George Osborne's father-in-law has told shocked peers that fracking should be carried out in the North East of England where there are "large, uninhabited and desolate areas." Lord Howell was energy secretary under Margaret Thatcher.
Lord Howell's first job was with HM Treasury from 1959-60 as part of the Treasury Economic Section.
In 1966 he won the seat of Guildford, representing the Surrey county town until 1997, when he was made a life peer.
Lord Howell was Secretary of State for Energy, and later for Transport in Margaret Thatcher's first Cabinet (1979-83). He was chairman of the International Energy Agency ministerial meeting in May 1979.
The Democratic presidential candidate may also have shown his cards on his choice of running mate.
The US president also shared a post on Twitter accusing Dr Anthony Fauci of misleading the public over hydroxychloroquine.
Fears over an impending second wave of coronavirus dominates Wednesday’s front pages.