New Statesman investigates how rival Spectator obtained interview tape

Spectator cover story quotes from recording of interview with government adviser

A dirty tricks row has broken out between two leading political magazines over how one of them came into possession of a recording of the other’s interview with a government adviser who was later sacked.

The New Statesman is investigating how its arch-rival the Spectator obtained the recording of its interview with Roger Scruton. Scruton was removed from his job advising the government on housebuilding standards within hours of the New Statesman’s article based on the interview appearing online this month.

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The White House is refusing to have adviser Stephen Miller testify before Congress on immigration policy. White House counsel Pat Cipollone wrote to Oversight committee chair Elijah Cummings Thursday and said that Miller would not appear, Fox News reports. He said a cabinet member could testify instead.

WH Counsel Pat Cipollone writes to Oversight Chairman Cummings. Says Stephen Miller will not testify on immigration policy. Says cabinet official could do so instead

Dead crows left at Chris Packham's home in row over killing 'pest' birds

BBC Springwatch presenter backed removal of licences to shoot crows and woodpigeons

Dead crows have been strung up outside the home of the broadcaster and wildlife campaigner Chris Packham after he backed a legal challenge which led to the revocation of licences to kill “pest” birds.

The BBC Springwatch presenter published an image of the incident, which he said also involved damage to the gate of his New Forest home. Packham tweeted that his lawyers and Hampshire police had also been contacted.

Huawei leak highlights collapse of discipline in May's cabinet

Briefing from private meetings is rife as Tory leadership hopefuls jostle for position

Leaks from deep within Theresa May’s bitterly divided administration have become widespread and common: as one despairing official remarked recently, “this government is a sieve”.

But the revelation of the highly sensitive news that ministers have decided to set aside cybersecurity concerns and involve the Chinese firm Huawei in the creation of Britain’s 5G network is regarded by many as a leak too far.

Tory candidates suspended over racist and inflammatory posts

Candidates were among 40 new self-professed Tory members who shared or ‘liked’ racist or Islamophobic Facebook posts

Two Conservative local election candidates and a woman honoured with an MBE are among 40 new self-professed Tory members who have shared or endorsed racist and inflammatory Facebook posts including Islamophobic material, the Guardian has learned.

The torrent of racist posts include references to Muslims as “bin bag wearing individuals”, calls for the “cult” of Islam to be banned and the Qur’an being branded an “evil book”.