Political claims, statements and decisions examined against the available evidence.
Labour’s Jane Lennie has gained the Shepshed county council seat from Reform UK by 53 votes in a closely contested Leicestershire by-election.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has invited John Swinney to work with Westminster on devolving more decision-making to Scottish regions and cities, as the SNP meets for its conference.
A provisional Franco-German proposal could bring British automotive products within EU Made in Europe rules, but would require reciprocal trade arrangements and alignment with EU trade defences.
A Commons committee says bridges and tunnels could improve transport for Scottish island communities, urging ministers to consider support while warning ferries remain essential.
The Foreign Office has agreed to new due diligence measures for direct ministerial diplomatic appointments following MPs’ scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington.
Thames Water is asking creditors to support an additional £2.4 billion emergency funding facility as it warns existing liquidity may last only until late 2026 or early 2027.
Ministers have rejected a cross-party committee recommendation to extend employer National Insurance relief to all workers under 25, amid concerns over youth employment costs.
A government-appointed inspector will examine Tees Valley Combined Authority’s finances and governance, with findings expected by March 2027.
The government is considering appointing commissioners for up to three years after inspectors concluded Bedford Borough Council was failing its Best Value Duty.
Labour has warned local Green groups that council power-sharing arrangements will end unless they reject the Green Party’s controversial “Zionism is racism” conference motion.
Shabana Mahmood has threatened a complete UK visa ban on Eritrean nationals unless the country resumes cooperation on returns, as restrictions on officials and diplomats take effect.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has told Sky and ITV she is minded to intervene in their proposed £1.6 billion broadcasting and streaming deal, citing media plurality, freedom of expression and programme diversity.