Cat Neilan
@catneilan.bsky.social
Whitehall Editor for the Observer & chief investigator for BBC R4's The Naked Week. Politics, investigations and taramasalata
Reposted by Cat Neilan
New Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson secretly advising JPMorgan’s CEO on how to fight Labour’s 2009 bankers’ bonus tax - even suggesting he “mildly threaten” the Chancellor.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
February 1, 2026 at 5:26 PM
New Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson secretly advising JPMorgan’s CEO on how to fight Labour’s 2009 bankers’ bonus tax - even suggesting he “mildly threaten” the Chancellor.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
Mandelson was Business Secretary at the time.
A year later, he was seeking work with JPM.
When it comes to Mandelson's peerage, it's not just about his Epstein links, although clearly this is the most serious issue at stake.
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
Exclusive: Peter Mandelson is facing calls for a standards investigation over a possible breach of parliamentary rules
Comes amid ongoing questions about whether the Labour peer should remain a member of the House of Lords
👇
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Comes amid ongoing questions about whether the Labour peer should remain a member of the House of Lords
👇
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Calls for Peter Mandelson to face inquiry over meeting wi...
Patrick Vallance recorded contact as with Global Counsel, the consultancy founded by Mandelson
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 10:43 PM
When it comes to Mandelson's peerage, it's not just about his Epstein links, although clearly this is the most serious issue at stake.
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
What he does with that privileged position is also worth considering.
Like holding 1-2-1 meetings with ministers registered as for his (ex) consultancy firm
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
NEW: Previously unreported Epstein emails show Peter Mandelson discussing a Panama-linked tax avoidance structure for a £750k Rio apartment - with Epstein as his "chief life adviser".
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
Exclusive Tax Policy Associates report:
February 1, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Yesterday evening, Peter Mandelson told me "I've never owned property in Brazil and never will".
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Then we discovered the Brazilian company he incorporated, "for the purpose of purchasing and selling real estate".
Thread:
Labour is doubling down on their claims in today's @theobserveruk.bsky.social that Polanksi could have stood in Gorton and didn't by calling him "chicken"
February 1, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Labour is doubling down on their claims in today's @theobserveruk.bsky.social that Polanksi could have stood in Gorton and didn't by calling him "chicken"
Momentum is building among backbench Labour MPs to force action on student loans
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Young Labour MPs team up to force chancellor’s hand on st...
Backbenchers hope to overturn chancellor’s change to scheme that could burden graduates with above-inflation interest rate increases
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Momentum is building among backbench Labour MPs to force action on student loans
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Options include 0% interest rates, raising repayment thresholds and monthly payments so students aren't forced into overdrafts
MPs said to be "spooked" by possible Reform policy offer
observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
Dozens of Labour backbenchers have written to chief whip Jonny Reynolds, asking that he doesn't bring MPs back from locals campaign trail if assisted dying bill passes Lords
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Filibustering Lords seek to slow-talk the assisted dying ...
But a rarely used act could force a way through for legislation that has divided both houses
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Dozens of Labour backbenchers have written to chief whip Jonny Reynolds, asking that he doesn't bring MPs back from locals campaign trail if assisted dying bill passes Lords
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
It's a pre-emptive strike to try to kill off the legislation once and for all
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Labour claims Zack Polanski has "bottled it" in Gorton
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Zack Polanski cowardly for not fighting byelection, Labou...
The party is on defence after decision to block Andy Burnham from standing for Gorton and Denton seat
observer.co.uk
February 1, 2026 at 7:34 AM
Labour claims Zack Polanski has "bottled it" in Gorton
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Greens hit back at "patronising" comment - and say Polanski is "waiting for the byelection in Holborn and St Pancras, which we expect to take place later this year"
So long, progressive alliance...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Minnesota based Independent Journalist GEORGIA FORT has been arrested for filming a protest of the church pastor that works as an ICE manager. SPREAD THE WORD! Georgia has been doing outstanding reporting from ground zero!
January 30, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Minnesota based Independent Journalist GEORGIA FORT has been arrested for filming a protest of the church pastor that works as an ICE manager. SPREAD THE WORD! Georgia has been doing outstanding reporting from ground zero!
This is, strategically, batshit
January 28, 2026 at 11:51 AM
This is, strategically, batshit
Matt Goodwin is Reform's candidate for Gorton and Denton
January 27, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Matt Goodwin is Reform's candidate for Gorton and Denton
Kemi might not like it but the defections to Reform are making the Conservatives a centre-right party. She should make the most of the niche that has opened up. It may be a smaller chunk of the electorate than she would like (right now) but it is at least a strategic position she can own
January 26, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Kemi might not like it but the defections to Reform are making the Conservatives a centre-right party. She should make the most of the niche that has opened up. It may be a smaller chunk of the electorate than she would like (right now) but it is at least a strategic position she can own
Labour MPs starting to go public with their annoyance over the blocking of Burnham...
It was a huge mistake of the NEC not to give members in Gorton the chance to select someone of Andy Burnham’s stature as their candidate.
This is a magnanimous response & I look forward to seeing Andy on the doorstep in the by-election.
This is a magnanimous response & I look forward to seeing Andy on the doorstep in the by-election.
January 25, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Labour MPs starting to go public with their annoyance over the blocking of Burnham...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
The Washington Post published a clear video of federal agents removing Alex Pretti's handgun moments before he was fatally shot. There's nothing in the video to suggest Pretti even reached for his weapon.
wapo.st/49Zqv1L
wapo.st/49Zqv1L
January 25, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The Washington Post published a clear video of federal agents removing Alex Pretti's handgun moments before he was fatally shot. There's nothing in the video to suggest Pretti even reached for his weapon.
wapo.st/49Zqv1L
wapo.st/49Zqv1L
Reposted by Cat Neilan
This witness to Alex Pretti's murder not only refutes the governmen't story, but says she is afraid to go home because federal agents might arrest her. This is what it feels like to live under state terror.
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
TincherSealedWitnessDec012426.PDF
www.documentcloud.org
January 25, 2026 at 2:43 PM
This witness to Alex Pretti's murder not only refutes the governmen't story, but says she is afraid to go home because federal agents might arrest her. This is what it feels like to live under state terror.
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Reposted by Cat Neilan
Putin pioneered this. No opposition is legitimate. Regular, decent, “ordinary” people cannot possibly be against us because only we represent “the real people.”
Tell-tale sign of authoritarianism.
Tell-tale sign of authoritarianism.
January 25, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Putin pioneered this. No opposition is legitimate. Regular, decent, “ordinary” people cannot possibly be against us because only we represent “the real people.”
Tell-tale sign of authoritarianism.
Tell-tale sign of authoritarianism.
The outcome of this by-election will almost certainly define government policy for the next three years.
If Reform wins, expect Blue Labour to ramp up
If it's the Greens, the growing calls for a leftwing pivot will be vindicated and those voices around the Cabinet table will push for a rethink
If Reform wins, expect Blue Labour to ramp up
If it's the Greens, the growing calls for a leftwing pivot will be vindicated and those voices around the Cabinet table will push for a rethink
It's clear that the Green Party are the way to keep Reform out of Manchester.
We are already on the ground in Gorton and Denton - and we are going to be campaigning for every single vote.
A new Green MP representing the community.
Let's go!
Join.greenparty.org.uk
We are already on the ground in Gorton and Denton - and we are going to be campaigning for every single vote.
A new Green MP representing the community.
Let's go!
Join.greenparty.org.uk
Join the Green Party
Join the Green Party from just £6 a year. Become a member today - join the only party standing up for people and planet.
Join.greenparty.org.uk
January 25, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The outcome of this by-election will almost certainly define government policy for the next three years.
If Reform wins, expect Blue Labour to ramp up
If it's the Greens, the growing calls for a leftwing pivot will be vindicated and those voices around the Cabinet table will push for a rethink
If Reform wins, expect Blue Labour to ramp up
If it's the Greens, the growing calls for a leftwing pivot will be vindicated and those voices around the Cabinet table will push for a rethink
Blocking Burnham has "hastened [the PM's] demise”, Labour MPs claim.
Leadership challenge could come as soon as March if party loses Gorton by-election.
Even Starmerites accept it will be "open season" on the PM, albeit "without the most popular opponent"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Leadership challenge could come as soon as March if party loses Gorton by-election.
Even Starmerites accept it will be "open season" on the PM, albeit "without the most popular opponent"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Starmer allies block Burnham from standing in byelection
The Manchester mayor has been blocked from returning to Parliament in a move that could backfire on a weakened prime minister
observer.co.uk
January 25, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Blocking Burnham has "hastened [the PM's] demise”, Labour MPs claim.
Leadership challenge could come as soon as March if party loses Gorton by-election.
Even Starmerites accept it will be "open season" on the PM, albeit "without the most popular opponent"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Leadership challenge could come as soon as March if party loses Gorton by-election.
Even Starmerites accept it will be "open season" on the PM, albeit "without the most popular opponent"
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
So it's ended up the first of these options - Burnham blocked - but that doesn't mean Starmer is out of the woods
The options for the prime minister – blocking Burnham as a candidate, Burnham returning to parliament or Labour losing the seat entirely – are all fraught with risk.
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Burnham’s bid to return set to force Starmer into fight o...
The Manchester mayor’s decision to run in the Gorton and Denton byelection puts Starmer in a dangerous position
observer.co.uk
January 25, 2026 at 12:05 PM
So it's ended up the first of these options - Burnham blocked - but that doesn't mean Starmer is out of the woods
The options for the prime minister – blocking Burnham as a candidate, Burnham returning to parliament or Labour losing the seat entirely – are all fraught with risk.
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Burnham’s bid to return set to force Starmer into fight o...
The Manchester mayor’s decision to run in the Gorton and Denton byelection puts Starmer in a dangerous position
observer.co.uk
January 25, 2026 at 7:34 AM
The options for the prime minister – blocking Burnham as a candidate, Burnham returning to parliament or Labour losing the seat entirely – are all fraught with risk.
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“Whatever Keir does it is like a lose-lose situation,” said one Labour MP.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Fwiw the mood music about NEC is still that the most likely option is they find a pretext to block him
Difficult to read here but the statement includes the following par:
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
Burnham's running (surprise!!)
January 24, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Fwiw the mood music about NEC is still that the most likely option is they find a pretext to block him
By-election looking likely for March, although official sources saying no decision until the writ has been moved
January 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM
By-election looking likely for March, although official sources saying no decision until the writ has been moved
Difficult to read here but the statement includes the following par:
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
January 24, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Difficult to read here but the statement includes the following par:
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
“There is a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other."
Swap out GM for UK and you have the pitch to the country...
Burnham's running (surprise!!)
January 24, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Burnham's running (surprise!!)
🚨 Angela Rayner has told Labour Unions event that Andy Burnham should be able to stand in Gorton and Denton, saying the choice should be "for members locally".
"We’ve got the fight of our lives on and therefore we should be pulling together, and we should put our best players on the pitch."
"We’ve got the fight of our lives on and therefore we should be pulling together, and we should put our best players on the pitch."
January 24, 2026 at 3:22 PM
🚨 Angela Rayner has told Labour Unions event that Andy Burnham should be able to stand in Gorton and Denton, saying the choice should be "for members locally".
"We’ve got the fight of our lives on and therefore we should be pulling together, and we should put our best players on the pitch."
"We’ve got the fight of our lives on and therefore we should be pulling together, and we should put our best players on the pitch."