PRESS DIGEST-British Business - October 30

Oct 30 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the business pages of British newspapers. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

The Times

— ECB President Christine Lagarde will step down nine months early, paving the way for a possible intervention in France's 2027 presidential election in support of the country's EU membership.

— Lloyds Banking Group LLOY.L criticised the government's decision to double the bank profit surcharge to 6% and urged ministers to reduce borrowing costs to support economic growth.

The Guardian

— British finance minister John Healey signalled welfare spending cuts before the next election, as rising sickness and disability benefit costs came under renewed scrutiny.

— DoorDash DASH.O agreed to acquire Instacart for $17 billion, expanding its grocery delivery business while keeping the Instacart brand and app.

The Telegraph

— Binance said it was investigating a suspected hack after about $2 billion crypto tokens reportedly flowed from its hot wallets, in what could rank as the largest cryptocurrency theft on record.

— UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham demanded answers from Poundland's owner Gordon Brothers after the retailer filed a notice to appoint administrators, putting thousands of jobs at risk.

Sky News

— Shell's SHEL.L third-quarter adjusted earnings doubled to $10.8 billion, helped by stronger margins, higher gas prices and increased gas production.

— Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was prepared for a conflict with Europe but did not want one amid ongoing fighting in Ukraine.