Minister warns against 'cancelling' Tory donors amid Hester allegations

Conservatives proud of defence record

Andrew Bowie praised Conservatives' record on defence, calling UK's military one of ''the most advanced and well-equiped'' in the world. The shadow veterans' minister also urged Labour to commit to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Justice Secretary: Our prisons are at the point of collapse

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemns the Conservative party for leaving prisons “at the point of collapse”. She said, "this crisis is now very close indeed" as she announced a temporary change in the law. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Conservatives: We need the right leader to rebuild trust

Shadow Treasury minister Gareth Davies says that the selection of a new Tory party leader may take time, so the party can ensure the "right person" is picked who would be able to "rebuild trust" in the Conservatives. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Corbyn: I'll challenge inequality and poverty as Independent

Jeremy Corbyn has said he 'did everything [he] could' to remain within the Labour Party, and will always support its movement despite running as an Independent candidate for Islington North. He paid tribute to both Diana Abbott and Faiza Shaheen, describing their treatment by the party as 'appalling and disgraceful'. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Diane Abbott 'free' to stand as Labour candidate in election

Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour's Peter Kyle promises fair inquiry into Abbott

Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner: I don’t see any reason why Abbott can’t stand

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner defends Diane Abbott’s choice to stand as a Labour MP at the next general election saying, "I don’t see any reason why Diane Abbott can’t stand at the next general election." "She’s been cleared as part of an investigation, that is a process and for me I just see that if she wants to stand I don’t see any reason why she can’t", she said. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: No decision has been made to bar Diane Abbott

Sir Keir Starmer says “no decision has been made” to bar Diane Abbott from standing as a candidate for the Labour Party in July. The Labour leader denies that he is blocking left-wingers standing a for his party, saying “I want the highest-quality candidates”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn