In a series of shocking events, US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage with his comments comparing himself to historical autocrats, Italy's top diplomat has canceled a US trip over a fabricated story, and UK politicians are facing scrutiny over assault allegations and election wins.

Donald Trump has enthusiastically agreed with a public assessment that the "overwhelming difference" between him and historical figures who incited fear – such as Attila the Hun, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Mao, and Hitler – is that Trump is more powerful. The US president reposted a short text on social media, in which the author writes: "Historically, powerful people were characterised by brutal conquest and the fear that they instilled in the populations that came under their influence."

Italy's top diplomat has canceled a US trip after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni accused Trump of fabricating a story that she "begged" him for a photo at the G7 summit in France. The Italian prime minister's office released a statement saying that Trump's claims were "totally false" and that the meeting was actually a "normal and cordial" exchange.

In the UK, Liberal Democrat MP Cameron Thomas has been arrested on suspicion of controlling and coercive behavior and assault. The 43-year-old MP for Tewkesbury was arrested by Gloucestershire police on Wednesday and released on police bail. The Liberal Democrats have suspended Thomas's whip and membership of the party.

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has secured a landslide byelection victory in Makerfield, returning him to Westminster after nine years as Greater Manchester mayor. Burnham's win was not just thanks to Labour loyalists, but also to a coalition of voters from the left, centre, and even the right who united to back him at the ballot box.

Trump's comments have sparked outrage and concern among historians and politicians, who have denounced the comparison as "absurd" and "dangerous." Italy's diplomatic fallout with the US is a significant development, highlighting the tensions between the two countries. In the UK, the arrest of Cameron Thomas has raised concerns about the behavior of politicians, while Andy Burnham's election win has been seen as a significant boost for the Labour party.

• Who: Donald Trump, Giorgia Meloni, Cameron Thomas, Andy Burnham
• What: Trump's comments comparing himself to historical autocrats, Italy's top diplomat canceling US trip, UK politicians facing scrutiny over assault allegations and election wins
• Where: US, Italy, UK
• Impact: Global outrage, diplomatic fallout, and scrutiny of politicians' behavior

As the fallout from Trump's comments continues, it remains to be seen how the US president will respond to the criticism. In Italy, the diplomatic tensions with the US are likely to continue, with potential implications for international relations. In the UK, the arrest of Cameron Thomas has raised concerns about the behavior of politicians, and the outcome of the investigation will be closely watched.