All news by author: Ashley Cowburn

Alun Francis who grew up in poverty criticised successive governments for failing for decades to grasp the vital role geography plays in social mobility

Keir Starmer and his Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will this week pledge 'world-class teaching for every child' in a major speech on education

Monday marks the fifth anniversary of Theresa May first pledging to ban the practice - a promise that has been the victim of U-turns and repeated delays

Since pandemic restrictions were eased relatives are still facing issues with visiting loved ones - an issue branded a 'dangerous hangover from Covid'

Like millions of people across the country James's mortgage is up for renewal in 2024 - and faces a £400-a-month hike in payments

The former Chancellor's evidence under oath came just 24 hours after his ex-boss David Cameron became the first politician to face the Inquiry - and was heckled with cries of 'shame on you'

The Tory Chancellor between 2010 and 2016 attempted to defend the Tories' controversial austerity measures, saying he 'completely' rejects it depleted health and social care capacity and rising inequality

David Cameron became the first politician to give evidence to Covid Inquiry as he faced questions on the UK's preparedness and cuts to public services between 2010 and 2016

Bereaved relatives called on the Metropolitan Police to prosecute those who boozed at the lockdown-busting held in December when socialising indoors was banned in London

David Cameron, George Osborne and Jeremy Hunt will all appear before the Covid inquiry this week as health leaders and unions warn they have 'serious questions to answer'

The Home Secretary complained the sessions were 'riddled with left-wing views' as part of her vendetta against so-called 'woke' culture, but training has increased on her watch

The previously unseen footage revealed by The Mirror shows staff dancing, crashing into a buffet table, and mocking pandemic-era laws

The senior Cabinet minister described the footage as 'completely out of order' - but declined to be drawn into whether the Metropolitan Police should launch a probe

King Charles's list ranges from a grieving mother who turned a tragedy into a charity honouring their legacy, a 106-year-old fundraising through exercise, and those aiding Ukrainian refugees

The Daily Mail teased an 'erudite new columinist who'll be required reading in Westminster and across the world' on its front page on Friday alongside a silhouette figure of a man

Labour's Danny Beales insisted voters are 'desperate' for a full-time MP as he declared that the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election is a chance for a 'fresh start'

Chief Whip Simon Hart told MPs that a by-election will take place in Uxbridge and South Ruislip after the disgraced former PM announced he would stand down over Partygate

The Labour MP Kim Johnson, who will raise the issue in the Commons on Wednesday, said the controversial policy that restricts benefits is 'as cruel as it is ineffective'

The ex-PM's statement comes after Rishi Sunak hit back in the pair’s bitter row over handing peerages and gongs to close allies

The ex-PM's controversial list of peerages and awards to allies and friends could finally be published within the next fortnight - despite calls for Mr Sunak to block the appointments

The former Green Party leader said her role in the Commons meant she had 'struggled to spend the time I want on accelerating crises' facing the planet

Chairwoman of the inquiry Baroness Heather Hallett said the human stories will help shape her recommendations so the UK is better prepared in the future

The Cabinet Office has launched a judicial review - estimated to cost well into the six figures - seeking to block the disclosure of message from ex-PM Boris Johnson and key figures to the Covid inquiry

Side-stepping the Cabinet Office, the Covid Inquiry's legal team said it would take ex-PM Boris Johnson up on his offer to examine documents requested by the probe

In a video, Andrea Jenkyns said it was important the Tories 'honour' their 2019 manifesto commitments as she appeared alongside her two miniature schnauzers