Listen to In The Room, The Independent’s politics podcastExclusive: Has Keir Starmer made a huge mistake in sacking Olly Robbins over Mandelson vetting?
Two former Westminster insiders reveal how politics and power really work.
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at No 10? Or who’s the first person on the phone when a prime minister lands themselves in hot water?
Each week former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former political advisor to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, dissect the week’s biggest news, revealing how decisions get made, why they go wrong, and what should happen next.
In The Room is straight-talking, insider analysis with a dose of humour, every Friday.
Read more
Dan Haygarth28 April 2026 12:33
Editorial: One more time, Mr McSweeney comes to Sir Keir Starmer’s aid
As the evidence given by the former Downing Street chief of staff makes clear, the way the prime minister has treated parliament throughout the Mandelson saga is one of the few things that has gone right with it. Sir Keir has no case to answer.
One more time, Mr McSweeney comes to Sir Keir Starmer’s aid
Editorial: As the evidence given by the former Downing Street chief of staff makes clear, the way the prime minister has treated parliament throughout the Mandelson saga is one of the few things that has gone right with it. Sir Keir has no case to answer
Rebecca Whittaker29 April 2026 00:00
Watch: King Charles hails ‘irreplaceable and unbreakable’ bond between US and UKKing Charles hails ‘irreplaceable and unbreakable’ bond between US and UK
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 23:00
Starmer’s premiership ‘on the ropes’, says US ambassador in leaked recording
Britain’s ambassador to Washington said Sir Keir Starmer was “on the ropes” amid the fallout over the appointment of Peter Mandelson and suggested Labour could “remove” him after next month’s local elections, according to reports.
In what will be seen as highly outspoken comments for a career diplomat, a leaked recording released as King Charles visits the US appears to show Sir Christian Turner saying that Lord Peter Mandelson and “potentially the prime minister” had been “brought down” by the affair.
Read more here by Kate Devlin The Independent’s Whitehall Editor:
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 22:00
Recap: Who were the 15 Labour MPs who voted for the motion
There were 15 Labour MPs who went against the three-line whip and voted to subject the PM to an investigation by the Privileges Committee.
Emma Lewell, MP for South Shields, was among the MPs to disobey orders to reject the motion to refer Sir Keir to the Privileges Committee.
She was joined in the aye lobby by her party colleagues Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East), Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre), Luke Myer (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland), Grahame Morris (Easington), and Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham).
However, Ms Smith also voted against the motion, which could indicate a formal abstention.
Apsana Begum (Poplar and Limehouse), Richard Burgon (Leeds East), Ian Byrne (Liverpool West Derby), Imran Hussain (Bradford East), Brian Leishman (Alloa and Grangemouth), Rebecca Long Bailey (Salford), Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough and Thornby East), John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington), and Nadia Whittome (Nottingham East) voted in support of the motion.
Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East), who recently lost the Labour whip, also voted in favour of the motion.
Overall MPs voted 335-223 against the motion, meaning the government won by a majority of 112.
The full list of Labour MPs who voted for the motion (Votes.parliament.uk)
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 21:30
The King defends NATO and Royal Navy
The King has issued an appeal to Donald Trump to end the war in Iran as he attempted to heal the rift between the US president and Sir Keir Starmer.
King Charles III referred to his “immense pride” at serving in the Royal Navy and stressed the importance of the UK- US alliance as well as NATO in the historic address to a joint session of the US Congress this afternoon.
The monarch said: “The challenges we face are too great for any one Nation to bear alone.
“But in this unpredictable environment, our Alliance cannot rest on past achievements, or assume that foundational principles simply endure. Renewal today starts with security.”
He added: “From the depths of the Atlantic to the disastrously melting ice-caps of the Arctic, the commitment and expertise of the United States Armed Forces and its allies lie at the heart of NATO, pledged to each other’s defence, protecting our citizens and interests, keeping North Americans and Europeans safe from our common adversaries,” the King said.
King Charles III gave a historic address to a joint session of the US Congress (Getty)
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 21:00
Watch: Starmer sees off Tory calls for inquiry into Mandelson affairStarmer sees off Tory calls for inquiry into Mandelson affair
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 20:40
Recap: Parliamentary committee finishes going through Mandelson files
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has finished reviewing the Government’s proposed redactions to documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador ahead of publication.
In a statement, committee chairman Lord Beamish said the ISC had “now reviewed all documents which the Government has referred to it, including those provided to it just 24 hours ago, and reached a decision on the redactions which the Government had requested on the basis that it deemed the information was prejudicial to UK national security or international relations”.
He added that some documents had not yet been provided “because they are subject to the ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police” into allegations against Lord Mandelson of misconduct in public office.
Lord Beamish said the Government could still contest any decision on redactions, which would be dealt with at a committee hearing after the state opening of Parliament next month.
He added: “There will be no further process and Government must then publish the documents as directed by the committee.
“The Committee will continue to keep Parliament informed of its work to discharge the responsibilities given to it by Parliament under the Humble Address.
“The Committee has made exceptional efforts to ensure that it is not holding up the publication of documents and we wish to make very clear that any delay in Government responding to the Humble Address is in no way due to the Committee’s part in the process.”
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 20:20
Watch: Starmer survives another day as former aide takes blame for Mandelson vetting scandalStarmer survives another day as former aide takes blame for Mandelson vetting scandal
Rebecca Whittaker28 April 2026 20:00