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<p>Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, has taken responsibility for recommending Peter Mandelson to be the UK’s ambassador to Washington </p>

John Rentoul

McSweeney’s departure pushes Starmer a step closer to the exit

The prime minister is running out of things to throw overboard to try to keep himself afloat, writes John Rentoul

<p>‘I am not sure if even then I completely believed Jackson was wholly innocent, but being honest, I think I chose to look the other way because the music was just too good’</p>

Sarfraz Manzoor

My nine-year-old son loves Michael Jackson. How do I get him to stop?

<p>‘It’s not some fad. I am generally worried about my daughters’ nutrient-deficient diet – that fussy eating again – and how it might affect their gut health’</p>

Charlotte Cripps

Help! My children’s supplements are bankrupting me

<p>Any teenager who can endlessly scroll without limits is going to be put into a situation where trouble or harm is more likely</p>

George Deanus

I’m 14 years old – please don’t take my TikTok away

<p>Matthew Goodwin, on the election stump with Reform leader Nigel Farage</p>

Sean O’Grady

Is Matthew Goodwin too rabid even for Reform?

<p>Many Americans thought it was unthinkable that a US president could be as aggressive as Donald Trump has been</p>

Melissa Allin

As an American, I just want to say sorry

<p>Soldiers block access for Palestinians to an area for harvesting olives in the West Bank</p>

Rt Revd Graham Usher

In the West Bank, this nightmare for Palestinians needs ending

<p>Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with US president Donald Trump</p>

Praful Nargund

Farage’s friendship with Trump is becoming his biggest vulnerability

<p>Keir Starmer has one highly risky trick up his sleeve that would likely silence his Labour critics</p>

John Rentoul

Will Keir Starmer use his nuclear option to try to cling to office?

<p>Government officials are looking to attract more ethnic minorities to live in and visit the British countryside</p>

Mary-Ann Ochota

Is the UK countryside racist? In parts of it... yes

<p>Keir Starmer has made lapses of judgement but that does not mean he should resign </p>

The Independent View

Keir Starmer showed poor judgement, but talk of change is premature

<p>Fireworks explode in the sky to bring in the New Year around the London Eye and the Elizabeth Tower</p>

John Rentoul

Refurbishing the Palace of Westminster would revive ‘can-do’ Britain

<p>Given the prime minister’s ethics adviser found that Angela Rayner ‘had acted with integrity’, her allies believe that she could, in time, make a Cabinet comeback and win a leadership contest</p>

Sonia Sodha

Is Angela Rayner really ready to march on Starmer’s Westminster?

<p>Sir Elton John is appearing alongside his husband David Furnish in a High Court trial against the Daily Mail’s publisher</p>

Victoria Richards

Hopping mad, Sgt Elton John spat bullets in the witness box

<p>‘Keir Starmer’s defence of his part in the Epstein/Mandelson affair was a weak mix of claimed ignorance and realpolitik’ </p>

Emily Sheffield

I’m appalled at how easily powerful men ignore what Epstein did

<p>Georgina Fuller and her son Eddie at Legoland Dubai</p>

Georgina Fuller

Why shouldn’t my autistic son ‘skip the queue’ at Alton Towers?

The theme park group that also owns Legoland and Chessington World of Adventures has introduced new rules that ban visitors with ADHD and anxiety from claiming disability access rights at the attractions – and it’s simply not fair, says Georgina Fuller

<p>Prime minister Keir Starmer addresses the Mandelson scandal</p>

John Rentoul

What is keeping Keir Starmer in place is the lack of a successor

<p>Frieda Hughes’ new car</p>

Frieda Hughes

After years of lusting, I can afford my dream car... albeit secondhand

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