People who have concerns about the adoption of children by gay couples are ‘retarded homophobes’, the state-funded national adoption agency said yesterday.

A string of wealthy Tory grandees submitted an extraordinary list of claims to maintain their stately homes. They included the maintenance of a helipad, the cost of hanging a chandelier and bags of horse manure.

Andrew Walker feared he would be sacked when he warned the Commons Speaker the system was being abused.

All the Cabinet ministers accused of milking their allowances have denied any wrongdoing, with many instead accusing the Press of a smear campaign.

Labour’s deputy leader is determined to boost the proportion of female workers in the financial sector and end what she calls ‘pay discrimination’ in the City.

The latest closure is likely to heighten parents’ fears that more schools could be forced to close as the disease spreads and is transmitted between siblings.

Step 1. Pick a t-shirt that you know the other ninjas will not bother you about. I choose one of my “Clerks” shirts because “Clerks” is ninja in itself. Step 2. Turn the shirt inside-out and put over your head normally but with the tag down (so backwards) and hold the sleeves out to the [...]

Head teachers are to write to 600,000 families telling them children will not be prepared for SATs tests from next term.

Gordon Brown’s future as Prime Minister was looking increasingly uncertain last night as his Labour enemies plotted to sack him and install Health Secretary Alan Johnson in No10.

The Government has been guilty of a ‘lamentable failure’ to get its message across to voters, Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said today.

Embattled Gordon Brown’s state of mind is under further scrutiny after it was revealed he had a tantrum during interviews in No10.