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

Friday, December 20, 2024 05:19, UK

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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.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

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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.

Current Political Updates: Streaming News

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."

Further Insights on Penny Mordaunt

Exploring the Internal Dynamics of the Conservative Government's Collapse – Segment 2

Inside the Collapse of the Conservative Government – Part 1

Who are the candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party?

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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.'"

Learn More: Councils receive £1 billion increase in funding to address homelessness. Farage visits Elon Musk and JD Vance at Trump's residence.

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.

Get further details from Sky News: Minister Tulip Siddiq embroiled in corruption investigation. Hospices across England are set to receive an additional £100 million.

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

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Scotland Considers Reducing Speed Limits on Single-Lane Roads

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The Scottish government is contemplating a reduction in speed

Driver accumulates 176 penalty points but remains on UK roads, according to DVLA data

M25 Incident: National Highways Issues Apology Following Pothole Incident That Led to Significant Delays and Damage to Over 20 Vehicles

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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.

Finance Blog: Young Dart Prodigy Could Earn Millions Without Playing in Tournaments

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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Trump campaign co-chief labels Lord Mandelson a 'complete idiot' following his confirmation as Starmer's new ambassador to the US

Chris LaCivita, on X, shared an article in which Lord Mandelson called Donald Trump "a threat to global security".

Journalist @samuelosborne93

Friday, December 20, 2024, 18:

The campaign co-director for Donald Trump's presidential run labeled Lord Mandelson a "complete idiot" just as it was confirmed that the peer would be the new UK ambassador to the United States.

The distinguished Labour figure, who held positions in the cabinets of Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is set to be appointed as the UK's chief ambassador to Washington just as President-elect Trump prepares to re-enter the White House this coming January.

In a recent update on X, Chris LaCivita shared a link to a Daily Telegraph story where Lord Mandelson was quoted calling Mr. Trump "a threat to global stability."

According to the newspaper, during a 2019 interview with an Italian journalist, the peer labeled Mr. Trump as "essentially a white nationalist and racist."

In his message on X, Mr. LaCivita remarked: "This UK government is exceptional – they swapped out a universally admired ambassador for a complete fool – he should just stay home! SAD!"

He included the title of the article in his message, which read: "Mandelson called Trump a global threat and 'virtually a white nationalist'."

Sir Keir Starmer has officially announced that Lord Mandelson will assume the position.

The individual, aged 71, stated, "Despite the challenges we encounter in Britain, there are significant opportunities ahead. I am honored to collaborate with the government to seize these opportunities for the benefit of our economy and national security, and to strengthen our longstanding alliance with the United States."

The prime minister stated, "The United States remains a key ally for us, and as we embark on this new phase of our relationship, Peter's unmatched expertise will greatly enhance his role and further solidify our alliance."

Analysis: Lord Mandelson's Experience in Trade Central to His Crucial Position

The Reappearance of the 'Prince of Darkness' is Set to Infuriate the Left Wing of the

Sir Keir expressed his gratitude toward the departing U.S. Ambassador Dame Karen Pierce, who is set to leave her position at the start of the next year.

"He also expressed his gratitude towards Dame Karen Pierce for her exceptional service over the past four years, especially for the wisdom and unwavering support she has personally provided him since July," he noted.

"She broke new ground by becoming the first female UK ambassador to the US, and has excelled in representing our nation overseas. I extend my best wishes for her continued success."

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Lord Mandelson played a pivotal role in shaping New Labour and was instrumental in the party's resurgence to governance in the 1990s.

He held positions as Sir Tony's Secretary of Trade and Secretary for Northern Ireland before resigning as a Member of Parliament in 2004 to take up a role as a European Commissioner.

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Following his conferment of a peerage by Mr. Brown in 2008, Lord Mandelson rejoined the government, assuming the role of business secretary

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While serving as the shadow pensions minister, Chancellor Rachel Reeves actively campaigned for compensation for the Waspi women alongside her mother. During a debate in 2016, she expressed that women impacted by the raised state pension age had suffered an injustice and called on the government to reconsider their stance.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 7

During her time as shadow pensions minister, the chancellor actively advocated for compensation for Waspi women, sharing that her own mother was impacted by the alterations to the pension age.

In a 2016 debate in Westminster Hall, Rachel Reeves stated that the rise in the state pension age from 60 to 65 during the 2010s unfairly impacted women, describing it as an "injustice".

The Member of Parliament for Leeds West suggested a remedy to the problem by advocating for a return to the 2011 schedule for the qualifying age for pension credit aligned with women's state pension age, thereby offering minimal financial relief to those most adversely affected by this unjust change.

This follows allegations of treachery against the government for its refusal to offer compensation to countless women born in the 1950s, part of the Women Against State Pension Inequality group or Waspi women, who argue they weren't adequately informed about the increase in the state pension age from 60 to 65.

In the most recent political developments, Starmer urged Trump to unite in support of Ukraine during their telephone conversation.

Originally set to gradually take effect over a decade starting in 2010, the adjustment was accelerated in 2011, establishing a revised deadline of 2018. Subsequently, the pension age increased to 66 by 2020.

Officials stated that compensation was unnecessary for the women impacted by the policy changes after a review by an ombudsman revealed that 90% were aware of the alterations. The estimated cost of such compensation was £10.5 billion. Addressing the Prime Minister during Parliamentary questions, Sir Keir emphasized that this financial burden was too great for taxpayers to bear.

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Ms. Reeves, who held the position of shadow pensions minister from 2010 to 2011 under Ed Miliband, supported the government's decision, even though an image surfaced showing her participating in a 2020 rally with Waspi women.

She acknowledged that while Waspi women might feel let down by the outcome, it was her duty to ensure every cent of taxpayer money was accounted for.

"She contended that since most people were aware of the impending changes, she believed it wasn't a prudent use of public funds to issue a costly compensation for something that was widely anticipated."

Angela Madden, the chair of the Waspi campaign group, indicated that the 90% statistic mentioned by the government represents women who had only a general idea that the state pension age could potentially change for others eventually.

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She stated that the ombudsman discovered that 60% of women were completely unaware of the increase in the state pension age, and she criticized the government for selectively using data, claiming it amounted to "the dissemination of harmful misinformation, pure and simple."

During the 2016 discussion, Ms. Reeves concurred strongly with a colleague's statement that their voters were "completely uninformed by any correspondence about these developments" and criticized the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for its "negligence."

The present chancellor stated that numerous women were adversely affected by the adjustments to the state pension age first in 1995 and once more in 2011.

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During the discussion, she mentioned that she had been actively campaigning on this matter with her mother and various unions. She called on the government to reconsider their stance.

She stated, "Back in 2011, when I served as the shadow pensions minister, I was honored to collaborate with Age UK, USDAW—the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers—and numerous women, my mother included, to urge the government to reconsider their stance."

We were satisfied to have secured a partial agreement ensuring that no woman would face a delay of more than 18 months to start receiving her pension.

Explore further: Who are Waspi women and what occurred in their situation? Prime Minister faces allegations of 'elevating expectations only to shatter them' due to 'unfulfilled commitments'

"Nevertheless, I maintained previously and reiterate now that the measures taken are insufficient to rectify the injustice. Currently, 2.6 million women are adversely affected due to changes in government policy, and 300,000 of them will face an additional 18-month delay before they are eligible for retirement."

She continued, "I've heard from friends—women who make just above minimum wage and frequently can't work full-time due to caregiving duties, and who are fervently preserving whatever savings they can to maintain a basic standard of living when they retire—that they are extremely concerned."

"For these women, shifting the benchmarks again, as the authorities have, can severely disrupt their financial stability, family dynamics, and future aspirations."

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Authorities pledge increased efforts as police respond to less than 25% of shoplifting cases

Retailers express concern over inadequate police response to shoplifting, fostering an environment where thieves feel emboldened to commit crimes with minimal consequences.

Political reporter @robpowellnews

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 7:

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The Minister of Policing has expressed a desire for police departments to significantly increase their efforts in addressing retail theft. This statement comes in response to data revealed by Sky News, which indicated that in 2023, police responded to less than 25% of reported shoplifting cases.

Baroness Diana Johnson attributed the fall in police personnel to the former administration, while emphasizing her desire for retail theft to be addressed with gravity, insisting on the importance of police involvement in this issue.

Her response was prompted by data revealed by Sky News through a Freedom of Information Act request, which showed a declining trend in police responses to incidents over the past ten years.

In 2023, police responded promptly to only 22% of shoplifting cases, according to data from 22 out of the 39 police forces in England.

In 2016, statistics from 17 police forces indicated a response rate of 52%, which is over double the rate reported in 2023.

In 2013, data from 11 police forces indicated a 72% response rate, which was more than triple the rate ten years later.

Examining the data from 2013 and 2016 reveals an apparent downward trend in attendance figures.

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Several of the law enforcement agencies that replied to our inquiry mentioned that this was due to the adoption of newer, more distant methods of investigation.

Some individuals noted that although police might not respond to crime scenes right away, they typically return later if there are substantial leads to investigate.

Retail shop owners and employees have voiced concerns that insufficient police focus on shoplifting has fostered an environment in which offenders feel they can commit thefts with little consequence.

Earlier in the year, the British Retail Consortium reported a significant increase in the number of violent and abusive incidents involving retail staff, with figures reaching 1,300 incidents daily in the 2022/23 period

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Sky News obtained surveillance footage that captured an incident in south London where a store employee was menaced by a trio of individuals on Christmas Day 2023.

The robbers take lottery tickets and alcohol, and try to attack a store clerk who defends himself using what seems to be a wrench.

Another shopkeeper in London mentioned that he previously had a baseball bat and pepper spray stored behind his counter for security, but the police instructed him to take them away.

"Shopkeepers are incredibly exposed right now; we can't stop them, we can't hold them back at all," remarked Dennis Mariyaesan.

He further criticized the police for their failure to respond to retail thefts and for not treating the offenses with sufficient seriousness.

Metropolitan Police Commander Owain Richards stated, "Our operators evaluate each report individually, determining the next steps based on the available investigative avenues."

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Last year, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) released a strategy for addressing retail crimes, focusing on responding to situations involving violence or where a suspect was in custody.

Recent years have seen a sharp rise in incidences of retail theft, putting a strain on law enforcement resources.

A representative from the NPCC stated: "We have achieved considerable progress in tackling retail crime through enhanced collaboration with store owners and better exchange of intelligence, leading to the apprehension and prosecution of several severe offenders."

Dame Diana conveyed to Sky News, "Over the past year, there has been a 29% rise in incidents of shoplifting. This trend cannot continue; action is required, and the police must contribute their efforts."

She also suggested that the decrease in the number of officers might be a contributing factor to the lower attendance rates.

Between 2010 and 2017, the number of police officers dropped by approximately 20,000, but then increased by 25,000 by 2023 following a recruitment initiative started by Boris Johnson.

The Labour administration has committed to increasing the number of community police officers by an additional 13,000 by the year 202

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to provide a "designated, reachable police officer" for each community, and to repeal the 2014 legislation that applies lighter penalties for thefts under £200, deemed "low value."

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Starmer Faces Pre-Holiday Questioning?

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 06:36, UK

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Sky News' assistant political editor Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard deliver a daily briefing on upcoming political events, all in less than 20 minutes.

As the legislative session comes to a close, Jack and Sam are wrapping up their term as well. They delve into the obstacles Keir Starmer is set to encounter ahead of his first meeting with the liaison committee. They ponder whether he might face more scrutiny from his fellow party members than from the Conservatives.

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Who might be London's next mayor? Potential Labour candidates start to surface

While Sadiq Khan has not confirmed if he will pursue an unprecedented fourth term as London's mayor, speculation is already mounting about who could be his possible replacements within the Labour Party.

Political correspondent @alexrogerssky

Thursday, December 19, 2024, 4:

Following Labour's triumph in the general election, attention is now shifting to the upcoming contest: determining the party's nominee for the London mayoral race.

Sadiq Khan has yet to declare if he will pursue an unprecedented fourth term as the Mayor of London. However, speculation within the Labour Party is already rife, with several candidates being discussed as possible replacements if he chooses not to run.

Speculated contenders for the upcoming race feature Stella Creasy, representative for Walthamstow, Florence Eshalomi, serving Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, along with Dawn Butler, the Brent East representative and ex-shadow minister, all affiliated with the Labour Party.

Dr. Rosena Allin Khan, the current MP for the previously held constituency of Tooting by Mr. Khan and a past shadow minister for mental health, is also being considered as a possible contender.

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A representative for Dr. Allin-Khan informed Sky News: "We are proud to have an exceptional Labour mayor in London, Sadiq, who has recently won re-election and is effectively serving London by implementing measures such as freezing bus fares and providing free school meals for all."

"Rosena is dedicated to her role advocating for the people of Tooting, combating crime, managing the cost-of-living crisis, and taking shifts in the emergency room."

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In the May local elections, Mr. Khan achieved an unprecedented third consecutive term as the Mayor of London, defeating Conservative candidate Susan Hall by a margin of almost 276,000 votes.

This year marked the inaugural use of the "first past the post" voting system in the mayoral race, in which voters select one candidate each, with the candidate receiving the most votes declared the winner.

Prior to an amendment in government regulations, the electoral process for the Mayor of London involved the supplementary vote system. In this method, voters would select both a primary and a secondary candidate of choice. Candidates with the least amount of support were progressively removed from contention until one candidate secured at least 50% of the total votes

Insiders indicate that there is increasing agreement among Labour members that the forthcoming London mayor should be female.

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Sources have informed Sky News that Georgia Gould, who previously headed Camden Council and chaired London Councils, is being urged to enter the race for London mayor. However, her current secure position representing Queen's Park and Maida Vale might deter her from pursuing the mayoral bid.

Mete Coban, the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy under Mr. Khan, is also considered a potential contender, alongside David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, who has long been thought to aspire to the position.

His stance on Gaza during his tenure as foreign secretary might, however, jeopardize any bid he makes for the capital, given the left-leaning tendencies of the Labour membership.

An individual familiar with the situation informed Sky News, stating, "It has only been a short time since Sadiq was historically re-elected.

"His primary goal is to create a more equitable, secure, and environmentally friendly London for all."

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The upcoming election for London's mayor is scheduled for 2028, with the possibility of additional candidates entering the race.

Prior to that event, London will host its local elections in 2026, marking four years since the previous local elections in the city. During the last elections, significant councils such as Wandsworth, Westminster, and Barnet shifted from Conservative to Labour control.

Sky News has reached out to the individuals mentioned in this article for their responses.

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