The State of It A by-election reckoning — and unexploded bombs everywhere
Feb 24, 2026
Three scandals raise questions about Keir Starmer's judgment and Labour's internal dynamics. Ongoing disclosures create persistent political vulnerability. A tense by-election looks like a three-way fight between Labour, Reform and the Greens. The Greens are actively courting Muslim voters over Gaza, reshaping local electoral math. Westminster wrestles with how to scrutinise the royal household and release sensitive files.
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Unexploded Files Create Chronic Political Risk
- The government now lives with 'unexploded bombs' — ongoing disclosures and investigations that create perpetual political risk.
- Patrick Maguire warns every government action will be qualified by pending files and Met inquiries.
Parliamentary Rules Have Silenced Scrutiny Of Prince Andrew
- Parliamentary rules barring criticism of royals have constrained scrutiny of Prince Andrew despite major public interest.
- Stephen Swinford points to Hansard showing Andrew mentioned only eight times and legal limits on MPs' speech.
Golden Triangle Runs Sensitive Royal Decisions
- The palace, Number 10 and senior officials operate in a tight 'golden triangle' making constitutional decisions out of public view.
- Gabriel Pogrund describes coordination between the king's private secretary, cabinet secretary and PM's principal private secretary.