Chelmsford and Essex news, sport and information from the Chelmsford Weekly News

Labour fights lobbying after expose

4:33am Sunday 21st March 2010

Labour has promised a crackdown on lobbying by ex-ministers after several of its senior MPs were filmed apparently offering their services for cash.

Darling rules out giveaway Budget

3:56am Sunday 21st March 2010

Alistair Darling has ruled out a "giveaway Budget" as he put the finishing touches to the pre-election package he will deliver on Wednesday.

Foreign Office budget move slammed

3:44am Sunday 21st March 2010

The "ludicrous" decision to stop protecting the Foreign Office budget from fluctuations in exchange rates has caused an "unacceptable risk" to its ability to function properly, MPs have said.

Mass-goers hear Pope's apology

2:57am Sunday 21st March 2010

Sunday Mass-goers across Ireland are being read Pope Benedict's words of apology in his pastoral letter on clerical child abuse.

Sarah Payne photos in killer's cell

2:57am Sunday 21st March 2010

The mother of Sarah Payne has told of her "anger and dismay" after being told her daughter's killer was found with pictures of the girl in his cell.

Just 25% of voters back BA strike

2:57am Sunday 21st March 2010

Only one in four voters supports the strike by British Airways cabin crew, according to an opinion poll carried out in the days before the walk out.

BA reinstating cancelled flights

2:57am Sunday 21st March 2010

Strike-hit British Airways is reinstating a number of cancelled flights as the airline fights a war of words with union leaders over the walkout's success.

Jade cancer 'diagnosed too late'

12:10am Sunday 21st March 2010

Jade Goody would still be alive if NHS medics had spotted her "quite typical" symptoms of cervical cancer, a private doctor has claimed.

Polls still signal hung Parliament

12:10am Sunday 21st March 2010

The Tories are still not on course to win the general election outright, two more opinion polls have indicated, pointing to the possibility of a hung Parliament.

Father reveals kidnap ordeal horror

11:51pm Saturday 20th March 2010

The father of kidnap victim Sahil Saeed has revealed the terrifying threats made by his son's captors and his fears that the little boy might be murdered.