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Peter Mandelson’s failed security vetting: a timeline of the controversy

Starmer’s disastrous decision to make New Labour veteran the US ambassador has led to months of political outcry Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign after the Guardian revealed that Peter Mandelson failed the developed vetting process over his appointment as US ambassador – but was able to take up the post after the Foreign Office overruled the recommendation. Here is the timeline of Mandelson’s controversial appointment and the fallout it has caused. Continue reading...

Council by-election results from yesterday and forthcoming contests

The Conservatives gained a seat from Reform UK in Northumberland. The post Council by-election results from yesterday and forthcoming contests appeared first on Conservative Home.

Thousands to protest Keir Starmer's 'once-in-a-generation threat' to nature

People will protest against Labour's development plans at over 190 locations in the UK on Saturday.

Greens Accuse BBC of ‘Heightening Hostile Environment’ for Migrants

While Labour implodes, the Greens are busy accusing the BBC of all places of contributing to a “hostile environment” for asylum seekers. A useful reminder that things can always get worse on the left… Following the BBC’s investigation showing asylum lawyers are advising their clients to pretend to be gay to support their claims, the…

Birmingham is awash with local election candidates – but will result be a ‘coalition of chaos’?

Some fear a fragmented field of hopefuls from Labour, the Conservatives, Greens, Reform and Independents could leave city ungovernable Paul Tilsley was 23 when he was first elected for the Liberal party in Birmingham’s 1968 council elections. At the time, the UK had an unpopular Labour government facing an economic crisis, tensions around immigration and US pressure to back military action abroad. Such a backdrop may seem familiar, but this May, the all-out local elections in Birmingham could no

Key questions facing government over Mandelson vetting

It's emerged that Lord Mandelson did not pass inital security vetting checks ahead of taking up the role of ambassador to the United States.

Why are the 2026 local elections so significant?

BBC West Midlands political editor Elizabeth Glinka explains the significance of 14 local elections.

Iranian Foreign Minister Declares Strait of Hormuz ‘Completely Open’ for Rest of Ceasefire

Iran’s foreign minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi on X: “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.” Trump’s reaction:…

More than half of Britons support rejoining EU 10 years on from Brexit vote

But Labour’s ‘halfway house’ approach risks losing support from progressives and ‘red wall’ voters, experts say UK politics live – latest updates Support for rejoining the EU rather than simply rejoining the single market is growing among British voters, with more than 80% of Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green party supporters favouring this option, research mapping voter attitudes 10 years after the Brexit referendum shows. But Labour’s “muted” approach means it now risks losing support among

Drivers could lose Motability car under 'two week rule' with 'black box' scheme

This week, the disability lease company brought in strict new regulations with devices fitted to some cars

Olly Robbins is just the latest: a guide to the high-profile exits under Starmer’s tenure

There has been a steady succession of departures by ministers and senior officials in the last two years The exit of the top civil servant Olly Robbins from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is the latest departure of an official or minister under Keir Starmer’s two-year tenure as prime minister. Here we take a look at some of the most high-profile resignations since Starmer came to power. Continue reading...

Caption Contest (Best of Friends Edition)