Former Tory minister joins Reform UK

Badenoch warns Tories could lose all 2021 councils in May

Kemi Badenoch warned that the Conservatives would lose “every single” council they won in 2021 if the general election results were applied to May's local elections. The Tory leader acknowledged the party’s “greatest defeat” in history and predicted a tough battle ahead, although she hoped for slightly better results. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories defend local record ahead of elections

Conservative co-chairman Nigel Huddleston says the party has a strong track record of delivering value for money through better services at lower costs. He praised local Tory councillors for their commitment to community issues like road maintenance and social care, while downplaying defections as a normal part of politics. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer defends Labour record ahead of spring statement

Sir Keir Starmer defended Labour’s economic record since coming into Government, amid questions from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on why Rachel Reeves will hold her spring statement next week. The Prime Minister said: "We have delivered record investment into this country, had three interest rates cuts in a row, and wages are going up faster than prices which is a massive cost-of-living boost." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: Labour needs to be tougher on welfare reform

The Conservatives have branded the Government’s welfare reforms as too little, too late, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall being urged to be tougher. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told the Commons: "The fact is £5 billion just doesn’t cut it. With a bill so big, going up so fast, she needed to be tougher." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Farage announces 29 councillors have defected to Reform UK

Nigel Farage has revealed that 29 councillors have defected to Reform UK ahead of local elections in May. The party leader says, "we are growing", adding, "there are many, many more in the pipeline that are going through the process at the moment and you will find out who they are over the course of the coming weeks". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Former Reform UK leader in Wales arrives at Old Bailey

Former Reform UK leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, arrives for a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey, alleged to have taken bribes to make favourable statements about Russia in the European Parliament. The 51-year-old has indicated he will deny the charges. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Nigel Farage denies behaving like the Messiah

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has rejected criticism that he's behaving like the "Messiah" after days of infighting at the top of Reform UK. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn