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Olympic Park named after the Queen

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Image The Olympic Park is to be called the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London mayor Boris Johnson has announced. The 500-acre site in Stratford, east London, where the 2012 Games will be staged will include the showpiece Olympic Stadium, plus about four miles of waterways, extensive parkland and facilities left from the Games, including a velodrome and a new landmark of the Anish Kapoor's Orbit viewing platform and sculpture. Mr Johnson said: "These things will make the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park an astounding and an interesting place to visit." The new name will come into effect when the Park reopens in 2013 after the Games and has already received permission from the Queen, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Baroness Ford, chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) which is in charge of deciding the future of the venue, said: "The strength of the values, heritage and power of the royal and Olympic associations fit with our ambition for the Park. "We are creating a new piece of London with family neighbourhoods, open space and events, inspired by the 2012 venues that surround them. "It will bring together the best of London in one place and will be one of the United Kingdom's premier visitor attractions." Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "It is a great honour that Her Majesty The Queen has given her consent to the name the park the Queen Elizabeth Park after the Games. "Her Majesty has been supportive of London 2012 from the start and the event taking place in her Diamond Jubilee year, it is fitting that the park bears her name."

House prices 'likely to fall again'

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Image Fears over the property market have intensified after figures showed the average price of a UK property slumped more than £6,000 last month. Experts warned there were likely to be more declines to come after September's 3.6% price fall, which was the biggest drop since Halifax first began compiling figures in 1983. Halifax said prices were forced down by an increase in the number of properties on the market, combined with a drop in demand fuelled by uncertainty over the economy. The fall wiped more than £6,000 off the average price of a UK house, at £162,096 last month. The lender played down the significance of the drop, stressing it was too early to conclude that it represents the beginning of a sustained period of declining house prices. But the figures sent shockwaves through the industry. Shares in housebuilders, such as Barratt Developments, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey, and lenders including Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland, were all down after the figures were released. Paul Diggle, property expert at Capital Economics, said: "The hefty drop in the Halifax measure of house prices adds weight to the view that house price weakness is far from over." Meanwhile, the Bank of England kept interest rates at their historic low of 0.5% amid gathering clouds over the UK economic recovery. Policymakers also resisted calls to pump more cash into the economy as fears grow over the impact of the Government's looming spending cuts. But the decision is thought to disguise a three-way split emerging within the Bank's nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee as rate-setters are torn between moves to tackle high inflation and support the economy.

'Legal highs' chosen over cocaine

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Image Young adults are turning to so-called legal highs as they seek alternatives to poor-quality cocaine on the streets, a report has said. The number of 18 to 24-year-olds being treated for addiction in 2009-10 fell sharply for every drug except cannabis as young adults turned away from class A drugs, the NHS's National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA) said. But it warned there was "evidence that legal highs have emerged as an alternative to low-quality cocaine". "Despite this apparent step away from the most harmful street drugs, there is some evidence of a corresponding move towards new synthetic compounds (sometimes known as legal highs) such as mephedrone," the NTA drug treatment report said. "The nature of the legal highs market means that new substances are continually emerging, bringing with them renewed concerns about their actual chemical composition and the potential harmful effects. "Treatment data suggests few people so far have needed help for these new drugs. It could take some time for those using legal highs to develop problems that would call for formal treatment. "So it's too early to tell if there is an emerging treatment need, although reports from A&E units suggest these new drugs do cause significant harm." Peter Kelsey, the team leader for Lifeline Redcar and Cleveland, which aims to relieve poverty, sickness and distress among drug addicts, said: "People hear the word legal and they think safe. Yet it's anything but. "We're seeing a big rise in people coming to us because of legal highs, which we think may be down to the poor quality and price of coke and the legal aspect." Mephedrone - also known as Meow, Bubbles and M-Cat - was banned and made a class B drug in April after it was linked to the deaths of two teenagers, Louis Wainwright, 18, and Nicholas Smith, 19. Toxicology reports later showed the pair had not taken the drug.

£112m Euromillions prize for winner

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Image A single ticket-holder could win the biggest jackpot seen in the UK in Friday's EuroMillions draw. The estimated £112 million prize trumps the record £84.4 million scooped in May by a single winner, who remains anonymous, after last week's jackpot rollover. Ten Britons have won EuroMillions jackpots totalling £347 million since June last year. Analysis by the National Lottery has revealed that potential winners increase their chances by being called John or Margaret, working in the construction industry and living in the Medway postcode. A National Lottery spokesman said: "Before changing your name, moving to Maidstone and starting a building firm, do remember that lottery luck can strike anywhere. "The £112 million jackpot is more than enough to transform your life and the lives of your friends and family. Huge jackpots like these really capture the imagination of players but don't forget that in addition to the chance to scoop a life-changing sum, more people playing EuroMillions means more money raised for Good Causes all over the UK." A £112 million win would place the ticket-holder in the league of Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb (£110 million), Phil Collins (£108 million), Rod Stewart (£105 million) and David Bowie (£100 million). The prize will roll on to the following Friday draw if no one matches all five main numbers and two Lucky Star numbers.

Unions angry at pension reform plan

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Image Battle lines are being drawn between the Government and millions of public sector workers after an official report paved the way for sweeping pensions changes to tackle a massive black hole in the system. Former Labour Cabinet minister Lord Hutton said long-term structural reform was needed, including an end to the current final salary schemes, increases in employee contributions and later retirements. Unions reacted with anger, saying the recommendations meant that millions of employees would have to "work longer, pay more and get less". Workers were already facing a pay freeze and job cuts so the latest "assault" on their conditions would be challenged "robustly", said officials. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "Public sector workers are already facing job cuts, a pay freeze and increased workloads as they are expected to do more with less. At a time when inflation is breaking targets and pay is already frozen, asking people to pay immediate increased contributions adds up to a significant pay cut." Meanwhile, Labour leader Ed Miliband warned the trade unions that he would not support a wave of public sector strikes over changes to pensions. Mr Miliband said that industrial action would alienate the wider public and undermine their efforts to fight other spending cuts. His comments angered many union officials, who pointed out that they were not threatening strikes over pensions. Lord Hutton will publish his final report next Spring, ahead of the 2011 Budget, although unions are braced for more "bad news" during the comprehensive spending review later this month. He made it clear he favoured increased contributions by public sector workers to make schemes more affordable and said it was "unfair" that employees could retire at 60 now whereas their children would have to work until they were 65. "I feel very uncomfortable at retiring at 60 while my children will have to retire at 65. I don't think that's fair," he said. "There is a general principle - it is unsustainable to remain wedded to this idea that you can still retire at 60. We are all living much longer in retirement. We expect to live to 88 or longer." Lord Hutton, a former Work and Pensions Secretary in the last Labour government, said public sector workers would be spending 40% of their life in retirement. "My real focus has been on long-term reforms. We have under-estimated the cost of providing the current range of public sector pensions for years."

'1,500 job losses' at nuclear site

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Image More than 1,500 jobs are set to be lost at a nuclear site because of cuts in spending, a leading union has claimed. The GMB said around 570 workers at Sellafield in Cumbria will be made voluntarily redundant between now and the end of the year, 300 agency staff will be laid off and 650 vacancies will not be filled. The union also raised fears that more jobs could be axed after the Government's comprehensive spending review later this month. Officials said the job losses will impact on all grades including operating staff, administrative workers, professional and technical staff and management posts, reducing the total number of workers to around 9,000. Regional officer Steve Gibbons said: "GMB's fears on job losses at Sellafield have now come to pass with these 1,500 job losses. Spending cuts have led to the scope of work to be done being reduced and has given rise to these job losses. "These job losses are short-sighted as the work will still need to be done, probably at higher costs later. West Cumbria will also be badly hit by the loss of these much-needed jobs. People are asking, is this the end for job losses or just the start as we await the Government statement on spending." Meanwhile, London Underground (LU) is to axe 400 office and management jobs and leave a similar number of vacancies unfilled, it was announced. The news was condemned by unions embroiled in a bitter dispute over the loss of 800 ticket office jobs, which has led to a series of Tube strikes and could lead to more disruption next month. LU said it was reviewing all non-frontline services to make sure it becomes more efficient. Bob Crow, general secretary of the Rail Maritime and Transport union, described the latest job cuts as "savagery", adding: "This underlines the deepening crisis LU is in."

Government urged to scale back cuts

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Image The Government is under pressure from the UK's three devolved administrations to scale back on its planned spending cuts. A joint statement from the administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales said Chancellor George Osborne's October 20 Spending Review could endanger economic recovery. They appealed for central government to reduce its plan to cut billions from the devolved budgets over the next four years, while also recommending it implement the savings over a longer period. The statement said: "There is now less than a fortnight until the publication of the UK's Comprehensive Spending Review and the Scottish Government, Northern Ireland Executive and Welsh Assembly Government wait with considerable apprehension to learn of the consequences for our respective budgets. "While we recognise that a credible budget strategy is vital in returning the public finances to a sustainable footing and maintaining the confidence of the wider community including the financial markets, it is essential that we do not put the recovery at risk. "We are concerned however that the UK Government's spending plans may do just that."

Ex-boyfriend admits murdering nurse

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Image A paramedic has admitted stabbing his nurse ex-girlfriend to death when he attacked her in a hospital car park. Jonathan Vass, 30, knifed Jane Clough, 26, as she returned to her car following a shift at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. She was taken to the accident and emergency unit where she worked just 100 yards away as her colleagues battled in vain to save her. Vass, of Conway Drive, Preston, pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to murdering Miss Clough, of Barrowford, Lancashire, in July.

Police sued by bullied woman family

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Image The family of a woman who killed herself and her disabled daughter after years of abuse from a teenage gang is suing the police and local authorities. Fiona Pilkington, 38, torched her Austin Maestro car at a lay-by near her home in Barwell, Leicestershire, while she and 18-year-old Francecca Hardwick sat inside. Their deaths, in October 2007, followed 10 years of torment at the hands of yobs who taunted them and pelted their property with stones, eggs and flour. In the subsequent inquest, Leicestershire Police were slammed for failing to properly respond to dozens of pleas from the family to intervene. Jurors also held Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to account for giving inadequate help to the family and not sharing information. All three authorities have now been named as defendants in a writ lodged at the High Court in London on behalf of Ms Pilkington's mother, Pam Cassell, and son, Anthony Hardwick. Mr Hardwick, who is severely dyslexic, was also tormented by gang members - some of whom were as young as 10. At one point he was marched to a shed at knifepoint and locked in by his tormentors. More than 30 calls to the police were made about the family's suffering but the case was treated as a low priority. A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police has said that they were "aware of a writ being issued" but said any further comment would be "inappropriate". Likewise Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council said they were aware of legal proceedings.

Bruce 'distress' over harassment

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Image A mentally ill viewer who harassed BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce by sending flowers and cards signed "your kingfisher and loving husband" has been detained in hospital under mental health legislation. Australian-born Peter Oakey, 51, of Brentwood, Essex, sent more than 20 cards to the BBC, referring to the 46-year-old television presenter as "my beautiful firebird" and writing "I love you Fiona", Basildon Crown Court was told. The presenter made a statement saying Oakey's behaviour left her "upset, disturbed and distressed", the court heard. Prosecutors said Oakey admitted breaching a restraining order imposed after he admitted harassment. Judge John Lodge made a hospital order after being told how psychiatrists had concluded that Oakey had a mental illness known as "persistent delusional disorder". The judge said he was satisfied Oakey was suffering from a mental disorder and satisfied that the nature and degree of the illness made compulsory hospital treatment appropriate. Doctors felt that Oakey had "delusions of passion" and believed Miss Bruce loved him and he loved her, the judge was told. Maria Dineen, for Oakey, told the court that the label stalker was "rather inappropriate". She said Oakey had never expressed any desire to harm Miss Bruce, never attempted to meet her, asked to meet her or followed her. Prosecutors said Oakey had a history of "conduct of a similar nature", dating back to 2002. He had previously appeared in court after writing "offensive" messages to a number of shops - including Boots and Sainsbury's - a church, a hospital and a doctor's surgery, the judge was told.

Shotgun barrister 'lawfully killed'

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Image Police marksmen acted lawfully when they shot dead an alcoholic barrister brandishing a shotgun but their operation was marred with tactical blunders, an inquest jury has ruled. Four Scotland Yard firearms officers were fully justified in opening fire as the high-flying family law specialist drunkenly levelled his 12-bore game shooting gun at them. Their fatal shots to the head, heart and liver of the 32-year-old brought an extraordinary armed siege and hours of fraught negotiations at his £2.2 million home in Markham Square, Chelsea, to a tragic end. But a Westminster Coroner's Court jury said officers should have given more thought to using his wife, Elizabeth, or close friend Michael Bradley, to diffuse the stand-off at an early stage. They highlighted confusion among senior police ranks over who was responsible for 59 firearms officers armed with 109 weapons and said not enough weight was given to the fact Mr Saunders was clearly drunk, depressed and vulnerable. The jury added, however, that none of these shortcomings contributed to Mr Saunders' death on May 6 2008, and that it could not be proved the barrister was trying to commit suicide by cop. Police may have escaped further criticism after one juror asked if it would be possible to voice further "misgivings" about their handling of events, but was not given the opportunity. Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said he would write to the Metropolitan Police and Justice Secretary Ken Clarke to highlight lessons commanders could learn, particularly over how they structure senior ranks. In a legal ruling that can now be revealed, Dr Knapman said there was "insufficient evidence" to prove unlawful killing to a criminal standard and did not give the jury this option. The Crown Prosecution Service will now review the circumstances of Mr Saunders' death to see if significant new evidence emerged during the inquest and whether charges could be brought. Although it is almost certain no firearms officer could face prosecution, legal experts may examine whether the mistakes of their colleagues could be considered as negligence, misconduct or breaches of health and safety laws.

Rare Roman helmet sells for £2.3m

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Image A Roman helmet unearthed in a Cumbrian field by a metal detector enthusiast has sold for £2.3 million - almost eight times the estimated price. But the colossal price caused disappointment for a Carlisle museum which has spent weeks frantically trying to raise funds to ensure the "exceptional" artefact remains in the UK for public display. The Crosby Garrett Helmet, named after the village near which it was found, sold for £2,281,250 at Christie's South Kensington. It was bought by an anonymous bidder and it is unclear what will now happen to the bronze discovery, although it will have made its unnamed finder very wealthy. The buyer may plan to keep it in a private collection or even apply to take it overseas, although such a move could cause the Government to step in and impose an export bar. This would allow time to try to match price and retain it within the UK. Six bidders were in the running at the London sale, pushing the price steeply from its original £200,000-£300,000 estimate past the £2 million mark. The helmet - one of only three such items to be found - is almost 2,000 years old and was bought anonymously. It was found in May 2010 and is thought to date from the late 1st to 2nd century AD. It would have been used for show in a sporting event rather than protection in combat. The helmet was billed by experts as "an extraordinary example of Roman metalwork at its zenith". Thwarted bidders included Tullie House in Carlisle which has been frantically fundraising in the past few weeks to buy the helmet. It had already secured £1 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and a further award from the Art Fund.

GPs 'sceptical of NHS overhaul bid'

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Image Most GPs are sceptical that the Government's planned overhaul of the NHS will actually benefit patients, a poll suggests. The BBC survey of 827 doctors found fewer than one in four think putting GPs in charge of the health service budget will lead to improvements. Just 23% said the reforms would benefit patients, with 45% saying they would not and 32% expressing no opinion. Meanwhile, just 25% of doctors said they would be willing to take on the extra responsibility of planning and buying in services, with 57% saying they would not do it and 18% expressing no opinion. GPs also expressed doubts about becoming so closely involved in commissioning in specialist areas such as cancer and paediatrics. The poll comes as Health Secretary Andrew Lansley faces mounting criticism over his shake-up of the NHS. Under the plans, groups of GPs will control the NHS budget and commission services from 2013. NHS trusts, which manage the cash at the moment, will be abolished. The survey, carried out online between September 23 and 30, found most GPs do not believe they are well prepared to take charge of commissioning in several key areas. These include cancer, emergency hospital care, mental health and paediatrics. Seven out of 10 also said the planned changes would lead to the private sector taking on a bigger role in the NHS. Mr Lansley said: "The survey is deeply flawed. It does not reflect the Government's policy proposals for GP commissioning and therefore cannot provide a genuine perspective of GPs' views on the plans. That said, if a quarter of GPs - nearly 10,000 of them - offered support for commissioning in response to this survey, it's a powerful indication of the willingness of GP practices to make progress. "With two and a half years in which to learn from pathfinder commissioning consortia and establish shadow arrangements, there is ample time for practices that do not yet feel ready, to build capability collectively. We intend to put in place support arrangements to help practices develop capability."

Defence summit fails to agree cuts

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Image High level talks on the future structure of the armed forces will continue into next week after a meeting of the National Security Council again failed to reach agreement on spending cuts. Prime Minister David Cameron chaired what was described as a "substantive" session of the NSC in Downing Street attended by the current Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, his successor, General Sir David Richards and the three individual service chiefs. It is understood the chiefs were subjected to an intense grilling on the technical details of the proposals contained in the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) before the meeting broke for a separate "political" session for ministers alone. Downing Street said no final decisions had been taken and it is expected that the NSC will now meet again in the early part of next week in an attempt to thrash out a final settlement. "Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed," a No 10 spokesman said. However, time is running short as the SDSR is due to be published the following week - the same week as the Government's overall comprehensive spending review which comes out on October 20. The Ministry of Defence has been instructed to find savings of between 10% and 20% from its annual budget while at the same time grappling with what ministers say is a £38 billion "black hole" in its future equipment programme. Defence Secretary Liam Fox has been fighting a fierce rearguard action to mitigate the effect of the cuts, but officials acknowledge "hard choices" will still have to be made. Much of the attention has been focused on the £5 billion programme to build two new aircraft carriers, with the Royal Navy under pressure to axe at least one of the vessels. However ministers have been warned they could face massive cancellation fees, and it is reported that they are considering building both ships, but keeping one on "extended readiness" - effectively mothballing it - drastically reducing the running costs. As well as Mr Cameron and Dr Fox, the ministers attending the NSC included Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chancellor George Osborne, Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander, Foreign Secretary William Hague, Home Secretary Theresa May, Business Secretary Vince Cable and Energy Secretary Chris Huhne.

Stabbed nurse's parents 'let down'

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Image The parents of a nurse stabbed to death by her paramedic ex-boyfriend, who was on bail for allegedly raping her, have said the justice system had let them down twice. John and Penny Clough were angry their daughter's killer was released pending the rape trial and the matter was allowed to lie on file as he pleaded guilty to her murder. Jonathan Vass, 30, knifed Jane Clough, 26, in a frenzied attack as she returned to her car following a shift at Blackpool Victoria Hospital in July this year. She was taken to the accident and emergency unit where she worked just 100 yards away as her colleagues battled in vain to save her. Vass was facing allegations at the time of the killing that he had raped her on several occasions. He was released on conditional bail pending a trial due to be held this month. Preston Crown Court heard Vass, of Preston, Lancashire, murdered Miss Clough with the intention of obstructing the course of justice in the rape hearing. The Crown Prosecution Service said it was content for the rape allegations to lie on file - to the disagreement of Mr and Mrs Clough, from Barrowford, Lancashire. Judge Anthony Russell QC then commented it was in the public interest to drop the matter because "in comparison with the murder, anything else pales into insignificance". Mr Clough said: "We object most strongly that the original charges of rape will not be heard. We feel that the justice system has let us down twice: first allowing him bail while charged with these abhorrent crimes, and now today. "We feel the public should know what a despicable person he is. I know where the judge is coming from in that it won't affect his sentence but we expected him to be judged as a murderer and a rapist." Vass, of Conway Drive, will be sentenced on October 14.

Students 'face radicalisation risk'

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Image Students at the university attended by the alleged Christmas Day bomber will remain at risk of radicalisation for as long as the institution retains its "educational mission and character", a report has found. But University College London (UCL) was cleared of any blame over the plot as the report concluded there was no evidence that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was radicalised while studying at the institution. Abdulmutallab allegedly attempted to ignite explosives stored in his underwear as Northwest Airlines Flight 253 from Amsterdam, carrying 280 passengers, made its final descent towards Detroit on December 25 last year. The Nigerian, now known as Umar Farouk, studied an engineering degree at UCL between 2005 and 2008, and was Islamic Society president from 2006 to 2007. The inquiry, by an independent panel set up by the university's council, found that while there was no evidence to suggest he was radicalised at UCL, the university's approach to freedom of expression and visiting speakers left students open to risks in the future. It called for improvements including a better vetting system for visiting speakers, more communication between staff and students, and a review of the university's code of conduct on freedom of speech, in a bid to "reduce the future risk of students being radicalised". But it added: "They will clearly not eliminate the risk of radicalisation of UCL students. We consider that is an unrealistic aim without changing UCL's fundamental educational mission and character." UCL Council chairman Sir Stephen Wall said: "We welcome the central conclusion that there is no evidence to suggest either that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was radicalised while a student at UCL or that conditions at UCL during that time or subsequently were or are conducive to the radicalisation of students. "The panel has identified a number of UCL processes which we will be reviewing as a result of the report. "We note the panel's recommendation that the UCL Union's system for monitoring invitations to visiting speakers be reviewed, and we will be working in consultation with our student body to ensure that this happens, while maintaining our legal obligation to guarantee freedom of speech on campus within the law."

Cooper tipped for shadow chancellor

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Image Labour leader Ed Miliband is hammering out the details of his top team, with Yvette Cooper installed as red-hot favourite to become shadow chancellor. The former work and pensions secretary comfortably topped the secret ballot of MP colleagues to decide who should head up their attack on the coalition, followed by ex-housing minister John Healey and her husband Ed Balls. Alan Johnson, Andy Burnham, Jim Murphy and John Denham were among other big names safely returned, along with Mr Miliband's leadership campaign manager, Sadiq Khan. But a number of familiar figures from the previous government crashed out, including ex-Cabinet members Peter Hain, Ben Bradshaw and Shaun Woodward. Defeated leadership candidate Diane Abbott also failed to gain enough support. Under Labour rules, when the party is in opposition its MPs vote every two years to decide who should be in the shadow cabinet. A minimum quota of six women had also been imposed as part of efforts to promote equality. However, that figure was exceeded, with the parliamentary party returning eight in total - including Caroline Flint, who quit Gordon Brown's government in 2008 complaining that female ministers were being treated as "window dressing". Ex-Cabinet Office minister Tessa Jowell retains her status, while twin sisters Angela and Maria Eagle have been promoted to the top team, as have Meg Hillier and Ann McKechin. Mary Creagh enters the shadow cabinet despite never having served on the front bench before. Mr Miliband has signalled that he will take his time finalising the line-up of his team, with the first formal appointments not expected until Friday morning. But Ms Cooper was looking a near-certainty to take on the coveted Treasury portfolio after proving her popularity with 232 votes. Mr Healey came in a creditable second on 192, while Mr Balls secured 179. There was speculation that he could be handed the home affairs brief if his wife is made shadow chancellor.

Passion 'key to university entry'

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Image Achieving the right grades is no longer enough to impress universities, as students also need passion - and good written English, a survey suggests. A poll of university admissions officers reveals that with competition for places tighter than ever, many are looking for the extra qualities that make an applicant stand out. It found that more than nine in ten (93%) are looking for evidence of a passion for a chosen subject, in addition to academic qualifications, while the same proportion want candidates with good written English. Some 88% say they are looking for evidence of a positive attitude towards study, the poll, conducted by ACS International Schools, found. At the same time, more than half (53%) of those questioned said they are increasing the academic standards required for entry. The findings reflect the tough conditions students are facing when applying to higher education. Six in ten admissions officers are looking for students with work experience, the survey found, but just half (53%) said they value a gap year. University applicants are asked to write a personal statement, and get a reference from a teacher. The poll found that half (48%) of admissions officers treat these both the same, but 23% favour the personal statement and 13% favour the reference. A love of learning and the ability to work independently were cited as the most important qualities which will help a student to thrive at university (chosen by 43% and 40% respectively). The survey concludes: "University admissions officers are seeking rounded candidates who can demonstrate a passion for their chosen subject and their ability to pursue their study in an independent and self-motivated manner."

Care homes 'lack registered head'

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Image Almost 1,000 care homes across England have no registered manager, a watchdog said. While there is no direct risk to residents, care homes without a registered head may be less able to spot problems, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said. The new Health and Social Care Act 2008, which came into force last week, makes it a requirement for all care homes to have a registered manager. The old legislation, brought in in 2000, also carried the same stipulation. Yet, despite this, almost 1,000 care homes have no registered manager. The CQC said it had placed conditions on those care homes without a registered qualified manager, requiring operators to appoint one. There are more than 500 different operators running the homes and they must appoint a registered manager by April 1. If they fail to do so, they will be breaking the law. Some other care homes have a registered provider who manage their own services on a day-to-day basis, and they do not also need to register as managers. Another 200 care home providers have had conditions placed on their registration for other "compliance issues," the CQC said. Chief executive, Cynthia Bower, said: "It has been recognised in the care sector for some time that there is a shortage of experienced and qualified managers. While we have been undertaking the enormous task of re-registering thousands of care services, the scale of this has become clearer."

Chatsworth attic sale raises £6.5m

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Image A three-day "attic sale" of items deemed surplus to requirements at one of the country's most famous stately homes raised almost £6.5 million, auctioneers said. The sell-off at the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire, held in a 20,000 sq ft marquee and organised by Sotheby's, had been expected to bring in around £2.5 million. Among the latest items to exceed auctioneers' expectations were a touring car dating back to 1915, which fetched £42,500, a pinball machine, and a perambulator which sold for £250 despite having a estimate of just £10-15. Sotheby's described the sale - organised on behalf of the Duke of Devonshire - as an "auctioneer's dream" and confirmed that it had raised a total of £6,485,282, including buyer's premium. Promoted as Chatsworth: The Attic Sale, the auction comprised thousands of lots, including chairs, cupboards, lamps, fireplaces, and a carved marble chimney piece which netted £565,250. The items came from barns, servants' quarters and bedrooms, but not from the "core" of Chatsworth, and the proceeds will fund a number of projects at the estate. Commenting after the final lot was snapped up, the Duke of Devonshire said: "There has been a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for these wonderful items, and it's great to know that wherever they may end up they have now been given a new lease of life. "The funds raised have exceeded our expectations and will allow us to accelerate a number of projects at Chatsworth and our other estates, including improvements to buildings, new visitor experiences and green initiatives." Harry Dalmeny, deputy chairman of Sotheby's UK and auctioneer for much of the sale, said: "It's been an auctioneer's dream. "Sotheby's has been working with the Devonshire family and curators for the last two years to make this auction a spectacular event."
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