Local elections for millions postponed as Farage hits out at government

Farage wants to see a ‘British DOGE’ in county councils

Nigel Farage says Reform UK will only do a deal with other parties if they agree to review policies like “climate change initiatives” unless something akin to a “British DOGE in every county” is implemented. Mr Farage expects Reform to do “very, very well” at the local elections, which could mean the party becomes power brokers in local authorities around the country. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Farage: Keep China out of UK infrastructure

Nigel Farage says Chinese firms should have no role in UK infrastructure after ministers took control of British Steel. The government acted over the weekend amid fears its Chinese owner planned to shut Scunthorpe’s furnaces. Farage said China is “not a friend of ours” and warned the UK must “find alternatives” even if it means less investment. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Farage: Reform now main opposition in red wall areas

Nigel Farage has claimed Reform UK is now the main challenger to Labour in the Midlands, North, Wales and Scotland, pushing the Conservatives into third place. In a campaign speech, he said voters felt betrayed by the Tories over Brexit and immigration, adding that backing the Conservatives in red wall areas would be a “wasted vote.” Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Deputy PM 'confident' furnaces will continue firing

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed that the government has secured the raw materials needed to keep Scunthorpe steel plant going. It comes as the government stepped in over the weekend to take it over from Chinese company Jingye after it threatened to shut down one of the furnaces today. "We've got the raw materials, they've been paid for and we're confident that the furnaces will continue to fire," Ms Rayner said. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: 'People in the North have been underestimated'

The Prime Minister has claimed that people in the North of England have "long been underestimated", as he and Angela Rayner visited South Yorkshire to ramp up Labour's campaign ahead of next month's local elections in England. Report by Chahalb. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Cabinet arrive at Downing Street as Starmer chairs meeting

Ministers arrive at Downing Street for a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before the House of Commons pauses for Easter recess. Arriving at Number 10 were Jonathan Reynolds, Yvette Cooper, John Healey, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband and other members of the cabinet. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rayner and Reeves back policy to boost UK hospitality sector

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan visited Ronnie Scott's jazz bar in London after the government announced new steps in collaboration with business leaders to boost the UK's hospitality sector. The move could see bars open later and more al fresco dining. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rayner: House-building can ramp up with new investment

Angela Rayner says changes to planning framework and new investment will help the government "ramp up" house-building to meet its pledge to build 1,500,000 homes before the next Parliament. The deputy prime minister adds that disused brownfield sites are "exactly where we want to see that development". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn