Nigel Farage rejected new claims from former classmates that he used racist language at school, calling them vindictive. He attacked broadcasters and the Guardian over coverage as his party slips in polls, bringing renewed scrutiny of his conduct and leadership.

The police watchdog has closed its 14‑year Hillsborough investigation, ruling no officers will face discipline. It found serious failings and efforts to shift blame, but cases were time‑barred or individuals had retired or died. Families condemned the outcome as a bitter injustice.

OBR chair Richard Hughes has resigned after an inquiry found the watchdog mishandled sensitive data, leading to the early release of a budget document. Accepting responsibility, he stepped down as scrutiny grows over protections for fiscal information and the government’s handling of the episode.