After a heavy by-election defeat in Gorton and Denton, where Green candidate Hannah Spencer won with 41% and Reform UK came second while the Tories lost their deposit, Labour fell to third. Angela Rayner is urging the PM to shift left, intensifying leadership pressure amid MPs’ warnings of serious jeopardy.
A bid to legalise assisted dying is set to fail after the Government signalled no extra Lords time. Supporters accuse peers of talking it out; critics say scrutiny shows it’s unsafe. Lord Falconer alleges filibustering; Esther Rantzen decries ‘sabotage’.
Chancellor Reeves says Andrew must repay any misused taxpayer funds if confirmed. Civil servants allege he billed for personal services and excessive travel while trade envoy. Police are examining potential misconduct in public office.
Trade minister Chris Bryant issued a rare Commons rebuke of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, calling him rude and arrogant, as MPs voted to release files on his appointment as trade envoy.
Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations he passed information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while business secretary. The development heightens pressure on No 10 over vetting and past links, with officials pledging to assist police.
Downing Street authorised accelerated ‘developed vetting’ for Lord Mandelson after naming him US ambassador, amid questions over his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, an individual convicted of abuse. Ministers say prioritising vetting is routine; critics question oversight.
Police are contacting former and serving protection officers to gather accounts related to a senior royal after claims in the Epstein files. Nine UK forces are reviewing potential links. The royal denies wrongdoing and may face further questioning as searches at a Windsor residence continue.
Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office after a morning police raid, then released under investigation. The King said the law must take its course. Relatives of the late Virginia Giuffre welcomed the move. Andrew denies wrongdoing.
Surrey Police appeal for witnesses to allegations of trafficking and assault linked to newly released Epstein files. The Met is reviewing claims that Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s former bodyguards may hold evidence, as ministers and MPs urge him to give evidence to Parliament.
Essex Police are reviewing flight logs and emails tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s aircraft at Stansted’s private terminal amid claims of unlawful trips. Cross-party MPs may launch an inquiry into Andrew’s time as trade envoy after files suggested he shared confidential reports. He could be called to give evidence.