Latest news with #Caller
ITV News
22-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Commissioner Max Caller brought in to oversee £300m in cuts to Birmingham's services to step down
The lead commissioner of Birmingham City Council, who has been overseeing £300m of cuts to council services over the last two years, is stepping down from his role. Max Caller, who has been referred to by campaigners across the city as 'Max the Axe', has announced plans to retire. He was sent in by the Government in 2023 to make hundreds of millions of pounds worth of cuts to services after the authority effectively declared bankruptcy. He will be replaced by Tony McArdle OBE, who is the former chief executive of Lincolnshire County Council, and Wellingborough Council. He also led the recent intervention at Nottingham City Council to help solve their financial problems two years ago. It's understood Mr Caller has written to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner confirming his retirement comes in the midst of a hugely damaging bin strike in the city, which is understood to have cost the council and taxpayers £4 million. Mr Caller had said last year that he intended to step down as soon as he felt the council's recovery and improvement was secure. He had said it would be a "disaster" if he stayed on for longer as it would show the council was not getting a statement Jim McMahon, minister for local government and regional devolution at the Ministry of Housing, Local Government and Communities has said: 'Max Caller has made a significant contribution to local government throughout his career including leading efforts to put Birmingham City Council on a sustainable footing. "We thank him for his work and wish him well in his retirement."While the city's recovery remains fragile, marked progress was made under his leadership including developing a stable medium-term financial plan, making progress towards resolving the outstanding equal pay situation, and re-implementing the Oracle IT programme."The government's priority is to ensure this work continues."I am confident that will be the case under the new lead commissioner Tony McArdle OBE who brings a huge range of experience to the role having been a well-respected council chief executive and leading interventions at other local authorities." His departure comes just one day after campaigners lost their legal battle over his decision to shut four day centres in the city for people with disabilities: Beeches GOLDD, Fairway, Harborne, and Heartlands. Mr Caller had blocked an attempt by councillors to scrutinise the controversial decision. The closures were part of a wider effort to address a £1.95 million budget gap for 2024–25 and £3.35 million in 2025–26. Following the cabinet's decision to close the centres, six councillors sought to have it reviewed by a scrutiny committee through the formal 'call-in' process. But Max Caller overruled them, blocking further examination by the scrutiny Mr Caller well, the council leader, Councillor John Cotton, said: "I want to place on record our best wishes to Max for his retirement and I have thanked him for his valuable contribution in helping Birmingham's improvement over the past two years."I have this morning also received a letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon MP. The Minister has informed us that he has appointed Tony McArdle OBE as the new Lead Commissioner at Birmingham City Council."I am clear that the council still needs external support and the challenge of critical friends, but we need to ensure that they are aligned to our shared priorities as we move to the next stage of the council's improvement journey."We are very keen to continue the pace of progress and ensure it does not slow down during these changes. That is why work on producing next year's budget continues at pace." Since being appointed by the then Secretary of State Michael Gove in October 2023, Mr Caller has overseen a string of major cuts to the council's services. As commissioner, his role included ensuring financial sustainability was delivered, closing budget gaps, agreeing changes to the authority's operating model to ensure financial sustainability.
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
GOP fights to flip NY Senate seat in Tuesday special election after Trump won big in blue territory
Republicans are looking to pick up a state Senate seat in a Tuesday special election in a southern Brooklyn district that President Trump carried last year with 77% of the vote. GOP candidate Nachman Caller and Democrat Sam Sutton are running for a vacant seat after former state Sen. Simcha Felder recently won a special election to fill a vacancy in the City Council. 4 GOP candidate Nachman Caller is running for the vacant seat. 4 Democrat Sam Sutton is looking to pick up Sen. Simcha Felder's vacant seat. Brooklyn Democratic Party The 22nd district encampases heavy Jewish neightborhoods including Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Madison, Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach, Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay. Democrats greatly outnumber Republicans but many are moderate-to-conservative voters who will cross party lines. Felder, a conservative Democrat who once caucused with Republicans, has not endorsed in the race. Democrat Sutton has deep ties to the Sephardic community. He is a co-leader of the Sephardic Community Federation. 4 Sutton is a co-leader of the Sephardic Community Federation. Brooklyn Democratic Party Caller, a Republican district leader, is a real estate lawyer who previously ran for the state Assembly. Sutton has the support of the Democratic Party establishment, including Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres, a staunch supporter of Israel who is eying a run for governor. Caller has the backing of upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik, the House Republican chairwoman, and Rep. Mike Lawyer, whose lower Hudson Valley district includes a large orthodox Jewish population. 4 President Trump carried the district last year with 77% of the vote. A former Felder campaign strategist, O'Brien 'O.B.' Murray, is working for Caller. Both sides said it's a competitive race and voter turnout will likely determine the outcome. Murray emphasized a Caller victory will leave Democrats two votes shy of a veto proof majority in the Senate. 'This is an opportunity for every voter in the district to say 'enough is enough' to the radical liberal agenda in Albany,' Murray said.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tutors International Reports Rise in Educational Support Requests Amid US Family Moves to Europe
OXFORD, England, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More American families are considering emigration to Europe and the UK in search of lifestyle changes, cultural enrichment, or job flexibility, and education has emerged as a key consideration in the planning process. UK-based private tutoring company, Tutors International, has reported a noticeable increase in enquiries from US families seeking bespoke private tuition to support children during international moves. While motivations vary, the trend reflects a shift in priorities. But families often face uncertainty when it comes to maintaining educational continuity during and after the move. Tutors International, which provides tailored academic support for relocating families, notes three core concerns: Maintaining consistency in the curriculum Supporting a smooth reintegration into the home-country school system in the future Helping children settle, both academically and socially, in their new cultural setting Adam Caller, CEO and Founder of Tutors International, comments: "Educational continuity is often the most complex and under-discussed part of moving a family internationally. We've seen more US families opting to relocate to Europe or the UK in the past year, and they're rightly asking how best to support their children through that transition." In many cases, families choose to continue full-time home education using the American curriculum while living abroad. Other families opt for part-time tutor support alongside enrolment in a local school, reports Tutors International. Educational adaptation is not only about curriculum alignment... Cultural immersion can be one the most rewarding part of relocating and families are looking for ways to turn those experiences into meaningful learning. Tutors placed with families abroad often incorporate visits to historical sites or environmental studies into weekly academic plans. Caller: "Relocation can offer an incredible opportunity for personal and academic growth. With a tutor in place, students are not only supported academically but also guided in making the most of their new environment – from language acquisition to cultural exploration." Reintegration into home-country education also remains a concern, particularly for families who intend to return to the US for high school or university entrance. Some seek support for standardised testing preparation, while others aim to blend international and domestic education models. The need for specialist education support during relocation is now being recognised beyond the education sector. Tutors International works alongside relocation consultancies, family offices, and concierge services as part of broader logistical planning, particularly in cases involving high mobility or extended travel. While private tuition is not the only option, families navigating relocation are increasingly seeking flexible, personalised models that can adapt to the demands of international life. Notes to Editors: A video discussing educational flexibility during relocation, featuring Tutors International COO Victoria Gibbs, is available here: For further background, see: About Tutors International Tutors International provides unparalleled private tutoring services, offering full-time residential positions, travel tutors, and home-schooling education solutions to clients worldwide, and specialises in finding the perfect tutor to match each student's specific needs. Founded by Adam Caller, an expert in educational practice and private tutoring, Tutors International's select clientele receives a personally tailored service, with discretion and confidentiality guaranteed. Media enquiriesWeb: Email: marketing@ Phone: +44 (0) 1865 435 135 Tutors InternationalPrama House267 Banbury RoadOxford OX2 7HTEngland Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Tutors International
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
It's a complete miracle": Siblings find long-lost big sister 70 years after their mom was forced to give her up
After 73 years apart, Trish Caller, 61, and June Thompson, 63, finally met their long-lost older half-sister, Geraldine 'Geri' Ratcliffe, 77 — a reunion made possible by a chance DNA match and a daughter's curiosity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now As first reported by SWNS and the Somerset County Gazette, the heartwarming discovery unfolded in April 2025, tracing its roots back to a painful chapter in Irish history and a mother's lifelong longing to reconnect. Back in 1952, their mother, Mary Willis, was forced to give up her eldest daughter while living at the notorious in Ireland — an institution later condemned for its cruel treatment of young, unmarried mothers. Geraldine was just four years old when she was placed for adoption. For decades, the secret weighed heavily on Willis, who died in 2011 at the age of 84, never knowing that her daughters would one day find each other. Caller, who works as a columnist for the Somerset County Gazette, said their mother never lied — she simply couldn't speak about the trauma. 'Mum never told us any lies, she just never told us the truth as she was made to feel that she'd committed the worst sin against God,' she told SWNS. The turning point came in 2023, when Caller's daughter, Laura Polley, submitted her DNA to The results led to a stunning match in April 2025. Thinking it was an April Fool's joke, both Caller and Ratcliffe were skeptical—until an email from Caller made the incredible truth undeniable. 'I thought Laura was playing April Fool's on me,' Caller recalled. 'Turns out Geri thought the same thing too.' A Zoom call was quickly followed by a deeply emotional in-person meeting later that month. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'It was instant love,' Caller said of finally embracing her long-lost sister. Despite having lived separate lives, the three siblings discovered they had striking similarities — from facial features to the same infectious laugh. Together, they pieced together more of their mother's story. Mary Willis had been just 21 when she gave birth to Geraldine in 1948. She later left Ireland, married Peter Willis, and went on to have three more children — Trish, June, and their brother Stephen. The Bessborough Home, where Mary was once confined, operated under the control of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. An Irish government investigation in 2021 revealed that nearly 900 children died there between 1922 and 1988, with many adoptions forced under immense pressure and shame. Though their mother never got the chance to reunite with the daughter she lost, her children honored her memory together — visiting her grave in a deeply moving tribute. 'We do feel like Mum is with us now, and she's been with us every step of the way,' Caller told the Somerset County Gazette. 'This is what Mum would have wanted.' The sisters now plan to travel to Ireland together, to walk through the places their mother once knew — and perhaps find a deeper sense of closure. 'It's a complete miracle,' said Caller. 'Having Geri in my life is something I've always wanted.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Siblings Find Long-Lost Big Sister Over 70 Years After Their Mom Was Forced to Give Her Up
Sisters Trish Caller and June Thompson grew up hearing about their older half-sister Geraldine Ratcliffe, but never met her until a DNA test changed everything The test helped the siblings track down the child their mother was forced to give up in 1952 Caller admitted that she "couldn't believe" they finally found each other, and just wished the happy moment could have taken place while their mom was still aliveTwo English sisters finally met their oldest sibling — and it's all thanks to a DNA test. Trish Caller, 61, and June Thompson, 63, spent decades trying to find their long-lost half-sister Geraldine Ratcliffe, 77, the siblings told SWNS. Their mother, Mary Willis, was also dedicated to trying to find Ratcliffe, who was just four years old when Willis was forced to put her up for adoption in 1952, according to the Somerset County Gazette, where Caller works as a columnist. "Having Geri in my life is something I've always wanted," Caller told SWNS. Although their mom, who died in 2011, didn't live to see the happy day, the reunion was set into motion in 2023, when Caller's daughter, Laura Polley, submitted a DNA sample to When a match turned up in April 2025, Caller sent an email to Ratcliffe — and assured her that despite the timing of the message (literally April 1 ) she wasn't pulling a prank. In fact, Ratcliffe wasn't the only one who needed a little convincing. "I thought Laura was playing April Fool's on me," Caller told SWNS, "turns out Geri thought the same thing too." Caller and Thompson chatted with Ratcliffe over Zoom before meeting in person for the first time later that month. Caller told SWNS she felt "instant love" for her biological half-sister. "Meeting for the first time was emotional," Caller said, noting that the three siblings share "similar" features and all have "the same laugh." Together, the sisters learned that their late mom was a survivor of the Bessborough Mother and Baby Home in Ireland, according to SWNS and the Somerset County Gazette. Wills, who died at the age of 84, was just 21 when she gave birth to Ratcliffe in 1948. A 2021 investigation by the Irish government found that the home, which was run by a religious order of Catholic nuns called the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, forced adoptions on the "vulnerable women" — and treated them with cruelty. Between 1922 and 1988, around 900 babies died at the home, which is no longer in operation, according to the Gazette. "Mum never told us any lies, she just never told us the truth as she was made to feel that she'd committed the worst sin against God," Caller told the outlet. After Wills had to give up Ratcliffe, she left Ireland and later met and married Peter Wills, with whom she welcomed Caller, Thompson and their brother Stephen, according to SWNS. Since finding each other, Caller said that all the sisters took an "emotional" visit to pay their respects at their mother's grave. They have a happier trip planned too. "We're planning to take a trip to Ireland to see where mum spent her earlier years," said Caller. Although it was "a shame" they couldn't reunite with their sister while their mother was still around, Caller told the Somerset County Gazette that discovering Ratcliffe was "a complete miracle." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "We do feel like Mum is with us now, and she's been with us every step of the way," she said. "This is what mum would have wanted." Read the original article on People
