Politics

A simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales
Millions will vote in parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England.
Millions will vote in parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England.

Councils face 'uphill struggle' to be ready for local elections
Thirty councils across England now have to organise local elections after the government abandoned plans to delay.

What we learned from BBC Gorton and Denton debate
Gorton and Denton by-election candidates from five parties go head to head in a BBC debate.

Council workers to vote over possible pay strike
The initial vote will be for staff at councils including Stoke-on-Trent and Dudley.

Government abandons plans to delay 30 council elections
All English elections will now go ahead as originally planned after Reform UK brought a legal challenge over the decision to delay some polls.

PM orders investigation into claims Labour think tank paid firm to look into journalist
The think tank paid a company at least £30,000 to investigate the origins of a story about undeclared donations.

Reform councillor defects to Conservatives
John Roddy says he was told the area's financial issues were "not a priority" by his former party.

We will do battle with AI chatbots as we did with Grok, says Starmer
The government's new plans will mean no online platform will get a "free pass" on children's safety on the internet, the prime minister says.

UK considering significant increase to defence spending
The prime minister is considering meeting a 3% defence-spending target five years earlier than planned, the BBC learns.

Ministers want to reform SEND - but they are treading very carefully
The government is expected to outline its plan to overhaul the complex system of support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in England soon.

Cabinet secretary frontrunner previously spoken to about management style
Dame Antonia Romeo was found to have no case to answer over one complaint nine years ago.

Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable
The former prince's alleged actions were "totally unacceptable", the ex-business secretary says.

UK wants action taken on Russia after Navalny frog poisoning, Cooper says
The foreign secretary said the UK would "continue to look at co-ordinated action, including increasing sanctions on the Russian regime".

Labour face tough fight in Gorton and Denton by-election
Labour is in a tough fight with Reform UK and the Greens in previously safe seat Gorton and Denton.

The Victorian aristocrat who became first British Muslim lord
After converting to Islam, Lord Henry Stanley closed pubs on his estate and helped restore churches.

Europe must be ready to fight, PM tells Munich Security Conference
The prime minister's speech comes after a tumultuous week in his political career back home.

Former Foreign Office cat Palmerston dies in Bermuda
Larry the Cat, No 10's chief mouser, is among those paying tribute to his former rival.

One giant boys' club? Why Westminster can still feel like a man's world
The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson has prompted soul searching about women’s role in government, writes Laura Kuenssberg.

Ex-Reform MP Rupert Lowe launches new party
The new party is set up by former Reform UK member, Rupert Lowe.

US politicians urge Mandelson to give evidence over Epstein
Lord Mandelson has previously expressed his regret for his continued association with Jeffrey Epstein.

It's tough for Tories but we can fix Wales, Kemi Badenoch says
The Tory leaders admits it's not an "easy time" after defections to Reform, but insists there's a plan for Senedd wins.

Peter Murrell accused of embezzling £459,000 over 12-year period
The former SNP chief executive is accused of illicitly purchasing items including luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome.

Rock musician to fund Alex Salmond case against Scottish government
Paul McManus, drummer with Scottish band Gun, has taken on the legal action from Salmond's family.

High Court dismisses challenge to single-sex toilet guidance
Campaigners claimed the guidance for employers, such as hospitals, shops and restaurants, was "legally flawed" and "overly simplistic".

BBC at memorial for Gen Z protesters after landmark election in Bangladesh
BBC South Asia correspondent Azadeh Moshiri visited Sheikh Hasina's former residence which is now a memorial for the student protesters killed in the 2024 uprising.

Where does Wormald sacking leave Sir Keir Starmer?
Is transplanting staff at the heart of government part of a bigger strategy - or a sticking plaster?

Rubio warns Europe of new era in geopolitics before big Munich speech
The US Secretary of State will address the first major transatlantic meeting since Donald Trump threatened to annex Greenland.

Sarwar stands by resignation call in conversation with Starmer
The Scottish Labour leader has described speaking to Sir Keir Starmer days after calling on the PM to quit

Palestine Action ban ruled unlawful but group remains proscribed for now
It remains in place for now to allow further legal argument and the government to consider an appeal.






