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.

Donald Trump deleted a social media post portraying him as Jesus, later saying he thought it showed a doctor. The retreat followed a clash with the Pope, whom he had called “weak and terrible”. He voiced regret as allies sought to limit damage among Catholic and evangelical voters.