Simon Power will tighten the rules for MPs to close a loophole that allows them to use taxpayer money for election advertising.

The most unpopular features of MMP could be ditched if voters opt to keep the electoral system in the referendum on it at next year's election.

There will be no spending limits on parallel campaigners under new election rules proposed by the Government.

Labour and Maori Party strongholds will be hit if prisoners are stopped from voting, a prison reform group says.

United States President Barack Obama is hours away from delivering his State of the Union address at a time when even his most ardent supporters are becoming disillusioned.