News In Brief

Conservatives in Uxbridge, West London, have picked local businessman John Randall as their candidate in the coming by-election. The 42-year-old father-of-three will be defending the narrowest Tory-held majority in the capital - just 724 votes. The seat fell vacant after long standing MP Sir Michael Shersby died of a heart attack just a week after the May 1 general election. The poll will be an early popularity test for the new Government, and for new Tory leader William Hague. A date for the by-election is yet to be set.

The Liberal Democrats sparked off a parliamentary battle on Budget Day, by "occupying" the Opposition front bench in the House of Commons. As soon as the Chamber was unlocked, about half-a-dozen of Paddy Ashdown's MPs reserved seats traditionally occupied by the shadow Cabinet. This could prove a grave embarrassment to William Hague and his team when they attempt to take their seats, unless the row is resolved. The Lib-Dems, who now have 45 MPs, insisted they were determined to stay as long as a number of Tories continued to use seats which have traditionally belonged to them. Some 40 MPs queued through the night, from just after 3am, to claim prayer cards when the Chamber was opened at 8am. The card, when inserted in a slot at the back of the seat, reserves it for the entire Parliamentary day.

The Government has indicated that dates for the referendums on Scottish and Welsh devolution will be announced within three weeks. The House of Lords was told the intention was to hold the referendums before the major party conferences. They begin in September.

A bill to protect pub names is being introduced in the Commons. The Public House (Names) Bill was drawn up by the Conservative MP, Nicholas Winterton, after an attempt to change the name of his local, the Boar's Head, to the Pig and Truffle. A recent Commons Early day Motion tabled by Mr Winterton -- and signed by several Labour MPs -- "deeply regrets the growing trend towards theme pubs, with contrived names that have no relevance for the local community and which can cause embarrassment, ridicule and a sense of alienation for local people."