within hours of each other. dan rosenfield quit as chief of staff, martin reynolds as principal private secretary, jack doyle as head of communications and munira mirza as head of policy. president biden has given details of how the leader of the islamic state group, abu ibrahim al-qurayshi, was killed during a raid by us special forces in syria. he said he detonated a bomb at the start of the operation. the us says the kremlin could be planning to broadcast fake images of the ukrainian army shooting russian sympathisers as a pretext for an invasion. the first minister of northern ireland has resigned in protest at post—brexit trade rules which his democratic unionist party bitterly opposes.

hello and welcome to another look ahead to what the papers will be bringing us in the next few hours. with me arejohn stapleton, broadcaster, and kate proctor, who is the editor of politicshome and the house magazine. welcome back. got a few more titles in. a close—up of borisjohnson on the front of the daily mail, which says the loss of four top aides, the chancellor not ruling out a leadership bid, and the rising cost of living has created a "meltdown in downing street". the guardian leading with those resignations, too, with the pm's policy chief, chief of staff, principal private secretary and director of communications all quitting number ten.

i'm getting lost in all these letters. and the i saying they've quit over boris johnson's false claim that sir keir starmer failed to prosecutejimmy saville, and the fallout from lockdown parties. beneath that story, the times leads on the increasing cost of living. the paper reports a "bleak assessment" of soaring energy bills, increasing tax and rising interest rates mean the biggest fall in living standards since records began. meanwhile, the mirrorshows the government front benches during the commons debate about those growing household costs, and accuses the chancellor of laughing in people's faces. and a slightly different splash from the daily star, warning of a potential shortage of snacks like hula hoops, kp nuts and even nik naks because of a cyber—attack targeting their manufacturer. they always surprise us, actually,

make us laugh, most of us! didn't realise that. let's start. kate, shall we go with you again and the daily mail? meltdown in downing street. a picture of the prime minister looking as if he's behind bars or railings, certainly, so how significant do you think this is? it does feel really significant because so far, we've had backbenchers from the conservative party saying they're unhappy. some of them have said they put letters in to the 1922 committee, the backbench group of conservative mps in parliament. if you put enough letters in, it will trigger a vote of no—confidence. but this is different because it's the

absolute structure and foundations of his premiership. this is his private staff and they see the wheels come off this. these are really, really key people. one of those whose quick today, munira mirza, has been at his side for 1h years in variousjobs. she's current director of... she was the director of policy for boris johnson director of... she was the director of policy for borisjohnson and she has quit. she's very unhappy with that slur that's been reported in the press, that borisjohnson made when he linked labour leader keir starmer to a lack of prosecution of jimmy savile. that's been proven to be incorrect, and shejust said jimmy savile. that's been proven to be incorrect, and she just said she didn't want to work there and urged him to say sorry, and he didn't. that's why she quit. she wrote a very personal letter. the other three who left, communication specialist, private staff, they're also subject to lots of stories

about parties in downing street. but i think once you have this many people leaving, and i know the prime minister will frame this is a clear out on his terms, he wanted to have a fresh start. i'm not really sure that that holds sway with the public. right now, you have three of those jobs unoccupied, public. right now, you have three of thosejobs unoccupied, and it's not a good look for a prime minister who is trying to look as though he's in control. , ., ., ., , ., ., i] control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a — control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a bit — control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a bit of _ control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a bit of both. _ control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a bit of both. i _ control. john, how do you read it? i think it's a bit of both. i think- think it's a bit of both. i think the gentleman involved would say it was right _ the gentleman involved would say it was right for them to go because he said he wanted to restructure the place _ said he wanted to restructure the place and — said he wanted to restructure the place and get rid of the culture that enabled those parties. they're probably— that enabled those parties. they're probably saying it's right they go. a former— probably saying it's right they go. a former correspondent said he's reported — a former correspondent said he's reported to saying all he plans to dom _ reported to saying all he plans to dom i_ reported to saying all he plans to dom ithink_ reported to saying all he plans to do... i think mercer is a different

case~ _ do... i think mercer is a different am that — do... i think mercer is a different am that is _ do... i think mercer is a different case. that is a savage blow for the prime minister. this is a woman who he described — prime minister. this is a woman who he described as one of five women of the woridm — he described as one of five women of the woridm -- — he described as one of five women of the world... —— munira mirza. she's heeri— the world... —— munira mirza. she's been involved — the world... —— munira mirza. she's been involved in lots of strategies. she's— been involved in lots of strategies. she's married to another former conservative. for her to go is a sign _ conservative. for her to go is a sign of— conservative. for her to go is a sign of the _ conservative. for her to go is a sign of the times, i think. the bunker— sign of the times, i think. the bunker is _ sign of the times, i think. the bunker is collapsing, but it does look_ bunker is collapsing, but it does look that— bunker is collapsing, but it does look that way. how many people out there _ look that way. how many people out there iri— look that way. how many people out there in the — look that way. how many people out there in the public care about these ends and _ there in the public care about these ends and out of downing street? i'm not quite _ ends and out of downing street? i'm not quite sure. i think the great british public are more concerned ahout— british public are more concerned about the — british public are more concerned about the energy prices and the cost of living _ about the energy prices and the cost of living. but what's going on in the past — of living. but what's going on in the past few weeks is a blow to boris _ the past few weeks is a blow to borisjohnson, and it will not go unnoticed — borisjohnson, and it will not go unnoticed amongst those backbench mps who— unnoticed amongst those backbench mps who want him out anyway. kate, 'ust on mps who want him out anyway. kate,

just on john's — mps who want him out anyway. kate, just on john's point _ mps who want him out anyway. kate, just on john's point there, _ mps who want him out anyway. i—rs just onjohn's point there, what do you think of this? when i speak to people, they often say to me we're sick of this. we're very cross or whatever, but how are you reading it was although i think in some cases, thus possibly true, but i think with the party gate— i think with the party gate stories, i think with the party gate stories, i think with the party gate stories, i think it matters _ i think with the party gate stories, i think it matters so _ i think with the party gate stories, i think it matters so much - i think it matters so much because everybody has their own personal account of what they were doing on the day when there was one of those alleged parties. whether it was in april or christmas, you are very likely to be spending all that time completely on your own or with your own household, so everyone can share something that happened it to them during the pandemic that's really personal. i agree people have made up personal. i agree people have made up their minds already, and i think many people have made up their mind that they have lost trust in the

government, specifically over covid, and we will only have to see how that turns pounds out in terms of water policy. i think it's right that people don't want to read a party story on the newspaper every day, but the point is the damage have been done. i think the public know how they feel. so, some people will be tired of the stories, but for other people, it really matters. i don't think it's particularly divisive, ijust think i don't think it's particularly divisive, i just think the country is tired and has already made up its mind. �* , ., ., , is tired and has already made up its mind. �*, ., ., , .,, mind. let's go to the times. i hope our viewers — mind. let's go to the times. i hope our viewers don't _ mind. let's go to the times. i hope our viewers don't mind _ mind. let's go to the times. i hope our viewers don't mind is _ our viewers don't mind is concentrating on this story again now! but it is above the biggest drop in living standards. johnson's outgrow. —— doubts grow. the significance of rishi sunak giving the answer he did in the press conference today about thatjimmy savile comment. i conference today about that jimmy savile comment.— conference today about that jimmy savile comment. i was watching that conference from _ savile comment. i was watching that conference from downing _ savile comment. i was watching that

conference from downing street, - savile comment. i was watching that| conference from downing street, and i conference from downing street, and ithought— conference from downing street, and i thought rishi sunak performed extremely well. he was straight with all extremely well. he was straight with att his— extremely well. he was straight with all his answers and had all facts at his fingertips, and he didn't duck questions — his fingertips, and he didn't duck questions. he answered questions realistically and with no claims that didn't stand up. at the end of the questions, one of your colleagues came in and asked what he thought— colleagues came in and asked what he thought about the timing of this? he said not— thought about the timing of this? he said not in_ thought about the timing of this? he said not in the slightest home visitation, "i wouldn't have said it." visitation, "i wouldn't have said it" he — visitation, "i wouldn't have said it" he said _ visitation, "i wouldn't have said it." he said whether he apologises is up _ it." he said whether he apologises is up to— it." he said whether he apologises is up to him. i think many people on the conservative backbench is and up and down _ the conservative backbench is and up and down the country watching that performance by rishi sunak today our thinking as— performance by rishi sunak today our thinking as i_ performance by rishi sunak today our thinking as i did that we are looking _ thinking as i did that we are looking at the next conservative party— looking at the next conservative party leader. looking at the next conservative party leader-— looking at the next conservative party leader. how did you read it, kate? i party leader. how did you read it, kate? i did _ party leader. how did you read it, kate? | did think— party leader. how did you read it, kate? i did think it _ party leader. how did you read it, kate? i did think it was _ party leader. how did you read it, kate? i did think it was a - party leader. how did you read it, kate? i did think it was a pretty i kate? i did think it was a pretty

competent _ kate? i did think it was a pretty competent performance, - kate? i did think it was a pretty| competent performance, and he kate? i did think it was a pretty - competent performance, and he will constantly battle way questions about whether he's got desires to be the next leader. i think it's really quite clear that he's an ambitious person. if we go right back to the start, he was one of those people setting up his own logo in terms of he did sign off his graphics on twitter with his signature. i think he's had his eyes on the prize for quite a long time. hejust needs quite a long time. he just needs to be really careful now, and i think he's changed his tone because he wasn't very forthcoming in terms of his support for the prime minister, and suddenly he was, then deliver these lines today, which sets out he doesn't agree with what the prime minister did. he's got to be careful because if he does want to go for the topjob, he's because if he does want to go for the top job, he's got to trying get a lot of that back —— those backbenchers who truly still back borisjohnson. he was on twitter saying these resignations are nothing to worry about, this is part

of clearing the decks, and this is a fresh start. do notjust has to try and speak to a lot of people —— sunak. and speak to a lot of people -- sunak. , , , ., ., ., ~ sunak. this is your meat and drink. what are relationships _ sunak. this is your meat and drink. what are relationships like - sunak. this is your meat and drink. | what are relationships like between ten and 11 downing st? i what are relationships like between ten and 11 downing st?— ten and 11 downing st? i think thins ten and 11 downing st? i think things have — ten and 11 downing st? i think things have become - ten and 11 downing st? i think things have become more - ten and 11 downing st? i think- things have become more factious. i think rishi sunak has tried very hard to distance himself from personally being there, although there may be some occasions when he attended one or two things. that's all information that we need to know more about as the public, the kind of things that sue gray is investigating. in terms of the culture at number ten, i think sunak is key to show he's not part of that. he has his own team and agenda. you have to be honest, what

was going on downing street is in his lifestyle and the, naturally, so he can just instance himself and feel he can do that in a justified way —— distance himself. they're not rallying, they're not those kinds of people. i think rishi sunak knows he needs to do some of this difficult work, some of these policies are hard to deliver. that's when sunak steps up and does the thing like the energy crisis today. they're not rallying, i wouldn't say they're the best of friends right now though. shall be go to the sun? they say sunak knifes pm on black thursday, the big screaming headline. it's been a bad day for the country in terms of what will come and the rising interest rates and credit cards and other stuff, and within

number ten as well. does that encapsulate things? i number ten as well. does that encapsulate things?— number ten as well. does that encapsulate things? i think it does rather well- _ encapsulate things? i think it does rather well. £2400 _ encapsulate things? i think it does rather well. £2400 of _ encapsulate things? i think it does rather well. £2400 of energy - encapsulate things? i think it does| rather well. £2400 of energy prices going _ rather well. £2400 of energy prices going up. _ rather well. £2400 of energy prices going up, inflation, transport costs going _ going up, inflation, transport costs going up. _ going up, inflation, transport costs going up, national insurance going up. going up, national insurance going up~ it's_ going up, national insurance going up. it's going to be a pretty bleak tirne _ up. it's going to be a pretty bleak time for— up. it's going to be a pretty bleak time for people as the bank of england — time for people as the bank of england can see themselves. it is out. england can see themselves. it is out it's_ england can see themselves. it is out it's the — england can see themselves. it is out. it's the worst economic crunch for families— out. it's the worst economic crunch for families opened on the country for families opened on the country for 32 _ for families opened on the country for 32 years. certainly for a very, very— for 32 years. certainly for a very, very long — for 32 years. certainly for a very, very long time. and we have to remember, bear in mind, everyone is indicating _ remember, bear in mind, everyone is indicating that it highly likely that prices will rise again in the autumn — that prices will rise again in the autumn. how long can we go on bailout _ autumn. how long can we go on bailout -- — autumn. how long can we go on bailout —— billing people out?

rernains— bailout —— billing people out? remains to be seen. many people would _ remains to be seen. many people would argue that they should have done those things and they should've done those things and they should've done this— done those things and they should've done this in... massive promise of billions _ done this in... massive promise of billions of— done this in... massive promise of billions of dollars of. and done this in. .. massive promise of billions of dollars of.— billions of dollars of. and the claw-back — billions of dollars of. and the claw-back loan _ billions of dollars of. and the claw-back loan scheme, - billions of dollars of. and the claw-back loan scheme, and| billions of dollars of. and the i claw-back loan scheme, and the claw—back loan scheme, and the government hasn't got a great record on that, has it? people are going to pay all this back eventually, i think £40 ago, but do you think that was the most sensible route through this? ~ was the most sensible route through this? . ., , was the most sensible route through this? . ., was the most sensible route through this? ~ ., , this? well, it was an interesting and perhaps _ this? well, it was an interesting and perhaps unexpected - this? well, it was an interesting| and perhaps unexpected avenue this? well, it was an interesting i and perhaps unexpected avenue in which to do that. to basically give money, have these discounts so it takes the edge off some of these huge bills, and then you pay it back in £40 instalments over five years. that's being classed as a way of doing things. doing things through council tax as well by giving people the rebates. i think labour would

argue that it might�*ve been simpler and fairer to have massively expanded the warm homes discount. at the moment, you can do that on low income or receive welfare, and i think labour has in mind that you could spread that or open that up to many more people, and it'sjust a bit more straightforward. essentially a benefit to try and help you get through the winter when it comes to bills. then you speak to conservative mps who say we don't want to have any benefit or hand—out. we're doing it through council tax, hand—out. we're doing it through counciltax, keeps hand—out. we're doing it through council tax, keeps the conservative brand intact and away. —— in a way. they don't want to turn to some benefit model. there's a bit of ideology to the set well, but i think these are interesting ideas for the chancellor. people probably feel like it helps a little bit, but probably overall not very much. the

national insurance rise as well. yeah, that's coming along. there are campaigns— yeah, that's coming along. there are campaigns who say why peter bowen... was saying _ campaigns who say why peter bowen... was saying what looks like a socialist _ was saying what looks like a socialist imposition with national insurance. — socialist imposition with national insurance, giving people back the money— insurance, giving people back the money with the council tax rebate and the _ money with the council tax rebate and the energy rebate as well. i do think— and the energy rebate as well. i do think they— and the energy rebate as well. i do think they could actually ditch or suspend — think they could actually ditch or suspend the green levy on energy bills, _ suspend the green levy on energy bills, which is about £153 per household. today being advanced by some _ household. today being advanced by some conservative mps. it has another— some conservative mps. it has another option. but some conservative mps. it has another option.— some conservative mps. it has another option. but that's set in law. that will—

another option. but that's set in law. that will be _ another option. but that's set in law. that will be more - another option. but that's set in i law. that will be more complicated in the short term. should be go on to the mirror? do you think this is fair? we know where the mirror stands for politically, but is that a fair headline to catch sunak and others on the front pinch laughing? probably about something completely different from what the whole debate was about. it’s different from what the whole debate was about. �* , ., ., , different from what the whole debate was about. 3 ., . , , was about. it's not really my recollection _ was about. it's not really my recollection of _ was about. it's not really my recollection of that - was about. it's not really my recollection of that period i was about. it's not really my recollection of that period of was about. it's not really my - recollection of that period of time in the commons today when rishi sunak was giving his statement. i actually can't remember much laughter, but that does happen in the chamber when they're trying to score political points. labour use this line a lot about they're all laughing at you, and i think it works very effectively when it is borisjohnson works very effectively when it is boris johnson because works very effectively when it is borisjohnson because sometimes, i think it'sjust his borisjohnson because sometimes, i think it's just his character. he does laugh and smile and cracked jokes and in some awkward situations, so the mirror being a

labourer leaning newspaper has gone with this idea. i think they're trying to point out that none of these things are really going to affect these men. we know rishi sunak is very wealthy. they think it won't affect them. i don't think they're all laughing at you works when it comes to the chancellor because he's really quite serious, and he's really sort of, doesn't give that nonchalant, silly impression. he's a someone who does appear to be focused and listening. so, i do understand what the mirror is trying to do. the concept of it all, they're trying to say this a lot don't even need to worry about the cost of living, but for most people, it's going to be absolutely horrendous coming up. ijust think they've chosen the wrong person to focus on. ~ . ,. ~' they've chosen the wrong person to

focus on. ~ ., y., ,, g ., focus on. what you think, john? crosstalk _ crosstalk perhaps they're not going to change people's views. perhaps they're not going to change peeple's views-— people's views. probably not. i was rackint people's views. probably not. i was racking my — people's views. probably not. i was racking my brains _ people's views. probably not. i was racking my brains trying _ people's views. probably not. i was racking my brains trying to - people's views. probably not. i was i racking my brains trying to remember what this— racking my brains trying to remember what this moment was, i can't remember— what this moment was, i can't remember why they're laughing. having _ remember why they're laughing. having said, how impressive rishi sunak— having said, how impressive rishi sunak was— having said, how impressive rishi sunak was in that press conference when _ sunak was in that press conference when he _ sunak was in that press conference when he talked about the energy price _ when he talked about the energy price rises, this is not a good book — price rises, this is not a good book i— price rises, this is not a good book. i think possibly why the mirror— book. i think possibly why the mirror published it, they expect the sow _ mirror published it, they expect the sow there — mirror published it, they expect the so... there is a feeling that some people in— so... there is a feeling that some people in government, not least the prime minister, who smirked a bit too often — prime minister, who smirked a bit too often as though they don't care. it too often as though they don't care. it looks— too often as though they don't care. it looks arrogant and bold and the notion _ it looks arrogant and bold and the notion that they're arrogant and have _ notion that they're arrogant and have a _ notion that they're arrogant and have a sense of entitlement and they

think there _ have a sense of entitlement and they think there is... it's all part of that image _ think there is... it's all part of that image. built up over the past few months with the party allegations, one that's not a very pleasant — allegations, one that's not a very pleasant one to observe. one thing that does make _ pleasant one to observe. one thing that does make a _ pleasant one to observe. one thing that does make a lot _ pleasant one to observe. one thing that does make a lot of— pleasant one to observe. one thing that does make a lot of people - pleasant one to observe. one thing l that does make a lot of people laugh every day is the met cartoon. i think we can show it here. can we zoom in? well done. that's our director. just talk us through this one, kate. it’s director. just talk us through this one. kate-— director. just talk us through this one, kate. �*, ., , ., ,, one, kate. it's two people wrapped u i one, kate. it's two people wrapped u- in their one, kate. it's two people wrapped up in their living _ one, kate. it's two people wrapped up in their living room, _ one, kate. it's two people wrapped up in their living room, and - one, kate. it's two people wrapped up in their living room, and then i up in their living room, and then the husband is a saying to his wife, if you wear your coat and here, you won't feel the benefit when you go to bed. which isjust ludicrous! this is what people are having to do. people are having to make these awful choices about heating, about how they live their lives, whether

they have enough money to keep the lights and keep the heat going or whether they can do a big shop that week. people are facing these choices. it's going to be gloomy for people. i think the matt cartoon encapsulates this situation we're finding ourselves in. but you won't feel the benefit, but probably not a phrase that viewers are used to hearing. phrase that viewers are used to hearint. �* , , phrase that viewers are used to hearint. v , . phrase that viewers are used to hearint. �*, , ., ., ., hearing. let's 'ust have a final look at hearing. let'sjust have a final look at another _ hearing. let'sjust have a final look at another paper. - hearing. let'sjust have a final look at another paper. we'vel hearing. let'sjust have a final. look at another paper. we've lost you, i'm afraid, in terms of vision. but we can still hear you. crosstalk i thinkjohn's back. hisjohn back? let's have a click look at the star. this one always makes me laugh as well. do you eat knick—knacks? occasionally. i thought...

well. do you eat knick—knacks? occasionally. ithought... i well. do you eat knick—knacks? occasionally. i thought... i thought this occasionally. ! thought... i thought this was— occasionally. i thought... i thought this was going to be a spook. the following — this was going to be a spook. the following day, i mean, it's... it's true _ following day, i mean, it's... it's true. apparently there's been a cyberattack on the manufacturer's of these _ cyberattack on the manufacturer's of these attacks, which meant they might— these attacks, which meant they might have to delay some of their products — might have to delay some of their products. the star made of meat of it. ,, ,, r it. crosstalk yeah. - it. crosstalk yeah. it's - it. crosstalk yeah. it's as l it. crosstalk yeah. it's as if it. crosstalk - yeah. it's as if this day it. crosstalk _ yeah. it's as if this day didn't it. crosstalk — yeah. it's as if this day didn't get any more ridiculous. hula hoops, if there is a supply shortage, that will probably be quite distressing for me. but knick—knacks, i can take or leave them. for me. but knick-knacks, i can take or leave them-— for me. but knick-knacks, i can take or leave them. how many can you get on our or leave them. how many can you get on your fingers? _ or leave them. how many can you get on your fingers? haven't _ or leave them. how many can you get on your fingers? haven't done - or leave them. how many can you get on your fingers? haven't done that i on your fingers? haven't done that for a lont on your fingers? haven't done that for a long time! _ on your fingers? haven't done that for a long time! laughter -

for a long time! laughter but for a long time! laughter itut such — for a long time! laughter but such bad _ for a long time! laughter but such bad news, - for a long time! laughter but such bad news, and... | for a long time! laughter— but such bad news, and... crosstalk from a front-page. _ but such bad news, and... crosstalk from a front-page. good _ but such bad news, and... crosstalk from a front-page. good to _ but such bad news, and... crosstalk from a front-page. good to have - but such bad news, and... crosstalk from a front-page. good to have you | from a front—page. good to have you back. nick you very much indeed. that's it for the papers this hour. from me and the team, bye—bye. good evening, this is your update from the bbc sport centre. the changes continue for england's cricket side. men's head coach chris silverwood has left today, following director of cricket ashley giles. it comes after england's 4—0 loss in the ashes in australia — the showing widely criticised, with performances part of a wider run that has seen england win only one of their past 14 tests. sir andrew strauss has temporarily taken overfrom giles, and is set to appoint an interim coach for the tour of west indies in march. you can lose, but you need to

compete, and england didn't really compete that strong. you can put some blame on the players, and some players will lose theirjobs and were deselected. but also, the buck does rest with the coach and the captain as well, and in this case, joe root is almost blameless because he's such a fantastic player and he tried his absolute best. there were little strategic decisions that they got wrong, but i think the selection, the planning and the execution of a lot of the performances were really poor. it's not much better for england's women. they won't be bringing the ashes home, after australia won the opening one—dayer in canberra by 27 runs. england put in a good performance in the field — beth mooney rescuing the hosts here with 73 — but they scraped to 205 for nine from their 50 overs. england lost captain heather knight lbw for a first—ball duck which saw them ten for two. nat sciver top scored with 45, but they were ultimately all gone for 178.

with two odis remaining, england can now only draw the series, which means australia keep hold of the ashes. manchester city are through to the women's league cup final after winning beating spurs in their semi 3—0. gareth taylor's side haven't lost since november last year, and were on top from the start. a great goal from jess park gave them a deserved lead. khadjia shaw made it two, before lauren hemp made absolutely sure of the result in the second half. they'll play chelsea in the final on march the 5th. egypt won a dramatic penalty shoot—out to progress to final of the africa cup of nations. they beat the hosts, cameroon. the score was goalless after extra time in yaounde. egypt keeper gabaski had already saved two penalties — and they were clinical from the spot — putting all the pressure on clinton n'jie, who missed the target. delight for egypt, then, who are on course for a record extending eighth african title, and face senegal in the final on sunday. manchester united's interim boss

ralf rangnick has admitted the decision to keepjesse lingard at old trafford was partially driven by mason greenwood's current unavailability following his arrest. during the transfer window, lingard was linked with moves to newcastle and west ham, but ultimately ended up staying put. rangnick said today that lingard had been given a couple of days off to "clear his head" and would miss friday's fa cup fourth—round tie with middlesbrough. he asked me and the club if we could give him a couple of days offjust to clear up his mind, and he will be back in the group, i suppose, next monday, back for training, and then be a regular part of the squad again. but tonight, lingard has tweeted to say, "the club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons! "but my headspace is clear and i'll always be professional when "called upon and give 100%." new everton manager frank lampard has called on his squad to prove they're good enough to win matches in the premier league. his former chelsea teammate ashley cole hasjoined his coaching team, with everton 16th in the table, having only won five

matches all season. lampard believes the players are up to the task. the job will be the players'. when i found of the last three days is that— when i found of the last three days is that they— when i found of the last three days is that they are _ when i found of the last three days is that they are a _ when i found of the last three days is that they are a very, _ when i found of the last three days is that they are a very, very- when i found of the last three days is that they are a very, very good . is that they are a very, very good group _ it's written all over their faces, to perform at their best. - west bromwich albion have appointed steve bruce as their new manager on an 18—month deal. bruce replaces valerien ismael, who was sacked yesterday, afterjust one win in west brom's last seven games. bruce left premier league newcastle in october after their saudi arabia—backed takeover. tom curry has been named england captain for their six nations opener against scotland this weekend. with owen farrell out of the tournament injured and courtney lawes suffering concussion, the sale back row will lead england for the first time at murrayfield. at 23, he's the youngest england captain since will carling. kind of when you grow up, you want to play for england,

and to be captain, it's really special. got to make sure we lead by example. and at the winter olympics in beijing, after two wins from two, great britain's mixed doubles team have suffered their first defeat in the curling — losing 8—7 to switzerland. with the match level, it all came down to the final end. throwing second, the swiss had the advantage — and they made it count, getting the one stone they needed to secure the win over jen dodds and bruce mouat. they're back in action tomorrow against australia, when they'll try to secure a semifinal spot. and in the women's moguls, it was a day to forget for team gb�*s leonie gerken schofield. she failed to finish her first qualification run after falling during her attempt. a better run for her sister makayla, who finished in 12th place. both will get a second chance to qualify for the final on sunday, in the second qualification run. william feneley finished 23rd in the men's event. and that is all the sport from us for now.

welcome to newsday. reporting live from singapore, i'm mariko oi. the headlines... downing street is in turmoil, afterfour senior aides to borisjohnson resign — within hours of each other. will covid disrupt beijing's winter olympics? we take a look at the tight restrictions imposed on chinese citizens. president biden gives details of how the head of the islamic state group was killed during a raid by us special forces in syria. and america says the kremlin has plans to broadcast fake images of the ukrainian army shooting russian sympathisers as a pretext for an invasion. live from our studio in singapore. this is bbc news.