Midterm election day is just over two weeks away. What are some numbers on the mind of voters?
A new poll shows what voters are thinking 2 weeks out from Election Day

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Nige seems tired and bored of himself as Kemi conjures a telepathic budget
The Tory leader has glimpsed the future and it involves Labour putting every last UK citizen on benefits UK politics live – latest updates If you’re worried about next week’s budget, then now is your time to chill out. Because Kemi Badenoch has all the answers. The chancellor, John Healey, has been living rent free in the leader of the opposition’s head for the past few weeks. Lucky man. More than that, she has been perched on his shoulder while he sits at his desk in the Treasury and tries to make the sums add up. And – SPOILER ALERT – Kemi has now read the whole speech that hasn’t yet been written and is in a position to give her budget reply more than a week ahead of time. Opposition by telepathy. Or wish fulfilment. If things don’t work out for her in her current job she could apply to be the next Mystic Meg. Continue reading...

Covid inquiry report shows why culture of care workers being undervalued must end, says Andy Burnham – UK politics live
The prime minister endorses report that says the adult social care sector has been under-recognised Badenoch says Britain needs tax cuts. We need to get out of the way of job creators who make our country richer. We need to encourage risk taking, wealth creation, enterprise. Britain’s tax burden has never been higher. You are taxed on the heating in your home. You’re taxed at the petrol pump filling up your car. You’re taxed when you insure that car. You’re taxed if you take the family away on holiday. You’re taxed if you stay in the UK thanks to Andy Burnham’s tourist tax. You’re taxed to buy a home, taxed to live in a home, taxed to pass on your home. This is clearly not working. Britain does not feel better off. Andy Burnham wrote in The Times yesterday about the moral outrage of the current benefit system. But as far as I could work out, his answer is to spend even more on benefits.

Reform leader accuses MSP of 'squatting' in seat after resignation
Malcolm Offord says he is 'disappointed' at Amanda Bland's decision to leave the party and sit as an independent.

Labour will not have the courage to cut spending, says Badenoch
Speaking ahead of next week's Budget, the Conservative leader says her party would make £70bn of cuts.

UK to deploy jets to defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi attacks
RAF Typhoon fighters to fly defensive missions over cities and infrastructure in extension of UK support for Riyadh RAF Typhoon fighters are to be used in efforts to protect Saudi Arabia from attack by Yemen’s Houthis, flying defensive missions over the country’s cities and critical infrastructure as western allies increase their intervention in the escalating conflict. The operation – the most significant military mission signed off by Andy Burnham as prime minister – will involve RAF pilots attempting to shoot down Houthi missiles and drones, which attacked Saudi airports and oil facilities. Continue reading...

Burnham risks wrath of Commons Speaker for talking too much at PMQs
The prime minister takes longer than his predecessors to respond to questions from MPs, writes Matt Chorley.