Apathy and mistrust on the streets of Oldham as borough's biggest local election battle in two decades looms

He was the man responsible for communicating the policies of Tony Blair's New Labour government to the public in the 1990s and early 2000s.

When it comes to McDonald's, most people have a favourite. But if that's the Chicken Big Mac you may well be sorely disappointed after the fast food giant pulled the burger off the menu once again.

A mum-of-three was forced to carry around a 'baby bag' of towels, sanitary pads and spare clothes wherever she went - because of a nightmare growth that would leave her bleeding so heavily it was 'controlling her life'.

Andy Rourke, the bassist in seminal British indie rock band The Smiths, has died age 59. The news was announced on Friday by Rourke's former bandmate Johnny Marr, who paid tribute to "a kind and beautiful soul" and confirmed Rourke passed away following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. In his statement, Marr wrote: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.  We request privacy at this sad time pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFzNot only the most talented bass player I've ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I've ever met. Andy's left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual.

Naman Ramachandran Andy Rourke, bassist with influential British rock band The Smiths, has died after a long illness due to pancreatic cancer. He was 59. The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr posted on Twitter on Friday: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.  We request privacy at this sad time.” It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz The Smiths were formed in Manchester in 1982 by singer Morrissey, Marr, Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. Morrissey and Marr were the band’s songwriters. The band signed with Rough Trade Records in 1983 and their first album, “The Smiths,” was released in 1984. Hit albums include” Meat Is Murder” (1985), “The Queen Is Dead” (1986) and “Strangeways, Here We Come” (1987).

Rio Ferdinand has revealed that Manchester United's Champions League-winning squad stay in contact through WhatsApp, with one member of that side a constant target of their jibes.

The 67th Eurovision song contest is finally here, with another set of musical hopefuls eager to represent their countries and impress both the judges and the public.

The only one of four people convicted of the killing of Suzanne Capper to still be behind bars is to be released. The torture and death of the 16-year-old schoolgirl shocked Britain and a consequent 22-day trial reduced jurors to tears.

Rishi Sunak has declined to apologise after nearly 1,000 Conservative councillors lost their seat in the local elections last week.

Prince Andrew is among the members of the royal family to attend the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle this evening. The Duke of York sat next to his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.

A troubled pub at the heart of a north Manchester estate has once again erupted in chaos after punters threw bricks and wheelie bins during a night of disorder.

Although the Coronation itself may be over, there’s still a lot of bank holiday weekend left to enjoy. Celebrations continue to take place across Greater Manchester, with people holding street parties and events today and tomorrow.

A dad-of-four groomed three teenage girls online and plied them with booze before raping one of them under a pier in Blackpool. A court heard how married Cristian Piscurianu had told the teenagers he was 18 years old when they were aged 13 and 15 and 'not worldly wise'.

There was plenty of local political drama in three Greater Manchester boroughs last night — with more election action set to hit the region today.

The Prime Minister has reacted to a bruising set of local election results for the Conservative Party by saying he has ‘heard a message’.

It’s been a bruising night for the Conservatives at this year’s local elections.

Voters in parts of England will have their say in the local elections today (Thursday May 4). Some 230 local authorities are holding elections, with hundreds of candidates eager to gain seats.

Local elections are taking place on Thursday, May 4, with voters across England deciding who represents them at a local level.

Local elections are underway today (Thursday May 4) as thousands of constituents cast their votes across parts of England.