PM, Biggest local government shake-up in half a century

PM

Biggest local government shake-up in half a century

16 July 2026

Available for 29 days

In a shake-up of local government, 134 councils will be replaced by 38. They say it will help devolve power to local areas - but opposition parties accuse the government of gerrymandering. We hear from a local leader who says he won't cooperate.

Andy Burnham prepares for government - but who should he appoint in his Cabinet? We hear advice from Alastair Campbell.

The US Secretary of War highlights a new tool to boost the strength of his troops: testosterone. We examine the science.

Ukraine is in the midst of political argument over President Zelensky's surprise replacement of the Defence Minister. A pollster tells us about Ukrainian public opinion.

And Claudia Winkleman pulls out of her BBC chat show after just one series. We hear why TV talk shows are so tricky.