New book claims Hillary prevented Clinton divorce

Hillary Clinton stood in the way of husband Bill's desire to divorce in 1989, according to a controversial new book.

A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton has been written by Carl Bernstein, who is reported by the Washington Post as claiming that Bill Clinton had resigned himself to a permanent separation from his wife.

The book is also thought to include claims that Mrs Clinton thought about leaving her husband when he was governor of Arkansas.

It controversially suggests that Hillary changed her mind on this issue as her husband stepped up his presidential ambitions.

The book has undoubtedly arrived at an awkward time for presidential candidate Hillary, who is reaching a critical stage in her campaign.

Her campaigners appear unfazed, however, with spokesman Phillipe Reines asking the Washington Post: "Is it possible to be quoted yawning?"

He went on to describe the book as "nothing more than cash for rehash".

Mrs Clinton has been making headlines elsewhere for her decision to ask voters to pick a campaign song, which she promises to sing if she is chosen as the next president of the US.