The Labour Party’s deputy leadership contest is narrowing to a likely two-horse race between Bridget Phillipson and Lucy Powell. Education secretary Phillipson became the first candidate to secure the required 80 nominations, with 116 backers including three cabinet ministers. She has emphasised immigration and border security as key concerns for voters, particularly in constituencies vulnerable to Reform UK advances. She highlighted her record of defeating populist opponents and promised to 'give hope' by tackling small boat crossings and improving public services. Powell, with 77 nominations, has drawn support from left-leaning MPs, presenting herself as more available for campaigning than a serving minister. Other contenders failed to gain sufficient momentum. While critics fear Phillipson may be seen as a Downing Street-backed 'coronation' candidate, her supporters argue she represents unity and strength. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faces further scrutiny over his political judgment after he sacked Lord Mandelson as British ambassador to the USA, following the publication of email messages to Jeffrey Epstein. See

A political storm is brewing in Washington as divisions deepen over the Trump administration's refusal to release files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. House speaker Mike Johnson, a close Trump ally, broke ranks by expressing public support for the files' release, citing the need for transparency. However, he later voted to block a Democrat-led resolution calling for that very action. The justice department, led by attorney general Pam Bondi, denies the existence of a client list in the files, and maintains the matter is closed - sparking outrage among both Democrats and Trump’s MAGA supporters, who had been promised accountability. While bipartisan lawmakers are pressing for a House vote, Democrats in Congress and the Senate are pushing legislation to preserve and disclose all Epstein-related documents. The issue has become a flashpoint for demands for transparency and oversight, exposing cracks within the GOP and giving Democrats an opportunity to frame themselves as champions of accountability and reform.

Lawyers representing victims of the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have signalled they are willing to serve a subpoena on Prince Andrew to ensure he cooperates with their investigations. Meanwhile, he announced he was standing down from public duties and was willing to help ‘any appropriate law enforcement agency’ with their investigations after what he accepted was his ‘ill-judged association’ with Epstein. Lisa Bloom, a lawyer representing five of the victims, said that Prince Andrew was simply not credible in his recent BBC interview. ‘He and his staff must cooperate with all investigations, show up for civil depositions and trials, and produce all documents about his contact with Epstein. We are just getting started.’ See also