Exclusive from @oliver_wright Dartmoor ponies could be subject to mass culling to reduce the impact on biodiversity after a controversial ruling by the government’s environmental quango Natural England has demanded that all livestock grazing on the moor is reduced by about 75 per cent to protect other habitats, plants and species The move looks set to result in the culling of up to nine in ten of the semi-wild ponies as farmers prioritise their own cattle and sheep to remain within Natural England’s limit to minimise the impact on their own livelihoods Natural England argued that the move was necessary to protect the diversity of Dartmoor, which is a designated site of special scientific interest However, the plan goes against a government commissioned review into the future of Dartmoor, published two years ago, which concluded that Natural England “should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in pony numbers”, adding they were “invaluable for conservation grazing” The move has led to claims that the quango is acting as judge, jury and executioner of the ponies — a species which is itself seen as endangered Dartmoor ponies could be put to death under biodiversity plans thetimes.com/article/ba529f3…

The SDLT abolition debate ignores the evidence. 2020 holiday data: → Transactions 19% → Prices 13% → Sellers captured ~40% of the tax saving Demand stimulus in a supply-constrained market doesn't improve affordability. It prices it further out of reach. Full analysis: [mortgagesoup.co.uk/cutting-s…]

The 1.8 million problem nobody’s talking about mortgagesoup.co.uk/the-1-8-m… via @mortgagesoups

Labour is not working – and it doesn’t have to propertysoup.co.uk/labour-is… via @propertysoups

An update on Angela Rayner. I wrote this morning that our team didn't understand why HMRC accepted Ms Rayner was not "careless", and so escaped penalties. I've since spoken to her lawyer, Graham Aaronson KC. The conversation was surprising.

UK Housing Crisis EXPOSED: Russell Quirk on Renters Reform, Landlord Exodus & Why Prices Keep Rising | The Liz Truss Show with @russellquirk

Beyond the walk: Mortgage Leaders talk mental health – part 5 mortgagesoup.co.uk/beyond-th… via @mortgagesoups

My love letter to 80s cinema—A Sting Original. Thank you for a decade of unforgettable films.

The 4.3 million borrowers your pipeline is probably missing mortgagesoup.co.uk/the-4-3-m… via @mortgagesoups

Chicken Run! 67 MILLION chickens are unaccounted for in the UK, bizarre figures reveal trib.al/NTxkfhW

The Thing (1982) recreated with Pingu. A crossover that never stops being funny.

25 Times the Oscars Got it Wrong — A THREAD With hindsight, the Academy’s track record looks rough. We’re getting close to the point where they’ve made more mistakes than correct calls. Here are 25 jaw-dropping decisions that have aged like milk #Oscars #Oscars2026 1/

I was invited by the BBC today to comment on the Conservatives’ local election campaign launch which was held in Hutton, fronted by Kemi Badenoch. This is the bit they used (a few seconds of a ten minute long interview) in which Simon Dedman put to me that the Conservatives are suggesting that they have ‘better experience’ in local government. I rather think that our pot-hole strewn roads, council tax hikes, profligate spending on council staff (up £200m in just five years) and £43m spent last year on taxis (yes taxis) suggests otherwise. Essex Council Deputy Leader Louise McKinlay was interviewed before me on why she’s running scared of @reformparty_uk in Brentwood such that she’s refusing to stand against me.

My song - Please Don’t Go - live solo acoustic recording for The Narrowboat Sessions on @facebook has now had 3.4million views - the second highest of any sing recorded for these sessions. It has also had 5.2k likes which is a record. Chuffed and thankful / cheers! facebook.com/share/v/1FUrPSJ…

Eight companies linked to MFS placed into administration mortgagesoup.co.uk/eight-com… via @mortgagesoups

Small accountancy firm linked to Market Financial Solutions bridgingsoup.co.uk/small-acc…

Purplebricks founders return in surprise comeback propertysoup.co.uk/purplebri… via @propertysoups

Low budget Alien twitter.com/AvPOdysseyDB/sta…

PEXA hires Julian Wells as UK head of communications mortgagesoup.co.uk/pexa-hire… via @mortgagesoups

Broker-led research will sharpen relationships in bridging sector mortgagesoup.co.uk/broker-le… via @mortgagesoups