Shoa Craven

“THERE are no characters in politics these days”, was how the conversation began. In the good old days, the argument went, such people were able to avoid scrutiny of their personal lives, whereas these days standing for election means a forensic examination of the candidate's past.

FINALLY, some good news for girls: on average they're raking in an extra 18p a week in pocket money compared to boys. And while that might sound like small consolation for the gender pay gap they'll face as adults – with a £9 a year bonus giving way to a £9,000 a year disadvantage – might shrewd business decisions allow the girls to stay on top for longer?