The rolling drama over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador is eating the government alive, with more committee hearings coming next week and crucial elections for Labour on May 7. This week’s host Miranda Green discusses the cost of the Mandelson saga for Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership with deputy political editor Jim Pickard, political correspondent Anna Gross and public policy editor Chris Smyth. Plus, the panel debates Ed Miliband’s electricity announcement, Reform’s new plan for mass deportations, and a booming but dysfunctional market in business courses.

Follow: Miranda:@greenmiranda and @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim: @PickardJE and @pickardje.bsky.social, Anna: @AnnaSophieGross and annasophiegross.bsky.social Chris: @Smyth_Chris and @chris-smyth.bsky.social

Want more?

Cabinet Office head says Olly Robbins refused to give her Mandelson vetting documents

Starmer’s political woes deepen as Mandelson scandal saps his authority

Sadiq Khan: Labour risks being ‘stonked’ in London elections

Business degrees are booming in the UK. Who is profiting?

How many people would Reform UK deport?

Economic pessimism plagues UK youth

Ed Miliband unveils move to delink UK gas and electricity prices

Plus, send in your questions for a special Political Fix Q&A episode right after the local elections on Monday May 11. Email: politicalfix@ft.com

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Political Fix is presented by Miranda Green and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producers are Manuela Saragosa and Edwin Lane. Mixing and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.

Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com

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