Sir Keir Starmer’s deputy leader has warned the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton is a “dry run” for a general election as the prime minister – wounded by the Peter Mandelson scandal – faces a battle to cling on to the historically safe Labour seat.

Lucy Powell told The Independent that the vote, on 26 February, represents “a line in the sand” in Labour’s fight to stop the advance of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

But she admitted she expects the Mandelson issue to come up on the doorstep, and she could not say that Labour was confident of retaining the seat or if the prime minister will show his face there.

Ministers, senior Labour figures and backbench MPs believe the by-election is “the crunch point” for the beleaguered prime minister, with one claiming: “It’s a referendum on Starmer, pure and simple.”

The prime minister has faced the toughest week of his premiership so far, with his integrity and judgement called into question over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

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To add to Sir Keir’s problems, it has been claimed that he and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney were warned against appointing Mandelson to the role of ambassador to the US by both former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and Labour peer Maurice Glasman.

Ms Rayner, who was in Gorton and Denton campaigning on Saturday, is now emerging as a potential replacement for Sir Keir and her intervention on Wednesday, siding with the Tories, was crucial in forcing the PM to release all vetting documents linked to Mandelson’s appointment.

Shocking revelations on Mandelson allegedly passing confidential market-sensitive government material to Epstein when he was business secretary in 2009 have added further questions over the appointment.

Ms Powell admitted the scandal will become one of the factors in the by-election, and gave a lukewarm defence of the prime minister’s actions in appointing him as US ambassador.

“All I’d say is that prime ministers have to make judgement calls all day long and all the time, and sometimes they get them wrong,” she said. “I think the prime minister’s put his hands up about that.”

Labour is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead in Gorton and Denton. Ministers have been ordered up to the Greater Manchester constituency to campaign in a seat the party won with more than 50 per cent of the vote in 2024.

Their campaign has already been hit by a row over Sir Keir blocking Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing to be the Labour candidate, with many believing he was the only one who could stop Reform.

Ms Powell, who voted to allow Mr Burnham to run on Labour’s National Executive Committee, said she and the Manchester mayor “want to draw a line” under that episode but insisted he was “a great asset” in the by-election campaign.

She highlighted how a succession of cabinet ministers are being sent up to the by-election to knock on doors including chancellor Rachel Reeves, education secretary Bridget Phillipson, and transport secretary Heidi Alexander, as Labour throws everything at stopping Reform. But she was unable to say whether the beleaguered prime minister would be joining them.

Ms Powell said: “I’m not sure yet, but look, everyone’s going to be coming and playing their part. But I speak to him regularly about it.”

Mr Farage, who has visited the constituency several times to campaign with Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin, told The Independent: “I really do believe this is turning into a referendum on Keir Starmer.”

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One Labour MP said: “Farage could not have written this. It allows him to paint politicians as all ‘at it’, part of some kind of elite, helping each other out instead of voters. It is an absolute disaster for a seat where everyone is watching us and the pressure is on to prove that Reform can be stopped.”

A minister added: “If we do [come third], the PM is in trouble.”

Others repeated that he needs to go now, with left-wing MP Nadia Whittome describing the prime minister’s position as “untenable”.

Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, said: “The public and MPs aren’t willing to wait for a by-election or the locals – both were already going to be serious tests. The Mandelson scandal eclipses all of it.”

Neil Duncan-Jordan, the MP for Poole, added: “We can’t just keep going on like this – lurching from one crisis to the next.”

Recent polling suggests Reform is leading the way, but only by a few points on average. The Greens published canvassing data suggesting Reform was leading, with them in second and Labour a distant third.

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Two of the current main MRP polls put Reform ahead of Labour: Electoral Calculus, at 32 per cent to Labour’s 22.6, and Britain Predicts, at 32 per cent to Labour’s much higher 26.

Meanwhile, Polling Report predicts that Labour will hold the seat with 35.26 per cent of the vote, while Reform gets 27.65.

But Ms Powell, who represents the nearby Manchester Central seat and is taking a lead in the campaign with candidate Angeliki Stogia, took a defiant tone.

“This is not about my fortunes or other people’s fortunes. I’ve had enough of their [Reform’s] division, their othering, their blaming of the problems of society on immigrants.”

Highlighting how Reform’s candidate Matt Goodwin has been endorsed by far-right activist Tommy Robison, she added: “There has to be a line in the sand here, and this by-election is that line, and I’m holding it up firmly, as we all are as a team.”

Asked if this campaign was “a dry run” for Labour’s fight with Reform on a national level, she said: “In some ways this is. It’s about showing that we are absolutely up for that fight, we’re prepared to take on that fight.

“There are things that we will need to try out here and to learn from here. It’s important because we just can’t let Reform come into an area like this and have a free run.”

Boots and Amazon currently have huge discounts on premium men’s scents

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you may be struggling on what to choose for the lucky man in your life. With a wide variety of possibilities out there you may feel spoiled for choice.

However, the change into spring and summer can provide the perfect opportunity to help your partner switch up their scent and potentially find a new signature fragrances. As we approach Valentine’s Day plenty of retailers are offering men’s fragrances and aftershaves at a significantly discounted price.

The world of men’s fragrances is vast and varied, which can make it hard to find one that’s just right for your partner. Fortunately, we have compiled 10 fragrances, all at different price points and fragrance signatures, to help make shopping for your Valentine’s Day gift easier.

Ralph Lauren Polo Red – From £85 to £42.50

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The Ralph Lauren Polo Red Eau de Toilette comes in a 125ml deep red glass bottle sporting the classic Ralph Lauren logo straight in the centre. According to Boots, the fragrance belongs in the spicy woody gfamily and has top notes of red grapefruit, lemon oil and cranberry accord.

This is coupled by a base note of redwood, amber and coffee accord alongside a heart note of red saffron, lavender and sage.

Versace Eros Flame – From £105 to £63

Versace Eros Flame’s Eau de Parfum comes in a bright red glass bottle, emblazened with the the classic Versace Medusa face logo. The 100ml bottle belongs to the citrus-amber-woody family and conains top notes of Italian lemon, tangerine and bitter orange.

Meanwhile, it contains base notes of Texas cedar, patchouli heart, Haitian vetiver, mountain oak moss accord, and sandalwood. It also contains heart notes of pepperwood, geranium, and rose facets.

Rabanne Invictus – From £129 to £64.50

Rabanne’s Invictus fragrance comes in a striking trophy-shaped bottle with misty blue glass encased with metal accents. With a woddy-fresh scent, the fragfrance purpotedly combines fresh grapefruit, marine accord, and guaiac wood.

Tom Ford Black Orchid – From £78 to £58.50

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Tom Ford’s Black Orchid comes in a deep black glass rigged bottle with an imprinted gold logo while the lid is similarly wrapped in a gold tie. While black orchid is the key note included in this amber floral bottle, it also contains hints of black truffle and patchouli.

Rabanne 1 Million – From £66 to £52.80

Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million Eau de Toilette is presented in an iconic gold bar-style bottle. Belonging to the woody-spicy fragrance family, the 50ml spray features top notes of blood mandarin, grapefruit, and peppermint.

It also contains a heart of rose absolute and cinnamon, with a base note of leather accord, Indian pathcouli, white wood, and amber.

Emporio Armani Diamonds – From £70 to £35

Housed in a square, faceted glass bottle intended to mimic the cut of a diamond, Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men is an Eau de Toilette that falls within the woody-aromatic fragrance category. The 75ml scent begins with a combination of Italian citrus and bergamot, accented by Szechuan pepper.

The middle notes introduce a blend of cedar and cocoa bean. For its finish, the fragrance relies on a base of guaiac wood and vetiver, resulting in a clean yet woody trail.

Lattafa Khamrah – £23.79

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Presented in a heavy glass bottle designed to resemble an ornate crystal tumbler, Lattafa Khamrah is a unisex Eau de Parfum from the oriental-spicy fragrance family. The 100ml scent opens with an aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and the citrus brightness of bergamot.

As the fragrance develops, it reveals a heart composed of dates and praline, balanced by tuberose and mahonial. The composition is grounded by a base that features vanilla, roasted tonka bean, and amberwood, alongside notes of myrrh, benzoin, and akigalawood.

Amour Scents Millionz -From £20 to £17

Contained in a minimalist rectangular bottle with a silver-toned cap, Amour Scents Mylliun is an Extrait de Parfum designed as a floral-fruity-woody fragrance. The 50ml scent features a high oil concentration and opens with a v blend of raspberry and bitter orange, accented by the citrusy brightness of neroli.

The heart of the fragrance transitions into a lush white floral bouquet, led by jasmine and gardenia. This is supported by a base of patchouli and amber.

Bellavita 4x20ml Gift Set – £24.99

Included in this varied gift set, Bella Vita Luxury CEO Man is an Eau de Parfum from the woody-spicy fragrance family. The 100ml scent opens with lemon and sugar.

The heart transitions into a blend dominated by lavender, which is anchored by a base of vetiver, moss, and tonka bean.

Dirham Oud – From £15.99 to £9.80

Dirham Oud is presented in a classic rectangular bottle with an intricate silver gold and wooden cap and label. The Eau de Parfum sits within the fresh-woody-floral family. The 100ml fragrance opens with a combination of lemon, bergamot, and cardamom.

The scent moves into a heart of jasmine, rose, and lavender and is rounded off by a base consisting of sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver.

A remorseless England piled pain and points on Wales as they began their hunt for the Six Nations title with a 48-7 victory at Allianz Stadium.

Wing Henry Arundell, making his first start for his country in more than two years, scored a first-half hat-trick as England put themselves out of sight before the break.

Josh Adams was picked out by Dan Edwards’ precise punt for Wales’s solitary try five minutes after the restart, but, for the most part, the one-way traffic continued to steamroll the visitors.

Tom Roebuck added to Ben Earl’s first-half try, before the introduction of Marcus Smith, Henry Pollock and returning captain Maro Itoje energised England for the final quarter.

Earl, as he did in the 68-14 romp in Cardiff last year, switched to midfield late on as England used the remaining game time to try out new patterns for the campaign to come.

Tommy Freeman, who scored in all five of England’s games in the tournament last year, powered his way over in the last play of the game to keep his scoring streak going.

Wales have now won only two of their past 24 Test matches, while the domestic game is racked with uncertainty and rancour as the Welsh Rugby Union attempt to restructure four regional sides.

Ominously they take on France, the defending champions who took apart Ireland on Thursday night, next weekend.

The contrast to England is stark. The hosts’ 12th straight victory was roared to the rafters and belief is swelling that their run can carry them to a first title since 2020.

A far tougher test of those credentials awaits in the shape of a wounded Scotland in Edinburgh next weekend, but their mix of accurate attack and furious defence was hard to fault.

It was certainly too potent for Wales.

More to follow

Manchester United came out as 2-0 winners over Tottenham to continue their 100% winning record under Michael Carrick.

Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo has admitted that the set-piece plan that saw him give his side the lead against Tottenham was tried in training – but did not work. United came out as 2-0 winners over 10-man Tottenham at Old Trafford to extend their winning run under interim manager Michael Carrick.

United went into the game against Thomas Frank with confidence high after wins over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. The form has seen them climb into fourth place in the Premier League table.

They were handed a boost in the 29th minute when Spurs captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a foul on United midfielder Casemiro. Carrick’s side were able to make their advantage count just under 10 minutes later.

A well-worked set-piece routine from a corner saw the ball make its way to Mbeumo on the edge of the area. He made no mistake with his shot, sweeping it low into the bottom right-hand corner.

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Speaking to the club after the match, Mbeumo made a surprising admission over what that set-piece routine has looked like on the training pitch as in the build-up to the weekend.

“It didn’t work out at the training ground, I just like put the ball over the fences,” he said. “But yeah, today was the most important and we are really happy with the goal.”