…… Rival Andy Burnham Sworn In as new PM

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party, bowing to intense internal pressure following a string of poor election results and a direct challenge from within his own party.

In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his decision was made with the national interest in mind. “Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first,” he told reporters, confirming he had informed King Charles III of his intention to step down.

The announcement comes on the same day that prominent Labour figure Andy Burnham, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester and a leading rival to Starmer, is being sworn in as the new Member of Parliament for Makerfield following a decisive victory in a recent by-election.

Burnham, often dubbed the “King of the North,” is widely viewed as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer. His entry into Parliament clears the path for a potential leadership contest, with expectations of a relatively smooth transition within the Labour Party. Senior government figures have indicated that Starmer is expected to outline a timetable for his departure.

The move marks another period of political instability in the UK, with Starmer becoming the latest in a string of prime ministers in recent years. His premiership, which began after Labour’s landslide victory in 2024, has faced mounting criticism over economic challenges, policy setbacks, and disappointing results in local and by-elections.

Labour insiders hope for a swift resolution to avoid prolonged uncertainty. Burnham has not yet formally declared his candidacy but is seen as a strong unifying figure with broad appeal, particularly in northern England.

Opposition parties have called for stability, while markets are expected to monitor developments closely for any impact on the pound and investor confidence.

Further details on the leadership transition process are anticipated in the coming days.

• Philippines police

At least three people were killed and five others injured on Monday in a rare school shooting incident in the central Philippines, police said.

Police have yet to establish a motive for the shooting, which took place at around 9 am (0100 GMT) at San Jose National High School in Leyte province’s Tacloban City.

The victims were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment and appropriate medical intervention,” regional police said in a statement.

Government broadcaster PTV reported that two people — both reportedly students — had been arrested, with one apprehended at the scene.

“The PNP has already caught the suspects. They acted quickly,” presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro told reporters.

While school shootings are a rarity in the Philippines, targeted gun violence is a fixture of provincial politics.

Russia has formally received Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador, Joseph Sola Iji, in a ceremony that underscored both nations’ commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and strategic cooperation.

The Russian authorities warmly welcomed the Nigerian envoy, reaffirming Moscow’s dedication to strengthening bilateral relations with Abuja across key sectors including energy, agriculture, trade, technology, and security.

During the reception, Russian officials expressed optimism about expanding partnership opportunities, describing Nigeria as a vital player in Africa and a key partner in multilateral forums such as BRICS, where Nigeria holds partner country status.

Ambassador Iji is expected to focus on advancing mutual interests, building on the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries, which recently marked 65 years of formal relations.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to diversify its international partnerships under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, seeking enhanced cooperation in areas that support economic growth and national development.

Both sides pledged to work towards concrete outcomes in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges in the coming months.