Latest from Leader Live
Leader Live
28 minutes ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Post Office could hand ownership to employees amid review into its future
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) launched a new green paper on Monday alongside a three-month consultation over the organisation's future. It marks the first comprehensive review of the postal service in 15 years, giving customers and postmasters the opportunity to have a say in how it is run, according to the DBT. This includes the Post Office's ownership model, as the Government considers mutualisation, which could mean handing ownership of the company to thousands of its subpostmasters. Furthermore, ministers announced plans to award a new subsidy package worth £118 million to fund a transformation plan and further investment that could improve its services. Post Office minister Gareth Thomas said: 'Post Offices continue to be a central part of our high streets and communities across the country. 'However, after 15 years without a proper review, and in the aftermath of the Horizon scandal, it's clear we need a fresh vision for its future. 'This Green Paper marks the start of an honest conversation about what people want and need from their Post Office in the years ahead.' Neil Brocklehurst, Post Office's chief executive, said: 'We now have a once-in-a-decade opportunity to have a national conversation about the future of our post offices and their role in supporting communities across the UK. 'This Government consultation is a vital part of shaping what the future of Post Office could, and should, look like.'
Leader Live
28 minutes ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Readers share memories of Family Fashions' Marlene Roberts
Marlene Roberts died aged 89-years-old at Ashleigh Court care home in Gresford on Wednesday, June 25. She was well-known in the Wrexham area for having set up the popular 'Family Fashions' business. Originally operating out of the garage of 54, Dean Road in Wrexham, the business went on to become 15 shops throughout North Wales, employing over 60 people. News of Ms Roberts' death was met by an outpouring of tributes from our readers, many of whom used to work with her. Janette Price got in touch with us to say: "My first job was with Family Fashions in Gwersyllt when I left school, where I worked for 17 wonderful years. Marlene was a lovely lady and couldn't have asked for a better boss." Sharon Jones added: "My very first boss from leaving school, working in warehouse in Brynteg, helping out at weekends in shops. I loved my job there, Marlene was such a caring lady as her daughters are both to this day. "So many memories had at my time at Family Fashions, a great team of people worked at all sites " June Smith said: "My husband and I lived with Marlene in 1961, we had such fun and became firm friends. I worked in FF in Henblas Street and Borras and I will miss her so much." Family Fashions in Wrexham. (Image: Ashley Williams) Jo Williams told us: "I was only reminiscing last week with my mum about my first ever Family Fashions in Borras which I loved. I was so grateful for the opportunity of learning so much and earning money at a young age." Andrea O'Keefe added: "Was my first job, she was a wonderful person and she will be missed very much." TOP STORIES TODAY John Parry said: "Marlene was a lovely lady, I used to visit her home regularly many years ago in my role as her family Insurance Agent with The Royal London MIS way back then. Also frequented her shops in the day. She was always warm and friendly, always interested in how your life was going, a real and genuine lady in all ways." Laura Millward added: "Condolences to the family. I worked as a Saturday girl in the Mold Shop in the 80's, many happy memories." Linda Crosbie said: "My mum Marjorie was a friend of Marlene's and I was briefly at school with Nichola and Alison (her daughters). My sincere condolences to your family. Those ladies in Dean Road were unique." Louise McCarthy told us: "Marlene was a remarkable and lovely lady and I'm privileged to have known her." A celebration of Ms Roberts' life will take place at Pentrebychan Crematorium, Wrexham on Friday, August 1 from 11.45 am. The family is requesting that guests wear bright and colourful clothing to the service.
Leader Live
28 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Leader Live
UK drivers warned over often overlooked MOT advisory
Motorists could also face legal issues and put themselves in danger, according to an expert. Issues relating to brakes are a common thing flagged by garages during MOT inspections, but despite how important they are, many tend to ignore these if their vehicle does not fail. Brake advisories are ignored by many drivers (Image: Getty Images) Speaking with The Sun, Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, Steve Walker, said: "Ignoring MOT advisories on brakes is a serious risk that too many drivers take lightly." "If left unchecked - as 15% of drivers admit they do - these minor issues can quickly escalate into major, costly repairs. "Worse still, if a fault causes an accident and it's found you ignored a brake advisory, you could face significant financial liabilities - and potentially legal consequences." Around 16% of advisories given to drivers are brake-related, with 30% of these being categorised as "dangerous." According to the RAC, advisories are notes put on a passed MOT certificate to indicate potential problems in the future. However, you are legally allowed to drive the car without addressing them at that time. The organisation states: "Sometimes when you pass your annual MOT, you will be given a list of small or potential problems that should be looked at as soon as possible. However, you can legally drive without addressing them – these are advisories. "The UK has one of the world's most extensive vehicle safety tests, and there are many ways in which you can fail an MOT. Advisories are defects that do not constitute a failed MOT."
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Maro Itoje welcomes ‘quality players' into Lions squad as Scots are summoned
Scotland trio Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman and Darcy Graham will join up with Andy Farrell's men over the coming week, swelling the size of the squad to 44 in the wake of Jamie Osborne, Jamie George and Tom Clarkson also being added. The fresh faces have been brought in to provide cover that will prevent key personnel from playing in the Test series while backing up in next Tuesday's match against a First Nations and Pasifika XV. Farrell's decision to turn to those from Scotland's tour of nearby New Zealand has evoked memories of eight years ago when Finn Russell, Allan Dell, Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis, Cory Hill and Gareth Davie joined Warren Gatland's Lions. Picked because of their geographical location with their national sides and not on merit, they were shunned by some squad members and Gatland later revealed that internal concern over 'devaluing the jersey' forced him to not deploy them off the bench against the Hurricanes. Itoje's Lions will take a different approach with their captain declaring 'we are all in this together'. 'I have no doubt that they will be welcomed in,' said Itoje ahead of the Saturday's first Test in Brisbane. 'The boss, Andy, has called them in because he believes they will help the Lions to achieve their goal of winning a Test series. 'All of the players who have been called in are quality players. They are players like everyone else in the team, have a high level of experience and have achieved things in their career. 'We are all in this together. It's not us and them. It doesn't matter if there's a late call-up. We've seen in the past how late call-ups have had huge impact on the tour in positive ways. All eyes on Brisbane! 👀🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 13, 2025 'I have no doubt that everyone who has called up will play a significant role in helping the team achieve its goal.' Meanwhile, Itoje has doubled down on Henry Pollock's revelation that the Lions are determined to complete a series whitewash of Australia – an aim that has been noted by the hosts. 'That's definitely the ambition. It goes without saying – no one ever wants to lose a game,' Itoje said. 'It would be a bit weird if one of my team-mates said we want to win two and lose one. 'If you asked any of the Wallabies players, I hope it's also their ambition to win all the games. 'We want to win, but all we're focussed on is this Saturday. The other two games will look after itself.' After playing four matches in four different states in 11 days, the Lions are based in Brisbane where preparations for the first Test have begun, 'We know there's going to be a big step up. As we get closer and closer to the game, we'll sharpen and sharpen,' Itoje said. 'There's a healthy tension in the squad because we know this is what we've been working towards.'
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
What were the main findings of the Gregg Wallace investigation?
The TV host was sacked as a MasterChef presenter last week. The inquiry was carried out by law firm Lewis Silkin for production company Banijay. Here are some of the key findings of the investigation: -Allegations substantiated against Wallace Of the 83 allegations against Gregg Wallace, 45 were substantiated — mostly involving inappropriate sexual language and humour. Of the substantiated claims, some related to other inappropriate language, being in a state of undress, and one case of unwanted physical contact. – Most alleged incidents occurred between 2005 and 2018 The report found that 94% of the allegations against Wallace (94%) related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018. Only one allegation was substantiated post-2018. – Wallace's behaviour made people uncomfortable While many described Wallace as energetic and humorous on set, the same traits sometimes led to comments or interactions that made people feel uncomfortable, especially in pressured or public filming environments. Wallace's comments were sometimes met with laughter and they were only occasionally challenged at the time, the report found. – Autism diagnosis considered in context During the investigation, Wallace was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Investigators noted this as 'highly relevant', particularly in understanding his difficulty reading social cues and use of humour as a 'masking technique'. Wallace accepts that his diagnosis may help to explain some of his actions, but he does not wish to hide behind it, the report said. – Freelancers hesitated to complain Most people working on MasterChef are freelance staff, which is common in the television industry. Several witnesses for the report spoke about their reluctance to complain because of the perceived instability of their roles. – Inadequate complaints and behavioural policies pre-2016 The investigation found that there was little or no formal training or clear escalation procedures in place, leading to underreporting and normalisation of inappropriate behaviour. – Complaints often not escalated While 19 people said they raised concerns about Wallace, the investigation found evidence of 11 formal or informal complaints about his behaviour on MasterChef between 2005 and 2024. Of the 11 identified complaints, eight were recognised as such at the time. The other three were treated as comments, so no action was taken. Four of the eight recognised complaints were raised with both the production company and the BBC, two with the production company only, and two with the BBC alone. – BBC issued warning in 2017 Following a 2017 complaint, the BBC formally warned Wallace that his behaviour had to change. He responded by removing himself from social settings and seeking advice from colleagues to avoid further problems. – Other substantiated complaints The investigation also looked at 10 complaints made about other people on MasterChef. Two were substantiated, relating to inappropriate language, one for swearing and the other for racist language.
