Mr Delo said he was making the donation to create "a level playing field" with other parties and ensure that Reform is given a "fair fight" at the polls in the next general election. The donation makes him Reform's largest donor ahead of fellow crypto entrepreneur Christopher Harborne, who donated £9m to the party in August. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Delo said: "Unlike the people who express mock concern for the health of 'our democracy' while doing everything they can to keep it as a cartel, I want a fair fight and a level playing field. "My conclusion from Reform's recent troubles is that they should spend less time trying to raise funds to compete on equal terms and more time preparing for government." Party leader Nigel Farage welcomed the donation, saying he is "honoured and humbled" at Mr Delo's support. "Ben knows that we are the only party that can turn the country around and reverse Britain's decline," he added. Mr Delo, who co-founded the cryptocurrency trading platform BitMEX, was convicted in the US of a Bank Secrecy Act violation, before being pardoned by President Donald Trump. The Daily Telegraph reports the £36m figure represents £1m a month between now and the latest possible date of the next general election in 2029, but Mr Delo made the payment upfront to avoid attempts to block it. MPs last week backed measures on political donations including a cap on overseas donations at £100,000 and a suspension of funding through cryptocurrency, but the draft legislation still needs to be passed by the House of Lords. They argue the changes will prevent foreign money from influencing elections, but Reform says it's a bid to choke its funding. The donations come as the party faces questions over its finances, including an undercover investigation by Channel 4, which showed senior figures within the party appearing to discuss how to disguise donations from foreign backers. Reform has denied any wrongdoing and says it will fully co-operate with the Metropolitan Police during its investigation. Mr Farage's long-term aide Dan Jukes and head of policy James Orr have been suspended from the party pending an internal probe into the allegations, which overshadowed their annual conference last week. In addition, the parliamentary standards watchdog is also looking into a £5m donation from Mr Harborne, but Mr Farage has said he has done nothing wrong, and the gift was not political. Read more on Sky News:Assisted dying bill for England and Wales rejected by MPsBurnham eyes expanding support for fan-owned sports clubs A Labour spokesperson says the questions around Reform's finances are "piling up", adding that Mr Farage is "still up to his neck in scandal". "Reform UK can't buy their way out of questions about sleaze, criminal mates and dodgy finances. "It's time Farage and Reform finally came clean with the public, co-operated fully with the police, and proved they're not just in it for themselves." Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart added: "Nigel Farage wants to bring Trump's America to our shores by buying his way into power. He's trying to get into Number 10 as if it's a stop on a monopoly board. "It can't go on like this. Andy Burnham needs to introduce a cap on political donations. Our democracy depends on it."

The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the long-running soap, faces a trial next year. He appeared by video-link before Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche. The actor spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea. The video-link to the court briefly dropped out, but when the connection returned he said: "Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north." Richie, of Tadworth, Surrey, is accused of driving a white Hyundai car in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, while above the legal limit for alcohol on 29 July. He is alleged to have provided a breath sample of 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol. Vladimir Silea, prosecuting, said police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at 11.15pm where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Read more from Sky News:Oil rises above $100 a barrel as Middle East conflict escalates'Very hot' drinks can increase risk of cancer, study finds He said that officers "commenced the drink and drug-driving procedure" at the police station, and the lower reading provided was of 65 micrograms of alcohol. Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie until 17 November 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court. Richie, who came fourth on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, has also hosted a number of TV game shows and appeared in pantomimes.

Mr Delo said he was making the donation to create "a level playing field" with other parties and ensure that Reform is given a "fair fight" at the polls in the next general election. The donation makes him Reform's largest donor ahead of fellow crypto entrepreneur Christopher Harborne, who donated £9m to the party in August. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Delo said: "Unlike the people who express mock concern for the health of 'our democracy' while doing everything they can to keep it as a cartel, I want a fair fight and a level playing field. "My conclusion from Reform's recent troubles is that they should spend less time trying to raise funds to compete on equal terms and more time preparing for government." Party leader Nigel Farage welcomed the donation, saying he is "honoured and humbled" at Mr Delo's support. "Ben knows that we are the only party that can turn the country around and reverse Britain's decline," he added. Mr Delo, who co-founded the cryptocurrency trading platform BitMEX, was convicted in the US of a Bank Secrecy Act violation, before being pardoned by President Donald Trump. The Daily Telegraph reports the £36m figure represents £1m a month between now and the latest possible date of the next general election in 2029, but Mr Delo made the payment upfront to avoid attempts to block it. MPs last week backed measures on political donations including a cap on overseas donations at £100,000 and a suspension of funding through cryptocurrency, but the draft legislation still needs to be passed by the House of Lords. They argue the changes will prevent foreign money from influencing elections, but Reform says it's a bid to choke its funding. The donations come as the party faces questions over its finances, including an undercover investigation by Channel 4, which showed senior figures within the party appearing to discuss how to disguise donations from foreign backers. Reform has denied any wrongdoing and says it will fully co-operate with the Metropolitan Police during its investigation. Mr Farage's long-term aide Dan Jukes and head of policy James Orr have been suspended from the party pending an internal probe into the allegations, which overshadowed their annual conference last week. In addition, the parliamentary standards watchdog is also looking into a £5m donation from Mr Harborne, but Mr Farage has said he has done nothing wrong, and the gift was not political. Read more on Sky News:Assisted dying bill for England and Wales rejected by MPsBurnham eyes expanding support for fan-owned sports clubs A Labour spokesperson says the questions around Reform's finances are "piling up", adding that Mr Farage is "still up to his neck in scandal". "Reform UK can't buy their way out of questions about sleaze, criminal mates and dodgy finances. "It's time Farage and Reform finally came clean with the public, co-operated fully with the police, and proved they're not just in it for themselves." Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson Lisa Smart added: "Nigel Farage wants to bring Trump's America to our shores by buying his way into power. He's trying to get into Number 10 as if it's a stop on a monopoly board. "It can't go on like this. Andy Burnham needs to introduce a cap on political donations. Our democracy depends on it."

That coronation came from City's £116m summer signing Elliot Anderson - and has been hotly debated in the build-up to the Manchester derby Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford, which you can watch live on Sky Sports. Is Anderson right? Does City's huge recent success mean they rule the roost? Or are Manchester United still No 1? What did Anderson say? Anderson was asked about the Manchester derby during an interview with Manchester City's official club website this summer. "It's one of the biggest derbies in the world and for as long as I've known Manchester, City have been the kings of Manchester," Anderson said. "It'll be a great fixture and I can't wait to be involved in something like that." Maresca 'excited' by 'special' Manchester derby Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca says Anderson's verdict rings true in recent years. "Probably the reason why Elliot said that was that he grew up in the last 15 years, Manchester City were unbelievable with what they achieved. It's normal Elliot said that," said Maresca. "If you go back, then it's a different picture but when he grew up Manchester City were dominant." Premier League fixtures & scores | FREE PL highlights▶️Got Sky? Watch Premier League games LIVE on your phone📱Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream PL games with no contract📺 Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Maresca outlined the importance of these Manchester match-ups to all involved. "It's special because it's two teams in the same city. It's special for the fans, the club, for everyone," said Maresca. "I'm very excited. These are the games I like. These are the games we want. We know it's going to be a tough game. Since Michael [Carrick] took over they're doing a fantastic job. We can show respect in the derby by trying to be ourself and go there to try to win." Carrick on how the derby changed Michael Carrick was a Manchester United player when City were labelled "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in 2009. But the current United head coach says City's subsequent Premier League wins and triumphs in the derby have ramped up the rivalry. Speaking to Sky Sports, Carrick said: "When I first came to the club, to be honest, it wasn't like it is now. "In 20 years, it's kind of grown, it's developed, it's changed a little bit over the years." Carrick pinpoints Vincent Kompany's derby winner in April 2012 - a month before City's last-day Premier League title triumph - as a key moment in the duel for supremacy in Manchester. "The one where we ended up losing the league, when Kompany scored the header towards the end of the season. We had a bit of a lead and then we lost it, and then we lost it at the end of the season. That felt quite a big moment," he said. "That's just the one that we lost, so it probably hurts. We always remember those ones the most." There have been glorious derby days for United, too, which Carrick remembers more fondly. "Probably the [2010 League Cup] semi-final is up there, when we won late and I scored and Wayne [Rooney] scored a header. That was a good day. "Robin [Van Persie] scoring in the last minute [in the Premier League win at the Etihad in December 2012] the last time we won the league. "When Michael [Owen] scored that one at the Stratford End [in September 2009]." "Wayne's overhead kick in 2011? I forgot about that one! That was a special one." Carrick is now hoping to add to that list. "There were some really good games over the years, hopefully we can come out on top on Sunday." Expert view: Man Utd season in the balance, says Merson Sky Sports' Paul Merson: Manchester United have got the Manchester derby - and their season is in the balance too. If you beat Manchester City, you're flying. If you get beat by Manchester City, here we go again. It would be one point from two games including the Everton game. And other teams are winning around you. So I am worried - and this is why I didn't put Manchester United in my top five at the start of the season. Nothing's changed for me since then. When you draw games, it hurts you. Your Views... shree: City have won a lot recently and you know it's all because of oil money and a world class coach. United haven't been best in recent years but the point we are still doing this comparison itself shows how great a club Manchester United are which City won't be able to be. Argyle loyal: At this moment in time it's definitely City, the days of United being kings of Manchester went when Fergie left. Aaron s: I think it has to be Man U. Look at their history. Man U just played and won their 300th Champions League game. Look at the amount of trophies they have won compared to Manchester City. City may have become bigger recently but Man U are and will always be the kings of Manchester. PeteUK: Remember when United fans jumped on Liverpool fans for 'living in the past'? How the tables have dramatically turned, United are Kings like Arthur: relegated to history books. Woop: I think City are the better side and have been over the last 15 years but Manchester United are a bigger football club. I don't see United winning a league for a long time though whereas city will. Shanepancho778: As a lifelong Liverpool fan it's nice to finally say that Manchester is definitely blue and will be for the foreseeable future. Those glory days left in 2013 when Ferguson retired.

He was greeted by Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris at Dublin Airport. The US president will take part in engagements in the capital and at his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, which is hosting the Irish Open, as part of a two-day visit to the country. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he is looking forward to welcoming Mr Trump and "discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States". "His visit comes during a remarkable sporting summer for Ireland, and the United States and this weekend's Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg will be a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport, and I hope we will see an Irish winner lifting the trophy on Sunday," he added. Among his engagements, Mr Trump will attend a series of events at Deerfield, the residence of the US ambassador to Ireland, and is also expected to meet with Irish counterpart Catherine Connolly at her official residence before meeting with Mr Martin at the Farmleigh Estate. Ms Connolly is a long-term critic of her US counterpart and has attended protests against him. But Eric Trump, the US president's son, told Sky News he expects both leaders to be "incredibly graceful" during the meeting. A number of protests against Mr Trump's visit have also been planned during the visit, including in Dublin, Doonbeg and Shannon Airport. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly says peaceful protest would be facilitated as much as possible, but adds that there will be "no tolerance" for public disorder or attempts to impact "critical movements" of the US president. "We have robust policing plans in place and will arrest and prosecute those committing offences," he said. The planned protests come after a poll earlier this week showed 70% of Irish people do not want the US president visiting. Eric Trump told Sky News he finds the poll "hard to believe", given the "amazing" relationship with the US. "If you look at the Irish population in the United States, they love Donald Trump. They absolutely adore Donald Trump and the job that he's done. "If you look at Doonbeg, everybody realises what we did coming in here, spending hundreds of millions of dollars. We saved one of the great assets of Ireland, and they're thankful for it. "I have not yet met a person who wasn't kind, wasn't gracious, who wasn't thankful for everything that we've done for the country, who wasn't beautifully warm." Some County Clare residents have recognised his importance to the local economy, even if they didn't agree with him politically. Vicky Nolan, who lives near Kilkee, said: "I hate the fact that he's here, but I do understand that the people from Doonbeg rely on him for their livelihoods. However, I won't be going near the place, and I would hope that no one else would be." Read more on Sky News:US voters warned it's 'America or Trump'Katie Taylor wins final fight of her boxing career County Clare resident Michael Moore said politically he has "no time" for Mr Trump, but said he knows a number of people in Doonbeg who have the "utmost respect for him for what he's done for that village", adding that he's "entitled to come and visit" his property. Mr Moore said the government "have to play ball" with Mr Trump even if "he doesn't play ball with us", adding that they "shouldn't be getting too much upset about politics". Mr Trump's visit is expected to cause significant disruption and road closures around Dublin Airport and across the city, as well as in County Clare and Shannon Airport.

The broadcaster said it had done a "comprehensive review" earlier in the year and found a need for a "change in how the organisation operates". It said its new structure would "greatly reduce non-programming spend" and reduce management layers, simplify decision-making and remove duplication. The changes come nearly two years after it axed 200 roles under Alex Mahon's leadership. Current Channel 4 chief executive Priya Dogra - who joined from Sky in March - said the broadcaster was a "precious asset which plays a unique role in the UK". "We need to secure and own our future so we can continue to make shows others won't, reach audiences others can't, and thrive as a distinctive and disruptive British voice for future generations," she said. Ms Dogra said Channel 4 needed a "fundamental transformation in how we work" to deliver programmes audiences want to watch and "deliver its future strategy". She added: "I know the proposals we are announcing today will be very difficult for many colleagues and will have a significant impact across the organisation. Many talented people who have made an enormous contribution to Channel 4 will be leaving as a result." The cuts equate to 28% of the company's workforce. Read more:Hundreds more UK flights cancelledBody found in search for missing teen Ms Dogra said the job losses had not been taken lightly but were needed "to create a simpler, more focused and more sustainable Channel 4". Channel 4's chair, Geoff Cooper, said it would mean a "more sustainable and resilient organisation" that could maximise investment in content. A formal consultation with staff over the cuts will take place and the broadcaster said more details on its future strategy would be shared in the coming months.

Ed Milliband made a bold statement in the Commons this week - UK government sanctions on Israeli settlements. But is there more to the timing of this? Harriet makes the case for why it's principled rather than political, and Beth, Ruth and Harriet dig into another question underneath the policy - is this a rebuke of Keir Starmer, and did his government simply not move fast enough? And the response from Britain's Jewish community, and whether Ed Miliband needs to do more on this now. We also go further into Reform's woes, following on from our members' episode this week. As the Metropolitan Police widens its investigation into party donations after Channel 4's undercover documentary, former Conservative-turned-Reform member Tim Montgomerie joins the ladies fresh from quitting the party to explain why he thinks the court around leader Nigel Farage is starting to crack, and whether Reform has already peaked. To listen without ads, get new episodes a week early, exclusive bonus episodes, and much more, become a Sky News Insider. Find out more and subscribe at https://skynews.com/electoraldysfunction Got a question for the burner phone? WhatsApp 07934 200 444 or email electoraldysfunction@sky.uk.

3.35 Doncaster - Enceladus faces Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard in St Leger The 250th renewal of the Group 1 Betfred St Leger looks a cracker, with Aidan and Joseph O'Brien set to dominate a field of 11. Joseph O'Brien took this race with Galileo Chrome in 2020 and looks to have a super chance with Enceladus. The son of Sea The Stars has progressed with each start, including when winning the King George V at the Royal meeting. He warmed up for a crack at this with a ready success in the Gordon Stakes and may go off the market leader under Billy Loughnane. St Leger: Big race runners guideLeger tips! Dave Orton's Doncaster Classic prediction Nine-time winner Aidan O'Brien saddles four runners with Derby hero Christmas Day a big player under Ronan Whelan. Any rain would be a positive given his Epsom triumph in wet conditions, and he will be 5lbs better off with stablemate Pierre Bonnard - who finished ahead of him at York. Great Voltigeur runner-up Pierre Bonnard should be suited by this extra distance after defeat at the hands of Arc hopeful Maltese Cross, while Amelia Earhart is a quirky but talented filly. She looked like showing signs of revival when a runner-up in Group 3 company at Cork, but this is a huge step up from that assignment. Of the others, Andrew Balding pair Galiyan and Hatteen rate each-way alternatives, with Saffie Osborne picking up the ride on Joseph O'Brien's second string, Highwayman. 1.45 Doncaster - 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle bids to go 2-2 The 2000 Guineas favourite Desert Castle is the headline act in a quality edition of the Group 2 Betfred Champagne Stakes. The Charlie Appleby-trained Frankel colt burst onto the scene with a runaway success at Newmarket last month and he will be all the rage to follow up under Billy Loughnane - who will be eyeing more winners to fend off Oisín Murphy at the summit of the jockeys' championship. Gentle Hurricane scored on debut before improving to claim second in the Acomb Stakes and granted further progress he can put it up to the favourite. Jason Watson replaces Oisin Murphy in the plate here, with the champion otherwise engaged at Leopardstown. William Muir has spoken glowingly about Breacher and having landed a Salisbury maiden on his first start, he ran a solid third in Group 3 company. That form entitles him to hit the frame here. Ballydoyle raider Sergei Diaghilev looks the pick of the remainder, with Rosberg and Silver Dominion also in situ. 2.55 Doncaster - Red-hot favourite More Thunder drops in trip More Thunder drops back to seven furlongs in a strong-looking Group 2 Betfred Park Stakes at 2.55pm. The William Haggas-trained five-year-old has been running with credit at the top table all season and this dip back in class and distance should see him hard to beat under Tom Marquand. Never So Brave landed a first Group 1 victory last season but has failed to fire this season, while the same applies to last year's Middle Park victor Wise Approach. Ralph Beckett's 2025 Sussex Stakes winner Qirat ran another fine race in defeat when chasing home Zavateri at Goodwood and cannot be ruled out, while Flora Of Bermuda and Volterra complete the shortlist. Also on Town Moor... Berkshire Regal locks horns with Hmas Perth in the opening 1.10pm British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden Stakes, worth £25,770 to the winner. Ed Dunlop won this race last year and will be eyeing further success in it, with Beloved Country his representative. A typically competitive Betfred Portland (2.20pm) sees Getreadytorumble and Twilight Calls towards the top of the market. The team surrounding the latter have already tasted success at this year's Festival, with Speed Of Sound soaring to success in Thursday's opener. Bullet Point tops a field of 17 assembled for a strong renewal of the Pertemps Network Handicap, although Moonfall is also likely to attract support for the popular George Boughey and Billy Loughnane combination. Elsewhere... The day begins with top-quality action from Australia. Sir Delius (formerly Delius) takes on Sheza Alibi in a classy looking Grade 1 Crown Makybe Diva Stakes. Back on home soil, Solar Edge and Kylian do battle in Lingfield's feature - the Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Handicap at 4pm. Woodbine plays host to top-class action in the evening, headlined by Notable Speech taking on Archivist and company in the feature Woodbine Mile at 10.20pm. Just 35 minutes later, Diamond Rain, Sea The Fire and Jancis all hold good chances in the E. P. Taylor Stakes.