Darren Jones in the mix as Labour’s power plays heat up amid leadership chatter and Mandelson fallout. UK politics, bio: born 1986, Labour MP, roles incl Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
The Confederation of British Industry has warned that the record tax take from business is not free money and warns against further burdening firms. Rain Newton-Smith says the government cannot tax its way to growth as the Iran war and other shocks weigh on UK prospects. The comments come ahead of the CBI’s annual dinner in London.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying his government would agree to any UK proposal to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. New Zealand has given similar support. The move follows Andrew's arrest and the ongoing police investigation into alleged misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
On March 12, 2026, the UK government released nearly 150 pages of documents revealing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US. Despite warnings about Mandelson's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Starmer approved the appointment. Mandelson was sacked nine months later amid ongoing police investigations into alleged misconduct and document leaks to Epstein.
Labour MPs have criticised the UK government's shift towards renewable energy, calling for increased North Sea oil and gas exploration. Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged Britain to open North Sea oil fields, arguing it will boost energy security amid tensions in the Middle East. The debate highlights tensions between energy independence and climate commitments.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced intense pressure after it has emerged that the Foreign Office has overruled security vetting officials who recommended against appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. Starmer has maintained he has been unaware of the override until this week and has pledged to fully explain the matter in Parliament on Monday. Mandelson was dismissed in September 2025 over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and is under police investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has acknowledged he was wrong to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after learning this week that Mandelson had failed security vetting and that Foreign Office officials had overruled that recommendation without informing ministers. Starmer has sacked top official Olly Robbins, will brief Parliament, and is facing calls for inquiry and possible Privileges scrutiny.
The government has convened emergency meetings with the Bank of England to assess the war’s economic impact as oil prices surge. Ministers warn that higher energy, food and flight prices are likely to persist for eight months after the conflict ends, with contingency plans for CO2 shortages and supply-chain disruption.
The King and Queen have confirmed the four-day state visit to the United States is proceeding, despite a shooting at the Washington Hilton during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Security reviews are ongoing but Buckingham Palace and U.S. authorities say the schedule will continue, including meetings with President Trump, a speech to Congress, and events in New York.
Andy Burnham has sought advice from Sue Gray on how to manage a potential transition into Downing Street if he returns to Westminster. The Makerfield by-election is seen as pivotal for Labour and could influence leadership dynamics within the party amid ongoing internal jockeying.
Tony Blair has continued his critique of the Labour government, urging MPs to define policy before leadership changes. He has published a lengthy essay urging reforms on welfare, energy, AI, and EU ties, while pressing MPs to test candidates’ policy positions before any leadership bid.