Nigel Farage brands sacking of Lord Mandelson ‘inevitable’ as he issues warning to Keir Starmer

Lucy Powell bags enough nominations to go head-to-head with Bridget Phillipson in Labour deputy leader race

Former Commons leader Lucy Powell has secured enough MP nominations to go head-to-head with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson in Labour’s deputy leadership race.

After nominations closed at 5pm on Thursday, the third candidate, backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy, said she had not secured the 80 MP nominations required to make it to the second round.

Cabinet minister Ms Phillipson had already secured enough support a day before the deadline, sailing over the line with 116 nominations, with Ms Powell just three short by Wednesday night.

However, Ms Powell cleared the hurdle and will now go up against Ms Phillipson for the role.

Education Secretary Ms Phillipson said earlier on Thursday: “This morning I have written to the general secretary of the Labour Party to accept nomination as a candidate for deputy leader.

“It’s time to unite our party and smash Reform.”

Serving as US ambassador was 'privilege of my life', says Lord Mandelson 

Lord Peter Mandelson has said that serving as the UK’s ambassador to the US has been the “privilege of my life”.

In a letter to embassy staff reported by the BBC, he added: "The circumstances surrounding the announcement today are ones which I deeply regret.

"I continue to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims.

“I have no alternative to accepting the Prime Minister’s decision and will leave a position in which I have been so incredibly honoured to serve.”

Before signing off with thanks from his husband and dog, he added that the UK-US relationship was in “a really good condition".​

Labour backbencher says she has not secured required MP nominations for second round of deputy leader race 

Labour backbencher Bell Ribeiro-Addy said she has not secured the required 80 MP nominations to make it into the second round of the deputy leadership contest.

The deputy leader race was sparked following Angela Rayner's resignation last week.

As of Wednesday evening, only Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson had secured enough support, sailing over the line with 116 nominations, while ex-Commons leader Lucy Powell was just three short.

Tories demand 'Mandelson files' to be published in full: 'Prime Minister must come clean'

The Conservatives have called for full disclosure on who in No10 knew what about Lord Mandelson’s links with Epstein.

The Toeis demanded the full publication of all papers and communications between Downing Street – including Sir Keir’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – and Lord Mandelson regarding his appointment, along with any relevant vetting documents.

Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Alex Burghart, said: “Keir Starmer, Morgan McSweeney and the Labour Government have serious questions to answer.

“The Prime Minister must come clean on exactly what he knew and when. The Government must immediately publish the Mandelson files in full.”

No10 'not involved' in vetting process before Lord Mandelson appointed as US ambassador

Downing Street was not involved in the security vetting process before Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US, Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said.

Asked whether No10 ignored security concerns reportedly flagged by security services before the appointment, the spokesman said: “No10 was not involved in the security vetting process.

"This is managed at departmental level by the agency responsible and any suggestion that No10 was involved is untrue.”

Nigel Farage seeks expert tax advice amid pressure to explain Clacton home arrangements 

Nigel Farage has taken expert advice as he faces pressure to explain the tax arrangements for a Clacton house owned by his partner.

The Reform UK leader said last year he had bought a home in his Essex constituency, but it was later reported that his partner had actually made the purchase.

Questions over the home have resurfaced after Angela Rayner resigned last week over underpaying stamp duty on a seaside flat she bought this year.

Mr Farage has confirmed that his partner Laure Ferrari is the sole owner of the Clacton property, but has faced calls to explain the situation amid suggestions he could have structured the purchase in order to avoid paying additional tax.

He denies loaning Ms Ferrari money towards the purchase and suggested she used family wealth.

Mr Farage’s lawyers, Grosvenor Law, said they had received written advice from a leading tax counsel despite the Clacton MP saying he had no financial interest in the property.

The firm said in a statement: “Grosvenor Law has received written advice from leading tax King’s Counsel.

“That advice concludes that there is no underpayment of SDLT (stamp duty land tax), that SDLT paid was properly calculated and that there is no basis to suggest there has been any improper avoidance or evasion of tax in respect of the purchase.”

Security services understood to have raised concerns over Lord Mandelson 

Security services allegedly raised concerns about Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.

A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer has today said the Prime Minister has confidence in the "extensive" vetting process.

However, sources speaking to Sky News said that security services had expressed concern over Lord Mandleson as part of the process but these were not deemed to be enough to stop him being appointed in the role.

It is unclear whether these details were shared with Sir Keir.

Nigel Farage's mind 'filled with the horrendous images' of Charlie Kirk's killing

The Reform UK leader paid tribute in the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying "my mind is filled with the horrendous images" of the killing.

"An American, a conservative, a Christian, a family man gunned down," Nigel Farage said.

"He attracted the following of many millions of young Americans, and indeed had a growing online presence in our country especially after he spoke at the Oxford Union last month."

Mr Farage said he "absolutely" believed in free speech, but "we all understand there are limits to free speech".

"This is not a left right debate ... it's incumbent upon all of us, whichever side of the divide we're on, however passionately we feel to behave with personal responsibility," he said.

"And I mourn the loss of my friend."

Keir Starmer found Lord Mandelson's Epstein emails 'reprehensible', No 10 says

During the Downing Street lobby briefing the Prime Minister's spokesman said Keir Starmer found Lord Peter Mandelson's emails to Jeffrey Epstein "reprehensible".

When asked if Sir Keir agreed with Home Office minister Mike Tapp, who said the emails were "sickening", the spokesman initially appeared resistant to use similar language.

However, when asked again, the spokesman said: "I think it's self-evident that he found the content of these emails reprehensible".

The spokesman reaffirmed the position that the former Ambassador to the United States was sacked because of "new information".

Labour Party Chair claims 'Nigel Farage repeatedly misled his constituents' over housing situation

Labour Party Chair Anna Turley MP has responded to the BBC investigation into the Reform UK leader buying a home in his constituency.

“Nigel Farage repeatedly misled his constituents and the British public about buying a home in his constituency," she said.

"There are now far too many unanswered questions about the house he stays in while in Clacton. He must urgently come clean with the public as to whether he financially contributed towards the purchase of this property.

“Misleading the public for political gain about buying a constituency home is appalling in itself.

"But if he deliberately put in place this arrangement to avoid paying his fair share of tax that would be even worse.

"Farage has had plenty to say about other people’s tax affairs recently, so it’s only right that he provides evidence to prove he has told the full story here. It’s the least the British public would expect.”

Sir Keir Starmer condemns Russia violating Polish airspace in call with European leaders

A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held separate calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz where they condemned "the shocking Russian violation of Nato and Poland's airspace yesterday".

“It was clear that Russia was continuing to ramp up its aggression, systematically stepping up its attacks through a campaign of increasingly belligerent actions, including through strikes on the Council of Ministers and diplomatic missions in Kyiv, the Prime Minister said.

“Discussing how the UK and France could bolster Poland’s defences, the Prime Minister said the UK stood ready to support any further NATO deployments to the region.

“On wider European security, Chancellor Merz and the Prime Minister underscored the importance of defending NATO from both conventional and hybrid threats posed by Russia.

“Turning to the Middle East, the Prime Minister updated on his recent diplomatic engagements and stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, an acceleration of aid, and a return to negotiations. He underscored his condemnation for Israel’s action in Doha.

“The leaders agreed to stay in close touch.”

Former Ambassador to the UN James Roscoe appointed interim US Ambassador

Downing Street has confirmed that James Roscoe has been appointed interim UK Ambassador to the US after Lord Peter Mandelson's sacking.

It comes as Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty claimed Lord Mandelson had not disclosed the "extent and depth" of his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Roscoe had served as the UK Ambassador to the UN in 2019.

He was then appointed Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington three years ago in 2022.

Lord Mandelson recommended Tony Blair to meet Jeffery Epstein

A secret memo suggesting Lord Peter Mandelson urged Sir Tony Blair to meet Jeffrey Epstein while he was Prime Minister has been blocked by officials.

Britain's Ambassador to the US is understood to have encouraged Sir Tony to meet Epstein in a 2002 note sent to key aides.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Foreign Office says Peter Mandelson has been sacked 'in light of additional information in emails'

A Foreign Office statement said: “In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as ambassador.

“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.

“In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information.

“In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”

Lord Mandelson allegations 'cast a damning shadow' on what Government knew, slams Liberal Democrats 

Helen Maguire MP, the party’s defence spokeswoman, said: “The accusations surrounding Lord Mandelson cast a damning shadow.

“It’s right that the Prime Minister has withdrawn his support for Lord Mandelson.

“Yesterday, the Prime Minister stood by Lord Madelson’s appointment to confirm that rigorous background checks had taken place. So what has changed since then?

“There remain questions over what the Government knew and when about Lord Manson’s relationship with the sex offender, whom he previously described as his best pal.”

Tory shadow minister says Labour has 'huge questions' to answer over appointment of Peter Mandelson

Neil O’Brien, who tabled the Commons urgent question about the UK Ambassador to the US and the appointment process, has said the Government has “huge questions” to answer.

The Conservative shadow minister said: “Did the US State Department give any warning to our Government ahead of this appointment?

“Did the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Sue Gray give any warning?

“Have any employees of Global Counsel visited our Washington embassy since his appointment?

“Next week is going to be the state visit. This is huge turmoil ahead of it and I cannot believe that the Government put our monarch in this terrible position.

“I am glad that Peter Mandelson has now gone.”

Lord Mandelson sacked as ambassador to US amid pressure over Epstein links

Lord Peter Mandelson has been sacked as Britain's Ambassador to the US.

The decision was announced in the House of Commons on Thursday morning.

READ IN FULL HERE

Former Home Secretary 'passionate' about Britain leaving the ECHR

Suella Braverman said she was the first Conservative Cabinet minister to declare "that the UK needs to leave the ECHR".

"I have thought long and hard about it, indeed I am passionate about it," she said.

The former Home Secretary said it was not only her experience in the position trying to stop the boats which informed her views, it was also her time as Attorney-General.

"Also my day to day experience as a barrister defending the Home Office in court for years ... regularly see our human rights laws weaponised against the state by illegal migrants," she said.

Ms Braverman said she was criticised by Conservative colleagues in suggesting to leave the ECHR, including then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who "abjectly refused to take this vital step when we had the majority".

Suella Braverman declares Britain is 'at a moment of crisis'

The former Home Secretary has declared that "we are at a moment of crisis".

"A crisis of security, a crisis of trust," she added.

"We've lost control of our borders, we have a justice system that in too many cases is distorted and unfair.

"The people have lost confidence in our law enforcement, our national sovereignty has been eroded and the British people are taking to the streets in anger."

Ms Braverman said "serious action is required" and the Government has not acted upon that.

Suella Braverman wants Britain to 'trigger article 58' to exit ECHR

In a video played during Thursday morning's meeting where Suella Braverman is outlining her plan to tackle the migrant crisis, the former Home Secretary said Britain must "trigger article 58 exit clause".

"Next we prepare our laws to take back control," she said.

"We repeal the Human Rights act and we reform judicial review to curb activist judges."

She said it was important to amend legislation throughout the United Kingdom to apply laws "consistently".

Paula Barker drops out of Labour's deputy leadership race

Keir Starmer to be pressed by 'Urgent Question' on Lord Peter Mandelson

Conservative MP Neil O'Brien has confirmed that he will question Keir Starmer on Lord Peter Mandelson this morning.

"The Speaker has granted me an Urgent Question in Parliament on Peter Mandelson," he wrote on X.

"Starmer gave no answers yesterday, let's try again."

It comes as Tory leader Kemi Badenoch again "called for Mandelson to go".

"The victims of Epstein are calling for Mandelson to go," she added on X.

"Now we hear most Labour MPs want Mandelson gone. But still Keir Starmer dithers and delays."

Mike Tapp 'uncomfortable' and 'disturbed' by Lord Peter Mandelson's emails

When asked about Lord Peter Mandelson staying on as Britain's Ambassador to the US, Mike Tapp MP said he was "uncomfortable" and "disturbed" by the leaked emails sent by the Ambassador to Jeffrey Epstein after the financier was convicted of child prostitution.

The Telegraph reported that leaked emails published on Wednesday revealed that Lord Mandelson urged Epstein to fight for early release.

"I just want to say I've worked for the National Crime Agency in the past and I've arrested paedophiles," Mr Tapp said.

"I've read these emails, I'm uncomfortable with that, I'm disturbed by that."

Mr Tapp said that "we've seen Keir Starmer's statement in the House yesterday that he has confidence" in Lord Mandelson's "ability as Ambassador" and the work he has done "around the trade agreement" along with the security threat from Russia.

"When it comes to the decision on this, that's for the Prime Minister," Mr Tapp said.

Mike Tapp 'utterly devastated' by Charlie Kirk's death

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp has told GB News that he is "utterly devastated by this news".

"A family man who of course leaves behind two children and a wife," he said.

"For me it really shows the importance of talking to each other and not shutting down debate."

Mr Tapp added that even if you disagree "it doesn't mean that you fight".

"Something that Mr Kirk says that resonates now ... if you're not talking then you're likely to be fighting," he said.

Lord Maurice Glasman warned Number 10 about Lord Peter Mandelson

Speaking to Christopher Hope on GB News, Lord Maurice Glasman said he had met "a lot of MAGA people".

"And they would just show me photographs of Peter Mandelson blowing out the birthday candles with Jeffrey Epstein," he said.

"I sent the alert, alarm messages (to Number 10), saying think about this, but he was considered the right man to do the trade deal and I think he has done it."

Lord Glasman said he hadn't warned the Prime Minister personally, but close people around him.

"I think (Lord Mandelson's) job is done," Lord Glasman added.

Labour plunged into chaos as 'widespread revulsion' over Lord Peter Mandelson revealed

Former Labour frontbencher Andy McDonald has told The Mail there is "widespread revulsion" in the Labour Party about the Lord Peter Mandelson revelations.

He has called for Britain's Ambassador to the US to be ousted from the position immediately, following news about his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein.

"There isn’t anybody in the Labour Party who is supporting Peter Mandelson today," Mr McDonald told The Mail.

"The PM has to hear that."

Dame Emily Thornberry pulls out of Labour deputy leadership race

Dame Emily Thornberry has pulled out of the race for Labour deputy leadership, posting on social media that she has "decided to withdraw".

"I'm deeply grateful to all the Labour members who have shared their support," she said.

"But I have decided to withdraw.

"It has been a privilege to take part in this race with such brilliant women.

"I will always be committed to this party and do everything I can to make it successful."

Contest to replace Rayner as Labour deputy leader set to become two-horse race

Labour's deputy leadership contest is set to become a two-horse race between Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell.

The official tally from the Parliamentary Labour Party on Wednesday night had Education Secretary Ms Phillipson leading with 116 nominations.

Former Commons leader Ms Powell, who was ousted from Sir Keir Starmer's Cabinet last week, is behind with 77 nominations. She is just three shy of the 80 needed to make the next round.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy, and Paula Barker each had support from 15 or fewer MPs and are likely to miss out on the next round or they could follow in the footsteps of Alison McGovern and Dame Emily Thornberry who both have pulled out.

Keir Starmer says Britain will stand by 'Nato and Poland'

The Prime Minister has told the leaders of Ukraine, Poland and Italy that Britain is "ready to support Nato and Poland to continue to defend the alliance" after Russian drones entered Polish airspace.

Sir Keir Starmer made the statement during a call on Wednesday afternoon.

A Downing Street spokeswoman said the Prime Minister "began by condemning the outrageous violation of Poland's airspace".

"This highlighted Russia's increased recklessness in recent weeks, including their attacks on the Cabinet of Ministers building, British Council and EU Delegation buildings in Kyiv,' the spokeswoman added.