Downing Street has been forced to fend off claims that David Cameron participated in a bizarre student initiation ritual as a simmering row with a major Tory party donor erupted into the open.

Ireland’s famous Blarney Stone, renowned for giving those who kiss it the gift of the gab, may in fact be nothing but Blarney.

A baronet will be bidding to buy back the contents of his own home when they are auctioned by his wealthy mother today.