Ireland's gay prime minister resigns for "personal and political, but mainly political" reasons
Leo Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay prime minister, resigns for personal and political reasons. He expressed that a new leader would better serve the interests of the country. [ more ]
Liz Truss book: Key revelations from the ex-PM's 49 days in No10
Liz Truss's new book, 'Ten Years to Save the West,' unveils jaw-dropping tales of her brief time as Prime Minister, including dealing with Queen's death and interactions with Boris Johnson. [ more ]
Meeting with the Queen's and fleas in No.10 among revelations in Liz Truss' new book
Fascinating insights from Liz Truss' memoir including predictions on her premiership, details of the late Queen's meetings, and revelations about pests in No. 10. [ more ]
Coming up short: Are Rishi Sunak's tiny trousers giving him more stature?
Rishi Sunak's preference for cropped trousers to appear taller in photographs may not be the most flattering choice for his image.
Tailors suggest that the style of shorter trousers might not be suitable for individuals in positions of power, and the cut is more suitable for party wear. [ more ]
The Debate - Succession? Macron picks Gabriel Attal as youngest French prime minister
France's youngest-ever president, Emmanuel Macron, has named Gabriel Attal, the country's youngest-ever prime minister.
Attal has held various political roles and is seen as charismatic, but the prime minister position in France does not carry as much power as in other European countries. [ more ]
Profile: The battle of France's young political hopefuls
France's newly appointed Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, 34, is the youngest ever - and first openly gay - head of the French cabinet.
Jordan Bardella, 28, leader of the far-right Rassemblement National, is positioning himself for the role of prime minister in the future if Marine Le Pen wins the presidency in 2027. [ more ]
The Debate - Succession? Macron picks Gabriel Attal as youngest French prime minister
France's youngest-ever president, Emmanuel Macron, has named Gabriel Attal, the country's youngest-ever prime minister.
Attal has held various political roles and is seen as charismatic, but the prime minister position in France does not carry as much power as in other European countries. [ more ]
The Debate - Succession? Macron picks Gabriel Attal as youngest French prime minister
France's youngest-ever president, Emmanuel Macron, has named Gabriel Attal, the country's youngest-ever prime minister.
Attal has held various political roles and is seen as charismatic, but the prime minister position in France does not carry as much power as in other European countries. [ more ]
Rishi Sunak admits still talking to Boris Johnson as he refuses to rule out comeback
Rishi Sunak still speaks to Boris Johnson and did not rule out bringing him back into the fold. Sunak said they worked well together before their differences led to Johnson's resignation. [ more ]
Gabriel Attal's real challenge will be to break French parliament's political deadlock
France's new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, faces multiple challenges in boosting the government's popularity and addressing voters' growing distrust of politics.
Attal is expected to continue Macron's shift to the right in an effort to appeal to conservative voters and counter the far-right popularity of Marine Le Pen. [ more ]
Gabriel Attal's real challenge will be to break French parliament's political deadlock
France's new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, faces multiple challenges in boosting the government's popularity and addressing voters' growing distrust of politics.
Attal is expected to continue Macron's shift to the right in an effort to appeal to conservative voters and counter the far-right popularity of Marine Le Pen. [ more ]
Gabriel Attal's real challenge will be to break French parliament's political deadlock
France's new prime minister, Gabriel Attal, faces multiple challenges in boosting the government's popularity and addressing voters' growing distrust of politics.
Attal is expected to continue Macron's shift to the right in an effort to appeal to conservative voters and counter the far-right popularity of Marine Le Pen. [ more ]
French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has been replaced by Emmanuel Macron as part of a long expected reshuffle.
Education Minister Gabriel Attal is the favorite to become the next Prime Minister, potentially becoming France's youngest and first openly gay PM. [ more ]
What went wrong with the investigation that toppled Portugal's PM?
'Operation Influencer' brought down a sitting prime minister for the first time in Portugal's history.
Portuguese prosecutors admitted they had confused the name of Prime Minister António Costa, with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva, in the transcript of wiretaps. [ more ]
Michael Gove to abstain from Partygate report vote
Michael Gove has said he disagrees with the parliamentary investigation that found Boris Johnson deliberately misled MPs over the Partygate scandal, and will abstain from voting on it in the Commons.The UK levelling up secretary claimed the Commons privileges committee's recommendation that Johnson should be suspended for 90 days over repeated contempts of parliament was not merited.
As mortgage rates surge, the Tories are losing their reputation for economic competence
An economic crisis was quietly brewing last week while the Conservative party was tearing itself to pieces over Boris Johnson's misleading of parliament.Fears about the tough measures that might be needed to bring down inflation sent mortgage rates surging towards 6%.Even without the disgrace of the former prime minister, this would be a government in serious political trouble staring at electoral meltdown.
How Boris Johnson's fall exposed bogus Brexit promises on taking back control
In the long June days running up to the 2016 referendum on EU membership, Boris Johnson toured the country to promote the supposed benefits of Brexit.Wherever he went he drew large crowds.Leaving the European project, he told voters, would allow the UK to take back control of its money, its laws and its borders.
The Observer view on the Partygate inquiry verdict on Boris Johnson | Observer editorial
We did not need the verdict of the privileges committee to understand the flaws in Boris Johnson's character.It was clear long before he became prime minister how manifestly unsuited he was for any kind of public office, let alone running the country.But a cross-party group of MPs last week published a damning report that outlined how he deliberately misled parliament about the scale and nature of wrongdoing in Downing Street during the pandemic.
After the downfall of Boris the liar: What next for the former PM?
Rishi Sunak's allies declared it the end of the road for Boris Johnson when a damning report concluded he had lied to Parliament on an unprecedented scale over Partygate.The prime minister is hoping that, after a vote to endorse the report's findings on Monday, he will be able to get on with the job and no longer worry about the distractions of his predecessor.
Laura Kuenssberg: The super, never and only (while useful) fans of Boris Johnson
Judged a liar.Chucked out of the building.Condemned by colleagues.You would think you'd want to crawl under the duvet and stay there for a good while after a massive public disgrace.Perhaps not Boris Johnson."He loves oxygen and he doesn't care about Parliament.Everyone is talking about him and he'll be delighted," suggests a former ally who knows him well.
Tories who attended Covid-era gathering should not be stripped of honours Gove
Michael Gove has said two Tories who attended a pandemic-era gathering at which staff were filmed apparently joking about Covid restrictions should not be stripped of the honours they were given by Boris Johnson.The Levelling Up Secretary apologised over the footage of an event at Conservative Party headquarters said to have taken place on December 14 2020 when indoor socialising was banned.
Cabinet Office refuses to release Boris Johnson's notebooks over security concerns
A collection of 25 notebooks from Boris Johnson's time in office is being withheld by the government after a security services review found they contained highly sensitive material.It comes after officials advised that only those with the highest level of security clearance should be able to see the sensitive passages, according to the Times.
Humza Yousaf urges PM to act over case of blogger jailed in India
Scotland's First Minister has written to the Prime Minister urging him to ask the Indian government to release a Scottish Sikh blogger who has been in jail there for more than five years.Humza Yousaf said that Jagtar Singh Johal has been wrongfully imprisoned and urged Rishi Sunak to take a direct approach to make progress in the case.
Paris talks to focus on funding poor countries to tackle climate crisis
Developed countries need to invest in funding to help poorer countries tackle the climate crisis.
Paris Agreement talks need to focus on building an equitable and ambitious climate action plan.
Innovative financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships should be explored to help poorer countries access the resources they need to transition to a low-carbon future. [ more ]
Brexit has failed - we must now return to the centre of Europe, Lord Heseltine says
Lord Heseltine has called for Britain to recreate our position at the centre of Europe after the failure of Brexit.The Tory grandee accused political leaders of hiding from the damage being caused by the UK leaving the EU.The former deputy prime minister under John Major said the time has come for the British people to be told the truth.
Gove disagrees' with Privileges Committee conclusion and will abstain from vote
Cabinet minister Michael Gove has said he will not vote for the report which found Boris Johnson lied to MPs over partygate because he believes its recommendation of a 90-day suspension was not merited.The Levelling Up Secretary confirmed he would abstain from casting a ballot over the Privileges Committee's findings that the former prime minister committed repeated contempts of Parliament.
Honours row grows after claim Charlotte Owen worked as maternity cover'
Concern is growing within Whitehall over Boris Johnson's decision to make a former political aide the UK's youngest ever life peer, amid claims that she only entered Downing Street's political office to cover for another official's maternity leave.The former prime minister's resignation honours list caused months of angst within the government as a result of some of the names that Johnson intended to either place in the House of Lords or award with another gong.
Can Boris Johnson emulate Donald Trump and make a comeback? No chance
There are two very big differences between the situation confronting Boris Johnson and that facing the man with whom he is frequently compared, Donald Trump namely, popularity and context.Johnson is weaker than Trump.First, because he is less popular with Conservative voters than Trump is with his Republican supporters.
UK is among countries with the most positive attitude towards refugees, poll finds
Britons have among the most positive attitudes towards refugees in the world, a new global poll has found, despite increased hostility from the UK government to asylum seekers.An international survey of almost 22,000 adults across 29 countries found British people had the third-most enthusiastic outlook towards refugees, just behind Spain and New Zealand.
Georgians dream of EU membership as their leaders move closer to Putin
Georgia is increasingly looking to join the European Union, as their leaders move closer to Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin.
The Georgian people are hoping that the EU will provide them with greater economic opportunities and political stability in the region.
The EU's expansion into the region could help to reduce Russia's influence in the Caucasus and contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous region. [ more ]
Sue Gray breached Whitehall impartiality rules' over Labour chief of staff job talks
Sue Gray breached Whitehall impartiality rules when she had talks with Labour about becoming Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff while she was still working as a civil servant, an investigation has found.An official Cabinet Office inquiry found she could have been suspended or sacked had she not quit, The Telegraph reports.
Sunak, Hunt and homebuyers brace for an economic Big Wednesday
This Wednesday will mark the longest day of the year and not long after the sun comes up the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will publish its latest cost of living bulletin.To say the data is eagerly awaited is an understatement.There is unlikely to be a more significant piece of official data released in the current parliament.
David Warburton: Conservative MP suspended over drugs allegations to resign seat
The Conservative MP David Warburton has announced that he is resigning his seat.Warburton was suspended from the party in April 2022 pending the outcome of an independent complaints and grievance scheme (ICGS) investigation into allegations of harassment and drug use.He told the Mail on Sunday he is quitting because he feels he was denied a fair hearing by the watchdog over the claims that he made unwanted advances to two women.
Wes Streeting says he has ambitions to become prime minister
Wes Streeting has revealed he does harbour ambitions to be prime minister one day, saying he would die happy if he had the chance to be a Labour leader like Keir Starmer, Tony Blair or Gordon Brown.The shadow health secretary, often tipped to be a future party leader, has previously said he was sick and tired of being asked whether he would like the top job and that he would be too old for it after Starmer leaves the role.
Ban on two-for-one junk food deals to be delayed for two more years
The government is to delay its planned ban on two-for-one junk food deals a key anti-obesity measure for another two years amid the cost of living crisis.UK food giant calls for higher fat, sugar and salt taxes Rishi Sunak will shelve the expected measure targeting multi-buy promotions on products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) to avoid restricting consumer options while prices remain high.
Rishi Sunak calls on private firms to step up support for Ukraine
Rishi Sunak will call on businesses and investors to match Ukraine's bravery on the battlefield by stepping up support for the country's economic recovery.The prime minister will urge the private sector to help the country rebuild and recover in an effort to create a financially stronger, technologically advanced Ukraine.
Match Ukraine's bravery in war by stepping up support, PM to tell private sector
Rishi Sunak will use a summit in London to call on investors and businesses to match Ukraine's bravery on the battlefield by stepping up support for the country's economic recovery.The Prime Minister is set to say the private sector must use its vision to embrace rapid innovation that can be used to make the nation financially stronger and technologically advanced, No 10 said.
Wes Streeting reveals ambition to become prime minister
Wes Streeting has revealed his ambition to one day become prime minister, saying he would die happy if he had the chance to serve as Labour leader.In an interview with the Guardian, the shadow health secretary said he had never been ashamed of aiming high and going as far as my talents will take me.
Debut novel 'The God of Good Looks' adds to growing canon of Caribbean literature
Caribbean literature is a rapidly growing genre that is gaining recognition in the literary world.
The debut novel "The God of Good Looks" by author Nabiha Khan contributes to the growing canon of Caribbean literature and offers an insightful exploration of the Caribbean experience.
Caribbean literature is an important part of understanding the diversity of global culture and can provide readers with a unique insight into the region. [ more ]
Scrapping a planned anti-obesity policy banning two-for-one junk food deals would be unforgivable, health campaigners have warned, after the Government delayed the measure beyond the next election.TV doctor Chris van Tulleken branded suggestions the light-touch regulation would restrict consumer choice ludicrous following No 10's announcement it had been shelved amid concerns about the cost-of-living crisis.
Government could be forced to pay millions to police asylum barges and military bases
The government could be forced to pay police millions of pounds to cover security operations around Rishi Sunak's asylum barges and military bases, The Independent can reveal.Police have calculated they need hundreds of thousands of pounds for each new ship or site to cover additional patrols, and deal with anticipated protests by anti-refugee groups and extremists.
Boris Johnson accused of breaking yet more rules over Daily Mail job
Jump to content Sign up to our newslettersSubscribe News Sports Voices Culture Lifestyle Travel Premium NewsUKUK Politics Martha McHardy Saturday 17 June 2023 10:00Comments Close Privileges Committee finds Boris Johnson misled Parliament Boris Johnson has been accused of committing a clear breach of the rules for failing to follow protocol ahead of announcing his new columnist role at the Daily Mail.
Ban on two-for-one junk food deals delayed amid cost-of-living crisis
The Government will delay its planned ban on two-for-one junk food deals a key anti-obesity measure for another two years amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.Rishi Sunak will shelve the expected measure targeting multi-buy promotions on products high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) to avoid restricting consumer options while prices remain high.