Ministers scrapped plans to delay May’s local elections after a Reform UK legal challenge. The state will pay the party’s costs. Farage calls it a win. The U-turn increases pressure on the PM amid forecasts of council losses and talk of a reshuffle.
Government to shrink a programme countering hostile-state activity after a newly revealed poison threat linked to a foreign power. Opposition brands the change irresponsible; the PM says funding will be redirected to the most acute national security risks as allies prepare further sanctions.
Police may question former royal protection officers over records of female visitors to Buckingham Palace, after an ex-guard offered evidence to an inquiry and alleged guest entries were omitted, linked to Epstein.
The PM has dismissed the head of the Civil Service with immediate effect, the third senior exit this week, as part of a leadership reset. Sir Chris Wormald departs after a year, with Dame Antonia Romeo tipped to become Cabinet Secretary.
Police are assessing allegations over Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, including whether confidential government reports were leaked while Andrew served as a trade envoy. Thames Valley Police say they are examining potential misconduct in public office, with cooperation from US authorities.
A former No 10 comms chief, recently made a peer, has been suspended from the Labour whip after campaigning for a councillor charged over abusive images and over past links to an individual convicted of abuse. He apologised to victims as No 10 faced questions about when concerns were raised.
Keir Starmer stays in office after a coordinated Cabinet show of loyalty halted an attempted ousting said to originate in Scotland. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised No 10 for hostile briefings, released Mandelson texts, and is viewed as positioning for a future leadership bid.
Morgan McSweeney has resigned as No 10 chief, taking responsibility for urging the PM to nominate Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US despite controversy over Mandelson’s associations with a disgraced financier. The move aims to steady the PM, though MPs remain divided.
Police searched properties in Wiltshire and Camden linked to Peter Mandelson amid an inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office, including claims he leaked market‑sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. Ministers will hand over communications; questioning is expected within days.
Labour MPs are planning how to remove the PM after a damaging rebellion, considering sending senior female MPs to urge him to stand down. He ignored warnings from ministers, weakening his authority. Rivals wait: Rayner has an unresolved HMRC bill, while Streeting is reluctant to act.