Sir Keir Starmer faces claims of a cover-up over Lord Mandelson’s failed vetting for a senior post. No 10 says it learned only at the last minute, though officials were reportedly aware weeks earlier. Opponents urge publication of the timeline and advice; the PM says the process was independent.

Bridget Phillipson faces claims she blocked proposed changes to equality law aimed at strengthening single‑sex spaces, allegedly prioritising ambition over safeguarding. Her allies say current rules suffice. The dispute intensifies scrutiny of how sex should be defined in legislation.

Trump warns Iran of severe consequences if a missing US airman is not accounted for, while a regional ally prepares potential military action against energy infrastructure. Allies coordinate the response as the search continues, with diplomacy active but contingency plans in place.

Morgan McSweeney, a senior No 10 aide, has been told to hand over private messages from a second phone to the inquiry into the Mandelson scandal. Investigators will recover any relevant texts to clarify his communications and timeline.