Legal

Elizabeth Gardiner, the first parliamentary counsel, leads the team that writes the UK’s legislation. She tells Suzannah Brecknell what makes a good bill, how departments can help, and what Brexit will mean for those who craft the law of the land

Umbrella trade union body said former Brexit minister Steve Baker’s attacks on civil servants from the dispatch box represented “a new low”

Tax agency loses tribunal over employment status of top-flight match officials

Secretary of state says government will bring forward legislation to ensure continuity of appointments and public services as Stormont power vacuum continues

Unions say that they are confidence that the Scottish Government processes are valid and robust

Read the statement from permanent secretary at the Scottish Government Leslie Evans after it emerged Alex Salmond was to take the the Scottish Government to court over allegations of sexual harassment against him

Chancellor publishes letter to Treasury select committee after government release of 25 technical notices on preparing for no-deal Brexit

The former Scottish Government first minister says investigation of allegations by Leslie Evans has been unjust, as unions call for urgent meeting

Apology comes after Windrush review calls for evidence including from Home Office staff of all grades

Home Office asks for written comments on “main legislative, policy and operational decisions” that led to scandal

Northern Ireland's attorney general John Larkin is seeking “authoritative guidance” on decisions that can be taken by officials in absence of ministers

Standards watchdog raps former foreign secretary for breach of Ministerial Code

Government failed to consult with unions over pay because they "didn’t trust them not to leak 1% to 1.5% pay range"

Justice secretary criticised for his role in departure of Nick Hardwick following board’s decision to release convicted rapist John Warboys

Northern Ireland councils warn that powers they are due to take from Stormont are marooned in absence of ministers

Department says no one will have to sign an NDA to access compensation, despite reports

Commercial Law Group expansion includes an increase to 13 in the number of senior posts

Newly-released papers reveal that Butler asked PM John Major to defend civil service from then Labour leader’s attacks

Introduction of 21 privately run companies in 2014 have faced “significant challenges” says justice secretary David Gauke

National Archives files reveal that 1,420 Whitehall staff were monitored by security services

The prime minister’s approach to her Cabinet and Cabinet committees is, crudely, a premiership of two halves. The IfG’s Gavin Freeguard analyses her tactics

John Manzoni says department has taken appropriate action and defends decision not to publish inquiry

Crawford Falconer says “world is begging to trade with UK” in first full interview since taking up role

New Brexit secretary Dominic Raab defends White Paper on future relationship between UK and EU as “principled and practical”