4 h. ago Nigel Farage refuses to commit to keeping pensions triple lock if he wins next election

Reform UK leader unveils series of tax cuts without fully explaining how party would pay for themNigel Farage has refused to commit to keeping the pensions triple lock in place if he wins the next election, even as he unveiled a series of expensive tax cuts without fully explaining how his party would pay for them.The Reform UK leader said on Tuesday that if he became prime minister he might not keep the policy – which guarantees that the state pension rises by at least inflation, earnings or 2.5% a year, whichever is the highest. Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Which Reform UK policies did Nigel Farage confirm in his speech?

The Reform leader’s wide-ranging speech attacking Sir Keir Starmer’s government came after the party secured widespread support in local elections.

Events

5 h. ago Reform UK’s income tax plans ‘to cost up to £80bn’ warns IFS – UK politics live

Research institute says costs of plan to exclude those earning less than £20k from the tax will dwarf those of party’s winter fuel and two-child benefit changesThe co-leader of the Green party of England and Wales, Adrian Ramsay, has renewed his call for Russia to face greater sanctions. Posting to social media, the MP for Waveney Valley said “Putin has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian civilians because he thinks he’ll face no consequences. Much tougher sanctions are urgently needed to bring him into serious peace talks to end this horrific war.”As well as appearing on the media round today, shadow chancellor Mel Stride has written for the Daily Mail, saying that the Conservatives continue to back the two-child benefit cap. Continue reading...

Economics

6 h. ago Farage: Sarwar has introduced sectarianism into Scottish politics

The Reform UK leader defended his party’s attack ad against the Scottish Labour leader.

Politics

26 h. ago Democrats spending millions to learn how to speak to ‘American Men’ and win back the working class

Party leaders are holing up in luxury hotel rooms on a strategy codenamed SAM, or “Speaking with American Men: A Strategic Plan” to try and convince working-class to vote their way again, according to a report.

Economics

31 h. ago West Lothian electrical firm posts record turnover for third year running following series of significant contract wins

John Heaney Electrical Limited’s latest set of financial results to the year end December 2024 show an increased revenue of £11.5 million, up 51 per cent on the previous 12 months (£7.6m).

Politics

37 h. ago Anas Sarwar' top aide accused of causing 'unnecessary divisions' after Labour MSPs embroiled in selection row

Local Labour leaders in Dundee have warned a left-wing MSP has been disadvantaged in favour of a frontbencher tipped to become a future party leader.

Politics

48 h. ago Why Angela Rayner ‘never’ wants to be Prime Minister or Labour leader

The Deputy Prime Minister was asked to rule out becoming Prime Minister or leader of the Labour Party

Politics

51 h. ago Casualties in Trump’s war on the arts: the small museums keeping local history alive

Institutions in Los Angeles and beyond have seen millions in grants wiped away almost overnight. What happens when they can’t tell their stories?For the past two years, a small arts non-profit has been telling stories about the communities living alongside the Los Angeles river, one voice at a time.The organization, called Clockshop, has collected the oral histories of nearly 70 local residents, activists and elected officials. Their knowledge is compiled in a vast cultural atlas – which contains videos, an interactive map and a self-guided tour exploring the waterway and its transformation from a home for the Indigenous Tongva people to a popular, rapidly gentrifying urban space. Continue reading...

Culture

57 h. ago 'Say the word never': Angela Rayner asked to rule out EVER running for Labour Party leader

The Deputy Prime Minister denied leaking a memo as part of an underhand bid to challenge Keir Starmer

Politics

57 h. ago Deputy PM Angela Rayner: ‘I don’t want to be leader of the Labour Party’

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has quashed rumours that she is vying to become leader of the Labour Party, saying she has “no desire” to take on the role.

Politics

58 h. ago Angela Rayner blasts leadership rumours: I don’t want to be leader of the Labour Party

Sir Keir’s deputy said she will ‘never’ be leader of the party, amid growing speculation she could launch a leadership challenge

Politics

58 h. ago Boris Johnson's allies 'urging him to make bombshell return' as Tory leader with party rebels 'considering options' for ousting Kemi Badenoch

Details of a plot to reinstall the ex-premier to the political frontline have emerged as pressure piles on current party leader Kemi Badenoch.

Politics

3 d. ago Inside Labour plot to oust Keir Starmer as PM is given 12 months to turn things around

This week’s dramatic winter fuel U-turn has not been enough to stop behind-the-scenes talks over how to change leader within the Labour Party, asThe Independent’s political David Maddox found out

Politics

3 d. ago ‘We’re totally smitten’: Boris and Carrie Johnson welcome fourth baby

Former prime minister and his wife share news of Poppy Eliza Josephine Johnson’s arrival in an Instagram postThe former prime minister Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie Johnson, have welcomed a fourth baby to the family.The former leader of the Conservative party can be seen holding his daughter, Poppy Eliza Josephine Johnson, in an Instagram post shared on Saturday. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Reform hits 30% landmark as more than half of Tory voters switch to Farage

The latest Techne UK tracker poll results for The Independent

Politics

4 d. ago The 10 English councils left with no overall party control and who leads them

Gains for Reform and Liberal Democrats saw some councils left under no overall control

Politics

4 d. ago Reform UK promises to reverse ban on new North Sea oil drilling if elected

Party spokesperson says policy has ‘clear benefits for securing jobs and energy independence’Reform UK has promised to reverse the government’s ban on fresh North Sea oil and gas drilling as a “day one” priority if elected to power, with the taxpayer taking a stake in the projects.Richard Tice, the party’s deputy leader, has met with senior UK oil executives in recent weeks to pledge the party’s support for the industry, which has been hit hard by the government’s windfall tax and moves to block fresh North Sea exploration licences. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago The 10 councils left with no overall control after local elections

Gains for Reform and Liberal Democrats saw some councils left under no overall control

Politics

5 d. ago Which parties are leading hung councils after the local elections?

All 10 councils left with no party in overall control after ballots this month have confirmed their executive arrangements.

Politics