How far must UK go to fend off threat of foreign interference in its elections? | Party funding

Russia has been attempting to meddle with western democracy for years, but successive governments led by Boris Johnson and others have insisted that the UK’s electoral system can withstand its influence. That argument was recently blown apart by the conviction of former Reform politician Nathan Gill, jailed for 10 years for accepting bribes to advance…

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With Starmer’s enemies short on options, Labour MPs have to make do with gossip | Labour party leadership

In the corner of one of Westminster’s endless Christmas receptions, a Conservative veteran of the Brexit years admits they are somewhat baffled by the frenzied leadership speculation among the new Labour ranks. It was easy to forget, they said, given how many Tory leaders the party cycled through – but prime ministers were not that…

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The Guardian view on Conservative party conference: Kemi Badenoch’s last shot at relevance | Editorial

Last year’s Conservative conference, held in the aftermath of a crushing election defeat, was billed as a parade for leadership candidates to set out their recovery plans. The talent pool was shallow. The contest winner, Kemi Badenoch, said nothing to suggest she was equipped for the challenge of renewing her party as a potential force…

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