Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 23 Jul 2017

1. Tory activists tell May she must go by Xmas

Grassroots Tories say Theresa May must consider quitting before Christmas, reports the Sunday Telegraph. One activist said the Prime Minister was politically "crippled". Meanwhile, a poll in The Observer found that David Davis is the preferred choice among Tory members to replace May as leader, but the race is wide open as foreign secretary Boris Johnson retains support among the rank and file.

2. William and Harry speak of 'total kid' Diana

Prince William and Prince Harry have said Princess Diana was a "total kid through and through". Appearing in an ITV documentary to mark the 20th anniversary of their mother’s death, they said she encouraged them to be "naughty". However, they speak of their regret that they cut short what turned out to be her final phone call to them, hours before her death.

3. Donald Trump investigates whether he can pardon himself

Can Donald Trump pardon himself? That is the question being asked this morning, after the US President Donald Trump said he has "complete power to pardon" while discussing the investigations into potential links between his campaign and Moscow. Reports suggest that Trump’s legal team has explored his authority to pardon assistants, family members, and himself.

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4. Blood donor rules for gay men are relaxed

Blood donation rules for gay men are being relaxed after improvements in the accuracy of testing procedures. Under the new rules, men who have sex with men can now give blood three months after their last sexual activity instead of 12. All blood that is donated in the UK undergoes a mandatory test for a number of viruses including Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.

5. Female broadcasters tell the BBC to close the pay gap

Dozens of high-profile female BBC stars, including Clare Balding, Sue Barker, Emily Maitlis, and Mishal Husain, have written an open letter demanding that the BBC director-general, "do the right thing" and close the gender pay gap at the corporation. The letter, also signed by Kirsty Wark and Angela Rippon, claims that the disparity between pay for men and women has been known "for years".

6. When Tony Blair saved Jeremy Corbyn from de-selection

Tony Blair once prevented Jeremy Corbyn from being deselected, reports the BBC. Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Labour peer Hilary Armstrong, who served as Blair’s chief whip, said the then-PM stepped in to save Corbyn when some of his Islington North constituents tried to deselect him over his rebellious stance. Armstrong says Blair blocked the move, taking the view that the party was "a broad church".

7. Death threats for medical staff in Charlie Gard case

Scotland Yard is investigating allegations that staff at Great Ormond Street hospital have received death threats and abuse over the case of the baby Charlie Gard. The chair of the hospital says thousands of abusive messages, including death threats, have been sent to medical staff at the children’s hospital in London. She said the hospital "will do everything possible to hold to account" those responsible.

8. Government may reform 'demeaning' gender swap process

Ministers are considering proposals to make the process of changing legal gender easier. Campaigners describe the current system - under which people must be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition where a person's biological sex and identity does not match - as "demeaning and broken". The equalities minister Justine Greening says she wants to reform the 2004 Gender Recognition Act to make the process smoother.

9. 'Least loved' Froome set for fourth Tour de France victory

Chris Froome is poised to win the Tour de France after extending his lead in yesterday’s time trial. It has been a turbulent few weeks for Froome, who faced mechanical issues and had to fight back after losing his lead. He was also booed and jeered by spectators. As Froome stands on the brink of a fourth Tour victory, the BBC asks if he is Britain's "least loved great sportsman".

10. Home Alone star found dead in his hotel bedroom

John Heard, best known for his role in the Home Alone films, has died at the age of 71. The actor was found dead on Friday in his hotel room in Palo Alto, California, where he had reportedly been staying after minor back surgery this week. The cause of his death is unknown. He also starred in Cutter's Way, C.H.U.D and Gladiator.