USA’s day of shame
Donald Trump will be recorded in history as the first former or current US President to be convicted of a crime. A jury in New York found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money paid to Stormy Daniels.
At one time such a historic and damning verdict would have immediately ended a political career. It is a frightening reflection of the current state of US politics that Mr Trump could still be re-elected President when America goes to the polls in November.
Standards and values once taken for granted have been debased and undermined to the extent that millions of his supporters are no longer able to recognise right from wrong.
Anyone who swallows his claim the trial was rigged and politically motivated is willing on the destruction of the rules and institutions on which a civilised and free society is based.
We should remember that Mr Trump has his cheerleaders in Britain. It would be complacent to assume what has happened in America could not happen here.
Abb-out turn
Diane Abbott has served Labour in Parliament for almost four decades. Throughout her career she has stayed dignified in the face of appalling racism and sexism.
Although her views may not be to everyone’s taste, she deserves respect for her trailblazing role as Britain’s first Black female MP. Keir Starmer has thankfully backed down in the unseemly row over her re-selection and agreed she can once again stand to be the MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington.
This was a rare misstep by the Labour leader that caused an unnecessary distraction in an otherwise impressive election campaign. The party now needs to come together and focus on its common purpose of getting rid of this discredited Conservative government.
Webbed feat
Groom Joe Kelty surprised bride Kerri Parry by having penguins at their wedding. Waddle you do for an encore, Joe?