2 h. ago The Guardian view on Peter Mandelson in Washington: a parable of short

Any association with Jeffrey Epstein was obviously toxic and it reflects poorly on Keir Starmer’s judgment that he didn’t anticipate the riskAs UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson was obviously a risky appointment. There was never any doubt that the former cabinet minister, European commissioner and international business lobbyist would be a skilled operator. The danger came from another of his reliable traits – attracting attention for the wrong reasons.Sure enough, little over six months into the role, Lord Mandelson’s position became untenable. Sir Keir Starmer had stood by him when links to Jeffrey Epstein first resurfaced – extraordinary given the billionaire financier’s status as a convicted paedophile. The position changed with the publication of evidence showing that Lord Mandelson reaffirmed the friendship even after Epstein’s conviction, expressing solidarity and urging him to seek early release.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this ar...

Politics

3 h. ago Concerns Mandelson did not pass MI6 vetting for US ambassador role – but Starmer appointed him anyway

Keir Starmer is facing serious questions after claims he ignored warnings from the security service to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador

Politics

4 h. ago Concerns Mandelson did not pass MI6 vetting for US ambassador role – but was appointed anyway

It is claimed that Keir Starmer pushed through his appointment anyway in the face of opposition from the Trump White House

Politics

4 h. ago In plain sight: why Mandelson’s role as envoy to US was a big risk for Starmer

‘Withdrawal’ of Labour peer from US is more evidence of prime minister’s failure to pick right people, say critics

Events

5 h. ago Concerns that Mandelson did not pass MI6 vetting for US ambassador role – but was appointed anyway

It is claimed that Keir Starmer pushed through his appointment anyway in the face of opposition from the Trump White House

Politics

25 h. ago Mandelson fights to stay as UK ambassador amid new Epstein revelations

Tories urge Sir Keir Starmer to remove the Labour peer from his role as envoy to Washington

Politics

51 h. ago Phillipson the frontrunner as six female Labour MPs enter deputy leader race

Alison McGovern and Paula Barker latest to join contest, as well as Emily Thornberry, Lucy Powell and Bell Ribeiro-AddyWho is in the running for deputy leader?UK politics live – latest updatesBridget Phillipson has thrown her hat in the ring for the Labour deputy leadership contest, becoming the early favourite to win as she is most likely to meet the threshold of MP nominations.While Labour party members, many of whom are to the left of Keir Starmer’s leadership, could be suspicious of the education secretary’s role as a serving cabinet minister, she is likely to be seen by MPs as No 10’s de facto candidate and so will secure much of the “payroll” vote. Continue reading...

Politics

6 d. ago Angela Rayner's resignation over tax scandal throws government into fresh disarray and sets up potential top party role for leftwing Starmer critic

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to carry out a wide reshuffle of his top team after Ms Rayner, 45, quit as deputy prime minister and housing secretary.

Politics

1 week ago Starmer appoints Darren Jones to new role as PM’s chief secretary

Mr Jones will be based at No 10 and ‘directly oversee work across Government to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s priorities’.

Politics

1 week ago Keir Starmer appoints Rachel Reeves’ righthand man to new Downing Street role in mini

The prime minister has moved to get a grip on the political agenda after a torrid year and also sacked his director of communications

Politics

3 w. ago Suranne Jones details 'rambunctious' experience shadowing Keir Starmer for thriller role

Suranne Jones has opened up about her 'rambunctious' experience shadowing Keir Starmer for her new Netflix thriller and detailed one fiery moment in particular

Politics