Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 1 May 2012

1. MORTGAGE PAYMENTS RISE TODAY

The mortgage payments of over a million homeowners will increase by hundreds of pounds a year from today. The ongoing eurozone crisis and lenders' funding problems are responsible for the rise that will add £300 million a year to the total mortgage bill, according to experts.

Mortgage rates: which banks are hiking their interest charges?

2. BORIS OPENS 12-POINT LONDON LEAD

Boris Johnson has a 12-point lead on rival Ken Livingstone in a Populus poll for The Times ahead of Thursday's London mayoral election. Among voters in outer London his lead extends to 20 points. Lib Dem Brian Paddick was pushed into fourth by Green candidate Jenny Jones.

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Beyond the spin: how to tell who has won the local elections

3. MURDOCH 'NOT FIT' TO RUN NEWS CORP

Rupert Murdoch is "not a fit person to exercise the stewardship of a major international company", according to a report on the News of the World phone hacking scandal published by the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee today. However, the committee split on party lines over the report with Conservatives saying they could not agree with the verdict on Murdoch.

'Astonishing' question Culture committee Tories must answer

4. OBAMA'S 'NO COMMENT' ON CHEN

Barack Obama has declined to comment on Chen Guangcheng, the Chinese dissident said to be at the US embassy after fleeing house arrest. Obama said he is "aware of press reports" but would not elaborate. Hilary Clinton, due in Beijing this week, also declined to comment.

Chen Guangcheng case will test US-China relations

5. BLUMENTHAL TOP OF THE WORLD

Heston Blumenthal is the planet's most successful chef after two of his establishments were named among the top 15 in the world. His new London restaurant Dinner came ninth and The Fat Duck 13th in the poll. He was the only chef to appear twice in the top 15.

6. ROY HODGSON IS NEW ENGLAND BOSS

Roy Hodgson has been named as the new manager of England after agreeing a four-year deal with the FA, which will see him take charge of the national team until the 2016 European championships. He will take over at the end of the season when his contract with West Brom runs out.

Why Roy Hodgson - not Redknapp - is the right man for England

7. DURAN DURAN HEADLINE OLYMPIC GIG

The line-up for the Olympics opening ceremony concert in Hyde Park has been announced, with veteran English pop band Duran Duran headlining the event. Also on the bill are Stereophonics from Wales, Snow Patrol from Northern Ireland and Scotland's Paolo Nutini.

Toxic caterpillars and flawed missiles pose Olympic threat

8. PAY TEACHERS ON PERFORMANCE, SAY MPS

Teachers should be paid based on performance with poor teachers being paid less than their superior colleagues under Government plans supported by a cross-party group of MPs. The MPs argue that poor teachers are hiding behind a “rigid and unfair” national salary structure.

9. CITY TOP AFTER MANCHESTER DERBY WIN

Manchester City are top of the Premier League after beating neighbours and title rivals Manchester United 1-0. Vincent Kompany's header in first-half stoppage time gave City the win that lifted them to the summit on goal difference with just two games to go.

Manchester City edge out United in pedestrian 'biggest derby ever'

10. HOT TICKET: PROTOTYPE 2

Open-world action game sequel Prototype 2 is out for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The game puts the player in the role of James Heller, a man out for revenge following a plague outbreak. The Guardian praises its “wonderful chaos” and calls it “Grand Theft Auto with super powers”.

Prototype 2: superbly violent - and a dream to play