Mandelson Commons return rumoured

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Several newspapers report that Lord Mandelson is being lined up for a safe Labour seat so he can stand for the leadership of the Labour Party.

The <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sunday-mirror/">Sunday Mirror</a> says it would depend on legislation being rushed through Parliament to allow the business secretary to give up his life peerage.

The <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5955600/Secret-plan-for-Lord-Mandelson-to-return-to-Commons-in-Labour-safe-seat.html">Sunday Telegraph</a> reports that Blairites are behind the plan, which is said to "intrigue" Lord Mandelson.

Ex-chief whip Hilary Armstrong would make way for him, the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_headline=new-bid-to-topple-pm%26method=full%26objectid=21548346%26siteid=93463-name_page.html">People</a> claims.

Losing battle

The Observer says the UK's war effort is being hampered by the number of troops who are too fat or unfit to be deployed in Afghanistan.

A leaked memo to all army units seen by the paper warns more physical training is needed for <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/aug/02/british-army-obesity-fitness">"a warrior ethos".</a>

The <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/431694/Fury-as-kids-go-on-Chinook-fun-flights.html">News of the World</a> says relatives of dead soldiers are angry that RAF helicopters are being used to give children joy rides during open days.

They insist the aircraft are desperately needed in Afghanistan.

Appliance of science

Researchers studying why couples do not conceive have <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/the-secret-life-of-sperm-is-unlocked-1766251.html">made a breakthrough,</a> the Independent on Sunday says.

The paper says their findings will mean that thousands of women will be spared intrusive medical tests.

Meanwhile, the <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.express.co.uk/sunday">Sunday Express</a> says there are calls to ban sunbeds after a bride who prepared for her wedding by using one died 15 months later.

Louise Johnson spotted a growth on her shoulder putting on her wedding dress. The cancer later spread to her lungs and brain.

Hip to be square

The Mail on Sunday reports that the traditional Oxo cube is about to <a class="inlineText" href="http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1203686/Stock-horror-Oxo-cube-goes-early-gravy--new-X-shape-easier-crumble.html">crumble away for ever.</a>

Its makers are replacing the flat-sided cubes with grooved ones that are X-shaped and apparently easier to use.

Naturally, there is an outcry. Ex-cabinet minister turned cookery writer Norman Tebbit asks: "Is nothing sacred?

Antony Worrall Thompson says the cubes are "quite easy to crumble" as it is. However, he adds Oxo "is not something I would personally use as I am a chef".