Theresa May faced claims that the British Government offered a "sweetheart deal" to a Tory-led council in order to scrap an embarrassing 15% tax hike.

Motorists caught driving while using their mobile phones have blamed “ranting” ex-wives, over-zealous bosses and even childbirth for their offending behaviour, according to police.

Up to 900 jobs will be axed at Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) after the company announced today it was immediately suspending all its doorsteps sales.

No legal action can be taken against the animal health laboratories at the centre of last summer’s foot and mouth outbreak, Surrey County Council in England said today.