Morgan McSweeney has resigned as the PM’s chief of staff amid controversy over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador. He said he took full responsibility for his advice. The exit removes No 10’s key strategist credited with Labour’s 2024 landslide and is seen as damage control.

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.

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.

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.