Men are twice as likely as women to have a savings account they keep secret from their partner, according to a new survey.

Julia Gillard, the Australian Labour Prime Minister, will retain power after securing the backing of two independents to form a minority administration.

Millions of commuters face travel chaos from Monday evening as 10,000 London Underground staff stage a 24-hour strike causing widespread disruption to Tube services.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Labor Party will form a minority government to rule Australia after two independent politicians backed her coalition.

Services on the London Underground are severely disrupted on the first morning of a series of 24-hour strikes.

Multimillionaire and staunch defender of City bonuses set to head major bank shakeupBarclays is expected to name Bob Diamond, the investment banking executive whose enormous pay packet and unapologetic defence of the City's bonus culture have made him a controversial figure, as its new overall chief executive.Diamond,59, who currently runs the highly profitable Barclays Capital investment banking arm, will be formally named today as the successor to John Varley, a source familiar with the decision said. Varley, who has been in the job for seven years, is expected to step down next year amid a wider shake-up of the bank's management team. A Barclays spokeswoman refused to comment.In April Peter Mandelson called US-born Diamond the unacceptable face of banking for his estimated £60m-plus total pay package, complaining that the reward was hugely excessive for a role which involved deal-making and shuffling paper around and created real little economic value. Barclays dismissed as total fiction estimates of Diamond's pay.When Varley took the top job in 2003, Diamond became the bank's president. While this was officially a subordinate role, Diamond's pay far outstripped that of the chief executive.He has made a huge success of the investment banking activities and was long seen as the obvious successor should Varley decide to depart. However, his lack of experience in retail banking and long association with the more freewheeling, casino capitalism side of the business makes him a potentially contentious head of the UK's third biggest banking group.The news is a surprise, given that Varley had offered no indications that he planned to step down.Aside from his wage which is around £250,000 a year before bonuses and share options are added Diamond remains perhaps best known for pushing through Barclays' controversial acquisition of the brokerage arm of the US bank Lehman Brothers after its collapse in 2008 for the relative knock down price of $1.75bn.In June, Diamond endured a tough time giving evidence at a federal court hearing in Manhattan looking into allegations that Barclays duped Lehman Brothers out of billions of dollars during the deal. After giving seemingly ambiguous answers to several questions, the judge told Diamond he was coming across as evasive.He takes the helm of the bank he joined in 1996 as it continues to emerge from the credit collapse chaos which engulfed the global banking industry.Although Barclays' balance sheets were badly hit by toxic loans, the bank avoided having to seek any state assistance. Half-yearly profits, reported last month, were up 44% on the previous year, with virtually all the money earned by Diamond's Barclays Capital division.Now a UK citizen, Diamond was born in Massachusetts as one of nine children of teacher parents. In 1979 he switched from academia to investment banking, working for Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse before joining Barclays. A keen sports fan, he has previously presented the Barclays-sponsored Premiership trophy to his beloved Chelsea, and generally cuts a far more flamboyant and outgoing figure than the more traditional, public school-educated Varley.Banking industry pundits had long speculated whether Barclays' heavy reliance on profits from Diamond's investment bankers made him the de facto group head anyway, although some doubted how much clout he wielded.Diamond, estimated to be worth £95m personally, has vigorously defended City bonuses, saying in 2007 that he preferred to call them incentive compensation.He has also vocally opposed President Barack Obama's proposals to artificially limit the size of banks, saying this would hit world trade. He told the World Economic Forum in Davos in January: I have seen no evidence that suggests shrinking banks and making them smaller and more narrow is the issue.endsBarclaysBob DiamondJohn VarleyBarclay BrothersPeter Walkerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Leaked memo warned Met police would 'deeply resent' probe Ex-officer Bob Quick says new claims must be investigated Senior Tories start to voice doubts over Andy Coulson's futureThe Home Office abandoned plans to establish an independent inquiry into the News of the World phone-hacking scandal last year after a senior official warned that the Metropolitan police would deeply resent any interference in their investigation, according to a leaked government document.As Alan Johnson came close today to accusing Scotland Yard of having misled him over the scandal, a leaked Home Office memo shows that the last government decided against calling in Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary after intense internal lobbying.Stephen Rimmer, the Home Office director general for crime and policing, warned that Scotland Yard would deeply resent a review of its investigation by the inspectorate and that it would send a message that we do not have full confidence in the Met.The leaked document emerged on one of the most dramatic days of the phone-hacking scandal which saw pressure mount on Andy Coulson, David Cameron's director of communications and former editor of the News of the World, and on Scotland Yard.As the government was forced to answer questions about the scandal in the Commons, there were further developments: John Yates, the senior Met officer in charge of investigating the scandal, said he was prepared to interview Sean Hoare, a former News of the World journalist who told the New York Times that Coulson knew about the hacking. Coulson, who denies the allegation, said he would be happy to talk to the police. Alan Johnson questioned the conduct of Scotland Yard after senior officers told him last year that every individual whose phone may have been hacked into would be informed. The former home secretary spoke out after his former government colleague, Chris Bryant, said that police took no action when it became apparent his phone might have been targeted. Bob Quick, a former head of specialist operations, expressed concerns about allegations in the New York Times that the Met might have been reluctant to investigate the claims because of its close relationship with News International. If officers felt the investigation was being inhibited or suppressed, that must be a source of concern, Quick said. Senior Tories started to voice doubts about whether Coulson will be able to withstand intense media pressure. This is like a long gunpowder fuse, one said.Scotland Yard is facing renewed pressure after the leaking of a Home Office document which suggested that the Met was highly sensitive about any outside interference in its investigation. Officials raised objections when Johnson asked last year whether the inspectorate of constabulary should be asked to examine Scotland Yard's handling of the case, after the Guardian published fresh evidence.This challenged News International's central defence: that just one rogue reporter was involved in phone hacking.In an email on 13 July 2009 to Richard Westlake, Johnson's private secretary, Rimmer wrote: My own advice on this remains that there are insufficient grounds to do so and that the Met would deeply resent what they would see as 'interference' in an operational investigation which could, of course, be revived at any given time.Rimmer also showed there was acute sensitivity about Yates, who was responsible for the police investigation into whether Labour had traded peerages for donations to the party. In formal written advice to Johnson on 14 July 2009, he said that calling in the inspectorate could lead to accusations that following recent exchanges with John Yates, we do not have full confidence in the MPS. A spokesman for Johnson said he would not comment on a leaked document.The leaked memo appeared as Johnson stepped up the pressure on the Met. He told MPs: Last year I was assured that the Metropolitan police service had not received any allegations in respect of other News of the World journalists. I was also told that the Metropolitan police had taken all proper steps to ensure that where there was evidence of phone tapping or suspicion of phone tapping the individuals concerned would be informed.Chris Bryant, the former Europe minister, claimed police did not keep him properly informed after it became clear that he may have been targeted. Bryant told MPs his phone company said his phone had been hacked into.I told the police about this months ago and they have done absolutely nothing about it, he said.Theresa May, the home secretary, dismissed calls for a judicial inquiry, though she voiced support for the Met.Any police investigation is an operational matter in which ministers have no role. The Metropolitan police have indicated that if there is further evidence, they will look at it. That is the right course of action and it is right for the government to await the outcome.News of the World phone-hacking scandalNewspapers & magazinesNewspapersNews of the WorldNational newspapersPoliceJohn YatesBob QuickAndy CoulsonTheresa MayNick DaviesNicholas WattVikram Doddguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Andy Coulson, one of David Cameron's key advisers, is unlikely to face a new police investigation into his alleged knowledge of criminal activity when he edited the News of the World.

Deux des affiches des quarts de finale masculins de l'US Open sont désormais connues.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Labour Party will form a minority government to rule Australia after two independent politicians backed her coalition.

Julia Gillard is to remain as Australia's prime minister after winning the backing of two key independent MPs.

Un incendio forestal registrado anoche entre las localidades de Agullent y Ontiyent, en el sur de Valencia, ha obligado a evacuar a varias familias y a movilizar un numeroso contingente de bomberos y efectivos de la Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME). Aunque la falta de visibilidad ha impedido hasta el momento precisar la extensión del fuego, las autoridades locales aseguran que es de grandes dimensiones. El ejército ya se ha sumado a las labores de extinción.

Labor wins backing of two independent MPs, allowing Gillard to remain as prime ministerLabor's Julia Gillard will form a minority government in Australia after gaining the support of two independents today.Labor won the backing of MPs Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott, while Bob Katter came out for Tony Abbott, the Liberal leader who hoped to lead a conservative coalition.This gave Gillard the support of 76 MPs, which will allow her to form a minority government. Seventy-four MPs now back the opposition.The closely-contested 21 August federal elections failed to give any party a majority for the first time since 1940.Gillard, who was born in Wales, became Australia's first female prime minister in June when Labor overthrew Kevin Rudd, who had lost the support of his party.Last week, another independent, Andrew Wilkie, who negotiated separately from the three from rural areas who announced who they were supporting today, came out for Labor. Gillard also signed a deal with the Greens on climate change policy in exchange for their support.Climate change policy has dogged Labor since Rudd was unable to get his emissions trading scheme through parliament, marking the start of his fall in popularity.More details soon ...AustraliaPaul Owenguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Fuentes del Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos aseguran que es un 'incendio grande', aunque se desconoce con exactitud su dimensión.

A new 22,000 sq ft restaurant is to open in Croydon, welcoming in up to 800 customers a day.

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, has said he hopes he has "nailed" false rumours of an inappropriate relationship with his former special adviser.

Men suffer post-natal depression too, research has found, as a study indicates fathers should be screened for the condition as well as mothers.

Millions of commuters face travel chaos this morning as a fresh wave of Tube strikes leaves nine Underground lines fully or partly suspended.

President Obama proposed a $50 billion plan Monday to fix the USA's infrastructure, part of an effort to deal with high unemployment.

Selon Europe 1, le suspect est en garde à vue dans les locaux de la police judiciaire de Lille serait passé aux aveux et le corps de la jeune femme portée disparue depuis dimanche à Marcq-en-Baroeul, dans le Nord, aurait été retrouvé.

Julia Gillard is to be Australia's next prime minister after winning the backing of two key independent MPs.

Network Rail directors who shared £2.36m in bonuses last year pocketed bigger awards than they should have done because the company under-reported accidents to workers, it has been alleged.

Al-Qaeda militants in Iraq are turning to bank robberies and other thefts to make up for a drop in cash from outsiders.

From California to Ohio, unemployment is the issue. USA TODAY looks at four key races.

Les syndicats et la gauche espèrent rassembler aujourd'hui plus de deux millions de manifestants pour protester contre la réforme des retraites. Cette journée s'annonce compliquée pour les usagers des transports en commun et les parents d'élèves.

One of the world's highest paid bankers, Bob Diamond, is to become chief executive of Barclays Bank as HSBC chairman Stephen Green steps down to become a trade minister in the government.

Les syndicats et la gauche espèrent rassembler aujourd'hui plus de deux millions de manifestants pour protester contre la réforme des retraites. Cette journée s'annonce compliquée pour les usagers des transports en commun et les parents d'élèves.

Le Wall Street Journal évoque le cas de Barclays et de Crédit Agricole. Les banques concernées lui ont répondu qu'elles avaient scrupuleusement suivi les lignes directrices fournies par le Comité des régulateurs bancaires européens.

One of three Australian MPs who hold the balance of power in parliament announces his support for opposition leader Tony Abbott.

Severe disruption is expected on London Underground on the first morning of a series of 24-hour strikes.

Barack Obama quiere dar un respiro a las empresas estadounidenses para fomentar la creación de empleo. El presidente de EE UU, propondrá mañana, la eliminación de impuestos para todas las inversiones en maquinarias y equipos realizadas por las compañías norteamericanas durante 2011, según fuentes del Ejecutivo.

El retraso de la edad de jubilación, de los 60 a los 62 años, es la principal medida del plan del Gobierno y lo que provoca la ira sindical.

The U.S. military's new armored trucks in Afghanistan are significantly reducing troop deaths in roadside attacks.

Roger Federer se ha clasificado para los cuartos de final del Abierto de Estados Unidos, en los que se medirá con Robin Soderling, verdugo de Albert Montañés, tras superar al austríaco Jurgen Melzer por 6-3, 7-6(4) y 6-3.

El pastor Terry Jones de Florida crea un grupo en Facebook donde anuncia que quemará el libro sagrado de los musulmanes el 11-S.

Wisconsin Democrats are struggling to keep gubernatorial and congressional seats in a reflection of how job anxiety is affecting elections.

A tax deduction would let businesses keep more money and would give big corporations, many of which are sitting on cash because of economic uncertainty, an incentive to spend and invest.

Fuentes del Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos aseguran que es un 'incendio grande', aunque se desconoce con exactitud su dimensión.

David Westin said he would resign after a long conflict with the network over the budget.

Tropical Storm Hermine has come ashore in extreme northeastern Mexico, forecasters say. Texas - Tropical Storm Hermine - Mexico - Tropical cyclone warnings and watches - Gulf of Mexico

El primer ministro italiano, Silvio Berlusconi, pedirá al presidente de la República, Giorgio Napolitano, que destituya como presidente del Congreso a su rival político Gianfranco Fini, después de que este fuese expulsado del PDL tras los últimos enfrentamientos con Il Cavaliere.

President Obama will propose on Wednesday that businesses be allowed to write off new investments in plant and equipment through 2011, an administration official said.

Back on My Feet is a support group for the homeless meant to help them instill discipline and improve their health through running.

Three independent Australian MPs are due to reveal who they will back as prime minister, ending two weeks of deadlock since inconclusive elections.

President Barack Obama announces a $50bn infrastructure plan as part of efforts to jump-start the faltering US economy.

Multimillionaire and staunch defender of City bonuses set to head major bank shakeupBarclays is expected to name Bob Diamond, the investment banking executive whose enormous pay packet and unapologetic defence of the City's bonus culture have made him a controversial figure, as its new overall chief executive.Diamond,59, who currently runs the highly profitable Barclays Capital investment banking arm, will be formally named today as the successor to John Varley, a source familiar with the decision said. Varley, who has been in the job for seven years, is expected to step down next year amid a wider shake-up of the bank's management team. A Barclays spokeswoman refused to comment.In April Peter Mandelson called US-born Diamond the unacceptable face of banking for his estimated £60m-plus total pay package, complaining that the reward was hugely excessive for a role which involved deal-making and shuffling paper around and created real little economic value. Barclays dismissed as total fiction estimates of Diamond's pay.When Varley took the top job in 2003, Diamond became the bank's president. While this was officially a subordinate role, Diamond's pay far outstripped that of the chief executive.He has made a huge success of the investment banking activities and was long seen as the obvious successor should Varley decide to depart. However, his lack of experience in retail banking and long association with the more freewheeling, casino capitalism side of the business makes him a potentially contentious head of the UK's third biggest banking group.The news is a surprise, given that Varley had offered no indications that he planned to step down.Aside from his wage which is around £250,000 a year before bonuses and share options are added Diamond remains perhaps best known for pushing through Barclays' controversial acquisition of the brokerage arm of the US bank Lehman Brothers after its collapse in 2008 for the relative knock down price of $1.75bn.In June, Diamond endured a tough time giving evidence at a federal court hearing in Manhattan looking into allegations that Barclays duped Lehman Brothers out of billions of dollars during the deal. After giving seemingly ambiguous answers to several questions, the judge told Diamond he was coming across as evasive.He takes the helm of the bank he joined in 1996 as it continues to emerge from the credit collapse chaos which engulfed the global banking industry.Although Barclays' balance sheets were badly hit by toxic loans, the bank avoided having to seek any state assistance. Half-yearly profits, reported last month, were up 44% on the previous year, with virtually all the money earned by Diamond's Barclays Capital division.Now a UK citizen, Diamond was born in Massachusetts as one of nine children of teacher parents. In 1979 he switched from academia to investment banking, working for Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse before joining Barclays. A keen sports fan, he has previously presented the Barclays-sponsored Premiership trophy to his beloved Chelsea, and generally cuts a far more flamboyant and outgoing figure than the more traditional, public school-educated Varley.Banking industry pundits had long speculated whether Barclays' heavy reliance on profits from Diamond's investment bankers made him the de facto group head anyway, although some doubted how much clout he wielded.Diamond, estimated to be worth £95m personally, has vigorously defended City bonuses, saying in 2007 that he preferred to call them incentive compensation.He has also vocally opposed President Barack Obama's proposals to artificially limit the size of banks, saying this would hit world trade. He told the World Economic Forum in Davos in January: I have seen no evidence that suggests shrinking banks and making them smaller and more narrow is the issue.endsBarclaysBob DiamondJohn VarleyBarclay BrothersPeter Walkerguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

An annual exodus called “mudik” at the end of Ramadan is a chance for city dwellers with rural roots to reconnect with their families — and to show off their success.

At a 650-student school in Newark, in an increasingly common move, the teaching staff is the administration, raising morale but potentially blurring educators’ focus.

Despite soaring profits, high-tech companies have been slow to hire — a sign of just how difficult it will be to address persistently high joblessness.

Connaught, the property services group that specialises in social housing, is on the brink of going into administration, the BBC learns.