George Osborne has claimed he has "overwhelming support" from his local Conservative Party in Cheshire, despite being appointed editor of London's Evening Standard and having a total of six jobs.
The former chancellor's new job has proved controversial after he said he intends to combine the newspaper role with that of representing his constituents in Tatton in Parliament.
A Whitehall sleaze watchdog announced a review of its guidance on MPs' second jobs in the wake of Mr Osborne's move into journalism.
But the chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Lord Bew, insisted that the review was not prompted solely by the Osborne case, saying that it had been under consideration for some time.
:: Former chancellor has HOW many jobs?
Speaking after an annual general meeting of the Tatton Conservatives held in private, Mr Osborne said: "We had a great annual meeting.
"I'm so grateful for the overwhelming support I got from Tatton Conservatives tonight. It's a huge honour to be the local MP here."
Patti Goddard, president of the Tatton Conservative Association and chairman of the AGM, described Mr Osborne as "our star".
"There was unanimous support among the members for our local MP, George Osborne," she said.
"He's always been able to work hard as a local MP as well as being a big figure on the national stage - whether as Chancellor or an editor.
"We've got complete confidence in his ability to do so in the future."
Mr Osborne, 45, will succeed Sarah Sands as Evening Standard editor and oversee the newspaper an average of four days each week while balancing the needs of his constituents.
His other jobs include being an adviser to investment firm BlackRock, which requires 48 days' work a year in exchange for £650,000.
He is also a speaker at the Washington Speakers Bureau, a chairman of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, and a fellow at US think-tank the McCain Institute.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Three hurt in shooting near Lille metro station
Three people, including a teenager, have been hurt in a shooting near a metro station in northern France.
Witnesses told police a gunman opened fire near the station in Lille on Friday night before fleeing.
The suspect is believed to be still on the run following the attack in a car park near the station.
Investigators found 10 shell casings at the scene.
None of the injuries are life-threatening, police said.
According to reports, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg, while a second victim was hit in the neck and was described as more seriously injured.
A third wounded person was also taken to hospital following the shooting close to the Porte d'Arras metro station in the south of the city.
The motive for the attack has not been confirmed, but it is not thought to be terror-related.
Newspaper La Voix du Nord and radio France Bleu Nord reported the shooting may have been a settling of scores between criminals.
France is on high alert with a state of emergency still in place following a series of terror attacks.
Last weekend, a radicalised Muslim on a crime watchlist shot a policewoman in the head at a road check before attacking a soldier at Orly airport in Paris.
The attacker, known as Ziyed B, assaulted a patrol of three counter-terrorism soldiers at the terminal, and wrestled one of them to the floor, trying to take her gun.
The man was shot dead by troops.
Witnesses told police a gunman opened fire near the station in Lille on Friday night before fleeing.
The suspect is believed to be still on the run following the attack in a car park near the station.
Investigators found 10 shell casings at the scene.
None of the injuries are life-threatening, police said.
According to reports, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the leg, while a second victim was hit in the neck and was described as more seriously injured.
A third wounded person was also taken to hospital following the shooting close to the Porte d'Arras metro station in the south of the city.
The motive for the attack has not been confirmed, but it is not thought to be terror-related.
Newspaper La Voix du Nord and radio France Bleu Nord reported the shooting may have been a settling of scores between criminals.
France is on high alert with a state of emergency still in place following a series of terror attacks.
Last weekend, a radicalised Muslim on a crime watchlist shot a policewoman in the head at a road check before attacking a soldier at Orly airport in Paris.
The attacker, known as Ziyed B, assaulted a patrol of three counter-terrorism soldiers at the terminal, and wrestled one of them to the floor, trying to take her gun.
The man was shot dead by troops.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Khalid Masood: What we know about Westminster terror attacker
The Westminster attacker - 52-year-old Khalid Masood - had a range of previous convictions but none terrorism-related.
Islamic State has claimed Masood - whose birth name was Adrian Russell Ajao - was one of its "soldiers".
He "carried out the operation in answer to calls to target the people of coalition states", the terror group said.
According to a Sky source who met him in a professional capacity, he had a wife and three children.
The source described Masood as "a big bloke", adding: "He looked like he was a bodybuilder, (you) wouldn't want to mess with him."
He added that Masood was a "very religious, well-spoken man", who had "converted" to Islam.
"You couldn't go to his home in Birmingham on Friday because he would be at prayer," the source said.
According to reports Masood had previously worked as an English teacher, though not in any of England's state schools.
Some reports suggested he had spent four years in Saudi Arabia, leading to speculation he may have been radicalised there.
:: 'Hero' PC Keith Palmer's family: He was 'a friend to everyone'
Police said Masood had been "known by a number of aliases".
While he was born in Kent on Christmas Day 1964, detectives believe he had been living most recently in the West Midlands.
His name is also registered as living at addresses in Brighton, Eastbourne, Luton and London.
A neighbour at his most recent address in Winson Green, Birmingham, said Masood was a keen gardener who had a wife and young child.
The neighbour said her experience of him was of a "nice man".
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there was "no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack".
:: Timeline of terror in London
Islamic State has claimed Masood - whose birth name was Adrian Russell Ajao - was one of its "soldiers".
He "carried out the operation in answer to calls to target the people of coalition states", the terror group said.
According to a Sky source who met him in a professional capacity, he had a wife and three children.
The source described Masood as "a big bloke", adding: "He looked like he was a bodybuilder, (you) wouldn't want to mess with him."
He added that Masood was a "very religious, well-spoken man", who had "converted" to Islam.
"You couldn't go to his home in Birmingham on Friday because he would be at prayer," the source said.
According to reports Masood had previously worked as an English teacher, though not in any of England's state schools.
Some reports suggested he had spent four years in Saudi Arabia, leading to speculation he may have been radicalised there.
:: 'Hero' PC Keith Palmer's family: He was 'a friend to everyone'
Police said Masood had been "known by a number of aliases".
While he was born in Kent on Christmas Day 1964, detectives believe he had been living most recently in the West Midlands.
His name is also registered as living at addresses in Brighton, Eastbourne, Luton and London.
A neighbour at his most recent address in Winson Green, Birmingham, said Masood was a keen gardener who had a wife and young child.
The neighbour said her experience of him was of a "nice man".
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said there was "no prior intelligence about his intent to mount a terrorist attack".
:: Timeline of terror in London
Trump setback as Republicans withdraw health bill to dismantle Obamacare
Donald Trump has suffered a major setback in his attempts to repeal and replace his predecessor's Obamacare with a new health bill.
The planned legislation to overhaul the US healthcare system had been due to be voted on by politicians in the House of Representatives, which is controlled by the Republicans.
But it was withdrawn at the last minute by party leaders because of a shortage of support, despite lobbying by the White House.
The bill was almost certain to be defeated had a vote taken place.
It was abruptly pulled by speaker Paul Ryan.
The President said he was "disappointed" and a "little surprised" by the defeat, amid splits among Republicans.
He claimed "we were very close" to getting the required 216 votes, as he blamed a lack of support from Democrats and predicted the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would "cease to exist" and "explode".
Mr Ryan told reporters: "We came up short. I thought the wise thing to do was to not proceed with the vote."
And he admitted: "We're going to live with Obamacare for the foreseeable future."
Mr Trump had demanded House Republicans vote on the legislation, threatening to leave Obamacare in place and move on to other issues if the vote failed. The President's gamble did not pay off.
Also, nearly half of Americans say the new healthcare reform measure is "not an improvement" on the current system, according to a poll.
During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump made repealing and replacing Obamacare one of his big priorities.
The Republicans' American Health Care Act has been a top priority for the party and was its first major legislative effort since it took control of both the White House and Congress in January.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi mocked Republicans over the setback.
She said: "Quite frankly I thought they might have accomplished something in the first few months. They have absolutely no record of accomplishment."
The bill would likely have left more people uninsured and would have made big changes to Medicaid, a federal-state health programme for low-income Americans.
The legislation would repeal much of former president Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare law, including its requirement that people buy policies.
The planned legislation to overhaul the US healthcare system had been due to be voted on by politicians in the House of Representatives, which is controlled by the Republicans.
But it was withdrawn at the last minute by party leaders because of a shortage of support, despite lobbying by the White House.
The bill was almost certain to be defeated had a vote taken place.
It was abruptly pulled by speaker Paul Ryan.
The President said he was "disappointed" and a "little surprised" by the defeat, amid splits among Republicans.
He claimed "we were very close" to getting the required 216 votes, as he blamed a lack of support from Democrats and predicted the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) would "cease to exist" and "explode".
Mr Ryan told reporters: "We came up short. I thought the wise thing to do was to not proceed with the vote."
And he admitted: "We're going to live with Obamacare for the foreseeable future."
Mr Trump had demanded House Republicans vote on the legislation, threatening to leave Obamacare in place and move on to other issues if the vote failed. The President's gamble did not pay off.
Also, nearly half of Americans say the new healthcare reform measure is "not an improvement" on the current system, according to a poll.
During his presidential campaign, Mr Trump made repealing and replacing Obamacare one of his big priorities.
The Republicans' American Health Care Act has been a top priority for the party and was its first major legislative effort since it took control of both the White House and Congress in January.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi mocked Republicans over the setback.
She said: "Quite frankly I thought they might have accomplished something in the first few months. They have absolutely no record of accomplishment."
The bill would likely have left more people uninsured and would have made big changes to Medicaid, a federal-state health programme for low-income Americans.
The legislation would repeal much of former president Barack Obama's 2010 healthcare law, including its requirement that people buy policies.
MPs honoured for their response to Westminster terror attack
A minister who tried to save the life of the police officer murdered in the Westminster attack is one of two MPs honoured for their response to the atrocity.
Downing Street has announced that the Queen was "pleased" to approve the appointment of Tobias Ellwood and security minister Ben Wallace to the Privy Council.
Mr Ellwood, a Foreign Office minister, ran towards gunfire to help PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed by Khalid Masood after he entered the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.
:: Live updates: Westminster attack
Mr Wallace helped coordinate the Government's response to Wednesday's terror attack, which left five people dead, including 52-year-old Masood.
The MPs will now be entitled to be referred to as "Right Honourable" and receive top-secret national security briefings as members of the Privy Council.
It is mostly made up of senior politicians, but also includes some bishops and judges, and has advised the monarch since the Norman era.
:: "Joking" attacker on WhatsApp before murders
Prime Minister Theresa May praised the "extraordinary" bravery of Mr Ellwood when she addressed the Commons on Thursday.
The image of the Bournemouth East MP with blood on his face and clothes as he tried to give PC Palmer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has become one of the defining images of the attack.
His heroic efforts were unfortunately in vain as PC Palmer, a husband with a five-year-old daughter, died from his injuries.
:: Timeline of terror in London
The MP's bravery was praised by many of his colleagues, who gathered in the Commons chamber to listen and respond to the Prime Minister's statement on the terror attack.
But Mr Ellwood, whose brother Jonathan was killed in the 2002 Bali bombing, shook his head as a fellow MP called for him to be recognised in the honours list.
A Government spokesman said their appointments were "in recognition of their service as ministers and the roles both have played in responding to this week's terrorist attack".
Downing Street has announced that the Queen was "pleased" to approve the appointment of Tobias Ellwood and security minister Ben Wallace to the Privy Council.
Mr Ellwood, a Foreign Office minister, ran towards gunfire to help PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed by Khalid Masood after he entered the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.
:: Live updates: Westminster attack
Mr Wallace helped coordinate the Government's response to Wednesday's terror attack, which left five people dead, including 52-year-old Masood.
The MPs will now be entitled to be referred to as "Right Honourable" and receive top-secret national security briefings as members of the Privy Council.
It is mostly made up of senior politicians, but also includes some bishops and judges, and has advised the monarch since the Norman era.
:: "Joking" attacker on WhatsApp before murders
Prime Minister Theresa May praised the "extraordinary" bravery of Mr Ellwood when she addressed the Commons on Thursday.
The image of the Bournemouth East MP with blood on his face and clothes as he tried to give PC Palmer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has become one of the defining images of the attack.
His heroic efforts were unfortunately in vain as PC Palmer, a husband with a five-year-old daughter, died from his injuries.
:: Timeline of terror in London
The MP's bravery was praised by many of his colleagues, who gathered in the Commons chamber to listen and respond to the Prime Minister's statement on the terror attack.
But Mr Ellwood, whose brother Jonathan was killed in the 2002 Bali bombing, shook his head as a fellow MP called for him to be recognised in the honours list.
A Government spokesman said their appointments were "in recognition of their service as ministers and the roles both have played in responding to this week's terrorist attack".
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Westminster attack: Timeline of terror in London
2.30pmWestminster Bridge
Khalid Masood, 52, drives a grey Hyundai i40 across Westminster Bridge, hitting pedestrians along the way.
Two people are killed, while dozens of others are seriously injured. Among them are a group of French schoolchildren.
One woman falls off the bridge and into the River Thames. She is later rescued and given treatment at a nearby pier.
Witness Richard Tice, who was exiting Westminster tube station, said: "I was ushered onto Westminster Bridge and looked onto the west pavement of the bridge and literally north to south I must have counted 8-10 prostrate figures on the ground."
2.30pmOutside Parliament
Masood speeds off in the car and crashes into railings outside Parliament.
Armed with two knives, he gets out of the vehicle and enters the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, where he stabs PC Keith Palmer.
The knifeman is then shot dead by armed police.
Witness Rick Longley said: "We were just walking up to the (tube) station and there was a loud bang and a guy, someone, crashed a car and took some pedestrians out.
"A guy came past my right shoulder with a big knife and just started plunging it into the police officer. I have never seen anything like that. I just can't believe what I just saw."
2.40pmEmergency response
Emergency services receive reports of the attack and an ambulance crew arrives within six minutes.
Paramedics treat PC Palmer and the knifeman, who is surrounded by armed police.
Government minister Tobias Ellwood is among those who attempt to save the officer's life. The Tory MP gives mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and attempts to stem the flow of blood.
Khalid Masood, 52, drives a grey Hyundai i40 across Westminster Bridge, hitting pedestrians along the way.
Two people are killed, while dozens of others are seriously injured. Among them are a group of French schoolchildren.
One woman falls off the bridge and into the River Thames. She is later rescued and given treatment at a nearby pier.
Witness Richard Tice, who was exiting Westminster tube station, said: "I was ushered onto Westminster Bridge and looked onto the west pavement of the bridge and literally north to south I must have counted 8-10 prostrate figures on the ground."
2.30pmOutside Parliament
Masood speeds off in the car and crashes into railings outside Parliament.
Armed with two knives, he gets out of the vehicle and enters the grounds of the Palace of Westminster, where he stabs PC Keith Palmer.
The knifeman is then shot dead by armed police.
Witness Rick Longley said: "We were just walking up to the (tube) station and there was a loud bang and a guy, someone, crashed a car and took some pedestrians out.
"A guy came past my right shoulder with a big knife and just started plunging it into the police officer. I have never seen anything like that. I just can't believe what I just saw."
2.40pmEmergency response
Emergency services receive reports of the attack and an ambulance crew arrives within six minutes.
Paramedics treat PC Palmer and the knifeman, who is surrounded by armed police.
Government minister Tobias Ellwood is among those who attempt to save the officer's life. The Tory MP gives mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and attempts to stem the flow of blood.
Tributes to footballer Ryan McBride at Derry captain's funeral
Tributes have been paid to Derry City footballer Ryan McBride at his funeral in the city.
Club manager Kenny Shiels called him "a Trojan warrior who wore the club's jersey with great pride".
The "fearless" defender was found dead at home on Sunday night, aged 27, but the cause of death is unknown.
Ireland's President Michael D Higgins was among hundreds of people at the service at St Columba's Long Tower Catholic Church in Londonderry, hours before former deputy first minster Martin McGuinness's funeral in the same church.
Club manager Kenny Shiels called him "a Trojan warrior who wore the club's jersey with great pride".
The "fearless" defender was found dead at home on Sunday night, aged 27, but the cause of death is unknown.
Ireland's President Michael D Higgins was among hundreds of people at the service at St Columba's Long Tower Catholic Church in Londonderry, hours before former deputy first minster Martin McGuinness's funeral in the same church.
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