Today’s political headlines includes Johnson defending his right to privacy, Hunt promising \u00a315bn defence spending, Labour MPs given a fortnight to decide if they want to stand again and financial reporting on Johnson’s proposed tax cuts.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Johnson defends right to privacy as donor demands explanation Hunt promises \u00a315bn defence spending Labour MPs given a fortnight to decide if they want to stand again Johnson tax cuts could cost \u00a320bn and would mostly benefit the rich Top jobs disproportionately held by private school pupils Ireland under pressure from other EU countries over no-deal Brexit plans May to make everyone eligible for sick pay Davies reselected despite recall petition
\n<\/strong>The Daily Telegraph<\/em>\u00a0says<\/a>\u00a0that Boris Johnson has defended his right to privacy saying that it was \u2018unfair\u2019 to drag his \u2018loved ones\u2019 into things, but has been accused of hypocrisy after photos of him holding hands with his girlfriend were passed to the press. He used a BBC interview last night to relaunch his campaign for the leadership and will attend a series of events in Surrey and South London today, after criticism from a number of sources including leading party donor John Griffin, who said that members \u2018deserve an explanation\u2019.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Times<\/em>\u00a0reports<\/a>\u00a0that Jeremy Hunt is to announce that he will increase defence spending by \u00a315bn if he becomes Prime Minister, ensuring that it reaches 2.5% of GDP in the next five years. However, he has not given a detailed explanation of how this will be funded. The money would be used to increase the UK\u2019s presence in the North Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions and to expand the UK\u2019s cyber-security defences.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Guardian<\/em>\u00a0reports<\/a>\u00a0that the Labour Party has given its MPs a fortnight to decide if they wish to stand again at the next general election. Following a rule change last year, those who wish to restand will need to secure the support of two-thirds of local branches and local trade union branches; if they don\u2019t, they can be challenged by other candidates.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The\u00a0Financial Times<\/em>\u00a0carries details<\/a>\u00a0of new analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which says that Boris Johnson\u2019s proposed tax cuts could cost up to \u00a320bn a year and would mostly benefit richer households. Tom Waters from the thinktank said it was \u2018not clear that spending such sums on tax cuts is compatible with both ending austerity in public spending and prudent management of the public finances\u2019.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Guardian<\/em>\u00a0says<\/a>\u00a0that a new study by the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Commission shows that members of the UK\u2019s elite, who hold top jobs in politics, the judiciary, the media and business are five times more likely to have attended a private school than the population as a whole. Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said that Labour would give \u2018every child the chance to flourish, not just a lucky few\u2019.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Daily Telegraph<\/em>\u00a0claims<\/a>\u00a0that Ireland is coming under pressure from six other EU countries, including France and Germany, to detail how it would manage a no-deal Brexit as they are concerned that this may now be unavoidable. The countries are said to fear that Ireland could pose a threat to the integrity of the single market.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Sun<\/em>\u00a0reports<\/a>\u00a0that Theresa May is to announce that sick pay will be extended to everyone. Companies that treat their staff well will be given a \u2018conditional rebate\u2019. The measure forms part of May\u2019s attempt to establish a legacy, with the Government also considering higher accessibility standards for new homes and increased support for disability benefit recipients.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The Times<\/em>\u00a0reports<\/a>\u00a0that the Conservatives have selected Chris Davies as their candidate for the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election, despite it having been caused by a recall petition triggered after he admitted submitting two false expenses invoices. He said that he was \u2018the right person\u2019, despite almost one in five constituents having backed the petition.<\/p>\n