Day Headlines in Politics News: 2026-01-29
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Scotland's first deputy first minister Lord Jim Wallace dies, aged 71 (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 22:54:37)
The former Scottish Liberal Democrat leader was undergoing a procedure at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
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Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 22:31:03)
The government has confirmed the discount for six million low-income households will continue for the rest of the decade.
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Reform withdraws support for candidate over posts (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 21:57:53)
A council by-election candidate resigns from the party over "racist, antisemitic, xenophobic" posts.
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Thirty English councils to delay elections, minister confirms (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 18:53:33)
A major shake-up of local government is underway and postponing ballots is intended to help deliver that reorganisation.
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Labour scales back new energy efficiency targets for social homes (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 18:24:19)
It comes after councils and housing associations warned about the cost to implement new stricter standards.
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Ex-Labour MP's lobbying firm offered photo with minister and VIP dinner for £30k (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 17:10:01)
Jim Murphy's company Arden Strategies apologises for "errors" in promotional material for tech event.
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'Damning' evidence of political pressure to open scandal-hit hospital - Sarwar (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 16:44:45)
The Scottish Labour leader says documents prove ministers pushed for the country's largest hospital to open early.
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Tice's 'suck it up' message reignites Reform scandal (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 16:12:22)
An image of Reform UK's deputy leader is said to jokingly reference a former controversy for the party.
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Government u-turn over council election (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 15:22:29)
Pendle Borough Council will now be allowed to postpone May's local elections.
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Essex county election going ahead - minister (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 14:41:25)
Government minister Steve Reed writes to Essex County Council saying their election will take place.
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Council leader resigns after election postponement (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 13:32:07)
The leader and his Labour cabinet majority twice approved decisions opposed by most councillors.
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China to relax travel rules for British visitors, UK says (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 13:18:04)
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer visits Beijing - the first UK prime minister to do so in eight years.
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Ministers reject Waspi calls for compensation after rethink (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 13:16:18)
Women hit by changes to the state pension age say the decision shows "utter contempt" for their situation.
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Police make fifth arrest over arson attacks on properties linked to PM (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 13:05:24)
Three men, already charged in connection with attacks on two properties and car, are due to stand trial in April.
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Chris Mason: Inside China's Great Hall of the People (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 11:56:12)
Chris Mason explains why the prime minister is there, and what he hopes to achieve.
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China to allow visa-free travel for Britons, UK says (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 11:16:06)
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer visits Beijing - the first UK prime minister to do so in eight years.
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Labour blocking my MP bid was hard to take, says Burnham (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 10:51:48)
The Greater Manchester mayor said he would be campaigning in support of Labour in Gorton and Denton.
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Emergency loans offered to civil servants waiting on pensions (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 10:27:00)
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds says the waits faced by retired civil servants are unacceptable.
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Starmer says 'good progress' on tariffs and visa-free travel in China talks (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 09:18:36)
The PM says he also raised the jailing of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai in his meeting with President Xi.
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Keep suspended pupils in school, ministers say (BBC News - Politics 2026-01-29 02:02:03)
Changes to England's school system say on-site suspensions should be used for non-violent behaviour.