Jenrick or Badenoch to be crowned Tory leader - but whoever wins contest faces daunting task

Jenrick: 3% defence spend needed by end of Parliament

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick says Labour’s plan to boost defence spending isn’t believable unless action is taken now. He welcomed the government’s pledge to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, but said it must reach 3% by the end of this Parliament, not in 2034. Jenrick criticised Chancellor Rachel Reeves, saying she has already broken key promises and questioned how the extra funding would be found. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Holden backs Jenrick over London fare dodging video

Richard Holden has supported Robert Jenrick’s call for action on fare dodging in London. Jenrick shared a video confronting people jumping ticket barriers at a London Underground station. Holden criticised Mayor Sadiq Khan, saying he is more focused on “virtue signalling” than tackling crime and transport problems. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories ‘delighted’ that ‘terrible’ Chagos deal challenged

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick says he is “delighted” that the government’s deal to sign over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which he describes as a “terrible deal” has been challenged in the High Court. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Jenrick: Releasing prisoners early puts public at risk

Robert Jenrick says the justice secretary is "failing to protect the public" with the government's new early release scheme. The shadow justice secretary adds, "she chose to reduce the sentences of criminals who have reoffended or breached their licenses. They're putting the public at risk". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: Labour’s welfare plan fails key tests

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says Labour’s welfare reforms fail to cut spending, boost employment or rule out tax rises - key conditions for Conservative support. She accused ministers of “giving up” and warned the bill’s U-turns threaten public finances. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch slams government's welfare bill

Kemi Badenoch has told business chiefs that the Tories would “cut taxes responsibly” and end a system which she said was “paying people not to work.” Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce event, the Conservative leader said: “This is about running government like you run your businesses, focused on outcomes, not process". Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: We need to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons

Kemi Badenoch says, “the most important thing is to make sure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons” and reiterates her “support” for Israel. The Conservative leader says she is “worried” that any use of UK-controlled Diego Garcia for a potential US bombing mission would hit problems as it has been “surrendered to Mauritius”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Grooming gang issue not about politics, Badenoch says

Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch introduces a press conference with grooming gang survivors, insisting it is "not about politics". Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories slam obesity plan, urge farm tax rethink

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately says speaking to supermarkets is “not the answer” to the UK’s health problems as she argues that obesity is about personal responsibility. She goes on to criticise the government for threatening family farms with their tax policy while claiming to promote healthier living. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn