Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 4 Jan 2014

1. RESPITE AFTER STORMY WEEKEND?

Further stormy weather and some snow are expected in the UK over the weekend as four severe flood warnings – signifying danger to life – are place in Gloucestershire and Dorset. Helen Chivers of the Met Office says a depression due to bring stormy conditions on Sunday “might be the last really big storm for a little while”.

2. CABLE SAYS UK RISKS HOUSING BUBBLE

Vince Cable says the rise in house prices puts Britain at risk of another housing bubble, reports the Daily Telegraph. His warning highlights the split in the coalition after David Cameron dismissed suggestions of a new bubble in the market. House prices in December enjoyed their biggest monthly rise for more than four years, with the average cost of a home rising by 8.4% last year.

3. CAMBRIDGE STUDENTS ANGRY OVER WILLIAM

Students at Cambridge University say Prince William’s admission is an “insult” to those who worked hard to get there. The university’s student newspaper, The Tab, says the Duke has been given a “free pass” to study there, despite his “mediocre ABC” exam results. “Conveniently though for Will, he is the registered benefactor of the department he will be studying at,” it added.

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4. MAY ‘FAVOURITE TO REPLACE CAMERON’

Theresa May has edged ahead of Boris Johnson as the favourite to replace David Cameron as Tory leader, according to a poll of party members. Of the 800 Conservative Party members polled last month, 22.7% said May should be the party’s next leader, just ahead of Johnson on 22.6%. Also in the mix are Michael Gove, in 17%, and David Davis on 11%.

5. EVERLY BROTHER DIES IN CALIFORNIA

American musician Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers, has died at the age of 74. Everly died of complications from lung disease, which his wife says was caused by a lifetime of smoking. "We are absolutely heartbroken," she said. Alongside his brother Don, he had a string of hits during the 1950s and 1960s including Wake Up Little Suzie and All I Have To Do Is Dream.

6. AUSSIES NEARING 5-0 ASHES VICTORY

Australia have stretched their lead to 311 in the final Ashes test. The Aussies closed the day on 140-4. England, who had earlier been bowled out for 155, conceded a first-innings defeat of 171, edging ever closer to suffering a 5-0 Ashes defeat. They lost captain Alastair Cook to the second ball of the day and three more batsmen before the first hour was up.

7. PM ANGRY OVER LACK OF FEMALE CANDIDATES

David Cameron has privately expressed his frustration over his party’s lack of female candidates, says The Independent. Fewer than one in three of the candidates selected so far in Tory-held constituencies and other crucial target seats are women. A senior minister said: “The prime minister is very exercised about this.”

8. SCHUMACHER ‘OUT OF DANGER’ SAYS FRIEND

Michael Schumacher’s life is no longer in danger, a friend has told reporters. Philippe Strieff said: “I'm not a doctor, I'm repeating what [the surgeon] Gerard Saillant told me. Gerard Saillant said it is a serious condition but his life is not in danger anymore now, thankfully." Reports suggest a camera attached to Schumacher’s helmet might reveal more details of his skiing accident.

9. DAPPY, JONES AND HOLYFIELD IN BB HOUSE

Daily Mail columnist Liz Jones, veteran entertainer Lionel Blair and N-Dubz rapper Dappy are among the housemates for the new series of Celebrity Big Brother, which launched last night. The boxer Evander Holyfield and controversial comedian Jim Davidson have also entered the Big Brother house, along with singer Linda Nolan.

10. GUNNERS FACE SPURS IN CUP CLASH

Arsenal face rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round this afternoon. Meanwhile, the Premier League has dismissed a complaint from Southampton about remarks made by referee Mark Clattenburg to Saints player Adam Lallana. However, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has been charged by the FA for comments made about the match officials following his side’s clash with Manchester City.