The contest to replace Theresa May as prime minister hotted up with seven candidates now throwing their hat into the ring, saying they would succeed where she failed by taking a deeply-divided Britain out of the European Union.

It comes as the results of the European elections are keenly anticipated, with a large expected backing for Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party, reflecting anger of many voters that Britain has still not left the EU.

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Steve Robertson, the chief executive of Thames Water, been ousted with immediate effect after failing to improve performance at the UK’s biggest water company.

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Renault is in advanced discussions to forge extensive ties with Fiat Chrysler as the car makers seek to join forces to tackle the structural challenges facing the global auto industry