The PM accuses officials of misleading him over Lord Mandelson’s vetting and signals a push to rein in Whitehall. He promises reforms to curb an obstructive culture and hold mandarins accountable.

Sir Keir Starmer faces claims he misled Parliament about appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite failed vetting. No 10 says the PM was unaware of concerns, but critics demand his resignation and a full inquiry into who approved the posting and what advice was ignored.

A new analysis says the typical family now faces about £4,000 more in annual tax under Chancellor Rachel Reeves, driven by frozen thresholds, higher council tax and other measures. Critics warn the burden is rising faster than in comparable economies.

New polling for the upcoming local elections projects Labour losing control in Wales and suffering wider council setbacks across Britain. The model suggests gains for rivals and independents, signalling a difficult test for the PM’s party and a weakening of its local authority base.