Wednesday morning news briefing: General election on a knife-edge

PM: General election result is 'in the lap of the gods'

The race is tightening. Boris Johnson is facing a tense final day on the campaign trail after a poll suggested he is no longer assured of winning a Commons majority. According to a polling method that correctly predicted the 2017 hung parliament, he will secure a 28-seat majority - but it is within the margin of error. Mr Johnson uses an interview with Political Editor Gordon Rayner to warn that tomorrow is "an absolutely critical moment in our national history", with voters facing the starkest choice since the Eighties. He said the election was "in the lap of the gods", admitting he was "genuinely worried" that tactical voting could put Jeremy Corbyn into No 10. It comes as analysis shows that Labour's plans to seize 10pc of firms would cause a £67bn hit to the economy. Our data team has the latest polling. Compare all the manifesto promises at a glance. And Matt, of course, provides light relief with today's cartoon.

Mr Johnson also used his Telegraph interview to promise tougher sentences for terrorists, sex offenders and violent criminals if the Tories are re-elected. Giving an insight into life outside the public spotlight, he said he "hasn't had five minutes" to himself since the campaign started - and that "it's a long time since I painted any buses" on wine boxes (a hobby he disclosed earlier this year). Read the full exclusive interview.

PS: This week's Moral Money dilemma is topical. A reader asks: should I pay my apathetic son to vote in the election?

New Zealand volcano: Fears of second major eruption

Worsening conditions on a volcanic island in New Zealand have prevented authorities from recovering victims of a huge eruption that killed six people, left eight presumed dead and seriously injured 30. Scientists have warned the chances of another eruption within the next 24 hours are growing. Two British women are among the injured, with medics warning many victims remain critically ill and have suffered at least 30 per cent burns. Meanwhile, rescuers told how they tried to save dying tourists covered in ash in scenes compared to "Chernobyl".

Meghan enlists Hollywood's help for charity

The Duchess of Sussex is using her six-week sabbatical from royal duties to plot the US launch of the Sussex Royal Foundation alongside her former Hollywood PR adviser. Meghan is said to be in "work mode" and determined that the foundation will be one of the world's most successful philanthropic organisations. Victoria Ward reports how the Duchess is hoping to capitalise on Los Angeles connections forged during her former showbusiness career. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are selling a raft of items from their private collection after leaving their spacious Kensington Palace apartment.

News digest

• IVF babies | 'Double the cancer risk' in frozen egg children

• Last words | Final thing said by ex-sheriff swept to death in floods

• Puberty blocking | Trans girl 'wanted to swap gender aged three'

• Food labelling | Why 'exercise required' could replace calorie counts

• Travolta dress | Princess Diana's famous gown sells for £264,0000

Gallery: The big picture

Bleak midwinter | Shepton Mallet infants' children hold on to their headgear on their way to perform in the nativity play on a wet and windy day in Somerset. Browse our gallery of more striking images of the day.

Comment

• Philip Johnston | The most shallow and dismally mendacious election

• Allison Pearson | Your country needs you to end election nightmare!

Michael Deacon | Prime Minister labours his metaphor at JCB plant Ruth Davidson | I will skinny dip in Loch Ness if the SNP win big Judith Woods | Premium economy is a very British kind of bliss

Editor's choice

1. Career change | Miranda Hart and the rise of the midlife life coach

2. Real 'mince' pies | The unsavoury history of your favourite festive foods

3. Our fashion editors' guide | What to wear for every kind of Christmas event

Business and money briefing

Saatchi turmoil | Lord Saatchi has quit the advertising agency that bears his name, days after an accounting error sent shares plunging 45pc. Oliver Gill explains the implications of the Tory peer standing down as an executive director as part of a boardroom clear-out.

• The Think Tank | World's strongest (and unexpected) stock market

• Investment tip | Firm has endured four months of ups and downs

• On top of markets | Live stocks and shares updates 24 hours a day

Sport briefing

Champions League | Two goals in two minutes took Liverpool through to the knockout stage last night, as the defending champions beat RB Salzburg 2-0 in a match they could not afford to lose. Read Jason Burt's report. Chelsea also won their vital last group game, beating Lille 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to reach the next stage. Read Sam Wallace's verdict.

• Tottenham | Mourinho bans players from watching defeat replays

• Chelsea 'takeover' | Abramovich turns down offer from LA Dodgers

• 'Porn star' slur | Lawn Tennis Association forced to pay worker

And finally...

Carry on taxing | The Scottish Highlands has become the UK's first area to introduce a "tourism tax" on campers. A £1-per-night levy has been approved by the council after concerns were raised about visitors being left with a "negative impression" of the standard of local facilities. Phoebe Southworth explains some of the problems.