Politics At Sam and Anne's

Has King Charles’s warmth and humour helped save the special relationship?
It may be a diplomatic win for Keir Starmer in Washington, helping to steady UK-U.S. relations – but have private comments by his U.S. ambassador made life more difficult back in London?
Yesterday, the Prime Minister survived a vote demanding he appear before the privileges committee, but after another blockbuster Foreign Affairs Committee session, questions remain over his judgement to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States.
Elsewhere, could Angela Rayner make a comeback post local elections and will there be a wider cabinet reshuffle?
Plus, Sam flags some under-the-radar issues that could be highly consequential in the long run.

What might Sir Philip Barton and Morgan McSweeney reveal about the Mandelson vetting scandal?
Today, the former foreign office mandarin and Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff give evidence to MPs on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
That’s before the Commons vote on whether there should be an inquiry on if the Prime Minister misled Parliament.
As well as select committees and votes, there are still 13 active bills to deal with before Parliament prorogues tomorrow.
Sam’s in London for a pivotal day in the Starmer leadership and Anne’s in Washington for the King’s state visit.

Can King Charles save the UK-U.S. special relationship?
As the King touches down in Washington for a state visit, Anne – who was at the White House correspondent’s dinner – describes the moment a security incident plunged the night into chaos.
With a critical three days ahead Sam and Anne discuss the high stakes diplomacy facing Britain and whether the strained relationship could be reset.
Back in Westminster, with Parliament days from prorogation, Sam runs through the key government bills hanging in the balance and previews a major day at the Foreign Affairs Committee, as the Peter Mandelson scandal rumbles on.
Plus, with 10 days until the local and national elections what options does Keir Starmer have on the table post polling day?

Will the Prime Minister ever escape the ghost of Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint the ‘Prince of Darkness’ as the UK’s ambassador to Washington?
With fresh committee hearings looming – including an appearance from Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little – and senior ministers appearing uncomfortable defending No10 on the airwaves, Sam and Anne ask if the row is anywhere near its peak.
The duo also examine the growing tension between Downing Street and the civil service and whether pulling top mandarins into political warfare risks lasting damage to the system.
Over on Planet Tory, Anne has an update on the rumoured reshuffle of Kemi Badenoch’s shadow cabinet.
Plus, why isn’t the government more worried about a shortage of jet fuel due to the Iran war?

Has the Prime Minister and No10 weathered the storm on the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal?
With the dust only beginning to settle, Sam and Anne dissect the mixed, uncomfortable and carefully worded reactions from senior figures across the Labour party after Olly Robbins’ combative session in parliament.
Keir Starmer braces for another grilling from MPs at Prime Minister Questions on the Mandelson saga but has he contained the damage, or has he been left out in the cold to face it alone?
Away from Starmer drama, the duo look at the latest polling in Wales where Reform seem to be making ground on Plaid Cymru.