After opposition and legal concerns, the PM has dropped proposals to cancel local elections, with polls in about 30 councils now set to proceed. The reversal follows pressure from rivals including Nigel Farage and backbench unease, restoring the vote for millions.

MPs are urging police to open a full inquiry into allegations that Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor abused his role as UK trade envoy to share sensitive information. Pressure follows the release of Epstein-related files, with senior figures calling for a criminal probe.

Peter Mandelson is accused of taking undeclared “ghost flights” on a foreign tycoon’s jet to attend a summit with an authoritarian leader while serving as EU trade commissioner. He later cut aluminium tariffs, prompting scrutiny over conflicts of interest, lobbying and transparency.

Labour has issued new school guidance on gender identity, allowing case-by-case social transition for primary pupils, including preferred names and pronouns, with parental involvement and safeguarding checks. It replaces stricter earlier proposals and has prompted mixed political reaction.