it's me, Lee

I welcome HMRC’s conclusion, which has cleared me of any wrongdoing. I have been exonerated by HMRC of the accusation that I deliberately sought to avoid tax. When purchasing a home of my own with a mortgage, I did not own any other property and had no personal financial interest in the court-instructed trust set up to manage my son’s financial award. I was advised by experts that I should pay stamp duty at the standard rate. I set out to pay the correct amount of tax. I took reasonable care and acted in good faith, based on the expert advice I received, and HMRC has accepted this. I have always sought to act with integrity, and I believe politicians should be held to high standards - that is why I resigned from government and cooperated fully with HMRC.  I wanted to ensure that I paid every penny that I owed, and have done so. I am relieved that my family can now move on - and that I can get on with my job.

If Labour won’t govern our country, Reform will.

EXCL: Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC of deliberate wrongdoing or carelessness over her tax affairs, paving the way for a potential leadership bid if Keir Starmer’s grip on power unravels. The former DPM has settled £40,000 in unpaid stamp duty, but has not paid any penalty as a result of the investigation. HMRC was also satisfied there was no tax avoidance. Rayner tells me she was “bruised” by whole experience because of intrusion into her disabled son’s personal life, but also because it had appeared as though she was “in it for myself” rather than on the side of ordinary people. Rayner indicated she may run in event of a contest as she would “play my part” and that she understood why Labour MPs were so upset following last week’s election crushing. She said Starmer should “reflect on” stepping aside.

🚨 BREAKING: France’s Digital ID System Hacked—Sensitive Data of 19 Million Citizens Now Sold on the Dark Web France’s centralized digital identity platform, operated by France Titres (formerly ANTS), suffered a major breach on April 15, 2026. Hackers stole records affecting roughly one-third of the French population and started auctioning them on dark web forums. The exposed database contains: • Full names • Email addresses and phone numbers • Dates and places of birth • Postal addresses • Unique government account IDs This information gives criminals powerful tools for identity theft, phishing campaigns, synthetic identities, and large-scale financial fraud. The system manages passports, national ID cards, driver’s licenses, residency permits, and vehicle registrations. Officials confirmed no biometric photos or uploaded documents were taken, but the core personal data is now circulating. Hackers operating under aliases like “breach3d” and “ExtaseHunters” posted the massive dump soon after the intrusion. French authorities acknowledged the security incident and are notifying affected individuals, though the sheer scale makes rapid alerts challenging. France has seen multiple major government data breaches recently, including student records via ÉduConnect, bank account details, and medical information. Centralized systems handling vast amounts of linked personal data create high-value targets that attract persistent attackers. Action steps if you’re in France or have connections there: • Closely monitor all financial and government accounts • Strengthen 2FA on every service • Stay alert for phishing attempts impersonating official agencies • Consider credit monitoring or freezes where available French authorities detained a 15-year-old suspect on April 25 in connection with the breach. The teenager is believed to have operated under the alias “breach3d” and offered between 12 and 18 million records for sale on hacking forums. Prosecutors in Paris have opened a formal investigation into the minor on computer crime charges. The full story is still unfolding as more details emerge about how the breach occurred and the exact scope of the exposure. This incident highlights the profound dangers of centralized digital ID systems. When governments consolidate citizens’ most sensitive personal information into single, internet-connected databases, they create massive single points of failure. One successful hack can expose millions instantly, turning everyday personal details into weapons for widespread fraud and surveillance. As nations push for broader digital ID adoption, this breach serves as a stark reminder that convenience and control come at the steep price of heightened vulnerability for entire populations.

Our Labour government has started rolling out free breakfast clubs to every primary school in England. Here is Michela's story 👇

🚨NEW: Both the Spectator and the Times are now reporting that allies of Wes Streeting are claiming that he will resign and launch his leadership contest against Keir Starmer as soon as tomorrow

'We need to take a deep breath.' Labour MP Hilary Benn says that he 'supports' Keir Starmer and encourages his party to 'get on with governing'.