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The chancellor will have to spend up to £4bn more on pensioners from next year if he keeps to the Conservatives’ “triple lock pledge”, reports the Financial Times. The triple lock ensures state pensions rise annually by the highest out of average earning growth, inflation or 2.5%. The paper says anomalies in wage data pushed the headline growth rate of average earnings up to 5.6% in April, adding that in July that rate will rise to about 8%.

Financial Times Front Page 4th of February 2026

Police have opened a criminal inquiry into Lord Mandelson’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein, examining claims sensitive information was shared while he held government roles. Mandelson has resigned from the Lords. Starmer called the conduct disgraceful and urged full co‑operation.

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Financial Times Front Page 2nd of February 2026

Emails reveal Peter Mandelson advised Jeffrey Epstein that JPMorgan should pressure the UK over the 2009 bankers’ bonus tax, urging contact with the chancellor. He says he sought to protect jobs and investment. Labour is under pressure to address the revelations.

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Financial Times Front Page 31st of January 2026

Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to lead the Fed, signalling a firmer stance on inflation. Markets backed the dollar and trimmed expectations of rapid rate cuts. US yields rose while gold fell as investors priced in steadier policy and renewed questions over central bank independence.

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