British government debt hit 100% of economic output for the first time in recent history and there was another large budget deficit last month, adding to the problems for finance minister Rachel Reeves as she readies her tax and spending plans.

New headache for Rachel Reeves as public borrowing hits 100% of GDP for first time since 1961 - The public finances have been put under enormous strain by the costs of responding the triple whammy of the financial crisis,

UK government borrowing came in higher than forecast in the first five months of the fiscal year, keeping Chancellor Rachel Reeves under pressure to raise taxes to balance the books in her budget next month.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has revealed he is giving up ownership of the party ahead of its conference this weekend. Unlike most political parties, Reform was established as a private limited company, with Farage holding the majority of shares.

As Reform UK kick off their party conference in Birmingham today, a new poll suggests they show no sign of slowing down.

Follow live coverage from the Reform UK conference in Birmingham where party MPs Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Richard Tice will give speeches to delegates.

British retail sales rose by a stronger-than-expected 1% in August and growth in July was revised up, official figures showed on Friday.