'U-turn on Mandelson files' and 'Starmer in grave peril'
BBC
Many of the papers focus on the political fallout from revelations about former Labour minister Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. "Shaken PM abandons plans to withhold some documents detailing disgraced peer's appointment" as UK ambassador to Washington, writes the Independent. A group of Labour MPs, including former deputy leader Angela Rayner, "forced" Sir Keir Starmer into a "climbdown over the full release of vetting documents relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment". Months after he stepped down from the post, UK police opened an investigation into whether Lord Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Epstein. Lord Mandelson has not responded to requests for comment, but the BBC understands his position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.
The Metro reports the prime minister "is facing a growing crisis over his leadership after admitting he knew of concerns at Lord Mandelson's long friendship with billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – but still gave him a crucial government job." Headlining with "liar, liar, pants on... hired!", the paper refers to a photo appearing to show Lord Mandelson in his underwear, as revealed in a recent release of the Epstein files. Lord Mandelson has previously expressed regret for "ever having known Epstein".
"Rayner turns on Starmer" is the Daily Telegraph's take on the pressure for the prime minister to reveal documents about Lord Mandelson's appointment. It writes "Rayner and senior Labour MPs insisted No10 should not decide what material is published" relating to the ex-ambassador's vetting.
"Starmer in grave peril" writes the Daily Mail, which also focuses on the role of Angela Rayner in spearheading a "revolt against his handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal".
The Guardian quotes Labour MPs who say "it's over" for Starmer's leadership. An unnamed MP who won their seat in 2024 tells the paper: "The most terminal mood is among the super loyal."
"Sir Keir Starmer and his chief of staff (Morgan McSweeney) are fighting for their political futures", according to the Times's top story. It follows Starmer telling the Commons that he and McSweeney were aware that Lord Mandelson stayed at Epstein's Manhattan apartment while he the American was "in jail for child prostitution offences".
The i Paper also leads with "Labour MPs losing confidence in the Prime Minister" adding that "allies acknowledge he's facing a sharp mood shift".
"Revolting" is the Sun's key takeaway as "Epstein files outrage mounts". The paper writes that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's staff at his new property on the Sandringham Estate "refuse to serve him", while the prime minister was also "rocked by a Labour rebellion".
"Ghislaine Maxwell email appears to say this photo of Andy Windsor with accuser Virginia Giuffre is real, and not faked," the Daily Star reports, next to a photo of Mountbatten-Windsor, Maxwell, and Guiffre. The former prince told the BBC in a 2019 interview the photo was doctored, saying he had been at a pizza express at the time. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports European spy officials "believe two Russian space vehicles have intercepted communications with at least a dozen key satellites over the continent". The paper writes the move "risks compromising sensitive information" as tensions deepen "between the Kremlin and the west following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine".
"Cancer patients will get personalised plans to help them cope with the psychological toll of their diagnosis", the Daily Express reports, citing its own campaign for "better mental health support for sufferers".
"Snooker great John Virgo's widow paid tribute to her husband", writes the Daily Mirror, reporting the "legend" of the cue sport died suddenly at 79.
BBC
