Sir Keir Starmer faces calls to remove Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after revelations of the Labour peer’s close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein following the financier’s conviction for sexual offences, including brokering a substantial deal and offering personal encouragement.
Union leaders have cautioned that there will be significant backlash if the PM tries to dilute the employment rights bill associated with Angela Rayner, especially after a cabinet reshuffle raised concerns about a shift to the right in party priorities.
Labour is intensifying its efforts to tackle small boat crossings, as the new home secretary pledges to target people-smuggling operations following a record number of Channel arrivals this year.
The PM has replaced key Home Office ministers and appointed Shabana Mahmood to address concerns around small boats and immigration, aiming to regain support from voters dissatisfied with Labour’s record and counter the rise of Reform UK.
Angela Rayner has resigned following failure to pay full tax on her second home, prompting Keir Starmer to urgently reorganise his frontbench team with immediate effect.
Angela Rayner’s position is under pressure after her Hove flat was targeted with graffiti amid ongoing questions over her stamp duty payments, while the PM has stopped short of openly backing her to remain in post ahead of a Commons investigation outcome.
Angela Rayner has acknowledged failing to pay around £40,000 in stamp duty on a property in Hove, attributing the underpayment to mistaken legal advice and denying any wrongdoing related to property flipping or tax evasion.
New asylum policies proposed by the government may increase the number of refugees attempting dangerous Channel crossings, as restrictions on family reunion applications could leave vulnerable individuals with fewer options for safe migration routes.
The PM has strengthened his Downing Street operation by moving Rachel Reeves’ deputy, Darren Jones, into a key chief secretary role and bringing in economist Minouche Shafik as chief economic adviser, amid widespread speculation that the October Budget will include significant tax rises.
There is growing concern for the safety of journalists in Gaza, with calls for increased protection and access to ensure continued independent reporting from the region.