the government says it's confident there's no risk to energy supplies for customers amid soaring gas prices and warnings more companies could go bust. the actorjohn challis, best known for playing boycie in only fools and horses, has died at the age of 79. the liberal democrat leader sir ed davey has said his party can win seats from the conservatives in areas where traditional tory voters have been taken for granted. at his party conference he's attacked the government's handling of coronavirus, trade, and climate change. he's also proposed a system of catch up vouchers for parents to spend on helping children recover learning lost because of the pandemic. here's our political correspondentjonathan blake. his party may be far from centre—stage in british politics, but sir ed davey made the most of his first speech to lib dem members in person since elected as leader last year. they've taken a once safe conservative seat in a by—election since then,