The number of workers on low pay in the UK has fallen by more than 300,000 following the Conservatives’ introduction of the national living wage, a think tank says.

The Conservative Party has won the Burbage Sketchley & Stretton ward in the Borough Council by-election.  David MacDonald, a racecourse director who turned 55 on the day of the poll, was the winning candidate.

THE GENERAL ELECTION
“A little over forty years ago in a small village in Oxfordshire, I signed up to be a member of the Conservative Party.
 

“In 2010, our economy faced a crisis. 
 
We were borrowing more than at any time in our peace time history.
Unemployment had risen by nearly 850,000 in the previous two years, we had just under 4 million workless households. 
 

It’s good to be reminded that this is a Government with a purpose and a mission. To bring to all British people the Conservative principles of fairness, opportunity, pride in our country and openness to the world.
 

Good afternoon conference,
 
If a week in politics is a long time, then a year can seem like a lifetime.
 
As you can see, the months have etched themselves into my forehead…
 

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are just fifteen hundred yards away from the site of the worst terrorist atrocity seen in this country since 7/7.
An attack that was aimed at children.
But, the next day in Albert Square, I saw something that makes me so very proud to be British.

Conference, as you've just heard in that typically passionate, powerful and inspiring speech from Ruth Davidson.... as Conservatives we are proud in our United Kingdom and resolute in support of the special bonds that bind us together.... 
 

Conference, good afternoon, it’s fantastic to be here in Manchester.
 
For our country to prosper and succeed in the future, we need to make it a country that works for everyone.
 
Education and skills are right at the very heart of that ambition.
 

Thank-you conference.
 
It’s great to be here in Manchester. Or as I call it, the Southern powerhouse.
 
I want to talk to you about the general election. In fact, I want to talk to you about two of them.
 
The first one - two years ago.