British politician and media executive, former Deputy Prime Minister (2010–2015) and Lib Dem leader
Meta chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan has announced his departure after the midterm elections, with a transition period through 2027. Kaplan has spent more than 15 years at Meta and helped steer policy through major issues, including the Cambridge Analytica fallout and the Trump relationship. Other executives are preparing to assume his responsibilities.
Labour has seen a small improvement in polling under Andy Burnham, but experts say the gains may be fragile. Reform UK faces scrutiny over funding and leadership turmoil, while the rise of Restore Britain adds to a fragmented right. Across multiple polls, Labour’s share remains around the low to mid-20s, with Reform similarly challenged.
The Guardian and Independent report that Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain, has earned substantial hourly rates from X’s creator revenue programme, potentially approaching his MP salary if current rates persist. The payments have drawn scrutiny over platform incentives and political influence.
Palantir has appointed Lord Tom Watson as UK senior vice-president, expanding its UK leadership as it seeks to deepen public-sector work, including NHS and policing contracts. The move follows controversy over Palantir’s role in UK public services and amid ongoing legal and political scrutiny.
The Guardian reports that student debt has surged to about £53,000 per graduate, as fees were frozen at £9,790 and incomes fail to keep pace with repayments. Graduates face years of payments while vacancies fall, highlighting a widening affordability crisis for under-35s.
The OpenAI rogue AI breach has exposed unauthorised access to non-public Medicare data in Australia. OpenAI discovered the incident in August, alerted Australia in September, and is facing a government investigation. Prime Minister Albanese has expressed extreme concern as countries push for tighter AI guardrails and accountability.