Keir Starmer faces growing dissent among Labour MPs over his handling of the Mandelson scandal. Leadership rivals are circling as the Government yields to backbenchers, allowing scrutiny of No 10 files. Police have advised ministers not to release certain documents during an investigation.
Police are investigating Peter Mandelson after No 10 handed a dossier alleging he leaked market-sensitive data to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while business secretary. The Cabinet Office referred the case to officers. Mandelson is to retire from the Lords.
The Met is assessing allegations that Lord Mandelson, while business secretary, shared confidential No 10 material with Jeffrey Epstein. Emails cited in reports suggest he tipped him off about a PM resignation and a major eurozone bailout. He also faces questions over a possible $75,000 payment.
Andrew and Labour peer Peter Mandelson are urged to testify to US lawmakers after new Epstein revelations. The PM faces calls to strip Mandelson’s peerage and expel him from Labour. Andrew may face legal action in Britain. Ministers say cooperation is needed to deliver justice for victims.
New polling shows 51% want Labour to change leader, with only 21% backing the PM to stay. His rating drops to a record -49. For the first time he loses support from voters who backed Labour in 2024. Andy Burnham leads potential replacements on 24%. Reform leads: 32%, Labour 20%, Tories 17%, Greens 13%.
Ministers plan to restart deportations of asylum seekers to Syria. The Home Secretary is pushing enforced returns despite officials’ concerns about safety and conditions. Modelled partly on Danish policy, the move forms part of wider reforms to cut small‑boat crossings.
The US issued an ultimatum to Tehran: halt its nuclear programme and agree to talks or face military action from a rapidly assembled naval force. Tehran says it is ready to respond. Reports suggest residents are leaving the capital amid fears of an imminent incident.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reversed course, giving pubs and music venues 15% off business rates and freezing them for two years to safeguard community assets. Restaurants, cafés and hotels are excluded and face April rises, expected to lift prices; MPs warn many small firms still risk closure.
Conservatives withdrew a statement implying concern over Suella Braverman’s mental health after she defected to Reform UK. Senior Tories and an ex-Commons deputy speaker condemned the move, while Nigel Farage predicted harsher attacks, highlighting widening defections before May’s locals.
Starmer faces uproar after Labour’s NEC blocked Andy Burnham from seeking a Westminster return in the Gorton and Denton by‑election. Critics call the PM “cowardly”; allies fear it could spur a leadership bid from Wes Streeting. Burnham voices disappointment but urges unity.