'Reasonable chance' ex-minister Mel Stride to enter Tory leadership race

Tories: 0.3% shrink in economy is deeply disappointing

The shadow chancellor says it is "deeply disappointing" that the economy shrunk by 0.3% in April, a figure higher than expected. Mel Stride adds, "this is a budget that's spiralling ever-upwards and this government is failing to get a grip on". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Stride: Reeves will return with ‘yet more taxes'

Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride called Rachel Reeves’ plans a “spend-now, tax-later review”, warning she’ll return in autumn with “yet more taxes”. He said the review is “not worth the paper it’s written on” and accused Reeves of losing control, predicting a “cruel summer of speculation” after what he calls months of economic chaos. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Mel Stride says Conservative party 'has changed'

Mel Stride has said the Conservative Party has changed in a speech delivered on Thursday. The shadow chancellor admitted the 2022 mini-budget "was a mistake". "The Conservative Party is needed now more than ever but to win the fight, we will need thoughtfulness," Mr Stride added. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Mel Stride admits mini-budget was 'a mistake'

Mel Stride admitted the mini-budget was "a mistake". The shadow chancellor made the remarks ahead of a speech he is set to deliver on Thursday. Mr Stride also warned the Labour Party is "not fiscally credible" and is "making a lot of mistakes". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Conservatives react to ‘pretty shocking’ inflation figures

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride describes April’s rise in inflation to 3.5% as “pretty shocking” and says they are “down to government choices”, citing public sector pay rises and increases in employers' National Insurance. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch arrives to address Scottish Conservative Party

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch arrives before addressing the Scottish Conservative Party conference in Edinburgh. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch expresses ‘condolences’ after India plane crash

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expresses her “deepest condolences” to those affected by the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing over 240 people. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch attacks Labour as PM defends jobs record

Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir Starmer of failing on the economy, claiming unemployment had “surged” since Labour took office. The PM hit back at PMQs, saying 500,000 more people are in work and highlighting jobs from defence, energy and housing projects. Starmer said Labour is investing in Britain’s future, while the Tories “talk Britain down”. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

UK-China embassy row sparks espionage fears

Both Labour and Conservatives have raised red flags over a proposed Chinese super-embassy in London. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the US was right to be concerned, claiming Labour is “cosying up to China” at the cost of national security. Meanwhile, Technolgy Secretary Peter Kyle says the UK has longstanding, secure processes in place to monitor foreign diplomatic sites, adding the public should feel reassured. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Philp: Reform offers ‘Truss on steroids’

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp says the Conservative Party has learned from past mistakes but warns that Reform UK's pledges are like “Truss on steroids,” with over £100bn in unfunded promises. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn