Back about 5 or 6 versions, you were able to stretch and squeeze items. I've always been super bummed they took that option away.
I now have Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 19.0.1.65946 and I can still not able to stretch an object. Super bummed. Why was it taken away. it was so useful... ;-(
Assuming you mean an image rather than an object - which has not changed in the way you can stretch/compress it, click the image a second time, not a double click, to switch to AR/Rotation mode.
@browj2 linked to the solution in response to your post here back in 2021.