The return of the prodigal son? Why speculation is rising over Josh Frydenberg’s future
The spectre of a leadership alternative is hardly helpful for Angus Taylor. But would Frydenberg do a better job? A reasonable query for Liberals at this point is: if Josh Frydenberg is the answer, what is the question? There was a whiff of weariness in some corners of parliament this week, as the former treasurer and deputy Liberal leader happily stoked another round of “Josh for Canberra” speculation. With more rumoured comebacks than Oasis, Frydenberg’s latest foray into the national political arena saw him bouncing around TV, radio and podcast interviews to promote his new book, and pointedly refuse to rule out trying to rejoin the parliament. Continue reading...
Latin American organised crime ‘may operate in 16 European countries’
Cocaine seizures in Europe are up more than fivefold in 10 years as a host of cartels take root. A four-month Guardian investigation reveals the true scale of a continent-wide shift A four-month investigation by the Guardian has revealed that the surge in cocaine trafficking to Europe is directly linked to the expanding presence of Latin American criminal networks in Europe, where they have forged close ties with local mafia organisations. The investigation, utilising databases, police and intelligence agencies, along with interviews with judges, prosecutors and experts from eight countries, shows that cartels and factions from Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico and the US are active in at least 12 European countries. Between 2014 and 2024, there was a 471% rise in the quantity of cocaine seized and more local laboratories processing cocaine derivatives were dismantled. Continue reading...
Healey should ‘stay the course’ and repair UK finances, says top IMF economist
Fund upgrades UK’s GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 1.3%, but says it is likely to ‘edge down’ next year * IMF warns global economy ‘could soon test the limits of resilience’ John Healey should “stay the course” and continue repairing the UK’s public finances, the International Monetary Fund’s top economist has said, after the fund lifted its growth forecast for Britain. Little more than a fortnight before Healey’s first budget, Silvana Tenreyro, the IMF’s economic counsellor, said the UK “stands out” among G7 countries in having a plan to narrow its deficit. Continue reading...
South Africa v Australia: first men’s Test, day five – live
* Follow updates from the match at Kingsmead Cricket Ground * Start time in Durban is 9.30am local/6.30pm AEDT * Any thoughts? Get in touch with an email It’s the final countdown. Australia have bossed Renshaw’s Match so far, but it still has the slender chance to become Markram’s Match. He’s still there, that’s why. Here is the equation, in dot point form: South Africa need 319 further runs on the last day to win. That’s unlikely. One of the reasons it’s unlikely is that they are already four wickets down. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder are good, but they don’t have enough backup to take on a chase that size. Therefore Australia need six wickets to win. But cricket has another option. Sometimes neither team wins. If South Africa can bat 90 overs, they’ll draw. But it probably doesn’t have to be 90 overs. Bad light has stopped play early throughout this Test. So, it could be drawn in 60 overs, or 70, or 80. Continue reading...
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