Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks has maintained her innocence after it was confirmed that she is to face charges over phone hacking in the UK.

Mark Oaten today threw his hat into the ring for the fight for the UK's Liberal Democrat leadership as he declared he would modernise the party and lead it to power.

Charles Kennedy’s former deputy Menzies Campbell was today clear favourite to succeed him as Liberal Democrat leader.

Charles Kennedy tonight confessed to a drink problem as he challenged his critics within the Liberal Democrat party to face him in a leadership battle.