Ten years after the city was the first to declare for Brexit, Sunderland has sent another message to the establishment parties in Westminster.
Labour has been virtually wiped out, having held control of the council for more than 50 years, it now has just five seats compared to its previous 54. Reform UK gained 58 seats, while the Conservatives, who had previously served as the main opposition, failed to win a single seat.
Reform has a huge majority and new councillor, Chris Eynon, says he has a clear idea of what he has been elected to do.
“Put Sunderland first,” he told The i Paper.
Shorts – Quick stories
Bonnie Tyler in induced coma after emergency surgery
The singer has been placed into a coma after she was rushed to hospital for urgent intestinal surgery, with well wishes pouring in from around the world.
Caption: MALMO, SWEDEN – MAY 17: Bonnie Tyler of the United Kingdom performs during a dress rehearsal ahead of the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 at Malmo Arena on May 17, 2013 in Malmo, Sweden. (Photo by Ragnar Singsaas/Getty Images) Photographer: Ragnar Singsaas Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2013 Getty Images
What we know
Coma ‘to aid her recovery’
Caption: (FILES) British singer Gaynor Sullivan aka Bonnie Tyler poses with her medal after being appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on February 1, 2023. Husky-voiced Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler was “recuperating” on May 7, 2026 after emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. (Photo by Andrew Matthews / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) Photographer: ANDREW MATTHEWS Provider: POOL/AFP via Getty Images Source: AFP
The 74-year-old Welsh sensation was admitted to hospital near her home in Faro, Portugal, on Wednesday. An update last night asked for privacy while she is treated.
Interview
7 min read
From the valleys to Eurovision
Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, in Neath, South Wales, shot to fame with her hit Total Eclipse of the Heart in 1983. It earned her a Grammy nomination and spent four weeks at number one.
She represented the UK at the Eurovision song contest in 2013, finishing 19th out of 26, and was awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to music.
MUSIC
3 min read
MUSIC
3 min read
CONSUMER
Key parking fine rules clarified by appeals body
Caption: WHITBY, ENGLAND – MAY 02: A parking fine is attached to a goth car windscreen as it parked during Whitby Goth Weekend on May 02, 2026 in Whitby, England. The Whitby Goth Weekend is a world-renowned bi-annual festival (April and October) celebrating goth music, culture, and fashion. Founded in 1994, it honors Whitby’s deep links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The event features live music and attracts visitors in elaborate costumes, including Steampunk, Victoriana, and Cybergoth styles. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Photographer: Ian Forsyth Provider: Getty Images Source: Getty Images Europe Copyright: 2026 Getty Images
As record numbers of drivers successfully appeal parking fines, the industry group granting the reprieves has issued guidance on how to avoid getting one in the first place.
Here are their top tips.
Fines last year in figures
Of appeals submitted to Parking on Private Land Appeals (Popla) last year…
50.5%
resulted in cancellation of the fine.
107,202
appeals were submitted, the first time the figure has gone over 100,000.
39,522 appeals were uncontested by the operator, while 14,578 were contested but Popla ruled in favour of the driver.
What are the rules?
It’s worth appealing if you think you have paid
Not paying in time
Fines not to be given if the driver has paid by the time they leave the car park.
Keying errors
Fines to be reduced to £20 for obvious mistakes typing in number plates.
Airport drop-offs
Fines only to be issued if driver hasn’t paid within 24 hours of leaving.
Exclusive
2 min read
Confusion is ‘clearly profitable’, says expert
It’s mind-blowing how many people just pay it without question because they think it’s a ‘fine’ – that’s part of the business model. That it explains why parking charge notices (invoices issued by parking firms) look similar to penalty charge notices.
SCOTT DIXON, CONSUMER DISPUTES EXPERT
Ministers in talks with more local authorities to expand national parking app (Photo: Getty)
Indonesia volcano eruption kills three as 10 hikers missing
An eruption of Mount Dukono in the eastern island of Halmahera has killed at least two foreigners and a local who were walking in the area. Several still missing are believed to have been climbing.
Caption: HALMAHERA, INDONESIA – MAY 08: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘INDONESIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE AGENCY (BASARNAS) / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams prepare to evacuate victims affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia, on May 08, 2026. At least three Singaporeans have been killed, while 17 others are still being searched for. (Photo by Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images) Photographer: Anadolu Provider: Anadolu via Getty Images Source: Anadolu
Rescue efforts continue
Seven climbers have descended the volcano safely, and five were injured in the eruption, which shot an ash cloud six miles into the air, according to Indonesia’s national disaster management agency.
Caption: HALMAHERA, INDONESIA – MAY 08: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘INDONESIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE AGENCY (BASARNAS) / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams prepare to evacuate victims affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia, on May 08, 2026. At least three Singaporeans have been killed, while 17 others are still being searched for. (Photo by Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images) Photographer: Anadolu Provider: Anadolu via Getty Images Source: Anadolu Caption: Smoke after the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, Indonesia, May 8, 2026, in this picture obtained from social media. Jhon Frengki Manipa/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. Verification Lines: – Buildings, flagpole, floor and basketball stand matched file and satellite images. – Date verified by original file metadata. Photographer: Jhon Frengki Manipa Provider: Jhon Frengki Manipa via REUTERS Source: UGC
Those still missing are believed to be in an area which was declared to be off-limits to visitors last month, after monitoring showed an uptick in activity from Mount Dukono. Rescue efforts are taking place mostly on foot as the rough terrain prohibits vehicle access to parts of the slope.
Foreigners ignored warnings, says police chief
Erlichson Pasaribu said that foreigners had ignored signs and social media posts warning of danger in the area. “Local residents understand and don’t want to climb,” he said. “Many [hikers] are foreign tourists who wish to create content.”
Caption: HALMAHERA, INDONESIA – MAY 08: (—-EDITORIAL USE ONLY – MANDATORY CREDIT – ‘INDONESIAN SEARCH AND RESCUE AGENCY (BASARNAS) / HANDOUT’ – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS—-) Joint search and rescue (SAR) teams prepare to evacuate victims affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera, Maluku Province, Indonesia, on May 08, 2026. At least three Singaporeans have been killed, while 17 others are still being searched for. (Photo by Basarnas/Anadolu via Getty Images) Photographer: Anadolu Provider: Anadolu via Getty Images Source: Anadolu
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
HEALTH
The diet that can slash high blood pressure risk by 30%
Various kinds of vegan protein sources on beige background. Set of food supplements. Gluten free cereals as ground hemp seeds, quinoa. Nuts and legumes (green mung beans, chick-pea, red lentil, kidney bean, almonds, hazelnuts). Flat lay, top view – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Eating beans, lentils and soy products dramatically reduces your risk of high blood pressure, a study has found.
The high levels of minerals, fibre and bioactive compounds in the plants also reduce the risk of other heart problems, especially when consumed daily.
How to be full of beans
Colorful Array of Mixed Beans – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
Eat 170g per day of legumes like beans, lentils or chickpeas.
Pair with 60-80g daily of soy such as tofu, edamame or soy milk.
Include regular exercise in your routine to further protect the heart.
LIFESTYLE
6 min read
What did the study find?
Eating a portion of legumes and soy each day led to a 28-30 per cent reduction in risk of high blood pressure. Those on this diet had up to 19 per cent less risk than those eating the least of these products.
Experts writing in the British Medical Journal looked at the results of 12 previous studies for this research and concluded that the high levels of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre contributed to the lowering of risk.
Charity urges us to eat more beans
Simple swaps, like choosing beans, lentils, chickpeas or tofu in place of processed meats, can make a meaningful difference and help support healthier blood pressure as part of an overall balanced diet.
TRACY PARKER, SENIOR DIETITIAN AT BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION
Adult and child hands holding red heart, health care, donate and family insurance concept,world heart day, world health day,,health care, concept – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
TRAVEL
The next airports which could suspend EES checks
Joe Duggan
Senior Reporter
Greece has suspended EES checks for UK holidaymakers until at least September after queues of three hours or more at the border.
As the summer holiday season approaches, other popular destinations for British tourists could follow suit.
Why are the queues so long?
The new European border system, launched last month, requires non-EU citizens to have a facial scan and fingerprints taken to enter the Schengen Area.
Passengers have reported having to queue for the checks several times. A body representing 600 airports says the queues are causing “major concerns” with some passengers missing flights.
TRAVEL
4 min read
TRAVEL
4 min read
Which countries could pause checks mext?
While only Greece has fully suspended checks for British tourists so far, airports in Portugal, France and Italy have all initiated temporary pauses to help ease long queues. Belgium has postponed introducing EES.
Syros is a quieter alternative to Mykonos (Photo: Getty)Caption: City of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. Europe. Photographer: Jose A. Bernat Bacete Provider: Getty Images Source: Moment RF Copyright: @
The Spanish and Dutch governments have said there are no problems with the new system despite the delays. Opposition parties in Spain are calling for checks to be lifted, with one leader saying the queues are “typical of a Third World country”.
The six reasons your partner might cheat
Cheating is still the number one cause of divorce, and one in five Brits admit to doing it.
But what are the main drivers of infidelity?
‘If she feels unappreciated by me, sex is off the agenda,’ says the reader (Photo: Getty)
Why your partner might cheat
They want a way out
Sex and relationship therapist Cate Campbell says exit affairs are one of the three “big reasons” she sees.
Fear of commitment
This often happens when a person doesn’t feel good about themselves, or have a fear of being found out.
‘Fathers, it seems, are still expected to put work first and family second’ (Photo: Getty Images)
Senior husband and wife having relationship difficulties – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
A mid-life crisis
Transitions like moving house, new jobs or becoming parents makes cheating more common.
Why your partner might cheat
They’re getting too close to a colleague
This dynamic is usually an unhappy man who confides in a woman in a work context, and it switches from a supportive friendship into an affair.
Side view of affectionate happy couple sitting in the cozy cafe. – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)‘Although problems with sex are very common, very few people come for help,’ says one GP (Photo: Getty)
They want something new in bed
Desires change – consiously or not and people may believe they want something different, or to experiment.
Elderly woman sitting alone in her living room – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
WHY YOUR PARTNER MAY CHEAT
They feel lonely
Nobody stays the same in a relationship – and if we’re not communicating that to each other, it can be disconnecting.
Susie Masterson, a relationship therapist, says when people feel undervalued, or stretched too thin in day-to-day life, they can look at their relationship and realise it isn’t filling the gaps.
How to recover from an affair
Infidelity doesn’t have to be the end of a relationship
Psychotherapist Esther Perel says in her book The State of Affairs that affairs can actually save a relationship, by forcing us to address deep-rooted issues and come back stronger.
Campbell says couples should be having conversations about infidelity and what it means to them.
“Often it’s not the affair that ends the relationship, but the fallout – and the way it’s managed. Which is why it’s useful to get some therapy if you can,” she adds.
Think you know all the signs of heart problems? Some might be myths rather than fact…
These are the beliefs to be wary of, according to Dr Abdul Mozid, a consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital.
‘Getting out of breath is just a sign of getting older’
Caption: Senior man laying down on the sofa, watching tv and holding the remote control. Photographer: PicTour Studio Provider: Getty Images Source: iStockphoto
While ageing can contribute, breathlessness is also a common early warning sign of heart disease.
When the heart cannot pump efficiently, fluid can build up in the lungs, making simple activities difficult.
If it occurs while laying down, or while doing minimal activity, it should never be ignored.
LIFESTYLE
4 min read
‘Sleep has little effect on the heart’
There are ways to get a better night’s sleep (Photo: Maskot/Getty/Digital Vision/Copyright Maskot Bildbyr?)
Poor or fragmented sleep increases stress hormone levels, raises blood pressure, disrupts glucose metabolism and promotes inflammation — all of which contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Good-quality sleep is not a luxury; it is a pillar of cardiovascular health alongside diet and exercise.
‘Exercise gives you a healthy heart’
You can ‘out-exercise’ metabolic stress
A young Indian woman sits on a couch at home, holding her hand over her heart, grimacing as she feels severe pain in her chest – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
This is not true. A poor diet high in saturated fats, refined sugars and salt promotes high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension, regardless of your activity levels.
Analysis
3 min read
Other heart health myths to ignore
Only “bad” cholesterol matters
While HDL cholesterol may be associated with lower risk in some contexts, it does not provide total immunity to heart problems. Managing LDL levels remains crucial as part of your overall health.
(Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty).Midlife depression. Sad upset middle aged woman at home, feeling lonely. Aging anxiety and loneliness concept – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
It’s just anxiety Women are more likely to present with less “classic” heart attack symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, jaw pain or back discomfort. If symptoms are new or persistent, cardiac issues must be considered.
‘Heart disease is an older person problem’
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet risk is often underestimated. Symptoms may be subtle and attributed to life stage or stress.
Recognising these unique risk enhancers is vital to earlier diagnosis and prevention.
The older couple has a conflict. Upset mature woman, quarrel with her husband. Relationship crisis – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)Caption: BERLIN, GERMANY – AUGUST 13: Symbolic photo on the topic of problems in a relationship. An older woman and an older man are sitting at home on August 13, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo Illustration by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images) Photographer: Thomas Trutschel Provider: Photothek via Getty Images Source: Photothek
Fridge or cupboard?
This is your definitive guide on where and how to store your foods at home to maximise the quality and shelf life, from ketchup and butter to nuts and jam.
Where to store the basics
Keeping butter in the fridge maximises food safety and freshness.
Ketchup and mayonnaise can be stored in the cupboard but once opened, are best in the fridge.
Bread shouldn’t be refridgerated due to the starch molecules. A bread bin at room temparture, or an airtight container is best.
LIFESTYLE
6 min read
How and where to store food items
There is a fine line between ripe or matured and spoilt.
Jam
Keeping it in the fridge will help it last longer.
Eggs
Storing them at a constant cool temperature, preferably in the fridge, will keep them safe to eat.
Berries
Keeping them in the fridge slows down mould growth and keeps them fresh.
LIFESTYLE
5 min read
Where to store your food
Caption: Fresh organic tomato closeup . Photographer: Maria Korneeva Provider: Getty Images Source: Moment RF
Tomatoes
Ripe ones should be kept on the counter uncovered if you’re going to enjoy them in the first few days after purchase.
Potatoes
They need to be in a dry, dark place like a cupboard. Exposure to light or moisture can rot the skin.
When you cook potatoes the right way they go from being a health burden to a health hero (Photo: Getty)
Caption: A Hand holding a bit brown banana Photographer: bauwimauwi Provider: Getty Images Source: iStockphoto
Bananas
12°C is best, as they will ripen quicker if they are too warm, so a darker space with no direct sunlight is ideal.
Fridge or cupboard?
1Apples are best in cool to cold temperatures so the salad compartment of the fridge is ideal to keep them crunchy.
2At room temperature lemons stay good for a week but in the fridge it stretches to two.
3Ripe avocados should go in the fridge to slow down the ripening process but if they’re firm, a warm sunny spot is best.
4Soy sauce, due to the high levels of salt, is best in the cupboard – even once opened.
Where to store your food
Nuts
Nuts are fine in the cupboard but keeping them in the fridge in an airtight container helps prevent spoilage.
Caption: Cookie jar, tea, wine, nuts, books, lit candles and Christmas decorations on the table. Cozy Christmas hygge at home. Selective focus. Photographer: Jelena990 Provider: Getty Images Source: iStockphoto
Garlic bulbs (Photo: Emma Dahl/RHS)
Garlic
This suits dry, dark places so a cupboard is ideal.
Onions
Low temperatures can transform the starches of the onion into sugars, making it soft, and potentially mouldy.
Close up shot of man chopping onions during cooking class – stock photo. (Photo: Getty)
What does that mean in practice?
Labour would argue Sunderland has enjoyed a period of successful regeneration in recent years, with more than £600m invested to date in new housing and infrastructure on the banks of the River Wear.
But Eynon, who won his seat in the Redhouse ward, home to one of the largest council housing schemes in England, says not everyone is feeling the improvement.
Asked why he felt voters turned to Reform he said: “Antisocial behaviour is a big one. People feel like the council is not really responsive enough.
“A lot of it is people thinking the votes are being taken for granted.
“Around here we’ve noticed that a lot of what Labour are getting flak for is a lot of the regeneration, which is great, it’s very city centre focused.
“It’s not really going out into the housing estates or in the coalfields or Washington [a town in the wider Sunderland borough].
“A lot of people are just feeling like that, yes, Sunderland’s on the up as Labour say, but you know, is it on the up everywhere or just in the city centre?
“Locally, that’s what people are saying and just essentially people are realising the council is not being run very well, it’s in half a billion pounds of debt.
“It’s been Labour for over 50 years, so I think people are just really ready for a change.”
Some have claimed regeneration in the centre of Sunderland has not been felt in the city’s outskirts (Photo: Getty)
Eynon says other priorities for his party will be “a war on potholes” and housing.
All parties in Sunderland conceded immigration was a concern for voters, although the statistics suggest the city has not experienced dramatic change in recent decades.
In contrast to the North East, and the country as a whole, the population of the city has actually declined slightly since 2011 and the proportion of people born in England remains much higher than average at 94 per cent.
The average for England as a whole is 80 per cent.
There has been a surge in the number of non-UK employees in Sunderland which has increased from 4,100 or 4 per cent of the total in 2014, to 15,400 or 12 per cent in 2024.
As of last March, there were 830 asylum seekers housed by the government in Sunderland, which is home to about 275,000 people.
Asked how Reform will deliver on its tough stance on immigration at a local level, Eynon said: “I think anything’s possible if you have the political will.
“Can we, can Sunderland council directly stop the boats? No, that’s not what Sunderland council’s there for, it has to be a national strategy.
“If people realise how well ran Sunderland council is compared to a Labour council down the road, I think that’ll start to plant the seed.”
Labour suffered heavy losses which saw it left with just five councillors after its previous strength of 54 (Photo: Ian Forsyth/Getty)
Paul Donaghy, another Reform councillor, told The i Paper his party would look at whether it is possible to give priority to people who are British-born and on the waiting list for social housing.
This kind of rhetoric is a worry for Lewis Atkinson, the Labour MP for Sunderland Central.
The city was one of many places in the North of England to experience anti-migrant rioting in the summer of 2024 which led to police being attacked.
“Sunderland saw significant demographic change under the Boris Johnson government,” Atkinson said.
“We’ve got a university that undertook an amount of international recruitment. People came to study, people came to work in our hospital and in our health service.
“I have to say there is maybe not full public appreciation that a lot of the demographic change that they can see in the streets is not about asylum and boats.
“It was about visas that were given out under the Tory party – there is nothing that a council will do about [it].
“We had a riot in the centre of Sunderland within a month of me being elected, the start of August 2024, where divisive rhetoric, where misinformation led to, marches on a mosque, buildings being, vandalised and set on fire in town.
“We all have a responsibility to have a city that rejects division and hatred, and that comes together and that will be, you know, a challenge that certainly I will be holding a new Reform council to.”
