Voters – and markets – fear a lurch to the left under new Labour PM May 12, 2026 A majority of voters are worried that a change of Labour leadership would drag the government further left, as support grows for lower taxes and less public spending. The latest Morning Wire/Freshwater Strategy poll of UK voters, conducted after the devastating council election results for Labour, also found 29 per cent of voters preferred Manchester [...]
Barclays and Lloyds shares sink as political storm puts banks in tax sights May 12, 2026 The UK’s banking giants led a major sell-off across the FTSE 100 this morning as a combination of political hazards hit the London stock market. Barclays was the top faller on the index shortly after market open, shedding over four per cent to 410.65p. Natwest was not far behind, also losing over four per cent [...]
Imperial Brands warns Iran war may weigh on costs and consumer demand May 12, 2026 One of Britain’s biggest tobacco companies is bracing for a potential slowdown in consumer demand sparked by the conflict in the Middle East as it hikes prices to offset cigarette declines in the first half of the year. FTSE 100 member Imperial Brands stood by its revenue and profit forecasts for the year, but noted [...]
Exclusive: Ultimate Sevens franchise rugby project to announce Reebok deal May 12, 2026 The Ultimate Sevens franchise project will today announce Reebok as its title kit sponsor, Morning Wire can reveal. The project – dubbed by some as the R360 of the rugby sevens world – will launch on Thursday with teams and players confirmed in London. The long-term plan will see franchises sold off, similar to other [...]
Chicken roll boosts sales but Greggs warns of food inflation May 12, 2026 Brits’ warm embrace of the new chicken sausage roll has helped boost turnover at Greggs, but the company warned it could be burnt by food inflation if the Iran war persists. Greggs’ share price jumped more than six per cent on Tuesday’s market open, to 1,618p, though the stock remained down three per cent in [...]
British Land and RLAM secure robotics AI firm for London ‘innovation’ cluster May 12, 2026 London’s AI property boom is gathering pace after British Land and Royal London Asset Management secured another major tech occupier at Regent’s Place, Morning Wire can reveal. Robotics startup Humanoid has signed for 42,000 sq ft at One Triton Square, pushing the building to 94 per cent let just six months after completion, as demand [...]
London’s prime property market isn’t collapsing May 12, 2026 Contrary to popular belief, London's prime property market isn't failing. But it is fundamentally changing, writes David Austin.
Changing the leader won’t save Labour – or the country May 12, 2026 The well-intentioned but hapless Labour backbencher, Catherine West, spent the weekend warning that if she didn’t like Keir Starmer’s speech she’d launch a leadership challenge in a bid to flush out more serious candidates. In the end, she backed down, but has called for a transition of power to a leader in September. She has [...]
The Festival of Words: From Gyles Brandreth to Anthony Scaramucci – all you need to know about the Fleet Street Quarter festival May 12, 2026 The Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words covers everything from politics to culture, literature, storytelling, broadcasting and public life. It features a fascinating line-up of speakers and panel guests, from political heavyweights to stars of stage and screen. We’re pretty sure it will be a front-running for the Best Arts or Culture Experience category of [...]
Labour’s London wall has fallen. What now? May 12, 2026 Labour's London stronghold has finally broken. But what does that mean for the city and the next general election, asks John Dickie.