Boris Johnson the showman is back. The Prime Minister used his high-energy Conservative party conference speech - his first in person in two years - to defend his manifesto-busting National Insurance tax rise and declare the NHS to be "the priority of the British people".
Justifying his decision to raise contributions by 1.25 percentage points, he appealed to the philosophy of Margaret Thatcher.
Yet Lord Young, who served in Mrs Thatcher's government, writes that she would have known that higher taxes and spending spell the death knell for our recovery.
Allister Heath says Mr Johnson's ebullient speech was pitched perfectly to the median voter, but argues there are some potentially calamitous threats to his ambitions for businesses to pay higher wages. He outlines the three mega-risks that could doom Mr Johnson's high-wage gamble.
In her sketch of the speech, Madeline Grant says Mr Johnson appeared to be part Revivalist preacher, part music hall turn.
In one of the clear signals to the Tory heartlands that he had heard their concerns, Mr Johnson acknowledged fears that the countryside could be "desecrated by ugly new homes".
He said houses should not be built on "green fields", as ministers abandoned proposals for an overhaul of planning rules.
Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith says it reveals a change in strategy after a Tory voter backlash over planning reforms led to the party losing the safe seat of Chesham and Amersham in June.
Cabinet row over filmed Covid tests for travellers
A Cabinet row is brewing over plans to make holidaymakers film themselves taking Covid tests on their return. The plans are said to be backed by Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary, because of fears that travellers could fake results unless they are supervised. However, Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, is opposing them for being too bureaucratic and costly. The disagreement centres on plans to replace the PCR tests that all vaccinated travellers have to take by day two of their return. Home Affairs Editor Charles Hymas explains how the new proposal could prove a logistical nightmare for travellers.
Tricks of an extreme saver on track to retire at 35
Retirement has traditionally been reserved for 60-somethings, but a movement of young workers is racing to leave their careers as early as their 30s. For the "Fire" community, the aim is "financial independence, retire early" with growing numbers of disciples sharing their tips. One of them is extreme saver Kris Vale, who says he is on track to be financially free by age 35 - which he has achieved without any inheritance and on a salary of less than ￡50,000 a year. He shares his master plan.
Daily dose of Matt
Today's cartoon | View Matt's latest cartoon as imagines an unexpected consequence of the HGV driver crisis.
Also in the news: Today's other headlines
Exclusive | The First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff has been selected by the Prime Minister as the next head of the Armed Forces, Defence Correspondent Danielle Sheridan can reveal. Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will take over from General Sir Nick Carter as Chief of the Defence Staff. Read what we know about his background.
France | Threats to stop UK officers checking for stowaways MPs' pay | Sir Peter Bottomley says ￡82,000 salary is 'grim' Petrol crunch | Kwarteng in 'blame game' over fuel crisis Plastic, not fantastic | Clothes made from bottles an own goal Rugby | Colour blindness tackled with ban on kit clashes Around the world: Life's a beach
A woman sunbathes in Orange County, California, despite work going on to clean up a major oil spill. A leak in a pipeline caused a spill off the coast, sending about 126,000 gallons of oil into the ocean. For more striking pictures of the day from around the world, view our gallery.
Comment and analysis Con Coughlin | Petulant Macron is pushing Nato to breaking point Martin Howe | We must escape the European human rights trap Michael Deacon | Why does Insulate Britain hate humans so much? Judith Woods | There's an evolutionary reason for thermostat wars Reader letters | PM full of fine words, but inaction tells different story Editor's choice Radio 4 row | As Nick Robinson draws ire, what makes a great Today presenter now? Cinema | Daniel Craig, Anne Reid and the affair that broke the oldest taboo Autumn/winter 2021 trend report | Your ultimate guide to the styles to wear now Sport briefing: Newcastle deal close
The takeover of Newcastle United by a Saudi Arabian-financed consortium that would establish the club as one of Europe's most powerful is on the brink of being sealed. Luke Edwards reports on secret negotiations that have been going on for weeks. Jason Burt says fans should expect organic growth, not statement signings.
Business briefing: Russia vows to step in
Gas prices swung wildly as Vladimir Putin vowed to boost supplies to Europe in the face of unprecedented pressure on households and businesses. Natural gas contracts climbed above 400p per therm for the first time ever in Britain - before falling back below 300p after the Russian president said he would step in.
Tonight's dinner
Creamy spinach and garlic fish gratin | Quick and easy to whip up, this flavourful dish is perfect for sharing. View the recipe. For more, try our Cookbook newsletter.
Your daily travel inspiration
10 best UK road trips | There is no better time to dust off your satnav (or road atlas), plot a winding route and head for some of the most beautiful scenery the British Isles has to offer. David Williams picks the routes that open up some of Britain's most incredible destinations.
And finally... for this morning's downtime
'I was a housekeeper for a wealthy family’ | The domestic workers of the super rich often know more about their clients than even their families, a new Netflix series reveals. Luke Mintz speaks to one woman who was shocked by what she learnt.
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