During Britain’s election campaign Sir Keir Starmer promised stability and competence where the Conservatives could offer only infighting and ineptitude. Now in government, he faces an enormous rebellion from his MPs over ill-thought-through welfare cuts. Our Bagehot columnist argues that the origins of the Labour Party’s feral turn lie in its success.

As Westminster faces trouble from within, the European Union has challenges from elsewhere. Strongmen too often run rings around Europe. Its consensual ways of doing politics are no match for hard-nosed autocrats. 

Finally, this week a millennial socialist won the Democratic nomination for New York mayor. But in what year did a billionaire “tycoon playing politics” win City Hall? Play the latest edition of Dateline, our history quiz.