Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, faced scrutiny on Good Morning Britain regarding a housing scandal involving his deputy, Angela Rayner. During an interview with host Richard Madeley, Starmer reiterated his trust in Rayner despite not personally reviewing the legal advice she cited, which she claims clears her of any wrongdoing. Rayner is involved in a police investigation concerning potential breaches of electoral law and unpaid capital gains tax tied to her former council house in Stockport. She has stated her willingness to resign if found guilty.

Furthermore, the Labour Party has faced criticism from Tory chairman Richard Holden, who accused Starmer of lacking leadership and evading the issues surrounding the controversy.

In international news, India lodged a formal protest with Canada following incidents where Sikh separatist slogans were raised during an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Toronto. The Indian government expressed concerns, accusing Canada of encouraging extremism. This issue arose amid worsening relations after Trudeau suggested the Indian government might be involved in the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada—a claim India denies.

This diplomatic dispute stemmed from the vocalization of slogans supporting “Khalistan,” a proposed Sikh homeland, during Trudeau’s speech to the Sikh community in Toronto. India has long contested the Khalistan movement, considering several related groups as extremist.

In other UK news, the final campaigning day for local elections in England and Wales saw heightened activity. These elections, which include local council seats, mayoral positions, and police and crime commissioner roles, are anticipated to provide a barometer for the national political mood ahead of the 2024 general elections. With polls suggesting possible significant losses for the Conservative Party in council seats, the results could reshape the political landscape in pivotal areas, including the contest for the London mayoralty between incumbent Sadiq Khan (Labour) and Susan Hall (Conservative).