Posts by Kim browne
D-Day for Rayner? PM’s adviser prepares pivotal verdict – as her lawyers deny giving tax advice
Sir Keir Starmer could be forced into a decision over Angela Rayner’s future as early as today, as the prime minister’s ethics adviser prepares his verdict on the Labour deputy’s tax affairs. Ms Rayner, who is also the housing secretary, has been under mounting pressure since she admitted not paying the correct amount of stamp…
Read MoreThe proxy war that will redefine public health in America
It is much more than a battle over vaccines in the United States. It has become a proxy war about trust, freedom, and the role of government in public health. The debate about childhood immunisations, once a matter of bipartisan consensus, is now a defining clash between federal government, state leadership and the medical community.…
Read MoreNadine Dorries’ defection might not be the boon Nigel Farage wants
Nadine Dorries has never forgiven the Conservative Party for ousting her hero Boris Johnson, on whom she continues to lavish praise. Now she’s taken her revenge on the Tories by declaring her support for another charismatic political leader: Reform UK’s Nigel Farage. Of course, the ex-MP dubbed “Mad Nad” by Labour MPs when she was…
Read MoreBoris Johnson ally Nadine Dorries latest Tory to defect to Reform UK
Former Conservative culture secretary Nadine Dorries has become the latest high-profile defection to Reform UK. Boris Johnson loyalist Ms Dorries, who resigned from the House of Commons in 2023, said she was joining Nigel Farage’s party, said she made the decision because her former party was now “dead”. Politics latest: Home Office bid to delay Epping hotel…
Read MoreFormer Russian president warns Moscow may seize ‘valuables of the British Crown’
Dmitry Medvedev has warned Moscow may seize “valuables of the British Crown” in revenge for the UK using frozen Russian assets to fund military support for Ukraine. The former Russian president, a key ally of Vladimir Putin, issued the warning after Britain announced a package of around £1bn for Kyiv’s war effort on Wednesday. UK…
Read MoreDaniel Levy steps down as executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur
The executive chairman of Tottenham Hotspur, Daniel Levy, has stepped down after nearly 25 years in the role. In a statement, the Premier League club said his departure was part of Spurs’ “ambition to ensure that it is set up to deliver long-term sporting success”. Mr Levy said: “I am incredibly proud of the work…
Read MoreNHS surgeon jailed for fraud over amputation of own legs for ‘sexual gratification’
A surgeon, who for “sexual gratification” deliberately froze his lower legs, leading to them being amputated, has been jailed. Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing. Neil Hopper, of St Erme, Truro, Cornwall, fraudulently claimed hundreds of thousands of pounds, saying the injuries were “caused by sepsis”. The 49-year-old NHS vascular…
Read MoreProbe launched after phone plot to play ‘sex noises’ behind Starmer at PMQs uncovered
An investigation has been launched after security guards foiled a plot to embarrass the prime minister by playing “sex noises” from a phone hidden in the Commons. Parliamentary staff carrying out a routine sweep of the chamber ahead of PMQs uncovered the mobile phone, which had been taped to the underside of the Commons table,…
Read MoreFate of ‘Red Queen’ Rayner in hands of ‘quango king’ baronet
The backgrounds of Angela Rayner and Sir Laurie Magnus – the sleaze watchdog who holds her fate in his hands – couldn’t be more different. Labour’s “Red Queen” is a working-class council house girl who got pregnant at 16. He’s an old Etonian “quango king”, a City grandee and a pillar of the establishment. He’s…
Read MoreMorrissey puts his business interests in The Smiths up for sale – and hits out at former bandmates
Morrissey has announced he is putting the entirety of his business interests in The Smiths up for sale “to any interested party/investor”. The 66-year-old musician, whose full name is Steven Patrick Morrissey, posted on social media and his website, Morrissey Solo, titling the post “A Soul for Sale,” telling fans he “has no choice”. Image:…
Read MoreLegendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani dies
Legendary fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died, according to media reports in Italy. The Italian-born billionaire was 91 years old. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the…
Read MoreTaliban reports sharp rise in death toll following earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, as aid agencies issue warning
The number of people killed following a deadly earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen sharply to 2,205, according to the Taliban government. The increase, from more than 1,400 deaths reported on Tuesday, coincides with rescuers being hampered by harsh weather and rugged terrain, while aid agencies warned of dwindling resources. The 6.0 magnitude quake struck…
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