Richard Sharp confident BBC appointment was on merit

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.