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Reform UK leader in swipe at Oxford University politicians

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Ahead of the Makerfield by-election next week (Thursday, June 18) the leader of Reform has defended his candidate Robert Kenyon after criticism about past comments including from former Countdown host Carol Vorderman.

Mr Kenyon, who is standing against Labour’s Andy Burnham, used a now-deleted X account to support an offensive post about Ms Vorderman.

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Messages published by campaign group Hope Not Hate showed that Mr Kenyon responded on Christmas Eve 2021 to another person’s post including graphic sexual language about the presenter.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: Yui Mok/PA WIre)

Alongside a thumbs up and a laughing emoji, the plumber wrote: “He’s only saying what we’re all thinking.”

Ms Vorderman has demanded an apology from the politician, who she branded “cowardly”.

When asked about this during a press conference held in Makerfield, Mr Farage dismissed the comments while hitting out at Oxford University-educated politicians, comparing them to “ordinary bloke” Mr Kenyon.

He said: “These comments were posted a decade ago.

Oxford University’s Radcliffe Camera (Image: Oxford Mail)

“They’ve been taken wildly out of context, but they’re the sort of comments that you won’t necessarily get if you’re an Oxford-educated career politician living in a nice postcode in London.”

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He added: “But I tell you what, they are the kind of comments you’ll hear in every pub in the country every evening.”

It is widely anticipated that if Mr Burnham – who was educated at Cambridge University – wins the by-election next week he will look to challenge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – an Oxford graduate – for the Labour leadership.

Oxford University has been named the best in the world for 10 consecutive years in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.





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UK drivers warned over facing fines for forgetting key dates

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New research from Lloyds Bank suggests that car owners who miss key deadlines for MOT, tax, or insurance renewals could face fines or higher costs—yet one in five are letting these dates slip.

42% of those surveyed said they find car admin difficult, rising to more than half, 59% of 25 to 34-year-olds.

Among those who have missed these tasks, more than one in 10 said they went on to face higher costs or fees as a result.

Warning as drivers face penalties for forgetting key dates

Nick Williams, managing director of transport at Lloyds, said: “Juggling multiple apps, deadlines, and rising costs means things can slip through the cracks for people trying to stay on top of their car admin.”

To support its customers, Lloyds has launched a new “manage your car” feature in its mobile app, offering reminders for MOTs, servicing, and insurance all in one place.

The goal is to help drivers stay organised and avoid unnecessary penalties.

The bank said the app features are available to all Lloyds customers, regardless of who provides their car finance.

Lloyds commissioned YouGov to carry out the survey, which was carried out in May among more than 2,000 people across the UK.

Other apps to help people keep on top of car admin are also available.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said the myRAC app has four million users, adding: “You don’t need to be a member of the RAC to download it.”

UK drivers warned of £1,000 fines for using navigation apps

Drivers are being warned not to enter destinations into navigation apps while behind the wheel.

Motoring experts have stressed that using mobile devices in this way can result in fines, penalty points, or even prosecution.

Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, said: “Navigation apps are incredibly useful, but this case is a reminder that even just typing in an address into your map app while behind a wheel can still be treated as a serious driving offence.


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“A lot of motorists may think there is a difference between texting someone and quickly changing a route or entering a postcode, but if you are holding and interacting with your phone while driving, you are putting yourself at risk.

“The same applies when you are stationary in traffic.

“You are still in control of the vehicle, and traffic can start moving again at any moment.

“That short distraction could be enough for police to decide that you are not properly in control.”

Have you ever missed a key date for your car payment? Let us know in the comments how you handled it.





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Oxford – Woman screamed for help as ex strangled her

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Robert McGuckin, of Victoria Road, Great Yarmouth, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on June 17.

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty on the first day of his trial to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.

The offences were committed against a woman in Oxford on December 7, 2024.

Colin Witcher, prosecuting, told the court that concerns were raised about McGuckin’s behaviour towards the woman after witnesses heard screaming in the earlier hours of the day in question.

The court heard that the woman told McGuckin, who she’d been in a relationship with for two to three months, that she didn’t want to be with him anymore.

This was met with anger, however the victim needed to meet up with him after this to collect her bank card and keys.

In a witness statement, the victim explained that she went to meet him in Union Street.

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Robert McGuckin (Image: TVP)

However he dragged her towards some garages and repeatedly punched her in the face.

The woman said she screamed ‘help, help’, but McGuckin started to strangle her.

She then passed out. The altercation then moved to a different street where the defendant punched and strangled her again.

Witnesses heard the commotion and called the police.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “It took me weeks to recover from the assault. I was unable to live my life as normal for weeks.

“I have been too scared to go out. I’m always on edge now. Rob is an abuser, no matter how he spins the tale.

“Rob is a dangerous man. I’m worried he will subject me to further harm. He was obsessed with me. I have flashbacks of Rob attacking me.

“Leading up to the trial, I was very anxious and stressed. I’m pleased I’m finally getting justice in this case. I want nothing further to do with him.”

Mr Witcher said: “This was a prolonged and persistent attack.”

The court heard that McGuckin has no previous convictions.

In mitigation, the court heard he demonstrated ‘remorse’ for his actions and that it was a ‘matter of poor judgement’.

Judge Emma Nott KC said: “You took her from the street and launched a frightening assault. You punched her repeatedly to the face and strangled her to the point she lost consciousness.

“This was a prolonged episode of domestic violence, You told her ‘you can’t get help if you’re dead’.

“The harm caused by your offences was serious.”

McGuckin was jailed for 37 months. He was also given a restraining order to not contact the victim for five years.





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Police given extra powers at Tommy Robinson protest

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A section 34 dispersal order has been granted in Oxford city centre following reports of anti-social behaviour.

It means power can order people to leave the area and failure to do so, or returning until the order expires at 4am on Thursday, can lead to an arrest.

A spokesman from Thames Valley Police said: “Under the order, police have powers to disperse any individual or groups causing public disorder or nuisance.

“It is not to prevent those taking part in peaceful protest this evening.

“Anybody dispersed under this order is liable to arrest should they refuse to comply with the order or return to the area while the order is in place.

“The order is currently in place until 4am tomorrow (18/6), with the option to extend it if necessary.

READ MORE: Tommy Robinson protestors clash with counter demonstration in Oxford

“This order is in relation to incidents involving a group of young people in the city centre this evening.

“It is not part of our work to facilitate the peaceful protests that are still taking place in the city centre.”

Dozens of police vans were parked up around the city on Thursday evening, with even more officers on standby for if trouble was to boil over.

Many police officers had to blockade both supporters and objectors of Tommy Robinson from clashing with one another.





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