Essex Police are assessing material from newly released files as they become the fourth UK force to examine claims that a convicted US financier trafficked women to the UK on private flights via Stansted, increasing scrutiny on a senior royal linked in the documents.

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.