JUST how robust and even-handed will the BBC’s much-vaunted overhaul of workplace culture be?
It’s a fair question given the corporation’s appalling track record.
And if bosses are serious about improving the Beeb, as they say they are, then they also have questions to answer about why Gregg Wallace is still presenting Masterchef.
The allegations of inappropriate behaviour and rudeness levelled against Wallace in connection with other shows do not make him a monster.
Not like Huw Edwards, who was not only kept on the payroll but given a huge pay rise in spite of the most serious criminal accusations.
But nor, it would appear, were they a one-off.
So, how does Gregg’s behaviour compare, say, with that of Jermaine Jenas who was unceremoniously sacked from Match Of The Day and The One Show for sending “inappropriate” messages?
The BBC seems to get itself further into a mess with every decision it makes about its precious “talent” and there is a definite whiff of double standards.
Chair Samir Shar and his team need to come up with rules of behaviour that apply equally to all the staff, no matter how important they are to the brand.
MINDLESS pro-Palestine idiots who forced the cancellation of a talk at Cambridge University by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman are typical of the growing threat to freedom of speech in Britain.
Universities should be places for exchanges of ideas, healthy discussions and respectful disagreements — not bastions of bigotry where woke morons only allow their own ill-informed beliefs.
Worryingly, the Government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill — forcing employers to protect staff from anything which might offend them — threatens to make it even easier for the loud-mouths to silence alternate views.
But it’s not just at our so-called seats of learning, or on social media, that the cancer of cancel culture is growing.
When a new bill could force pub landlords to police drinkers to make sure any banter does not upset the bar staff then we really are on a slippery slope.
BORIS JOHNSON has regrets. Which former PM doesn’t?
He made mistakes in office, not least underestimating the ability of his Tory MPs to shoot themselves in the foot. Repeatedly.
But after Labour’s doom-laden first 100 days, and with world business leaders descending on London for a summit today, oh how we could do with some of BoJo’s energy and optimism.
It would help them see what a brilliant place Britain is to invest in.
DEFENCE officials have paid the AA more than £7million since 2015 to attend conked-out and crashed vehicles — with the cost rising each year.
The service has answered more than 13,200 MoD call-outs in the UK and beyond.
Vehicles include cars, lorries and light tanks and one break down had to be brought back from Morocco, a Freedom of Information request said.
Some still in use, such as the Bulldog armoured personnel carrier, are more than 50 years old.
One Army source last night said: “This is what comes from years of underfunding.
“Vehicles are poorly maintained and there are no spares available and consequently they break down on a daily basis.
“I doubt there is a unit in the British Army which doesn’t have a problem with vehicle maintenance and consequently vehicles are always breaking down – you can see it every day on motorways across the country.”
A separate MoD report has also revealed that in 2022 – the latest figures available – troops were involved in 3,800 collisions.
The figures contained with the MoD’s Defence Road Safety Strategy published last year also disclosed that armed forces personnel are 50 percent more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident compared to civilians.
Vehicle collisions now account for one in five deaths of all military personnel.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We do everything we can to minimise costs although sometimes vehicles do break down.”
CHRISTINE McGuinness has shared a completely topless picture from her recent holiday, as she hints at a positive change in her life.
Mum of three Christine McGuinness shared a series of pictures to her Instagram as she told fans: “Recent roll. Future so bright I’ll be living in my shades.”
In the myriad of snaps, one picture showed the former beauty queen with her blonde hair piled high on her head as she posed topless but strategically covering her breasts.
The TV presenter looked blissfully happy as she laughed at whoever was taking the camera.
Fans were quick to praise the model for her happy mood, as one commented: “What a beautiful woman xx.”
Another shared: “Do what makes you happy.. you sure look happy.”
“Your future is bright , you’ll be living your best life,” posted another.
The post comes as its rumoured Christine has been enjoying the sunshine with close pal Roxxxann.
Former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Christine recently revealed she is dating again following her split from husband Paddy, 51.
In recent news, Christine has explained why despite she and Paddy separating they still live together.
The couple share children Leo and Penelope, 11, and Felicity, eight.
In an interview with OK! magazine she explained how she and Paddy care for their children whilst living in the same home, even though their marriage has ended.
She added that in the summer Paddy’s work schedule meant he was away from home a lot, and that she typically ‘goes on holiday’ when he is home to allow him time with the children.
Yet when they are in the same house, they co-parent but not without its difficulties.
She said: “It’s hard, but it’s not that I can’t because we live in the same house.
“But it’s more just thinking ahead to when the time comes that we do actually have to share our children in separate houses.
“I think I’m going to really struggle with that.”
Paddy and Christine split in 2022 after 11 years of marriage.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
If you’ve been trying to avoid making family waves, this may be the time to stop.
Being able to say how you feel is important, even if it is not popular.
The moon and sun help you deal with whatever happens next.
If you’re in love, Venus goes deep, and asks you to do the same.
Single? The One loves outrageous looks.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
A friendship-favouring moon is your passport to making new connections.
When you feel you “know” someone straight away, this is a great sign.
Trust yourself to do and say exactly the right thing.
Saturn’s go-slow influence could limit your ability to get out and about, but love will find a way to meet “E”.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Mercury, your master planet, guides your words so well, even when you don’t realise it is happening.
At work, you can lead the way to a new shared understanding.
This may include speaking up to, or instead of, a boss.
The right health path is already in front of you, but you may resist – until you hear a friend talking about it.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
Combining a journey with a creative enterprise is a smart use of your time, and your talents – so if an offer crops up again today, try to get yourself on that ticket list.
If you’re with a partner, passion is fun and fresh, and you can surprise each other.
If you’re single, a gifted singer is aiming special words in your direction.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
Seeing the drawbacks in a family plan can be a positive push for you, as you start seeking ways to deal with them, instead of giving up.
All day today, you have planet support that keeps a dream alive – but it needs to be used.
As for romance, you may tell yourself you don’t need commitment to care – but is it true?
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
Putting a concern into words, even for one other person, can be the way to a solution, as an outside perspective can be all it takes to make up your mind. Try this and see.
If you’re happy in a relationship, the third time partners talk about the future can be the best time.
The luck factor waits in a temporary building.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
Good health is not something to put a price on, so stop yourself if you start doing this – if you need to find more time this can be free.
Mars ramps up positivity levels and you realise how much control you have over your mood.
Saturn is in your career chart – change may be delayed but can still go forward.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
However well you think you know yourself, Mercury can prove you wrong today – as you switch loyalties and align yourself with a new set of rules, or personalities.
This can feel like home, from the first moment, so go with it.
The sun believes in dreams, but Mars may test them – this can be a positive push for you.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
That notion of a new address has not gone away, but is simmering in the background – and today you can find the facts to press forward.
There may be a spell when you feel alone, but this is when you can firm up what you want from a home, or a family.
Love is weakened by secrets, even if you see them as a strength.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
A group, known or unknown, may not instantly embrace your ideas today – but don’t let this deter you.
Venus and Uranus clash and you could face a conflict between familiar old ways and hot new ideas.
You are the one who can make this work.
Love takes a private promise public, in a way that touches your heart deeply.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
As dreamy and determined planets join forces in your cash chart, money plans could develop into something very different – and yet set for success.
So do try not to dismiss ideas because they are not your own.
Leaving more time in love terms, can help two partners get on to the same passion wavelength.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
Love is moving forward – and at first you may feel you want to step out of this process.
But changing one part of your personal self can give you the power to keep going, so consider this.
A personal moon of mystique sends signals from your eyes, perhaps before you realise.
If a smart Aries approaches, stay alert!
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
FORMER PM Boris Johnson last night refused to rule out another bid for No10, saying: “I wish things were different — I wish I was still able to be given a chance.”
When asked if he wanted another tilt at the top job, BoJo quoted advice given to him by the late Queen Elizabeth: “Only get involved in this stuff if you think you could be useful.”
And on his ousting, he admitted he misjudged the mood of Tory MPs, and said: “I assumed they wouldn’t do something so dumb.”
But he insisted he would have won another General Election with tax cuts and house-building plans
In a brutal assessment of his successor’s disastrous campaign, he admitted: “Sometimes I was tearing my hair out watching.”
He added that he put far too much faith in Rishi Sunak after he was “captured by the Treasury”.
Mr Johnson sat down on The Sun’s Never Mind the Ballots show to lift the lid on his final weeks in office and discuss what the Tory Party needs to do to win back power.
He insisted there should be no deal with Nigel Farage and that the Conservatives should not try to “cannibalise” his Reform UK party.
Instead, Mr Johnson said they needed the right leader and to “think about the voters” and their “frustrations”.
Despite record migration on his watch, Mr Johnson blamed a post-Covid “abnormality” for the numbers and the need to get inflation down with imported workers.
He even insisted he “could have won that argument with the public” had he been given the chance to fight the General Election.
Admitting he didn’t see his political assassination coming, he added: “I was sad about Rishi, I really was.”
And defending his record when asked if he had unfinished business, he said: “I look back and I’m very, very proud of the things we did.
“I delivered national independence for this country, full control of our laws again after a very, very long time — four or five decades.
“I helped defend the freedom of another European country [Ukraine]. The UK really did play a decisive role in that.
“And I protected the population of this country from a disease faster than any other European government.
I was tearing my hair out watching Rishi ..but I was sad about what happened
Boris on Sunak campaign
“I think to pack all that in, in three years, wasn’t half bad.”
In a blast at Labour’s time in office since the election, he said: “Am I frustrated about the way things are going now under Labour and Keir Starmer? Yes, I certainly am.”
“If I look at what he’s doing — with huge bungs to the unions, tax increases are coming, giving up sovereignty over British possessions like Chagos — I think it’s a disaster.”
“And taking us back into the EU single market — effectively as rule-takers . . . ”
Despite taking plenty of freebies himself during his time in office, Mr Johnson savaged Labour boss Sir Keir over his love of gifts.
On the Lord Alli scandal, he raged: “Thousands and thousands and thousands of pounds for suits and clothes and spectacles. How can he still wear the spectacles?
“And the guy who then got the pass to No10 — I mean ‘Donnez-moi un break’, as we say.
“But much more important than that, I don’t see an agenda for this government.”
On his attempted comeback in 2022, Mr Johnson insisted he had the support of enough MPs to get on the ballot, but: “I thought then that the party was still too sort of jangled by the whole thing. And they’d been through a lot.”
Thousands of pounds on suits & spectacles.. how can he still wear those spectacles
Boris on freebies scandal
Explaining his downfall, he admitted he should have done more to reach out to his MPs, but insisted many of them just wanted him “out of their hair”.
But Mr Johnson reserved most of his ire for his former Chancellor Mr Sunak whose dramatic resignation in July 2022 led to his downfall.
He told Never Mind the Ballots: “I was sad about Rishi, I really was, because I think he had great, great potential.”
Asked why he did not see it coming, he added: “It’s like in Jurassic Park, when you drive along and you sort of glimpse something in your rearview mirror . . .
“In a film where you glimpse something in the bottom of the screen and then you forget about it. I kept thinking, ‘Is there some issue here I have to deal with?’. And then I would just move on.”
On Mr Sunak’s record, Mr Johnson hit out: “I don’t think we needed to put up National Insurance contributions to pay for social care.
“I think it was a mistake. I don’t think I should have listened to the Treasury there.
“So my biggest regret, really looking at it, is that I didn’t understand early enough that the Treasury had captured Rishi.
“I thought Rishi was going to be the Nigel Lawson of our times — the great tax-cutting, tax- simplifying Chancellor. And it just never happened.”
Quizzed on why he did not spot the plots against him, he insisted he was too busy — and that had been a “failure”.
He said: “When you’re Prime Minister, you’re incredibly busy.
“You’re leading the country, dealing with a lot of stuff. And this is my failure — I assumed that people would see it the way I saw it.
“And I assumed people would get the point that we’d had a fantastic mandate in 2010 and I was best placed to deliver [the manifesto] and they wouldn’t do something so dumb. That is what I assumed.”
Mr Johnson, who has just published his memoir Unleashed, added: “I think my problem — one of my many failings — was that I’d been conditioned by my career as Mayor of London.
“We got a huge amount done in London, but I got it done in a way that was very executive and monarchical. It wasn’t like I had to spend any time worrying about my backbenchers.”
And when asked if he knew about backbench unease, he blamed the pandemic and social media abuse for making his MPs nervous about supporting the government.
He went on: “Why didn’t I know? I couldn’t physically see our MPs for a long time and as soon as they got to Westminster, they were all locked up and getting bombarded with stuff on Twitter.
“I wasn’t really able to engage. And I blame myself for failing to compensate enough.
“I think people got very susceptible to some of the Twitter storms. I don’t blame them.”
WATCH our agenda-setting Never Mind The Ballots show every week on YouTube.
Simply click here to get all the latest episodes with our host Harry Cole
BORIS Johnson accused Sir Keir Starmer of “transparent racism” over ditching the costly Rwanda deportation scheme.
The former PM slammed the Labour leader for seeking a migration deal with Albania instead.
He raged: “He cancelled our Rwanda plan, in favour of what? He wants to send them somewhere else.
“Why, why, why do a deal with Albania, not Rwanda? It’s total discrimination.”
Meanwhile, Mr Johnson said he believes Ukraine will be safe if Donald Trump is re-elected as US President.
Republican Mr Trump has said he wants to force Ukraine into peace talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Boris said: “I think that sort of left liberal stereotype of Trump on foreign policy is really wrong.
“When he was in office, he was strong. He was robust. He did some difficult things.
He added: “The Democrats didn’t give Javelins to the Ukrainians, the shoulder launched anti-tank weaponry. Trump did.”
On a deal, he said:“Is Donald Trump going to want to begin the first few months of his presidency by making Russia great again? He wants to make America great again.
“We all want a peace deal. But the only way to a real, proper peace deal is Ukrainian victory. And I think that he gets that,” he added.
“The logic of America’s position, any any incoming US president’s position is going to be keep going, give the Ukrainians what they need… I think he has the strength to to change the dynamics.”
WATCH our agenda-setting Never Mind The Ballots show every week on YouTube.
Simply click here to get all the latest episodes with our host Harry Cole.