Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara and ex-special advisor Cleo Watson, hosts of The Independent's politics podcast In The Room, are answering your questions on UK politics. From Keir Starmer's future to the Mandelson files and whether Nigel Farage could become prime minister, they tackle the biggest issues.
What's happening in UK politics?
The Mandelson security vetting scandal has dominated headlines, with the first tranche of files released. Critics question Starmer's judgment, though he avoided a privileges committee inquiry. The cost-of-living crisis remains his 'number one priority', but progress is slow, worsened by the Iran war. More Mandelson files are pending, the Foreign Office lacks a permanent secretary after Olly Robbins' dismissal, and defence is in 'peril' per a former Nato chief. A cabinet reshuffle looms, and local elections on 7 May may yield Labour's worst-ever result.
How to participate
Log in to your independent.co.uk account to submit questions. The Q&A runs on Wednesday 6 May, 1pm-2pm. Scroll down to see questions and answers, and click 'load more' for the full discussion.
With 30 years of Whitehall experience, MacNamara and Watson address: Is Starmer's leadership in danger? What's next for the Mandelson files? Was Olly Robbins a scapegoat? Could Farage become PM? Join the conversation.
