Birmingham Post

Election Case Storm Over Ex-Mp's Role

The Director of Public Prosecutions has been criticised for appointing a former Labour MP and husband of a city councillor in the Birmingham election court case. Gerry Bermingham QC is representing the interests of the DPP at the court which is considering claims that Labour councillor Muhammed Afzal won his seat in Aston after organising a smear campaign against Liberal Democrat opponent Saeed Aehmed.

Caprice's Work of Lingerie Fancy

Duncan Smith's 'Positive' Meeting

Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith has insisted he had a "constructive" meeting with Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby, despite the war of words between them. The pair sat down for talks following a furious row which left the Conservative Party looking divided.

Police Pay Strike Ballot Warning

Police officers would be balloted for strike action over this year's pay settlement if they were not banned from doing so, the chairman of the Police Federation warned yesterday. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith received a torrent of criticism after announcing that officers in England and Wales would receive a 2.5 per cent increase but said it would be implemented from December 1 rather than September 1 as expected.

Teenagers Charged Over Fire Deaths ; Crime

Police investigating the death of two homeless people in a disused factory in Stoke-on-Trent have charged two teenagers with manslaughter. Jessica Beech and Darren Asher, both 26, died following the fire in premises in Hanley on July 4.

Status Quo's Rick Twins Joy ; Rock

Rocker Rick Parfitt is set to become a father of twins at the age of 59. The Status Quo guitarist's third wife, Lyndsay Whitburn, 47, conceived with the help of IVF. The pair tied the knot in Gibraltar in August last year following a whirlwind romance. Parfitt's spokesman said: "Rick and Lyndsay are absolutely delighted. It's something they really wanted and is the icing on the cake for their future life together."

Streetsmart

As the annual round of Christmas parties begins, Birmingham restaurants are asking you to spare a thought for the city's homeless. Almost 20 of Birmingham's favourite eating places are supporting the StreetSmart scheme, by asking their customers for a donation of pounds 1 on each table's bill.

Jail for the Dealers Caught with 150 Kilos of Cocaine

Eight members of a nationwide drug distribution ring have been jailed following the biggest ever police seizure of cocaine in the West Midlands. Officers recovered 150 kilos of the drug worth pounds 71/2 million but with a potential street value of pounds 100 million after raiding an industrial unit in Dudley in February.

Region On Flood Alert As Violent Storms Cause Rivers to Swell

Parts of the West Midlands were put on flood alert yesterday after the violent storms that hit the region swelled rivers to near bursting point. The Environment Agency put barriers up at Frankwell, near Shrewsbury, and told areas around the Wye in Herefordshire to be watchful as rivers coming out of the Welsh mountains started to rise following the increased rainfall.

Duke of Edinburgh Called Me a Nut, Says Comedian Walliams

The Duke of Edinburgh called David Walliams "a nut" when he met the Little Britain star at Buckingham Palace, the comedian said yesterday. Walliams was invited to meet the Queen at a reception for young achievers after swimming the Channel last year.

Accolade for William Webb's School

The Warwickshire school which gave birth to rugby has been named as Britain's most important sporting heritage site. A young man named William Webb Ellis "took the ball in his arms and ran", showing "a fine disregard", while playing Rugby School's already distinctive version of football, in 1823.

'Missing Canoe Man' Inquiry Police Await Return of Wife

Police last night were awaiting the return of the wife of back- from-the-dead canoeist John Darwin as they continued to question him over his disappearance five-and-a-half years ago. Detectives have until late today to continue to quiz the 57-year- old former teacher about where he has been since he vanished from the Hartlepool area in March 2002.

The Beautiful Ones Know How to Strut Their Stuff ; It's the Annual Extravaganza That Brightens Up the Nec, Offering Fashion for Most and the Lure of Fame and Fortune for Some. Rhona Ganguly Was at the Opening Day of Clothes Show Live

For many young women in the West Midlands, it's the one event that could transform their lives, bringing fame and fortune if they realise their ambitions. For the rest of us, it's pure retail therapy.

Pensions Group Urges Members to Challenge the Government Over Vat

A pensions group has recommended its members take the Government to court over VAT charges to funds. The National Association of Pension Funds said following a recent judgment from the European Court of Justice, it thought VAT exemption on services provided by investment managers should extend to pension funds.

Debate Call Over Identity Cards ; Report

The Government should launch a "serious renewed debate" on ID cards or scrap the scheme, a thinktank report said. Researchers from Demos warned the identity card project was launched without adequate public engagement, and said more consideration should be given to what information the cards carry and how they will be used.

Uk Feeling Effects of Climate Change ; Weather

The UK has already begun to feel the effects of man-made climate change, a Government-funded report said. Temperatures in central England have risen by about 1C since the 1970s, with significant influence from humans on the warming, the first of a series of five reports from the UK Climate Impact Programme 08 shows.

Children Alert ; Guidance

The Government issued new guidance yesterday to raise awareness of child trafficking, including UK-born children. Safeguarding Children Who May Have Been Trafficked is aimed at professionals. The Government, which said the information had not been laid out in this way before, said safeguarding youngsters was everyone's responsibility.

In Parliament

Commons: 2.30pm

Armed Forces Minister

Tv Host Helps Tories with Home-Buying Policy Review

The Tories yesterday launched a policy review aimed at speeding up the process of buying a home and making it easier for first-time buyers. The review, which has recruited Kirstie Allsopp, presenter of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location, will seek to find "simpler better solutions" to moving house.