33 h. ago The Guardian view on Scottish politics: Labour wins the seat but not – yet – the argument | Editorial

A Tory collapse, the SNP’s slump and Reform’s rise signal a volatile shift – and the return to deal-making after the next Holyrood electionLabour’s victory in the Holyrood byelection offers the UK government a rare political comfort but not, perhaps, the strategic breakthrough it might like to imagine. A late flurry of welfare signalling, a dogged ground campaign and a carefully staged visit to a Govan shipyard by Sir Keir Starmer helped shore up Labour’s appeal to its traditional voters in Scotland’s industrial belt. Yet as Prof John Curtice has noted, Labour’s share of the vote actually declined compared with the last time voters cast ballots here in 2021 – a year in which the party was placed a distant third and was polling at the same dismal level of public support, 20%, it has today.The prime minister will gladly pocket Davy Russell’s win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. But it is a foothold. There is still a steep climb to the summit. More te...

Politics

6 d. ago Yes, Monty Python lampooned it and it smells like cheap cat food... but Mrs T loved it and even my son's a fan! No wonder Spam is back on the menu: TOM PARKER BOWLES

Well, I've heard it all now. Spam, that tinned, meaty monolith is officially back in vogue. Sales have soared 48 per cent compared to this time last year, much of it down to the 80th VE Day anniversary.

Politics

1 week ago Georgina Hayden’s recipe for spinach, trout and caper dutch baby

This giant, herby yorkshire pudding-alike can be prepped ahead and served for brunch with lots of creme fraiche and smoked trout on the sideHow do you feel about the B word? Brunch, that is. Sure, it’s a made-up meal, but on a bank holiday, when that extra day feels like the best gift ever, it’s a meal that I like to adhere to. A slow morning, hopefully featuring some sun and all the socialising. There also seems to be less pressure with a brunch, compared with, say, a roast dinner. Whatever time you serve it, your guests will be thrilled. Throw in a bit of drama with this Dutch baby. You can even make the batter and spiked creme fraiche in advance, so it’s pretty stress-free, too, leaving you to have a natter with friends or curl up and read the paper. Heaven. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Ange Postecoglou looks completely unrecognisable as skinny footballer in playing days

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is celebrating after guiding Spurs to Europa League glory, but he looks markedly different now compared to his time with South Melbourne

Politics

3 w. ago Driving test backlog reaches record high as over 600,000 wait for tests

There are now nearly 100,000 more learners waiting for a test compared to the same time last year

Politics

3 w. ago US food critic tastes Toby Carvery roast for first time and compares it to one thing

An American man has shared his thoughts on Toby Carvery after visiting the British carvery chain for the first time

Politics

3 w. ago American tries Toby Carvey for the first time – and compares it to one thing

An American man has shared his thoughts after trying out a roast dinner and cauliflower cheese for the first time at Toby Carvery after 'dreaming of this moment'

Politics

3 w. ago American tries Toby Carvery for the first time – and compares it to one thing

An American man has shared his thoughts after trying out a roast dinner and cauliflower cheese for the first time at Toby Carvery after 'dreaming of this moment'

Politics