Lucy Powell warns the Peter Mandelson scandal will loom over the Gorton and Denton by‑election on 26 Feb, which she calls a “dry run” for the general election. She says the contest could test Labour in a traditionally safe seat as Reform UK seeks gains, a “line in the sand” for the party.
Relentless downpours continue, with some areas seeing rain every day of 2026. Forecasters warn the wet spell shows no sign of easing, and bookmakers price it at 1-2 that February will be the wettest on record. Flood alerts and travel disruption remain likely across the UK.
Steve Wright has been jailed for a further 40 years for the 1999 killing of Victoria Hall. A woman who escaped him says she gave police his car registration the day before but it wasn’t acted on, claiming lives might have been saved if officers had intervened.
MPs condemned the decision to raise the TV licence to £180 a year, a £5.50 increase, warning it risks alienating viewers amid an impartiality row at the broadcaster. Critics say the hike will hit hard‑pressed households; ministers argue it aligns with inflation.
Police executed warrants at Lord Mandelson’s London and Wiltshire properties during an inquiry into an alleged leak of government papers to Jeffrey Epstein. Detectives are examining potential misconduct in public office. No arrests have been disclosed.
Josh Simons, now a minister, was given dossiers on journalists who were investigating Labour Together while he chaired the thinktank. The files, compiled by a PR agency, tracked reporters’ work on funding and influence. The revelation intensifies scrutiny of the party’s operations.
Angela Rayner says she warned Starmer not to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US, citing concerns over his links with Jeffrey Epstein following Epstein’s conviction for abuse. Detectives have searched properties linked to Mandelson as part of an investigation.
Police searched Peter Mandelson’s London and Wiltshire homes in an inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office, seizing boxes of material for review. The searches, linked to continuing fallout from the Epstein case, resulted in no arrests.
Senior figures around the PM warn that ditching fiscal discipline for unfunded giveaways could trigger a repeat of 2022 market turmoil, lifting gilt yields and mortgage costs. They urge a steady, pro‑business course to protect credibility and head off would‑be challengers.
Police searched properties in Wiltshire and Camden linked to Peter Mandelson amid an inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office, including claims he leaked market‑sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. Ministers will hand over communications; questioning is expected within days.
Met officers searched homes linked to Lord Mandelson in Camden and Wiltshire under warrants, probing claims he leaked sensitive government information to US financier Jeffrey Epstein. No arrests were made. The move increases pressure on Labour to release vetting documents.