Andy Burnham has renewed questions over the future of Heathrow’s expansion plans, only weeks after his Chancellor publicly backed the project.

As the Labour conference opened, the Prime Minister repeatedly declined to give an outright endorsement to the proposed third runway during an interview.

He said the decision was primarily a matter for London, adding that ministers were still awaiting the results of a public consultation.

However, Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs earlier this month that the Government supports the Heathrow project.

The Prime Minister has criticised the proposal for years. In January last year, while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester, Mr Burnham described the expansion as a “model for an ever-overheating UK economy”. He also warned that it must not come at the “expense of essential investment in northern infrastructure”.

In 2018, he said: “I’m against a third runway at Heathrow because of the need to limit national levels of aviation. We should use spare capacity at Manchester and Birmingham instead.”

A year later, he cautioned that the scheme could “trap infrastructure spending inside the M25 for ten years”.

Heathrow Airport Limited is seeking approval for a 3,500-metre runway that would involve diverting or relocating part of the M25 motorway.

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in June that she was determined to see “spades in the ground” on the third runway during the current Parliament, with a target completion date of 2035.

That timetable now appears increasingly difficult to meet, with 2039 reportedly considered the earliest realistic completion date.

Asked by the BBC if he supported the expansion, Mr Burnham replied: “Principally, it’s a matter for London and Londoners.”

When pressed on his position, he added: “It’s not right for me to just jump straight in on the back of the consultation.

NEXT UP: I saw Bank of America on my phone while flying so I thought the call was legit – I was down $3.5k by the time we landed – NewsFinale

“I think it’s right that we hear what people have said through the consultation, and then then consider the way forward from there.”

Heathrow’s proposed expansion has faced longstanding opposition from climate experts and London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Heathrow, however, argues that a third runway would create jobs, boost economic growth and help make air travel more affordable.

Mr Healey told the Commons earlier this month: “After years of delay, years of indecision, years of often vexatious challenge, we have given the go-ahead to this project quite simply because the economic case stacks up and will help bring growth.”

The public consultation on the Government’s Heathrow expansion national policy statement closed on September 1.

A Heathrow spokesman said: ‘We agree with the Prime Minister that local voices must be heard. 

‘We know from consistent polling over the last decade that communities support our plans for expansion, and support is only growing over time. 

‘But critically, expanding Heathrow is a national project which will create jobs and boost growth in every part of the country. 

‘That’s why it is supported by trade unions, business groups, airports and communities across the UK and why we need to crack on with delivering it as quickly as possible.’ 

READ MORE:

Sure you’re not thinking about a snap election, Andy? Another megapoll shows Labour recovering as Reform surge recedes 

John Healey admits he must stem exodus of billionaires as ANOTHER business mogul quits Britain… but Chancellor still hints wealth taxes coming in Budget 

Burnham faces Labour conference civil war: Rayner stands by ‘drive-by shooting’ on immigration plans, Left accuses PM of ‘ghosting’ – and Chancellor admits he might need to find billions for fuel bailout 

Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber spent years trying to shield their son, Presley Gerber, from drugs and support him through his struggles.

The supermodel and businessman devoted much of their attention to helping Presley, who reportedly developed an addiction during his teenage years while working in the modeling industry as a Calvin Klein model.

Despite their efforts, Presley died last Sunday at age 27 in a Santa Monica, California, rehabilitation facility from what is suspected to have been an overdose.

Throughout those difficult years, however, Crawford and Gerber also remained focused on protecting their other child.

The couple took particular care to safeguard their 25-year-old daughter, Kaia.

A source close to the family told the Daily Mail that Crawford and Gerber closely monitored Kaia because they were determined to prevent her from facing the same challenges as her brother.

According to the source, Kaia remained at her Malibu high school until she was 16 and completed her junior year before pursuing modeling as a full-time career.

Presley took a different path, leaving high school at 15 to work in New York and across Europe. He continued studying while modeling and ultimately graduated on schedule at 17.

Now mourning the loss of the brother she frequently described as her “best friend,” Kaia has become the focus of her parents’ concern.

The source said Kaia is struggling to process Presley’s death, explaining that the reality of losing him has not fully registered and that the grief has been overwhelming.

The family is reportedly worried about how she will cope, but Kaia has a strong support system, including longtime friends who have been helping her through the loss.

Kaia recently told Vogue that she tried to be the “easy child” because Presley required so much attention. In the aftermath of his death, she may now need even greater support from her parents.

The source identified Kaia’s parents and her boyfriend, Lewis, along with his father, Bill, as some of her strongest sources of comfort.

Friends from her childhood in Malibu have also rallied around her. “She has plenty of Malibu friends,” the source said, adding that many former classmates have reached out because Kaia is widely liked.

Kaia’s celebrity friends have offered support as well. Kendall Jenner reportedly checked on her, while Kendall’s mother, Kris Jenner, sent flowers.

Kaia has also stepped away from her modeling and acting commitments as she takes time to grieve and recover emotionally.

With Kaia’s schedule previously filled with professional commitments, she has postponed much of her work while dealing with the family tragedy. “Everyone has been understanding,” the source said, though it remains unclear when she will return to work.

Kaia, whom the source says ‘has never done drugs and is squeaky clean,’ is sad that people she loves are drawn toward drugs. 

‘Kaia feels like she can’t get away from this drug stuff and it makes her depressed,’ said the source. ‘She hates drugs and doesn’t touch them and is so sad they took Presley away from her. She and Presley were best friends.’

This is not the first time the couple has worked hard to make sure their only daughter is safe.

They also stepped in to help the young Vogue cover girl in late December 2019. The famous couple flew to New York City when their daughter seemed to be having problems with her then-boyfriend Pete Davidson, now 32, who is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live.

At the time, it was suspected that Davidson was on drugs. In the past, the comedian has admitted to using Ketamine, cocaine, LSD and marijuana.

EXPLORE MORE: Democratic Duo Fuel Speculation About 2028 Presidential Ticket

‘She already went through this before with Pete, whom she dated for a while,’ began the source.

‘Kaia had a very hard time with Pete. She dated Pete for like four or five months in late 2019, and she was instantly smitten because he has so much charisma and is smart and hilarious, but then he took a bad turn. He used to do drugs, and he went back on drugs at the time. He was a mess,’ said the source.

Things came to a head, though it is not known what caused their relationship meltdown. 

‘When Pete flipped out on her, both her parents stepped in. They flew to NYC to meet with them, and they said “No way,”‘ said the source.

Crawford and Gerber put on a unified front as they came to the rescue. ‘They are amazing parents and did the right thing. They were like, “Come home now, Kaia,”‘ explained the source.

‘New York City is a hard place for anyone, especially sheltered kids from Malibu. Cindy is a very tough mama bear. They made her walk away from Pete because of his history with drugs and all his rehab visits.’

Davidson has been sober for the past two years, and has been outspoken about his sobriety journey, often mentioning that fatherhood and other milestones have inspired him to stay off drugs. The actor welcomed daughter Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson in December 2025 with then-partner Elsie Hewitt. The couple broke up in May.

Crawford and Gerber also worried about the age difference between Kaia and Davidson. 

‘Pete was much older than Kaia, like seven years older. At the time he was like 26, and she was only 18.’

Working like adults in a busy city was a lot for Kaia and Presley to take. 

‘Kaia and Presley were seriously decent, nice kids from Malibu who were getting their first taste of fame at the time,’ shared the source. ‘They were new models in New York City, and everyone thought they were amazing. They were just learning the ropes though and were not used to the ugly side of New York City.’

According to the family insider, Kaia’s life improved after she left Manhattan.

‘After Kaia left Pete, she also left New York City to spend some time with her parents in Los Angeles,’ said the source.

On January 15, 2020, Crawford was photographed at a New York airport taking her mini-me daughter to Los Angeles. 

‘I seriously think Kaia needed a time out. She totally grounded herself by fostering dogs, and that is when she started to read books like crazy. She healed herself,’ the source said. 

And Presley was not seen much in New York City after the summer of 2020 either, with the siblings appearing to have moved back to the West Coast together. ‘At about the same time Presley left New York City for LA,’ the source said. 

On Thursday, longtime family friend and Kaia’s Palm Royale costar Laura Dern was seen dropping off a bouquet at her home.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Crawford, Gerber, Davidson, and Jenner.

Presley’s death is being investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department as a suspected overdose after he was found deceased on September 20, 2026, at the luxury recovery facility Resolutions Living in Santa Monica.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has completed the autopsy, but official cause and manner of death are deferred pending toxicology results, which can take several weeks or months.

Detectives have stated there is currently no indication of foul play, but they are actively trying to trace the source and supplier of the substances involved.

Presley had checked into the facility about 12 hours before being found unresponsive.

Funeral plans have not yet been announced.

Labour’s conference in Liverpool is unfolding amid renewed speculation about a snap general election, despite Andy Burnham insisting that the prospect is “dead”.

The latest major voting projection suggests Labour’s electoral position has strengthened significantly as delegates gather for the party’s annual conference.

Research from the non-profit organisation More in Common estimates that Labour would win 250 parliamentary seats if an election were held now—around 140 more than its July projection.

The figures put Labour comfortably ahead of Reform, which is projected to take 147 seats. That represents a fall of 146 seats compared with the party’s estimate just three months ago, although it would still mark a dramatic rise from its 2024 result. The Conservatives are forecast to secure 125 MPs.

Labour would nevertheless remain short of an overall Commons majority under the projection. However, a potential alliance with the Liberal Democrats, on 63 seats, and the SNP, on 27, could allow the party to form a government.

The possibility of a so-called “rainbow coalition” has unsettled figures on the Right, amid concerns that Mr Burnham could agree to significant concessions, including another referendum on Scottish independence.

More in Common estimates that tactical voting could deliver Labour a further 25 constituencies. That would potentially give the party a majority with Liberal Democrat support alone.

When tactical voting is taken into account, Reform’s total could drop to 117 seats, allowing the Conservatives to move ahead on 132.

Calling an election now would represent a major gamble for the Prime Minister, given the Government’s historic majority and the fact that almost three years remain in the current Parliament.

Supporters of an early election argue that Labour could improve its standing during a campaign and convert its recent polling gains into more seats.

But Mr Burnham used a lengthy round of broadcast interviews ahead of the conference on Friday to dismiss claims that he was preparing to call an election before 2029, saying he was “knocking dead” the rumours.

In an interview with the BBC in Liverpool, he indicated that a social care plan would need to be agreed before any election. He said he remains determined to include such a policy in Labour’s manifesto.

More in Common’s analysis uses the MRP method, which applies polling data to the demographic make-up of individual constituencies to estimate how each area might vote.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: My parents held hands as they passed away by assisted dying – we supported ‘beautiful’ decision, it wasn’t a surprise – NewsFinale

The organisation surveyed almost 16,000 adults between August 21 and September 21.

Luke Tryl, More in Common’s UK director, said the contrast with last year’s Labour conference was striking. At that time, the group’s MRP model suggested Reform could approach a three-figure majority, while Labour and the Conservatives were each projected to fall below 100 seats.

He said the latest figures showed that the electoral landscape had changed dramatically, with Andy Burnham now serving as Prime Minister.

Mr Tryl also warned that “volatility has become the new watchword” of British politics, noting that almost half of all projected winners are expected to take their seats with a margin of less than five percentage points.

‘The other clear message of these numbers is that tactical voting, of the sort we have already seen play out in by-elections, could have an outsized impact on the numbers – giving a Lib-Lab coalition the numbers for a majority and allowing the Tories to leapfrog Reform,’ Mr Tryl added.

Mr Tryl said the poll suggested Mr Burnham was ‘sensible’ to rule out an early election.

‘While Labour is off its death bed, the party’s recovery is far from complete,’ he said. 

‘To call a poll the Prime Minister would have had to be willing to risk the careers of scores of his colleagues including his Chancellor and Foreign Secretary, while even small shifts in the current numbers would have left him vulnerable to having a stint in Downing Street only longer than that of Liz Truss.’

READ MORE

Labour shambles as Andy Burnham refuses to back Heathrow expansion

PM faces Labour conference civil war after Rayner ‘drive-by shooting’ on migration – as Left revolts

CHRISTIAN CALGIE: My sources say PM’s plan is so radical, he’ll have to gamble on an early election 

For nearly one-fourth of my life, I have been pregnant.

Six pregnancies in eight consecutive years have made me a mother of two, as well as a gestational surrogate three times.

Every pregnancy has come with its own mix of happiness and difficulty, but surrogacy brings a different kind of pressure. Anxiety is almost unavoidable when you are carrying more than a baby—you are also carrying someone else’s hopes of becoming a parent.

I first started researching surrogacy soon after welcoming my daughter Aria in 2019.

At the time, I was 30 and living in San Diego, California. My grandmother initially encouraged me to consider egg donation, but that path did not appeal to me. I had experienced a smooth first pregnancy, however, and began searching for another way to support women and families who struggled to conceive.

Becoming a surrogate seemed mutually beneficial. I could provide financial support for my own family while helping another family realize its dream of welcoming a child.

The nerves surrounding my first surrogacy were even stronger the second time, in 2021. That was when I discovered that Chrissy Teigen and John Legend wanted me to help them have another child, less than a year after the heartbreaking loss of their son, Baby Jack, at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Following their loss, Chrissy and John began looking for a gestational carrier. After reviewing my profile, they decided they wanted to meet me.

I was excited, nervous and hopeful when I met Chrissy and John. Although I felt starstruck by their fame as a Sports Illustrated model and Grammy-winning musician, I reminded myself to look beyond their public profiles. In that moment, they were simply two people trying to grow their family after enduring a very public tragedy.

Once we decided to continue, I felt certain I could give them something meaningful. The journey ultimately proved far more challenging—and humbling—than I had expected.

Chrissy, John and I were matched only a few months after I delivered my first surrogate baby. That pregnancy had involved carrying a baby girl for two fathers in Seattle, Washington, and the experience had gone remarkably smoothly.

At first, I assumed my uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery would make qualifying as a surrogate fairly simple. Once I began contacting agencies, though, I discovered that applicants must meet an extensive range of medical, financial and home-environment requirements.

A strong candidate generally needs to have carried a baby to term without serious complications, meet specific income guidelines and fall within an approved body mass index range. Agencies also assess the applicant’s family and living situation to ensure the surrounding people and home provide a safe, stable and supportive environment.

After spending considerable time researching the process online, I applied to a highly regarded surrogacy agency in California.

My application was approved relatively quickly, and I soon attended an in-person consultation. The agency reviewed my personal background, medical history and preferences regarding the intended parents. Finding the right match is deeply personal, and it depends on everyone involved feeling comfortable and secure with one another.

One thing that surprised me was how little age affected the process.

I began exploring surrogacy at 30, which placed me toward the older end of the usual range. I was 32 when I matched with Chrissy and John. Although pregnancy can become more complicated as someone gets older, age is less significant for gestational carriers because they are not using their own genetic material. I was surprised to learn that some agencies accept surrogates into their early 40s.

The agency confirmed my information by reviewing my medical records, inspecting my home and conducting background checks on both me and my fiancé at the time.

Once cleared, the agency shared my profile with intended parents looking for a gestational carrier. Higher-profile couples, like Chrissy and John, use third-party matching services that search for a specific surrogate across different agencies, and that’s how they found me.

After a medical screening confirmed that I’d be physically capable of carrying a pregnancy, I moved onto the legal portion of the process – the step that takes the longest.

Although each surrogacy contract is individualized, they generally address many of the same details. They specify the number of attempts for an embryo transfer and payment details, including insurance coverage, reimbursements for medical fees and stipends for maternity clothes and prenatal massages. Payments are generally paid out in monthly installments after a fetal heartbeat is confirmed.

Once the contracts were signed, I began taking in vitro fertilization medications and prepping my body for the embryo transfer.

DISCOVER MORE: Donald Trump Reacts in His Unique Way to Mike Pence's Decision Not to Endorse Him – NewsFinale

With Chrissy and John, I had my first embryo transfer in November 2021. Despite multiple positive pregnancy tests, my first ultrasound revealed that there was no baby growing in the gestational sac. Because the pregnancy was not progressing, I would have to miscarry.

Miscarriages are already horrible and traumatic on their own. Miscarrying someone else’s child – no matter who they are – is a whole other level of sadness and anxiety. It was a lot of pressure, and I was battling my own body, frustrated that it was not doing what it was supposed to do. I wanted so badly to give John and Chrissy a healthy baby and yet, for reasons out of my control, things weren’t going the way we had anticipated.

Getting my body ready to undergo a second embryo transfer was also a much longer process than I could ever have anticipated. I had to undergo approximately seven procedures – including hysteroscopies, polyp removals and scar tissue treatment – before I was finally cleared for another transfer.

I was worried John and Chrissy would find another surrogate who could deliver their baby without any hiccups. Why wouldn’t they? Knowing who they were, I figured they could essentially pick anybody.

But they were so patient with me: loving, caring and gentle. They never tried to rush me or make it feel like I was at fault. I felt supported and given the space I needed to process what had happened. It made everything that much easier.

Luckily, in October 2022, the second embryo transfer worked.

And there was more news to celebrate. Earlier that year, Chrissy also found out that she was pregnant.

The babies – the one Chrissy was carrying and the one I was carrying – would only be six months apart.

She and John had waited until she was three months along before they shared the news with me. It was incredibly considerate given everything we had already experienced.

Chrissy and I were only pregnant together for a short period of time, but I loved it. It was such a unique and special part of the journey to know we were both carrying babies who would grow up together.

Throughout my pregnancy, I commuted to doctor’s appointments in Los Angeles from my home in San Diego. Chrissy and John couldn’t always accompany me given their busy schedules, but I took videos after every ultrasound to make sure they felt as involved as possible.

Before the baby was born, I relocated to LA to be in closer proximity to their hospital and doctor. On June 19, 2023, I went into labor.

I initially wanted Chrissy to help deliver the baby, but some unexpected complications prevented that from happening. Still, she and John got to be in the room when I gave birth. I’ll never forget watching them meet Wren Alexander Stephens, who they named after me, for the first time.

For me, seeing my intended parents look into the eyes of their newborn is the most fulfilling part of surrogacy. It’s the reason I’ve gone through the journey three times. It’s what makes it all worth it.

A lot of people don’t understand that surrogacy is a commitment. It’s a lot of countless doctor’s appointments and IVF appointments, it’s embryo transfers and potential pregnancy loss, it’s recovery, and then more transfers – all while being a mom and a partner and working full time. Surrogacy is so much more than simply being pregnant for nine months, though this part isn’t insignificant. It can take years from the time you match with the intended parents and the time you deliver the baby. There is so much that happens before anyone ever sees a positive pregnancy test.

The journey with Chrissy and John took two years.

But it was worth every minute.

Chrissy and John always treated me as part of their family. Even though I’ve since moved to Texas and no longer live locally, I love being able to watch Wren grow and live his beautiful life through the updates and photos his parents send me. There’s something special in knowing that I got to play a small part in helping create the family and life he has today.

As told to Katherine Fung