Birmingham Post

Foolish He Maybe, but Hypocrite? No ; Politics and Sex Have Been Inseparable Throughout the Ages, but John Hemming May Already Be Regretting His Conduct - Argues Chief Reporter Paul Dale

John Hemming is not the first politician to be caught with his pants down. And he certainly won't be the last. Nor is he the first intelligent man to suppose that the sanctity of marriage is an optional bolt-on extra to be adopted or dismissed at will.

Council Savings to Cost Pounds 300m

Consultants could be paid up to pounds 300 million by Birmingham City Council to find ways of improving public services while cutting budgets. Some of the country's best known companies are competing to be chosen as the council's business transformation strategic partner.

All Men Cheat, Insists Hemming

Birmingham MP John Hemming last night attempted to play down details of an affair with his personal assistant, claiming that most couples are unfaithful at some stage during a marriage. Mr Hemming insisted he would remain living with his wife, Christine, and their three children even though his PA, Emily Cox, is pregnant and expecting his child in November.

New Archbishop Tells of His Hopes for Church

The Bishop for Birmingham has accepted his appointment to the Church of England's second most senior post with a call for the Church to become 'once again a spiritual home for all English men and women'. The Rt Rev Dr John Sentamu, who has been named the next Archbishop of York, acknowledged that the Church had gone through a 'trough' in its fortunes and said it needed to regain its 'vision and confidence' and be ready to take risks in order to reconnect with England.

Sentamu a 'Caring Pastor and Exciting Communicator

The Archbishop of Canterbury yesterday hailed the Rt Rev Dr John Sentamu as 'a caring pastor and an exciting communicator'. Dr Rowan Williams said: 'I am absolutely delighted to welcome the appointment of Bishop John Sentamu as Archbishop of York.

Bishop's Footy Horror

The new Archbishop of York said he was 'horrified' by the take- over of Manchester United by Malcolm Glazer. The Bishop for Birmingham, Dr John Sentamu made the statement in York Minster when he was asked if he was planning to support York City Bishop Sentumu said: 'I have been supporting Manchester United since I was 17 and I think I've got every intention to continue although I'm absolutely horrified that a tycoon is trying to take our club away from us.

Man of Energy and Passion

The Rt Rev Dr John Sentamu has made a name for himself not only as Britain's first senior black bishop but for his strongly-held views on social issues, particularly racism. And as a man who once suffered life-threatening injuries after being beaten up on the orders of former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, he appears to fear little from criticising the establishment.

Percy's Funeral to Take Place Next Week

The funeral of Percy Arrowsmith, the 105-year-old who died just weeks after he and his 100-year-old wife celebrated becoming the world's longest-living married couple, will take place next week. Mr Arrowsmith died on Tuesday morning at the home he shared with his wife of 80 years, Florence.

Mud House Is Barrister's Way to Save the Planet

For many people, efforts to save the planet go no further than paper recycling and a trip to the bottle bank every fortnight. Not so with former barrister Nicholas Worsley.

The Three Counties Show

Mixed Reactions to Mp's Indiscretion

Yardley constituents gave a mixed reaction to the news that their local MP is to father a love child with his mistress. Many people were more concerned with John Hemming's ability to campaign strongly for residents of the Birmingham constituency.

Cricket Coach Escapes Drive Ban

A leading cricket coach has escaped a driving ban for speeding because of his work with young people. Magistrates were told Richard Cox, who works for Warwickshire County Cricket Club and the England and Wales Cricket Board, set off a speed camera when he turned up late and at the wrong gate for a seminar at the County Ground, Derby, on November 20.

Residents Call for Parish Council

Birmingham is on course to get its second parish council. More than 1,000 people living on the Castle Vale housing estate are demanding an additional tier of local government.

Pub Opens After Fire Damage

Regulars at a 14th century Worcestershire pub which was severely damaged by fire are celebrating its reopening today with a party. Locals feared they might have had their last pint at the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, near Evesham, Worcestershire, when a blaze badly damaged the black-and-white half-timbered building more than a year ago.

Legal Dispute Over Lost Ball Costs Pounds 15,000

A request by a group of children to a kindly playground supervisor to get their ball back began a legal battle which has cost the public purse thousands of pounds in a still mounting legal bill. The dispute arose after pupils at Alston Primary School, in Birmingham, asked obliging staff member Mitchell Rogers to retrieve their ball.

Families Flee City Centre Flats After Fire

Terrified families were forced to evacuate their city centre flats when a fire ripped through a bar below their homes yesterday morning. Fifteen firefighters battled the blaze at Angels Cafe Bar, Hurst Street, Birmingham, just before 6am.

Nhs Faces Uncertain Future, Says Hewitt

The Secretary of State for Health has told a delegation of senior NHS managers in Birmingham to brace themselves for further uncertainty and risks as the Government pressed ahead with reforms. Patricia Hewitt widely praised the progress made so far in the health service but warned that the Government 'were not going to ease down on changes and reforms,' as they entered the second half of the ten-year NHS Plan.

Hundreds in Anthrax Attack Exercise

Hundreds of doctors, nurses and police officers practised how to save lives in the aftermath of an anthrax attack in the Midlands yesterday. The 240 health workers prescribed antibiotics to hundreds of pretend patients as quickly as possible in a simulation exercise, codenamed Hercules, inside Worcester Rugby Club's Sixways ground.

Hoodie Stabs Great-Grandfather in the Back to Steal Pounds 40

A great-grandfather who was knifed in the back by a robber told yesterday how he could have died. Henry Davis was attacked from behind by a hooded thug as he walked to his Stechford home after visiting his wife in hospital.

Danish Talk for Ivf Nurse

A fertility nurse specialist has been invited to address an international conference in Denmark tomorrow. Vicki Robinson, nurse manager at Midland Fertility Services, in Aldridge, will speak at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Copenhagen.