Keir Starmer writes to Labour councillors over Gaza stance // Sir Keir Starmer has written to Labour councillors, following a number of resignations over his stance on the Middle East crisis. The Labour leader has repeatedly insisted Israel has a right to defend itself, within international law. But his comments in a radio interview last week have sparked anger among some Labour activists.
Covid inquiry: Sunak called Dr Death by top scientist // The government's new chief scientific adviser described Rishi Sunak as "Dr Death, the Chancellor" in private messages sent during a crucial pandemic meeting, the Covid inquiry has heard. Prof Dame Angela McLean made the comment in a WhatsApp exchange in September 2020. The government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme had been running that summer.
Civil service review 'to urge Treasury break-up // A government-commissioned review into the civil service is expected to suggest scrapping the post of cabinet secretary and breaking up the Treasury. Former Cabinet Office minister Lord Maude was tasked last year with finding ways to improve government efficiency. His report, with the Cabinet Office, will also recommend giving ministers more say in the appointment of civil servants, the Times reports. It is expected to be published this autumn - potentially in a few weeks.
Ofcom online safety director suspended over anti-Israel posts // Ofcom's online safety supervision director has been suspended after anti-Israel comments were posted on her Instagram account. Fadzai Madzingira's private account posted messages after the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. The Guido Fawkes website posted screengrabs of what appear to be posts from her account. One described Israel as an "apartheid state". Ofcom confirmed the suspension, "pending further investigation".
Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith 'healing relationship' // Jada Pinkett Smith has said she and Will Smith are "working very hard" on their marriage after revealing last week that they separated in 2016. They have been living separately, she said, despite regularly appearing together. Pinkett Smith told NBC they were really concentrating on "healing the relationship". The couple made headlines last year when Will Smith stormed the stage at the Oscars and slapped host Chris Rock.
Gwyneth Paltrow says nepo baby label is an 'ugly moniker' // Gwyneth Paltrow has said calling someone a "nepo baby" is an "ugly moniker", and that children of famous people shouldn't be judged negatively. The term refers to suggestions of nepotism when a young person follows in their famous parents' footsteps. Paltrow herself falls into that category as the daughter of actress Blythe Danner and director Bruce Paltrow. The Oscar-winning star, who also runs wellness brand Goop, has two children with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Julia Fox: Actress says dating Kanye West had 'red flags' // Actress Julia Fox has said "there were definitely some red flags" in her relationship with Kanye West. The Uncut Gems star said she chose to "turn a blind eye" to concerns because the romance was new, before it became "unsustainable". Julia and the rapper, now known as Ye, ended the brief romance after dating for a month last year. The 33-year-old has been giving interviews to promote her memoir.
Wayne Rooney: Birmingham City boss calls salary rumours 'a load of rubbish' // New Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney has called rumours of his reported salary "a load of rubbish" as he prepares for his first game in charge. It has been reported that Rooney, who turns 38 next week, is earning £1.5m a year - three times as much as predecessor John Eustace. Rooney's first game for Blues is against ex-team-mate Michael Carrick and his Middlesbrough side on Saturday.
Cricket World Cup 2023: Ben Stokes set to return after injury for England against South Africa // Ben Stokes says he initially feared his hip injury would rule him out of the entire World Cup, but says he is now fit to face South Africa on Saturday. Stokes was injured in the gym five days before the tournament, ruling him out of England's first three matches. The 32-year-old said he heard a "pop" and feared he would not play at all in India but is expected to face the Proteas in a crucial match in Mumbai.
Bernie Ecclestone pleads guilty to fraud // Bernie Ecclestone, the former boss of Formula 1, has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to fraud. The 92-year-old did not declare more than £400m held in a trust in Singapore when asked by tax authorities in 2015. Ecclestone has agreed in a civil settlement to repay almost £653m to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), a court heard. He was sentenced to 17 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Dublin-based company says Belfast staff can work remotely // A Dublin-based company, which is investing more than £4m to develop an operation in Belfast, has said its staff will be able to work remotely. Digital mental health and wellbeing company Spectrum.Life is expected to create 60 jobs by the end of 2024. Half of the jobs are already in place, with 18 in Belfast. It provides health and wellbeing support to more than 3,000 companies in the corporate, insurance and student sectors across the UK and Ireland. The company's clients include Microsoft, PwC and Facebook.
Former Bank of China boss arrested on bribery charges // The former chairman of the Bank of China has been arrested over suspicions of bribery and giving illegal loans. Liu Liange, chairman of the state-owned bank from 2019 to 2023, had resigned from his position in March this year. Weeks later, authorities announced Mr Liu was facing corruption charges. The 62-year-old is one of the most senior bankers to be ensnared in President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption probe into China's $60 trillion (£49 trillion) financial sector.
New warrants given to force-fit prepayment meters // Warrants have been granted to allow the forcible fitting of prepayment meters for the first time in months following a scandal over the practice. A district judge has given Scottish Power permission to enter homes to fit meters after bills were unpaid. But nothing will happen until approval has been given by energy regulator Ofgem. No supplier has yet satisfied all the criteria required. Fitting was halted after agents broke into the homes of vulnerable people.