Dubbed the Minister for Hugs and Drugs, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin’s radical ideas regarding heroin and cocaine will not get a warm embrace from everyone.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg shook hands on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street today before getting down to the business of running the country.

Former British home secretary Alan Johnson today ruled himself out as a contender for the Labour leadership, announcing he will back David Miliband in the upcoming contest to succeed Gordon Brown.

GORDON Brown last night announced he will resign as Labour leader – but offered to stay on as Prime Minister in a potential power-sharing government with the Liberal Democrats until his party has chosen a successor.

Negotiators for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will meet today for a crunch meeting to spell out their demands for a deal which could see the parties form a coalition government in Britain.