The government currently has no urgent intentions to prohibit Elon Musk from making significant contributions to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, according to Commons Leader Lucy Powell. During an interview on "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," Powell mentioned that while Musk, who resides overseas, is currently unable to contribute directly, the possibility of him donating via his British business entities has not been dismissed, with potential legal adjustments on the horizon.

Journalist specializing

Sunday, December 22, 2024, 12:

The government has stated that there are currently no plans to halt Elon Musk's substantial financial contributions to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.

Nonetheless, Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell did not rule out potential modifications to the regulations governing political contributions going forward.

There are speculations and whispers suggesting that Mr. Musk might potentially offer significant monetary support, possibly as much as £80 million, to the Reform party following his involvement in Donald Trump's election campaign in the United States.

During an interview on "Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips," when questioned about government intervention, Ms. Powell stated, "There are currently no immediate plans in place for that; however, our manifesto does pledge to conduct a comprehensive review of our country's electoral system."

The Labour Party has pledged to lower the voting age to 16 and to strengthen the reliability and integrity of the electoral system, she further stated.

Ms. Powell noted that current electoral legislation prohibits political contributions from overseas to UK political parties.

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When asked if Mr. Musk could make donations via his electric vehicle firm Tesla, which is said to have earned approximately £90 million in the UK last year, the prominent Labour MP stated that her party plans to introduce reforms to the electoral process in the nation.

She mentioned that there is a strong possibility of introducing a bill related to elections to implement those modifications.

Learn more: Reform UK would be thrilled to accept funding from Musk. Farage and Musk convene at Trump's residence. Conservative co-chair claims Musk is attempting to 'purchase' Reform UK.

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Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform, previously expressed to Sky News his enthusiasm about welcoming financial contributions from Mr. Musk.

It is reported that Nick Candy, the treasurer of the party, has already had a conversation with the billionaire.

Mr. Farage previously mentioned that Mr. Musk has seriously considered donating to his political party after they met at Mr. Trump's Mar-A-Lago residence.

Mr. Farage stated, "He is providing us with political backing. At this point, we have not requested or received any financial contributions."

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Under existing regulations, any contributions exceeding £500 to UK political parties must originate from individuals or businesses that are based or registered in the UK.

Mr. Musk has refuted the speculations regarding a possible £80 million donation, although he has shown backing for Reform UK on his X social media network.

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A dig from Trump's aide at Mandelson seemed intentionally provocative – what was the motive?

At the embassy slated for Peter Mandelson's occupancy, there was a belief that things were on solid footing with the new administration.

American reporter for Sky News, @Stone_Sky

Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 9

This situation is quite embarrassing for Downing Street. The individual appointed by the UK government as the central figure in a crucial bilateral relationship is being labeled as an "absolute moron" by a close aide of the newly elected president.

Chris LaCivita plays a key role in Trump's inner circle.

He played a key role in securing Trump's electoral win alongside the soon-to-be White House chief of staff, Susie Wiles. He is part of the inner circle

The language was evidently crafted to provoke a reaction. What was the reason behind it?

Within the embassy that is soon to be occupied by Lord Mandelson, there has been a prevailing belief that interactions with the forthcoming administration have been positive. Ambassador Karen Pierce and her team have diligently worked to foster these diplomatic ties.

In-Depth: Donald Trump

US Government Remains Open as Budget Legislation Passes Through Congress

The US Senate is gearing up to grant its final approval to a new strategy aimed at averting a government

Peter Mandelson's experience in trade is crucial for his significant position in Washington

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This is likely the reason LaCivita refers to Pierce as a "widely admired professional paramedic" while simultaneously attacking Mandelson.

My attempts to reach Team Trump and LaCivita for clarification today have strangely received no response. It's likely that high-level British officials in Washington also tried to engage in some serious PR maneuvering, asserting that his remarks were based on past views and do not reflect his current opinions.

Further reading: Sue Gray named for peerage

The main issue is how much LaCivita's view of Mandelson as an "absolute moron" is a unique opinion or if he was also unofficially expressing Trump's thoughts.

Stay informed on the most recent developments from the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

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This situation may either quickly resolve or worsen over time. Should it be the latter, then Mandelson's appointment might turn into a significant issue, despite the substantial benefits he could offer in the role.

The real issue is why Downing Street failed to notice the remarks made by Mandelson on his podcast and address them beforehand. This could have allowed them to be better prepared. Is this a sign of disarray in Downing Street?

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As the application deadline for the winter fuel allowance approaches, eligible recipients could receive up to £300. Chancellor Rachel Reeves noted that recent changes to the scheme could save the Treasury approximately £1.4 billion this fiscal year. However, pensioners risk missing out on this benefit unless they apply soon.

Saturday, December 21, 2024, 1:

Senior citizens have until this Saturday to submit their applications for benefits that may entitle them to the winter fuel payment, potentially missing out on as much as £300 if they fail to do so.

Eligibility for this benefit is now determined by means testing, and it extends to recipients of pension credit. However, government data indicates that approximately 760,000 households eligible for pension credit are not claiming it.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has chosen to eliminate the automatic right to winter fuel payments, attributing the decision to a budget deficit left by the former Conservative administration.

Ms. Reeves mentioned that the adjustment would lead to a saving of approximately £1.4 billion for the Treasury during this fiscal year.

Winter Fuel Allowance: Are You Qualified to Receive It?

It is anticipated that the count of retirees getting the payment will decrease significantly, dropping from 11.4 million to 1.5 million, a reduction of approximately 10 million beneficiaries.

Individuals born on or before September 22, 1958, are eligible for a financial benefit of £200 or £300 if they are recipients of pension credit or other significant benefits such as universal credit, child tax credit, working tax credit, or jobseeker's allowance.

Pension credit increases weekly earnings to a total of £218.15 for individual retirees or £332.95 for couples.

The cutoff time to be eligible for the 2024/25 winter fuel payment via online submissions is Saturday at 11:59 PM.

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that their claim telephone lines will remain operational until 3:15 p.m. on Saturday.

The administration has assigned roughly 500 extra personnel to assist with application processing.

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Charitable organizations have sharply criticized the decision to modify the payment scheme. When the alterations were initially revealed in September, Age UK commented, "We believe it's unjust to withdraw the payment from the 2.5 million low-income pensioners who greatly rely on it."

A representative from the government stated: "More than one million elderly individuals will continue to obtain the winter fuel allowance. Additionally, our efforts to increase the uptake of pension credit have resulted in applications doubling, with an extra 40,000 pensioners now benefiting from it along with the winter fuel payment."

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Discover further details on Sky News: Parliament to examine the increase in poverty among retirees, with an additional 100,000 elderly potentially facing financial hardship.

The responsibility for the winter fuel payment lies with Scotland and also Northern Ireland, where a single payment of £100 will be issued to every pensioner household by March 2025, following the discontinuation of their winter fuel payments.

In November, the authorities in Scotland declared their plan to implement a distinct program for the winter of 2025/26 aimed at individuals receiving qualifying benefits.

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Sue Gray, previously serving as Chief of Staff for Sir Keir Starmer, has been proposed for a peerage by the Prime Minister. This is part of a move where 30 individuals have been selected for induction into the House of Lords, as the Labour Party aims to correct a significant disproportion. This effort comes in response to the swell in Conservative numbers seen during their tenure in government.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Friday, December 20, 2024, 7:

Sir Keir Starmer has recommended his ex-chief advisor Sue Gray for a peerage.

Ms. Gray, known for her investigative report that played a significant role in the resignation of ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is one of 30 new Labour appointees to the House of Lords announced before Christmas, aimed at correcting the party representation disparity in the Lords.

The Conservative Party has put forward six candidates, while the Liberal Democrats have selected two.

Also among the distinguished are:

• Carwyn Jones – previous Labour leader in Wales

• Thangam Debbonaire, a previous key figure in the Labour shadow cabinet, experienced an unexpected defeat in her constituency during the recent general election.

• Former Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey, a member of the Conservative Party

Further Insights into the House of Lords

Topics: Syria, The Lords, Holiday Queries – Special Q&A Session

Baroness Catherine Meyer is facing a suspension of three weeks for referring to a fellow peer as 'Lord Poppadom' and for touching an MP's hair.

Daughter of Ian Botham Stands Up for Him Following Criticism Over His House of Lords Attendance

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• Toby Young – established and leads the Free Speech Union, and contributes as an associate editor to The Spectator.

Anticipation was high for Ms. Gray's nomination following her departure from her position as chief of staff to Sir Keir in October, which occurred after a power struggle within Downing Street.

The ex-government employee was assigned to a fresh role focusing on national and regional affairs at Number 10. However, it was confirmed in November that she would not assume this position.

In 2022, the Labour Party announced plans to eliminate the House of Lords and introduce a restructured upper chamber in its place.

Before this year's general election, the agenda was revised, with Sir Keir committing to the elimination of the 92 hereditary peers and setting an age limit of 80.

Explore further: 'Prince of Darkness' reappointed as Starmer's envoy to the US. Government initiatives aim to 'revive family physician model'.

It is believed that Sir Keir has put forward these nominations in an effort to shift the balance in favor of Labour in the upper house.

A source from the Labour Party informed Sky News: "The Conservatives have overloaded the House of Lords, resulting in a significant disproportion. This must be addressed to implement the government's agenda for reform and fulfill our commitment to the British electorate.

"We are dedicated to implementing a long-delayed reform agenda and have already introduced laws to end the ability of hereditary peers to occupy seats and vote in the Lords."

An unexpected verdict that could spark skepticism

Correspondent covering national affairs and public response

It is quite unexpected that 30 staunch Labour supporters have been appointed to the House of Lords.

It wasn't too long ago that the Labour Party proposed changes to the House of Lords, aiming to simplify it and eliminate hereditary peers.

A wave of Labour supporters are now entering the scene, which will undoubtedly renew claims of partisan bias.

This also concerns the statistics, as well as the battle for political influence in the House of Lords.

Currently, the House of Lords has 86 more Conservative peers than Labour peers. However, the latest round of appointments alters the balance a bit, with six new Conservative peers and 30 new Labour peers being added.

If the legislation to exclude hereditary peers from the Lords is approved, the gap between the number of Labour and Conservative peers would narrow significantly, with only 21 more Conservative than Labour peers.

The compilation includes a diverse range of individuals – ex-Labour Members of Parliament, labor union members, and personalities from the fields of health, spirituality, and commerce.

Despite ongoing discussions about making changes, it's clear that not much has actually shifted; the longstanding traditions continue to thrive.

Amidst declining public confidence in political structures, a system that prioritizes connections over qualifications can further provoke accusations of a corrupt, self-interested establishment.

Over the span of 14 years under Conservative rule, the party's representation in the House of Lords increased to 273 peers. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has 187 peers, the Liberal Democrats have 78, and there are 184 crossbenchers who are independent of any party affiliation.

The number of Labour peers will increase to 217, while the Conservatives will have 279 and the Liberal Democrats will have

The autonomous House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC) is set to scrutinize the nominations prior to the prime minister proposing them to the King.

A title must first be settled upon, followed by the issuance of legal papers known as the writ of summons from parliament, along with a letters patent from the King, which officially establishes a life peerage. The individual can then take their seat in the House of Lords and participate in voting.

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Complete catalog of noble titles:

Work:

Professor Wendy Alexander FRSE, Sir Brendan Barber, Luciana Berger, Mary Bousted, Kevin Brennan, Lyn Brown, Dinah Caine OBE CBE, Kay Carberry CBE, Margaret Curran, Thangam Debbonaire, Julie Elliott, David Evans, Sue Gray, Theresa Griffin, Anji Hunter, Carwyn Jones, Mike Katz, Gerard Lemos CMG CBE, Alison Levitt KC, Anne Longfield CBE, Deborah Mattinson, Steve McCabe, Claude Moraes OBE, Wendy Nichols, Simon Pitkeathley, Dame Anne Marie Rafferty DBE FRCN, Krish Raval OBE, Marvin Rees OBE, Reverend Dr. Russell David Rook OBE, Phil Wilson.

Right-leaning Individuals:

Nigel Biggar, who has been honored with a CBE, Joanne Cash, Rt Hon Dame Therese Coffey, who holds a PhD, Roger Evans, Rachel Maclean, and Toby Young are listed under the Conservative party. For the Liberal Democrats, the list includes Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed,

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Who has been granted a peerage? Complete list of nominees to the House of Lords

Thirty new Labour members, six Conservatives, and two Liberal Democrats are set to enter the upper house of parliament.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Friday, December 20, 2024, at 5

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed 30 ex-Labour MPs, former staff members, and union heads to the House of Lords.

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has selected six individuals, whereas Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has nominated two.

The autonomous House of Lords Appointments Commission will scrutinize the nominations prior to the prime minister proposing them to the King.

A title must be approved, followed by the issuance of legal documents known as the writ of summons by Parliament, and a letters patent by the King to establish a life peerage. This allows them to occupy a seat in the House of Lords and participate in voting.

Complete list provided below:

Nominations for

Dr. Wendy Alexander, previously the leader of the Scottish Labour Party and a former Member of the Scottish Parliament for Paisley North, currently serves as the vice chair of the British Council

Politics Update

Trump campaign's co-director labels Lord Mandelson 'an utter fool' following confirmation of his appointment as Starmer's ambassador to the US

Sue Gray, previously the chief of staff for Sir Keir Starmer, has been put forward for a peerage.

Latest in Politics: 'Starmer's Latest Hire Sparks Significant Controversy'

Sir Brendan Barber, previously the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the past chairman of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

Luciana Berger, previously the Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree, now serves as the chairperson of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Mary Bousted, previously co-leader of the National Education Union (NEU) and advisor on education policy.

Kevin Brennan, previously the Member of Parliament for Cardiff West and ex-minister for business affairs

Lyn Brown, previously served as the Member of Parliament for West Ham and was also a former

Dinah Caine holds the position of chair at Camden STEAM and has previously served as the chair of Goldsmiths University. She is also the CEO and chair of Creative Skillset.

Kay Carberry CBE, previously the assistant general secretary at the TUC

Margaret Curran, previously a Member of Parliament representing Glasgow East, also served as a minister in Scotland's devolved government

Thangam Debbonaire previously served as the Member of Parliament for Bristol West and held roles as the shadow secretary of state for culture, media, and sport, as well as for housing. She also served as the former shadow leader of the House of Commons.

Julie Elliott, previously the Member of Parliament for Sunderland Central and one-time shadow minister for energy.

David Evans, previously a regional director for the Labour Party, served as the assistant general secretary and later as the general secretary of the party from 2020 to 2024.

Sue Gray, previously the principal aide to Sir Keir Starmer and ex-second permanent secretary of the Cabinet Office

Discover more: Sue Gray receives peerage nomination four months post-resignation

Theresa Griffin, previously a Member of the European Parliament representing North West England

Anji Hunter – prominent consultant at Edelman and previously led government relations at Downing Street

Carwyn Jones, who previously served as the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Bridgend and held the position of the First Minister of Wales.

Mike Katz serves as the national chair for the Jewish Labour Movement and is a former councillor for Camden.

Gerard Lemos, an expert in social policy, holds the position of chair at English Heritage, National Savings & Investments (NS&I), and the London Institute of Banking and Finance.

Alison Levitt KC, a distinguished member of the Inner Temple's bench, formerly served as the chief legal advisor to Sir Keir during his tenure as the director of public prosecutions. She is also recognized for her role as a circuit judge with a focus on major criminal cases, particularly those involving rape.

Anne Longfield, an advocate for children's rights, previously held the position of Children's Commissioner for England. She is the founder and executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives.

Deborah Mattinson, previously the strategic director for Sir Keir and a founding partner of BritainThinks.

Steve McCabe, previously a Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hall Green and Birmingham Selly Oak, also served as a government whip.

Claude Moraes, previously a Member of the European Parliament representing London and the head of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs.

Wendy Nichols serves as the regional convenor and branch secretary for UNISON in the Yorkshire and Humberside area, and she is also a councillor

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Simon Pitkeathley holds the position of Chief Executive for both Camden Town Unlimited and Euston Town. Previously, he served as the advocate for small businesses appointed by the Mayor of London.

Dame Anne Marie Rafferty, an expert in nursing policy and ex-president of the Royal College of Nursing.

Krish Raval – established the initiative Faith in Leadership

Marvin Rees, previously served as the Mayor of Bristol and led the Bristol City Council. His background includes roles as a journalist, manager in the voluntary sector, and a public health manager for the

Reverend Dr. Russell David Rook – collaborator at the Good Faith Partnership and priest in the Anglican Church

Phil Wilson, previously served as the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield and held the position of assistant whip for

Nominations from

Nigel Biggar holds the position of chair at the Free Speech Union, is a regius professor emeritus of moral theology at the University of Oxford, and serves as an Anglican priest.

Joanne Cash, who helped establish Parent Gym, also practices as a barrister on the Southeastern Circuit in a junior capacity and participates in the Bar Human Rights Committee.

Dame Therese Coffey, previously the Deputy Prime Minister and a past Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal

Roger Evans, previously the deputy mayor of London and a past representative in the London Assembly for the Havering and Redbridge districts.

Rachel Maclean, previously the Member of Parliament for Redditch and the ex-minister for housing and planning

Toby Young – established and leads the Free Speech Union, and serves as an associate editor at The Spectator.

Nominations from the Liberal

Shaffaq Mohammed, previously a city councillor in Sheffield and head of the Liberal Democrat commission for carers.

Dr. Mark Pack – previous leader of the Liberal Democrats

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Inside Look: The Collapse of the Conservative Government – Part 1

Friday, December 20, 2024 05:19, UK

👈 Tap here to stream the Electoral Dysfunction podcast on your preferred podcast application 👉

Ex-Tory cabinet members Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan appear alongside Beth, Ruth, and Harriet in the studio, providing an insider's look at the concluding moments of the previous administration.

In their concluding podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth explore the reasons behind the Conservatives' decline and delve into Labour's election strategy with insights from Harriet.

In the first segment, Penny and Gillian reflect on the somber atmosphere within the party as 2023 wrapped up and the election year approached. They delve into the reasons behind Rishi Sunak's decision to initiate an early election. Additionally, they discuss the extent of the turmoil experienced firsthand.

Contact us via email at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, share your thoughts on X tagging @BethRigby, or forward a WhatsApp voice message to 07934 200 444.

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Inside the Collapse of the Conservative Government – Part 2

Friday, December 20, 2024, 05:22, UK

👉 Tap here to stream Electoral Dysfunction on your preferred podcast platform 👈

Ex-Tory cabinet members Penny Mordaunt and Gillian Keegan, along with Beth, Ruth, and Harriet, visit our studio to give an insider's view of the concluding moments of the previous administration.

In their last podcasts of 2024, Beth and Ruth explore the reasons behind the Conservatives' loss of power and receive firsthand insights on Labour's election strategy from Harriet.

In the second segment, we take you inside the Cabinet Room at 10 Downing Street to explore what activities the King engaged in on the day the election was announced.

Additionally, what strategies are employed to manage a campaign riddled with mistakes? Moreover, what is the aftermath of losing a seat in parliament?

Contact us via email at electoraldysfunction@sky.uk, share your thoughts on X by tagging @BethRigby, or forward a WhatsApp voice message to 07934 200 444.

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Lord Mandelson, a key figure from the New Labour era who held cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is making a comeback to the political forefront as Starmer's new envoy to the US. Known for his polarizing presence, he re-enters the political scene after a hiatus of more than ten years.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Friday, December 20, 2024 02:24

Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce his most contentious high-level appointment to date, appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States.

At 71, Lord Mandelson, often referred to as the "Prince of Darkness" due to his role as a spin doctor for New Labour, has been appointed as the prime minister's liaison to Donald Trump.

'Harsh' figure dubbed 'a strategic pick' – latest in politics

The ex-cabinet member and one-time Brussels commissioner is a skilled political operative, and his selection is likely to be viewed by his backers as a brilliant move.

However, he has long been a polarizing character in UK politics, and his selection is likely to be viewed by the left faction of the Labour Party as a display of favoritism by the Prime Minister.

Lord Mandelson stepped down from Tony Blair's cabinet on two separate occasions, initially due to an undisclosed bank loan and later for interfering in a visa application for a prominent Indian entrepreneur.

A desirable position

The prestigious diplomatic position in Washington is set to open up as the current UK ambassador, Karen Pierce, is scheduled to resign at the beginning of the next year.

Job benefits feature an opulent ambassadorial home on Massachusetts Avenue, an exquisite Queen Anne-style mansion crafted by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Lord Mandelson's selection marks the first time a political figure, rather than a career diplomat, has been appointed to Washington since Peter Jay, who is the son-in-law of former Prime Minister James Callaghan, took up the post in 1977.

Farage listed among prominent supporters

Sources close to Sir Keir suggest that he is confident in his trade expertise and networking skills to enhance UK-US relations, particularly during the challenging times of a potential second Trump administration where tariff threats are anticipated.

Significantly, he has developed a strong alliance with Sir Keir's new chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and enjoys the support of Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Reports indicate that Lord Mandelson was spotted at the Foreign Office last week.

Significantly, after returning from discussions with allies of Trump, the leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, has praised Lord Mandelson as "a very clever man" who is capable of thoroughly understanding his responsibilities and would garner respect from the team of the president-elect.

Discover further: Mandelson's keen expertise in trade crucial for influential position in Washington. Details on how the meeting between William and Trump was set up.

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The pinnacle of a distinguished profession

His selection was somewhat anticipated. Over the last month, he emerged as the obvious favorite among Labour insiders from a list of four candidates, which also featured former Foreign Secretary David Miliband.

The other individuals included Baroness Ashton, who previously held a high-ranking position in Brussels, and Baroness Amos, who served as the international development secretary during Mr. Blair's tenure.

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Sue Gray, the former chief of staff to Sir Keir, had recommended Mr. Miliband, whereas Baronesses Amos and Ashton, known for their connections with the Democratic Party, were considered suitable candidates had Kamala Harris been successful in her presidential bid.

Lord Mandelson's latest appointment is expected to be the pinnacle of a distinguished political journey that started with his role as a television producer, followed by serving as the Labour Party's director of communications under Neil Kinnock starting in 1985.

"A warrior, never yielding…"

He was regarded as a cunning yet effective strategist, credited with shaping New Labour's emergence, but known for chastising newspaper editors whenever their political reporters published negative stories.

He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool in 1992 and played a significant role in promoting Mr. Blair as the leader of the party following John Smith's passing in 1994, an action that sparked a fierce rivalry with Gordon Brown.

In 1998, he landed his initial cabinet role as the Secretary of Trade and Industry. However, he had to resign shortly thereafter because he did not disclose a home loan he received from Geoffrey Robinson, a wealthy Labour supporter, to his building society.

He made a comeback as the Northern Ireland secretary in 1999, but had to step down again amid allegations that he assisted businessman Srichand Hinduja in obtaining UK citizenship.

During the 2001 general election, when he successfully retained his position in Hartlepool, he delivered an impassioned and resolute victory speech, proclaiming, "I am a battler, not a surrenderer."

…until the time came when

Three years after, he resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament to take up a role as a trade commissioner in Brussels. His proponents in this new role argue that it provided him essential experience for negotiations with the incoming President Trump.

In an extraordinary revival of his political career in 2008, his previous rival Gordon Brown, who had since become the prime minister but was contending with leadership struggles, reinstated him as the business secretary and awarded him a peerage.

One year after, Mr. Brown honored him with the prestigious role of first secretary of state, a title once bestowed upon Michael Heseltine during John Major's tenure. He maintained this position until the Labour Party was defeated in the 2010 elections.

Blair's well-known saying

However, his alignment was more with Blair's ideology than with Brown's. As Sir Keir approached his election win this year, he was once again involved, providing guidance on both campaigning and policy matters.

Recognizing Peter Mandelson's polarizing reputation, Tony Blair stated in 1996, "My mission will only be accomplished when the Labour Party comes to embrace Peter Mandelson."

It's evident that the current Labour leadership holds him in high regard, enough to offer him this prestigious position, although his appointment may anger many within the party's left wing.

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Peter Mandelson is back, appointed as Starmer's new envoy to the US

A key figure in the New Labour era, Lord Mandelson held prominent positions under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Known for being a polarizing figure, he is making a return to prominent political roles after more than ten years.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Friday, December 20, 2024, at 2

Sir Keir Starmer is set to announce his most contentious high-level appointment to date, appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States.

At 71 years old, Lord Mandelson, often referred to as the "Prince of Darkness" due to his time as a spin doctor for New Labour, has been appointed as the prime minister's liaison to Donald Trump.

'Harsh' character deemed 'a strategic selection' – current political news

The ex-cabinet member and former Brussels commissioner is a skilled political connector, and his selection is likely to be viewed by his advocates as a brilliant move.

However, he remains one of the most polarizing characters in UK politics and his selection is likely to be viewed by the Labour Party's left-wing members as a display of favoritism by the Prime Minister.

Lord Mandelson stepped down from Tony Blair’s cabinet on two separate occasions, initially due to not disclosing a bank loan and subsequently for interfering in a passport application for a prominent Indian entrepreneur.

A desirable position

The prestigious position of the U.S. ambassador to the UK is set to open up when the incumbent, Karen Pierce, resigns at the start of the next year.

Job benefits feature access to an opulent ambassadorial home on Massachusetts Avenue, a splendid Queen Anne-style mansion crafted by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Lord Mandelson has been named to a position in Washington, marking the first time a political figure rather than a career diplomat has been appointed since Peter Jay, who is the son-in-law of former Prime Minister James Callaghan, took on the role in 197

Farage included among prominent supporters

Sources close to Sir Keir suggest he feels his background in trade and strong networking skills will enhance the UK's position in the US amid the challenges of a potential second Trump administration, particularly concerning possible tariffs.

Significantly, he has formed a strong alliance with Sir Keir's newly appointed chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and enjoys the support of Foreign Secretary David Lammy. It has been reported that Lord Mandelson was spotted at the Foreign Office last week.

In a notable development, Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, having recently returned from discussions with associates of Trump, acknowledged Lord Mandelson as "a very clever man" who thoroughly "understands his responsibilities" and would garner "respect" from the incoming president's circle.

Discover further: 'Keen and nimble': Mandelson’s expertise in trade crucial for significant role in Washington. Details on how the meeting between William and Trump was organized.

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The culmination of a distinguished career

His selection was largely anticipated. Over the last month, he emerged as the obvious favorite among Labour insiders from a shortlist of four candidates, which also featured ex-foreign secretary David Miliband.

The other individuals were Baroness Ashton, who previously held a high-ranking position in Brussels, and Baroness Amos, who served as the international development secretary during Mr. Blair's tenure.

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Sue Gray, who was previously Sir Keir's chief of staff before being removed, had suggested Mr. Miliband's name, while Baronesses Amos and Ashton, known for their close connections with the Democratic Party, were considered suitable candidates if Kamala Harris had secured the presidency.

The nomination is expected to be the pinnacle of Lord Mandelson's distinguished career in politics, which started when he was a TV producer before becoming the communications director for the Labour Party under Neil Kinnock in 1985.

"A warrior, never yielding…"

He was viewed as a cunning and relentless strategist, credited with orchestrating the rise of New Labour, yet known for scolding newspaper editors over critical reports from their political reporters.

He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool in 1992 and played a significant role in advancing Mr. Blair's ascendancy to party leadership following John Smith's passing in 1994, an action that sparked a deep-seated rivalry with Gordon Brown.

In 1998, he landed his initial role as a cabinet member, serving as the secretary of trade and industry. However, he had to resign a few months afterward due to not disclosing a home loan he received from Geoffrey Robinson, a wealthy Labour supporter, to his building society.

He made a comeback as the Secretary for Northern Ireland in 1999 but had to step down again due to allegations that he assisted businessman Srichand Hinduja in obtaining British citizenship.

Upon successfully retaining his position in Hartlepool during the 2001 general election, he delivered a fervent and resolute victory speech, proclaiming: "I am a battler, not a surrenderer."

…until that time came when

Three years after that, he resigned from his position as a Member of Parliament to take up a role as a trade commissioner in Brussels. Those backing him in his new role argue that this position provided him with crucial experience for trade negotiations with the incoming President Trump.

In a remarkable turn of events in 2008, his earlier rival Gordon Brown, who had since become prime minister and was encountering leadership difficulties, reinstated him as the business secretary and awarded him a peerage, marking his most impressive political resurgence to date.

A year after their initial collaboration, Mr. Brown appointed him as the first secretary of state, a prestigious role once occupied by Michael Heseltine during John Major's tenure. He served in this capacity until the Labour Party was defeated in the 2010 elections.

Blair's renowned statement

He was closely aligned with Blair's ideology rather than being an ally of Mr. Brown. During the lead-up to Sir Keir's electoral win this year, he returned to the inner circle, providing guidance on campaign strategies and policy matters.

Recognizing Mr. Mandelson's polarizing reputation, Mr. Blair stated in 1996, "My endeavor will only be finished when the Labour Party comes to appreciate Peter Mandelson."

It's evident that the current Labour leadership holds him in high enough regard to award him this coveted position, although numerous individuals from the party's left wing will likely be outraged by his selection.

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Penny Mordaunt considered withdrawing from a television debate unless she was allowed to issue an apology for her error regarding D-Day. On Sky's Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the ex-cabinet member additionally alleged that her peers attempted to coerce her into taking over Rishi Sunak's position before the elections.

Political journalist @fayebrownSky

Friday, December 20, 2024, 5:

Ex-cabinet member Penny Mordaunt disclosed that she considered withdrawing from a televised general election debate unless she was allowed to issue an apology on behalf of Rishi Sunak for his absence at a D-Day commemoration.

The former Leader of the House of Commons, who subsequently lost her seat to a Labour candidate, conveyed to Sky News' Electoral Dysfunction podcast that Downing Street was opposed to her criticizing the decision.

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She expressed her point by stating, "If you object to my comments, feel free to invite someone else to join the discussions."

Mr. Sunak faced criticism shortly into the general election campaign after he departed early from an 80th anniversary celebration in Normandy to conduct a television interview.

Despite his apology, the intensity of the backlash compelled him to refute speculation that he had thought about resigning following the scandal.

Ms. Mordaunt participated in a BBC seven-person television debate following the incident, and described her superior's decision at the time as "entirely incorrect."

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She mentioned on the podcast that she anticipated it being the initial query directed at her, and acknowledged that it might divert attention from critiquing Labour's taxation proposals unless she addressed it directly.

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She explained, "Our emphasis was on the tax issue and the higher taxes that Labour planned to introduce. Regardless of the questions posed to me, I was instructed to respond in a way that highlighted those points. That was the key message they aimed to communicate."

The conversation went like this: "So, what will your remarks be regarding D-Day?" I responded, "I plan to declare it a complete mistake and express our apologies. Really, what more is there to say?" To which they replied, "Perhaps, could you consider not saying that?"

"I asked, 'Do you really expect me to effectively convey our worries about Labour's tax plans to the public if you're setting me up for a wild goose chase on D-Day?'"

"I told them, 'That's not allowed. It's clearly a matter of right and wrong. If you're not willing to hear that, you might as well invite someone else to these discussions'."

'Individuals attempted to pressure me into opposing Sunak'

In the recent election, Ms. Mordaunt was one of several prominent Conservative figures to be unseated, alongside former Prime Minister Liz Truss and the then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.

However, her loss was especially disheartening for Conservative moderates who had viewed her as a potential successor to Mr. Sunak as the leader of the party, especially amid the broad anticipation that he would not win the upcoming election.

Prior to initiating the vote, whispers of a scheme to supplant him with Ms. Mordaunt were already circulating.

The ex-MP for Portsmouth North described those meetings as "crazy" and claimed that certain MPs had attempted to "blackmail" and "intimidate" her into running against the Prime Minister.

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On the podcast, she mentioned that "a lot of colleagues" approached her with plans to remove Mr. Sunak from leadership. However, she expressed her belief that another leadership contest would not be beneficial and advised that the party should concentrate on achieving results.

She also mentioned, "A few other colleagues arrived and intimidated me by saying, 'If you don't comply, we will ruin you.'"

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When questioned about whether they attempted to coerce her, she responded, "Yes, they approached me and stated, 'You have to do this and assign these specific individuals to these specific positions'."

She continued, "It was simply a ridiculous manner to act. I was quite upset by it."

Disappointing news on the general election announcement

Ms. Mordaunt was featured in the podcast with Gillian Keegan, the previous education secretary who lost her seat during the Liberal Democrats' sweep through the traditionally Conservative stronghold in the southwest.

The duo disclosed that they were unaware of Mr. Sunak's plans to announce an early general election until he had already decided and notified the King, leaving them no opportunity to change his mind.

Ms. Keegan expressed her opinion that it was "the worst possible time" to hold elections, and described the moment the news was delivered – in the midst of heavy rain and with a protester blaring D:Ream's "Things Can Only Get Better" – as terrible.

She expressed: "I was hoping he would just speak up. Maybe say something like, 'At least I'm not a fair-weather politician,' or perhaps joke, 'Can we switch the song to It's Raining Men?' Anything, just to break the silence."

"He couldn't deny the downpour, yet he persisted and completed the task, and it was a disaster. His suit, which was quite elegant, was drenched, with water collecting on his shoulders. Despite the rain, his hair remained perfectly in place."

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Potholes: Authorities Urged to Address 'Damaged Roads' Promptly

Data from RAC indicates that motorists come across roughly six potholes for every mile traveled on roads in England and Wales, with each pothole-related vehicle damage incident costing approximately £500.

Friday, December 20, 2024, at 4

Sir Keir Starmer has stated that councils need to address the issue of roads riddled with potholes promptly.

The Prime Minister stated that compromised roadways could endanger lives and lead to car repair expenses ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

His remarks coincided with the announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) detailing the allocation of funds to each local authority in England for road maintenance for the upcoming fiscal year.

In the October Budget, the Treasury declared that funding for local road maintenance in 2025/26 is set to reach almost £1.6 billion, marking an increase of £500 million from the preceding year.

The projected rise in funds should adequately cover the repair of approximately seven million potholes.

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Sir Keir stated: "Damaged roads can endanger lives and can cost families hundreds or even thousands of pounds in repairs."

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"Investing adequately in our infrastructure could easily prevent such expenses.

"Our Plan for Change is focused on increasing the financial well-being of diligent individuals and enhancing the quality of life.

"We are providing local governments with the funds necessary to fix our roads, aiming to improve transportation across Britain. We expect them to promptly address these issues."

The distribution of financial resources involves:

• Over £327 million allocated to North West, North East, and Yorkshire and Humber regions

• In excess of £372 million earmarked for East Midlands and West Midlands

• Allocation surpassing £244 million for the East of England

• Local authorities in the South East and London to receive over £378 million

• South West local authorities are set to get more than £300 million

The estimated expense to repair the deteriorated local roads in England and Wales is £16.3 billion.

Statistics from the RAC indicate that on average, drivers in England and Wales come across six potholes per mile, with each pothole-related damage incident costing approximately £500 to repair.

According to the AA, addressing the problem is a top concern for 96% of drivers.

The Department for Transport has committed to ensuring that highway authorities efficiently utilize funds, gather precise data, and implement preventative maintenance to address potholes before they develop.

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Transport Minister Heidi Alexander conveyed optimism that the substantial investment made will lead to noticeable enhancements in the state of the roads for drivers.

"Local authorities have the discretion to allocate funds as they see fit. This can include pothole repairs, road resurfacing, pavement enhancements, or bridge maintenance," she stated.

AA president Edmund King referred to the funding as a "substantial financial boost."

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Government debt in November reaches its lowest point in three years

This unexpected boon for the Labour Party may not last, as the expense of government debt has reached its highest level in over a year.

Business and economics correspondent @taaffems

Friday, December 20, 2024 11:18

Official data reveals that government borrowing for November dropped to its lowest level in three years.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), government borrowing in November decreased by £3.4 billion compared to the same month the previous year, totaling £11.2 billion more than its revenues.

Analysts were surprised by the decrease in the deficit, having predicted it would reach approximately £13 billion.

Debt levels in November have not reached such heights since 2021. Back then, the significant borrowing was primarily to support a COVID-19 furlough program and to manage the challenges of a worldwide health crisis.

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Last month's decline was influenced by larger tax revenues and reduced debt payments, offset by a rise in government expenditures, which drove the total higher.

This development could be advantageous for Labour, who have been aiming to reduce government debt.

However, this pattern is not expected to persist, and expensive borrowing could increase debt and widen the disparity between earnings and spending.

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Yields on government-issued bonds have climbed to levels not witnessed in over a year, indicating an increase in the interest rates that investors demand for loaning funds to the government.

UK bond yields, which represent the cost of managing government debt, have surged in December following a series of reports indicating a slowing economy.

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Treasury deputy Darren Jones echoed the chancellor's earlier declaration of inheriting a £22 billion deficit in the public finances, highlighting the disparity between spending and income.

"The administration will always handle the nation's budget responsibly," he stated. "Having cleared our debts, our priority now lies in investing and reforming to spur economic growth."

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