Tories romp home in the race to be top dogs

A parliamentary beauty contest in which entrants are judged on good deeds and behaviour, rather than looks or pedigree, was won by a Welsh springer spaniel called Molly.

Tony Blair's chances of becoming EU president fading fast

Tony Blair?s chances of becoming the EU?s first president were fading tonight as opposition to the move grew across Europe and France and Germany failed to throw their weight behind him.

Premiership footballer Marlon King jailed for assault on woman who rejected him

A Premier League footballer with a history of violence against women was today sentenced to 18 months in jail for punching a student in the face after she spurned his aggressive sexual advances.

Long-running Archers favourite Norman Painting dies, aged 85

Actor and scriptwriter Norman Painting, who has played Philip Archer on The Archers ever since the series' first pilot show in 1950, has died aged 85, the BBC said today.

Prince Edward courts controversy with gaffe over death of boy on father's scheme

The Earl of Wessex's visit to Australia was today embroiled in controversy after he suggested that the death of a Sydney schoolboy taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme could help recruit more young people to the programme.

Transcript: phone call with kidnapped British sailor

ITV News reporter Angus Walker: I have a message from Stephen (Collett - Mrs Chandler?s brother). Stephen says: "Everyone here is fine we are all thinking of you and just hope you are both well - can?t wait to speak to you and see you.?

Director at Boris Johnson agency sacked for racist word

A senior director at Boris Johnson?s business and economic unit has been sacked for using racist language during a meeting with colleagues and visitors.

Yachtsman Paul Chandler tells of capture by Somali pirates

A British man being held by Somali pirates today spoke of the moment armed men boarded the yacht he and his wife were sailing in the Indian Ocean.

Church volunteer fighting for life after gang confrontation

A volunteer church worker is fighting for his life in hospital today after being stabbed several times in the chest outside an event designed to keep teenagers away from crime.

Peers to agree code of conduct under new House of Lords rules

Peers will have to sign a pledge in the Lords undertaking to abide by high standards of behaviour, under new disciplinary rules announced this afternoon.

Gay rights campaigner James Rennie jailed for life over paedophile ring

Two men at the centre of a paedophile conspiracy in Scotland have been jailed for life at the High Court in Edinburgh for offences described by the trial judge as horrific, appalling and gross.

Britain out in the cold as US exits recession

Gordon Brown is facing growing embarrassment over Britain?s recovery after it became the world?s only major economy still in recession as America returned to growth in the third quarter.