Labour suffered a major setback as the Greens won the Gorton & Denton by-election, with Labour falling to third. The result increases pressure on the PM, prompting calls to shift left and fuelling leadership speculation as the party seeks to reconnect with disaffected voters.
An internal audit at Global Counsel found a significant batch of Lord Mandelson’s business emails missing. The account had been used to correspond with Jeffrey Epstein. Officials have requested the material; the firm will provide what remains, while Mandelson says he lost access in 2022.
An independent review finds some NHS maternity units wrongly recorded babies showing signs of life as stillborn, exploiting rules that limit inquests. Families were denied answers amid poor care, weak communication and discrimination. Ministers promise urgent reforms and tighter oversight.
Lord Mandelson says his arrest stemmed from a “fictional” claim he was a flight risk, denying he would evade inquiries linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He is challenging the police decision and bail conditions, arguing there was no basis for suspecting he intended to abscond.
Police arrested Lord Mandelson in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office amid an inquiry into whether sensitive government information was shared with a disgraced financier. His home was searched and he was questioned. He denies wrongdoing. No charges have been filed.
Met investigators probing alleged trafficking linked to Jeffrey Epstein face a setback after evidence of his UK flights, including records at RAF bases such as Northolt, was destroyed. Gaps in passenger manifests and flight logs may hinder efforts to map movements and contacts.
The PM is ready to legislate to remove Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the line of succession, with the Palace signalling no objection. The step follows his 2019 withdrawal from duties amid allegations linked to a US civil case.
A senior royal was arrested and questioned on suspicion of misconduct in public office linked to historic allegations and leaked documents. Officers searched properties. The King said the law must take its course, backing due process in the first such arrest in 350 years.
Trump withdrew US backing for the UK’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, criticising the PM. The State Department reversed earlier support. No 10 says the agreement protects security and the US presence at Diego Garcia, as Conservatives step up criticism.
Ministers are weighing dropping Labour’s promise to give 18–24s the full national living wage, amid claims it deters hiring. With about one in six young adults out of work, options include keeping age bands or phasing rises to ease costs for employers; unions argue pay should be equal.