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Diana ooac's exclusion follows expulsion of front-runner Clin Georgescu from race amid rising tension around pollRomania's electoral commission on Saturday excluded a second far-right hopeful, Diana ooac, from May's presidential election, amid rising tension in the run-up to the May rerun of the poll.Earlier in March, the electoral bureau barred Clin Georgescu, an independent who was polling at about 40% before the rerun election. Continue reading...

Sunday Times estimates the celebrity makeup artist, who founded her brand in 2013, has amassed 350m fortuneCharlotte Tilbury has topped a list of the top 30 richest beauty entrepreneurs in the UK.The entries on the Sunday Times's inaugural Beauty Rich List have built their wealth from a range of products and services including skincare, hair care, makeup, bath bombs and tanning shops. Continue reading...

Controversial plans to cut personal independence payments (Pip) may be shelved after a tense cabinet meeting and backlash from Labour MPsMinisters have left the door open to a humiliating U-turn on their highly contentious plans to cut benefits for disabled people, amid mounting uproar over the proposals across the Labour party.Both Downing Street and the Department for Work and Pensions did not deny they were about to backtrack on plans to impose a real-terms cut to the personal independence payment (Pip) for disabled people, including those who cannot work, by cancelling an inflation-linked rise due to come into force next spring. Continue reading...

Exclusive: MLC Stephen Lawrence tells party room government is putting state on slippery slope' to more punitive approach

The chanting you heard was not directed at you in any way,' inspector tells Sydney man who complained about neighbour's Christmas party in Glenmore Park

Prime minister tells a summit of 29 leaders that the Russian president cannot delay peace talks indefinitelyKeir Starmer accused Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet over agreeing to a ceasefire with Ukraine on Saturday as international pressure grew on the Russian president to enter talks.The prime minister said there was a limit to the length of time Putin could prevaricate, after he convened a virtual summit with 29 other international leaders who agreed to take plans for a peacekeeping force to an operational phase". Continue reading...

Farmers and bikers join students in climax to movement that Aleksandar Vui labels an imported revolution'A vast demonstration has been gathering in Belgrade, marking the climax of more than four months of student-led protests and the biggest challenge to President Aleksandar Vui in the 11 years of his increasingly autocratic rule.Vui stoked tensions in the run-up to yesterday's mass protest, suggesting there would be an attempt to overthrow him by force and calling it an imported revolution" with the involvement of western intelligence agencies, but he provided no evidence for the claims. The demonstrations against government corruption and incompetence have so far been overwhelmingly peaceful. Continue reading...

Militant group hardening its negotiating position in ceasefire talks amid new violence in territoryThe current fragile pause in hostilities in Gaza has come under further threat with Hamas hardening its negotiating positions amid new Israeli airstrikes in the devastated territory.The first phase of the ceasefire agreement ended two weeks ago but Israel is refusing to implement the scheduled second phase, which is supposed to end with its withdrawal from Gaza, the freedom of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, and a definitive end to the conflict. Continue reading...

This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereFew resonant phrases are repeated in politics without a deliberate reason, and Keir Starmer's use of coalition of the willing" could well have been intended as a reminder to the US diplomatic and defence community: we helped you out; now return the favour.The most famous, or infamous, coalition of the willing was the 30 nations who publicly gave at least some support to George W Bush's US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.Absolutely we are not against sending Italian troops to help a population, but I think at this moment probably there are no troops that are able to solve the problem in Ukraine.We can only send troops if there is a clear UN mandate and for now, this is impossible."I think it is too early and we have to wait for it. After a decision from UN headquarters, there is no problem for Italy, but now it's really, really too early for us." Continue reading...

US secretary of state accuses Ebrahim Rasool of being a race-baiting politician who hates America' and Donald TrumpThe US is expelling South Africa's ambassador to Washington, with the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, accusing the envoy of hating the US and Donald Trump.South Africa's ambassador to the United States is no longer welcome in our great country," Rubio posted on X on Friday. Continue reading...

The studio's latest remake may need more than a magic kiss to survive its entanglements with politics, sexism and CGI dwarf troubleFive years ago a $250m remake of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney's first full-length animated feature film, must have seemed like a fine idea to corporate executives, who were going all out on remaking the studio's dated classics into contemporary live-action movies.But the film - its title trimmed to Disney's Snow White, set to be released in cinemas this week - has turned into a massive headache for the studio. The press have barely been let near the remake's stars, Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian-Polish descent and plays Snow White, and Israeli actor Gal Gadot, playing the Evil Queen. And there are no dwarves. Continue reading...

Miriana Conte retitles song and removes reference to kant after complaint about similarity to swearwordA Eurovision contestant has reworked her song after a word in the lyrics sounded like an English swearword.Miriana Conte's song was originally titled Kant, the Maltese word for singing. Continue reading...

With regular teaching hours unavailable, agency tutors must compete for lessonsThe British Council has been accused of exploiting hundreds of agency teachers on zero-hour contracts forced to compete for lessons in a feeding frenzy" every week.An open letter from teaching staff reveals the prestigious government-funded public body does not offer regular hours to tutors on its popular English Online platform, which provides lessons to more than 45,000 students worldwide. Continue reading...

Voters reflect on their priorities and mood shifts in their communities before a crucial contestWhen the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, resigned in early January, after months of pressure to quit, the approval ratings of the progressive firebrand had dropped from their peak of 65% in September 2016 to 22%.At the end of last year, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, described by many as Trump Lite", was the clear favourite to win Canada's next general election, and the top pick of 45% of Canadians for prime minister. At the time, the three biggest issues for voters were all economic: reducing the cost of everyday items, inflation and interest rates, and access to affordable housing. Continue reading...

Four of five charged with murder of Joanne Penney, 40, at block of flats in Talbot GreenFive people have been charged after a 40-year-old woman was shot dead in south Wales last week.Joanne Penney died at a block of flats in Talbot Green, near Pontyclun, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, on Sunday. Continue reading...

Uncollected food waste poses public health danger' as 400 workers take indefinite action over pay and conditionsA bin collection strike in Birmingham could lead to rats thriving on a banquet" of food waste and pose a public health danger, pest controllers have said.About 400 council bin workers in Birmingham began an indefinite strike on Tuesday as part of a dispute over pay and conditions. Continue reading...

Labour won the seat last year with more than 50% of votes - now polls suggest it will just hang on or lose to Reform UKOn a weekday morning, an advertising van is weaving its way through the narrow streets of Runcorn town centre. On the side is a black and white picture of Nigel Farage with a quote from the Reform UK leader: We are going to have to move to an insurance-based system of healthcare."The starting gun has been fired in the byelection that has been on the horizon since the sitting MP Mike Amesbury announced his intention to resign, and which could prove a huge test for Keir Starmer's government. Continue reading...

Former shadow chancellor also says he is surprised at how poorly government has handled lead-up to policy changes

Over 1,000 people - including 745 civilians - were killed in attacks last week that mostly targeted Alawite minoritySipping tea on an unusually warm February afternoon on his veranda that overlooked the small Alawite village of Arza, north-west Syria, Mohammed Abdullah al-Ismaili said he trusted the new Syrian authorities to keep him safe.We believe what [interim Syrian president Ahmed] al-Sharaa says, but the problem is these unknown groups," the 62-year-old official in Arza's municipality told the Guardian on 4 February, four days after a group of masked men raided the village at night and killed eight men on their knees. The government says the killings are individual cases, it seems like they are unable to control the cases." Continue reading...

Change affecting up to 300,000 people does not mean they will pay less tax and may not happen, in theory, until 2029Up to 300,000 people with side hustles ranging from selling clothes online to dog walking are to be freed from the chore of having to do a self-assessment tax return.The government said this week it wanted to make it easier for Britons to make the very most of their entrepreneurial spirit". Continue reading...

Andrew Sheridan is one of a number of chefs who say complaints and threats have severed the trust between restaurants and customersRestaurant owners are abandoning the age-old customer is always right" maxim because too many diners try to get freebies through threats, making malicious complaints and underhand tricks.Andrew Sheridan, cited as one of the finest chefs north Wales has ever produced", said he was tired of customers trying it on". Continue reading...

Resources minister says she is sad' the US did not embrace a more reliable supply of minerals for renewable energy and battery technologies

This liveblog is closed. Further coverage of the war in Ukraine can be found hereGermany is close to unlocking the way to a massive increase in state borrowing and reforming the constitutional debt break as three major parties are reportedly about to reach an agreement on the proposed changes.The controversial proposal is a key part of the presumed next chancellor Friedrich Merz's plan for Germany. Continue reading...

Adelaide set for high of 39C and Melbourne 36C on Saturday, while Sydney expects 37C on Sunday, bureau forecasts Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSydney, Melbourne and Adelaide will bake this weekend as temperatures across the south-east cities are forecast to climb into the high 30s.On Saturday, Adelaide could reach a high of 39C and Melbourne 36C, the Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said. Sydney is forecast to reach a high of 32C, with moderate fire danger.Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Continue reading...

UK PM to host virtual meeting of coalition of the willing' nations who have agreed to help enforce peaceKeir Starmer has warned that Vladimir Putin cannot be allowed to play games" with the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine, as he prepared to present proposals for a peace deal to a coalition of about 25 world leaders.The UK prime minister will host a meeting on Saturday of the coalition of the willing", a group of nations that have agreed to help keep the peace in Ukraine. He will seek to pile pressure on the Russian president to finally come to the table" and stop the barbaric attacks on Ukraine" after Kyiv agreed this week to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Continue reading...

Syed, convicted of 1999 murder and jailed for life, maintains innocence in long-running case of legal twists and turnsA Maryland judge has formally sentenced Adnan Syed to the time he has already served in prison, appearing to finally bring to a close a long-running case with numerous legal twists and turns that received worldwide attention from the true-crime podcast Serial.Judge Jennifer Schiffer had already decided that Syed would remain free in a recent written ruling, even though his conviction in the murder of his ex-girlfriend in 1999 when they were in high school still stands. Continue reading...

PM has been urged to get a grip' on messaging after railing against the flabby' state and the civil service's tepid bath'Keir Starmer has been warned against adopting the language of Elon Musk after railing against blockers and checkers" and the flabby" civil service this week.Gus O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, was one of those urging the prime minister to get a grip" on his messaging, telling the Institute for Government podcast: My God, he has mishandled the communications on this terribly." Continue reading...

Loss of staff will be at least twice as big as thought, as new NHS England chief tells regional boards to cut costs by 50%The jobs cull from the government's radical restructuring of the NHS will be at least twice as big as previously thought, with other parts of the health service now being downsized too.The staff shakeout caused by NHS England's abolition and unprecedented cost-cutting elsewhere will mean the number of lost posts will soar from the 10,000 expected to between 20,000 and 30,000. Continue reading...

Putin responds to Trump's appeal to save surrounded' Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk though there is no evidence of encirclement

Louise Dylan speaks at Clarke's libel case against Guardian about wrap party for 2012 film The KnotAn actor who was said to have been groped by Noel Clarke has told the high court that the incident never happened.In a witness statement for Guardian News and Media (GNM), which is being sued for libel by Clarke, his former creative partner Davie Fairbanks said he saw the former Doctor Who star inappropriately touch Louise Dylan at the wrap party for the 2012 film, The Knot. Continue reading...

Campaigners welcome decision saying Home Office acted unlawfullyDowning Street has declined to comment on claims that half the cabinet would like Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, to rethink the proposed cuts to disability benefits. (See 9.23am.)Asked about the report at the Downing Street lobby briefing, the No 10 spokesperson would not comment on what happened at cabinet this week - which is in line with normal procedure.Left as it is, the system we've inherited would swallow more taxpayers' money and leave more people trapped in a life of unemployment and inactivity.That's not just bad for the economy, it's bad for people too, and that's why this government will set out plans to overhaul the health and disability benefits system shortly, so it supports those who can work to do so, whilst protecting those who can't, to put welfare spending on a more sustainable path so that we can unlock growth.You know that so much of the damage caused by smartphones and social media takes place outside the school gates.But you know, we all know, that phones are distracting, disruptive and bad for behaviour. Continue reading...

Manchester Art Gallery exhibition features dress inspired by outfit worn by abolitionist Sarah Parker RemondFor nearly 160 years, the blue plaque has marked sites of historic importance. Now one English institution has found its own way of signifying a flagship moment while interrogating its past - a blue dress.The new artwork, at Manchester Art Gallery, commemorates the occasion when the African American abolitionist Sarah Parker Remond made a speech on the site in 1859. Continue reading...

Losing the territory strips Ukraine of one of its few solid bargaining chips in possible peace negotiations

National Fraud Initiative report for Cabinet Office identified Defra employee also being paid by DHSC for full-time roleA civil servant held multiple full-time jobs at different government departments at the same time, according to a Cabinet Office investigation.A report by the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) - a data-matching exercise carried out every two years by the Cabinet Office that helps prevent and detect fraud - made the discovery in 2022-23 when looking at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Continue reading...

Supermarket chain's sales drop 1% to 21.7bn despite food price inflation of 3% for most of 2024

Clacton MP did not declare 100 days in 2024 of help with political engagements and travel in US, filings showThe MPs' standards watchdog has been asked to investigate whether Nigel Farage should have declared regular free support given to him by a US PR adviser who is now a Donald Trump official.US filings show that Capital HQ, run by Alexandra Preate, helped Farage on more than 100 days in 2024 with organising speaking engagements, media appearances, political activities and travel in the US. Continue reading...

More than 200mm of rain fell in 24 hours, destroying 900 homes and leaving 40,000 people without powerCyclone Jude was the third cyclone to hit Mozambique this season. First spotted as a depression last Friday to the south-west of the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, it intensified over the next few days to a moderate tropical storm, affecting northern Madagascar on Saturday and killing at least one person.Jude strengthened into a tropical cyclone as it tracked westwards over the Mozambique Channel, where sea surface temperatures of close to 30C provided the heat and moisture necessary to fuel the cyclone. Continue reading...

Flamstead residents - tall men, in particular - are under attack from a Harris's hawk which has gone on rampage in recent weeksWhen Michael Hart went for his morning run in rural Hertfordshire last week, he did not expect to be attacked. I felt something come at me from behind," said the 31-year-old, who works in IT.The perpetrator has quietly stalked the streets of Flamstead for months but in the past fortnight has gone on a rampage, having bumped and slashed more than 20 men, including Hart. A hunt for the serial attacker is under way. Continue reading...

The accused human trafficker flew home' from detention in Romania only to be greeted by a state criminal investigation

The blockage - thought to be the state's biggest ever - was discovered at a wastewater facility during routine maintenanceGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe biggest ever fatberg found in Western Australia has been pulled from a sewer, weighing in at 30,000kg.Fatbergs are made up of material that cannot dissolve in water - such as oil, grease and wet wipes flushed down sinks and toilets - which then pile up and stick together. Continue reading...

Delay in removing hereditaries from Lords illustrates how hard it will be to push through more significant changesThe only solid measure that Keir Starmer's government has introduced to change the House of Lords is on its way to becoming law, but not without last-ditch resistance.Labour's manifesto promise to remove members of the House of Lords who vote in parliament's second chamber by birthright was the most straightforward change. The limited measure, an overdue completion of the removal of hereditary peers that began 26 years ago, is a further illustration of the constitutional difficulties of reforming parliament's second chamber. Continue reading...

Lai Ching-te's speech - which included a proposal to set up military courts - prompted an angry reaction from Beijing, which called him a creator of crisis'Taiwan's new president has formally labelled China a foreign hostile force" and ramped up national security measures in the face of growing threats and a string of spying cases.The new measures announced on Thursday include a controversial proposal to restore a military court system in Taiwan, which was under martial law until the late 1980s. Continue reading...

Three other charges of attempting to disclose protected information about the Australian Taxation Office's collection practices remain

Former Labor minister says Australia should consider applying its own tariffs in retaliation against those placed on steel and aluminium

More than 400 guests staying in tower when fire began, which one nearby resident says started after explosion

Five-year transition period declared along with rights for women, freedom of expression and justice for Assad victimsSyria's leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has hailed the start of a new history" for his country, after signing into force a constitutional declaration regulating its five-year transitional period and laying out rights for women and freedom of expression.The declaration comes three months after Islamist-led rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad's repressive government, leading to calls for an inclusive new Syria that respects rights. Continue reading...

Officers say they have widened investigations despite questions over nurse's convictions for killing babiesPolice investigating the hospital where the nurse Lucy Letby worked have widened their inquiries to include gross negligence manslaughter by senior staff.Cheshire constabulary says it has expanded its inquiry into the Countess of Chester hospital despite growing questions around Letby's convictions. Continue reading...

Farmers sweat as they await word on whether Donald Trump will extend tariffs to $6.2bn in meat exports

Independents and legal experts say Labor and the Coalition's team-up to ram laws through parliament' was rushed, lacked transparency and was bad politicking'