A writer describes how constant rows over domestic chores—symbolised by stacking the dishwasher—revealed unequal effort and eroded respect in her marriage. The accumulated resentment led her to leave, highlighting how small habits can mask deeper relationship faults.

After hours of silence, ministers rallied behind the PM, giving him breathing space amid the Mandelson scandal. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged him to quit, saying there had been too many mistakes.

The PM’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, has resigned, taking responsibility for recommending Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington despite concerns over Mandelson’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein. The departure intensifies scrutiny of the PM’s judgement and leadership.

Police searched Peter Mandelson’s London and Wiltshire homes in an inquiry into alleged misconduct in public office, seizing boxes of material for review. The searches, linked to continuing fallout from the Epstein case, resulted in no arrests.