UK News: New parental leave plan awaits delivery

MINISTERS are to consult on a new system of parental leave, to allow mothers and fathers more flexibility to share time off.

Nick Clegg was today set to confirm that the government is pressing ahead with measures to allow fathers to take up any remaining unpaid maternity leave.

Cameron clear on reform

David Cameron will today use a high-profile speech to make clear his determination to force through rapid modernisation of Britain's public services during 2011.

Mr Cameron will say that he wants "the complete modernisation of our public services" to be one of the legacies of his government.

Campbell admits part in Brown 'flaws' claim

ALASTAIR Campbell today revealed his part in the claim that Gordon Brown had "psychological flaws", which played a big part in souring relations between the then chancellor and Tony Blair.

In an extract from his diaries, Power and the People, he revealed that Mr Blair said the observation was serious because of the "brutal truth" it told about Mr Brown.

The former Downing Street director of communications has long been suspected of being the anonymous source.

Interest woes over debt

HOUSEHOLDS will need to find an extra 1800 a year by 2015 just to pay the interest on their unsecured debt as rates rise, a report suggested today. Interest rates on credit cards and loans are expected to rise by between two and three per cent in the next three years, meaning the average household will have to find an extra 1800 just to continue servicing their credit card and loan debt according to PwC.

Rivas gets her skates off

MODEL Elen Rivas and former Neighbours actor Craig McLachlan have skated off this year's Dancing on Ice competition.

The pair did not win enough votes from the audience to proceed to the final 12 selected to take part in the ITV show.

Oldham: The Conservative Party fought a "gentle" campaign in the first by-election test for the coalition, according to Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles. The Tories finished a distant third in the Oldham East and Saddleworth contest won by Labour, with some in the party claiming the leadership avoided a more robust campaign to bolster support for the Liberal Democrat candidate.

Southampton: Residents were asked to be on the look-out for two pot-bellied pigs after they escaped from a farm. There were several sightings of the pair loose in Southampton.