David Maddox

Concerns were raised over Lord Mandelson's security vetting because of links to a Chinese finance minister, a sanctions-hit Russian oligarch and a former Israeli military intelligence general

The former health secretary and Labour leadership hopeful has attacked Sir Tony Blair's 5,600 word essay for failing to mention ‘inequality' and taken a side swipe over the Iraq war

Wes Streeting makes Iraq War jibe at Tony Blair as he warns against ‘automatic subservience’ to US

Read this exciting story from The Independent May 28, 2026 issue. Peter Mandelson failed security vetting for the US ambassador job because of his links to China, Russia and Israel, sources have confirmed.

The Greater Manchester mayor and Makerfield by-election candidate Andy Burnham has just revealed the qualities that make him, to many, the Labour leader and prime minister -in-waiting.

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that the government must not withhold any information relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador the US – or he could face a contempt motion.

Priti Patel issues warning after concerns raised that the government is redacting more information than was initially agreed

Andy Burnham is something of a political chameleon. In his long career he has served in a variety of roles, adopted a variety of political positions, and continues to attract a variety of opinions.

High-profile politician departs parliament to become mayor of one of Britain’s great cities; achieves cult status; rides back to parliament on a wave of popularity and, eventually, becomes prime minister. That’s how Boris Johnson’s story goes, but could it soon be the same for Andy Burnham? Political editor David Maddox talks to friends, allies and critics of the Greater Manchester mayor as he fights to return to Westminster

Concerns were raised over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting because of links to a Chinese finance minister, a sanctions-hit Russian oligarch and a former Israeli military intelligence general