Guardian UK Politics
Starmer may face more resignations after release of Mandelson WhatsApp messages, say sources
Keir Starmer faces mounting political pressure as senior government sources warn that further ministerial resignations could follow the next release of Peter Mandelson's WhatsApp messages. The Prime Minister has already apologised for his handling of Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, but informal communications in the upcoming files are expected to contain more damaging revelations. The drip-feed of disclosures is turning a diplomatic embarrassment into a sustained crisis of confidence in Downing Street.
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Reeves vows to ‘crack down’ on energy and fuel bosses exploiting Britons through ‘rip-off’ prices – UK politics live
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confront energy bosses over accusations that companies are exploiting soaring oil and gas prices at the expense of British households. Heating oil costs have nearly tripled since the outbreak of the Iran war, prompting Energy Minister Michael Shanks to flag the issue as a "huge worry." The government has put the Competition and Markets Authority on notice that profiteering and price gouging will not be tolerated.
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British politics is hooked on flashy fake numbers – and the AI investment debacle proves it | Jonathan Portes
The UK government's claim of billions in AI investment has unravelled, exposing a recurring pattern of inflated, misleading economic figures used to generate positive headlines. From Gordon Brown's phantom G20 trillion to today's AI announcements, British political culture has long relied on mixing hard commitments with speculative projections to manufacture good news. The habit matters because it erodes public trust and distorts genuine policy debate around issues — like AI investment — that deserve serious scrutiny.
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Petrol retailers in row with government over 'rip off' accusations
Petrol retailers have withdrawn from government talks after ministers accused them of ripping off drivers with inflated fuel prices. The industry says the "inflammatory language" is unfair and counterproductive to finding a resolution. The standoff threatens to deepen the political row over pump prices at a time when motorists are already under financial pressure.
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Why the hell did Starmer pick Mandelson? The latest mug on the media round had no idea | John Crace
Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington has sent shockwaves through government, leaving ministers scrambling to avoid the media fallout. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds drew the short straw on Thursday, visibly struggling to defend the decision under sustained questioning. With Keir Starmer opting for a baby visit in Belfast rather than face the press himself, the episode exposed a clear communications failure at the heart of Downing Street.
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