Our Press Data Future News Forward Planning database contains over 50,000 future events and news items from around the world for the next 12 months. 

Next week in view 02/05/2026 – 08/05/2026

Scotland and Wales will hold elections for their devolved assemblies on Thursday 7 May, whilst local and mayoral elections will take place in England. In Wales, polls suggest a possibility of Labour losing power after 27 years in government. In Scotland, the SNP is on course to remain the largest party, albeit possibly short of overall majority. In England, polling suggests Labour looks likely to suffer major losses across various seats to the Greens and Reform UK.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s major reshuffle of the government may come as early as Friday 8 May. However, some reports suggest that Starmer’s inner team is split over the move. If it goes ahead, Starmer’s former deputy Angela Rayner may be invited back to the Labour frontbenches in a bid to stave off a leadership challenge.

7 May is Nigel Farage’s deadline for politicians in other parties to join Reform UK. Farage said that current and former MPs as well as local councillors must join Reform UK by that date as his party will not accept any more defectors after the local elections are held.

The next ASEAN Leaders’ Summit will be held in Cebu City, Philippines from 8 – 9 May. Leaders from member countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will attend, as well as from partners such as China, Japan and South Korea. Discussions will focus on the economic ramifications of the war in Iran, and migrant workers in the Gulf region.

The next regular meeting of the European Political Community will take place in Armenia on 4 May. It will be co-chaired by António Costa, the President of the European Council, and Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian PM. Leaders from 44 countries will discuss strengthening democratic resilience and reinforcing economic and energy security.

⁠Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi will pay an official visit to Australia from 3 – 5 May. She will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marking the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries, and discuss further strengthening economic security between the two nations.

Kirsty Young hosts the “David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth” live event at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 8 May. The event, held on Attenborough’s 100th birthday, features broadcasters Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham and Michael Palin reflecting on the impact of David’s work and performances from Dan Smith and Sigur Ros.

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will be honoured with a BFI Fellowship, the BFI’s highest accolade, at the annual BFI Chair’s dinner in London on 6 May. The award recognises his contribution to film and the distinctive artistry that runs through his work across animation and live action.

Liverpool Comic Con takes place at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool from 2 – 3 May. Among those due to take part in the fan convention are Noah Schnapp, Gillian Anderson, William Shatner, Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alicia Silverstone, Taylor Schilling and Emmett J. Scanlan.

Wednesday 06 May

Man sentenced after being found guilty of murdering top London chef

Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held in Memphis

Jen Brister hosts Amnesty International Media Awards

Thursday 07 May

FCA’s changes to payment safeguarding rules come into force

Brussels Economic Forum takes place

Stratford-upon-Avon Literary Festival begins

Friday 08 May

STV staff to strike on Scottish election results day

Pope Leo pays pastoral visit to Pompeii and Naples

Gary Oldman stars in and directs “Krapp’s Last Tape” London transfer

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