Ruth Ellis, last woman to be hanged in UK, granted posthumous conditional pardon – UK politics live
Why This Matters
Key context: <p>In 1955 Ellis was hanged for murder triggered by domestic abuse</p><p></p><p>For anyone involved in British politics, an invitation to be interviewed on Radio 4’s Today programme is the ultimate badge of seriousness. There are probably hundreds of MPs who have never made it onto the programme because they have not been deemed important enough.</p><p>But, as if to prove the point that the Clacton byelection really is a “farce” (see <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/08/nigel-farage-reform-uk-clacton-5m-gift-crime-agency-labour-keir-starmer-pmqs-uk-politics-latest-news-updates?page=with%3Ablock-6a4dec748f0821c5ffb5b72d#block-6a4dec748f0821c5ffb5b72d">7.59am</a>), this morning Today had an interview with <strong>Count Binface</strong>, the serial joke byelection candidate who may turn out to be Nigel Farage’s main opposition in Clacton.</p><p>Probably not, but then you know my job is to celebrate and defend the wonders of British democracy.</p><p>And look at this, eh? The fact that you are interviewing me on the Today Programme, because all the other parties aren’t standing, says more about them than it does about me.</p><p>I don’t believe that single-handedly will tackle homophobia, racism or indeed any hate crime. But I do strongly believe that returning power back to people’s hands is a huge part of the role we should all be playing as elected public servants – and it’s how we build trust again.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2026/jul/08/nigel-farage-reform-uk-clacton-5m-gift-crime-agency-labour-keir-starmer-pmqs-uk-politics-latest-news-updates">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.
In 1955 Ellis was hanged for murder triggered by domestic abuseFor anyone involved in British politics, an invitation to be interviewed on Radio 4’s Today programme is the ultimate badge of seriousness. There are probably hundreds of MPs who have never made it onto the programme because they have not been deemed important enough.But, as if to prove the point that the Clacton byelection really is a “farce” (see 7.59am), this morning Today had an interview with Count Binface, the serial joke byelection candidate who may turn out to be Nigel Farage’s main opposition in Clacton.Probably not, but then you know my job is to celebrate and defend the wonders of British democracy.And look at this, eh? The fact that you are interviewing me on the Today Programme, because all the other parties aren’t standing, says more about them than it does about me.I don’t believe that single-handedly will tackle homophobia, racism or indeed any hate crime. But I do strongly believe that returning power back to people’s hands is a huge part of the role we should all be playing as elected public servants – and it’s how we build trust again. Continue reading...
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