In The Air: Mark Thompson’s BBC strategy review — which recommends closing niche radio stations 6 Music and Asian Network — fails to convince his staff... more
The news that former Cabinet minister James Purnell will stand down as an MP at the next election is a measure, in part, of the disillusionment felt by many MPs after the expenses scandal: as we report today, up to 20 more Labour MPs could resign before the election.... more
Mr Brown has, however, shown one quality which will define his final period in office: an absolute determination to hang on to power for as long as possible... more
The resignation of Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell transforms what was a wretched situation for Gordon Brown into a mortal threat to the PM's survival... more
A Downing Street rescue operation was in full swing as Gordon Brown’s allies moved to prevent James Purnell’s resignation from tipping into a full-blown coup... more
The pound fell again today as political unrest in Westminster created uncertainty in the City. Sterling lost 1.36 cents against the US dollar to $1.6074 and was down 1.35 cents against the euro to �1.1285 ... more
Gordon Brown won a reprieve for his leadership with a Cabinet reshuffle that sees Alistair Darling stay as Chancellor and Alan Johnson promoted to Home Secretary... more
Ministers scrambled to avoid defeat on the Government’s flagship welfare bill after the Tories and Labour rebels opposed moves to force single parents to look for work... more
Cabinet minister James Purnell faced a second security embarrassment after it emerged that he lost his wallet, containing a Parliamentary security pass, in a Soho street... more
With unemployment rising, the curse of the Eighties returns – but with a difference. The cry of Gizza Job will be heard right across the social spectrum... more
The Government's plans on welfare reform, to be unveiled in a White Paper later today, could end up being the only substantial legislation prior to a possible June 2009 general election... more
Britain's £11 billion-a-year housing benefit system is to be radically overhauled as part of wider welfare reform plans, Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said... more
Drug addicts will have their benefits slashed if they fail to go into rehab under a new clampdown ordered by Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell... more
More than 3,000 post offices were saved from closure when the Government announced it was awarding a £1billion benefits contract to the network... more
James Purnell is a coming man at Westminster, and doubtless, following the resounding acclaim for his Green Paper on welfare, he must think he's arrived... more
The Government's entire welfare reforms - including plans to scrap Income Support and make thousands of disabled people look for work - have been leaked to the Evening Standard... more
Sofia Coppola's boyfriend is lead singer and they won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album this year. Now, Phoenix tell Nosheen Iqbal, they are set to conquer London
Move over, Mahiki. Nightclub entrepreneurs Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling are soon to launch a new Eighties-inspired club in Chelsea, in honour of Lady Thatcher
Morning:
10°c
