Starmer urges Mandelson and Prince Andrew to assist US investigators after DOJ releases Epstein emails alleging confidential leaks and payments.
Andrew Gwynne said he has applied for an “office of profit” to vacate his seat, citing mental health problems. His resignation is expected to trigger a by-election in his Greater Manchester constituency; Andy Burnham has been discussed as a Labour candidate, and Keir Starmer urged a focus on the cost of living. Gwynne lost the Labour whip last year over WhatsApp messages and is under investigation by Parliament’s standards commissioner.
More than 20 local authorities in England are expected to postpone scheduled May 2026 council elections until 2027 after requesting delays linked to local government reorganisation. The Association of Electoral Administrators said 27 of 63 eligible council areas submitted formal requests by mid-January, and ministers are expected to approve most or all. If approved, around 600 councillors’ terms would be extended by more than a year.
UK ministers said reports Britain could send troops to Greenland relate to routine NATO contingency planning, not imminent deployment. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the talks are “business as usual” discussions on deterring Russian activity in the Arctic, and she gave no timelines or troop numbers. The comments come as Donald Trump renewed calls about US control of Greenland, which Denmark and Greenland have rejected.
