With victory in Makerfield under his belt, new MP Andy Burnham is now clear to challenge for the Labour leadership – and the UK’s top job. Historically, UK prime ministers have trod a well-worn path to Downing Street – via Westminster. Burnham tried that twice, and failed. If he gets there this time, as many expect he will, it will show that there’s another route to high office. The role of a metro mayor may be a world away from national leadership – but it could become a realistic way for wannabe PMs to prove their political mettle.

Washington and Tehran have signed a memorandum of understanding that will, all being well, begin a 60-day ceasefire in Iran. But here’s why the deal may leave Iran, if anything, strategically stronger than before the conflict started in February.

And in Dartmoor, an angry debate has erupted over whether wild ponies should be culled.