Margaret Beckett

After Mandy, get ready for the return of David Blunkett

As Peter Mandelson basks in his new role of Gordon Brown's new best mate, Whitehall is awash with gossip that another old bruiser could be brought back into the Cabinet. Step forward David Blunkett. Like Mandelson, Blunkett has...

'Still more help needed for FTBs'

FIRST time buyers are re-emerging into the market, according to the latest National Association of Estate Agents members' survey — the first sign that the Government's decision to raise the lowest Stamp Duty level by GBP 50,000...

MPs say downturn could save greenfield land from developers

The government should revise its target to build 3m new homes by 2020 in the light of the economic downturn, which gives ministers a chance to save greenfield land from development, a committee of MPs says today.In a report,...

New homes 'will engulf greenbelt'

An area of greenbelt land the size of Birmingham will be swallowed up to build new homes, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England says. It warns ministers are ignoring local concerns in order to reach their target of...

Speed up Blunkett's return to power, aides urge Brown

David Blunkett is poised for an accelerated return to Government after holding talks with Gordon Brown about taking on a role as party troubleshooter. Following discussions at Downing Street, the former Home Secretary told...

Bremner, Bird and Fortune: Silly Money

Rory Bremner tells Michael Deacon about the funny side of the financial meltdown and how he tricked Margaret Beckett into thinking he was the PM You know you’ve made it in this country when Rory Bremner starts doing impressions...

Lucy Mangan on the chequered history of phone-prank comedy

Oh, who among us hasn't felt the wave of joy swelling within at the thought of leaving messages on a 78-year-old grandfather's answering machine claiming - and I can hardly type the words for laughing so much - to have fucked...

Hips are here to stay, despite doubts

Pippa Crerar, Evening standard New housing minister Margaret Beckett has distanced herself from Home Information Packs by admitting they are not working as well as they should. Mrs Beckett said she recognised the £350 packs —...

Hips are here to stay, depsite doubts

Pippa Crerar, Evening standard New housing minister Margaret Beckett has distanced herself from Home Information Packs by admitting they are not working as well as they should. Mrs Beckett said she recognised the £350 packs —...

Flagship eco-town plan falters in tough climate

Gordon Brown's flagship plan to build a string of environmentally friendly 'eco-towns' across Britain has been dealt a critical blow, with only two of the 10 sites promised now expected to be built.The model green communities,...