Political Times: End of the road for Clarkson, Cameron's VAT blow and Lord Brian May?

The so called "Chipping Norton set" has been dealt a critical blow after the BBC decided not to renew Jeremy Clarkson's contract. The former Top Gear host was dropped after he allegedly punched one of the motoring show's producers, Oisin Tymon.

The alleged 30-second attack took place at a hotel in Yorkshire after a so called "fracas" broke out over no hot food being provided for the TV stars after a day's filming. Clarkson could face police action after North Yorkshire Police said they were liaising with the BBC over the incident.

The 54-year-old is a friend of David Cameron and the Prime Minister recently went into bat for the car enthusiast, calling him a "huge talent".

It was even reported that the Tory leader's daughter, Nancy, went on hunger strike unless the Top Gear host was reinstated. But the protest only lasted around five minutes, according to Samantha Cameron.

VAT pledge

However, the Cameron family were boosted elsewhere after the Prime Minister dropped a tax bombshell on Ed Miliband during the final Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) of this Parliament.

The Labour leader pressed Cameron on whether a Tory government would increase the 20% rate of VAT. Labour had previously claimed that the Conservatives had planned to do so, but wouldn't answer the question.

But the opposition benches were left shocked after Cameron promised not to hike the levy, which is usually charge on services and goods.

"In 45 days' time I plan to arrange his retirement. But he's right, straight questions do deserve straight answers. And the answer is 'yes'," Cameron retorted.

But Miliband hit back and alleged that British electorate would not take the prime minister's word for granted, citing George Osborne's increase of VAT from 17.5% to 20% as part of his 2010 "emergency budget".

Rock royalty

Finally, IBTimes UK had a very royal engagement this week when we interviewed rock legend Brian May. The Queen guitarist revealed that he has ruled out running as an MP but a peerage is still on the cards.

May, who was unveiling his Common Decency campaign in London, said he would consider a seat in the House of Lords – so long as such a move would not interfere with his independence as an activist.