The official at the heart of the partygate scandal is being lined up as a candidate to become ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sky News understands. Martin Reynolds is increasingly likely to take up the Riyadh position after leaving his role as one of Number 10's most senior officials in February. The Foreign Office recruitment process is underway, no formal appointment has been made and nothing has yet passed the prime minister's desk. However two sources told Sky News that he was ultimately expected to end up in the role. Politics hub: PM caught off-guard by question about sanction-busting private flight to Moscow Advertisement At the height of the first lockdown on 20 May 2020, Mr Reynolds sent an email inviting those at 10 Downing Street to "make the most of the lovely weather and have some socially distanced drinks" in the garden. Invitees were asked to "bring your own booze". More on Conservatives Conservative MP arrested over rape … [Read more...] about Martin Reynolds, the ‘BYOB’ partygate official, likely to become ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sky News understands
No 10 downing street
Australian PM takes down primary school kid in ‘Boris Johnson moment’
This is the incredible moment the Australian prime minister wiped out a tiny child on a football pitch. Taking inspiration from Boris Johnson , who ran over a Japanese child while London Mayor, Scott Morrison was caught on camera bulldozing through the boy during a ‘friendly’ game. Looking a bit enthusiastic, with his eyes firmly on the ball, he collided with Luca Fauvette and landed right on top of him. Morrison quickly rolled over and checked on the little boy, who did not suffer any injuries, before the pair exchanged awkward high-fives. ‘Where’s Luca?’ Morrison said after the game. ‘Hope he’s not in hospital! I look forward to coming back on another occasion.’ The PM then pledged $3.5million for Devonport FC’s new stadium and joked with parents about the clash. ‘I think that when that grandstand comes down, I hear it might need a bit of a bulldozer to knock it down, so I might be able to help with that,’ he said. Morrison has faced questions over his … [Read more...] about Australian PM takes down primary school kid in ‘Boris Johnson moment’
Kenneth Branagh remarkably uncanny as Boris Johnson in first look trailer for Covid drama This England
The first trailer has been released for Sir Kenneth Branagh ’s upcoming drama about Boris Johnson ’s leadership during the outbreak of the pandemic, and his impersonation is striking to say the least. Two years after the start of the pandemic, many of us would prefer not to watch a series that will remind us of a time when we had to lock down indoors, keep our distance from loved ones and only head outside for a law-abiding stretch of exercise. However, the new teaser for This England (previously titled This Sceptred Isle) might change some people’s minds, as Sir Kenneth completely disappears as he takes on the role of portraying the Prime Minister. In the first footage released for the show – which also stars Ophelia Lovebond as the politician’s wife Carrie Johnson and Andrew Buchan as former health secretary Matt Hancock – the camera takes viewers for a behind-the-scenes look at the inside of No 10 Downing Street. ‘A new dawn is breaking,’ a voiceover … [Read more...] about Kenneth Branagh remarkably uncanny as Boris Johnson in first look trailer for Covid drama This England
Kenneth Branagh is spitting image of Boris Johnson as he takes on Prime Minister role in new Sky drama
Sir Kenneth Branagh has completely transformed into Boris Johnson for his new role – and the photos from set prove that you can barely tell them apart. The thespian actor, 60, bore an absolutely uncanny likeness to the Prime Minister as he strolled through set with his head down, and a mop of blonde hair on his head. Thanks to prosthetics and make-up, Branagh was remarkably spot on with everything, even Johnson’s forward leaning walk. His new stolen look is all part of new drama This Sceptred Isle , which is currently filming in Worcestershire, recreating a real visit from Johnson back in March last year. The five-part series will track Johnson and the Government’s efforts during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, and how he led the country through the uncertain times. This will include the efforts surrounding the NHS, the daily news briefings held to maintain updates, and the successes as well as the failings to contain the virus. This Sceptred … [Read more...] about Kenneth Branagh is spitting image of Boris Johnson as he takes on Prime Minister role in new Sky drama
Kenneth Branagh transforms into Boris Johnson for new pandemic drama and it’s kind of terrifying
We have had some freakily accurate TV transformations in the past year, from Michael Sheen playing Chris Tarrant to Brendan Gleeson taking on Donald Trump . And it’s time to add Sir Kenneth Branagh playing Boris Johnson to that hall of fame. The first picture of Sir Kenneth playing the Prime Minister has been released, and we are seeing double. The 60-year-old actor stars in the upcoming Sky Original drama This Sceptred Isle, which is set to air next year. Sky TV tweeted the first look at Branagh’s transformation and wrote: ‘No, you’re not seeing things. That’s Kenneth Branagh as U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the first day of filming This Sceptred Isle. ‘This Sky Original drama will be coming to your TVs in Autumn 2022…’ The teaser has had mixed reaction, with many stunned by how little Sir Kenneth looks like… well, Sir Kenneth. One person tweeted: ‘I mean props to the make up department I cannot pull Branagh out of those prosthetics…’, while … [Read more...] about Kenneth Branagh transforms into Boris Johnson for new pandemic drama and it’s kind of terrifying
Stop the ‘hokey cokey’ and back windfall tax, Keir Starmer tells Boris Johnson
UK inflation hits 40-year high - live updates I can't afford to be in my job, says constable who collared Patel Ministers warm to windfall tax after polling finds it ‘wildly popular’ EU offers UK NI Protocol olive branch... but threatens trade war Russia-Ukraine latest: Mediators attempt to save Azovstal fighters S ir Keir Starmer has accused Boris Johnson of performing the "hokey cokey" over imposing a windfall tax on oil and gas giants to help tackle the cost of living crisis. The Labour leader said "one minute they are ruling it in, the next they are ruling it out" as he urged the Prime Minister to back the levy. Sir Keir also predicted that the Government will eventually be forced into rolling out the policy as he said "every single day he [Mr Johnson] delays his inevitable U-turn - he is going to do it - he is choosing to let people struggle when they don't need to". The Prime Minister repeated the Government's position that it does not … [Read more...] about Stop the ‘hokey cokey’ and back windfall tax, Keir Starmer tells Boris Johnson
Why do people still buy personalised number plates?
By Laura Francis Published 6 May 2013 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Last year the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency raised £67m from the sale of personalised number plates. But why do people still buy them? Lord Alan Sugar has one: AMS 1. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drove away from their wedding with one that read JU5T WED and broadcaster Chris Evans has several. But it's not only the rich and famous who buy personalised number plates. Despite the recent economic downturn, they are still big business. Personalised plates are regularly used in films and television series to hint that a character is a braggart or an egomaniac or just a bit desperate for attention. In the TV series The Persuaders, international playboy Brett Sinclair, 15th Earl of Marnock, drove an Aston Martin DBS with the number plate BS 1. In the 1964 Bond film Goldfinger, the villain … [Read more...] about Why do people still buy personalised number plates?
Brooklyn Subway Shooting: Person of interest named, $50K reward announced
Live Updates 16 people were shot at a subway station in Brooklyn, New York Tuesday morning, FDNY said. The main person of interest, at close of this blog, was 62-year-old Frank James. The incident happened at the 36th Street subway station in the Sunset Park neighborhood during rush hour. The suspect donned a gas mask and opened a gas canister inside the subway car as it pulled into the station. He then opened fire, striking people in the car and on the platform. The suspect is still at large, police say. Authorities wouldn't say if the suspect matched the identity of James, the person of interest. Investigators are working to determine a motive, but police said the incident is not being investigated as an act of terrorism at this time. Correction: 4/13/2022, 6:00 p.m ET: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that James was on an FBI watchlist before Tuesday's attack in Brooklyn. Newsweek's reporting on a person of interest in the investigation who was … [Read more...] about Brooklyn Subway Shooting: Person of interest named, $50K reward announced
‘Worse day of my life’ Our Father sibling recalls reaction to Dr Cline discovery
Our Father: Sibling recalls ‘worst day of my life’ Sign up for the big storylines FIRST , star interviews and exclusive access SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info The new Netflix documentary, Our Father, tells the story of Donald Cline, who secretly used his own sperm to impregnate numerous women without their consent. The documentary follows just a handful of the (at least) 94 biological children of Dr Cline and how it turned their world upside down. Siblings Jason Hyatt and Jacoba Ballard joined This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby to share their stories and how it impacted their life. Related articles Richard Madeley hits out he blames Brexit for UK economy Coronation Street … [Read more...] about ‘Worse day of my life’ Our Father sibling recalls reaction to Dr Cline discovery
Aussie PM does a Boris and sends a young child flying while playing football – then jokes he’s ‘a bit of a bulldozer’
Australian PM Scott Morrison accidentally bowled over a child during a soccer match today - echoing Boris Johnson doing the same during a rugby match seven years ago. Mr Morrison tackled the child while on a visit to Devonport Strikers Soccer Club in Tasmania today, with the PM deciding to join in a match while still in business dress. After the accident, he reprised his gag from days earlier about being 'a bit of a bulldozer' politically. Mr Morrison's actions echoed those of Boris Johnson, who sent a child sprawling on the floor after he bundled into him full force during a 2015 'friendly' game of street rugby in Japan while Mayor of London. The British Prime Minister 'flattened' the 10-year-old schoolboy as he attempted to show off his rugby skills during a visit to a mini turf pitch in Tokyo. Australian PM Scott Morrison accidentally knocked over a child during a football match - drawing comparisons between the Aussie leader and British PM Boris … [Read more...] about Aussie PM does a Boris and sends a young child flying while playing football – then jokes he’s ‘a bit of a bulldozer’