Don't rule out Badenoch just yet...she has the same qualities as our greatest leader - Daniel Kawczynski

We Conservatives took a drubbing at the last election not because of policy issues or delivery but because of overall poor leadership at the top, which resulted in an extraordinary merry-go-round of changing leaders.

This not only humiliated our nation overseas but created the impression that the Party was not united. I remember representing our nation in Mongolia as the PM’s Trade Envoy to this nation at the time Liz Truss lost the leadership and we were about to replace her with yet another leader.

My Mongolian hosts were asking me questions about the situation, and quite frankly, I was not only embarrassed but deeply concerned.

When I compare the last five Conservative leaders with Margaret Thatcher, none of them hold a candle to this amazing statesman and international leader.

The reason she won three General Elections in a row was not just about policy but the confidence she demonstrated to her Party colleagues and voters.

It is too early to tell whether Kemi will be like Thatcher but there are early signs that she certainly has the courage and convictions as well as the inner steel to be able to achieve Thatcher-like status by the time she leads us into battle at the 2029 General Election.

Thatcher was not the finished product when elected to the position of Leader of the Party in 1975. Much was done to refine her image for television and campaigning so that she could convey a powerful image as she toured the nation during the 1979 General Election.

Badenoch also has four years ahead of her to learn from international statesmen as she reaches out to right-of-centre parties around the world.

So far, we have received very positive responses from the Republican Party when Badenoch visited Washington a few weeks ago to start building that process of engagement between our Party and our most important partner in America.

Kemi has however traces and elements of Thatcher, and these started to come out clearly during the hustings I listened to between her and Robert Jenrick. She spoke about the need to change the benefits system which encouraged me greatly.

As I have said many times the British people have been taking more from Britain than they have been putting in for decades and that is the main reason our nation continues to have serious financial problems. This year the taxpayer will have to give £258billion of his and her hard-earned money into welfare payments. Over 22 million Britons claim benefits today, and the number of benefits that exist is mind-boggling. We need to radically prune this budget so that more of the money people earn is spent on helping to reduce taxation and investing in education and healthcare for citizens.

Badenoch also has four years ahead of her to learn from international statesmen as she reaches out to right-of-centre parties around the world.

So far, we have received very positive responses from the Republican Party when Badenoch visited Washington a few weeks ago to start building that process of engagement between our Party and our most important partner in America.

Badenoch has, however, traces and elements of Thatcher, and these started to come out clearly during the hustings I listened to between her and Robert Jenrick. She spoke about the need to change the benefits system, which encouraged me greatly.

As I have said many times the British people have been taking more from Britain than they have been putting in for decades and that is the main reason our nation continues to have serious financial problems. This year the taxpayer will have to give £258billion of his and her hard-earned money into welfare payments. Over 22 million Britons claim benefits today, and the number of benefits that exist is mind-boggling. We need to radically prune this budget so that more of the money people earn is spent on helping to reduce taxation and investing in education and healthcare for citizens.

Badenoch had the courage to start talking about these things, and this was the spark for me that convinced me she has, like Thatcher, the ability to take on the civil service and other set-in-their-ways institutions when proposing and forcing through tough but essential changes.

The Reform Party no doubt benefits from charismatic leaders like Farage and Tice both men are putting together a very formidable Party with the social media platform and national campaigning essential to matter in British politics. We must respect this Party, unlike Cameron, who called UKIP fruitcakes.

We should see Reform as a credible threat to our chances of removing Keir Starmer, but we should reach out to them and build some sort of dialogue between our two right-of-centre parties so that the collective right does everything possible to remove this disastrous PM at the next opportunity.

The reason, however, that the Conservative Party will be the largest Party in 2029 is because of our established reputation for sound fiscal management in Britain over many generations.

We just lacked strong, courageous leadership over the last 15 years. That essential aspect of having a man or woman at the very top of the structure who shows leadership and commands respect and interest as Thatcher did. We now have the embryonic stages of this in Kemi. I wish her the very best as she rebuilds her Party to take on Socialism and exposes the failings of this lacklustre Socialist government.

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'There's more to do!' Keir Starmer doubles-down on pledge to deliver change as PM pays tribute to WW2 heroes in New Year's address - READ IN FULL

Sir Keir Starmer has doubled-down on his pledge to deliver change as the Prime Minister used his New Year’s address to pay tribute to Britain’s World War Two heroes.

During his first New Year’s address since entering No10, the Prime Minister reiterated his plans to deliver change, ranging from building 1.5 million new homes to cutting NHS waiting lists.

Despite discussing the need to “fight for change”, Starmer did not address more controversial measures from the first few months of his premiership.

Labour was rocked in the opinion polls after removing Winter Fuel Payments from 10 million pensioners.

Starmer also faced a backlash for slapping farmers with a 20 per cent inheritance tax levy and for failing to compensate Waspi women.

However, the Prime Minister opened his New Year’s address with a quip about England’s Euro 2024 heartbreak against Spain before turning his attention to more serious matters at home.

Speaking from Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “2024 was a year of change. Not, sadly, in the football – with another agonisingly close shave for England.

“But change in politics, with the election of this Labour Government in July. And more importantly, with the work of change that we have begun. The minimum wage will be raised by a record amount. Wages are up more broadly. Returns of foreign national criminals – up 20 per cent. Billions of pounds worth of new projects in clean British energy making our country more secure. And over £25billion invested in our NHS starting to cut waiting lists in your local hospital.

“Now, I know there is still so much more to do. And that for many people it’s hard to think about the future when you spend all of your time fighting to get through the week. So I want to be clear. Until you can look forward and believe in the promise and the prosperity of Britain again, then this Government will fight for you.

“A fight for change that will define this year, next year, and indeed – every waking hour of this Government. We have a clear Plan for Change. 1.5 million new homes – restoring the dream of home ownership. Children starting school, ready to learn. A more secure energy system. Waiting lists cut dramatically. Immigration – reduced. Neighbourhood police, tackling anti-social behaviour in every community. And more cash in your pocket, wherever you live.

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“That is what we will be focusing on. A year of rebuilding. But also – rediscovering the great nation that we are. A nation that gets things done. No matter how hard or tough the circumstances. We will have time to reflect on that this year. A chance, with the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ day. To cherish the greatest victories of this country. And the greatest generation that achieved it.

“May 8 and August 15 will both be wonderful moments, to come together and do that generation proud. But that victory – and indeed the peace and the prosperity that followed all rested on that same foundation we must rebuild today.

“The security of working people. That is the purpose of this Government. The goal of our Plan for Change. And we will push it forward in 2025. So, wherever and however you’re celebrating tonight, on behalf of the Government, Happy New Year. Here’s to a year of changing Britain for the better.”

The Prime Minister suffered a family tragedy over the festive period following news about the death of his brother Nick on Boxing Day.

Starmer hailed his brother as a “wonderful man” and revealed the family will “miss him very much”.

The tragic loss of his brother delayed Starmer’s plans to join his family for a holiday in Madeira.

Despite devoloping a reputation for being a globe-trotting Prime Minister, the trip marked Starmer’s first holiday since entering power in July.

Starmer was forced to cancel another planned getaway following a spate of riots across England and Northern Ireland in the summer.

The Prime Minister faces a difficult challenge when he returns to the UK, with a debate on a petition calling for an immediate General Election pencilled in for Westminster Hall on January 6.

Opinion polls suggest Starmer’s support has tanked since he romped to victory in the 2024 General Election.

A recent More in Common MRP poll found that Labour would likely lose large swathes of seats, reducing Starmer's party from 411 to just 228.

Kemi Badenoch would likely oversee a Tory revival, taking the Conservative rump from 121 to 222.

The poll also boosted Nigel Farage’s plan to lead a revolt, with Reform UK likely increasing its Commons contingent from just five to 72 if a General Election was held today.

During his own New Year’s address released earlier today, Farage said: “We want to make this country prouder. We want to make our borders secure. We want to make our people better off. And that message is resonating. Over the course of Christmas, tens of thousands of people have joined Reform UK. And there is a buzz. There is an energy.

“There is an optimism. We're not negative. Yes, we know the other lot made an absolute mess of it. That Labour and Conservative are virtually the uni-party. We believe we can turn this country around by 180 degrees and make Britain a much better place.”

Farage echoed Starmer’s references to the Second World War by delivering his address at Winston Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace.

He added: “I think what Reform offers for 2025 is exciting. I know it is because the other parties are going absolutely mad. They’re throwing accusations around that I have no doubt that’ll get tougher throughout the course of 2025. But we know what we believe in.”

Badenoch also released a short New Year's message earlier today.

The Leader of the Opposition focused her 2025 message on continuing to "renew" the Conservative Party following the outcome of the last General Election.

She said: “Happy New Year. Like all of you, I am looking forward to a 2025 that is full of hope, security and prosperity.

"The Conservative Party is also going through a period of change. This process of renewal will be a long-term project.

"Things may be bumpy along the way, but the party I now lead is going to do things differently. Watch this space.”

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'Watch this space!' Badenoch releases defiant New Year's message but concedes Tories may face 'bumpy recovery' - READ IN FULL

Kemi Badenoch has released a defiant New Year’s message but conceded the Tories face a “bumpy” path to full recovery.

The Leader of the Opposition, who found herself involved in a Boxing Day bust up over Reform UK’s membership numbers, focused her 2025 message on renewal within the Conservative Party.

During her short message, Badenoch said: “Happy New Year. Like all of you, I am looking forward to a 2025 that is full of hope, security and prosperity.

"The Conservative Party is also going through a period of change. This process of renewal will be a long-term project.

"Things may be bumpy along the way, but the party I now lead is going to do things differently. Watch this space.”

The no-nonsense North West Essex MP echoed the sentiments behind her 2024 Tory leadership bid after the Conservative Party slumped to its worst result since 1906.

Badenoch's campaign was called "Renewal 230" and it vowed to address the core principles before turning any attention to policy.

The 44-year-old narrowly edged out ex-Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in the members' run-off, securing around 56.5 per cent of the vote from the Tory grassroots.

Badenoch received a welcome boost earlier this week after an MRP poll suggested the Tories had eaten into Labour's whopping majority.

More in Common suggested that the Conservative rump would likely increase from just 121 MPs to 222 if a General Election was held today, with Labour collapsing from 411 to just 228.

However, Reform UK would also make major inroads following the post-July shift.

Nigel Farage, who released his own New Year's message earlier today, would likely see his quintet of MPs surge into a 72-strong band of Reformers.

There has been no love lost between Farage and Badenoch since the Brexit-backing former Business Secretary succeeded Rishi Sunak as Tory leader in November.

Farage and Badenoch locked horns after Reform UK claimed its membership had soared past the total number of paid-up Tories on Boxing Day.

After surpassing the 131,680-member milestone, Reform UK projected a message on Conservative Campaign Headquarters in Westminster.

Badenoch appeared infuriated by the claim, accusing Farage of "manipulating" his supporters on Christmas.

She also added that the Tories had "gained thousands of new members since the leadership election".

Farage initially responded by labelling the Leader of the Opposition "bitter", later inviting the Tories to let one of the "big four" accountancy firms audit both parties' membership levels.

However, Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf later invited a group of journalists to inspect the populist party's membership data.

The journalists found that Reform UK's membership totals roughly equalled those shown on the tracker, adding: "The numbers did indeed match up."

Farage has also hinted at taking legal action against the Leader of the Opposition after the online spat.

He said: “I’m going to take some action in the next couple of days, and I’ve got to decide exactly what it is.

"But I’m certainly not going to take it lying down. It’s an absolutely outrageous thing for her to have said.

“Now I know she’s got a very bad temper, I know she’s well known for lashing out at people. I’m not at all happy and I’m going to take some action. Exactly what it’ll be, I’ll let you know within two days.

“Once we’ve fully disproved this, she’s going to find life a lot more difficult and bitterly regret putting this out on Boxing Day afternoon.”

However, a Tory source told GB News: "Fake Farage is clearly rattled that his Boxing Day Publicity Stunt is facing serious questions over a fake clock and hundreds of 'members' seemingly joining in the middle of the night.

"Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year."

In his own New Year's message, which was recorded at former Prime Minister Winston Churchill's birthplace Blenheim Palace, Farage could not resist taking a swipe at a bruised Badenoch.

He said: “I think what Reform offers for 2025 is exciting. I know it is because the other parties are going absolutely mad.

"They’re throwing accusations around that I have no doubt that’ll get tougher throughout the course of 2025. But we know what we believe in.

“But I want to say this to you: If you agree with what we're trying to do, don't just sit back and nod.

"Do something about it. Join those 150,000 people who've already joined our party, because I promise you this, the only way we win, the only way we mend broken Britain, the only way we get Reform in our country that so badly needs it, is if you who agree with us join our People’s Army.

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Thousands of council staff allowed to 'work from the beach' in Barbados, Jamaica and Ibiza

Thousands of council staff have been permitted to "work from the beach" - from luxurious destinations including Barbados, South Africa and Thailand - more than 2,000 times since the pandemic, with approvals continuing to rise.

Town hall bosses approved 731 staff requests to work from overseas locations in 2023, up from 708 in 2022 and 440 in the year after Covid-19 struck.

The trend has indicated no signs of slowing, with a further 226 requests already approved in the first months of 2024.

The figures, obtained through Freedom of Information requests by the TaxPayers' Alliance, might be even higher, as many councils either failed or refused to respond.

Of more than 300 councils approached in England and Wales, 271 replied to the requests, with only 65 providing data on foreign working arrangements.

Local authorities have defended the practice, claiming it helps them retain staff in "a competitive recruitment market".

One council worker was permitted to log in from Ibiza for four years, from March 2020 until February this year, while employed by West Devon Borough Council.

Meanwhile, Derby City Council allowed an employee to work from France for 74 days and New Zealand for 42 days.

Staff at multiple councils were approved to work from Caribbean destinations, with Powys County Council granting permission for an employee to work from Barbados across three consecutive years.

At Labour Islington Council, bosses have approved 330 trips since 2020, allowing staff to work from Caribbean islands such as St Lucia and Montserrat.

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Central Bedfordshire Council has incorporated overseas working into its official policy, allowing staff to work abroad for up to a month annually.

Councils across England are amid preparations to hike council tax by up to five per cent in April, adding more than £100 to average household bills.

However, despite these anticipated tax rises, public service productivity has stayed significantly below pre-pandemic levels, with Office for National Statistics data showing it was 8.5 per cent lower in the second quarter of this year compared to late 2019.

One of the longest overseas arrangements saw a Wigan Council employee permitted to work from France for two years without returning to Britain - at the same time that Wigan Council implemented a five per cent council tax increase, adding £120 to average family home bills for 2025/26.

In Croydon, which has declared bankruptcy three times since 2020, staff were approved to work from Botswana while others received permission for year-long stays in Switzerland, while Croydon's residents faced a 15 per cent council tax hike, adding £235 to their bills.

Croydon Mayor Jason Perry defended the increase, insisting that it was a "budget that will help us to protect vital services for our residents".

Ten requests to work from Jamaica were approved across councils, including from a senior Haringey employee earning over £77,000 annually.

Somerset County Council staff were among those heading to the Caribbean, with one member working from Barbados for two-and-a half weeks.

Critics have condemned the rise in overseas working arrangements, with Joanna Marchong of the TaxPayers' Alliance calling it "horrifying" that more employees are being given permission to "work from their sunbeds".

Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said: "It indicates a contempt for the taxpayer – they're just not taking work seriously."

However, the Local Government Association defended councils' approach, saying: "Councils have long experience of managing staff remotely and it is a matter for individual councils to agree from where staff can work."

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has backed flexible working, describing previous Conservative efforts to clamp down on working from home as "bizarre".

The Local Government Department maintained its neutral stance, saying: "Councils are independent employers and they are responsible for managing their own workforces."

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Farmer warns of further protest in the new year after offering Labour 'multiple chances': 'Fallen on deaf ears!'

A farmer has warned of further protest action from the agricultural sector in the new year after receiving "minimal support" from the Government.

Martin Williams told GB News that farmers had given Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer "multiple opportunities" for dialogue since their meeting in Whitehall in November.

"We've offered multiple chances for the Government to come and have talks with us, we've been willing to speak, we've wanted to speak. Unfortunately, those have fallen pretty much on deaf ears," Williams said.

"After Christmas, who knows what might happen on the streets and in the cities. It's just such an annoying position to be put in when they've had so long to come and talk to us," he added.

Williams suggested farmers might be the ones to "sober up" the government after what he described as "14 years drinking in the pub of opposition."

He emphasised that amid the row with Labour, farmers have public support on their side.

"I think the public are on our side, and I would hope they were on our side, and I don't think any farmer has any wish to pour detriment on any member of the public," Williams said.

He added: "However, the level of support that we're getting from Government seems pretty minimal, and unfortunately we've knocked on the door, we visited their house a couple of times in the last couple of months, and even then they're not coming to the door, as if we're some sort of person not to be opened the door to. It's not a very pleasant place to be."

Williams highlighted the deep sense of dejection felt by those in rural communities due to the tax changes.

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"Those people left in the countryside are feeling pretty dejected, they're feeling forgotten about, they're feeling worthless," he said.

"There are people still sitting in the countryside eight weeks after a budget with a price on their heads. And that, for me, is totally unacceptable," he added.

A beacon-lighting protest is set to take place on New Year's Eve, with a national day of action also planned for January 25, with tractors set to gather outside marginal Labour constituencies.

Detailing the action, Williams said: "There's now well over a thousand people lighting beacons on New Year's Eve. So by tomorrow night, who knows what the number will be.

He added: "As that news spreads, we hope to cover the country with as many beacons as possible, just to show some solidarity and to give people some feeling of hope."

Williams concluded by affirming his frustration with the Government over their lack of "dialogue" and support of farmers, despite their major concerns for the changes.

He told GB News: "We're asking for dialogue, and until that spring budget review in March, I believe it's due. There will be opportunity to put more and more pressure on, and the groups that I've spoken to are very, very angry and quite understandably so.

"It's such a disappointing feeling when you just cannot get a dialogue with your adversary, so to speak."

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'Spy satellites' to be used by Home Office in £15m scheme to 'track migrants' attempting to cross Channel to Britain

The Home Office has agreed to a £15million deal with space firm Telespazio to monitor migrant boats attempting to cross the English Channel using spy satellites.

The contract, which began in November and runs until September next year, was revealed in government documents published in December.

Telespazio's UK branch, based in Luton, will provide enhanced surveillance capabilities for the Joint Maritime Security Centre.

The centre ensures Britain can respond to threats to security, law and order, and the marine environment.

A redacted contract shows the contractor must comply with the Officials Secret Act.

The surveillance system forms part of a multi-layered approach to maritime security and homeland protection.

The new satellite system will enhance the Home Office's ability to identify "dark targets" - vessels that do not emit tracking data.

These include ships used by criminals for smuggling and small boats used by Channel migrants.

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The technology will complement existing surveillance measures, including radar, hi-tech cameras and sensors that provide round-the-clock monitoring.

An order form for the contract states: "Satellite surveillance products provide longer range coverage but lack persistence, whereas terrestrial sensors such as RADAR provide persistence at shorter ranges."

The enhanced monitoring comes as 2024 has seen record Channel deaths, with 36,204 migrants arriving in the UK on dinghies.

Since records began in 2018, more than 150,000 migrants have made the crossing.

A Home Office spokesperson said the Joint Maritime Security Centre is "harnessing cutting edge technology and capabilities to provide 24/7 monitoring of UK waters and ensure our borders are secure."

The spokesperson added that satellites play a key role in detecting "dark vessels" involved in illegal activities.

These activities include illegal immigration, drug smuggling, illegal fishing, ship-to-ship transfers of goods and sanctions evasion.

The UK is taking additional steps to tackle small boat crossings through its Border Security Command.

This includes recruiting more investigative officers and strengthening cooperation with European partners to bring people smugglers to justice.

The latest satellite surveillance announcement comes as at least three migrants died attempting to cross the Channel yesterday.

A major rescue operation was launched at Sangatte beach in northern France after an alert at 6.15am.

Despite efforts by medical teams, three unconscious people pulled from the water could not be revived.

Ten people with severe hypothermia are being treated by firefighters, while four others were taken to hospital.

About 50 migrants are being cared for by humanitarian charity Utopia 56.

Célestin Pichaud, coordinator of Utopia 56, reported concerns about a missing child: "People on site immediately told us that a child had fallen into the water, but we had no information about a child being found."

Authorities warn the death toll may rise as investigations continue.

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Former US President Jimmy Carter dies aged 100 as tributes pour in for Nobel Peace Prize winner

Former US president Jimmy Carter has died at 100 years old as tributes have poured in for the Nobel Peace Prize winner.

His son, Chip Carter, confirmed his father died at his home in Plains, Georgia at around 3:45pm local time.

The former US president was the first Georgian ever elected to the White House, leaving office after a single term during which he helped forge peace between Israel and Egypt.

In the decades after his term ended, his reputation grew through his work at the Carter Center in Atlanta and his philanthropic causes such as Habitat for Humanity.

Carter was born in Plains on October 1 1924. After a career in the Navy, the former president turned to politics, where he first ran for school board, then state senator.

He was elected governor in 1970, where he served a successful term before running for president.

He won the Democratic nomination and then defeated Republican President Gerald Ford in 1976.

During his inauguration, rather than driving past the crows in a limousine, the former president and his wife Rosalynn emerged from the car with their daughter Amy and walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, waving and holding hands.

His success as president was marked by reestablishing the government’s credibility after the Watergate Crisis and helping forge the Camp David, creating peace between Egypt and Israel.

However, this was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis, where Iranian militants stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking American hostages.

Carter failed to resolve the situation until the last day of his presidency.

The rise of the Republican party under Ronald Reagan and a foundering economy contributed to his defeat in 1980.

Carter then returned to Plains and began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, building houses for the poor.

He then founded the Carter Center with his wife Rosalynn, focused on making peace and spreading health and democracy around the world.

Because of his work as president and leader of the Carter Center he won the Nobel Peace Prize and the United Nations Human Rights Prize amongst other notable awards.

Jimmy and Rosalynn were also both awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Carter was the oldest living US president. One of his last public appearances was at his wife's funeral in November 2023.

The former president also cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris this past election.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Carter’s death - less than 30 days before Donald Trump’s swearing in - means the American flag will fly half-staff on Inauguration Day.

Public observances will be held in Atlanta and Washington, while the schedule for the state funeral is yet to be released by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.Tributes have begun to pour in for the late president, with his son Chip saying:

"My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love."

"My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs."

'"The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.'"

Writing on X, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said that Jimmy Carter “set the standard for post-presidential service.”

“I join all Americans in saluting President Carter’s lifetime of service,” he wrote.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell remembered the president as someone who “lived a truly American dream.”

He noted in a statement that Carter “served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad”

“But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable,” McConnell added.

Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp praised the former president on social media, noting his love for his home state.

“As the only American president thus far to come from Georgia, he showed the world the impact our state and its people have on the country,” Kemp said.

“And as a son of Plains, he always valued Georgians and the virtues of our state, choosing to return to his rural home after his time in public office.”

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.

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Labour councillor brands Starmer a 'liar' and slams 'unjustifiable attack on working class and grandparents'

A Labour councillor has called Sir Keir Starmer a “liar,” branding his “attack on working class and grandparents” as “unjustifiable”.

Steve Edwards who sits on Dudley Council in the West Midlands made a scathing Facebook post where he said Starmer had peddled in lies to win the election.

The post read: “Thank you to everyone in Brockmoor and Pensnett who held their nose and voted Labour in the borough by-election on December 19. Unfortunately, we came third.

“The over-riding message on the doorstep was anti-Starmer and rightly so. Sir Keir Starmer’s attack on the working class, our children and parents/grandparents is unjustifiable.

“He lied to us all to get elected and does not deserve to be the leader of the Labour Party.”

“Good, honest councillors will lose their seats because of Keir Starmer’s actions and his attack on working-class people.”

He added that he is staying in the Labour party with hopes that the current PM gets “booted out,” promising that he and his fellow Labour councillors will “follow traditional Labour values in spite of Starmer’s actions”.

He also congratulated the newly elected Tory councillor for Brockmoor and Pensnett, Alex Dale.

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He wrote that he hopes they will be able to work together to “make the area a better place”.

He ended his post by writing: “Keir Starmer is not your friend but we are.”

In July, Labour won the area with nearly 64 percent of the vote.

However, in the local election on December 19, Labour came third with just 28 per cent of the vote, behind the Tories and Reform UK.

Edwards has described himself as a working class man, who believed “in the values the Labour party was founded to deliver”.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Edwards said Labour needed to look after vulnerable people in society, including children and pensioners.

Edward’s comments come as Starmer and the Labour Party have been accused of failing pensioners after cutting their winter fuel payments.

The PM has also been facing backlash for changes to rules on inheritance tax for farmers.

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Motorists risk £1,000 penalty for Blue Badge misuse with Starmer pledging to tackle 'appalling' crime

Nearly 1,000 drivers have been slapped with penalties for parking in disabled spaces across a Northern region with a local authority raising thousands in fines.

Cumberland Council has begun cracking down on motorists who park in designated disabled parking spaces without displaying a valid Blue Badge.

The crackdown spans both on-street parking zones and car parks throughout the region and hopes to act as a deterrent for future misuse.

The need for tougher measures comes after many disabled residents have been left stranded after the dedicated parking spaces get snatched by drivers.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing motoring@gbnews.uk

The majority of fines were issued for on-street parking violations, with 981 Penalty Charge Notices given out, according to a Freedom of Information report. A further 210 fines were handed out for off-street parking offences in car parks, which brought in £6,615 in fines.

In Cumberland, motorists caught parking illegally in a disabled bay face a penalty charge of £70, although this can be reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

But for drivers found misusing a Blue Badge face more severe penalties, with fines of up to £1,000 possible if reported to Cumberland Council.

The council also has the power to withdraw Blue Badges if a conviction is obtained with members of the public urged to report anyone who is suspected of misusing the discounted parking scheme.

These strict penalties reflect the council's commitment to protecting parking spaces designated for disabled badge holders, the authority added.

The FOI detailed how in Carlisle alone, £265,840 in fines have been collected since April 2023, with £107,055 coming from the 10 most ticketed streets.

Castle Street emerged as the most fined location, with 935 penalty notices issued, followed by Rickergate with 553 fines and Cecil Street with 519.

In Workington, parking enforcement has also been significant, with 5,657 fines raising £154,260 across the town's streets.

Gray Street has proven to be Workington's most ticketed location, with 371 fines generating £10,405 in revenue. The council said: “We take these offences very seriously and will continue to be vigilant in making our checks with a view to stamping out misuse.

“Abuse and fraudulent use of Blue Badges undermines public confidence in the scheme and means that fewer spaces are available for those using their valid badges correctly.”

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to address the number of Blue Badge thefts and misuse happening across the country.

He told the Commons: “Look, theft of a Blue Badge is appalling. Depriving people of their independence and ability to travel with confidence has a real human impact every single time, and that’s why we’re working closely with local authorities to help them tackle fraud and misuse.”

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The London Assembly has also been pushing for all London councils to crackdown on Blue Badge misuse. It called for a new awareness campaign to inform Londoners about best practices for safeguarding their Blue Badges, including increased access to secure Blue Badge protectors.

The Assembly explained: “Blue Badges are crucial for enabling mobility and accessibility for disabled individuals, providing access to essential services, employment, and community participation. However, it concerns the Assembly that Blue Badge theft has quadrupled over the past decade.

“Reports from badge holders and advocacy groups have highlighted the impact of Blue Badge theft, including instances of harassment and targeting. Stolen badges are often sold illegally, putting individuals with disabilities at further risk of crime and exploitation.”

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Elon Musk's X uses fact-check on Kemi Badenoch's 'fakery' tweet referring to Reform's membership numbers

Elon Musk social media platform X has put a fact-check note on Kemi Badenoch’s tweet in which she claimed Reform UK had faked membership numbers.

Conflict has broken out after Badenoch accused Nigel Farage of “fakery” after Reform claimed to have surpassed the Conservative’s number of signed-up members.

Farage is considering taking legal action against the Tory leader if she does not apologise for her “intemperate outburst” after his party revealed the inner workings of its tracker, claiming this proves that the party has more members.

In a post on X this morning, the Farage tagged Badenoch in a post writing: “When will you apologise to me and 146,077 other members of Reform UK?”

The Tory leader had previously posted a thread on X accusing Reform and Farage of feeding the public “endless lies, smoke and mirrors” and claimed the counter was “coded to tick up automatically”.

She added: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.”

However her posts have been given a “community note” - a feature where users can add context to tweets.

The note says: “This claim is false. It’s not a ‘fake ticker’ – the website code clearly shows data being pulled via an API.

“Sky News has independently verified the source of the API data and confirmed that the membership number is accurate.”

The Telegraph reported that they were shown strong evidence yesterday that Reform’s figures are based on verified membership data which is logged in real time.

Farage has said he will spend the weekend thinking about the action he will take if Badenoch refused to apologise.

When asked if he was considering suing the Tory leader, he said: “I’m going to take some action in the next couple of days, and I’ve got to decide exactly what it is.”

“But I’m certainly not going to take it lying down. It’s an absolutely outrageous thing for her to have said.

“Once we’ve fully disproved this, she’s going to find life a lot more difficult and bitterly regret putting this out on Boxing Day afternoon.

“All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action.”

He also called Elon Musk “a bloody hero,” and said he was helping attract younger voters.

Musk has welcomed Reform’s rising numbers, stating that “change is coming”.

This comes as rumors say Musk could donate up to £78million to Farage’s party.

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Elon Musk claims he will 'go to war' with Maga over skilled migrant visas and vows to kick out 'hateful, unrepentant racists'

Elon Musk has claimed he will "go to war" with Maga over skilled migrant visas and has vowed to kick out any "hateful, unrepentant racists".

The Tesla billionaire launched an extraordinary attack on critics of the H-1B visa programme, telling them to "take a big step back and F*** YOURSELF in the face".

The row marks the first major split in the president-elect's camp, pitting Silicon Valley supporters against immigration hawks within the Republican Party.

The dispute has intensified after conservative activists criticised Trump's appointment of Indian-born entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as his senior policy adviser on artificial intelligence.

Musk's explosive comments came in response to a social media post about H-1B visas.

The world's richest man, who himself came to America from South Africa on an H-1B visa, defended the programme as crucial for American success.

"The reason I'm in America along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla and hundreds of other companies that made America strong is because of H1B," Musk wrote on X.

His post garnered nearly six million views within hours, triggering an immediate backlash from Trump loyalists.

Conservative commentators quickly seized upon Musk's aggressive tone, with some questioning his loyalty to the Maga movement.

The H-1B visa programme has become a flashpoint between Silicon Valley executives and Trump's core supporters.

The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the US.

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Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed as Musk's co-chair on Trump's new advisory board, sparked controversy by suggesting American culture venerates mediocrity over excellence.

"A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted.

Musk earlier posted on X that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning."

Trump previously opposed H-1B visas during his 2016 campaign, calling them "unfair for our workers."

Maga figures have responded with fury to what they see as Silicon Valley's intrusion into immigration policy.

"We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender," said congressman Matt Gaetz. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy."

Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed she was censored on X after criticising H-1B visas.

"Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?"

Many Maga supporters are pushing for complete border closure whilst illegal entry issues are addressed.

Trump has remained silent during what Politico has dubbed "Musk vs Maga."

The president-elect faces a delicate balancing act between business interests and his core supporters' immigration concerns.

In a June podcast interview, Trump suggested international students graduating from American universities should receive green cards.

"If you graduate or you get a doctorate degree from a college, you should be able to stay in this country," he said.

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'She should apologise!' Farage warns Badenoch of legal action after Reform UK shows numbers proving membership milestone

Nigel Farage has admitted he is considering taking legal action against Tory leader Kemi Badenoch after the pair locked horns over Reform UK's Boxing Day membership milestone.

Farage and Badenoch were involved in an online spat after Reform UK claimed to have surpassed the Tories when it comes to signed-up members.

A live-tracker showed the revamped Brexit Party soaring past the Tories just before midday yesterday.

After hailing the milestone as a "historic moment", Farage shared a video projecting the soaring tally on Conservative Campaign Party Headquarters in Westminster.

Badenoch bit back in the early afternoon, accusing the Reform UK leader of ticking the tally up with “fake” numbers.

“I’m not going to take it lying down," Farage said on Friday. "It’s an absolutely outrageous thing for her to have said.

“I am asking Kemi Badenoch to apologise immediately for this intemperate outburst.”

Farage appeared to take a huge step towards proving his point after inviting a number of journalists to inspect the data on Reform UK's Nation Builder platform.

Probed on whether he would consider legal action, Farage revealed: “I’m going to take some action in the next couple of days, and I’ve got to decide exactly what it is.

"But I’m certainly not going to take it lying down. It’s an absolutely outrageous thing for her to have said.

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“Now I know she’s got a very bad temper, I know she’s well known for lashing out at people. I’m not at all happy and I’m going to take some action. Exactly what it’ll be, I’ll let you know within two days.

“Once we’ve fully disproved this, she’s going to find life a lot more difficult and bitterly regret putting this out on Boxing Day afternoon.”

He added: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful, and we have opened up our systems to The Telegraph, The Spectator, Sky News and The FT in the interests of full transparency.

“I am asking Kemi Badenoch to apologise immediately for this intemperate outburst.”

Journalists who look over the numbers left concluding that the data provided "strong evidence that the ticker was not automated" after being based on "verified membership data".

The Financial Times said: "The demonstration provided strong evidence that the online counter did correspond to the number of members that had signed up to Reform."

Sky News's Ben van der Merwe added: "In fact, it all looks perfectly normal. Membership applications decline overnight, then rise in the morning.

"At around 11am, when news about Reform UK having more members than the Tories started going viral, the number of new members surged. None of this is what you'd expect from a pre-programmed ticker."

He concluded: "The numbers did indeed match up."

Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf, who invited the group of journalists to inspect the populist party's membership data, asked his X followers yesterday: "Should Nigel Farage sue Kemi Badenoch for libel?"

The populist party's membership total continues to soar after the social media spat between Farage and Badenoch, exceeding 140,000 earlier today.

Badenoch's five-party thread accused Farage of "manipulating" his supporters on Christmas.

She also added that the Tories had "gained thousands of new members since the leadership election".

Farage initially responded by labelling the Leader of the Opposition as "bitter", later inviting the Tories to let one of the "big four" accountancy firms audit both parties' membership levels.

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Haulier's heartbreaking message after ‘crippling’ budget: ‘Dad said we’d be better off if he went to Switzerland’

The severe economic and potential human costs of Rachel Reeves’ budget have been exposed by family businesses in a series of poignant speeches at the London Palladium.

Ed Rogers, who co-runs a family transport and storage company, said that thanks to Labour’s changes to inheritance tax rules, he now faces a bill of £6million when his father dies.

The businessman warned his family’s company will have to shelve investment plans, sell assets and make redundancies to foot the bill.

But he also shared a glimpse into the terrible human impact Reeves’ policy could have.

Rogers said: “I want share conversation I had with my father two weeks ago whilst discussing the best way forward.

“Dad's here in the audience today. Let me remind you, this is a man that has given his all to the family business for 50 years. Always paid his taxes, wanted the business to be strong to pass on to his family.

“He said, ‘Ed, it's probably best for the business if I head to Switzerland in March 2026 and don't come home.’”

This is because March 2026 is when Reeves’ tax raid comes into force, meaning anyone who died before that date could hand down their business without being clobbered by inheritance tax.

It comes after Chancellor Reeves capped the amount of relief family businesses could claim from inheritance tax at £1million.

Asset-rich but cash-poor businesses, such as haulage companies with expensive lorries and warehouses, will have to pay 20 per cent tax on assets over £1million in the event of a death from April 2026.

The same rules will apply to farmers who use BPR to claim relief for parts of their businesses like machinery and sheds.

Businessman issues heartbreaking message to Reeves over her tax raid: ‘Dad said …

Businessman issues heartbreaking message to Reeves over her tax raid: ‘Dad said …

Rogers warned the move will severely hamper businesses like his and lead to ‘sleepless nights’.

He said: “Why would we want to grow our business now?

“Instead of continuing to grow and pay our corporation tax on profits, we are now looking at ways of protecting our business from being destroyed when eventually our shareholders die.

“Instead of investing in growing that business, we are looking to put aside money for when the inevitable happens.

“When sadly my uncle and father died, with the proposed legislation, we will need to find £6 million to continue running our business that we have worked on for 25 years. We will need to sell assets.

“Assets that are crucial for running our business. Our yards, our warehouses, our trucks. Like farms without land, a transport company without vehicles does not transport many goods.

“This in turn will inevitably lead to redundancies. We wouldn't need the same staffing levels, this in turn would shrink our business, we would pay less corporation tax and therefore we would employ less people.

“We employ 115 people from our site in Northampton. This includes all four members of one family, three generations of another family, and I point out specifically that over the years we have employed 20 sets of brothers and 15 father and sons. Family isn't just our family.

“Overnight, our National Insurance Bill has increased by £165,000.”

Asked what message he would give to Rachel Reeves, Rogers said: “I think she needs to reel back on this.

“She needs to encourage growth. This is just going to destroy many family businesses; it needs to change.

“Taxation in this way does not encourage growth. So please go back, have a look, and change.”

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This comes after economists have warned that Reeves’ inheritance tax raid will cost the Treasury over £1billion more than it makes.

Analysis by CBI Economics shows the Treasury has ‘underestimated the impact’ of changes to business property relief (BPR), namely the majority of family businesses being forced to cut investment because of the raid.

The complete shelving of any plans for growth in the face of such large tax bills (even downsizing in some cases) will lead to the loss of 125,678 jobs, argues researchers.

The government will lose £2.6billion in tax revenue as the take from things like corporation tax, income tax and national insurance falls drastically over the next five years.

Farmers have been highlighting this since the budget capped their inheritance tax relief at £1million, a measly figure when a combine harvester costs up to £750,000.

Labour’s raid on farmers will raise £520million a year by 2030, a small amount capable of funding the NHS for one day and five hours.

But as farmers shelve all plans for investment and growth and even scale back elements of the business to protect them from death duties, the tax take from revenue generating means will likely fall more than the amount raised in the first place.

The summit, which was organised by the same group who arranged the #SaveFamilyFarms rally in London on 19th November, brought family businesses from across the country to discuss and highlight the crippling effect of Reeves’ Budget.

It was sponsored by Andrew Lloyd Webber hence why it was held at the London Palladium.

Labour’s changes to inheritance tax come into effect in April 2026.

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'Third world dictators!': Inside Starmer's plan to abolish district councils where Reform is gaining support

Nigel Farage has called Labour "third world dictators" over its proposed government reforms in England, which could result in district council elections next year being scrapped.

His comments come after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced plans to introduce elected mayors across all regions, granting them increased powers over sectors such as transport and planning. This initiative involves merging smaller district councils into larger governing bodies, with a minimum population threshold of 500,000 for local authorities.

As part of this restructuring, local elections scheduled for May 2025 in certain areas may be postponed.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon indicated that elections could be delayed in regions undergoing reorganisation, particularly if a council is set to cease existing within the elected term.

Cancelling elections in some areas of the country where Reform are gaining momentum is the act of a desperate government.

They have the audacity to call us a “threat to democracy” whilst they act like third world dictators.

— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 16, 2024

Farage argues that these postponements are a politically motivated attempt to impede Reform UK's growing momentum.

Addressing his 2.1 million followers on X, the Reform leader wrote: “Cancelling elections in areas where Reform are gaining momentum is the act of a desperate government.

“They have the audacity to call us a ‘threat to democracy’ while acting like third-world dictators.”

Commenting on the post, X owner Elon Musk, said: "Indeed."

The Government maintains that the postponements are necessary to facilitate the smooth implementation of the proposed structural changes, ensuring that newly formed authorities can function effectively without the immediate pressure of elections.

Labour insists that the restructuring isn't politically motivated, rather, it's designed to enhance devolution and streamline administrative structures.

Local Government Minister Jim McMahon on Monday said the “assumption” is that elections will go ahead.

But he added: “It’s usual that when a council makes a request for reorganisation, if there are elections taking place to a council that essentially won’t exist within the term of those elections, then you hold off the elections.”

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Despite these assurances, the debate continues to rage over the balance between administrative efficiency and thwarting democratic processes.

Reform MP Lee Anderson said: “When they can’t beat you at the ballot box they take the ballot box away.

“This is not some South American military regime.”

Reform points out that the proposed restructuring mainly affects the South East of England, such as in Kent and Essex, where the party is expected to make big gains in May.

Two out of five of its elected MPs serve constituencies in Essex, with recent by-election results suggesting the county could turn light blue at the next General Election.

In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government said: “We have announced an ambitious programme of local government reorganisation which will take power from Westminster to the people who know their communities best as part of our plans to unlock devolution across the whole of England.

“Putting power in the right places so that local leaders are fully equipped to drive growth will put more money into people’s pockets. Many councils have also said that these reforms will also help strengthen local leadership, boost local accountability and save taxpayers’ money which can be reinvested into vital public services.”

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Starmer faces fresh calls to abandon Chagos deal after Mauritius rejects deal

Sir Keir Starmer is facing renewed pressure to abandon the proposed Chagos Islands deal after Mauritius's newly elected government rejected the terms agreed in October.

The controversial agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean archipelago has hit a significant obstacle, with Mauritius demanding the reopening of negotiations.

Downing Street insists the deal remains on track as it attempts to finalise the agreement before Donald Trump returns to the White House.

The development comes after both countries had previously stated their commitment to finalising the treaty "as quickly as possible" through a series of "productive conversations and exchanges".

This week, Mauritian leader Navinchandra Ramgoolam held discussions with outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is keen to finalise the agreement.

Speaking to MPs after the call, Ramgoolam said: "I made him understand that we do not agree with certain things contained in the agreement concluded on October 3 by the former Mauritian prime minister and informed him that we have made a counter-proposal."

The new Mauritian administration has submitted its own suggestions to the UK, which has now responded with counter-proposals.

Ramgoolam stated the draft deal "would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect" and confirmed that negotiations had restarted.

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Days earlier, Mauritius's deputy prime minister Paul Berenger suggested his country was seeking increased financial compensation for the continued operation of the Anglo-American military base on Diego Garcia.

"This base existed on our land, on our territory... but not only it is [about] our sovereignty," Berenger told constituents. "There are some things you can't accept if you're a true patriot. They are trying to make us sign and they are quibbling on a small amount."

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel criticised Labour's handling of the situation, stating: "While Labour ministers refuse to answer straightforward questions in Parliament about the Chagos surrender, the Mauritian Government have let the cat out the bag."

She added: "Starmer and [Foreign Secretary David] Lammy need to come to their senses and ditch the deal."

However, the UK Government maintains the agreement is still viable. A spokesman said: "We do not recognise these reports. The Mauritian prime minister has repeatedly been clear that he remains willing to conclude a deal."

The spokesman added they were working to finalise the agreement, "which is in both sides' shared interests."

The deal's future could hinge on timing, as president-elect Trump has not commented publicly but is widely expected to attempt to block it if not signed before his inauguration next month. Several of Trump's allies have expressed concerns about US national security, citing Mauritius's ties with China.

Ministers have argued the deal, including a 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia base, is necessary following an International Court of Justice ruling.

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Farage hits out at 'bitter' Badenoch over claims Reform UK 'faked' membership milestone

Nigel Farage has hit back at Kemi Badenoch's claims that the Reform UK's membership ticker is "fake."

The Tory leader had taken to social media to accuse Reform of 'manipulating' its members over the counter, which showed the party had overtaken the Conservatives.

Badenoch wrote on X: "Manipulating your own supporters at Xmas, Nigel? It’s not real. It’s a fake...coded to tick up automatically. We’ve been watching the back end for days and can also see they’ve just changed the code to link to a different site as people point this out.

"Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled...like many of you, I am sick of the endless lies, smoke and mirrors, stuff and nonsense politics. "

Now, party leader Nigel Farage has hit back over the claims, saying: "Kemi says I don’t understand the digital age. I have 5.4 million followers and she has 320k.

"We understand you are bitter, upset and angry that we are now the second biggest party in British politics, and that the Conservative brand is dying under your leadership.

"However, this not an excuse to accuse us of committing fraud. We will gladly invite one of the Big Foue firms in to audit our membership numbers as long as you do the same.

"We have heard from many whistleblowers that will swear under affidavits that ballots were sent out to long expired or resigned ex-members. It’s an open secret at CCHQ that your membership numbers are fake."

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Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said: "Oh Kemi, repeatedly calling yourself an 'engineer' doesn’t mean you know anything about technology. You cannot see our 'back end' just by looking at a webpage.

"The page polls from an endpoint which fetches the live member number from Nationbuilder’s API.

"As Nigel Farage says, we will gladly invite a Big 4 audit firm to verify our membership numbers on the basis that you do the same.

"You just talked an awfully big game Kemi, will you take us up on this? Or are you the same as your predecessors - a compulsive liar?"

Speaking about the numbers, Badenoch had said: "The Conservative Party is under new leadership and 2025 is going to be about hard, unvarnished truths.

"Many of those truths will be difficult for my party and for the country. We’re in opposition because previous governments made mistake. We HAVE to do things differently.

"We won’t fix what has gone wrong over the last 30 years with rage, but with courage. Telling the truth takes bravery."

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Sadiq Khan's knighthood is an insult. Here's why - Steve Tuckwell

News that Sadiq Khan is set to receive a knighthood in the King’s New Year Honours List will surprise many Londoners, particularly those in Uxbridge & South Ruislip.

As someone who has campaigned tirelessly against Khan’s policies, I find this recognition difficult to reconcile with his record as Mayor of London. Take, for instance Uxbridge Police Station.

In 2017, Khan announced its closure which saw a 6-year campaign by local Conservatives to keep it open. During the 2023 Uxbridge by-election – Khan performed a spectacular U-turn in announcing the Station would be re-opened just days before by-election polling day.

This promise (or election bribe) that was never fulfilled. The station remains shut, leaving a critical gap in local policing. How can someone who failed to deliver on such a vital issue for public safety be deemed worthy of such an honour?

Then there’s Khan’s relentless push to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), a policy that has hit hard-working families and small businesses in outer London.

ULEZ may be touted as an environmental measure, but for many, it feels like a punitive tax on those who cannot afford newer vehicles.

In Uxbridge, residents overwhelmingly rejected ULEZ expansion in the by-election, sending a clear message to City Hall.

Khan’s response? Press ahead regardless, showing a worrying disregard for democracy and the voices of Londoners who are being left to shoulder the cost of his green agenda.

Knighthoods are traditionally awarded for exceptional service to the nation, yet Khan’s tenure has been marked by rising crime, faltering housing delivery, and contentious transport policies.

While he may have garnered attention on the global stage with his advocacy for progressive causes, his stewardship of London has been nothing short of devastating.

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Honours should reflect tangible achievements that benefit the public, not reward politicians who impose damaging policies while ignoring the concerns of the people they serve.

For those of us in Uxbridge and beyond, this announcement feels like an insult, a rubber stamp on years of unfulfilled promises and heavy-handed governance.

In the end, Sadiq Khan’s legacy will not be defined by titles or accolades but by the impact of his decisions on ordinary Londoners.

For many, that legacy is one of disappointment and frustration. A knighthood may polish his reputation in some quarters, but for countless residents, it does little to mask the realities of his time in office.

It’s time for leaders to be held accountable for their records, not rewarded despite them.

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Labour lays out emergency contingency plans as officials ‘brace for private schools collapse’ amid VAT raid

Officials are preparing contingency plans for potential private school closures as the Government's VAT raid on fees is set to take effect in January.

Whitehall sources have confirmed they are bracing for possible shutdowns, particularly among smaller independent schools and those charging lower fees.

The preparations come amid growing concerns about an expected surge in demand for state school places, as pupils may be forced to leave the private sector due to increased costs.

Local authorities are being advised to prepare for an influx of students, though a Government spokesman has called suggestions of a widespread collapse in private education "completely misleading".

Recent figures from the Independent Schools Council reveal that over 3,000 private school students applied to join state schools between June and September.

An additional 2,500 pupils have given notice to leave in January, according to an ISC survey of 900 member schools.

The Treasury estimates suggest a long-term reduction of around 37,000 private school pupils, representing approximately a six per cent fall in the sector.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies has projected even higher numbers, estimating between 20,000 and 40,000 pupils could leave private education due to the VAT introduction.

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Government sources have told officials to monitor private schools that are vulnerable to closure and assess state school capacity in affected areas.

"We have to plan for the worst," one Whitehall source told The Times. "Officials are monitoring those schools most at risk of closure to help local authorities prepare better where the number in need is significantly greater."

Another source acknowledged that some private schools face greater risks than others, noting there is "an obvious added challenge we need to prepare for".

Officials are particularly concerned about smaller independent schools and those in competitive locations, which are considered most vulnerable to the changes.

The Government maintains its policy will raise £1.8billion annually, with funds earmarked for recruiting 6,500 more teachers.

A spokesman emphasised that the expected student transfers represent "less than 0.1 per cent of pupils" in the education system.

"We are confident the state sector will be able to accommodate them," the spokesman told The Times.

The policy change includes removing both the VAT exemption from January and business rates relief for independent schools from April.

Treasury projections indicate private school fees will increase by approximately 10 per cent following the VAT introduction.

Julie Robinson, chief executive at the Independent Schools Council, expressed significant concerns about the policy's impact.

"I have every sympathy for local authorities worrying about an influx into schools," she told The Times.

She questioned whether available spaces in state schools would match local needs: "At a macro level, it is true to say there are spaces in the state sector. But are there spaces in the right places at the right time? We don't know."

Robinson warned that the Government had "seriously underestimated the level of movement" resulting from their policies.

"There are a lot of financial shocks building up on independent schools," she added.

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