Keir Starmer apologises to Epstein’s victims, saying he wrongly trusted Peter Mandelson before appointing him ambassador to Washington. He says vetting failed. Labour MPs push for the dismissal of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, fuelling questions over his leadership.
With polls sliding and rows over key policies, the PM faces a struggle to stay in post. Some MPs are testing support for a leadership change before the election, while allies urge unity and insist the government’s plans on the economy and migration will continue.
Keir Starmer faces growing dissent among Labour MPs over his handling of the Mandelson scandal. Leadership rivals are circling as the Government yields to backbenchers, allowing scrutiny of No 10 files. Police have advised ministers not to release certain documents during an investigation.
The PM faces intense pressure after admitting he and his chief of staff were warned about Lord Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him ambassador to Washington. Opponents question his judgment and demand full disclosure of advice behind the decision.
Sir Keir Starmer faces a Labour revolt led by Angela Rayner over his handling of the Peter Mandelson controversy, including the proposed appointment of the peer as US ambassador. Under pressure, he agreed to release documents, prompting questions over his leadership.
Angela Rayner challenged the PM over the Mandelson affair, prompting a rapid reversal after Labour MPs rebelled. No 10 moved to distance itself and ordered a review into contacts and lobbying. The episode has raised doubts about the PM’s authority and party discipline.
John Virgo, the snooker great and TV favourite, has died aged 79. His widow Rosie paid tribute, calling him the love of her life. Known for commentary and Big Break, he had recently been touring with Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis, who led tributes.
Ghislaine Maxwell has reportedly said the photograph of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre is genuine, contradicting his claim it was faked. The development raises fresh questions over his Pizza Express alibi and may renew scrutiny of his past statements amid ongoing misconduct allegations.
New NHS plans will give cancer patients personalised mental health support, offering tailored help to cope with the psychological impact of diagnosis and treatment. Health Secretary Wes Streeting hails it as the biggest shift in patient support in a generation.
Security officials warn a hostile state’s spacecraft has intercepted European satellite signals, risking exposure of unencrypted command data vital to defence and infrastructure. The UK and allies are pushing rapid encryption upgrades and tighter space monitoring to protect networks.
Labour MPs say Starmer’s premiership is in peril amid anger over appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Under pressure, No 10 will release papers on the decision. The row has strained party unity and fuelled talk of a leadership challenge if transparency proves lacking.
After a Commons revolt led by Angela Rayner, the PM scrapped plans to withhold vetting papers on Peter Mandelson’s nomination as US ambassador. He acknowledged knowing of Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein. Pressure also mounts on chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
The PM faces backlash over his account of hiring Lord Mandelson, after admitting he knew of concerns about the peer’s ties to a disgraced financier before bringing him into No 10. MPs demand an independent inquiry into vetting, access and influence. Downing Street says processes were followed.