today to be thinking about - future of this region. is it too far| today to be thinking about having future of this region. is it too far i today to be thinking about having a debate about the way that these devolved powers can work within a region that yours, the powers you can use? is this a pattern of governance that can be extended much further with an english cities and regions? i’m further with an english cities and reuions? �* ,., ., further with an english cities and reuions? �* ., , , further with an english cities and reuions? �* ., , ., regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, regions? i'm bound to say yes to that. aren't _ regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? _ regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? |_ regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? i gave _ regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? i gave my - regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? i gave my job- regions? i'm bound to say yes to that, aren't i? i gave my job up. regions? i'm bound to say yes to | that, aren't i? i gave my job up in that, aren't i? i gave myjob up in order to lead a region and hear people would say, yes, having a mayor, having a working together between the seven authorities in regents has helped us so i will say to government, we should go further in that but really we do not get possessed by the powers in the process, this is all about, can we deliver the communities? and i really believe that people have turned to the conservative party in the west midlands because they believe we can do it and we can do

more. . , believe we can do it and we can do more. ., , ., believe we can do it and we can do more. . , ., ., more. earlier we were listening to a fellow regional _ more. earlier we were listening to a fellow regional mayor _ more. earlier we were listening to a fellow regional mayor of _ more. earlier we were listening to a fellow regional mayor of yours, - more. earlier we were listening to a | fellow regional mayor of yours, andy burnham, he was talking about this pattern of governance and away you can deliver on certain things, he mentioned policies he wanted to implement in the second term of hers. what are you hoping to achieve in second term? the hers. what are you hoping to achieve in second term?— hers. what are you hoping to achieve in second term? the big issue coming out of covid — in second term? the big issue coming out of covid is — in second term? the big issue coming out of covid is very _ in second term? the big issue coming out of covid is very clear, _ in second term? the big issue coming out of covid is very clear, it's - out of covid is very clear, it's about jobs out of covid is very clear, it's aboutjobs and the economy. this place was doing really well economically before covid, record employment, but we have had a hit so the commitment in the region is for 100,000 jobs, we are also utterly determined to continue investing in transport, housing, improving the qualification level of our teams and really doing our bit around protecting the environment, but the critical point is we have got the plans in action and we get on with it next week, it's not about sound bites but delivering a strategy. fair enough. protecting the environment will mean that in practical terms? we

environment will mean that in practical terms?— environment will mean that in practical terms? practicalterms? we have the plan for carbon neutrality _ practicalterms? we have the plan for carbon neutrality by _ practicalterms? we have the plan for carbon neutrality by 2031- practicalterms? we have the plan for carbon neutrality by 2031 and l practicalterms? we have the plan| for carbon neutrality by 2031 and it means investing in green public transport, already £1 billion allocated to that, it means making sure we are building homes in brownfield sites, not ripping up green belt, and we invest in your green belt, and we invest in your green industries like the electrification of the automotive industry. electrification of the automotive indust . , , ., ., industry. this is a theme on transport — industry. this is a theme on transport which _ industry. this is a theme on transport which is _ industry. this is a theme on - transport which is understandable for people, is the lifeblood of so many economies. mr burnham and mr run—of—the—mill raised it, so the west midlands will change in what way over the next five years? mr rotherham. way over the next five years? m rotherham. it has already changed, we have increased our investment sevenfold and we will double that again. in practical terms it means reopening railway lines, extending our tram and metro system by many miles, many more stations, it means having the cleanest bus fleet by just the end of this year, reducing

fares and really excitingly it also means making sure that we have many more people cycling or walking. {line more people cycling or walking. one thin i more people cycling or walking. one thing i wanted _ more people cycling or walking. one thing i wanted to ask you was that this is a question as well of personalities, in other words somebody people can relate to and identify, that is one of the big advantages of the position you have. in a way regardless of party allegiance, this is what is intriguing about these roles, mr burnham admitting that many people voted for him who were not natural labour supporters. are you seeing the same trend in your area and that does make you despite the fact you are conservative candidate, does that make you someone who is less party political and away you go about the job?— party political and away you go about the job? about the “ob? really interesting i uestion, about the job? really interesting question. the — about the job? really interesting question, the answer _ about the job? really interesting question, the answer is - about the job? really interesting question, the answer is yes. - about the job? really interesting j question, the answer is yes. one about the job? really interesting i question, the answer is yes. one of the things that people have been attracted to but how i have done the job is i have not been particularly partisan, i'm a proud conservative, but i've tried to work across party

and remember this region is politically balanced so you have to do that, and people have said first and foremost, i have been a champion for the place, not a servantjust for the place, not a servantjust for my party, and of course that's so important and exactly the purpose of this role, to be a single accountable person who tries to bring people together because i honestly believe if we work together as a team of the west midlands we will deliver better outcomes. it’s will deliver better outcomes. it's iood to will deliver better outcomes. it's good to talk to you again, thank you forjoining us congratulations. andy street, the newly elected re—elected mayorfor the street, the newly elected re—elected mayor for the west midlands. there is so much to talk about. the scottish angle we were discussing earlier about the ding—dong that we are looking at between westminster and edinburgh, there is the pattern of local government in england which is changing before our very eyes, andy burnham and andy street explained that, and there is of course the issue in wales where they

may will demand more devolved powers for the welsh parliament, so we really have witnessed a very significant set of elections yesterday and today. i do significant set of elections yesterday and today. i do think it has been a _ yesterday and today. i do think it has been a convulsion _ yesterday and today. i do think it has been a convulsion and - yesterday and today. i do think it | has been a convulsion and without elections for westminster and without westminster being the focus, we have heard from such a stellar people around the country, we heard from andy street and andy burnham and nicola sturgeon and mark drakeford, and i said 48 hours ago that scotland is a very different country, well actually the vote would say that difference has increased, but when you hear these voices around england, wales and scotland, you realise that there is not a single voice for the uk and i never will be again, there are strong voices everywhere, with the mayors coming forward, and i think that no matter what happens, you talk about wales, no matter what

happens in scotland, we heard the call from gordon brown for this, they will go forward, their powers for scotland, and that would be the case in the north and it will be the case in the north and it will be the case in the north and it will be the case in wales, so what we are seeing is a tectonic shift in the uk and it has almost been refreshing not to see this through the prism of westminster. we see this through the prism of westminster.— see this through the prism of westminster. ~ ., , my see this through the prism of westminster. ~ ., , . ., westminster. we have been lucky to co-host a set — westminster. we have been lucky to co-host a set of— westminster. we have been lucky to co-host a set of elections _ westminster. we have been lucky to co-host a set of elections will- co—host a set of elections will truly have raised fundamental questions about notjust what is going on now but what is likely to happen or what might happen in future, it's been a big thrill. it’s future, it's been a big thrill. it's been a great — future, it's been a big thrill. it�*s been a great thrill. you have been wonderful in that warm studio in yours, i don't mind the fact you have been won because i have the warmth of the crew around me! that wasn't necessary _ warmth of the crew around me! that wasn't necessary at _ warmth of the crew around me! that wasn't necessary at all, it really wasn't! the crew have done an amazing job with our editors and directors and technical staff and everyone behind—the—scenes, it's been a terrific team effort, not

just here and in edinburgh but throughout england, scotland and wales, so that has been great, rita is with us in the studio doing a wonderfuljob, a quick thought on what will stay with you after this? it's hard to pick one result, it's such— it's hard to pick one result, it's such a — it's hard to pick one result, it's such a jigsaw of different results all over— such a jigsaw of different results all over the place and it feels unfair— all over the place and it feels unfair to— all over the place and it feels unfair to pick something out, other than it_ unfair to pick something out, other than it all— unfair to pick something out, other than it all feels extremely significant. | than it all feels extremely significant.— than it all feels extremely siinificant. ,, �* , ., ., significant. i think it's all about delive . significant. i think it's all about delivery. this _ significant. i think it's all about delivery. this is _ significant. i think it's all about delivery. this is about - significant. i think it's all about delivery. this is about areas i delivery. this is about areas winning _ delivery. this is about areas winning the _ delivery. this is about areas winning, the people - delivery. this is about areas winning, the people we've l delivery. this is about areas - winning, the people we've seen victorious— winning, the people we've seen victorious have _ winning, the people we've seen victorious have now— winning, the people we've seen victorious have now going - winning, the people we've seen victorious have now going to . winning, the people we've seen- victorious have now going to deliver something — victorious have now going to deliver something for— victorious have now going to deliver something for the _ victorious have now going to deliver something for the people _ victorious have now going to deliver something for the people who - victorious have now going to deliverj something for the people who voted for them _ something for the people who voted for them which _ something for the people who voted for them which is _ something for the people who voted for them which is the _ something for the people who voted for them which is the biggest - for them which is the biggest challenge _ for them which is the biggest challenge-— for them which is the biggest challenie. �* ., , , challenge. and to the numbers ma i ician challenge. and to the numbers magician and _ challenge. and to the numbers magician and great _ challenge. and to the numbers magician and great genius - challenge. and to the numbers magician and great genius in l challenge. and to the numbers i magician and great genius in our company, john, yourfinal magician and great genius in our company, john, your final thought about what we take away from this couple of days. the about what we take away from this couple of days-— couple of days. the first law of olitics couple of days. the first law of politics is _ couple of days. the first law of politics is the _ couple of days. the first law of politics is the law _ couple of days. the first law of politics is the law of _ couple of days. the first law of| politics is the law of unintended consequences and as far as the story of devolution in the uk is concerned that as a law that is playing out with an effect that we've never

forecast —— we would never have forecast —— we would never have forecast 20 years ago and is going to perhaps have further effects we could not have imagined 20 years ago. i could not have imagined 20 years an. ~' could not have imagined 20 years an, ~' ., �*, ., could not have imagined 20 years ago. i think that's a good, thoughtful. _ ago. i think that's a good, thoughtful, insightful, - ago. i think that's a good, - thoughtful, insightful, perceptive, positive note on which to end. from all of the team, thank you for watching. the coverage continues because the bbc news team goes on 24 hours a day, seven days a week every year. we are going to hand overfor the rest of the evening. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines: despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp closes in on a fourth consecutive victory in the scottish parliamentary election — nicola sturgeon says the win is a mandate for another independence referendum.

there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for boris johnson or indeed for anyone else seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. in wales, labour's mark drakeford remains first minister, after his party took half of the 60 seats in the senedd. the conservatives gain councils in england while labour candidates win mayoral elections in liverpool city and greater manchester, where andy burnham is re—elected in a landslide. a man is arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of police community support officer julia james in kent. rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations across britain after cracks were found in some high speed trains during routine checks now on bbc news, it's time for sportsday.

hello, welcome to sportsday. i'm austin halewood. here's what's coming up in the progamme: they're almost there. manchester city are 45 minutes away from the premier league title. it was a dramatic final day at the bottom of the championship. but derby surived in the last few minutes of the season. and underlining his superiority — lewis hamilton claims the hundredth pole position of his career. hello and welcome to sportsday. there's only one place to start tonight and that's at the etihad, because manchester city could be crowned premier league

champions within the hour. pep guardiola's side need to beat chelsea to lift a third league title in four seasons. the second half has just got under way and city lead 1—0. well, let's go live to the ground, where we can speak to our sports correspondent andy swiss. city in the lead, tell us about the first half. it city in the lead, tell us about the first half. ., , ., , ., , first half. it was a strange first half, not first half. it was a strange first half. not a _ first half. it was a strange first half, not a lot _ first half. it was a strange first half, not a lot happened - first half. it was a strange first half, not a lot happened for i first half. it was a strange firstl half, not a lot happened for the first 44 minutes, not too many chances, but one minute before half—time, city took the lead with a tap in for raheem sterling and moments after that, city were awarded a penalty, a foul on gabriel jesus. they then chipped a penalty into the hands of the goalkeeper. it's one of the things that looks fantastic if it works and leaves you

looking stupid if they don't and sergio aguero will be embarrassed by what happened and city fans will hope it doesn't come back to haunt them. it all happened in the last few minutes of the first half but city are leading 1—0 and if they can hang onto this victory they will clinch the premier league title this evening. clinch the premier league title this evenini. �* , ., evening. and if they lift that title, it would _ evening. and if they lift that title, it would be _ evening. and if they lift that title, it would be some - evening. and if they lift that - title, it would be some turnaround from a point earlier on in this season in november. city were 13th, it's been a great turnaround. it it's been a great turnaround. ii has. back in november it seemed inconceivable they could go on and win the title but they went on that incredible winning streak, 21 victories on the trot. they took the lead of the premier league table in january and simply never looked back. if they go on to win the premier league title today as it now seems they might well do, they have won it in a canter over the last few

months. they've had individual stars like phil foden but it's been a collective effort by manchester city, a team, a squad rather than a selection of individuals and another premier league title would simply confirm their domestic dominance over the last decade. it would be their fifth over the last decade. it would be theirfifth premier over the last decade. it would be their fifth premier league title over the last decade. it would be theirfifth premier league title in theirfifth premier league title in the last nine seasons but what's different this time is they are through to the champions league final in three weeks' time against chelsea and if they can win that, finally, they will have got what they really want, a champions league title which will confirm their status as a superpower of european football. i5 status as a superpower of european football. , ., ., , ., status as a superpower of european football. , ., ., , _ football. is going to be a busy few weeks for manchester _ football. is going to be a busy few weeks for manchester city - football. is going to be a busy few weeks for manchester city and - football. is going to be a busy few. weeks for manchester city and their fans but they will be hoping they can hold on a lift that premier league title. there are three other games in the premier league today — liverpool play southampton later on.

in the early kick—off, leeds united dealt another blow to tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four. marcelo bielsa's side were 3—1 winners at elland road. the northern ireland international stuart dallas gave them the lead with this rebound in the first half, but spurs, managed by 29—year—old ryan mason at the moment, and with dele alli back in midfield, then equalised, alli setting up son to make it 1—1. leeds re—took the lead though before half—time, through patrick ba mford. he's hoping for an england call—up for the euros. and then rodrigo made it three late on to confirm mason's first league defeat in three games as spurs boss. and crystal palace confirmed their place in the premier league next season with a comfortable 2—0 win over already—relegated sheffield united. ebere eze with the second goal late on for palace. meanwhile, the championship season is already over after a dramatic final day. none of the relegation places had

been confirmed before kick—off, with only one of derby county, sheffield wednesday and rotherham able to stay up. now rotherham needed a win away at cardiff to stand any chance of survival. and they got off to the perfect start. lewis wing volleying in this rocket of a shot in the first ten minutes. it looked like they were going to hold on and survive, until two minutes from time. marlon pack condemmed them to league 1 with that goal. so that meant that it was a winner—takes—all shoot—out at pride park between derby and sheffield wednesday. but derby knew that a point would be enough for them to survive. and after a dramatic 3—3 draw. wayne rooney's side confirmed their place in the championship next season. but as craig templeton reports, it was anything but straightforward. a final day that proved the championship is a league like no other, a match where everything was on the line. it was an understandably nervous start but in

first—half stoppage time, wednesday scored the scrappy list of openers. sam hutchinson simply didn't care. whatever was said at half—time made derby care. martin waqar and made it 1-1. derby care. martin waqar and made it 1—1. then patrick roberts picked the perfect moment to score his first derby goal. at this point they were safe but with defending like this, you can never be safe. callum paterson, to —— 2—0. wednesday were then back in the lead. but then they showed their defensive frailties, clumsiness leading to a penalty. martin whitehorn kept his head. 3—3. in the end, one point would be enough for derby safety but wednesday will rue their reduction. so derby survive by

the narrowest of margins. but, after his first season as a manager, wayne rooney was just delighted that his team will be playing championship football next season. it was a crazy game and it really sums our season up. chaotic, up—and—down, good, bad, frustrating, but in the end we got through it. and hibs are into to the scottish cup final after a 2—0 win over dundee united. hibs deservedly took the lead mid—way through the first half thanks to this nice finish from kevin nisbet. and then christian doidge confirmed their place in the final, for the first time since their triumph in 2016, with that goal in the second half 14 years after his first pole position, lewis hamilton has now taken his hundredth. the reigning world champion edged out title rival max verstappen by three hundredths of a second, ahead of sunday's spanish grand prix. nick parrott reports.

yet another milestone on lewis hamilton's journey to greatness. it's perhaps no surprise he achieved this landmark in barcelona where he has taken four of the last five holes but he didn't dominate proceedings —— poles. hamilton's title rival was almost half a second quicker in the second session. but as a so often the case with the seven time world champion, he was the best when it mattered, setting the best when it mattered, setting the time in the final session that no one could beat. only five teams in formula 1's history have secured 100 poles and hamilton now has 30 to more than the next best driver, michael schumacher. i more than the next best driver, michael schumacher.— more than the next best driver, michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 _ michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 and _ michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 and it _ michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 and it really - michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 and it really is - michael schumacher. i can't believe we are at 100 and it really is down . we are at 100 and it really is down to the men and women back at the factory who are continuously raising

the bar and just never giving up, the bar and just never giving up, the support that i have has been a dream for me to work with these guys on the journey we've been on has been immense. who would have thought 2013 or 2012 when we made the decision to partner, we would qualify at 100? ifeel very decision to partner, we would qualify at 100? i feel very humble and grateful. i'm ecstatic, it's my first. �* , and grateful. i'm ecstatic, it's my first. �*, ., , and grateful. i'm ecstatic, it's my first. �*, ., ., ,. first. it's said to be another epic battle between _ first. it's said to be another epic battle between hamilton - first. it's said to be another epic battle between hamilton and i battle between hamilton and verstappen. now for a look at some of the day's other stories from the bbc sport centre. the giro d'italia — the first of cycling's grand tours — is under way. ineos grenadiers rider filippo ganna, won the first stage. simon yates is the only british rider in the race to have won a grand tour, he was 37th. the race ends in three weeks' time in milan. in the women's final at the madrid open, aryna sabalenka has taken control over world number one ash barty. the belarus player taking the first

set emphatically six games to love. and the walker cup — the amateur version of golf�*s ryder cup — is tied at 2—2 after the opening morning in florida. great britain and ireland took their first point over the americans with this win on the 18th green. bristol bears extended their lead at the top of rugby union's premiership with a dominant 40—20 win over local rivals bath at the rec. the home side actually started the stronger. this interception from rhys priestland opening up a 12—0 lead for bath. but from that point on the bears took control. max malins scoring one of their five tries to give them a eight point lead at the top. hull fc are into the semi—finals of rugby league's challenge cup, theyjoin warrington and st helens in the last four after a confident win over wigan. it finished 20—10 to hull, this brilliant run—in try

from adam swift sealing their win. a tough afternoon for wigan who are above hull fc in the super league, but they just weren't at the races today. and the final quarterfinal is under way right now. these are the live pictures from headingley as castleford tigers take on salford red devils. it's12—0 in the early stages of the second half. you can watch the game live on bbc two. and that's all from sportsday. manchester city are still 1—0 in that crucial game. up next it's the film review.

hello and welcome to the film review with me, mark kermode. rounding up the best new movies available for viewing in the home while we look forward to cinemas reopening in the very near future. the mortal kombat video game series first came to the cinema in the mid—�*90s during an early wave of dismal console to big screen adaptations that included the live—action super mario bros starring bob hoskins and the ill—fated street fighter, which teamed jean—claude van damme with kylie minogue for reasons no one could fully understand. by comparison with these stinkers, the original mortal kombat movie, directed by paul ws anderson and starring christopher lambert, wasn't bad.

not great, but not terrible either. the same could not be said of the sequel annihilation, a flop which effectively killed the live—action franchise. first learned about this seven years ago on a mission in brazil to capture a wanted fugitive. now, more than two decades later, we have a new mortal kombat movie. produced by insidious and saw co—creatorjames wan and co—written by greg russo, a devotee of the games who promised to stay true to the existing mythology and to give fellow fans a faithful screen adaptation. get over here! that's all well and good, but the film still needs to work for audiences unfamiliar with the games, so we get louis tan as new character cole young, cage fighter with a mysterious birthmark who finds himself drawn into a world that conveniently has to be explained to him en route. throughout history, different cultures all over the

world reference a great tournament. enterjessica's sonya blade who spent a lot of time doing an impression of basil exposition from the austin powers movies. ensuring that no one gets confused, although if truth be told, i did get confused a bit. also along for the ride is josh lawson's oppressively obnoxious kano, a loudmouth australian, as opposed to all of those quiet australians, who accompanies cole and sonya to an otherworldly tournament encountering laser eyes, freezing stares, robotic arms, killer lizards, on fireballs and lethal frisbee hats. really. while previous mortal kombat films have felt rather toothless, this reboot is an impressively blood—splattered affair. packed with much enjoyably squishy violence and moments of utterly gratuitous gore that left me feeling nostalgic for the good old days of the video nasties.

gamers will doubtless argue of the presence of some favourite characters and the absence of others, but with a sequel in the pipeline this hasn't finished the franchise — there's still time for any absentees to get a look in. on the downside, this reboot is lumbered with some clunky dialogue and uninspiring performances, with lawson too often saving the day as the only really charismatic character on screen. but considering the depressing history of console to screen transitions, this is, to misquote the game, definitely not a fatality. it's available to rent now from all major streaming platforms. now, last week movie fans endured the horrors of christopher walken's ear—scraping irish accent in the baloney film romcom, wild mountain thyme. there are more americans at large in the emerald isle in end of sentence. an offbeat drama from icelandic director elfar adalsteins. so what is this anyway?

a little father and son fishing trip? kind of skipped over all of the things that started with father—son. his bail. sorry, can you repeat that? couldn't hear you? oh, i said unless you count posting bail. i john hawkes and logan lerman play estranged father and son frank and sean fogle. the latter of whose mother dies while he is serving a stretch in prison. unhappily reunited with his dad upon release, sean reluctantly agrees to accompany frank to ireland, following a deathbed request from his mum who was clearly a screenwriter in her spare time and knew how to spot an off—the—peg, last—wish road movie set up. initially, things are touchy and hostile, but after meeting up with sarah bolger�*sjewel — yes, she really is called jewel — the frost seems to thaw and formulaic

movie bonding ensues, albeit temporarily. i you wanted clark kent for a father. i i had clark kent, i wanted superman. there's little in end of sentence that played the edinburgh film festival way back in 2019 that seasoned moviegoers will not have seen before. althouthohn hawkes does a fine job of quietly portraying the loss and pathos of frank, a man whose son despises him for what he perceives as his weakness and failure of character. # i kissed my love by the factory wall... but while this largely sidesteps the blarney romance of wild mountain thyme, i'd still like to see a movie which did not imagine every pub in ireland has a welcoming band just waiting to burst into a rendition of dirty old town, joined on vocals by a sultry local beauty while everyone sinks clients beauty while everyone sinks pints and sings along. note to film—makers — it's an island, not a theme park. you can find end of sentence on digital download from monday. altogether more surprising

is cowboys, the new film from writer—director anna kerrigan. she likes cowboy hats. she just wants to be like you. and you encourage it. she said that she is a boy. oh, god. that she feels like she's in a wrong body, like an alien like the body snatchers movie. like the body snatchers movie?! what are you talking about? steve zahn start as the parents ofjoe, he raises a girl that identifies as a boy, something which baffles and distresses sally, who thinks that steve zahn's troy is a pretty bad ideas into the child's head.

but he decides to make a new life for both of them. cowboys is a low—key treat, a film of great sensitivity and tact, but also a genuinely engaging drama packed with humour and heartbreak, offering real humanist insight into its characters' strengths and foils. although it deals with hot button issues, and neverfeels preachy or polemical. it's honest, designed to be enjoyed by the widest possible audience finding strength and positivity in the prospect of people as they are with genuinely moving results. it's available on curzon and digital download now.

which was his country's entry for feature oscar at the 93rd academy awards. set amid an epidemic of amnesia, he cuts a lonely figure as a man who finds himself unable to remember his name, his occupation or his home address. so he's placed in a bizarre recovery programme designed to create new memories in a new identity. to do this, he receives taped instructions from mundane tasks like riding a bike, diving into a swimming pool or going to a fancy dress party. tasks that require photographic proof of completion with the pictures duly posted into an album of memories. he describes apples

as an allegorical comedy—drama born out of a personal bereavement and exploring the subject of whether we are all, in the end, the sum of all of those things we don't forget. there is an echo of eternal sunshine of the spotless mind in the premise but there was also reminded of the hungarian drama preparations to be togetherfor an unknown period of time which similarly explored the mysteries of memory. as with the weird wave compatriots, he balances profundity with absurdism along with a hilarious synopsis of the titanic that is worth the ticket price alone. apples is on curzon home cinema now and then in cinemas when they reopen. i will leave you with news of charlatan, a biographical drama.

perhaps best known to english—speaking audiences for her brilliant �*90s adaptation of the secret garden. in charlatan, holland revisits the young story of young mikolaj, a herbalist that diagnosed and treated patients with her based remedies are ran afoul of the czech authorities. he becomes a target of the regime accused of poisoning party stalwarts.

real—life father and son, ivan and josef, who respectively play the older and younger nikolaj breathe convincing life and to the somewhat unfathomable character aided by strong turn from the herbalist public assistant and speculative lover. for all the dramatic entry of its story, charlatan feels oddly episodic like a tv movie that structure never quite brings together its disparate elements. it's available on curzon and through virtual cinema screenings. that's it for this week. thanks for watching. stay safe and i'll see you next week. who's that? it's nobody.

brighter skies tomorrow although there are still showers around. outbreaks of rain affecting england and wales but easing from where it has been so very wet in south wales. there will be showers heading back into northern ireland, some heavy to western scotland and rain across the northern isles. turning chilly in scotland with temperatures going into the morning so some will have lifted from the lowest points overnight and fog many of us it's still start to the day. northern ireland at times blustery, rumbles of thunder into western scotland. northeast england had much of wales, dry, sunny spells bar the odd shower around. mostly cloudy. gusty winds towards the west, up to 40 miles an hour and some sunny spells in east

anglia and southeast england. much of the day here dry and warm.

this is bbc news. the headlines... despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp closes in on a fourth consecutive victory in the scottish parliamentary election — nicola sturgeon says the win is a mandate for another independence referendum. there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for borisjohnson or indeed for anyone else seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. in wales, labour's mark drakeford remains first minister after his party took half of the 60 seats in the senedd. the conservatives gain councils in england while labour candidates win mayoral elections in liverpool city and greater manchester where andy burnham

is re—elected in a landslide. a man is arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of police community support officer julia james in kent. rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations across britain after cracks were found in some high—speed trains during routine checks. manchester city will be crowned premier league champions if they retain their 1—0 lead over cheslea at the etihad. the scottish national party is heading for an historic fourth

term in office after a strong showing in the parliamentary elections. the bbc predicts that the snp will fall short of an overall majority, but seats won by the scottish greens mean the parliament will have a majority of pro—independence msps. this is the picture in scotland. well, we are trying to bring you those latest figures in scotland... this is how it looks in wales — labour has retained control of the senedd. and in england, labour is losing council seats after the disappointment of losing the westminster hartlepool seat. but labour has won a number of mayoral races, including andy burnham, who has been re—elected mayor with a large margin in greater manchester.

a warning that this report from our political correspondent, jess parker, contains flash photography. nicola sturgeon touching base with one of her successful candidates. while the snp will not have more than half the seats, that is set to be a pro—independence majority overall. be a pro-independence ma'ority overall. ., ., ., , be a pro-independence ma'ority overall. ., .,., i, ., ., overall. that ma'ority should have the overall. that majority should have the commitments _ overall. that majority should have the commitments it _ overall. that majority should have the commitments it made - overall. that majority should have the commitments it made to - overall. that majority should have the commitments it made to the . the commitments it made to the people of scotland honoured to have any westminster politician who tries to stand on the way of that, i would say two things, firstly, you are not picking a fight with snp, you are picking a fight with snp, you are picking a fight with snp, you are picking a fight with the democratic wishes of the scottish people, and secondly you will not succeed. bmw will ari ue secondly you will not succeed. bmw will argue results _ secondly you will not succeed. bmw will argue results point _ secondly you will not succeed. bmw will argue results point towards a further referendum but the uk government are set to resist. the uk government's — government are set to resist. the uk government's position _ government are set to resist. the uk government's position is _ government are set to resist. the uk government's position is clear- government are set to resist. the uk government's position is clear on - government's position is clear on this _ government's position is clear on this we — government's position is clear on this, we don't think there is a case for another— this, we don't think there is a case for another referendum, particularly now as _ for another referendum, particularly now as we _ for another referendum, particularly now as we try to find a way out of

the pandemic and get our economy going _ the pandemic and get our economy going again. the pandemic and get our economy going again-— going again. centralto labour's camaiin going again. centralto labour's campaign in _ going again. centralto labour's campaign in wales, _ going again. centralto labour's campaign in wales, mark - going again. centralto labour's - campaign in wales, mark drakeford, winning half the seats in the senedd. another winner, andy burnham and greater manchester, with a warning about his party's falling fortunes in england overall. i can hel the fortunes in england overall. i can help the party. — fortunes in england overall. i can help the party. of— fortunes in england overall. i can help the party, of course - fortunes in england overall. i can help the party, of course i - fortunes in england overall. i can help the party, of course i will. fortunes in england overall. i can help the party, of course i will do that _ help the party, of course i will do that but— help the party, of course i will do that but of— help the party, of course i will do that, but of course _ help the party, of course i will do that, but of course it _ help the party, of course i will do that, but of course it means - help the party, of course i will do . that, but of course it means change, the labour— that, but of course it means change, the labour has — that, but of course it means change, the labour has to _ that, but of course it means change, the labour has to change, _ that, but of course it means change, the labour has to change, labour. that, but of course it means change, i the labour has to change, labour has to get— the labour has to change, labour has to get rid _ the labour has to change, labour has to get rid of— the labour has to change, labour has to get rid of its— the labour has to change, labour has to get rid of its london— the labour has to change, labour has to get rid of its london centric- to get rid of its london centric race _ to get rid of its london centric race it — to get rid of its london centric race it doesn't _ to get rid of its london centric race it doesn't i _ to get rid of its london centric race it doesn't i don't - to get rid of its london centric race it doesn't i don't know. to get rid of its london centrici race it doesn't i don't know what the future — race it doesn't i don't know what the future holds _ race it doesn't i don't know what the future holds for _ race it doesn't i don't know what the future holds for it. _ race it doesn't i don't know what the future holds for it. the - the future holds for it. the conservatives _ the future holds for it. the conservatives have - the future holds for it. conservatives have seen the future holds for it.- conservatives have seen gains the future holds for it— conservatives have seen gains in england and consolidation, the west midlands keeping its tory mayor. keeping the energy going in norfolk, just as well, there are still get the results to come running into monday. let's speak to our political correspondent, nick eardley, who's at holyrood now.

a fascinating set of results there, nicola sturgeon clearly very pleased, even though she has not reached that figure of an outright majority, so what does this mean for independence? everything is being seen to that particular prism. that is absolutely _ seen to that particular prism. that is absolutely right, _ seen to that particular prism. trisgit is absolutely right, good evening. the snp will be slightly disappointed that they did not win that majority but it's really hard to do under the system used to elect the scottish parliament, and what matters is that there will be a pretty significant pro—independence majority in the next scottish parliament based on the projections we have at the moment. we think the greens could get up to nine seats, the snp 63, which would mean there are 72 pro—referendum msps in the parliament, and it's bothjust remembering that they stood on a very similar pleasure which was to

hold another referendum on the next term in this place. the demands for another referendum will absolutely dominate scottish politics over the next few weeks, nicola sturgeon has made a very public showing of saying she wants to get back to work on the covid crisis, there are big decisions to be made in edinburgh over the next few days, the biggest of which is whether the next round of which is whether the next round of lockdown easing goes ahead a week on monday, but you heard nicola sturgeon in her speech they're making abundantly clear that she thinks she has a mandate for another referendum and raising the stakes in the rhetoric when it came to the message to westminster, saying that this was a matter of democratic principle, and if borisjohnson was too as we expect him to go ahead with node to another referendum, she thinks that would end the concept of the uk as a union of equals. i don't

need to tell you that that's her view, the view in downing street is different, speaking to uk government sources tonight they have insisted that all the focus should be on the pandemic recovery and they think that goes into the next few years, including the economic recovery. expect a focus on health issues over the next few weeks but be under no illusions that the next few years are still going to feature the independence question in scotland very prominently. ih independence question in scotland very prominently-— independence question in scotland very prominently. in the short-term certainly and _ very prominently. in the short-term certainly and perhaps _ very prominently. in the short-term certainly and perhaps longer, - very prominently. in the short-termj certainly and perhaps longer, nicola sturgeon will need to take the temperature and the mood of people very carefully because while there may be some people there, voters, who ardently support the idea of independence, the focus for many clearly a song recovery from the pandemic and therefore they may simply think that the time is not right. i

simply think that the time is not riiht. ., ., , simply think that the time is not riiht. «i ., , ., right. i think that is nicola sturgeon's _ right. i think that is nicola sturgeon's focus - right. i think that is nicola sturgeon's focus over - right. i think that is nicola sturgeon's focus over the | right. i think that is nicola - sturgeon's focus over the next few weeks anyway, she will really make a point about that tomorrow and into monday, making a public show of going back to her house, back to san andrew house, the civil service headquarters here, to talk about the pandemic, but you are absolutely right, this country are split when it comes to independence and the story of this election has been in the first past the post seats, 73 of the first past the post seats, 73 of the 129 seats in the scottish parliament, it has been a battle between snp turnout, so pro—independence and prone snp turnout, and unionist, tactical voting, and we have seen in a number of areas, the conservatives or labour or the liberal democrats, their vote going up considerably because other party supporters have seen them as the best unionist option. so there is a big victory

for the snp to celebrate tonight, there is going to be a pro—independence referendum majority in this place over the next five years, there is going to be a battle with westminster over the politics and the legality of another referendum, but there is another element to this, which is the case for independence is pretty shaky at the moment, nicola sturgeon has admitted it needs updating with a backdrop to the pandemic and economic changes that have taken place, and she also knows that if there is another referendum she has got a lot of people she still needs to persuade to be anywhere near comfortable about winning, so it will be a big part of politics in scotland and the uk over the next few years, but don't assume that scottish independence is by any means a done deal. let's speak now to professor of politics at the university of strathclyde, sirjohn curtice,

about the latest results. it's interesting, at this stage of electoral cycles, we often see the parties in power getting a bit of a kicking from the voters, but in this instance, they have all done really well, so why is that ny have opposition parties failed to make the inroads that they wanted to? will certainly write, one of the characteristics in england and wales and scotland is the incumbent party of government has done rather well. whether the explanations are all the same is debatable. it has been clear from the opinion polls that people in england, whatever they thought about the handling of the early stages of the pandemic, have come to the conclusion that the uk government has handled it well and in england there was no competition as to who should get the credit, and meanwhile on the other side, keir

starmer has been primarily fighting a tactical campaign, trying to criticise the government here and there on covid, but not really having an opportunity to set out an alternative vision for his party, that has meant the labour party has been called rather unprepared. in wales, in contrast, labourare been called rather unprepared. in wales, in contrast, labour are in charge, mark drakeford for the most part has got a good press from the public for his handling, consistently throughout the pandemic as opposed to simply from the tail end is in the case of borisjohnson, and that seems at least to have enabled the labour party to insulate itself against the fact that wales voted for brexit, the fact that the ukip vote was collapsing in wales, and an indication that when labour can demonstrate action, it can begin to win votes, even in relatively eurosceptic territory, that takes it to scotland but there is no doubt

the people in scotland for much of the people in scotland for much of the pandemic have said that nicola sturgeon has handled it well, much like mark drakeford. what has been less obvious however is that that has led to people to conclude that scotland should become an independent country because nicola sturgeon handled things better and to that extent i'm not sure the pandemic has been as fruitful for the snp in scotland as it has been for labour in wales or for the government in london. essentially thatis government in london. essentially that is because in scotland it is very clear from polling that is because in scotland it is very clearfrom polling data that is because in scotland it is very clear from polling data that the voters in scotland the crucial issue in the end has been the constitutional question, not the pandemic, and with 40% of the constituency vote basically miss sturgeon has picked up the 48% of people in favour of independence. great to get your overview of what has been happening, thank you very much. let's try and bring you those graphics again that we try to a couple of minutes ago, beginning

with scotland. let's bring you right up with scotland. let's bring you right up to date with the figures, the bbc predicting the snp will fall short of an overall majority but seats won by the scottish greens mean the parliament will have a majority of pro—independence msps as our correspondent was explaining just a few minutes ago. on to wales, this is how it looks there, labour retaining control of the senedd, matching its best ever election result, in fact, and then onto england, and after the disappointment of losing the seat in hartlepool which had been held by labour since its inception until this by—election, labour is losing council seats but has won a number of mayoral races, you can see the figures on your screen right now, the state of the parties in the

english council elections. meanwhile, labour will remain in power in wales for another five years after matching its best—ever senedd election result, winning half of the 60 seats in the welsh parliament. the conservatives won 16, plaid cymru 13, and the lib dems one. our wales correspondent, hywell griffith, reports. after super thursday's success, a soggy saturday celebration. mark drakeford was front and centre of labour's campaign in wales, and it worked, equalling their best ever result here, a very different story to other parts of the uk. i think the difference between wales and england is that people in wales can see the record of a labour government. they can see what we have achieved together over the period of devolution, and they know that, if we say something in our manifesto, then they can have confidence that it will be delivered. after two decades in government, many within labour expected their grip on power in wales to loosen.

instead, the pandemic has flipped convention on its head, and it's the incumbents who have come out stronger. especially in places like porthcawl. 18 months ago, voters in this constituency kicked out their labour mp but, in this election, they stuck with the party, and that seems to be largely down to trust in its leader. mark drakeford has done very well this year, you know, with this pandemic and everything else he's had to deal with. well, he's come across clearly and said what we want to hear, and what we were going to do. i think people have thought he has handled it very well too. that popularity will be tested by what lies ahead, rebuilding the nhs and restoring the economy will require tough financial decisions once the victory parade has run its course. hywell griffith, bbc news. with me is the labour peer and former home secretary

lord david blunkett, and also i'm joined by lord gavin barwell — former conservative mp and downing street chief of staff to prime minister theresa may. thank you both very much for your time this evening. gavin, perhaps if we could pick up on that point i was discussing a moment ago, how parties already in power have done well in these elections which bucks the trend of this part of the electoral cycle somewhat, why do you think that has been the case and others have failed to make the inroads they wanted? i have failed to make the inroads they wanted? ., ., �* , have failed to make the inroads they wanted? «i ., �* , ., have failed to make the inroads they wanted? «i ., �*, ., ., wanted? i think that's one factor, and it's to — wanted? i think that's one factor, and it's to do _ wanted? i think that's one factor, and it's to do with _ wanted? i think that's one factor, and it's to do with the _ wanted? i think that's one factor, | and it's to do with the incumbency during the pandemic, i think governments, both the welsh government and the uk government, perceived to have done a good job there, but i don't think that explains everything we have seen. the conservatives have done particularly well not just the conservatives have done particularly well notjust in the hartlepool by—election but if you

look at the council results in the west midlands and yorkshire and the north—east of england, if you look at the tampon elections in the west midlands and the teesside where they have got fantastic results. —— at the mayoral election. we are seeing a realignment of politics and the places where the conservatives did really well last time have done well in this election and their potential for the seats from labour they can target this time.— target this time. david blunkett, what has labour _ target this time. david blunkett, what has labour in _ target this time. david blunkett, what has labour in wales - target this time. david blunkett, what has labour in wales done l what has labour in wales done differently and what has andy burnham done differently to labour in england? burnham done differently to labour in eniland? ~ ., burnham done differently to labour in eniland? ., , , burnham done differently to labour ineniland2. ., , , ., in england? what combines both of those is visibility. _ in england? what combines both of those is visibility. they _ in england? what combines both of those is visibility. they have - in england? what combines both of those is visibility. they have been l those is visibility. they have been not only— those is visibility. they have been not only available but seem to be doing _ not only available but seem to be doing things. in wales obviously leading — doing things. in wales obviously leading the attack on the pandemic and a _ leading the attack on the pandemic and a vaccine roll—out, and andy burnham — and a vaccine roll—out, and andy burnham was my case it speaks for himself. _ burnham was my case it speaks for himself. he — burnham was my case it speaks for himself, he has been speaking with,

for and _ himself, he has been speaking with, for and alongside the people of greater— for and alongside the people of greater manchester, and that might have upset people but it has given him visibility, but none of this deals— him visibility, but none of this deals with the underlying trends and issues _ deals with the underlying trends and issues i_ deals with the underlying trends and issues. i would suggest that one of the things— issues. i would suggest that one of the things my own party need to address. — the things my own party need to address, just as gavin's did way back— address, just as gavin's did way back in— address, just as gavin's did way back in 97, _ address, just as gavin's did way back in 97, is what do we stand for, who are _ back in 97, is what do we stand for, who are we — back in 97, is what do we stand for, who are we reaching out to, how do we combine — who are we reaching out to, how do we combine the different elements that make up the support we have? one of— that make up the support we have? one of those challenges for labour is the _ one of those challenges for labour is the fact— one of those challenges for labour is the fact that many of the northern— is the fact that many of the northern towns in the northern constituencies are now extremely similar— constituencies are now extremely similar to — constituencies are now extremely similar to constituencies outside london — similar to constituencies outside london and the south and midlands, that was— london and the south and midlands, that was not the case years ago with a heavy— that was not the case years ago with a heavy industry, steel, engineering and mining. — a heavy industry, steel, engineering and mining, where there was a built-in— and mining, where there was a built—in shared solidarity of experience and of culture and that has broken — experience and of culture and that has broken down. it has been a big challenge _ has broken down. it has been a big challenge for a left of centre party — challenge for a left of centre party. if— challenge for a left of centre ia . y ., challenge for a left of centre

party. if you could “ust bow -- bear with me, i _ party. if you could “ust bow -- bear with me, i want _ party. if you could “ust bow -- bear with me, i want to— party. if you could just bow -- bear with me, i want to bring _ party. if you could just bow -- bear with me, i want to bring you - party. if you could just bow -- bear with me, i want to bring you somel with me, i want to bring you some breaking news, he says labour sources have confirmed to our correspondent that the deputy leader of the party angela rayner has been removed from her role as party chair and campaign coordinator, this does not affect her role as deputy leader of the party which is an elected position but labour sources confirming that angela rayner has been removed from her role as party chair and been removed from her role as party chairand campaign been removed from her role as party chair and campaign coordinator. i want to get your reaction to that, lord blanket, lots of people have criticised labour as these results emerged as being too busy with infighting and arguing amongst themselves, what is your reaction to this piece of news?— this piece of news? whilst it is never about — this piece of news? whilst it is never about individuals, - this piece of news? whilst it is i never about individuals, clearly, keir starmer has decided that there will have _ keir starmer has decided that there will have to be some clear indicators of change, and that will upset _ indicators of change, and that will upset the — indicators of change, and that will upset the apple cart in terms of the shadow— upset the apple cart in terms of the shadow cabinet as well. i get that,

that is— shadow cabinet as well. i get that, that is what we have to do back in the 1990s. — that is what we have to do back in the 1990s, it's uncomfortable and difficult — the 1990s, it's uncomfortable and difficult, and finding the right people — difficult, and finding the right people in the right slots but giving them _ people in the right slots but giving them the — people in the right slots but giving them the right narrative and the right— them the right narrative and the right direction would be much more important _ right direction would be much more important than gestures about who the campaign coordinator is all the chair— the campaign coordinator is all the chair of— the campaign coordinator is all the chair of that particular aspect of our party— chair of that particular aspect of our party structure, one of the things— our party structure, one of the things we _ our party structure, one of the things we should learn is what goes on inside _ things we should learn is what goes on inside the labour party is a turn-off— on inside the labour party is a turn—off for the electorate rather than _ turn—off for the electorate rather than a _ turn—off for the electorate rather than a turn — turn—off for the electorate rather than a turn on, and while we do need clear— than a turn on, and while we do need clear indicators, if you like, of the way — clear indicators, if you like, of the way we _ clear indicators, if you like, of the way we are changing internally, actually, _ the way we are changing internally, actually, they are minute compared with reaching out and being able to have a _ with reaching out and being able to have a dialogue with them and understand the changes that have taken _ understand the changes that have taken place in the country as a whole. — taken place in the country as a whole, this is an english problem, by the _ whole, this is an english problem, by the way — whole, this is an english problem, by the way-— whole, this is an english problem, by the way. gavin is nodding along to much of— by the way. gavin is nodding along to much of what _ by the way. gavin is nodding along to much of what you _ by the way. gavin is nodding along to much of what you are _ by the way. gavin is nodding along to much of what you are saying. i l to much of what you are saying. i think you said on twitter that one

of the centre—left has decided it has no chance of beating a united centre—right. and in terms of the conservative party, is it about delivering continuing... continuing to deliver the narrative and is it all about delivering on promises at the stage to keep going with the electoral successes that it has had in the set of elections in england at least? i in the set of elections in england at least? ., in the set of elections in england at least? «i ., at least? i think for the conservative _ at least? i think for the conservative party - at least? i think for the conservative party to i at least? i think for the - conservative party to things, it's not so much of the narrative but about delivering on policy, it's levelling up, the prime minister has put that front and centre that will be the thing that ultimately the conservative government will do. if you look at the best result the conservative party has had on thursday, it was the huge vote that ben cutting teesside, re—elected as the mayor, so if the conservative party can deliver on its rhetoric and begin to change opportunity in our country and some of these

communities that feel left behind, that will put in a good position. the other thing, david will know this, when a political party is doing well, the most important thing is to guard against complacency because the moment complacency sets in trouble can very quickly catch up on you. one final thought, i agree with everything that david said but it seems strange to me to identify angela rayner is somehow the problem in terms of labour not reaching out to some of these towns in the midlands and north of england. iiratha midlands and north of england. who do ou midlands and north of england. who do you think — midlands and north of england. who do you think the problem? is not possible to put it at the feet of an individual, clearly.— possible to put it at the feet of an individual, clearly. there is no one sinile individual, clearly. there is no one single individual, _ individual, clearly. there is no one single individual, i— individual, clearly. there is no one single individual, ithink— individual, clearly. there is no one single individual, i think labour... | single individual, i think labour... there is this realignment going on. but all i'm suggesting is if labour is struggling to collect with this community is it doesn't seem to me that angela rayner is the kind of voice you would want, she's probably

one of the more authentic voices to reach out to those communities. picking up on what you were saying and delivering on policy, give me a pound for every time we have had borisjohnson say recently delivering on the will of the people, therefore does he need to say to the people in scotland, yes, if you want another shot at an independence referendum, we can do that? i' independence referendum, we can do that? «i ., ., «i �* , that? i think not now. i think it's very clear. _ that? i think not now. i think it's very clear. if _ that? i think not now. i think it's very clear, if you _ that? i think not now. i think it's very clear, if you look _ that? i think not now. i think it's very clear, if you look at - that? i think not now. i think it's very clear, if you look at the - very clear, if you look at the polling in scotland, people do not see this as an immediate priority. but will he need to? before i get back to david blunkett, will he need to go down that road? i back to david blunkett, will he need to go down that road?— to go down that road? i think it is clear that a _ to go down that road? i think it is clear that a majority _ to go down that road? i think it is clear that a majority of _ to go down that road? i think it is clear that a majority of the - to go down that road? i think it is clear that a majority of the seats| clear that a majority of the seats in the scottish parliament will be held by people who stood on a platform of wanting a further referendum but the snp has fallen short of an outright majority and it looks like prounion parties would have got more than 50% of the vote so we will have to study the results

in detail, it would be a mistake to say no, never, you have got to listen to the democratic will of the people but there snp has fallen short. �* «i ., ., short. david blunkett, what are your thouihts short. david blunkett, what are your thoughts on — short. david blunkett, what are your thoughts on that _ short. david blunkett, what are your thoughts on that question _ short. david blunkett, what are your thoughts on that question of - short. david blunkett, what are your| thoughts on that question of another independence referendum and how that fits into the widerjigsaw and wider picture for labour? i fits into the widerjigsaw and wider picture for labour?— picture for labour? i think to be honest it's _ picture for labour? i think to be honest it's the _ picture for labour? i think to be honest it's the one _ picture for labour? i think to be honest it's the one thing - picture for labour? i think to be honest it's the one thing that i honest it's the one thing that unites— honest it's the one thing that unites the conservative party and ourselves — unites the conservative party and ourselves, which is that we are against — ourselves, which is that we are against the scottish nation breaking away from _ against the scottish nation breaking away from the united kingdom. handling — away from the united kingdom. handling this is going to be a work of art _ handling this is going to be a work of art and — handling this is going to be a work of art and it— handling this is going to be a work of art and it will take real detail. i minded — of art and it will take real detail. i minded at the moment not to be partisan _ i minded at the moment not to be partisan because we are trying to address— partisan because we are trying to address broader issues, but i think there _ address broader issues, but i think there are _ address broader issues, but i think there are two things that boris has iot there are two things that boris has got to— there are two things that boris has got to do. — there are two things that boris has got to do, one, he has got to go to and be _ got to do, one, he has got to go to and be more — got to do, one, he has got to go to and be more connected with northern ireland _ and be more connected with northern ireland and _ and be more connected with northern ireland and he will have to do it in a very— ireland and he will have to do it in a very careful way for the advice of his own _

a very careful way for the advice of his own party in scotland to be able to reach _ his own party in scotland to be able to reach out — his own party in scotland to be able to reach out because if we get into a stand-off— to reach out because if we get into a stand—off with nicola sturgeon, she will_ a stand—off with nicola sturgeon, she will play at and she has been doing _ she will play at and she has been doing today as being about the scottish— doing today as being about the scottish nation, not about the snp, and i_ scottish nation, not about the snp, and i know— scottish nation, not about the snp, and i know she does not believe there _ and i know she does not believe there is— and i know she does not believe there is a — and i know she does not believe there is a dividing line between the two, there is a dividing line between the two. but _ there is a dividing line between the two, but there is, and we have got to actually— two, but there is, and we have got to actually ensure together, the two main parties in the uk, that we don't _ main parties in the uk, that we don't give — main parties in the uk, that we don't give her any we main parties in the uk, that we don't give herany we —— main parties in the uk, that we don't give her any we —— leave a foothold — don't give her any we —— leave a foothold in _ don't give her any we —— leave a foothold. in one sense this brings us back— foothold. in one sense this brings us back to — foothold. in one sense this brings us back to how you do your politics. i'm still— us back to how you do your politics. i'm still reeling from the fact that the conservatives have got away with talking _ the conservatives have got away with talking about a levelling up agenda but for _ talking about a levelling up agenda but for ii _ talking about a levelling up agenda but for 11 years they have levelled down _ but for 11 years they have levelled down we — but for 11 years they have levelled down. we have got to reflect on that _ down. we have got to reflect on that how — down. we have got to reflect on that, how is it that labour mps or labour— that, how is it that labour mps or labour councillors have been blamed for austerity? labour councillors have been blamed forausterity? i labour councillors have been blamed for austerity? i want to ask you to answer— for austerity? i want to ask you to answer that— for austerity? i want to ask you to answer that question tonight, gavin. but you _ answer that question tonight, gavin. but you have pulled off a very significant trick. the successful candidate in —

significant trick. the successful candidate in north _ significant trick. the successful candidate in north tees - significant trick. the successful candidate in north tees for. significant trick. the successful i candidate in north tees for mayor pointed to what has been happening in darlington, middlesbrough... that has been credited with the success of the by—election, the conservative candidate as well, so has it all been about levelling down as you say? been about levelling down as you sa ? ., ., , , say? the other part of this is the narrative. _ say? the other part of this is the narrative, very _ say? the other part of this is the narrative, very cleverly - say? the other part of this is the. narrative, very cleverly presenting things _ narrative, very cleverly presenting things that have yet to happen as though— things that have yet to happen as though they have happened. the freeport — though they have happened. the freeport for instance is nothing new _ freeport for instance is nothing new. used _ freeport for instance is nothing new, used to be called enterprise zones _ new, used to be called enterprise zones when margaret thatcher tried them _ zones when margaret thatcher tried them many years ago. ben has done an incredible _ them many years ago. ben has done an incredible job for the locality in his area — incredible job for the locality in his area of talking up and being optimistic, having aspiration and bringing — optimistic, having aspiration and bringing into public ownership the local airport when it went bust, reaching — local airport when it went bust, reaching out and overturning ideology— reaching out and overturning ideology but of course that has been the same _ ideology but of course that has been the same with the conservative

government in westminster. who would ever have _ government in westminster. who would ever have thought, not me or gavin, but a _ ever have thought, not me or gavin, but a government under what is a fairly— but a government under what is a fairly right—wing cabinet and under boris _ fairly right—wing cabinet and under borisjohnson was fairly right—wing cabinet and under boris johnson was introduced the furlough — boris johnson was introduced the furlough scheme, the grand scheme for businesses, the 300 billion that has been _ for businesses, the 300 billion that has been borrowed out of necessity, has been borrowed out of necessity, has setting — has been borrowed out of necessity, has setting setting aside of ideology? has setting setting aside of ideoloi ? �* has setting setting aside of ideology?— has setting setting aside of ideoloi ? �* ., ., ., ideology? i'm going to ask gavin... i want to ask _ ideology? i'm going to ask gavin... i want to ask you _ ideology? i'm going to ask gavin... i want to ask you slightly _ i want to ask you slightly counterintuitively, as a conservative, if you were advising keir starmer tonight what to do, what would you say to him? iii what would you say to him? if i could just _ what would you say to him? if i could just respond to what would you say to him? iii could just respond to david. i don't think it's just out of necessity, if you go back to rishi sunak�*s budget a year ago before the pandemic he was already boasting about increasing spending by more than the economy was growing so the conservative party is growing. an economics it's becoming more

centrist, believing in higher public spending, more government intervention and that will make it a more difficult party. and a levelling up, i understand the arguments, it's good thing for our country. when i was growing up, there was quite a strong north—south divide in our politics with the conservatives in the south and the labour in the north but if both parties have a strong stake right across the country that is much more healthy for our democracy. in terms of my advice, a starting point would be, at the moment, voting in our country is aligned with the referendum result, the conservatives with a leave labour with the remain vote and the conservatives have the monopoly with the leave vote but the remain vote is divided by all the other party said the quote that you quoted me earlier on in this discussion is the key point, the

centre—right is united in the centre—right is united in the centre—right —— centre—left is divided so it will be difficult for him to make progress.- divided so it will be difficult for him to make progress. thank you both for our him to make progress. thank you both for your time — him to make progress. thank you both for your time this _ him to make progress. thank you both for your time this evening, _ him to make progress. thank you both for your time this evening, really - for your time this evening, really interesting to talk to you both. thank you very much. good night. let's return to the breaking news of the last few moments that the deputy leader of the labour party angela rayner has been removed from her role as party chair and campaign coordinator. let's go to our political correspondent. what more can you tell us?— can you tell us? angela rayner is elected the _ can you tell us? angela rayner is elected the deputy _ can you tell us? angela rayner is elected the deputy leader- can you tell us? angela rayner is elected the deputy leader of- can you tell us? angela rayner is elected the deputy leader of the | elected the deputy leader of the labour party so she can't be removed from that post, but she can't be removed from other point —— close from the deputy leader. we saw more disappointing results from labour, worst than polling was telling them, and although they have had good

success is today, for example in the west of england and greater manchester and london, nonetheless, they have not made progress on some of the areas they should have done and it looks as though angela rayner will be carrying the can for some of that, she has been removed from that role and her role as party chair, diminishing her influence. some people are suggesting this is perhaps counter—productive for keir starmer but it means she may rally some people on the left scene is perhaps being too supportive of his leadership, it shows he has a serious condition but is determined also to tackle some of the underlying causes for labour's poor performance, and i think this is the curtain raiserfor what performance, and i think this is the curtain raiser for what will be performance, and i think this is the curtain raiserfor what will be in course a much bigger reshuffle of responsibilities inside the shadow cabinet i think we will also see new staff appointments within the next 24 as as well. this may cause issues and problems for keir starmer, the fact he has removed angela rayner to

these roles, to what extent would this be a problem? we have seen a lot of infighting and labour, not as much recently as there had been initially when there was that change over from jeremy corbyn to keir starmer, but i wonder if there will be a section of the party very unhappy that angela rayner is carrying the can. she's still popular amongst many party members, many of whom joined in thejeremy corbyn era and keir starmer is receiving contrary advice, some are saying he needs to go back to a radical agenda and the policiesjeremy corbyn go back to a radical agenda and the policies jeremy corbyn was go back to a radical agenda and the policiesjeremy corbyn was elected on, others, including lord mandelson, say he needs to change the party and move further away from the party and move further away from the jeremy corbyn the party and move further away from thejeremy corbyn era. some in the shadow cabinet have been saying the same thing, that it hasn't changed enough. angela rayner is a very different character from keir

starmer and it seems to connect better with people on the doorsteps and the wider party membership and i think she described herself and keir starmer as yin and yang so if he has distanced himself from her, it may give a rallying point to people who are discontented. we don't know how she will react, we haven't heard from her directly, but your allies are saying this was a decision taken in the leader's offers.— in the leader's offers. thank you for that breaking _ in the leader's offers. thank you for that breaking news, - in the leader's offers. thank you for that breaking news, ian. - let's speak now to professor of politics at the university of strathclyde sirjohn curtice about the latest results. we have now got the results in for the mayoral first preference vote for 11 of the 14 constituencies for which london is divided for the purpose of its mayoral and assembly elections and on the basis of that

information, we are now forecasting that sadiq khan will emerge on the first preference vote and in consequence of that, eventually when the second preferences are reassigned to the top tier candidates which will be him and sean bailey, the conservative candidate, sadiq khan will be elected as london mayor. however, the figures on the first preference vote are rather narrow for sadiq khan than they were back in 2016 so we reckon that sadiq khan will get 41% of the first preference vote, sean bailey 35%, the greens 8% and the liberal democrats 4%. that means that the lead for sadiq khan is going to be three or four points lower on the first preference vote than in 2016 so on one hand you have

this is good news for labour and it is confirmed that this at least is one part of england which is relatively, firmly in its hands. that said, the fact that the labour leader looks as though it's rather lower than it was five years ago, in what is frankly pretty favourable territory for labour, given how pro remains london is, given how young its population is, this could be regarded as less a good result than labour might have hoped for, at least a few weeks ago.— labour might have hoped for, at least a few weeks ago. thank you for that, professor _ least a few weeks ago. thank you for that, professorjohn _ least a few weeks ago. thank you for that, professorjohn curtice. - least a few weeks ago. thank you for that, professorjohn curtice. we - least a few weeks ago. thank you for that, professorjohn curtice. we are| that, professorjohn curtice. we are expecting the final result of the london mayoral contest in around one hour, give or take, london mayoral contest in around one hour, give ortake, and london mayoral contest in around one hour, give or take, and we'll bring that to you when we get it. let's speak now to wes streeting, labour's shadow education minister and mp for ilford north. your reaction to this news about

angela rayner, the party's deputy leader, being removed from a couple of roles including campaign coordinator.— of roles including campaign coordinator. «i ., , ., , coordinator. like lots of people, i'm “ust coordinator. like lots of people, i'm just reading _ coordinator. like lots of people, i'm just reading about _ coordinator. like lots of people, i'm just reading about this - coordinator. like lots of people, i'm just reading about this on i i'm just reading about this on social media and i haven't had anything confirmed so who knows? it has been confirmed by labour sources, our political correspondent ian watson just a couple of minutes ago told us so i can understand perhaps there is a reticence to talk about it when you haven't heard it directly yourself but would this seem like a logical step to you? i just say it few things about the results and what we are seeing. it would be really easy, especially at this point at the end of today to point to results that have been better for labour than they were yesterday, gains in the metro mayor elections in the west of england and cambridgeshire and the fact it looks like the projected national vote share will put us with a narrow gap

between labour and the tories and it was on the 2019 general election but the only part that really matters for labour, every time we are put to the country and tested with the electorate, is does this put us on course to win the next general election? so we don'tjust have brilliant labour leaders and local government like andy burnham we elected today, sadik can hopefully shortly, —— sadiq khan, ora labour government which has had a fantastic result, we need a labour government in westminster and the crucial thing about that is when you have had a defeat as bad as it was in 2019, which, let's not forget, the fourth general election defeat in a row, the labour party has to be constantly climbing that mountain that keir starmer described to winning the next general election and off the back of the results of the progress we are seeing, it is progress but we are not far off of base camp. we got to make more progress and change a lot faster and

further than we currently are and that's the responsibility that rests on all of our shoulders in the labour party because although there wasn't the same degree of anger directed at the labour party at this set of elections that we picked up at the last general election, it's really clear that in too many parts of the country, including places that we say are left behind, it is labour that is left behind in those places and so we've got to show we changed and we've heard after so many election defeats and bad results over the years and under very different leaders all sorts of excuses about the weather or about which particular issue it was and like every activist after a difficult election, you want to give yourself a nice, warm bath. the labour party always wants to have a nice bath and say to the electorate, we are listening and learning. at this stage, we got to show, not tell, show how we are changing and making a difference to the labour party and its direction and future. we got lots of brilliant people who

are showing the difference that labour in power can make in wales, in places across england, but we are still far off winning a general election and we've got to keep on changing and moving forward, day by day, week by week. [30 changing and moving forward, day by day, week by week.— day, week by week. do you think it could be characterised _ day, week by week. do you think it could be characterised as - day, week by week. do you think it could be characterised as a - day, week by week. do you think it | could be characterised as a kneejerk reaction to remove angela rayner, who is very popular in the party, as her roles as chair and campaign coordinator, to do it this quickly? we still don't know what's happened. angela rayner and i were elected at the same time, i've got a lot of respect for angela, she socked it to the tories and whatever role she has in the shadow cabinet, she's a strong voice for labour, taking on the tories. that's the thing that will matter. as to what role she's got, following the news like the rest of you, kier and angela at the top of the party have a big responsibility resting on their shoulders to lead the labour party

to victory at the next general election. we all have to be honest about the fact that even where we've had some strong results and we can point to areas where we have made progress, we can also point to other areas where labour is falling back so no room for complacency, no room for excuses, no excuse so no room for complacency, no room for excuses, no excuse for that nice warm bath i described. it's time for a cold, hard look at ourselves to make sure that we are changing labour for the good and let's also have a look at the tories while we are at it. there's a reason why the conservative party is the most successful political party in the history of democracy, because the conservative party are always ruthlessly focused on how they win elections and will change like chameleons. one of the things that has made my blood boil during the selection, whether in the hartlepool by—election or other parts of the country, is the way that boris johnson has presented the conservative party is the change candidates, the change agents in this election, when it is this conservative party that has left the

nhs with cuts, school cuts in real terms, short—changing terms from the most deprived backgrounds with the pupil premium funding, they've cut the police and have the audacity to talk about law and order. ii the police and have the audacity to talk about law and order.— talk about law and order. if that's the way you _ talk about law and order. if that's the way you feel, _ talk about law and order. if that's the way you feel, if _ talk about law and order. if that's the way you feel, if that's - talk about law and order. if that's the way you feel, if that's what i talk about law and order. if that's i the way you feel, if that's what you believe, isn't it a case that labour has failed to communicate that message? in has failed to communicate that messa i e? , ., has failed to communicate that messaie? , ., , ., ., ., message? in terms of this national cam iain, message? in terms of this national campaign. i _ message? in terms of this national campaign. i don't _ message? in terms of this national campaign, i don't mind _ message? in terms of this national campaign, i don't mind saying - campaign, i don't mind saying because you've always got to be honest in the immediate aftermath of a general election because when are you going to be honest and make the change that's needed? in this campaign we failed to do two fundamentally, to define our opponents, the conservative party, and recognise them for the enemy they are today, not the tories of today, —— of the past, and recognise that with this conservative party, people have turned to them for change despite the appalling record i have described so when we haven't

effectively instilled in the vote are good reasons why they should avoid the tories. then that is even more important bit that people aren'tjust more important bit that people aren't just looking for more important bit that people aren'tjust looking for critics and strong opposition, they want a positive alternative to vote for. in some parts of the country, wales being the great example of this, people have looked to labour as the alternative or indeed, given the welsh government and mark drakeford a greater number of welsh parliament members than they had before. west of england is another good example, we've made gains and showed that there is a strong labour alternative but that has not been replicated across the country. you but that has not been replicated across the country.— across the country. you haven't mentioned _ across the country. you haven't mentioned brexit _ across the country. you haven't mentioned brexit or— across the country. you haven't mentioned brexit or boris - across the country. you haven't i mentioned brexit or boris johnson mentioned brexit or borisjohnson who has talked about delivering the will of the people, delivering brexit and clearly voters in england have responded to that and labour has been in a difficult position over the last couple of years in terms of the narrative that it has

around brexit, what it feels about brexit, while the conservatives have benefited from having a very clear narrative. , , ., benefited from having a very clear narrative. , ., ., ., , benefited from having a very clear narrative. , ., ., ., ., narrative. just a cautionary note on this because _ narrative. just a cautionary note on this because brexit _ narrative. just a cautionary note on this because brexit is _ narrative. just a cautionary note on this because brexit is in _ narrative. just a cautionary note on this because brexit is in danger, i this because brexit is in danger, given how difficult it has been for our country. it's in danger of being in the nice warm bath category. it would be easy to say the thing about brexit is that it has passed and is gone, let's not forget that so much of what was at the heart of that brexit debate was cited for a whole range of issues beyond our relationship with the eu, like how people felt about jobs and investment in local services. cultural issues bound up in the brexit referendum so we've got to be realistic about those challenges as well, but the difficult thing for the labour party and in the aftermath of elections you want to point to simple answers and it's this problem that problem, i think the labour party faces a range of

challenges that we've got to face up to and probably lots of people watching this programme on a saturday evening, i, a political obsessive, have been watching rolling coverage of results and listening to a wide range of people from across my party and other parties talking about what these results tell us about politics. the truth is, in terms of the analysis of the labour party and why we keep losing, i think a lot of it i have heard before, a lot of that the voters have heard before, the challenge now for the labour party is to turn our fees to the future, to do those things i described, make sure people understand the damage that the conservative party is inflicting and why keeping the tories in power as a risk, but more importantly, give people an inspiring reason to vote labour and the confidence to know that we can be trusted with power because people often suspect that, we often have the challenge of convincing them our heads are in the right place so we

want to convince them we want to invest in public services and give kids real opportunities for the future but that we can be trusted with the economy, trusted with the purse strings and the security of our country and our communities. b5 our country and our communities. as for your immediate future, have you been invited to take over the role of party chair? ida. been invited to take over the role of party chair?— been invited to take over the role of party chair? no, my phone hasn't runi of party chair? no, my phone hasn't rum and of party chair? no, my phone hasn't rung and i've _ of party chair? no, my phone hasn't rung and i've been _ of party chair? no, my phone hasn't rung and i've been strolling - of party chair? no, my phone hasn't rung and i've been strolling twitterl rung and i've been strolling twitter all day looking at results coming in. in terms of the big challenges facing the labour party and what i have heard campaigning over 20 constituencies during this election campaign, some of which we won at some of which we lost, everyone in labour party has to keep our minds on the big mountain to climb and the need to pull together to climb that mountain but making sure at every point we are thinking in terms of our values and priorities and focus. are we having the same conversation as the public? are we speaking to

their concerns and issues and providing issues and policies they can believe in? that has got to be our guiding principle, not what we care about, not our hobby horses or the latest row on twitter and other social media platforms, but what are the public telling us about the kind of country they want to have? the kind of life they want to lead? the kind of life they want to lead? the kind of life they want to lead? the kind of party they trust to govern? would you like the role if it was offered to you? i’m would you like the role if it was offered to you?— would you like the role if it was offered to you? i'm “ust not getting into it. offered to you? i'm “ust not getting into it. you _ offered to you? i'm “ust not getting into it. you don't — offered to you? i'm just not getting into it. you don't want _ offered to you? i'm just not getting into it. you don't want to _ offered to you? i'm just not getting into it. you don't want to be - offered to you? i'm just not getting into it. you don't want to be drawn| into it. you don't want to be drawn on that particular _ into it. you don't want to be drawn on that particular issue _ into it. you don't want to be drawn on that particular issue tonight. i on that particular issue tonight. definitely not.— on that particular issue tonight. definitel not. ., «i , . definitely not. thank you very much for our definitely not. thank you very much for yourtime- _ now on bbc news it's time for sportsday.

the wait goes on for manchester city — defeat at home to chelsea means they aren't crowned premier league champions today. it was a dramatic final day at the bottom of the championship, but derby surived in the last few minutes of the season. and underlining his superiority. lewis hamilton claims the hundredth pole position of his career. good evening, welcome to sportsday. there's only one place to start tonight and that's at the etihad, where manchester city missed the chance to be crowned premier league champions. pep guardiola's side needed a win to lift a third league title in four seasons,

but chelsea upset the party — a 2—1 win for them means the wait goes on for city. well, let's go live to the ground now, where we can speak to our reporter, ben croucher. they were leading 1—0 and then they let it slip. they were leading 1-0 and then they let it sli i. , let it slip. they did indeed, the day started _ let it slip. they did indeed, the day started with _ let it slip. they did indeed, the day started with a _ let it slip. they did indeed, the day started with a raucous i let it slip. they did indeed, the i day started with a raucous reception to my left. they came in, a couple of hundred city fans, welcomed into city style in the first half was going so so well for them, it took 44 minutes for the game to get going but it was raheem sterling that was the man to put city in front and potentially score the goal that gave them the premier league title. it was more than welcome for the fans that were allowed inside the stadium. one minute later they had the opportunity to make it 2—0. then

inexplicably, he tried to chip it straight into the arms and then they had thinking to do. chelsea came off the better team. just after the one hour mark, chelsea equalised from the penalty area then it was all to play for for both teams, with chelsea are still trying to get into those champions league spots and city trying to win the title and in the second minute of stoppage time, marcus alonso capitalising on city defending, so chelsea taking all three points from this contest and denying city the chance to wrap up the title for today at least. its, the title for today at least. a disappointing day for city but not all hope lost for their fans and there is a way that city could be crowned champions as soon as tomorrow. crowned champions as soon as tomorrow-—

tomorrow. there is indeed. manchester _ tomorrow. there is indeed. manchester united - tomorrow. there is indeed. manchester united are i tomorrow. there is indeed. manchester united are 13 i tomorrow. there is indeed. i manchester united are 13 points behind them at the minute and they play aston villa tomorrow. they still have a couple of games in hand on manchester city. if manchester united lose against aston villa tomorrow, that will ensure that manchester city are crowned champions for the third time in four seasons. manchester united play three times before city next kick a football. they've got leicester on tuesday and liverpool on thursday, so lose any of those games and manchester city will be champions. still lots of permutations in the middle of all of that but potentially, city could win the title without kicking a ball again before friday.— title without kicking a ball again before frida . , ., , , before friday. these two sides meet in the champions _ before friday. these two sides meet in the champions league _ before friday. these two sides meet in the champions league final i before friday. these two sides meet in the champions league final at i before friday. these two sides meet in the champions league final at the end of the month and good news for chelsea fans because their team seems to have a number on city. much was made of — seems to have a number on city. much was made of that _ seems to have a number on city. much was made of that champions _ seems to have a number on city. mic�*i was made of that champions league dress rehearsal. i'm not too sure quite how much we can read into this game this afternoon so both of the teams made 14 changes between them

from their champions league ties in midweek. city made nine on their own so maybe not giving too much i weigh ahead of the champions league final but as you mentioned, knocking city out in the semifinals just a couple of weeks ago, denying them the chance of that all—important, unprecedented quadruple but it's really important for chelsea now, up to third in the premier league table. they want to make sure they are in the champions league next season. if they don't beat city in three weeks. since thomas tuchel took over, they have had the meanest defence in the premier league but manchester city, the wait goes on for 24 hours. there are three other games in the premier league — liverpool play southampton shortly, but in the early kick—off leeds united dealt another blow to tottenham's hopes of finishing in the top four. marcelo bielsa's side were 3—1

winners at elland road. the northern ireland international stuart dallas gave them the lead in the first half. but spurs, with dele alli back in midfield, then equalised, alli setting up son to make it 1—1. leeds retook the lead then before half—time through patrick bamford, he's hoping for an england call up for the euros. and then rodrigo made it three late on to confirm ryan mason's first league defeat in three games as spurs boss. and crystal palace confirmed their place in the premier league next season with a comfortable 2—0 win over already—relegated sheffield united. ebere eze with the second goal late on for palace. meanwhile, the championship season is already over after a dramatic final day. none of the relegation places had been confirmed before kick—off, with only one of derby county, sheffield wednesday and rotherham able to stay up.

now rotherham needed a win away at cardiff to stand any chance of survival, and they got off to the perfect start. lewis wing volleying in this rocket of a shot in the first ten minutes. it looked like they were going to hold on an survive, until two minutes from time marlon pack condemmed them to league 1 with that goal. so that meant that it was a winner—takes—all shootout at pride park between derby and sheffield wednesday. but that rotherham result meant that just a point for derby would be enough and after a dramatic 3—3 draw wayne rooney's side confirmed their place in the championship next season. but as craig templeton reports, it was anything but straightforward. a final day that proved the championship is a league like no other, a match where everything was on the line. it was an understandably nervous start but in first—half stoppage time, wednesday

scored the scrappiest of openers. sam hutchinson simply didn't care. whatever was said at half—time made derby care. martin waghorn made it 1—1. then three minutes later, patrick roberts picked the perfect moment to score his first derby goal. at this point, derby were safe but with defending like this, you can never be safe. callum paterson, 2—2. it turned from chaos to disaster for derby. more terrible defending. wednesday were then back in the lead. but then they showed their defensive frailties, clumsiness leading to a penalty. martin whitehorn kept his head. 3-3. in the end, one point would be enough for derby's safety, but wednesday will rue their six—point reduction which has led to relegation. and hibs are into to

the scottish cup final after a 2—0 win over dundee united. hibs deservedly took the lead midway through the first half thanks to this nice finish from kevin nisbet. and then christian doidge confirmed their place in the final for the first time since their triumph in 2016 with that goal in the second half. 14 years after his first pole position, lewis hamilton has now taken his 100th. the reigning world champion edged out title rival max verstappen by three hundredths of a second ahead of sunday's spanish grand prix. nick parrott reports. yet another milestone on lewis hamilton's journey to greatness. it's perhaps no surprise he achieved this landmark in barcelona where he has taken four of the last five poles but he didn't dominate proceedings. mclaren topped the time sheets in the first session of qualifying but hamilton's rival

verstappen was quicker in the second session. but as is often the case for the seven time world champion, he was best when it mattered, setting a time in the final session that no one could beat. only five teams in formula 1's history have secured 100 poles and hamilton now has 32 more than the next best driver, michael schumacher. i can't believe we're at 100 and really it's down to the men and women back at the factory who are continuously raising the bar and just never giving up, the support that i have, it's been a dream for me to work with these guys on the journey we've been on has been immense. who would have thought that in 2013 or 2012 when we made the decision to partner, we would qualify at 100? i feel very humble and grateful. i'm ecstatic, it's my first.

in barcelona, it's said to be another epic battle between hamilton and verstappen. now for a look at some of the day's other stories from the bbc sport centre. the giro d'italia — the first of cycling's grand tours — is underway. ineos grenadier�*s rider filippo ganna won the first stage. simon yates is the only british rider in the race to have won a grand tour, he was 37th. the race ends in three weeks' time in milan. aryna sabalenka beat world number one ash barty in three sets to lift the madrid open title. the belarussian won the first set 6—love before barty battled back to take it to a decider, which sabalenka won 6 games to 4. and the walker cup — the amateur version of golf�*s ryder cup — is tied at 2—2 after the opening morning in florida. great britain and ireland took their first point over the americans with this win on the 18th green. bristol bears extended their lead at the top of rugby union's premiership with a dominant 40—20 win over local rivals bath at the rec.

the home side actually started the stronger — this interception from rhys priestland opening up a 12—0 lead for bath. but from that point on, the bears took control — max malins scoring one of their six tries to give them an eight—point lead at the top. hull fc will play st helens in the semi—finals of rugby league's challenge cup. they went into the last four with a confident win over wigan this afternoon. it finished 20—10 to hull — this brilliant run—in try from adam swift sealing their win. a tough afternoon for wigan who are above hull fc in the super league, but they just weren't at the races today. and there was a dramatic finish to the last quarterfinal of the weekend with castleford going through against salford. the game was tied at 18—18 on the final whistle with a golden point drop goal two minutes into overtime from gareth o'brien, sending castleford through to face warrington in the semis.

that's all from sportsday. brighter skies tomorrow although there are still showers around. outbreaks of rain affecting england and wales but easing from where it has been so very wet in south wales. there will be showers heading back into northern ireland, some heavy to western scotland and rain across the northern isles. turning chilly in scotland but these are temperatures going into the morning so some will have lifted from the lowest points overnight and for many of us it's a blustery start to the day. northern ireland at times blustery, rumbles of thunder into western scotland. northeast england had much of wales, dry, sunny spells bar the odd shower

around. mostly cloudy from southwest england into yorkshire. gusty winds towards the west, up to 40 miles an hour and some sunny spells in east anglia and southeast england. much of the day here dry and warm.

this is bbc news. the headlines... deputy labour leader angela rayner is sacked as party chair after labour's poor performance in the local election results. despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp closes in on a fourth consecutive victory in the scottish parliamentary election. nicola sturgeon says the win is a mandate for another independence referendum. there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for borisjohnson or indeed for anyone else seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. in wales, labour's mark drakeford remains first minister after his party took half of the 60 seats in the senedd. the conservatives gain councils in england — while labour candidates win mayoral elections in liverpool city

and greater manchester, where andy burnham is re—elected in a landslide. a man is arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of police community support officer julia james in kent. rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations across britain after cracks were found in some high speed trains during routine checks. chelsea dash manchester city's hopes of being crowned premier league champions this afternoon, after the blues come back from a goal down to beat city 2—1 at the etihad.

labour's deputy leader angela rayner has been sacked from her role as chairman after the party's poor showing in the elections. the sacking signals cracks at the top of the party, with rows over who was to blame for the election strategy. former chan chancellor has tweeted saying keir starmer said yesterday he took full responsibility for the election result in hartlepool and other losses. instead, today he is scapegoating everyone apart from himself. this isn't leadership, it is a cowardly avoidance of response bulletin. there talk to our

political correspondent. ian, stinging words there from the former shadow chancellorjohn mcdonald, how much upset will this cause in the party? much upset will this cause in the ia ? , , , much upset will this cause in the ia? , , , ., ., much upset will this cause in the ia ? ,, , ., ., , party? this seems to have caused iuite a bit party? this seems to have caused quite a bit upset _ party? this seems to have caused quite a bit upset if _ party? this seems to have caused quite a bit upset if you _ party? this seems to have caused quite a bit upset if you look- party? this seems to have caused quite a bit upset if you look at i quite a bit upset if you look at social media. for example, one shadow cabinet member is telling us they are flabbergasted at this news. others are saying that in line with john mcdonnell, but a pack —— perhaps a little less robustly, so keir starmer is saying he is taking responsibility for a worse than expected election results so why is it the deputy leader who is being sacked? others have suggested it was a cack—handed way of going about a reshuffle. what is interesting is that these roles, the national campaign coordinator, the party chair rail, these are in the gift of the party leader, unlike the deputy leadership itself, which of course is elected by the members. but it

would appear to be a more sensible move to have said, look, there is going to be a reshuffle and angela rayner will be moved to a different post, ratherthan rayner will be moved to a different post, rather than looking as though she was taking full responsibility for the election results. interestingly, party sources say she is going to be offered another role. some of her allies have been in contact with me and saying, we're not sure if she's going to take it. so, this is a dangerous moment for keir starmer. interesting enough, some on the left, some close to jeremy corbyn felt that angela rayner had moved away from them by backing the current leadership of the labour party but now her credibility amongst that group seems to be reignited by the fact that the party leadership has moved herfrom those crucial roles, as a debate goes on as to why labour have performed so poorly, there is no consensus on the party as to why there was such a defeat, all the

solutions. ii there was such a defeat, all the solutions-— there was such a defeat, all the solutions. �* , , ., solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism _ solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism over— solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism over the _ solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism over the last i solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism over the last day i solutions. if we'd be listening to the criticism over the last day or so, which clearly we have, lots of people have been saying that labour hasn't communicated a message clearly enough and this, tonight, is going to perhaps look a bit self—indulgent, a bit introspective, in terms of the response to these results, potentially.— in terms of the response to these results, potentially. party sources are sa ini results, potentially. party sources are saying keir— results, potentially. party sources are saying keir starmer _ results, potentially. party sources are saying keir starmer does i results, potentially. party sources are saying keir starmer does take | are saying keir starmer does take responsibility but as part of that, he said things have to change, that includes the way the party does its campaigns. we already know for example there is going to be changes in the way it flexes data, the way it collects its polling, because this full scale of the buffer —— per performance was not foreseen. they are going to try and make the party campaign ina are going to try and make the party campaign in a more professional way, they are telling us. they are perhaps having the person nominally in charge of those campaign making

—— moving to pastures new, and that may not be entirely ridiculous. had it been done consensually, we wouldn't be having this row right now, there would be lots of labour members expressing their concerns and criticisms social media tonight. we are likely to seek new staff appointed in the next 24 hours and that top team as well being reshuffled. also, notjust the personalities but the policies, the policies will be formally reviewed as well, the policies that keir starmer inherited from jeremy corbyn. all things might make labour more electable but there are huge risks for keir starmer along the way because there are whole section of people in the letter, including some people in the letter, including some people voted for keir starmer, who are very worried that he is going to jettison a lot of the policies that they thought were popular in jeremy corbyn's 2019 manifesto but were nonetheless rejected by the voters. it looks impossible to manage that

change in a way that aesthetically smooth. interestingly, in an article for the ft, lord mandelson this evening was saying a lot of people have said we think the party or to change but they don't really want to do that, they want to just stay the same. his warning to keir starmer is that you can't have change or you can't have unity, but you can't have both at the same time and i think this evening as events proved that. very interesting, ian, thank you very much. labour has won a number of mayoral

races, including andy bernie who has been re—elected mayor with a large margin greater manchester. this report contains flash photography. nicola sturgeon touching base with one of her successful candidates while the snp won't have more than half the seats, there is set to be a pro—independence majority over role. in no way can a referendum be described as just a demand of me or of the snp. it is a commitment made to the people by a clear majority of the msps who have been elected to our national parliament. it is the will of the country. so our national parliament. it is the will of the country.— our national parliament. it is the will of the country. so the snp won too much forward _ will of the country. so the snp won too much forward to _ will of the country. so the snp won too much forward to a _ will of the country. so the snp won too much forward to a further- too much forward to a further referendum but the uk government is set to resist. the referendum but the uk government is set to resist-— set to resist. the uk government oisition set to resist. the uk government position is _ set to resist. the uk government position is clear _ set to resist. the uk government position is clear on _ set to resist. the uk government position is clear on this, - set to resist. the uk government position is clear on this, we i set to resist. the uk government position is clear on this, we don'ti position is clear on this, we don't think there is a case for another referendum, medically now as with try to get out of the pandemic and

get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign _ get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign in _ get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign in wales, i get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign in wales, mark| to labour's campaign in wales, mark drakeford winning half the seats in the senedd. and heading up a surviving stronghold in england, manchester's mayor had this message for the leadership about labour's falling fortunes in part of the country. ii falling fortunes in part of the count . .., , falling fortunes in part of the count . , ,, ., country. ifi can help keir starmer and the party _ country. ifi can help keir starmer and the party as— country. ifi can help keir starmer and the party as we _ country. ifi can help keir starmer and the party as we go _ country. ifi can help keir starmer and the party as we go forwards, | country. if i can help keir starmer i and the party as we go forwards, of course i can do that, but it does mean change, let's not get away from that, labour has to change, labour has to get rid its labour —— london centric ways, and if it doesn't, i don't know what the future holds for it. ., , ., , ., , it. the conservatives have seen iains in it. the conservatives have seen gains in england _ it. the conservatives have seen gains in england and _ it. the conservatives have seen i gains in england and consolidation. the west midlands kept its tory mayor. high energy at one account today, just as well, there are still some results to come, running into monday. jessica parker, bbc news.

we are expecting the results of a london mayor election. let's speak tojohn curtis, i believe you have forecasts on that. we will talk about first preference votes, where are we now? iiiife about first preference votes, where are we now?— are we now? we now have some indication — are we now? we now have some indication of— are we now? we now have some indication of what _ are we now? we now have some indication of what is _ are we now? we now have some indication of what is going i are we now? we now have some indication of what is going to i indication of what is going to happen to the other half of the selection which is the election for the greater london assembly. most of the greater london assembly. most of the results are now in. on the basis of that, we are saying that labour will emerge with 11 seats, that is one down, on what happened five years ago. the conservatives will have nine seats, up one. the greens will have three, which puts them up one. and the liberal democrats will also be at one with two. ukip had two mattresses in 2016, both of which will now disappear. —— two seats. saadi khan is going to be

elected but probably with a reduced majority on the first preference vote. sadiq. labour's support has edged down a bit. perhaps the party that will be most pleased of all is the greens, a party which has gradually been gaining ground across the capital and whose profile has been growing, and by gaining another green seat, and other assembly seat, i think that progress will be confirmed by the result of the assembly election. the confirmed by the result of the assembly election.— confirmed by the result of the assembly election. the other story breakini assembly election. the other story breaking this _ assembly election. the other story breaking this evening _ assembly election. the other story breaking this evening is _ assembly election. the other story breaking this evening is that i assembly election. the other storyl breaking this evening is that angela rayner, labour deputy leader has been removed as the party black chair and been removed as the party black chairand campaign been removed as the party black chair and campaign coordinator, and of course, after elections we do sometimes see the sort of moves happening, whether it's part of a reshuffle or similar sites. we try look at the big picture, and i appreciate there are lots of different pictures going on at this election, one of the big things, the

big messages coming away from this, do you think? the big messages coming away from this, do you think?— do you think? the big message for the labour do you think? the big message for the labour party — do you think? the big message for the labour party is _ do you think? the big message for the labour party is twofold i do you think? the big message for the labour party is twofold and i do you think? the big message for the labour party is twofold and is. the labour party is twofold and is very simple. one, you are not popular enough across the electorate in general. and two, you have a particular problem with those who voted to leave who show no signs at least of coming back to you in any particularly large numbers. and that obviously raises questions. those two conclusions raise questions about the efficacy of cf calm —— keir starmer�*s leadership. these are frankly no better, actually slightly worse thanjeremy frankly no better, actually slightly worse than jeremy corbyn's frankly no better, actually slightly worse thanjeremy corbyn's lappe first local election. the labour party can perhaps say mrjohnson has been lucky, the vaccine roll—out has been lucky, the vaccine roll—out has been very successful in recent months, and as we have seen, both in wales and in scotland, the incumbent seem to have profited from that. that, however, still leaves the question of why a strategy on

brexit, which has essentially been to falling behind the government, not to harry it on the occasions when brexit has created opportunities for the position to criticise the government, to vote indeedin criticise the government, to vote indeed in favour of the deal that borisjohnson came away indeed in favour of the deal that boris johnson came away with indeed in favour of the deal that borisjohnson came away with last christmas. but that so far ali shows no sign at all of helping to bring leaf voters back so if labour, as seems to be there aim, is determined to try to get the electorate back, thenit to try to get the electorate back, then it has to be said that the first 12 months of said keir starmer�*s leadership has drawn pretty much a blank on that seemingly crucial front. thank you ve much seemingly crucial front. thank you very much for— seemingly crucial front. thank you very much for your _ seemingly crucial front. thank you very much for your analysis. i seemingly crucial front. thank you very much for your analysis. we i seemingly crucial front. thank you | very much for your analysis. we are expecting, as wejust very much for your analysis. we are expecting, as we just mentioned, the results of the london mayoral contest shortly, as we have been hearing. the bbc projects victory for labour's sadiq khan. joining me from city hall is our correspondent adina campbell. a lovely shut behind

you, looking over the river thames. looks like sadiq khan is going to be back at city hall but what about those independent candidates who have been much talked about in this contest? what about his rival from the conservatives, sean bailey, how much of a challenge have they given sadiq khan?— sadiq khan? well, there was lots of talk before this _ sadiq khan? well, there was lots of talk before this race _ sadiq khan? well, there was lots of talk before this race started - sadiq khan? well, there was lots of talk before this race started of - talk before this race started of sadiq khan doing a fairly easy run to hopefully serve a second term as london mayor but he has been challenged, and that main challenge has come from the conservative candidate sadiq khan who has done a lot better than people were predicting. we are expecting the final result in the next hour or so here at city hall, and as you say, labour's sadiq khan is expected to secure that second term. what has really surprised many people in the last couple of days from the results that have come in is just how well shaun bailey has done. he has at

times really close the gap on sadiq khan's lead, so it will be interesting to see leckie what happens, what those final results will be. there is pressure on labour tonight to make sure that sadiq khan retains his position because of course london is very much labour heartland and if it were to go any other way, heartland and if it were to go any otherway, it heartland and if it were to go any other way, it would be considered a big failure. so, pressure really on sadiq khan and the rest of his team tonight. we are respecting the final result in the next half hour or so and then we really will be able to see how well the labour party all the conservatives have done. at the moment, looks like the green party is currently sitting in third place followed by the liberal democrats in full. we followed by the liberal democrats in full. ~ , . ~ followed by the liberal democrats in full. ~ , y full. we will be back soon, very much. despite _ full. we will be back soon, very much. despite falling _ full. we will be back soon, very much. despite falling short - full. we will be back soon, very much. despite falling short of l full. we will be back soon, very. much. despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp is closing in on the fourth consecutive victory in on the fourth consecutive victory in a scottish parliament election. let's big two in blackford mp, the

snp's let's big two in blackford mp, the snp�*s leader in westminster, and we arejoined by alistair snp�*s leader in westminster, and we are joined by alistair carmichael, the liberal democrat mp for orkney and shetland. ian blackford, first your reaction to the results this time. just short of that overall majority, it looks like. i think nicola sturgeon has recognised that is probably not going to happen but nonetheless a majority for independence and man msps. —— among msps, when you take account of the greens as well. it is msps, when you take account of the greens as well.— greens as well. it is a remarkable result, greens as well. it is a remarkable result. we — greens as well. it is a remarkable result, we won _ greens as well. it is a remarkable result, we won first _ greens as well. it is a remarkable result, we won first -- _ greens as well. it is a remarkable result, we won first -- 62 - greens as well. it is a remarkable result, we won first -- 62 seats l result, we won first —— 62 seats first past the post. that's 85% of the constituencies that have been won by the snp with a record share of the vote, a record number of votes, so it really is quite remarkable. nobody questions boris johnson's right to govern in the uk with a vote share a 43% and 2019 and

the uk general election so by anyone's calculation, we have won this election and won it well. it is a majority for independence in parliament. we have said we will deal with their response abilities as far as the pandemic is concerned. we need to get their countries scotland through this safely. but it is clear from this election result that the people of scotland had given a mandate to parliament that we now need to have a referendum on our future. we now need to have a referendum on ourfuture. and we now need to have a referendum on our future. and the question to borisjohnson is a very simple one. are you going to respect that there is future of scotland is a choice for the people of scotland stop. that power has to be in the hands of the scottish parliament and edinburgh. that is what the election victory tonight is all about. 50. victory tonight is all about. so, that is what — victory tonight is all about. so, that is what the _ victory tonight is all about. so, that is what the snp narrative is going to be. you are going to say to borisjohnson, you talk about delivering on the will of the

people, you are going to say that the will of the people in scotland speak for itself. you the will of the people in scotland speak for itself.— speak for itself. you can't deny democracy _ speak for itself. you can't deny democracy but _ speak for itself. you can't deny democracy but you _ speak for itself. you can't deny democracy but you -- - speak for itself. you can't deny democracy but you -- we - speak for itself. you can't deny democracy but you -- we will. speak for itself. you can't deny l democracy but you -- we will do speak for itself. you can't deny - democracy but you -- we will do what democracy but you —— we will do what we can and take a response but seriously, as we could have done. we'll make sure that we stay the country through that from a position of safety. it is right that we discuss what kind of country we want to live in, how we deliver economic prosperity, how we get to the green future that we want, how we deal with inequality in the country. i am perfectly happy whether it is alistair or anyone else on the union aside, let's have that respectful debate about how we change scotland for the better but it is clear from the result today that the people of scotland have spoken. there is a majority in parliament for the independence referendum and when parliament decides it needs to be taking place, that needs to be respected by everybody. alistair

carmichael. _ respected by everybody. alistair carmichael, do _ respected by everybody. alistair carmichael, do you _ respected by everybody. alistair carmichael, do you think- respected by everybody. alistair| carmichael, do you think another independence referendum based on the results we are seeing in this election is inevitable?- results we are seeing in this election is inevitable? first of all, first election is inevitable? first of all. first let — election is inevitable? first of all, first let me _ election is inevitable? first of all, first let me congratulate l election is inevitable? first of i all, first let me congratulate ian and his— all, first let me congratulate ian and his colleagues on a remarkable political— and his colleagues on a remarkable political achievement. achieving a win at— political achievement. achieving a win at this — political achievement. achieving a win at this scale. there is an important _ win at this scale. there is an important context here, however, and the context _ important context here, however, and the context is that nicola sturgeon said she _ the context is that nicola sturgeon said she would only proceed with a referendum once she had got the pandemic— referendum once she had got the pandemic under control and once the recovery— pandemic under control and once the recovery had been achieved. now, i think— recovery had been achieved. now, i think that _ recovery had been achieved. now, i think that could be a very long time in coming _ think that could be a very long time in coming yet. and it nicola sturgeon _ in coming yet. and it nicola sturgeon and ian blackford and others — sturgeon and ian blackford and others now proceed with that determination to have a referendum, eveniust_ determination to have a referendum, eveniust a _ determination to have a referendum, evenjust a few determination to have a referendum, even just a few months ago was telling _ even just a few months ago was telling us — even just a few months ago was telling us that the referendum had to he _ telling us that the referendum had to be held before christmas, is that still the _ to be held before christmas, is that still the position? to be held before christmas, is that stillthe position? because to be held before christmas, is that still the position? because actually ithink— still the position? because actually i think that would very much run contrary— i think that would very much run contrary to — i think that would very much run contrary to what nicola sturgeon has

said in— contrary to what nicola sturgeon has said in the _ contrary to what nicola sturgeon has said in the course of this campaign to win _ said in the course of this campaign to win this— said in the course of this campaign to win this factory, and indeed what she said _ to win this factory, and indeed what she said earlier this evening. well, doesnt she said earlier this evening. well, doesn't sound _ she said earlier this evening. well, doesn't sound from _ she said earlier this evening. well, doesn't sound from what _ she said earlier this evening. well, doesn't sound from what she - she said earlier this evening. ,ii doesn't sound from what she said that we are talking about that kind of timeframe, does it? iitrut’elll that we are talking about that kind of timeframe, does it?— of timeframe, does it? well 'ust a few months — of timeframe, does it? well 'ust a few months since i of timeframe, does it? well 'ust a few months since ian * of timeframe, does it? well 'ust a few months since ian told h of timeframe, does it? welljust a few months since ian told us - of timeframe, does it? welljust a few months since ian told us that. let's _ few months since ian told us that. let's put _ few months since ian told us that. let's put that back to ian. if you want _ let's put that back to ian. if you want to— let's put that back to ian. if you want to tell us now he has changed his mind _ want to tell us now he has changed his mind at — want to tell us now he has changed his mind at macro ——... want to tell us now he has changed his mind at macro --..._ want to tell us now he has changed his mind at macro --... what i said at that time — his mind at macro --... what i said at that time was _ his mind at macro --... what i said at that time was i _ his mind at macro --... what i said at that time was i was _ his mind at macro --... what i said at that time was i was asked - his mind at macro --... what i said i at that time was i was asked whether or not it could be considerable to do that and that was from a technical point of view, and the answer was yes. but the key element is it is for parliament to decide on the basis of the votes of the people as to when that referendum should take place. actually, i agree with alistair that we have to deal with covid but where we need to have a discussion, and alistair, let's do that in westminster and in scotland, if we really want to deliver the economic recovery that we'll do, then the parliament has to have the

powers, it has to have the borrowing powers. we need to make sure that the investment bank, for example, can invest in the future of our country and the way that we would like, and at the moment is constrained from doing so. let's have a respectable debate on all these things. in the end, people have voted for a parliament that has a mandate to deliver an independence referendum. i understand that alistair and others oppose that and it is within their rights do so... does that answer your question? yes, i think— does that answer your question? yes, i think it _ does that answer your question? yes, i think it is _ does that answer your question? yes, i think it is pretty clear that he ian has— i think it is pretty clear that he ian has changed his mind and has been _ ian has changed his mind and has been brought back into line. it is clear— been brought back into line. it is clear already from the discussion we have had _ clear already from the discussion we have had that this discussion about independence is going to be an enormous _ independence is going to be an enormous distraction at a time when scotland _ enormous distraction at a time when scotland and the rest of the united kingdom _ scotland and the rest of the united kingdom need governance and we have two governments in scotland, we have a scottish _ two governments in scotland, we have a scottish government and a uk government, at a time when we need governments to be focused like a laser— governments to be focused like a laser beam on what is needed to improve — laser beam on what is needed to improve our economy, to save and create _

improve our economy, to save and create new — improve our economy, to save and create newjobs. we are going to be pulled _ create newjobs. we are going to be pulled off— create newjobs. we are going to be pulled off course yet again by a constitutional debate that is a distraction. we have got to put the recovery— distraction. we have got to put the recovery first. ian distraction. we have got to put the recovery first-— recovery first. ian blackford, i 'ust recovery first. ian blackford, i just wonder— recovery first. ian blackford, i just wonder right _ recovery first. ian blackford, i just wonder right now - recovery first. ian blackford, i just wonder right now if - recovery first. ian blackford, i just wonder right now if the i recovery first. ian blackford, i - just wonder right now if the timing is could potentially typically wrong to be talking about another independence referendum, from the perspective of pandemic recovery. there must be some people thinking it is too many things to be coping with at one time and the pandemic recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has — recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has to _ recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has to come _ recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has to come front _ recovery has to come first? pandemic recovery has to come front and - recovery has to come front and centre but the recovery from the pandemic will be constrained by the policies and politics of westminster, we need to make sure there is capacity in the economy. look, when you look around the world, look around europe, small countries grow at a faster pace than larger ones. i want to make sure our parliament has the tools, that we can get people back to work. independence is the key that unlocks

the door with the ability to grow stronger and faster, to deliver a fairer and greener country. we can't do it tonight, time shall... later? do it tonight, time shall... very briefl , do it tonight, time shall... very briefly. we _ do it tonight, time shall... very briefly, we are _ do it tonight, time shall... very briefly, we are almost - do it tonight, time shall... very briefly, we are almost out - do it tonight, time shall... very briefly, we are almost out of. do it tonight, time shall... very briefly, we are almost out of time, alistair carmichael, as a pro union msp, what are you going to be doing to try to make the argument for that? ., ., �* ., ,, to try to make the argument for that? ., ., ,, _ that? you don't achieve fairness by drawin: a that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line _ that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line on _ that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line on the _ that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line on the map. - that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line on the map. let - that? you don't achieve fairness by drawing a line on the map. let me| drawing a line on the map. let me -ive drawing a line on the map. let me give you _ drawing a line on the map. let me give you one — drawing a line on the map. let me give you one small example, scotland has a rate _ give you one small example, scotland has a rate of— give you one small example, scotland has a rate of drugs deaths that is three _ has a rate of drugs deaths that is three and — has a rate of drugs deaths that is three and a — has a rate of drugs deaths that is three and a half times greater than that of— three and a half times greater than that of england and wales. the former— that of england and wales. the formerjustice secretary said they knew— formerjustice secretary said they knew this — formerjustice secretary said they knew this in 2014 but they decided not to— knew this in 2014 but they decided not to reform the way in which they tackled _ not to reform the way in which they tackled it _ not to reform the way in which they tackled it because it would have been _ tackled it because it would have been a — tackled it because it would have been a distraction from the independence argument. that is what happens _ independence argument. that is what happens when you go down the constitutional route, these other sorts _ constitutional route, these other sorts of— constitutional route, these other sorts of issues that get left behind, _ sorts of issues that get left behind, that is why we have got to put the _ behind, that is why we have got to put the recovery first. eason —— ian and his— put the recovery first. eason —— ian and his constitutional obsessions are just —

and his constitutional obsessions are just going to to wait. we and his constitutional obsessions are just going to to wait.- are 'ust going to to wait. we will be are just going to to wait. we will be talk about _ are just going to to wait. we will be talk about this _ are just going to to wait. we will be talk about this much - are just going to to wait. we will be talk about this much more i are just going to to wait. we will| be talk about this much more but are just going to to wait. we will - be talk about this much more but for now, we are out of time, alistair carmichael, ian blackford, thank you for your time. meanwhile, labour will remain in power is in wales. meanwhile, labour will remain in power in wales for another five years after matching its best—ever senedd election result, winning half of the 60 seats in the welsh parliament. the conservatives won 16, plaid cymru13, and the lib dems one. our wales correspondent hywell griffith reports. after super thursday's success, a soggy saturday celebration. mark drakeford was front and centre of labour's campaign in wales, and it worked, equalling their best ever result here, a very different story to other parts of the uk. i think the difference between wales and england is that people in wales can see the record of a labour government. they can see what we have achieved together over the period of devolution, and they know that, if we say something in our manifesto, then they can have confidence that it will be delivered. after two decades in government,

many within labour expected their grip on power in wales to loosen. instead, the pandemic has flipped convention on its head, and it's the incumbents who have come out stronger. especially in places like porthcawl. 18 months ago, voters in this constituency kicked out their labour mp but, in this election, they stuck with the party, and that seems to be largely down to trust in its leader. mark drakeford has done very well this year, you know, with this pandemic and everything else he's had to deal with. well, he's come across clearly and said what we want to hear and what we were going to do. i think people have thought he has handled it very well too. that popularity will be tested by what lies ahead, rebuilding the nhs and restoring the economy will require tough financial decisions once the victory parade has run its course. hywell griffith, bbc news.

counting has begun in bristol to determine who will be the next mayor in the city. if the result goes to a second stage, we may not get the result until much later tonight. in the meantime, let'sjoin bbc bristol's political correspondent, paul barltrop. a bit ofa a bit of a late night ahead for you. tell us how things are shaping up on that particular contest. yes. tell us how things are shaping up on that particular contest.— that particular contest. yes, as you sa , the that particular contest. yes, as you say. the count _ that particular contest. yes, as you say, the count has _ that particular contest. yes, as you say, the count has really _ that particular contest. yes, as you say, the count has really only - that particular contest. yes, as you say, the count has really onlyjust i say, the count has really onlyjust got going. this is one of three huge school halls where they are counting the votes for the bristol mayoral election. ed got going late because they spent most of the day counting they spent most of the day counting the votes for the west of england may have. i was a fascinating result, that was conservative for the last four years, labour had targeted it, they sent their party —— party leader sir keir starmer campaigning in the west country three times and it seems to have

done the trick because earlier this afternoon, it was announced labour had taken it off the conservatives with a very resounding victory indeed, and it has buoyed the labour supporters and activists here with a sense that the tide is flowing in their favour. sense that the tide is flowing in theirfavour. it is sense that the tide is flowing in their favour. it is different in bristol, smaller boundaries for the city mayor and this is a city which by and large is good for the labour party. marvin rees is the current mayor. he has been in position for five years, he is from labour, they were reasonably confident they would come out of it on top, you can ever be sure, though, and one of the interesting trends we are picking up, and doggedly we are in an early stage of the count but talking to the different parties here, there has definitely been a search for the greens, as we have seen in other parts of the uk, but the dickie here in bristol, the green party have that in a very good performance indeed. —— but particularly. it is unlikely that marvin rees will be in

danger but the greens will be pleased if their candidates get into second place, and will be looking to tomorrow because this is onlyjust part two of that very protracted count. tomorrow, they will be counting votes for the city council election and that is where the greens are hoping to make considerable gains. yes, they got going about seven o'clock, it is two choices, we think at around ten o'clock tonight we may have the votes counted for the first choice. no one is expecting a conclusive result, they don't think anyone will have more than 50% of the vote. there are no fewer than nine candidates at that point, sometime late this evening, the bottom seven will all be eliminated from the contest and then they will get back to counting second preferences than any of those that to the top to will be reallocated in some after midnight, may be in the early hours, we will get the final result. but if

i had to put money on it, it is looking probably good for labour in bristol to hold on to the city's morality. bristol to hold on to the city's morali . ., , , ., bristol to hold on to the city's morali . . , , ., ., ., morality. perhaps that evening for a coule of morality. perhaps that evening for a couple of cups _ morality. perhaps that evening for a couple of cups of— morality. perhaps that evening for a couple of cups of copy _ morality. perhaps that evening for a couple of cups of copy -- _ morality. perhaps that evening for a couple of cups of copy -- coffee. . couple of cups of copy —— coffee. andy burnham167% of the vote in manchester and will serve a second one of the big sucesses for labour in england was in greater manchester was in a second greater manchester where andy burnham won 67% of the vote and will now serve a second term in office as mayor. earlier, he spoke to huw edwards stop being lukewarm about it because it is creating a different way of doing politics. it is creating a different way of doing politics-— doing politics. stronger, more authentic representation - doing politics. stronger, more authentic representation for i doing politics. stronger, more - authentic representation for people. people are buying into it. you see something similar in wales. it creates more positivity towards politics, and that is something i

have been saying for a long time. always working through westminster, often a very london centric approach to life, that really has to change now. it doesn't change at this election, labour can't take anything for granted any more. i election, labour can't take anything for granted any more.— for granted any more. i know they were my restrictions _ for granted any more. i know they were my restrictions on _ for granted any more. i know they i were my restrictions on campaigning this time because of the pandemic so the knocking on doors slightly more limited but one message where you getting from people in terms of their attitude, getting from people in terms of theirattitude, notjust getting from people in terms of their attitude, not just to getting from people in terms of their attitude, notjust to you, but to labour? you made the point that people from other parties by voting for you but what was the attitude that people brought, and what were the negative things that you thought needed to be addressed? 50. the negative things that you thought needed to be addressed?— needed to be addressed? so, there was definitely _ needed to be addressed? so, there was definitely a _ needed to be addressed? so, there was definitely a difference - needed to be addressed? so, there was definitely a difference in - needed to be addressed? so, there was definitely a difference in that i was definitely a difference in that some people would say they voted for me but weren't going to vote for the party at local level. however, the greater manchester council results are better than the average across the country and that says something, i think that there is a beneficial effect of devolution here with

regard to council results. i wouldn't rush to a superficial analysis. i heard peter mandelson yesterday saying it was all about the former leader. and i heard people on the former —— on the left of the parties say it was that the policies, but it is more fundamental, the party have lost an emotional connection with their voters. there is no point in glassing it, that is the fact of the matter. it has deep roots, it has happened notjust under recently, it goes back to the early 2000. this is has happened since then. they have to make some pretty fundamental changes to try and win it back. one of the waste bag is more english devolution, built from the bottom up. i am getting a bit fed up of saying this to them but they really now do need to listen and make real changes and enter the london centric labour party that i have been in all my life. it labour party that i have been in all m life. , ., , ., labour party that i have been in all m life. , . , ., labour party that i have been in all m life. , ., my life. it is a startling point you

are making. _ my life. it is a startling point you are making, you're _ my life. it is a startling point you are making, you're basically- my life. it is a startling point you i are making, you're basically saying that boris johnson's are making, you're basically saying that borisjohnson's conservative party has a greater emotional connection than your party currently does. i think it is fake though. we left a space for them. we've got a really big story to tell here, that actually is bringing people back to labour. i have been re—elected to the bestjob in the world in the best city region in the world, what an amazing feeling that is. i value every single vote that has been given to me today. i will use the mandate they have given me to bring buses here back under public control. there was a real ideological choice in the selection. i was chanting in it. this is that the prime minister. i said it's really directly to him. i am ready to move on from last year. make a

london style public transport system. it's got to be about helping everywhere that the benefits that london has got, and this is the test i set from it. until at bus journey in greater manchester cost the same as one in london, £155, not over £4 as one in london, £155, not over £4 as it does in a moment, then i don't believe we will have got through levelling up. if you give a place like this, an amazing city region like this, an amazing city region like this, a modern transport system thatis like this, a modern transport system that is the foundation for a more... where 3 million people of the benefit of that stop. otherwise, the government will have made all the promises and it won't add up to

anything. now, it's time for a look at the weather forecast. hello. brighter skies on the way tomorrow. still with showers around, mind you, after we spent today with quite a bit of rain moving across the uk, making up for some of the rainfall deficit we've had recently — although not perfectly timed with the start of the weekend. now a lot of that is clearing away, but we are left with this area of rain overnight into tomorrow, along with this weather front here stalling through parts of england and wales, the rain will tend to fizzle along it. however, aside of that, some sunny spells, low pressure still close by and there will be showers. and, although milder air has moved in and around the low pressure system, really only taking temperatures closer to average for the time of year. that said, a bit of warmth towards south east england tomorrow. the rest of the night is shaping up. along this weather front here, there will be further outbreaks of rain, gradually easing from where it's been very wet across south wales, still the chance of seeing a bit of patchy rain even into the morning.

showers for scotland and northern ireland, here temperatures will be dipping down, this is what they'll be the first thing in the morning, we haven't got a frost, and parts of england and wales will start the day into double figures, it'll feel very different. blustery showers and northern ireland, some heavy, possibly thundery spells in between, blustery showers moving across scotland, too, rain clearing shetland. north of england, especially northwest england into wales, we will see some sunny spells, a chance of a shower, have a weather front with the cloud and patchy rain in southeast england and southeast wales, the midlands into north east england. it will be a blustery day, winds at their strongest across western parts, gusting to 40 mph or so. with those sunny spells in southeast england and east anglia, this is where we will see the higher temperatures — a few into the low 20s, it will also be a noticeably warmer—feeling day in scotland. but, after the warmth towards the southeast of england, the chance for some thundery downpours to end the day as we go through tonight into monday morning. and these are temperatures as monday begins — again, a frost—free, much milder start to the day. but for monday, low pressure — notjust monday, throughout

the week, low pressure is close by, so you know that'll be producing showers. still the chance of a few outbreaks of rain running up north sea coastal areas during monday that could be heavy. the showers get going elsewhere, some heavy, possibly thundery, a chance of hail or two, fairly breezy with these, as well. but there will be some sunny spells in between — although temperatures will be close to average, it will feel a little bit warmer than it has recently.

good evening. the scottish national party has won an historic fourth term in office, but has fallen short of an overall majority in the parliamentary elections. the party's leader and first minister nicola sturgeon says she wants to see the country through the pandemic and then "give people in scotland the right to choose their future". borisjohnson says allowing another independence referendum would be "irresponsible and reckless". with news of that, and reaction to other election results in england and wales, here's our political correspondentjessica parker. nicola sturgeon touching base with one of her successful candidates. while the snp won't have more than half the seats, there is set to be a pro—independence majority overall. in no way can a referendum be

described as just a demand of me or of the snp. it is a commitment made to the people by a clear majority of the msps who have been elected to our national parliament. it is the will of the country. so the snp wants to march forward to a further referendum, but the uk government's set to resist. the uk government's position is very clear on this. we don't think there's a case for another referendum, particularly now as we try to chart our way out of the pandemic and get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign in wales, mark drakeford, winning half the seats in the senedd. and, heading up a surviving stronghold in england... thanks very much. manchester's mayor had this message for the leadership about labour's falling fortunes in parts of the country. if i can help here in - the party as we go forward,

of course i can do that. but it does mean change. let's not, you know, j get away from that — labour has to change. labour has to get rid - of its london—centric ways, tonight it's emerged that labour�*s deputy, angela rayner, has been sacked from her party roles as chair and campaign coordinator. no such turmoilfor the tories in england, who've seen gains. and consolidation. the west midlands keeping its tory mayor. high energy at one count today — just as well, there are still some results to come, running into monday. jessica parker, bbc news. rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations across the uk after cracks were found on some high—speed trains. great western railway, hull trains, london north eastern railway and transpennine express trains of the hitachi 800 model were taken out of service for safety inspections. and detectives investigating the death of serving

police community support officer julia james in kent, have arrested a man in connection with her murder. that's it. i'll be back with the bbc news at 10pm. goodbye.

hello, this is bbc news. labour sources have confirmed to the bbc that the deputy leader of the labour party, angela rayner has been removed from her roles as party chair and campaign co—ordinator. earlier, we spoke to wes streeting, labour's shadow education minister — he gave his thoughts on angela rayner removal. i'v e i've got a lot of respect for angela. frankly, whatever role she

has in the shadow cabinet, she's the deputy leader of the labour party, she's a strong voice for labour, she's a strong voice for labour, she's a strong voice for labour, she's a strong voice taking on the tories. that's the thing that will matter. as to what role she's got, you know, i'm following the news like the rest of you. and i think at the top of the party, they have a big responsibility resting on their shoulders to lead the labour party to victory at the next general election. we all have to be honest about the fact that, even where we've had some strong results and we can point to areas where we've made progress, we can also point it out there areas were labour back —— one is falling behind. so no excuse for that nice warm bath i described — it's time for a cold, hard look at ourselves to make sure that, you know, we are changing labourfor ourselves to make sure that, you know, we are changing labour for the good. let's also have a look at the tories while were at it. there is a reason why the conservative party is the most successful political party in the history of democracy, and that's because the conservative

party are always ruthlessly focused on how they win elections, and they'll change like chameleons — one of the things that's made my blood boil during the selection, actually, whether it be in hartlepool or other parts of the country, is how boris johnson has presented the conservative party as the change candidates, the change agents in this election — when it's this conservative party that's left the nhs with cuts, school cuts in real terms, and even now they're short—changing kids from the most deprived background, they've cut the police and have the audacity to talk about law and order. there are loads of ways... but about law and order. there are loads of wa s... �* about law and order. there are loads ofwa s... �* of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel, of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel. sorry — of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel. sorry to _ of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel, sorry to interrupt, _ of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel, sorry to interrupt, but - of ways. .. but if that's the way you feel, sorry to interrupt, but if - feel, sorry to interrupt, but if that's what you believe, isn't it a case that labour has failed to communicate that message? in terms of this national _ communicate that message? in terms of this national campaign, _ communicate that message? in terms of this national campaign, i _ communicate that message? in terms of this national campaign, i don't - of this national campaign, i don't mind saying, because he always have to be honest in the immediate aftermath of a general election and speak truth to power — in this election campaign, we failed to do

two things fundamentally. we failed it to define our opponents, the conservative party, and recognising them for the photo they are today — not the tories of the past, we must recognise the enemy in front of us, and recognise the fact that, with this conservative party, people have turned to them as change agents despite that appalling record i described. let's get reaction to today's events with sienna rodgers, editor of labour list. what do you make of this news that angela rayner has been removed as party chair and campaign coordinator?— party chair and campaign coordinator? ., coordinator? it's certainly a bold move. i coordinator? it's certainly a bold move- i had _ coordinator? it's certainly a bold move- i had a — coordinator? it's certainly a bold move. i had a conversation - coordinator? it's certainly a bold i move. i had a conversation earlier this week with a person close to angela rayner. they said they were worried she would be blamed for these poor election results, and also said she had been silenced over the past year, that's how she felt. she actually suggested for these may

election campaigns that there should be a message from the labour party, a very strong message of having a real living wage for care workers, because she's a former care worker herself. it looks like it is the case that a lot of the blame is being attributed to angela rayner — which some people, you know, in the pr which some people, you know, in the plp and parliamentary labour party have found quite confusing, simply because it's not as if she's been in control of the labour party operations in terms of campaigning, even though she has been the national campaign coordinator. so the fact she's been sacked from these roles, we are seeing an awful lot of reaction and my phone is blowing up. lot of reaction and my phone is blowing up— lot of reaction and my phone is blowing up. could this backfire, could this move _ blowing up. could this backfire, could this move backfire - blowing up. could this backfire, could this move backfire if- blowing up. could this backfire, could this move backfire if keir| could this move backfire if keir starmer is wanting to look decisive, like he's taking action, immediate action? do you think this could backfire? abs, action? do you think this could backfire? �* , ., ., . ,

backfire? a number of labour sources have pointed — backfire? a number of labour sources have pointed out _ backfire? a number of labour sources have pointed out that _ backfire? a number of labour sources have pointed out that both _ backfire? a number of labour sources have pointed out that both the - have pointed out that both the party's have pointed out that both the pa rty�*s left, have pointed out that both the party's left, but also the soft left of the party, which is really the base that keir starmer has in the party, are no more likely to rally around angela rayner and support her. —— now more likely. as for the wants to eventually stand for leadership, this will boost your chances. it seems to have been not the best move in terms of political management, and it seems as if now a labourfront venture management, and it seems as if now a labour front venture told me tonight this was the wrong response, it's a kneejerk reaction and, if you're a working class... losing the votes of working—class women, the wrong results are being taken. keir starmer is alienating some of those mps in the party who actually do support him generally. [10 mps in the party who actually do support him generally.— mps in the party who actually do support him generally. do you think anuela support him generally. do you think angela rayner _ support him generally. do you think angela rayner might _ support him generally. do you think angela rayner might be _ support him generally. do you think angela rayner might be offered - angela rayner might be offered another role?— angela rayner might be offered another role? that's exactly what i've been told, _ another role? that's exactly what i've been told, she's _ another role? that's exactly what i've been told, she's been - another role? that's exactly what| i've been told, she's been offered another role. but that news only came out sometime after the news

came out sometime after the news came out sometime after the news came out that she'd been sacked. would she be reminded to take on another role instead? 50 would she be reminded to take on another role instead?— would she be reminded to take on another role instead? so far we have no news on — another role instead? so far we have no news on that, _ another role instead? so far we have no news on that, we _ another role instead? so far we have no news on that, we don't _ another role instead? so far we have no news on that, we don't know - another role instead? so far we have | no news on that, we don't know what the role is exactly officially, and we don't know whether she would take it. perhaps if she has her own personal ambitions still around the leadership and if she's interested in that role, perhaps you won't take it, instead working on shoring up support within the party. more broadl , support within the party. more broadly, what _ support within the party. more broadly, what are _ support within the party. more broadly, what are you - support within the party. more broadly, what are you hearing| support within the party. more broadly, what are you hearing about what labour party members think needs to be done to address these election results? it’s needs to be done to address these election results?— election results? it's interesting timinu , election results? it's interesting timing. this— election results? it's interesting timing, this angela _ election results? it's interesting timing, this angela rayner - election results? it's interesting - timing, this angela rayner decision, because there's actually been good results for labour today, and perhaps keir starmer could have been shouting about those. for example, dan noris has won the west of england election the liverpool city region mayor, steve rotherham and

andy burnham in greater manchester. labour party members want celebrate those victories while also recognising the terrible losses. cni, thank you very much. —— cni. in other news, officers investigating the death of serving police community support officer julia james in kent have arrested a man in connection with her murder. helena wilkinson reports. 11 days ago, julia james took her dog for a walk. a short time later, she was attacked and killed a few hundred yards from her home. her body was found on the edge of this woodland. today came confirmation. —— ofa —— of a development in the case. in a statement, kent police said... the man is a british national.

today, in the village of hailsham, a house was searched by police. forensic officers were seen going in and out of the property, which is about a mile from where the body ofjulia james was found. despite an arrest, detectives still need the public�*s helpful information. —— help for information. this morning, the mp for dover and deal and the leader of dover district council paid their respects to the community support officer. herfamily want answers as to what happened tojulia, who they say was fiercely loyal and loved with her wholehearted. —— her whole heart. helena wilkinson, bbc news. meanwhile, labour will remain in power in wales for another five years after matching its best—ever senedd election result, winning half of the 60 seats in the welsh parliament. the conservatives won 16, plaid cymru13, and the lib dems one. our wales correspondent

hywell griffith reports. after super thursday's success, a soggy saturday celebration. mark drakeford was front and centre of labour's campaign in wales, and it worked, equalling their best ever result here, a very different story to other parts of the uk. i think the difference between wales and england is that people in wales can see the record of a labour government. they can see what we have achieved together over the period of devolution, and they know that, if we say something in our manifesto, then they can have confidence that it will be delivered. after two decades in government, many within labour expected their grip on power in wales to loosen. instead, the pandemic has flipped convention on its head, and it's the incumbents who have come out stronger. especially in places like porthcawl. 18 months ago, voters in this constituency kicked out their labour mp but, in this election, they stuck with the party, and that seems to be

largely down to trust in its leader. mark drakeford has done very well this year, you know, with this pandemic and everything else he's had to deal with. well, he's come across clearly and said what we want to hear and what we were going to do. i think people have thought he has handled it very well too. that popularity will be tested by what lies ahead, rebuilding the nhs and restoring the economy will require tough financial decisions once the victory parade has run its course. hywell griffith, bbc news. and i'm alsojoined by mark wallace, chief executive of conservative home. good evening to you, thanks for joining us. speaking a little earlier to gavin barr well, he said that the key priority for the conservative party now was not so much about narrative but delivery of policy. would you agree with him

based on these results? is that what this is a mandate for? yes. based on these results? is that what this is a mandate for?— this is a mandate for? yes, and uuite this is a mandate for? yes, and quite frankly. — this is a mandate for? yes, and quite frankly. i— this is a mandate for? yes, and quite frankly, i think _ this is a mandate for? yes, and quite frankly, i think is - this is a mandate for? yes, and quite frankly, i think is any - this is a mandate for? yes, and | quite frankly, i think is any good congressperson will tell you, you shouldn't really try to divorce narrative and delivery. the best kind of pr isjust doing a really good job for people. what i think is really interesting is that in 2019, lots of voters, for the first time in their lives, took a chance on voting for the conservatives and getting brexit done was one part, but this is the first test we've had... people seem like they're happy with what they've seen so far. and do you think the brexit issue has been key for the conservatives in this election, not so much and handling of the roll—out of the vaccination programme, but the issue of brexit and bringing voters who may once have voted for labour to the conservatives? i may once have voted for labour to the conservatives?— the conservatives? i think it's about a stream _ the conservatives? i think it's about a stream of— the conservatives? i think it's about a stream of different i the conservatives? i think it's - about a stream of different related issues. the people falling out with

the labour party is something that happened over a very long period of time. think back at 2004 when tony blair lost the referendum in the northeast — because people could vote in a way that gave labour a kicking without seeming like they endorsed another party. brexit helped create the window of opportunity for the conservatives to say, "actually you should think about voting for us." but the reason it hasn't gone away is because there's other stuff like the vaccine roll—out, but also because labour went out of their way to remind people that they still don't really understand that vote and white people gave up on them, and they don't take it seriously. haifa people gave up on them, and they don't take it seriously.— people gave up on them, and they don't take it seriously. how much of it has been — don't take it seriously. how much of it has been due _ don't take it seriously. how much of it has been due to _ don't take it seriously. how much of it has been due to boris _ don't take it seriously. how much of it has been due to boris johnson - don't take it seriously. how much of it has been due to boris johnson as| it has been due to borisjohnson as a figurehead for the party, as opposed to the individual work of conservative mps and counsellors in various parts of the uk? boris definitely matters, _ various parts of the uk? boris definitely matters, it's - various parts of the uk? boris definitely matters, it's quite l definitely matters, it's quite interesting to see him cutting through into people's awareness in a way that a lot of politicians don't.

that's one reason why so many of his critics find him so annoying. but it's also got to be about local performance, as well. if you look at hartlepool or the tees valley, talking to tory voters there, they say that the mayor comes up nearly as much as borisjohnson on the doorstep. that is someone who grabbed a job he was given by the skin of his teeth at the last election, has run with itjust ran with it and not slow down. he's got people to the polls and their winning elections as a result. but is there a conundrum for boris johnson, that he can't talk any more about delivering on the will of the people, then deny people in scotland a second independence referendum? it seems to be the snp's view about having a referendum that matters. but if you're talking about the will of the scottish people, the snp is talked about having many people voted in scotland compared to those who voted to leave. how many people

voted for the unionist parties more than voted for pro—independence parties? you also have to remember that nicola sturgeon did go around saying this was a once in a generation referendum, and we are very lucky that a generation is longer than seven years. there's a ma'ori longer than seven years. there's a majority for _ longer than seven years. there's a majority for pro-independence - longer than seven years. there's a l majority for pro-independence msps majority for pro—independence msps in scottish parliament, so isn't that how democracy works? hagar that how democracy works? how democracy _ that how democracy works? how democracy works _ that how democracy works? time" democracy works when nicola sturgeon gets the answer over and over again like she did on brexit? so gets the answer over and over again like she did on brexit?— like she did on brexit? so you think boris like she did on brexit? so you think ltoris johnson _ like she did on brexit? so you think boris johnson will _ like she did on brexit? so you think boris johnson will be _ like she did on brexit? so you think boris johnson will be relaxed - like she did on brexit? so you think boris johnson will be relaxed on - like she did on brexit? so you think| boris johnson will be relaxed on not borisjohnson will be relaxed on not feeling the pressure on this? it’s feeling the pressure on this? it's obviously a _ feeling the pressure on this? it�*s obviously a sensitive and high—profile topic, but firstly the snp have failed to vote democrat when they're outright majority. secondly, more people in scotland voted for unionist parties than for separatist parties. and thirdly, remember the constitution of the uk is a topic that lies with the parliament and westminster. finally,

the snp has a once in a generation referendum and they lost it, and they told everyone it was once in a generation. it seems they didn't mean that. generation. it seems they didn't mean that-— generation. it seems they didn't mean that. . ., ~ mean that. mark wallace, thank you very much- — mean that. mark wallace, thank you very much. thank _ mean that. mark wallace, thank you very much. thank you. _ the latest coronavirus figures have been released by the government. in the latest 24—hour period, the uk has recorded 2,047 cases. there have been five deaths within 28 days of a positive test. more than 35 million people have now received the first dose of the vaccine. rail passengers have been facing delays and cancellations across the uk after cracks were found on some high—speed trains. great western railway, hull trains, london north eastern railway and transpennine express trains of the hitachi 800 model were taken out of service for safety inspections. hitachi apologised and said some trains were now running again after checks. a warning, katy austin's report does contain flashing images. this type of high—speed model has only been on uk railways for a few years.

after a problem was found with some overnight, hitachi's 800 series trains weren't running this morning, as a safety precaution. the problem is a weld underneath the body shell which is cracking, which sounds like metalfatigue. there are over 180 of these trains in service, which were grounded at five o'clock this morning while the engineers check to see if anymore were cracking. will that be to fix? —— will that be easy to fix? no, repairing aluminum trains is very difficult. so, no, it's not quick and it's not cheap. the trains are being inspected. it is not yet clear weather the problem has been detected in any more, although a number have now been deemed safe. but there has been major disruption on transpennine express, hull trains, great western railway and london north eastern railway. it is a disaster for me because i am actually going for my vaccine in cardiff, and i have got my appointment at 3pm.

i was going to go back to uni and i can't go back, which is so annoying. hitachi has apologised to passengers and rail operators. we are still in a time of covid restrictions and the rail network is still relatively quiet. more services have start to be reintroduced as the day has gone on. but some disruption is likely to continue beyond today and the rail minister has asked the industry to conduct a rapid and comprehensive review. katy austin, bbc news. time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. after today's cloud and rain, brighter skies tomorrow, though there will still be showers around. for the rest of the night, we will continue with outbreaks of rain affecting parts of england and wales, here as you can see, though easing from where it's been

so very wet in south wales. there'll be showers heading back into northern ireland, some heavy, to western scotland, and rain continuing to spread north across the northern isles. turns fairly chilly in scotland, but these are temperatures going into the morning, so it'll have lifted from even the lowest points overnight — and for many of us, it's a mild start to the day. northern ireland, blustery at times, heavy showers, rumbles of thunder in the western scotland, too, pushing further northwest england and much of wales, dry and sunny spells, bar the odd shower around. mostly cloudy from southwest england to the midlands, and into yorkshire, with some patchy rain. average wind speeds here, gusty winds towards the west up to around 40 mph or so, and some sunny spells in east anglia and south england — much of the day here dry and warm.

this is bbc news. the headlines... deputy labour leader angela rayner is removed as party chair after labour's poor performance in the local election results. despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp closes in on a fourth consecutive victory in the scottish parliamentary election. nicola sturgeon says the win is a mandate for another independence referendum. there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for borisjohnson or indeed for anyone else seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. in wales, labour's mark drakeford remains first minister, after his party took half of the 60 seats in the senedd.

labour's sadiq khan is on course to be re—elected mayor of london, following a closer than expected race against conservative candidate, shaun bailey. the conservatives gain councils in england, while labour candidates win mayoral elections in liverpool city and greater manchester where andy burnham is re—elected in a landslide. a man is arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of police community support officer julia james in kent. rail passengers are facing delays and cancellations across britain, after cracks were found in some high speed trains during routine checks. we're expecting the result of the london mayoral contest shortly. the bbc is projecting victory for labour's sadiq khan,

which would give him a second term in city hall. joining me now from there is our correspondent, adina campbell. hello again to you. is the announcement of the result imminent? it is. we are expecting the final result in the next few minutes. all other candidates are primed, there are just other candidates are primed, there arejust a other candidates are primed, there are just a couple of floors beneath me at city hall, awaiting that final result. we are expecting labour's sadiq khan to indeed go forward and serve a second term as the london mayor. this has very much been a different race than what people were expecting. people were expecting sadiq khan to have that much of a challenge on his hands but we had seen the conservative candidate shaun bailey really close the gap at times and do much better than expected. this, of course, is a really important place for labour.

this is labour territory, and it would be expected that labour go on to serve the second term so if the result does go any other way, it will be a massive shock and they will be a massive shock and they will be a massive shock and they will be questions to be asked about labour's performance. as it stands at the moment, we are predicting that labour's sadiq khan will go on to serve a second term here as the london mayor and the results are expected anytime now in the next few minutes. ~ , expected anytime now in the next few minutes. ~' , . ~ minutes. ok, i think we will be back with ou minutes. ok, i think we will be back with you pretty _ minutes. ok, i think we will be back with you pretty soon, _ minutes. ok, i think we will be back with you pretty soon, thank- minutes. ok, i think we will be back with you pretty soon, thank you - minutes. ok, i think we will be back| with you pretty soon, thank you very much, adina campbell. labour's deputy leader angela rayner has been sacked from her role as chairman after the party's poor showing in the elections. the sacking signals cracks at the top of the party, with rows over who was to blame for the election strategy. the former shadow chancellorjohn mcdonnell has tweeted, saying, "keir starmer said yesterday that he took full responsibility for the election result in hartlepool & other losses. instead today he's scapegoating everyone apart from himself. this isn't leadership it's a cowardly avoidance of responsibility." earlier, we spoke to our political correspondent iain watson.

he talked us through some of the reaction to angela rayaner�*s removal. it seems to have caused quite a bit upset, if you were to look at social media, and at some of the conversations we have had since this news broke within the past hour. one shadow cabinet member is telling us they are flabbergasted that this news. others are saying that in line with john news. others are saying that in line withjohn mcdonnell but a little less robustly, they are saying that if sir keir starmer is saying he's taking responsibility far worse than expected election results, why is it the deputy leader that is being sacked? others have suggested it was a cack—handed way of going about what we expect to be a reshuffle from labour in the very near future. and what is interesting is that these roles, the national campaign

coordinating role, the party chair role, these are in the gift of the party leader, unlike the deputy leadership itself which is elected by the members, but it would appear to be a more sensible move to have said there is going to be a reshuffle and angela rayner will be moved to a different post, rather than perhaps looking as though she was taking full responsibility for the election results. interestingly, party sources are saying she is going to be offered another role but some of her allies have been in contact with me and said we are not sure if she will take it. this is a dangerous moment for keir starmer. another thing is interestingly enough, some on the left, some close tojeremy corbyn felt enough, some on the left, some close to jeremy corbyn felt angela rayner had moved away from then by backing the current leadership of the labour party but now her credibility amongst that group seems to have been reignited by the fact that the party leadership has removed her from those crucial roles. the debate is going on as to why labour

performed so poorly and there is no consensus on the party as to the reasons for the ploy defeat all the solutions. ., . ., , reasons for the ploy defeat all the solutions. ., , , ., . solutions. that could be problematic because if we _ solutions. that could be problematic because if we have _ solutions. that could be problematic because if we have been _ solutions. that could be problematic because if we have been listening i solutions. that could be problematic because if we have been listening to j because if we have been listening to the criticism over the last day or so which we clearly have, lots of people have said labour hasn't communicated a message clearly and i found this tonight is perhaps going to look a bit self—indulgent, a bit introspective, in terms of the response to these results, potentially. response to these results, potentially-— response to these results, potentially. response to these results, otentiall. . . , potentially. what the party sources are sa inc potentially. what the party sources are saying is _ potentially. what the party sources are saying is keir _ potentially. what the party sources are saying is keir starmer - potentially. what the party sources are saying is keir starmer does - potentially. what the party sources l are saying is keir starmer does take full responsibility but as part of that responsibility, he said things have to change and that is including the way the party does its campaigns, the way to collect data, the way it does its polling because its own internal polling did not predict the full scale of labour poor—macro —— labour's defeat. if

they are going to make those reforms, the person in charge at the campaign moving to pastures new is not entirely ridiculous. but the question is had it been done consensually, we wouldn't be having this router now and there would be lots of labour members expressing their concerns and criticisms on social media tonight. in addition to that, we are likely to see new staff appointments in the next 24 hours and the new top team being reshuffled. and also notjust the personalities but the policies, the policies will be reviewed as well, the policies keir starmer inherited from jeremy corbyn. all these things might make labour in due course more electable but there are huge risks for keir starmer along the way. there are a whole selection of people on the left who very are —— who are very worried that he will jettison a lot of the policies that

they thought were popular in jeremy corbyn's 2019 manifesto but were nonetheless rejected by the voters so it looks as though it will be impossible to manage that change in a way that is particularly smooth, and interestingly, in an article for the ft, lord mandelson this evening said lots of people say we think the party should change but they don't really want to do that, they want to stay the same. his warning to keir starmer is that you cannot have change and unity and have both at the same time and i think this evening's events prove that. we can speak now to ian lavery the labour mp for wansbeck. he is a former labour party campaign co—ordinator and party chair. there have been notable successes for labour in these elections, in wales, andy burnham, in greater manchester. obviously, the council results were not what the party was hoping for so is it right at this point that the campaign coordinator

goes? i point that the campaign coordinator noes? ~ ., point that the campaign coordinator ioes? ~' ., ., ., goes? i think that what the leader ofthe goes? i think that what the leader of the party _ goes? i think that what the leader of the party said _ goes? i think that what the leader of the party said yesterday - goes? i think that what the leader of the party said yesterday was i goes? i think that what the leader i of the party said yesterday was that he will bear full responsibility for the disaster we have had, particularly in hartlepool, the seat which we have held for decades, generations, really. and it would be bizarre, if not ill—conceived, to think that taking responsibility is sacking the chair, the national campaign coordinator, a woman mp who has grown up in a working—class area, is a thoroughbred working—class individual who understands the very meaning of the word because of her life experiences. and it looks, unfortunately, although we haven't got all of the details at this time, it looks as if taking responsibility means throwing someone like angela

rayner under the political bus. quite frankly, that is not taking responsibility, it is not the right attitude to adopt. you responsibility, it is not the right attitude to adopt.— responsibility, it is not the right attitude to adopt. you make the oint, do attitude to adopt. you make the point. do we _ attitude to adopt. you make the point, do we have _ attitude to adopt. you make the point, do we have the _ attitude to adopt. you make the point, do we have the full- attitude to adopt. you make the j point, do we have the full story, the full picture here? or are you satisfied this is, as far as you are concerned, a big misjudgement? it is concerned, a big mis'udgement? it is a m h -- concerned, a big mis'udgement? it is a myth -- it— concerned, a big mis'udgement? it is a myth -- it is— concerned, a big mis'udgement? it is myth-mush— concerned, a big misjudgement? it 3 a myth —— it is a big misjudgement. she is the national campaign coordinator who has carried out her job. these are the biggest elections in the parliamentary cycle. and i think that because of the situation up think that because of the situation up and down the country, which has been different, to think that she should bear the responsibility, 48 hours after this disaster, is quite frankly politically bizarre, i've got to say. as i say, we are not sure whether we have the full story or if this is based on the results.

and we've got people, unelected people in the main, telling mr starmer, telling sir keir starmer that we need to change rapidly, and they are still in position. something is sadly role within party needs to be reunited. actions, kneejerk reactions like this doesn't do anyone any good. the kneejerk reactions like this doesn't do anyone any good.— kneejerk reactions like this doesn't do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, _ do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, you _ do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, you say, _ do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, you say, but - do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, you say, but lots - do anyone any good. the party needs to be reunited, you say, but lots of i to be reunited, you say, but lots of elements within labour have been briefing against keir starmer since he took over as leader. how is the party going to get past the infighting and come to a united position where it can communicate its message clearly?— its message clearly? well, listen, eve hint its message clearly? well, listen, everything has — its message clearly? well, listen, everything has been _ its message clearly? well, listen, everything has been going - its message clearly? well, listen, everything has been going on - its message clearly? well, listen, i everything has been going on within the labour party for quite some time, notjust under keir starmer�*s watch. i recall the days of the shadow cabinet when we would discuss

the brexit issue before people have said what they wanted to say and it was on twitter. it is not new and it is not acceptable, i've got to say, it really isn't. these things should be communicated properly. how to reunite the party, by ensuring that we've got everyone together, treating everybody within the party, that means everyone from the mps, right to the membership, the foot soldiers, the supporters, treating them with decency, treating them with honesty, treating them as if they actually mean something in the party, instead of threatening them, cajoling them, suspending them. we need a united party, divided we stand, —— united we stand, divided we fall. let's speak now to polling expert professor sirjohn curtice about the latest results.

good to see you again. where are we right now? still some results to come in in various places. igale right now? still some results to come in in various places. we are virtually at _ come in in various places. we are virtually at the _ come in in various places. we are virtually at the end, _ come in in various places. we are virtually at the end, we've - come in in various places. we are virtually at the end, we've had i virtually at the end, we've had everything in from scotland, everything in from scotland, everything in from scotland, everything in front wales. there are still some councils that are not proposing to count until tomorrow so will get more results tomorrow but so far as this evening is concerned, the attention is on the capital. we are still waiting for the last bit of the results for both the london mayor and for the london assembly. but for what it is worse, the bbc has already forecast that sadiq khan will be elected as mayor of london, albeit with it —— with a somewhat reduced majority and indeed labour will emerge as the largest party on the greater london assembly but probably with one less fit than they had last time. perhaps the party

that will be most pleased about its progress are the greens who are up one seat. not dramatic change, much indeed like scotland and wales which indeed like scotland and wales which in the end also found that the result was very similar to that in 2016. but what has been true as we had a dramatic result that started all this off in hartlepool, with an enormous swing to the conservatives andindeed enormous swing to the conservatives and indeed within the english council not an enormous council, only 200 net gains from the tories and 200 let —— net losses for labour but underneath the surface, further, further evidence of how the labour party is not as popular as you would expect an opposition party to be at this stage an electoral cycle and certainly not showing any progress of making round among leave voters and therefore what hartlepool exemplified which is the labour party struggling in a working—class exit inclined constituency was also

repeated in many a similar kind of english local council.— english local council. thank you very much- _ let's speak now to housing and communities secretary, robertjenrick mp. thank you very much for your time this evening. i wonder if going into the various accounts that have been taking place, did you feel confident you would get the salt of results the conservative party has seen, given that often in electoral cycles, the party of government gets a little kicking from the voters? you are right to say that every lead -- ll you are right to say that every lead —— 11 years on as the party of government, it is unusual to be in the position we find ourselves today and i am extremely grateful to everyone who supported conservative candidates the length and breadth of the country. this is the one nation vision that borisjohnson set out to achieve, winning councils from cornwall to nottinghamshire, mayors like andy street in the west

midlands and ben in teesside, getting more members of the welsh senate than ever before —— speaks welsh one. people have backed the party because we are focusing on the people's priorities, ensuring the continued success of the vaccine roll—out and also investing in transport and infrastructure, in health and education, things that will matter so much as we emerge from this terrible pandemic and try to build back better as a country. i wonder if you i have an idea of where the success lies. is it to do with delivery, it borisjohnson is a personality? because we've been talking a lot lately about the controversy over the redecoration of the downing street flat and so on, but that doesn't seem to have had any impact on the voters, does it? i think the prime minister's leadership during the pandemic has

been supported by the public, particularly the success of the vaccine roll—out which he led personally. but i also think that on the ground, conservative counsel's track record of delivering good quality public services of attracting investment, creating jobs — those things have mattered, and if you look at those two mayors that i mentioned it, andy street and ben houston, their role in leading their communities both through the pandemic and going forwards in attracting investment, gaining investment and creating jobs, are actually delivering for local communities and it was very striking. and i think people rest on the macro responded strongly to that and give them another term to keep going. how difficult do you think it'll be to hold onto that vision? clearly the country has difficulties still to confront.—

still to confront. there's a lot of work now _ still to confront. there's a lot of work now to _ still to confront. there's a lot of work now to do, _ still to confront. there's a lot of work now to do, as _ still to confront. there's a lot of work now to do, as you - still to confront. there's a lot of work now to do, as you say, - still to confront. there's a lot of. work now to do, as you say, we've got to finish the job with covid, and that's not by no means over. we need to get those who are not vaccinated to be vaccinated, and we must deal with the challenges of the backlog in the nhs created as a result of the pandemic, the lost hours of children's education, and we've got to make good on the promise we made at the general election to level up all parts of the country. that means ensuring opportunity is shared equally in those communities like hartlepool, getting good quality skills and technology and infrastructure to them in a way that hasn't happened in the past. that is a big task, we've already made progress but we are all now going to unite and double down on that mission because people have lent us their votes, they've reaffirmed them and they elections, we are very grateful to that and we've got a big job to do to make sure we deliver on those

promises. to make sure we deliver on those tromises. t, to make sure we deliver on those tromises. ., , ., , ., promises. how will you level up and arts of promises. how will you level up and parts of the — promises. how will you level up and parts of the country _ promises. how will you level up and parts of the country where - promises. how will you level up and parts of the country where there - promises. how will you level up and j parts of the country where there are labour mps, orthere parts of the country where there are labour mps, or there is a labour mayor? andy burnham was speaking directly to boris johnson when mayor? andy burnham was speaking directly to borisjohnson when he talked about his strategy for transport in the city, to level up on transport and bring transport costs down, he said, "borisjohnson, work with me." is that something you think the prime minister will be willing to do?— think the prime minister will be willint to do? ~ , t ., willing to do? absolutely. we want to work with _ willing to do? absolutely. we want to work with all _ willing to do? absolutely. we want to work with all the _ willing to do? absolutely. we want to work with all the elected - willing to do? absolutely. we wantj to work with all the elected mayors across the country, whatever party they may come from, and all the local councils that have found themselves elected. my department will work with those mayors, we are working with around a quarter, and that's growing. we will now be working for towns and local authorities for the first time in scotland, wales, and northern ireland, as well. we want to ensure opportunities are shared, that we build back better from the opportunities are shared, that we build back betterfrom the pandemic, but that we tackle those it is to

stash historic inequalities, and i think these elections have shown the value of good quality local leadership, working in partnership with central government. that's what myself and the prime minister are dedicated to do now, whether it's with andy burnham, andy street, or local authority leaders across the united kingdom. ittrht’ith local authority leaders across the united kingdom.— united kingdom. with regards to tandemic united kingdom. with regards to pandemic recovery _ united kingdom. with regards to pandemic recovery in _ united kingdom. with regards to pandemic recovery in the - united kingdom. with regards to - pandemic recovery in the vaccination programme, and so on, in scotland nicola sturgeon is saying that is very much what she wants to concentrate on first and foremost before she says when the time is right, bringing another independence referendum to the people of scotland. now do you think that borisjohnson, given the election results in scotland, given that in scottish parliament there will be a majority of msps who are in favour of independence — do you think boris johnson will listen to her message?

and he said up to now he would not want to see another independence referendum, but do you think he will revise that opinion given the results in scotland? the prime minister has _ results in scotland? the prime minister has been _ results in scotland? the prime minister has been very - results in scotland? the prime minister has been very clear, i results in scotland? the prime i minister has been very clear, and he's restated view and a letter to nicola sturgeon on a congratulate yuri letter this evening, saying now is the time for us to unite as one country and work to combat the remaining challenges of covid and build back the country, to recover the services to sustain and create new jobs as we the services to sustain and create newjobs as we move through economic disruption... but new jobs as we move through economic disruption- - -_ disruption... but not in the short term, in disruption... but not in the short term. in the _ disruption... but not in the short term, in the medium-term? - disruption... but not in the short term, in the medium-term? i'm| disruption... but not in the short . term, in the medium-term? i'm not sure what the _ term, in the medium-term? i'm not sure what the future _ term, in the medium-term? i'm not sure what the future might - term, in the medium-term? i'm not sure what the future might hold, - term, in the medium-term? i'm not| sure what the future might hold, but our sole focus right now must be on recovery. and i think being distracted in any way by talk of constitutional wrangles would be a grave error. we want to ensure that the uk government, and we will work

with devolved administrations as much as we possibly can, focus is the whole country onto feeding cove it moving forward with our way of life —— covid. that has to be our focus right now. but life -- covid. that has to be our focus right now.— focus right now. but it is a question _ focus right now. but it is a question boris _ focus right now. but it is a question boris johnson - focus right now. but it is a | question boris johnson will focus right now. but it is a - question boris johnson will have to question borisjohnson will have to confront. do you think that beyond simply saying he doesn't want there to be another independence referendum? that won't wash, it must be confronted on a deeper level, don't you think? i be confronted on a deeper level, don't you think?— don't you think? i think the ma'ori don't you think? i think the majority of _ don't you think? i think the majority of people - don't you think? i think the majority of people in - don't you think? i think the i majority of people in scotland don't you think? i think the - majority of people in scotland would agree with us when we say that the focus of government, of elected representatives right now should be on covid. this is not the time to be talking about a second referendum, to be getting into a divisive and distracting constitutional wrangles. we should be putting all our energy right now into tackling the pandemic and the building back better afterwards. that must be our focus, and we certainly will not be getting

involved in the constitutional wrangles. i don't think that's the right thing for scotland or the uk. robertjenrick, thank you very much. let's recap all the results so far. the scottish national party is heading for an historic fourth term in office, after a strong showing in the parliamentary elections. the bbc predicts that the snp will fall short of an overall majority, but seats won by the scottish greens mean the parliament will have a majority of pro—independence msps. in wales, labour has retained control of the senedd and mark drakeford will remain first minister. and in england, labour is losing council seats after the disappointment of losing the westminster hartlepool seat. but labour has won a number of mayoral races, including andy burnham, who has been re—elected mayor with a large margin in greater manchester. a warning that this report from our political correspondentjess parker contains flash photography. nicola sturgeon touching base with one of her successful candidates. while the snp won't have more

than half the seats, there is set to be a pro—independence majority overall. in no way can a referendum be described as just a demand of me or of the snp. it is a commitment made to the people by a clear majority of the msps who have been elected to our national parliament. it is the will of the country. so the snp wants to march forward to a further referendum, but the uk government's set to resist. the uk government's position is very clear on this. we don't think there's a case for another referendum, particularly now as we try to chart our way out of the pandemic and get our economy going again. central to labour's campaign in wales, mark drakeford, winning half the seats in the senedd. and, heading up a surviving stronghold in england... thanks very much. manchester's mayor had this message for the leadership about labour's

falling fortunes in parts of the country. if i can help here in - the party as we go forward, of course i can do that. but it does mean change. let's not, you know, j get away from that — labour has to change. labour has to get rid - of its london—centric ways, and if it doesn't, you know, i don't know what the - future holds for it. the conservatives have seen gains in england and consolidation. not the same turmoil for the tories in england — some council gains. so, ladies and gentlemen... the west midlands keeping its tory mayor. some switched to labour. high energy at one count today — just as well, there are still some results to come, running into monday. jessica parker, bbc news. in other news, officers investigating the death of serving police community support officer julia james in kent have arrested a man in connection with her murder.

helena wilkinson reports. 11 days ago, julia james took her dog for a walk. a short time later showers attacked and killed a few hundred yards from her home. —— she was attacked. her body was found on the edge of this woodland. today came confirmation of a development in the case. in a statement, kent police said... the man is a british national. today, in the village of hailsham, a house was searched by police. forensic officers were seen going in and out of the property, which was about a mile from where the body ofjulia james was found. despite an arrest, detectives still need the public�*s helpful information. —— help for information. this morning, the mp for dover

and deal and the leader of dover district council paid their respects to the community support officer. herfamily want answers as to what happened tojulia, who they say was fiercely loyal and loved with her whole heart. helena wilkinson, bbc news. at least 55 people have been killed and dozens of others injured in a blast at a school in the afghan capital, kabul. many of those who died were schoolgirls who had just finished class and were walking out of the gates at the time of the attack. most of the people living in the district in western kabul are part of the shia hazara community who have been targeted repeatedly in recent years by the so—called islamic state group. our correspondent, secunder kermani, gave us the latest. the terrible attack took place at around 4:30pm as students at a girls' school were just making their way home, and now images shared on social media show bodies strewn across the ground, and it's feared that many of the victims will be teenagers and young girls.

this took place, as you say, in a neighbourhood in the west of kabul known as dasht—e—barchi. it's an area that's dominated by afghanistan's shia hazara minority, and that's been repeatedly targeted by the so—called islamic state group. tuition centres, sports halls have all been targeted in the past few years, and it seems likely that is is responsible for this latest atrocity too. the group is much less powerful than the taliban, but it has the ability to carry out these deadly attacks. the latest coronavirus figures have been released by the government. in the latest 24—hour period, the uk has recorded 2,047 cases. there have been five deaths within 28 days of a positive test. more than 35 million people have now received the first dose of the vaccine. rail passengers have been facing delays and cancellations across the uk after cracks

were found on some high—speed trains. great western railway, hull trains, london north eastern railway and transpennine express trains of the hitachi 800 model were taken out of service for safety inspections. hitachi apologised and said some trains were now running again after checks. a warning, katy austin's report does contain flashing images. this type of high—speed model has only been on uk railways for a few years. after a problem was found with some overnight, hitachi's 800 series trains weren't running this morning, as a safety precaution. the problem is a weld underneath the body shell which is cracking, which sounds like metalfatigue. there are over 180 of these trains in service, which were grounded at 5am this morning while the engineers check to see if anymore were cracking. will that be easy to fix? no, repairing aluminum trains is very difficult. so, no, it's not quick

and it's not cheap. the trains are being inspected. it is not yet clear weather the problem has been detected in any more, although a number have now been deemed safe. but there has been major disruption on transpennine express, hull trains, great western railway and london north eastern railway. it is a disaster for me because i am actually going for my vaccine in cardiff, and i have got my appointment at 3pm. i was going to go back to uni and i can't go back, which is so annoying. hitachi has apologised to passengers and rail operators. we are still in a time of covid restrictions and the rail network is still relatively quiet. more services have start to be reintroduced as the day has gone on. but some disruption is likely to continue beyond today and the rail minister has asked the industry to conduct a rapid and comprehensive review. katy austin, bbc news. now it's time for a look

at the weather with nick miller. hello. affecting parts of england and wales. you can see the easing from where it's been so very wet and southwell. there be showers heading back and northern ireland, some into western scotland, rain continued to spread across the northern aisles. turning fairly chilly in scotland but these temperatures go into the morning, some have even lifted from the lowest point overnight. many of us, it's quite a mild start to the day. northern ireland blustery, at times heavy showers, rumbles of thunder into western scotland too, pushing further east across scotland. england and lots of whales, some showers around, mostly cloudy from southwest england to the midlands in new york sure with some patchy rain. average wind speeds here up to around 40 mph or so, and some sunny spells and is to eat at east in southeast england. much of the day here dry and warm.

deputy labour leader angela rayner is removed as party chair after labour's poor performance in the local election results. despite falling short of an overall majority, the snp closes in on a fourth consecutive victory in the scottish parliamentary election — nicola sturgeon says the win is a mandate for another independence referendum. in wales, labour's mark drakeford remains first minister, after his party took half of the 60 seats in the senedd. the conservatives gain councils in england — while labour candidates win mayoral elections in liverpool city and greater manchester — where andy burnham is re—elected in a landslide in other news, a man is arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of police community support officer julia james in kent.

now on bbc news... more than 700 people have been killed by the myanmar military since they seized power three months ago. our world follows a brother and sister now fighting for their future. this film contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. myanmar is in the grips of an uprising, triggered by a military coup. protesters are demanding a return to democracy. they are met with brutal force. borders are closed, the internet is blocked. the military doesn't want the world to see this.

we follow a brother and sister who are part of a generation that briefly experienced democracy. they are now fighting for their future. yangon. myanmar�*s biggest city was opening up after decades of oppressive military rule. bhone and his sister cindy lived through a brief period of democracy. for the last five years, the military has been sharing power with aung san suu kyi's party. all that changed on the first of february, when general min aung hlaing staged a coup.

since then, they have been joining daily protest. he voted for the first time in november last year. aung san suu kyi's party won that election by a landslide, but army chief, general min aung hlaing, contested the results, seized power, detained suu kyi and other elected leaders.

gunshots.

this was bhone's world before the coup. he's a musician, inspired by american trap music. a? he was planning to release his

first album this year. his sister cindy recently returned home from years abroad. the military coup on the first of february crushed those dreams. now they channel their creativity into the resistance, painting the name of this uprising, the spring revolution, at the end of their street.

cindy grew up under military rule and remembers the repression and the economic hardship that came with it. a few weeks after the coup, their neighbourhood now resembles a battlefield. bhone is documenting their resistance.

a local night watch is set up. a? a few days later, they take to the streets again. when security forces arrive, residents offer them shelter. their revolution is powered by social media.

they hope the world will act. a video is being shared. troops with heavy artillery are descending on yangon. the next day, bhone decides not to go out, but watches on social media what happens. gunshots. shouting.

this man was one of nearly 40 people killed that day. it was the bloodiest since the two so far. —— it was the bloodiest since the coup so far. he was killed not far from where bhone and cindy live. they decide to collect some money for his family. they have come to visit his widow.

two days later, despite the increasing risks, bhone and cindy prepared to take to the streets again. they always stick together.

they meet up with their friends. this time, bhone is on the frontline. they are wearing cameras to capture what happens.

cindy has lost her brother. security forces are closing in.

this time, bhone is safe. he calls his sister. by mid—march, nearly 200 people have been killed. every night, the vigils are held across the country — including on bhone and cindy's street. pots are banged in anger.

he goes searching for guidance from that older generation that's experienced this before. bobo is one of the renowned 88 generation, a group of young activists —

including aung san suu kyi — who pushed for democracy and an end to military rule in 1988. archive: the thousands - who demonstrate against burma's military rulers take a calculated risk, a risk that the army will open fire on them. and on this occasion, it does. gunfire. it was one of the defining moments of myanmar�*s modern history. more than 3,000 people were killed. bobo spent 11 years behind bars. and is now watching it happen again.

he also loves music. he fears he will be arrested again, but meets bhone in a safe place.

bhone wants his advice. by now, bhone and his sister are starting to realise this is going to be a long battle.

they watch on state tv general min aung hlaing celebrating armed forces day.

they take to the streets again, staying closer to home. later that evening, they watch videos from the day. over 750 people have now been killed since the military coup. they are now too scared to go out. soldiers are everywhere. each night, state tv announces who will be arrested next.

bhone and cindy decide to leave yangon. like many, they go to the countryside to decide what to do next. it's getting harder to get online now. they find a tea shop to send one last video.

hello. this weekend has already brought us some very wet weather. it's going to bring some pretty warm weather as well, and it is all because of low pressure, which shows up on this beautiful satellite picture as this curl of cloud sitting to the west of the uk. now, this is where the centre of the low is going to stay through sunday and indeed through the next few days. we've also got this frontal system here bringing some cloud, some outbreaks of rain. it's a cold front. you'd expect the air behind the front to be quite cold, but actually the air is not especially cold, but the air ahead of the front is especially warm, and as that clings on across east anglia and the south—east, sunday afternoon is going to be a pretty warm affair. but a very mild start to the day for most places, much milder than some of the mornings we've had lately. through the day, we've got our weather front,

our band of cloud bringing some patchy rain slowly eastwards out of wales, across england. sunshine and showers for northern ireland and scotland, some of the showers heavy and thundery. it is generally speaking going to be quite a blustery day. those are the average wind speeds. the gusts will be a little stronger than that, maybe around 45mph for parts of northern ireland, but where we see some sunshine and we're in that warm air across east anglia and the south—east, that's where we'll have some pretty high temperatures — up to 20 or 21 degrees. that's where we could also see some scattered downpours and thunderstorms breaking out through sunday night and into the early hours of monday. behind that, we'll have swept the really warm air away, but still, it's a mild start to the day. frost will not be a concern away from maybe some very sheltered scottish glens. i'm going to run the pressure chart through monday, tuesday, wednesday, into thursday, and see, this area of low pressure remains in place. that will bring some further wet weather at times, but as this low becomes very

slow—moving, there's nothing much to push it along, the day by day weather details could change. it's quite hard to pin down the details in this sort of situation. it's a sunshine and showers day on monday, the heaviest and most frequent showers likely across western and northern areas, some with some thunder and lightning. temperatures between 15 and maybe 18 degrees. plenty of dry and fine weather towards the south and east. a similar sort of day on tuesday. showers could crop up just about anywhere. it will be fairly breezy for some of us. there will be some spells of sunshine and temperatures again between 14 and 17 degrees. much warmer than it has been lately. as we look deeper into the week, here's a selection of places across the uk. it is a sunshine and showers story, really. hints of maybe something a little bit chillier pushing into the north by the very end of the week. these are the night—time temperatures, and, once again, for the vast majority, we are going to stay frost free, which is quite a change from what we have had over recent weeks.

so as i mentioned, signs that we might just try to see something colder pushing in across the far north for a time the end of the week, but i don't think that cold air is going to make much progress. in fact, if anything, through next weekend, it looks like the winds will go back to westerlies, bringing some milder air from the atlantic. low pressure still in charge, so there will still be some showers or longer spells of rain at times. so to summarise, then, the outlook for the week — in fact for the next ten days — will bring some heavy downpours but some drier interludes and some warm sunshine and much less risk of frost at night. that's all from me. bye for now.

tonight at ten. the snp wins an historic fourth term in office — nicola sturgeon says she wants the scottish people to have the right to choose their future. celebrating victory — the first minister says another independence referendum is the will of the country. there is simply no democratic justification whatsoever for borisjohnson, or indeed for anyone else, seeking to block the right of the people of scotland to choose our own future. but the uk government says a second referendum on independence would be irresponsible and reckless. coming out of the pandemic, it is the wrong time to have yet another divisive referendum and yet another bout of constitutional argument on a matter such as this.