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    I’m a former Premier League chairman and FA board member… now I’ve just been elected to Parliament as a Reform MP

    FORMER Premier League chairman Rupert Lowe has been elected as an MP for Reform UK.The ex-Southampton chairman won the vote in Great Yarmouth in the General Election.Rupert Lowe has been elected as a member of ParliamentCredit: GettyHe won one of the four Reform UK seatsCredit: GettyLowe, 66, was initially in charge of the Saints between 1996 and 2006.He had a second spell at the club from 2008 to 2009 and left with he club being relegated to League One and in administration.He was at the club during the move to St Mary’s from The Dell in 2001 and for the FA Cup final in 2003, which they lost to Arsenal.While working in football, he also had a role as a board member for the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was not his first time working in politics, as he previously represented the Referendum Party and the Brexit Party.In the 1997 General Election, he stood in Cotswold as the Referendum candidate and lost by over 20,000 votes to the Conservatives.During his time with the Brexit Party, he was lined up to be the candidate for the Dudley North constituency.However, he withdrew just before the deadline on November 14 2019 for unknown reasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned to politics by joining Reform UK in March 2023 and won the seat in Great Yarmouth with 35.2 per cent of the vote.He claimed the seat with a majority of 1,426 over the Labour Party candidate Kier Cozens.Adam Lallana seals emotional free transfer after leaving BrightonAfter his success, he said: “This is a huge, seismic event in British political history, to break into the two-party state as the people’s army is massive.”It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.”My job is to reform Westminster with other members of the Reform Party.”Reform UK won four more seats in its debut election, with leader Nigel Farage finally getting a place in Westminster at his eighth attempt.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Premier League clubs WON’T face up to 10% tax on transfers under Labour, Starmer says in breakneck U-turn after backlash

    PREMIER League clubs will NOT be taxed millions of pounds when buying star players, Sir Keir Starmer said today in a breakneck u-turn.The Labour leader slapped down his shadow sports secretary who only yesterday opened the door to a transfer levy.Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to Bristol Rovers football ground yesterdayCredit: GettyShadow Sports Secretary Thangam Debbonaire (right) floated a transfer tax yesterdayCredit: GettyIt would see top-flight teams like his beloved Arsenal pay up to 10 per cent tax on each purchase to help fund struggling lower leagues.But just hours after putting the proposal back on the table, Labour pulled the plug following backlash. Asked about the prospect this morning, Sir Keir told LBC: “No, let me just kill that one, we’re not looking at that.”The idea was first proposed in the independent fan-led review carried out in 2021 by Tory MP Tracey Crouch but not taken on by the government. READ MORE ELECTION NEWSYesterday Labour’s sports chief Thangham Debbonaire said the party would revisit the report to see if more bits could be added to legislation.Speaking to reporters at Bristol Rovers’ ground, she said: “I’m going to look at everything again that was in Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.Watch our daily politics show
    Watch The Sun’s DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our YouTube channel here.
    Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

    “I think it’s important we go back to first principles just to make sure there’s not something that’s been missed that is needed in order to ensure the financial sustainability.”Pressed if the prospect of a transfer levy was back on the table, she added: “I’m obviously going to look at absolutely everything that was in Tracy’s review.”Most read in FootballLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer will set out his party’s plan for government if they win the July 4 electionA transfer levy was one of the few ideas in the fan-led review that was not adopted by the current government in its Football Governance Bill to overhaul the sport’s finances.It could have raised hundreds of millions of pounds to redistribute into cash-starved lower league teams.Report author Ms Crouch said: “This would work in a similar way to stamp duty and distribute revenues across the pyramid and into grassroots.”  The paper added: “If a 10 per cent levy had been applied in the last five seasons, an estimated £160 million per year could have been raised for redistribution.”The move was seen as a step too far after already committing to an independent regulator to oversee the game.Labour backed the Tories’ plan and have committed to taking it on if they win power. More

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    Make Hey Jude England’s new football anthem urge Sunak & Starmer after Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 Serbia heroics

    RISHI Sunak and Keir Starmer both urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over Serbia.The PM and Labour leader’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the charts.Jude Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettyRishi Sunak urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s goalCredit: AFPSir Keir Starmer’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the chartsCredit: AFPSir Paul McCartney wrote Hey Jude – which looks set to race up the chartsCredit: GettyChesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in CroydonCredit: LNPRishi said: “We want more goals and more singing Hey Jude.”Bellingham’s goal and stellar performance secured a 1-0 win over Serbia, with thousands belting out the 1968 Beatles anthem in his honour on Sunday night.Music site Spotify said downloads had rocketed 19 per cent overnight, and are set to rise further.Rishi urged England fans to chant that instead of the war-related Ten German Bombers which has upset some of the locals.Read More on SportThe PM said yesterday: “It’s great to see England get our Euros campaign off to a winning start, the whole country is behind them to go all the way. “And when it comes to the chants specifically, I agree with what Gareth Southgate has said about that chant in the past.“What we want is to represent the best of our country at these tournaments – and that means more goals for Jude Bellingham and more singing of Hey Jude.”In a rare show of election unity, Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer agreed.Most read in Euro 2024The Labour leader told The Sun: “What better way of celebrating our new wonderkid Bellingham than belting out the classic Hey Jude?”He added: “Our songs should be about backing the players on the pitch rather than anything else.”Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaStourbridge-born Jude – who shot to fame with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid – revealed he feels proud to hear England fans singing his name. He said after his heroics in Gelsenkirchen: “I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot. “My style of music is a bit old so that’s right up my street. “I really enjoy playing in front of the England fans, it’s a different experience for me because obviously I play abroad.“They give me a lot of appreciation and a lot of love and I try to give that back with my performances and energy on the pitch.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs its writer Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his 82nd birthday today, Hey Jude looks set to race up the charts — and replace Sweet Caroline and Football’s Coming Home as England’s anthem.Pop star Chesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in Croydon, South London, on Sunday night. West Ham fan Chesney, England’s lucky mascot at the World Cup in Qatar, said: “Jude was amazing last night. “I knew he would be so Hey Jude was the perfect song to sing. “As soon as I started, the whole crowd joined in. “It was incredible.”How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
    JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
    The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
    But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
    Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
    Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
    Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

    Jude’s social media profile is rocketing, as he gained 1.6million followers on Instagram in the run-up to the Euros. He now has 33.2million, nearly twice the next-highest in the England squad, skipper Harry Kane with 17million.Sir Paul yesterday announced his first UK tour dates in six years — playing Manchester and London in December.READ MORE SUN STORIESViewing figures for Sunday night’s game peaked at 15million, with an average of 10.5million, the BBC said yesterday.Train services were cancelled after drivers and staff refused to work overtime on the day of England’s opening group game.Jude said: ‘I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot’Credit: Getty More

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    Banning England fans from drinking strong lager at Euros is ‘discriminatory’….‘we’re being picked on’, minister says

    SERVING England fans shandy beers instead of full-strength booze at the Euros is “discriminatory”, a Government minister has blasted.Policing Minister Chris Philp declared offering Three Lions followers “watered-down” pints at England’s opening game against Serbia on Sunday was “completely unfair”.Policing Minister Chris Philp told The Sun on Sunday’s Kate Ferguson that the booze measures were ‘completely unfair’Full strength beer at the England versus Serbia game has been banned and replaced with low alcohol boozeCredit: GettyThe heavy-handed security measures threatened to spark a diplomatic incident with the minister fuming: “We should not be getting picked on in that way.”It comes after tournament mandarins in Germany scrapped full-strength booze amid fears Serbian yobs are planning to face off with tipsy English footy followers at the 62,000-seater Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.England fans had been looking forward to throwing back the 4.8 per cent strength Bitburger Premium in stadium bars but the brew will now be replaced by the much weaker 2.5 per cent “Radler-style” beer — half lager and half citrus soda.Speaking to our Never Mind The Ballots election countdown show, Policing Minister Chris Philip blasted: “If England fans have somehow been picked out or singled out and served watered-down beer based on their nationality, that sounds to me completely unfair.Read more about Euro 2024“And probably discriminatory – we should not be getting picked on in that way.”Risk ratings were ramped up from “high” to “very high” for Sunday’s clash with Serbia amid fears 500 hardcore pro-Putin footy yobs will travel to spark clashes with England fans.[embedded content]Worries were amplified by a UEFA ban on segregation in the stadium — putting rival supporters next to each other in mixed seating.Gelsenkirchen police spokesman Stephan Knipp told The Sun: “It is just the England game which will have the low-strength beer. The other games at the stadium will have 4.8 per cent.”Most read in Euro 2024England fans will also be subjected to a last-minute booze ban in the city centre before the kick-off at 8pm UK time.Watch our daily politics show
    Watch The Sun’s new DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our brand new YouTube channel here.
    Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

    England’s last Euros opener abroad was in 2016, when highly organised Russian yobs — believed to be state-sponsored — put scores of Three Lions fans in hospital in Marseille, France.An estimated 40,000 England fans are expected to travel to Sunday’s game, along with 8,000 Serbs, plus more from Serbian communities in Germany.Speaking about the safety of England fans in Germany, he said: “It’s really important that these games pass off peacefully.“I know there are UK police officers over in Germany, helping the German police, targeting and looking at monitoring fans that might cause a problem.“Fans that are violent and might cause a problem are not allowed to travel because they have banning orders.”Heavy-handed German cops have also said they will step in and fine anyone wearing a fake footy top under strict counterfeit and trademark laws.Police officers will reportedly be able to issue fines of up to £4,000 – although it is unclear if authorities are actually planning to enforce the law.Mr Philp said the matter was “something you wouldn’t expect the police to get involved in”.He went on: “I don’t know the details but it does sound quite heavy-handed.“Certainly as far as a ban is concerned, they might get involved in stopping people selling fake shirts – that would be a usual thing for them to be involved in.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I obviously in no way condone using (fake) shirts. I think you should buy shirts from legitimate vendors because that money goes back into the grassroots.“So people should not be buying fake shirts.”The minister added England footy fans should not be ‘picked on’ for their nationalityCredit: PA More

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    England footie stars WILL have to complete National Service under Tory plans

    ENGLAND’S footie wonderkids will have to complete their National Service under Tory plans – despite claims it could wreck our chances in tournaments like the Euros.Rishi Sunak’s election campaign confirmed this morning the “highly paid 18-year-olds” will still be compelled to participate.Luke Shaw has been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18Credit: ReutersShadow Paymaster General Jonathan AshworthCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt came after Labour warned the Conservative pledge would mean young Three Lions stars would have to skip training during international competitions.An attack dossier says: “Jude Bellingham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw have all been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18.“Would they have been required to complete their one weekend of National Service during those tournaments?”Under Mr Sunak’s plan all 18-year-olds will be forced to do at least 25 days of voluntary community work – while some can choose a full-time military placement.READ MORE ABOUT POLITICSLabour’s Jonathan Ashworth added: “Would they be taken out of playing during the inevitable shootout in the semi-finals?”But he was dismissed by the Conservatives who claimed he was wilfilly twisting their flagship plan.A Conservative source said: “Of course extremely highly paid 18 year olds will be required to do their national service.“The 25 days can be completed at any point in the year and if Jon Ashworth could be bothered to engage in policy detail he would know that.”Most read in FootballThe PM’s National Service plan has become a major rift of the general election campaign, getting both praise and criticism.Mr Sunak insists it would help stir a sense of pride in young people while helping them give back to their communities.[embedded content]Senior Conservatives accused Sir Keir Starmer of “sneering” yesterday after he branded the plan a “teenager’s Dads’ Army”.And they pointed out that England legend Sir Bobby Charlton completed mandatory National Service.What is the National Service pledged by Rishi Sunak?EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories win the General Election.
    The most recent form of compulsory national service, which required all physically fit male British citizens aged between 18 and 26 to serve in the armed forces, was abolished in 1960.
    However, national service in various forms still exists in countries around the world including in some European countries and South Korea.
    Under the Conservatives’ new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year “volunteering” in their community, the Tories said.
    The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an “increasingly uncertain world” and give young people a “shared sense of purpose”.
    He said volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people.

    Brilliant way for young to gather skillsBy Jerome Starkey
    NATIONAL Service is a great idea. It exalts the idea of giving something back.
    It gives people a chance to be part of something bigger.
    Covid showed there was no shortage of those ready to help a crisis.
    But opportunities are scarce, especially for youngsters who are not qualified for teaching or health roles.
    It will train youngsters in skills our predecessors took for granted.
    It’s not about stripping a rifle or polishing boots. It’s about self-reliance, camaraderie and teamwork.
    Those that choose the military route will learn how to cope when the power is out and the wi-fi is down.
    The skills and confidence they learn will help them get better jobs and lead better lives.
    National Service lets the country build the structures it would need for mass conscription if the flag went up for all-out war.
    Ukraine has shown us — and our generals have warned us — that if Britain fought a state-on-state war of survival, the professional Army would wear out fast.
    Our best chance of victory would be calling up reserves and using professionals to train the volunteers.
    It would also solve the Forces’ recruitment crisis.
    The Army, Navy and RAF have struggled to fill their vacancies.
    National service would return the Armed Forces to the heart of British life, where they rightfully belong. More

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    Biggest shake up to football ownership in years is SHELVED by Tories as PM has just 1 week to get key bills through

    FOOTBALL fans have been dealt a huge blow as the sweeping crackdown on dodgy owners won’t see the light of day before the general election. The Football Governance Bill, which would have set up an independent regulator for the sport, has been ditched as there is not enough time to push it through the House of Lords before Parliament dissolves. Football fans have been dealt a huge blow (stock)Credit: RexRishi Sunak called a snap general election on WednesdayCredit: Rex More

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    Rishi Sunak stands out from crowd in replica shirt and hoodie as PM watches beloved Southampton in play-off clash

    RISHI SUNAK stood out from the crowd in a hoodie as he watched Southampton in the play-offs.The Saints superfan took the evening off running the country to visit St Mary’s for the season-defining match.Rishi Sunak cheered on Southampton against West BromCredit: RexThe Prime Minister is a boyhood fan of the clubCredit: ReutersThere were plenty of celebrations as Southampton romped to victoryCredit: ReutersBut manager Russell Martin hasn’t given the PM the warmest of welcomesCredit: GettyThe South Coast outfit headed into the match against West Brom with aspirations of reaching the play-off final.Russell Martin’s side, however, had some extra support from the stands as the PM popped in from Downing Street to watch on.Sunak was pictured in the stands wearing a black club hoodie with “Saints 85” written on it.Eagle-eyed viewers were also able to make out that he was wearing the club’s shirt, from last season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile most of the supporters in the stadium were decked out in red and white, Sunak looked slightly out of place in his particular section as all those surrounding him were wearing suits.Despite being a true blue conservative in politics, the PM has supported the red and white of Southampton since he was a boy.Sunak was born there in 1980 and hails Matt Le Tissier as his favourite club legend.He has previously admitted that he would be a “very happy man” if he had the opportunity to run the club.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSouthampton went into the game needing a result as the first leg ended in a 0-0 draw at the Hawthorns.The Saints finished fourth in the Championship in their first season back since relegation from the Premier League.The club accumulated 87 points but missed out on the automatic promotion spots to Ipswich Town and league champions Leicester City.Britain has to buckle up for “one of the most dangerous periods we have ever known”, the PM insistsBut it was not to be in vain as the Saints marched onto the final as they thumped West Brom 3-1 on the night.Sunak would have been delighted watching on from the crowd.However, despite his love of the club, the PM has not been too warmly welcomed by the manager.When he watched the team beat Plymouth 2-1 in December, Russell Martin said: “He might have come down [to see the players], but I have no interest in saying hello. “How’s that for honesty?“I hope he enjoyed himself just like anyone who comes here. I hope they enjoy themselves. “I have no interest [in chatting] because I’m a football manager. I’m not sure we’re aligned on too much politically but I know he’s a fan and I hope he enjoyed watching the team. “I’m sure some people would be excited about him being here but we had a job to do and we were here to win a football match and we did.”READ MORE SUN STORIESLast night, Leeds sealed their spot in the play off final with a stomping 4-0 victory over Norwich City.As a result, Canaries manager David Wagner was sacked by the club.Previous PM football alliengencesHere’s a look at what football teams previous UK leaders have supported. More

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    Pubs to stay open LATE for Euros in huge boost for Brit punters under plans considered by James Cleverly

    JAMES CLEVERLY today vowed to “look into” extending pub opening hours for the Euros.On Sun show Never Mind The Ballots, the Home Secretary confirmed his team are consulting on gifting punters more time in boozers over summer.James Cleverly admitted he’s “looking into” extending pub opening hours for the Euros – with confirmation set to come next weekCredit: Peter JordanLonger opening times will allow fans to watch England games without having to leave the pub mid-pintCredit: APHe’s expected to make a formal announcement confirming the move next Tuesday. Mr Cleverly told host Harry Cole: “I will certainly look into it.”With the Home Secretary’s say so, pubs could be allowed to stay open until 1am if any of the home nations make it to the semis or final.With host nation Germany one hour ahead of UK time, it will mean fans can watch evening kick-offs over a pint without the fear of having to exit the pub if a game goes to extra-time or penalties.Read more on EurosEngland — runners-up to Italy two years ago at Covid-delayed Euro 2020 — will make the finals after topping their group with captain Harry Kane banging in eight goals.WATCH NEVER MIND THE BALLOTS
    JAMES Cleverly will be facing questions from Sun readers during a no-holds barred guest spot on our new politics show tonight.
    The weekly show also features opinions and insight from our very own panel boasting real-life experience, discussing what readers want from the next Government
    You can watch the Home Secretary on thesun.co.uk and The Sun’s YouTube channel at 7pm on Wednesday.
    And you can help set the agenda for future shows – by submitting your questions via email at readerquestions@the-sun.co.uk.

    Scotland also qualified.England are one of the favourites to win the competition.If Gareth Southgate’s squad manage to storm to victory it will be England’s first major trophy since 1966.Most read in FootballEmma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, insisted longer opening hours would gift fans with a “bumper summer”, while giving a much needed boost to the struggling booze sector. She said: “The Government consultation looking into allowing pubs to extend their hours to cover the semi-final and the final during the upcoming Euros is something that received overwhelming support and we look forward to the Government now putting in place the regulations needed as soon as possible.Sadiq Khan is a failure who can’t accept Lawless London – he thinks machete gangs are only on TV, blasts James Cleverly“Reducing the red tape that pubs would otherwise have to undertake is one of the little ways that the Government can reduce some of the costs of doing business.“There are many more, but with this easement the beer and pub sector is looking forward to a bumper summer of sport and let’s hope that pub goers can enjoy these extended hours, especially if England and Scotland get to the semis and maybe even meet in the final.”Alongside discussing longer opening time for boozers, ex-Foreign Secretary spoke to Harry about drug taking and kebabs in a round of quick fire questions.The Home Secretary confessed to dabbling with illicit substances “decades ago”.He admitted: “(I last did drugs) many, many decades ago.”Mr Cleverly said he prefers a doner kebab to a shawarma and would go for an Indian takeout over Chinese. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked to pick between the Home and Foreign Office, he replied: “It’s like asking which of my two sons I love the most.”I’m really lucky to have had the chance to serve in two amazing offices of state with two amazing departments doing two incredibly important jobs.”NEVER MIND THE BALLOTS – James Cleverley Speaks to the Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole on Knife CrimeCredit: The SunNEVER MIND THE BALLOTS – James Cleverley Speaks to the Sun’s Political Editor Harry Cole on Knife CrimeCredit: the sun More