The British and Irish Lions have been accused of preventing Pete Samu from appearing for the First Nations and Pasifika XV because they were scared of defeat in Tuesday’s final midweek fixture.

Advent International will buy a 70 stake in Reckitt’s essential home business, which also includes brands such as Air Wick.

Exchequer secretary to the Treasury James Murray said it was ‘absolutely not the case’ that Number 10 had wanted Ms Abbott to out of the party.